Freshness in Faith
Freshness in Faith3
Golden Snuffers
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 37:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'golden snuffers' in maintaining the freshness of God's testimony through His people, represented as wicks in the candlestick of Christ. He explains that while Christ and the Holy Spirit provide the light, the human element can cause staleness, necessitating regular trimming to keep the testimony vibrant and alive. The sermon highlights the priestly ministry of believers in restoring one another with gentleness, using the golden snuffers to remove what hinders the light. Sparks encourages a daily renewal of our spiritual lives, ensuring that our experiences with God remain fresh and relevant. Ultimately, the message calls for believers to actively participate in this divine work of restoration and renewal, reflecting the nature of Christ in their ministry.
The Essential Newness of the New Creation - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 48:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the essential newness of the new creation in Christ, urging believers to recognize that true transformation requires both a renewed vessel and a new life within. He explains that many struggles stem from attempting to merge the old with the new, highlighting the necessity for a fresh experience of God's work in our lives. Sparks illustrates that God does not use old foundations for new works, and that every aspect of our faith must be revitalized to reflect the living truth of the Gospel. He calls for a deep heart exercise to ensure that our understanding and practice of faith remain vibrant and alive, rather than stale or merely doctrinal. Ultimately, the sermon stresses that the essence of God's work is marked by freshness and vitality, which should characterize both our lives and our ministry.
The Criterion of Livingness
By T. Austin-Sparks0PSA 92:14ISA 43:19JHN 10:10JHN 15:5ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 4:22COL 3:10REV 21:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the true criterion of livingness in the Christian life is not found in doctrine or theology, but in the evidence of life itself, which includes freshness, growth, reproduction, relatedness, persistence, and purpose. He illustrates that life is characterized by continual renewal and vitality, contrasting it with mere existence that lacks freshness and adaptability. The sermon highlights that true Christian life is marked by a divine freshness that reflects the nature of God, urging believers to shed old forms and embrace the newness that comes from a living relationship with Christ. Sparks calls for a recognition of the vital signs of life in both nature and faith, asserting that genuine life will naturally express itself without the need for artificial enhancements.