Fullness in Christ
Fullness in Christ5
The Way to Fullness
By K.P. Yohannan0JHN 12:24GAL 2:20K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of being crucified with Christ to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit, as articulated in Galatians 2:20. He illustrates that true life in Christ requires the surrender of our selfish ambitions and the acceptance of brokenness, akin to a grain of wheat that must die to produce fruit. Yohannan draws parallels between the life of Christ and our own journey, urging believers to embrace humility and the cross to manifest Christ's love and beauty in their lives. He warns against the dangers of holding onto our lives, which leads to spiritual stagnation, and encourages a continual process of yielding to God’s will. Ultimately, the path to peace and fulfillment lies in our willingness to be broken and transformed by Christ.
For in Him Dwells All the Fullness of the Godhead Bodily
By Octavius Winslow0JHN 1:16JHN 7:37EPH 3:19PHP 4:19COL 2:9Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound truth that in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, which brings joy and hope to believers. He explains that this fullness encompasses everything a fallen humanity needs for salvation, sanctification, and grace, highlighting Jesus as the source of all spiritual supply. Winslow encourages believers to draw from this inexhaustible well of grace and love, urging them to seek deeper intimacy with Christ and to glorify Him through their reliance on His abundant resources. He calls for a revival of fervent love and a deeper experience of Christ's indwelling grace, reminding the Church of the invitation to drink abundantly from the fullness of Christ. The message is a powerful reminder of the richness found in a relationship with Jesus, the second Adam.
Filled to Overflowing
By Alan Redpath0COL 2:9Alan Redpath emphasizes the concept of being 'Filled to Overflowing' with the fullness of Christ, explaining that this fullness encompasses the complete character of God and is made available to believers through the Holy Spirit. He highlights that as we trust in Jesus and live out His words, we are continuously filled and empowered for every need and ministry. Redpath encourages a moment-by-moment faith that allows us to receive this divine fullness, ensuring that we lack nothing necessary for our spiritual journey.
Not Ourselves, but Christ Jesus
By A.B. Simpson0MAT 16:24JHN 3:30ROM 12:1GAL 2:20A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of dying to self in order to fully live for Christ. He illustrates how our self-importance and personal ambitions can become idols that hinder our relationship with Jesus. Just as the dot over the letter 'i' signifies self, it can overshadow our lives and become a rival to Christ. Simpson calls for the death of this self-life, urging believers to allow the Holy Spirit to fill them completely, leaving no room for self. The ultimate goal is to experience the fullness of God and the peace that comes from surrendering all to Him.
The Larger Life
By A.B. Simpson02CO 6:11EPH 3:16A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of spiritual growth and enlargement in the Christian life, urging believers to move beyond stagnation and embrace a deeper relationship with Christ. He illustrates that true growth requires a larger vision, faith, love, joy, experience, work, and hope, all rooted in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Simpson encourages Christians to let go of past limitations and human standards, and to seek God's divine ideal for their lives. He highlights the importance of being filled with the Spirit to expand one's capacity for God's grace and purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live in the fullness of Christ, reflecting His glory and love in every aspect of life.