Grace and Truth
Grace and Truth7
Brief Notes on the First Chapter of John
By John Nelson Darby0JHN 1:1John Nelson Darby explores the profound nature of Christ as the Logos, emphasizing that He is the mind of God expressed and the true light that shines upon humanity. He discusses the essential relationship between Christ and man, highlighting that Christ's incarnation as the 'Only Begotten' Son reveals God's grace and truth. Darby contrasts the understanding of God through theology with the necessity of faith to truly know Him, asserting that Christ's coming was not a gradual development of light but the definitive revelation of God. He reflects on the significance of Christ's dual nature as both divine and human, and the implications of His grace and truth for mankind. The sermon concludes with the assertion that seeing God is essential for true comfort and understanding of our relationship with Him.
The Word Made Flesh
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0ACT 8:5Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the profound significance of 'The Word made flesh', illustrating that true peace for the soul is found solely in Christ and His crucifixion. He explains the dual aspects of Christ's humiliation: being made flesh and dwelling among us, highlighting His obedience to the law, His sacrificial death, and His deep sympathy for humanity. M'Cheyne urges listeners to behold the glory of Christ, which is full of grace and truth, and invites all heavy-laden sinners to come to Him for salvation. He stresses that Christ's humanity was without sin and that His life exemplified the fulfillment of God's law. Ultimately, he calls for a response to Christ's gracious invitation, warning against the dangers of neglecting such a great salvation.
"Full of Grace and Truth"
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 1:14JHN 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ, highlighting that His glory is revealed in grace and truth. He contrasts the intolerable glory associated with the law given through Moses with the life-giving glory found in Christ, who 'tabernacled among us.' The sermon illustrates how the first miracle at Cana symbolizes the transformation from emptiness to fullness, despair to joy, and shame to glory, ultimately pointing to the Church as a community of believers who experience this transformation through faith. Sparks encourages believers to recognize Christ as the source of all fullness and to submit to His lordship for true joy and life.
The Word Became flesh." John 1:1-34.
By John Nelson Darby0JHN 1:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound nature of Jesus Christ as both divine and human in his sermon 'The Word Became Flesh.' He explains that Christ, the eternal Word, was with God and was God, coming into the world to bring light and life specifically to humanity. Darby highlights the significance of Christ's incarnation, His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the transformative relationship believers have as sons of God through faith in Him. He contrasts the law, which reveals sin, with the grace and truth that Jesus embodies, inviting all to trust in Him for salvation and reconciliation with God. Ultimately, Darby calls for believers to live in a way that reflects Christ's love and righteousness in their daily lives.
Christ's Call to Repent
By Harry Ironside0ISA 55:7MAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 13:3LUK 15:7JHN 1:17ACT 3:19ROM 2:42PE 3:91JN 1:9Harry Ironside emphasizes Christ's urgent call to repentance, highlighting that grace and truth are intertwined in the message of salvation. He explains that true repentance is essential for recognizing one's lost condition and receiving God's grace, as demonstrated in the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels. Ironside illustrates that without acknowledging sin, faith in Christ holds no meaning, and he stresses the importance of self-judgment and a change of heart before one can fully embrace the Savior's love. He draws parallels between the responses of various biblical figures to God's call and the necessity of repentance in the journey toward salvation. Ultimately, he affirms that joy in heaven accompanies every sinner who repents, underscoring the significance of this transformative act.
The Message of John
By G. Campbell Morgan0G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the profound message of the Gospel of John, which reveals God as both full of grace and truth. He illustrates how Jesus' miracles and teachings unveil the divine nature, showcasing love as the essence of God's consciousness and activity. Morgan argues that the Gospel serves as the ultimate revelation of God, inviting both worship and service, and calls the Church to recognize Jesus' true place in their lives. He highlights that through Jesus, humanity can find a true understanding of God, satisfying the intellect, conscience, and heart. The sermon concludes with a call to respond to this revelation by coming to Jesus for life.
"The Word Became Flesh - the Mystery of It"
By A.W. Tozer0JHN 1:14A.W. Tozer explores the profound mystery of the Incarnation, emphasizing how the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, bridging the vast gulf between God and humanity. He reflects on the significance of Jesus as the perfect embodiment of grace and truth, revealing God's character and love to mankind. Tozer highlights that the Incarnation did not compromise God's Deity but rather elevated humanity, allowing for a unique union between God and man. He asserts that Jesus is the channel through which all grace flows, and that understanding this mystery is essential for recognizing the depth of God's love and mercy. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a response to Jesus as both Lord and Savior, inviting believers to embrace the fullness of grace available through Him.