Heavenly Calling
The term "Heavenly Calling" in the Bible refers to the divine invitation and purpose that God extends to believers, inviting them to partake in His eternal plan and to live according to His will. This calling emphasizes a relationship with God that transcends earthly concerns and focuses on spiritual growth and eternal life. In Hebrews 3:1, believers are described as "partakers of a heavenly calling," suggesting that their identity and purpose are rooted in their relationship with Christ, who is often referred to as the High Priest and the Apostle. This calling not only signifies salvation but also includes a call to holiness and a life of obedience to God's commands.Moreover, the concept can be connected to the notion of being "called" to serve in specific ways within the body of Christ. In Philippians 3:14, Paul speaks of pressing on toward the "goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus," which indicates that this calling is both a present reality and a future hope. It underscores the believer's journey toward spiritual maturity and ultimate fulfillment in God's presence. Thus, the "Heavenly Calling" encapsulates the invitation to live a life reflective of God’s kingdom, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purposes on earth while anticipating the eternal life to come.
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 11
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K50:01PSA 77:20PSA 78:52PSA 95:7ISA 53:6JHN 10:19ACT 20:28ROM 10:16HEB 13:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God as the good shepherd and his relationship with his people. He references various passages from the Bible, including Psalms 77:20 and 78:52, as well as Acts 20. The preacher emphasizes that Israel's downfall was their rejection of God as their shepherd and their turning to other gods. He also highlights the transition from the old Israel to the new Israel in the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on chapter 10, which is known as the chapter of the good shepherd and his sheep. The sermon concludes with the idea that God had to forsake Israel due to their rejection of him as their shepherd.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 15
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K55:52PSA 80:8ISA 5:1JER 2:21JER 6:9EZK 15:2MAT 6:33JHN 15:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking a rhetorical question about the usefulness of a vine branch from the forest. He emphasizes that the branch is only fit for fuel and cannot be used for any productive work. The preacher then transitions to the topic of the true vine, which is Jesus Christ. He explains that Jesus replaces the false vine, symbolizing Israel's failure to fulfill its purpose. The preacher references Psalm 80 and Ezekiel 15 to support his message, highlighting the biblical imagery of God bringing a vine out of Egypt and questioning the significance of the vine tree.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K51:26LUK 5:7HEB 1:9HEB 2:14HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:4HEB 12:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the ministry being focused on bringing glory to the Lord Jesus. The speaker explains that while the ministry involves work and instruction in the things of the Lord, it is also a time for encouragement and spiritual growth. The sermon then delves into the book of Hebrews, highlighting the idea of believers being companions of Christ and holding fast to their faith. The speaker also discusses the overarching purpose of God throughout the Bible, emphasizing that God works in relation to his Son and his purpose will ultimately be realized.
Pioneers of the Heavenly Way
By T. Austin-Sparks0PHP 3:20COL 3:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to reclaim their heavenly perspective, warning against the tendency to settle for worldly distractions that diminish their spiritual testimony. He notes that throughout history, believers have faced the peril of gravitating towards earthly concerns, losing sight of their divine calling. Sparks calls for a community of believers who are deeply aware of their heavenly destiny, driven by an inner conviction that transcends worldly limitations. He stresses that true usefulness to God is directly linked to the depth of one's spiritual vision and connection to the heavenly realm. Ultimately, he longs for a people whose hearts are filled with the immeasurable reality of heaven.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 10
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K53:20JHN 9:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a personal experience of being in darkness and searching for light. He emphasizes the feeling of helplessness and being a prisoner to darkness. The speaker then connects this experience to the concept of spiritual darkness and the need for the light of Jesus to set people free. He references Bible verses, such as John 8:12, where Jesus declares himself as the light of the world. The speaker also mentions the commission given to the Apostle Paul to turn people from darkness to light. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of a blind man in John 9, highlighting the power of Jesus to bring light and transformation into people's lives.
Who Are the Companions?
By T. Austin-Sparks0ZEC 9:9LUK 14:14ACT 26:19ACT 28:28ROM 9:3PHP 3:8HEB 12:25T. Austin-Sparks explores the Letter to the Hebrews, emphasizing the conflict between Jewish traditions and the new spiritual calling in Christ. He highlights the Apostle Paul's deep desire for his fellow Hebrews to accept Jesus as the Messiah, contrasting their rejection with the heavenly calling offered to believers. Sparks warns Hebrew Christians against returning to their old ways, urging them to embrace their identity as companions of Christ, who are called to a heavenly and spiritual existence. He illustrates the transition from the earthly Israel to a new spiritual Israel, underscoring the importance of recognizing Jesus' rightful place as God's Son. Ultimately, he encourages believers to grasp the magnitude of their calling and the greatness of Christ.
The True Basis of Life for the Companions
By T. Austin-Sparks0JDG 7:7JHN 10:18ACT 7:20HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 6:4HEB 8:1HEB 9:23HEB 11:16HEB 12:23T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the words 'heavenly' and 'faith' in the Christian life, particularly as presented in the Letter to the Hebrews. He illustrates how God consistently places His people on a supernatural basis, demonstrating that true faith involves trusting in God's ability to accomplish the impossible, as seen through biblical figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph. Sparks encourages young Christians to understand that living a heavenly life is not limited to the afterlife but is a present reality grounded in faith. He concludes that faith is the belief that heaven can do what no earthly power can achieve, urging believers to rely on divine resources in seemingly hopeless situations.
The Crisis as to the Earthly and the Heavenly
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 12:1NUM 13:1NUM 14:10PSA 139:23JHN 8:56ACT 2:23ROM 1:4GAL 3:16HEB 6:19HEB 11:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing conflict between the earthly and the heavenly, illustrating how the Old Testament figures, particularly Joshua and Caleb, serve as pioneers of the heavenly way. He highlights the need for believers to recognize their heavenly calling and to separate themselves from earthly standards, as true access to God requires a different basis than what the world offers. Sparks points out that the Church has largely become earthly in its approach, losing sight of its heavenly vision and purpose. He calls for a return to the pioneering spirit that seeks to fulfill God's heavenly purposes, despite the challenges and costs involved. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embrace their identity as pioneers, linking their faith to the greater heavenly reality embodied in Christ.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K33:33MAT 6:33ROM 10:9EPH 1:18HEB 10:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding satisfaction in the Lord Jesus. He contrasts the modern approach of using entertainment to attract young people to the church with the simple joy and satisfaction found in a relationship with Jesus. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling unhappy and aimlessly walking the streets until he stumbled upon a group of ordinary working people singing hymns and rejoicing in the Lord. Their genuine joy and satisfaction in Jesus inspired him to seek the same and marked the beginning of his own journey towards finding satisfaction in the Lord Jesus.
The Significance of Levites in Relation to Heavenly Fullness
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 32:26JOS 3:3DAN 4:26MAL 2:5JHN 3:13ACT 13:2ROM 12:1HEB 12:22REV 21:16REV 21:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital role of the Levites in the context of heavenly fullness, illustrating how they were set apart to bear the ark of the covenant and maintain a connection between God and His people. He explains that the Levites, having no earthly inheritance, symbolize a heavenly calling, representing God's desire for His people to remain spiritually aligned with heaven rather than becoming earthly. Sparks draws parallels between the Levites and the New Testament Church, highlighting the need for believers to embody heavenly principles and keep the focus on God's eternal purposes. He concludes by stressing that true fulfillment in Christ requires a commitment to heavenly values, often at great personal cost, and the necessity of pioneers who wholly follow the Lord.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 14
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K57:28HEB 2:9HEB 3:1HEB 3:6HEB 3:14HEB 8:6HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the greatness of Jesus Christ and the superiority of the dispensation that believers have entered into. The speaker highlights that Jesus upholds all things by the word of his power, and this should bring comfort to believers, even when their personal world seems to be falling apart. The sermon also discusses the Son's greatness in comparison to angels, emphasizing that Jesus is far superior. The speaker concludes by stating that in the end times, the knowledge of the greatness of Christ will be crucial for believers, as all other things will pass away, and Jesus will abide forever.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K54:151SA 8:7JHN 10:14JHN 10:27HEB 3:5HEB 12:18HEB 13:201PE 2:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the true purpose of God's Church through Christ Jesus. He highlights that in this dispensation, believers have come into all that was foreshadowed in Israel of old. The speaker explains that God's great purpose in His Church is often misunderstood by many Christians, leading to a deplorable state of Christianity. He urges believers to seek true instruction and knowledge of what God has called them unto, emphasizing the need to go beyond head knowledge and allow these truths to penetrate their hearts.
But We See Jesus - Part 4
By Stephen Kaung1.1K1:22:21HEB 3:1HEB 10:19Stephen Kaung emphasizes the majesty and supremacy of Jesus Christ, urging believers to recognize their heavenly calling and to worship Him in spirit and truth. He explains that through Christ's sacrifice, believers have access to the Holy of Holies and are called to live a life of faith, hope, and love, moving beyond the shadows of religious traditions. Kaung encourages the congregation to separate from worldly distractions and to fully embrace their identity as citizens of heaven, living in accordance with their calling. He stresses the importance of community and mutual encouragement among believers as they await the return of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper relationship with Jesus, who is the true substance of faith.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 16
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K52:56ISA 54:5ISA 62:5MAL 2:11REV 19:7REV 21:2REV 21:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the purpose of the Christian life, which is to reveal Christ and bring pleasure to Him. The speaker acknowledges that believers often struggle in this task, facing difficulties and challenges that test their faith. The sermon also highlights the importance of the church's mission to preach the gospel to all nations, as God desires all people to be saved. The speaker concludes by urging Christians to strive for their heavenly calling and not to settle for anything less than God's best.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K51:45HEB 3:1HEB 3:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the two main themes running through the four gospels: the Jewish idea of the Messiah and the Kingdom of God, and the heavenly idea. The four gospels show the rejection of those who rejected Jesus by God, and the establishment of God's eternal plan through his son. The speaker emphasizes that the Jewish idea of an earthly system has been gone for two thousand years, while God's kingdom has been established. The sermon encourages young Christians to deepen their understanding of the Bible and commit themselves to Jesus.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K44:48GEN 12:1EXO 4:22MAT 6:33ACT 7:2HEB 3:1HEB 3:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the nation of Israel and how it relates to believers in Christ. He emphasizes that God sees the nation as one son and will not surrender any part of it. The speaker also highlights the importance of recognizing God's intervention in our lives and how it marks a turning point in our personal history. He encourages listeners to bring the message of God's intervention into their own lives and to understand that they are called to be companions of Christ in a heavenly calling.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 8
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K59:40NUM 21:9JHN 3:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of our past and how it can discourage us. He uses the example of Paul, who never forgot the tragedy of his past life. The speaker also connects various biblical stories to illustrate the theme of moving from death to life. He references the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well, the incident of the serpent lifted up in Numbers 21, and the story of the nobleman and his dying son in John 4. The speaker highlights the power of Jesus' words and how they bring life and healing.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.4K54:35HEB 1:1HEB 2:1HEB 2:10HEB 4:12HEB 5:8HEB 12:26This sermon transcript is about the letter to the Hebrew Christians during a time of crisis when the Old Testament system was about to pass away. The letter emphasizes that God is speaking in fullness through his son, Jesus, and urges the readers to take this message seriously. The letter also highlights the different ways in which God spoke in the past, but now speaks in one way through the training of sons. The transcript emphasizes that everything in the letter is from God's standpoint and should not be viewed from a human or worldly perspective.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels 2 Corinthians 4
By John Nelson Darby0John Nelson Darby emphasizes that Christians are called to enjoy heavenly things and live by their revelation, rather than merely navigating the challenges of this world. He explains that while we experience burdens in our earthly existence, our true identity is rooted in Christ, who empowers us to manifest His life through our actions. Darby highlights the importance of recognizing our weaknesses and relying on God's strength, as the treasure of God's glory is placed in our earthen vessels to demonstrate His power. He encourages believers to apply the cross to their thoughts and actions, ensuring that their lives reflect Christ's grace and truth. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to manifesting Christ in every aspect of life, trusting that all circumstances work together for our good.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 13
By T. Austin-Sparks2.0K53:46In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transition from the old Israel to the new Israel, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The Gospel of John is highlighted as a book that particularly focuses on this transition. The speaker mentions that there are 16 points in this transition, and they have already covered 13 of them. The 14th point is found in the 11th chapter of John's Gospel, which talks about the resurrection of Lazarus and the power of Christ's resurrection. The speaker emphasizes that just as Lazarus was hopeless and helpless, we too can find strength and hope in Christ, even in the midst of our weaknesses and difficulties. The speaker also mentions the challenges faced by the apostle Paul and how he relied on Christ's strength to endure and overcome them.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K50:42EXO 12:1MAT 6:33JHN 1:1JHN 1:29JHN 2:13HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of God's Son in the new movement of God to the heavenly Israel. He then discusses Jesus as the Lamb of God, highlighting Nicodemus as a representative of the old Israel. The speaker emphasizes the privileges and open access to God's grace that the new dispensation offers. The sermon also touches on the account of the marriage in Cana and Jesus' actions in the temple, where he declares that his body is the temple that will be raised up in three days.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 9
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K51:41MAT 6:33ACT 2:41ROM 8:11CO 10:16EPH 1:4EPH 2:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the special character of the current dispensation. God is forming a heavenly and spiritual Israel in this time, contrasting with the old earthly and temporal Israel. The first Israel refused to move on with God and was ultimately destroyed. The speaker also highlights the unity of the church in Christ, where believers are united as one loaf and one cup. The church is described as a spiritual entity, just as Christ is present in the world spiritually. The speaker calls for a revolution in understanding the true nature of the church and not simply attaching the term "church" to anything.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 12
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K54:52HEB 1:4HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:9HEB 7:19HEB 7:22HEB 8:6HEB 9:23HEB 10:34HEB 11:16HEB 11:35HEB 11:40HEB 12:24The sermon transcript discusses the theme of "better" in the book of Hebrews. The speaker highlights various verses in the book that emphasize the concept of "better," such as better than the angels, better things, better hope, better covenant, better promises, and better sacrifices. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a large conception of Jesus in order to navigate through trouble and testing. The letter was written to encourage Christians to persevere and not draw back from their faith, reminding them of their heavenly calling and the better things that await them.