Indwelling Christ
The concept of "Indwelling Christ" refers to the belief that Christ resides within believers through the Holy Spirit, enabling them to live transformed lives. This idea is rooted in various New Testament passages, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. For instance, in Galatians 2:20, Paul states, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." This emphasizes the intimate relationship between the believer and Christ, signifying that the believer's thoughts, actions, and life are directed by Christ's presence within them.Furthermore, in Ephesians 3:16-17, Paul prays that believers may be strengthened with power through the Spirit in their inner being, so that "Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." This reflects the belief that the indwelling of Christ is not merely a theological concept but a dynamic reality that fosters spiritual growth and empowers believers to live according to God's will. The indwelling presence of Christ serves as a source of guidance, comfort, and strength, affirming the transformative power of faith and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian.
Indwelling Christ8
He That Has the Son Has Life
By Octavius Winslow0PSA 51:10JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 3:16PHP 1:6COL 1:271JN 5:12Octavius Winslow emphasizes that possessing Christ means possessing eternal life, contrasting the transient nature of superficial faith with the permanence of a true relationship with Jesus. He reassures believers that even when their spiritual state feels cold or hard, the very awareness of this condition indicates the presence of life within them. Winslow encourages individuals to bring their struggles and desires to Jesus, who offers abundant life and sustains their spiritual growth. He highlights the importance of Christ's indwelling presence, which nurtures and protects the believer's faith amidst challenges. Ultimately, he points to the hope of eternal life in heaven, free from earthly struggles.
Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
By Paris Reidhead0JHN 15:25ACT 10:10ROM 8:152CO 13:5GAL 4:4COL 1:27HEB 4:151JN 3:241JN 5:101JN 5:12Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory,' as revealed in Colossians 1:27. He explains that this mystery, once hidden, signifies that both Jews and Gentiles share the same relationship with God through Christ. Reidhead stresses that true Christianity is not merely about doctrines or rituals, but about a personal, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, who is our life, wisdom, and righteousness. He encourages believers to recognize that the presence of Christ within them is the source of their hope and strength, both for the present and the future. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of this relationship, urging the congregation to invite Christ into their hearts and lives.
(5) One Verse More. Gal_4:19 :
By F.B. Meyer0JHN 14:20JHN 15:5ROM 8:292CO 5:17GAL 4:19EPH 3:17PHP 1:6COL 1:272PE 1:41JN 3:2F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative process of Christ being formed within believers, likening it to the growth of a chick in an egg, where the life of Christ gradually absorbs all other elements of life. He urges ministers to focus on preaching the profound truth of the indwelling Christ, moving beyond mere political and social concerns to reveal the depth of what it means to have Christ in us. Meyer expresses a deep longing for believers to experience this spiritual birth and growth, highlighting the importance of understanding our unity with Christ and the Father.
The Inner Man (If the King Is to Live in Your Heart, It Must Be Strengthened and Filled With love.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0PRO 4:23MAT 23:27JHN 7:38EPH 1:15EPH 3:14Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of strengthening the inner man to prepare our hearts for Christ's indwelling. He draws a parallel between the condition of a hotel in Yugoslavia and our hearts, urging believers to guard their hearts diligently so that they can be fit for the King. Waldvogel warns against being satisfied with outward appearances, as true spirituality must come from within, where Christ can dwell and fill us with His love. He encourages the congregation to seek inner transformation through faith and to rejoice in the Lord, which leads to the restoration of the inner man. Ultimately, he reminds us that God desires to strengthen us with His Spirit, filling us with His fullness.
The Measure of Christ (Colossians 1:27)
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 8:292CO 3:182CO 13:5GAL 4:19EPH 1:23EPH 4:7PHP 3:20COL 1:27COL 3:101JN 5:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory' from Colossians 1:27, urging believers to recognize the significance of Christ's indwelling presence. He explains that true salvation, sanctification, and service are not mere concepts but are intrinsically linked to the person of Jesus Christ, who embodies these realities. The preacher highlights that spiritual growth is not achieved through effort but through a relationship with Christ, who transforms believers from within. Sparks calls for a focus on Christ as the central figure in all aspects of life, asserting that the measure of everything is determined by the manifestation of Christ. Ultimately, he encourages believers to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit, allowing Christ to be fully formed within them.
Christ in Me
By Hans R. Waldvogel3.5K29:072CO 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repetition in advertising and how it can be applied to spreading the word of God. He uses the example of a salesman who successfully sells a product by repeating its benefits and creating curiosity. The preacher then relates this to the power of the New Testament and encourages the audience to read it and make it their own. He shares a personal story of how his own understanding of the Bible was opened when he was a child. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the hardness of hearts when one does not diligently listen to God's teachings and a reference to Jesus choosing his disciples.
Partakers of Christ
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K28:35EPH 3:6HEB 3:1HEB 3:6HEB 3:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of hardening one's heart towards God. He compares the hardening of the heart to a second death, from which there is no rising. The preacher urges the audience to fear and warns against being deceived by sin. He references Hebrews 3:7-8 and highlights the importance of holding onto faith and not hardening one's heart, as the Israelites did in the wilderness. The preacher also emphasizes the need to trust in God and not rely on oneself.
In His Letter to the Galatians
By T. Austin-Sparks0GAL 1:11GAL 2:20T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the core message of Paul's letter to the Galatians, focusing on the phrase 'the gospel which I preach.' He highlights the intense conflict between Paul and the Judaizers, who insisted on adhering to the Law of Moses, while Paul argues for the freedom found in Christ. The essence of the gospel, according to Paul, is the indwelling of Christ within believers, which transforms their lives and empowers them to fulfill God's will. Sparks stresses that true Christianity is not merely about freedom from the Law but about living in the reality of Christ's presence and power within us. This understanding of the gospel is vital for Christians to experience true liberty and a new disposition aligned with God's desires.