Life in Christ
Life in Christ11
Man Became a Living Soul
By G.W. North0GEN 2:7JHN 10:10ROM 6:11ROM 7:24ROM 8:21CO 15:452CO 5:17GAL 5:16EPH 2:1COL 3:3G.W. North emphasizes that man was originally created by God's breath, embodying a perfect union of spirit, soul, and body, but through sin, he fell from this spiritual state into a carnal existence. This tragic change led to a disconnection from God, resulting in a life dominated by sin and death. North highlights that true restoration to our original state can only be achieved through Jesus Christ, who exemplified the spiritual life intended for humanity. He explains that living in the Spirit, as Christ did, is essential for overcoming sin and experiencing true life and peace. The sermon concludes with the necessity of being in Christ to access the transformative power of the Spirit of life.
The Cross and the Church (Continued)
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 21:19JHN 3:16JHN 5:20JHN 9:25JHN 12:24JHN 14:311CO 13:4EPH 3:10EPH 4:16EPH 5:25T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Church as the cosmic expression of Christ, highlighting its spiritual nature and accountability to God. He discusses the essential elements of life, light, and love as manifestations of Christ within the Church, asserting that true expression comes from the resurrection life of Christ. The Church's role is not merely doctrinal but to embody the life of Christ, which is inherently reproductive and transformative. Sparks stresses that love, rooted in the understanding of the Cross, is fundamental to the Church's growth and unity, and that spiritual knowledge is a byproduct of love. Ultimately, the Church's testimony must reflect the life, light, and love of Christ to the world.
The Glory of Life Triumphant Over Death
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 8:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of life triumphing over death, drawing from Isaiah 8:16-9:2. He explains that the essence of Zion is divine life, which is a nature, method, and law that governs spiritual growth and the Church's testimony. Sparks illustrates how the ministries of Elijah and Elisha exemplify this principle, showcasing how life can conquer death in various situations. He warns against the dangers of relying on personal interests, as seen in Gehazi's failure, and encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, especially in seemingly hopeless circumstances. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep reliance on the life of Christ within us to manifest God's glory in our lives.
The Mutual Gain of Christ and Christians in Their Life and Death.
By John Gill0MRK 10:30JHN 11:25ROM 8:32ROM 14:81CO 15:552CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 6:191JN 1:7John Gill preaches on the profound truth that for believers, life is centered around Christ and death is a gain, emphasizing that both living and dying serve to glorify Christ. He reflects on the life of Reverend Joseph Stennett, illustrating how his ministry was dedicated to Christ and how his death is a gain, not only for him but also for the glory of God. Gill explains that in life, Christ is everything to the believer, providing wisdom, righteousness, and redemption, while in death, believers are freed from sin and enter into eternal communion with Christ. The sermon encourages the congregation to find hope in the promise of eternal life and the joy of being with Christ after death.
Adam and the Law of Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 3:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of life as the central issue between God and humanity, illustrating that true life is governed by the 'law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.' He contrasts Adam's failure to embody this law with Christ's perfect representation of it, highlighting that while Adam chose independence leading to death, Christ exemplified dependence on God, thus offering the way of life. Sparks explains that understanding life requires a deep knowledge of Christ, who is the embodiment of this law, and that spiritual education in this truth is a lifelong journey. He urges believers to actively choose life and remain in a state of continuous subjection to God, as this is the pathway to true fulfillment and eternal life.
The Spirit of Life
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 104:29ISA 40:31MAT 12:28JHN 14:6ACT 1:8ROM 8:11ROM 8:231CO 6:192CO 4:11PHP 4:13A.B. Simpson explores the profound question of life through Romans 8, emphasizing that true life is found in God, who is the source of all vitality. He explains how the Holy Spirit imparts life to believers, quickening their mortal bodies and enabling them to experience divine strength and healing. Simpson illustrates this through biblical examples, such as the creation, the life of Samson, and the ministry of Christ, asserting that the Holy Spirit's work is essential for both spiritual and physical vitality. He encourages believers to recognize the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence and to rely on Him for strength and healing in their lives. Ultimately, Simpson assures that the same Spirit that raised Christ will also quicken our bodies, offering a foretaste of the future resurrection.
An Hour With Norman Grubb
By Norman Grubb2355:00MAT 22:39JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ROM 5:51CO 12:12GAL 2:20COL 3:11HEB 12:91JN 4:161JN 4:19Norman Grubb explores the profound questions of life: what it is, how to live it, and why we live it, emphasizing that true humanity is found in self-forgetfulness and spontaneous expressions of God's love. He asserts that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of life and love, and that our existence is meant to be a reflection of God's self-giving nature. Grubb highlights the importance of recognizing our relationship with God as one of union, where we live not for ourselves but for others, embodying the love that God has poured into our hearts. He concludes that the essence of Christianity is not about self-improvement but about allowing God to live through us, transforming our lives into expressions of His love.
Life Triumphant Over Death
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 6:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes in his sermon 'Life Triumphant Over Death' that John 6 reveals the profound truth of life overcoming death through Christ, who is the Bread of Life. He highlights the importance of union with Christ, where believers must continuously feed on Him to maintain a testimony of life. The sermon underscores that this feeding involves prayer, the Word, fellowship, and worship, which are essential for spiritual sustenance and victory over death. Sparks encourages believers to recognize that life in Christ is not a one-time event but a daily practice that leads to a continuous testimony of triumph. Ultimately, he asserts that the Lord desires His followers to embody this truth of life triumphant over death in their lives.
A New Day Foreshadowed
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 6:53T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the inseparable relationship between life and Christ in his sermon 'A New Day Foreshadowed,' highlighting that true life comes only through the death of Christ, which many reject. He discusses the transition from the Passover to the Feast of Tabernacles, symbolizing a new spiritual order where believers are called to live in faith and separation from worldly influences. The sermon underscores the importance of knowing the Father and the Son, asserting that life leads to light and true understanding of God. Sparks points out that the new day, represented by the eighth day of the Feast, signifies the Church under grace and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He concludes by stressing the necessity of a hidden life in God, where believers must prioritize their inner communion with Him over external religious systems.
John's Ministry of Recovery
By Stephen Kaung2.9K59:01JHN 1:4JHN 3:16JHN 10:10JHN 11:25JHN 14:6JHN 20:311JN 1:11JN 4:91JN 5:13REV 1:17Stephen Kaung emphasizes the significance of John's ministry as a ministry of recovery, focusing on the themes of life and light found in Christ. He explains that John's approach leads believers back to the beginning, where true life is found in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Kaung illustrates how John's ministry addresses the spiritual decline by restoring the testimony of Jesus through life, love, and light, urging the congregation to seek life in Christ above all else. He encourages believers to ask whether their actions and beliefs align with the life of Christ, as true recovery comes from returning to Him. Ultimately, Kaung reassures that life triumphs over death, as demonstrated in the book of Revelation.
The World Need: "Life"
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 1:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the world's greatest need is 'life,' which encompasses reality, power, and fullness. He observes that both the ungodly and the nominal Church are seeking life, albeit in misguided ways, revealing a deep hunger for true spiritual vitality. The answer to this need is found in the concept of 'resurrection,' which signifies a new position, power, knowledge, and fullness in Christ. Sparks argues that the manifestation of the resurrection power is essential for overcoming spiritual death and that a genuine revelation of Christ through the Holy Spirit is necessary for true life. He calls for a ministry that embodies these principles, leading to a revival of spiritual life in the world.