Nature of the Church
Nature of the Church6
"According to Christ" - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 16:18JHN 1:13ACT 20:27ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 1:16EPH 1:17COL 1:18HEB 12:261PE 2:9T. Austin-Sparks addresses the essential nature of the Church, emphasizing that it is not a mechanical system to be replicated but a living expression of Christ. He highlights the dissatisfaction among believers due to the poor state of many churches and the need for a deeper understanding of the Church's true vocation, which is to embody Christ. Sparks argues that the Church was birthed through a revelation of Christ by the Holy Spirit, and its existence is not defined by human organization but by divine action. He calls for a reconsideration of how we view the Church, urging believers to focus on Christ rather than merely traditional systems. Ultimately, the Church's purpose is to bring Christ into every location, serving as His body on earth.
On Being Church
By A.W. Tozer01CO 12:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of Christian faith and the church, highlighting that the church is a collective of individuals united in Christ, each with unique responsibilities. He argues that improvement within the church comes from the growth of its individual members rather than through external committees or collective efforts. Tozer illustrates that each person is born, judged, and healed individually, stressing that the Holy Spirit works on each believer personally. Misunderstanding the church's nature leads to ineffective solutions for its challenges. Therefore, true transformation must begin within each individual believer.
What Is the Church, and What Are the Churches?
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 1:13ACT 20:27EPH 1:17HEB 12:26T. Austin-Sparks addresses the essential nature of the Church, emphasizing that it is not a mechanical system to be replicated but a living expression of Christ. He highlights the dissatisfaction among believers due to the poor state of many churches and the need for a deeper understanding of the Church's true vocation, which is to embody Christ. Sparks argues that the Church is born from a revelation of Christ through the Holy Spirit, and its existence is not based on human organization but on spiritual birth. He warns against the dangers of legalism and the confusion of Christianity with the true Church, urging believers to focus on Christ to understand the Church's purpose. Ultimately, the Church's function is to bring Christ into every location, serving as His body on earth.
The Church - Its Nature, Principles and Vocation
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 1:13JHN 3:6JHN 4:20ACT 7:38ROM 11:25GAL 1:16EPH 1:17EPH 3:10EPH 6:12HEB 8:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the Church as a significant battleground in history, highlighting the various perspectives on its nature and local expressions. He discusses the challenges faced by the Church, including the belief in its ruin and the need for a return to New Testament principles. Sparks argues that true local expressions of the Church are possible through a spiritual revelation of Christ, which is essential for understanding its true nature. He contrasts spirituality with mysticism, asserting that genuine spirituality arises from a new birth by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Church as the embodiment of the mystery of Christ, which is revealed to believers through divine illumination.
The Conflict (Continued)
By T. Austin-Sparks0HAG 2:6ZEC 4:6MAT 16:18EPH 6:111JN 2:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the true nature of the Church as a spiritual relatedness and active functional unity among the children of God, highlighting that mere possession of life is insufficient without functioning as a cohesive body. He warns against the dangers of becoming entangled in unscriptural systems and stresses the importance of maintaining a spiritual position grounded in the Lordship of Christ. The sermon addresses the conflict faced by the Church against opposing forces of evil, asserting that the Church must operate collectively to confront these challenges. Sparks encourages believers to recognize their interdependence and the necessity of corporate action in overcoming spiritual frustration and opposition. Ultimately, he calls for a renewed commitment to the life of Christ within the Church as the key to fulfilling its divine purpose.
Of a Gospel Church, the Seat of Public Worship.
By John Gill0MAT 18:20ACT 2:41John Gill emphasizes the true nature of a gospel church as the assembly of believers rather than merely a physical place of worship. He explains that the church is defined by the congregation of the elect, who are called out from the world to worship God together. Gill highlights the importance of mutual consent and agreement among members to form a church, which is essential for its identity and function. He also discusses the qualifications for church membership, stressing that only regenerate and faithful individuals should be included. Ultimately, the church serves as a spiritual body where Christ is the head, and its members are called to live in holiness and unity.