Personal Experience in Faith
Personal Experience in Faith2
In the Gospel by Mark
By T. Austin-Sparks0MRK 1:1MRK 16:20ACT 12:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being taught by Jesus as the ultimate teacher, exploring the life and mission of John Mark as a reflection of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He highlights Mark's journey from being a failure to becoming a profitable partner in ministry, illustrating the necessity of personal experience and submission to Christ's Lordship. The sermon underscores that true service stems from a deep relationship with Jesus, rather than mere familial connections or sentimentality. Sparks encourages believers to embody the principles of submission and dependence on God, as exemplified by both Jesus and Mark, to lead fruitful lives in service to the Kingdom.
Resurrection: A Living Personal Reality
By T. Austin-Sparks02KI 6:1PSA 37:24ISA 40:31JHN 14:12ROM 8:111CO 15:57EPH 1:19PHP 3:102TI 1:71PE 1:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of personal experience in the Christian faith, using the story of Elisha and the floating axe head to illustrate that true spiritual power cannot be borrowed but must be rooted in one's own relationship with God. He explains that the sons of the prophets represent a new generation that must carry forward the prophetic testimony, and they must rely on the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which embodies the power of resurrection. Sparks highlights that while we may feel overwhelmed and 'sink' under spiritual demands, the Holy Spirit enables us to rise again, reversing our natural tendencies. The message encourages believers to seek a genuine, personal experience of faith rather than relying on second-hand testimonies. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that the power of resurrection is available to all who are in Christ, allowing them to overcome life's challenges.