Pioneering Faith
Pioneering Faith2
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.
More Pioneers of the Heavenly Way
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 45:5GEN 45:7ISA 53:3MAT 2:16JHN 1:11ROM 8:282CO 4:17PHP 3:10HEB 12:2REV 3:21T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes Joseph as a pioneer of the heavenly way, illustrating how his life foreshadows Jesus Christ and God's ultimate purpose of preserving life. He discusses the dual nature of Joseph's story, highlighting both the human struggles and the divine sovereignty at play, particularly in how Joseph's experiences reflect the suffering and rejection faced by Christ. Sparks points out that Joseph's journey was marked by adversity, jealousy, and a deeper spiritual battle, which parallels the challenges faced by those called to fulfill God's purposes. Ultimately, he underscores that God's intentions prevail despite human actions and satanic opposition, affirming that the trials of a pioneer lead to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.