Pursuit of God
Pursuit of God10
David: Being a Person of One Thing
By Mike Bickle2748:27PSA 27:4PSA 34:5PSA 145:5MAT 11:12LUK 10:41JHN 1:51CO 4:9PHP 3:131JN 1:7REV 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Psalm 27:4, where David expresses his singular desire to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty. He challenges listeners to approach this verse with fresh eyes, recognizing its depth and the radical commitment it requires. Bickle highlights that this 'one thing' lifestyle is often domesticated in modern culture, yet it is a divine invitation to a deeper relationship with God. He encourages believers to contend for this reality, understanding that it is not an automatic state but a result of years of seeking and pressing into God. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a radical re-evaluation of priorities, urging individuals to make the pursuit of God's beauty their primary daydream.
Why Settle Down?
By A.W. Tozer0PHP 3:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes that Christians should not settle for a stagnant spiritual life after coming to know the Lord. He critiques the misleading notion that believers receive all of God's spiritual provisions at conversion, which he believes hinders spiritual growth and fosters complacency. Tozer argues that true joy comes from pursuing spiritual advancement and encourages believers to emulate the Apostle Paul's aspiration for deeper faith. He warns against the 'creed of contentment' that can stifle one's spiritual journey. Instead, he advocates for a continuous quest for a more profound relationship with God.
Longing After God
By A.W. Tozer0EXO 33:13PSA 42:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the deep longing for God that characterized the lives of holy men and women throughout history. He reflects on Moses' passionate plea to know God better, illustrating that true desire for God leads to a more profound experience of His presence and glory. Tozer laments the lack of such fervent desire in contemporary believers and calls for a restoration of this longing in the hearts of Christians today. He encourages a relentless pursuit of God, suggesting that the sweetness of finding Him is magnified by the depth of our seeking.
Let the Day Dawn
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 13:8PHP 3:82PE 1:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes that becoming a Christian is like the dawn of a new day, where believers are called to experience a growing light in their spiritual journey. He questions why there are distinctions in spiritual maturity among Christians, referencing Jesus' teaching on varying yields of fruitfulness. Tozer highlights the Apostle Paul's pursuit of deeper knowledge of Christ and the superior resurrection, suggesting that believers must actively seek and claim the spiritual victories available to them. He encourages Christians to move beyond average experiences and strive for a more profound relationship with God.
Drawing Near to God
By Andrew Murray0JHN 14:6HEB 10:19Andrew Murray emphasizes that Christ is not the ultimate goal but the pathway to knowing God. Many Christians mistakenly view Christ as the end of their spiritual journey, failing to realize that true fulfillment comes from drawing near to God and experiencing communion with Him. The sermon highlights the distinction between seeking Jesus for salvation and seeking God for a deeper relationship, urging believers to value Christ for the access He provides to the Father. Murray encourages a restless pursuit of God's presence, as true knowledge of God is reserved for those who earnestly desire it.
Gleanings From Psalms 18 in the Light of Current Revival Phenomena
By Art Katz0PSA 18:7Art Katz emphasizes the critical need for the church to regain a true sense of God, as depicted in Psalms 18, warning against the dangers of complacency and the trivialization of God's holiness. He argues that the pursuit of knowledge about God should be a lifelong quest, and that the current revival phenomena may distract from this essential pursuit. Katz calls for a separation of the sacred from the profane, urging believers to maintain a holy reverence for God that can genuinely impact others, particularly the Jewish community. He stresses that true faith is rooted in the fear and awe of God, which is often absent in contemporary church life. Ultimately, Katz challenges the church to seek God earnestly and to reflect His holiness in their witness to the world.
Holy Covetousness
By Samuel Logan Brengle0JDG 5:31MAT 5:16ACT 20:24ROM 10:171CO 12:311CO 14:1EPH 2:4JAS 1:5JAS 3:171PE 3:11Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the importance of coveting the best gifts from God rather than seeking worldly positions or promotions. He illustrates this by contrasting the legacy of powerful figures like Nero with that of humble servants like Paul and John Bunyan, who possessed spiritual gifts that have lasting impact. Brengle encourages his audience to earnestly seek gifts such as the Holy Spirit, wisdom, faith, the spirit of prayer, and love, which empower believers to bless the world and fulfill God's purpose. He stresses that true wisdom is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy, and that cultivating these gifts leads to a fruitful Christian life. Ultimately, Brengle calls for a passionate pursuit of these divine gifts to transform lives and communities.
Philippians
By A.W. Tozer6739:06PHP 3:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes the pursuit of knowing Christ and attaining spiritual perfection, urging believers to forget past failures and press forward towards the high calling of God. He highlights the importance of cleansing the intentions of our hearts through God's grace, enabling us to love and praise Him worthily. Tozer warns against complacency in the Christian life, advocating for a deeper, more committed relationship with God that transcends mere surface-level faith. He calls for a revolution in the church, encouraging believers to detach from worldly influences and strive for holiness and joy. Ultimately, Tozer's message is a passionate plea for spiritual awakening and a deeper understanding of our purpose in Christ.
a.w. Tozer - Short Biography
By A.W. Tozer0PSA 27:4PSA 42:1JER 29:13MAT 6:6PHP 3:10COL 3:21TH 5:172TI 3:16HEB 11:6JAS 4:8A.W. Tozer, born on April 21, 1897, in Pennsylvania, became known as a '20th-century prophet' through his powerful preaching and deep prayer life. His journey to faith began at age 15 after hearing a street preacher, leading him to a lifelong pursuit of God. Over 44 years of ministry, including 31 years at Chicago's Southside Alliance Church, Tozer captivated audiences and emphasized the importance of prayer and worship in his life. His writings remain impactful today, as they delve deep into the heart of faith, encouraging others to seek a genuine relationship with God. Tozer's legacy continues to inspire many to experience the divine presence he so passionately pursued.
Running for the Prize: Being Complete in Our Love
By Mike Bickle301:01:441CO 9:24Mike Bickle emphasizes the paramount importance of pursuing complete obedience to God as the ultimate goal of a believer's life. He argues that the true prize is not found in ministry success or material blessings, but in receiving the Lord's testimony of our love and obedience at the end of our lives. Bickle highlights that every area of our lives should be brought under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and that our pursuit of obedience, even amidst failures, is what truly moves God's heart. He warns against the distractions of worldly concerns and encourages believers to focus on the quality of love they offer to Jesus through their actions. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a radical commitment to love God on His terms, which is rooted in obedience.