Revelation of Christ
Revelation of Christ17
"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.
Truth Has a Soul
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 11:27JHN 14:6ROM 10:92CO 5:17JAS 2:19A.W. Tozer emphasizes that faith can exist in the form of mere adherence to biblical texts, yet remain lifeless without a genuine connection to the soul of truth. He references Matthew 11 to illustrate that true knowledge of God comes through revelation by the Son, highlighting the necessity of experiencing the transformative power of God in our lives. Tozer argues that what many call revival is actually a return to authentic New Testament Christianity, where individuals move from mere belief in doctrine to a personal faith in Christ. This shift leads to true salvation and a vibrant relationship with God, rather than a superficial understanding of faith.
The Unveiling of Jesus Christ in the Heart
By T. Austin-Sparks0GAL 3:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative power of a personal revelation of Jesus Christ, as experienced by Paul, who moved from Judaism to a life of liberty in Christ. This revelation not only liberated Paul from the constraints of religious law but also deepened his understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of all spiritual values. Sparks warns against using grace as a cover for sinful desires, urging believers to embrace the true liberty found in Christ, which leads to spiritual growth and maturity. He highlights the necessity of continuous unveiling of Christ in the heart for true emancipation and warns against falling prey to distractions that sidetrack believers from God's purpose. Ultimately, the message is that Christ must become everything in our lives, guiding our actions and decisions through His Spirit.
The Secret Revealed
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 3:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the revelation of the mystery of Christ as shared by the Apostle Paul, who, while unique in his understanding, is not exclusive in this revelation. He argues that the fullness of the Gospel encompasses both salvation and the deeper truths of God's purpose, urging believers to embrace the vastness of God's revelation rather than settling for a simplistic understanding. Sparks highlights the importance of spiritual enlightenment through the Holy Spirit, which allows believers to truly see Christ and understand their identity within the Church. He warns against the dangers of division within Christianity and stresses that true unity is found in the revelation of Christ, which transcends denominational barriers. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper engagement with the mystery of God as revealed in Christ, which is essential for spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's purpose.
Has It Come From Heaven by the Spirit of God?
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 25:8JHN 1:14GAL 1:15HEB 8:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the need to return to the foundational principles of Christianity, which have become obscured by human traditions and complexities over the centuries. He highlights that God's desire has always been to dwell among His people, first symbolized through the tabernacle and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the true Tabernacle of God. Sparks stresses that the presence of God is what makes any place sacred, not the physical structures or gatherings of people. He calls for a revelation of Christ as the basis for all Christian life and service, asserting that true work for God must be inspired and anointed by the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that only what is rooted in Christ will endure, as everything else will be tested and ultimately dissolved.
The Unsearchable Riches
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 17:3ROM 8:282CO 12:2EPH 1:4EPH 1:17PHP 1:9COL 1:9TIT 1:2HEB 1:21JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of 'full knowledge' in understanding the unsearchable riches of Christ, highlighting that this knowledge is not merely intellectual but a revelation from the Holy Spirit. He explains that the prefix 'epi' in the Greek signifies a deeper, mature understanding of God, which Paul prays for in his letters. Sparks outlines the major eras of God's revelation, from before time to the consummation of the age, and stresses the centrality of Christ in God's eternal purpose. He asserts that true knowledge of God is rooted in the eternal counsels of the Godhead, where the Son was appointed as the sphere of all that belongs to God. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to seek a deeper, Spirit-led understanding of their faith.
The Purpose of the Ages
By T. Austin-Sparks0T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound mystery of knowing Christ, asserting that true knowledge of the Son can only come through divine revelation from the Father. He reflects on the Apostle Paul's journey from self-sufficiency to a deep reliance on God's grace, illustrating how Paul's understanding of Christ evolved throughout his life. Sparks highlights that the purpose of God is to reveal all things in Christ, transcending human limitations and expectations. He encourages believers to recognize the vastness of Christ and the eternal significance of their relationship with Him, which continues to grow and expand through revelation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper pursuit of knowing Christ, as this journey will last into eternity.
The History of the Ark
By T. Austin-Sparks0HEB 1:1T. Austin-Sparks explores the significance of the Ark of the Testimony as a representation of Jesus Christ, tracing its journey from the formation of Israel at Mount Sinai to its resting place in the house of God. He emphasizes that the ark's varied history reflects the spiritual journey believers must undertake, moving from an objective understanding of Christ to a subjective experience of His reality in their lives. Sparks highlights that the true testimony of Jesus is revealed through the Holy Spirit, and that spiritual growth requires personal experience rather than mere intellectual knowledge. He warns against separating the objective nature of Christ from the spiritual reality, as this leads to misunderstanding and trouble. Ultimately, he calls for believers to embrace the Holy Spirit's work in making Christ real within them.
New Testament Manifestations
By John Fletcher0John Fletcher emphasizes the abundant manifestations of Jesus Christ throughout the New Testament, illustrating how He revealed Himself to various individuals before and after His birth, during His ministry, and even after His resurrection. He highlights the importance of personal revelation, as seen in the experiences of Mary, Simeon, and the disciples, asserting that true knowledge of Christ comes through divine revelation rather than mere observation. Fletcher argues that these manifestations continue even after Christ's ascension, as believers experience His presence through the Holy Spirit. He concludes that Christ's revelations are essential for the conversion and encouragement of all believers, affirming that such experiences are scripturally supported and vital for spiritual growth.
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.
Progressive Growth
By G. Campbell Morgan02CO 4:6PHP 3:12G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that every new vision from God creates a crisis for the soul, prompting either obedience towards spiritual growth or disobedience leading to stagnation. He asserts that the more one knows Christ, the more aware they become of their need for deeper understanding and revelation of His glory. The Holy Spirit continually unveils Christ's glory, inviting believers into new adventures and sacrifices that foster spiritual growth. Morgan highlights that true Christian life is a progressive journey without ultimate maturity in this world, as the light and beauty of Christ are inexhaustible. He concludes that sanctification is a continuous process, with God illuminating our hearts to grasp His glory through Christ.
The Revelation of Christ to Believers
By John Fletcher0PSA 34:8MAT 5:8JHN 3:8JHN 14:21ROM 8:161CO 2:92CO 5:7GAL 2:20EPH 1:17HEB 11:1John Fletcher emphasizes the significance of spiritual senses in experiencing the revelation of Christ to believers, distinguishing between mere intellectual knowledge and a profound, transformative encounter with the divine. He argues that true knowledge of Christ is not just historical or doctrinal but involves a supernatural, experiential understanding that changes the heart and soul. Fletcher illustrates that this revelation is a personal and intimate experience, akin to tasting honey after a diet of bread and water, and is essential for genuine faith and spiritual growth. He encourages believers to seek this deeper connection with Christ, which brings about true liberty, joy, and a life of obedience. Ultimately, Fletcher asserts that the revelation of Christ is a mystery that can only be fully understood through the Holy Spirit's work in the believer's heart.
Christ Revealed as God's Purpose
By T. Austin-Sparks02CO 4:6GAL 1:15EPH 1:11COL 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the revelation of Jesus Christ as central to understanding God's purpose, using Paul's transformation as a key example. He explains how Paul's encounter with Jesus brought light into his darkness, illustrating the profound shift from chaos to order and from emptiness to fullness. Sparks highlights that true Christian life is not merely about salvation as a gift but about seeing Jesus as the embodiment of God's purpose. He urges believers to recognize that all divine energy and purpose are centered in Christ, which leads to spiritual growth and liberation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of Jesus as the focal point of God's plan for humanity.
Matthew 16
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 16:13John Nelson Darby expounds on Matthew 16, emphasizing the revelation of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of the living God, contrasting the unbelief of the Pharisees and Sadducees with Peter's divinely revealed faith. He highlights the transition from the Jewish system to the establishment of the assembly, built upon the acknowledgment of Christ's true identity, and warns against the subtle influences of unbelief that can affect even the disciples. Darby illustrates how Peter's confession signifies a pivotal moment in understanding Jesus' mission, which includes suffering and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. He also discusses the authority given to Peter and the implications of the keys of the kingdom, underscoring the necessity of mortifying the flesh to truly follow Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to recognize the significance of Christ's identity and the implications for their lives and faith.
God’s Answer to a State of Declension
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 40:1JHN 1:14REV 1:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that when the Church loses its purity and heavenly character, God's response is to reveal His Son anew, as seen in the Gospel of John. He argues that John's writings were not merely historical accounts but a divine response to the Church's decline, presenting Christ in His full glory and spiritual essence. The sermon highlights that true recovery and restoration come not from returning to old techniques or doctrines, but from a fresh revelation of Jesus Christ. Sparks insists that the essence of God's answer to the Church's state of declension is always found in the person of Christ, who embodies life, power, and glory. Ultimately, the focus must be on seeing Christ in His heavenly nature to regain the Church's original purpose and vitality.
(1.) Gal_1:15-16 : "When It Pleased God,
By F.B. Meyer0GAL 1:15F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound truth that it pleased God to reveal His Son in us, likening this revelation to unveiling a hidden statue. He explains that while Christ is present in the regenerate believer, He often remains veiled until the Holy Spirit removes the misconceptions that obscure Him. Meyer illustrates this with the story of a woman who, after years of separation, recognizes her son disguised as a stranger, symbolizing the moment of revelation when we truly see Christ in our lives. The sermon encourages believers to seek the unveiling of Christ within them, recognizing Him as the source of their life and hope. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper appreciation of the mystery of Christ in us, which brings glory and transformation.
The Message of Jesus Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0REV 1:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the revelation of Jesus Christ as central to understanding the spiritual conflict throughout history, particularly in relation to the Church's role in God's governance. He highlights the importance of the Church's responsibility to uphold the testimony of Jesus, which is foundational for the ultimate establishment of His kingdom. The messages to the seven churches, especially Ephesus, serve as a reminder that God desires not just good works but the absolute best in our relationship with Him. Sparks challenges believers to reflect on their spiritual condition and the intrinsic value of their testimony, urging them to return to their first love and fulfill their divine calling. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of the significance of Christ's authority and the Church's role in His eternal purpose.