Spiritual Distinctiveness
Spiritual Distinctiveness3
End-Time Conditions
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZR 3:3NEH 5:1EPH 2:6COL 2:15T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Book of Nehemiah as a representation of end-time conditions, linking it to the coming of the Lord and the need for God's people to recognize and address the spiritual decline around them. He outlines the divine order of the altar, the house, and the wall, illustrating how the Cross is foundational for deliverance and the establishment of a heavenly order among God's people. Sparks warns against the dangers of mixture, oppression, and neglect of spiritual distinctiveness, urging believers to return to their own rights in Christ and to uphold the purity of the testimony of the Church. He calls for a recovery of the Sabbath rest, which symbolizes the completion of God's work in Christ, and challenges the congregation to examine their spiritual state and commitment to God's purposes in these end times.
God's New Israel - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 12:2GEN 17:1JER 31:32MAT 2:15ACT 7:2ROM 2:282CO 5:14GAL 3:16PHP 3:3COL 2:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the foundational law of God's New Israel, focusing on the covenant established with Abraham, which symbolizes separation and distinctiveness. He explains that true circumcision is of the heart, representing a complete devotion to God, and that God's purpose is to bless His people, requiring them to be spiritually distinct from the world. Sparks illustrates that God's covenant demands a position of separation, and that the blessings of this covenant are tied to our commitment to Him. He warns against the dangers of divided hearts and encourages believers to fully dedicate themselves to God, as exemplified by figures like Abraham and David. Ultimately, a circumcised heart leads to true freedom and fulfillment in God's purpose.
Power With God Exemplified in Daniel
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 14:12T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Daniel as a model of spiritual distinctiveness and power with God, contrasting him with other biblical figures like Noah and Job. He highlights that Daniel's unwavering faith and refusal to compromise with the world, even in the face of persecution, exemplify the necessity of maintaining a heavenly position to access divine power. Sparks argues that the Church today suffers from a lack of power due to its imitation of worldly practices, urging believers to recover their distinctiveness and spiritual authority. The sermon calls for a deep examination of personal and corporate lives to identify areas of compromise that hinder spiritual strength. Ultimately, the message is a clarion call for the Church to reclaim its heavenly position to prevail against worldly influences.