Spiritual Vision
Spiritual Vision11
Conference for Missionaries-1986 - Part 5
By William MacDonald24836:47MAT 28:19LUK 9:23ROM 12:11CO 3:132CO 5:102CO 5:14William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of having spiritual '20-20 vision' through seven correctional lenses that help us understand our purpose and responsibilities as Christians. He discusses the fear of the Lord, the love of Christ, the value of a soul, and the command to be ambassadors for Christ, urging believers to live with an awareness of hell and the judgment seat of Christ. MacDonald encourages the audience to reflect on their lives and actions in light of eternity, reminding them that only what is done for Christ will last. He concludes with a prayer for spiritual vision and dedication to God's work.
Hope: Finding Grace by Engaging With Jesus Related to Our Future
By Mike Bickle2055:51PRO 29:18JER 29:11LAM 3:21ROM 15:13Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of engaging with Jesus concerning our past, present, and future to cultivate hope and grace in our lives. He explains that our understanding of past experiences shapes our present, while our beliefs about the future influence our current actions and heart posture. Bickle encourages believers to develop a clear vision for their spiritual growth and future commitments, asserting that hope is essential for a purposeful life. He warns against living aimlessly without a defined direction, urging the congregation to seek intimacy with God and clarity about their future in order to live fully alive. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to spiritual development that transcends mere ministry impact, focusing instead on the condition of the heart.
Grinding in the Prison House
By Carter Conlon2.8K48:43JDG 16:18Carter Conlon addresses the 'Corinthian problem' in his sermon 'Grinding in the Prison House,' emphasizing the danger of losing spiritual vision and succumbing to a life of profitless labor, as exemplified by Samson's downfall. He urges believers to embrace the cross and surrender their lives fully to God, warning against the seductive influences that lead to spiritual weakness. Conlon highlights the importance of recognizing one's identity in Christ and the power that comes from living a life dedicated to God's purposes. He encourages the church to rise up, cancel the enemy's mockery, and reclaim their spiritual strength through obedience and faith. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the simplicity and power of the Gospel, reminding listeners that true victory is found in surrendering to God's will.
Pioneers of the Heavenly Way
By T. Austin-Sparks0PHP 3:20COL 3:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to reclaim their heavenly perspective, warning against the tendency to settle for worldly distractions that diminish their spiritual testimony. He notes that throughout history, believers have faced the peril of gravitating towards earthly concerns, losing sight of their divine calling. Sparks calls for a community of believers who are deeply aware of their heavenly destiny, driven by an inner conviction that transcends worldly limitations. He stresses that true usefulness to God is directly linked to the depth of one's spiritual vision and connection to the heavenly realm. Ultimately, he longs for a people whose hearts are filled with the immeasurable reality of heaven.
A Recapitulation
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 6:9ISA 9:6ISA 14:13JHN 3:3ACT 10:34ACT 26:17ROM 8:12CO 12:7GAL 5:1EPH 1:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in the current dispensation, highlighting that it is characterized by Christ's enthronement and the Spirit's active presence within the Church. He explains that the Holy Spirit grants spiritual vision to all believers, enabling them to perceive God's eternal purpose through Christ. Sparks warns against the dangers of spiritual blindness and the necessity of personal revelation, urging believers to embrace the cross as a means of removing the self-life and experiencing resurrection power. He calls for a liberated, holy people who are responsive to the Spirit's leading, free from the constraints of religious systems, and committed to serving God without exclusivism. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of maintaining a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes.
Never Forget Your Past
By Zac Poonen0ROM 5:9ROM 8:1HEB 8:122PE 1:9REV 12:11Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of remembering our past and the cleansing from our sins, as warned by Peter in 2 Peter 1:9. He explains that forgetting our past can lead to spiritual blindness and short-sightedness, causing believers to prioritize earthly pleasures and material wealth over eternal values. Poonen encourages believers to feel compassion for those who are spiritually short-sighted, rather than anger, as they will face regret before the Lord. He shares his personal conviction to never forget the pit from which God saved him, while also affirming that he stands justified before God, free from condemnation. Ultimately, he highlights the power of Christ's blood in overcoming guilt and shame.
Christ's Message to Laodicea
By T. Austin-Sparks0COL 2:1COL 4:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of Christ's message to the church in Laodicea, urging believers to recognize their spiritual poverty and need for Christ. He highlights that true Christianity involves a deep awareness of one's insufficiency and a relentless pursuit of the 'prize of the on-high calling' in Christ Jesus. Sparks warns against complacency and self-sufficiency, encouraging the church to seek spiritual vision and the righteousness of Christ. He concludes by calling for a zealous commitment to God's purpose, reminding believers that they are called to share in Christ's throne and to live with a sense of divine destiny.
The Power and Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks02PE 1:16T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound impact of the power and presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, as illustrated by the Transfiguration. He explains that this event not only confirmed the prophecies of the Old Testament but also serves as a transformative experience for believers, urging them to seek an inward vision of Christ that shapes their lives. Sparks highlights that true spiritual vision leads to a sense of purpose, cohesion, and endurance in the Christian life, as seen in the lives of Peter, Paul, and others who encountered the glorified Lord. The sermon calls for a renewed understanding of Jesus' majesty and the implications of His presence in the lives of believers today.
What Seest Thou?
By T. Austin-Sparks1JER 1:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the question 'What seest thou?' as a divine inquiry that shapes the spiritual history and destiny of individuals and nations. He highlights that the prophetic ministry, which prioritizes God's full intention for His people, is crucial for spiritual progress and assurance. The sermon stresses the importance of spiritual sight, asserting that true understanding and vision are essential for effective ministry and unity within the Body of Christ. Sparks challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual vision and relationship with God, urging them to seek clarity on God's purpose in their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a deep engagement with the question, as it holds the key to understanding God's current dealings with His people.
The Day of Clear Vision to the Dim Eyes.
By Horatius Bonar0PSA 119:18ISA 32:3MAT 13:15LUK 4:18JHN 8:12JHN 9:391CO 13:12EPH 1:182PE 1:9REV 22:4Horatius Bonar emphasizes the spiritual blindness of many, contrasting it with those whose eyes have been opened by God to see the truth. He explains that while some see, their vision can still be dim, leading to a partial understanding of the gospel and Christ's glory. Bonar assures that a time is coming when all believers will see clearly, without any dimness or distortion, experiencing the fullness of God's light and love. He encourages the faithful to seek clearer vision and anticipate the day when they will behold Christ in all His glory. The sermon calls for a longing for spiritual clarity and the ultimate revelation of God.
God's New Israel - Part 1
By T. Austin-Sparks0JER 1:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of spiritual vision in understanding God's purpose for His people, drawing parallels between the prophetic ministry in the Old Testament and the spiritual calling of the New Testament Church. He highlights that the question 'What seest thou?' is crucial for spiritual progress and understanding one's identity in Christ, as it governs assurance and direction in the believer's life. Sparks asserts that the Church represents the new Israel, embodying the spiritual principles of the Old Testament while moving towards a heavenly and eternal destiny. The urgency of this message calls for believers to seek spiritual sight and clarity in their walk with God, as their spiritual history and destiny are intertwined with their vision. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their understanding of God's current work and their role within it.