Spirituality
Spirituality in the Bible refers to the profound connection and relationship between humans and God, as well as the understanding and practice of living in accordance with divine principles. It encompasses the inner life of a believer, characterized by faith, worship, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The New Testament, particularly in Paul’s letters, emphasizes the idea of being "spiritual" as living in accordance with the Spirit rather than the flesh (Romans 8:5-6). Paul also speaks of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, which are manifestations of a spiritual life that reflect God's character.Moreover, the concept of spirituality is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it emphasizes a covenant relationship with God, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:5, which calls for love for God with one's whole heart, soul, and strength. Spirituality in the biblical sense is not merely an abstract concept but is lived out through obedience, community, and acts of service, reflecting a life transformed by faith in God and a commitment to His will. Thus, biblical spirituality is both personal and communal, urging believers to cultivate their relationship with God while also engaging in loving relationships with others.
Spirituality16
Coming Alive Spiritually
By Bob Vernon2.7K50:37In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving Jesus as one's personal savior. He shares a personal experience of a police officer named Pearson who was shot while on duty, and relates it to the need for spiritual transformation. The speaker references John 1:12, which states that those who receive Jesus into their lives become part of the family of God. He also highlights Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, where Jesus explains the concept of being born again and the purpose of his coming into the world. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the coherence and agreement of the Bible's teachings on the necessity of being born again.
The Mystic Universe in My Back Yard
By Samuel Logan Brengle0GEN 1:31JOB 12:7PSA 19:1PSA 104:24PSA 148:1ECC 3:11ISA 40:26MAT 6:26LUK 12:27ROM 1:20Samuel Logan Brengle reflects on the profound beauty and spiritual significance of nature found in his own back yard, contrasting it with the teachings of St. Paul, who did not emphasize the wonders of creation. He shares his journey of discovering the intimate relationship between God and nature, finding solace and healing in the simple yet profound elements of his surroundings. Brengle emphasizes that the universe is not only vast and grand but also intricately present in the small details of life, leading him to worship and gratitude for the beauty around him.
God's Mind About the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 1:22T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Church in God's divine plan, asserting that individual Christians alone cannot fully engage with spiritual forces without the corporate body of the Church. He highlights that true spirituality is rooted in understanding God's mind about the Church, as revealed in the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians. Despite the visible shortcomings of the Church, the Apostle Paul maintained a triumphant spirit because he grasped God's ultimate purpose for the Church. This inward revelation empowers believers to rise above disappointment and despair, recognizing the eternal reality of the Church that transcends temporal appearances. Ultimately, a true spiritual understanding leads to dynamic impact and resilience in ministry.
I Speak About That Subjection to the Spirit of the World…
By Andrew Murray01JN 2:15Andrew Murray addresses the pervasive influence of the spirit of the world within the church, emphasizing how the desire for comfort, luxury, and material wealth distracts Christians from true self-denial and spirituality. He critiques the selfish pursuit of riches and the materialistic mindset that equates happiness with possessions, which ultimately hinders self-sacrifice for others and the advancement of God's kingdom. Murray calls for a recognition of this subjection to worldly values that leads believers to prioritize earthly enjoyment over spiritual commitment.
Features of Spirituality
By T. Austin-Sparks0PSA 119:105JHN 16:13ROM 8:171CO 2:14GAL 5:16EPH 5:262TI 2:12HEB 5:14JAS 1:221JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks explores the distinctive spiritual features of the Levites, emphasizing their unique relationship with the Cross, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. He distinguishes between spiritual and carnal Christians, highlighting that true spirituality is characterized by being governed by the Holy Spirit rather than self-interest. Sparks illustrates how spiritual people are sensitive to God's voice and the importance of aligning one's life with the Word of God, which serves as a mirror for self-examination. He concludes by discussing the Levites' inheritance, symbolizing spiritual governance and the call for believers to live under the Lord's authority. The sermon encourages Christians to seek a deeper, Spirit-led life that reflects God's will and purpose.
Spiritual Virginity
By G.W. North2091:35:04ISA 55:1JER 1:1JER 6:14JER 6:26JER 18:1AMO 5:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being vessels for God. He shares personal experiences of witnessing people repenting and being transformed by the power of God's grace. The preacher refers to the 14th chapter of Revelation, where it mentions a group of virgins who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. He also mentions the greatness of God's love and how God desires to reveal His love and power to His people. The sermon includes references to the book of Isaiah and the promise of comfort and restoration for God's people.
The Word of God Divides Between Soul and Spirit
By Zac Poonen02SA 6:3ISA 55:8ACT 1:5GAL 1:171TH 5:23HEB 4:12Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical distinction between the soul and spirit as outlined in Hebrews 4:12, illustrating how many Christians today operate from a soulish perspective rather than being led by the Holy Spirit. He explains that the old covenant's inability to discern this difference leads to a reliance on human methods in ministry, which can result in confusion and a lack of God's glory. Poonen warns against the dangers of soulish Christianity, where emotions and human ideas overshadow true spiritual power, urging believers to allow the Word of God to reveal the true nature of their service. He highlights the importance of aligning with God's ways rather than human understanding, using biblical examples to illustrate the necessity of spiritual discernment. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the Word of God to guide believers in distinguishing between soulish and spiritual living.
The Secret of Spirituality
By Mariano Di Gangi3127:50JHN 15:1Mariano Di Gangi emphasizes the importance of a personal and fruitful relationship with Jesus, as depicted in John 15, where Jesus describes himself as the true vine and believers as branches. He warns against a 'cut flower religion' that lacks a living connection to Christ, leading to spiritual decay. Di Gangi stresses that true spirituality comes from abiding in Christ, allowing His word and spirit to dwell within us, which results in a fruitful life that glorifies God. He highlights the necessity of faith, obedience, and repentance to maintain this relationship, and the consequences of being spiritually barren. Ultimately, he calls believers to bear fruit that confirms their discipleship and glorifies God.
Don't Judge Your Spiritual Condition by Feelings
By David Wilkerson6.9K1:00:29EPH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Thessalonians 4:1, urging the brethren to walk in a way that pleases God and to continue growing in their faith. The preacher uses the analogy of a child learning to walk to illustrate the process of spiritual growth. He emphasizes that Christians should be giving more of themselves, their resources, and their time to God. The sermon also references Ephesians 4:11, highlighting the importance of believers growing in grace and knowledge of God.
Discerning Spiritual Things
By Major Ian Thomas1.8K1:03:17ACT 9:12CO 4:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose of human creation and the image of God in man. He emphasizes that God created man so that all of creation could look at him and know what God is like. The speaker also highlights that the evaluation of a person by God is based on their reflection of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. He uses examples of a lamp needing oil and a car needing gas to illustrate the necessity of God's life and power in man. The sermon concludes with a reference to the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus about the need for spiritual regeneration to enter the kingdom of God.
Keeping Spiritually Fresh
By George Verwer96546:23HEB 12:1HEB 12:5HEB 12:11HEB 12:14HEB 12:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying spiritually fresh and avoiding the traps of Satan. They acknowledge that many people have lost their freshness and fallen for lies, allowing bitterness and resentment to creep into their lives. However, the speaker encourages listeners that they can live in personal revival and stay spiritually fresh by following the principles found in the Word of God. They also discuss the importance of evangelism and spending time with unbelievers, as well as the financial aspect of ministry and the dignity of living off support from others. The speaker references various Bible passages to support their points throughout the sermon.
Three Marks of a Spiritul Man
By Zac Poonen0MAT 7:151CO 3:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the true marks of a spiritual man, contrasting them with the superficial traits often admired in church leaders today. He points out that despite the Corinthian Christians' gifts and knowledge, they were not truly spiritual, as spirituality is not defined by eloquence or miraculous abilities. A spiritual man is characterized by an upward look in worship, an inward look for self-examination, and an outward look to serve others. Poonen warns against equating Christian activity with true spirituality, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to bear the fruit of Christlikeness in their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a balanced approach to spirituality that encompasses all three looks.
Spirituality: The Key to All That Is of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 5:8JHN 3:3JHN 4:24ROM 8:141CO 2:142CO 5:17GAL 5:25EPH 2:10JAS 1:271PE 2:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that spirituality is the essential key to understanding and accessing all that pertains to God. He argues that without a spiritual state, individuals cannot grasp or receive the things of the Spirit, as the natural man is limited by an impassable barrier. The sermon critiques the reliance on worldly means such as money, reputation, and intelligence in Christian work, asserting that true effectiveness comes from being spiritually reconstituted. Sparks highlights the necessity of being born anew to engage with the Kingdom of God and warns against the dangers of blending natural abilities with spiritual pursuits, which ultimately leads to disappointment. He concludes that true spirituality, devoid of external rituals and formalism, is the foundation for a genuine relationship with God.
Counterfeit Spirituality
By David Wilkerson13K1:09:41JHN 8:1JHN 8:4JHN 8:30TIT 1:10TIT 1:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pull and attraction of worldly influences and sin. He emphasizes the need to address and deal with sin rather than trying to shift the blame or avoid judgment. The preacher highlights the importance of being watchful and alert as Christians, and warns against being ignorant or complacent. He urges believers to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness and to judge righteous judgment according to the teachings of the Bible.
The Governing Law of the House of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 47:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the spiritual house of God is governed by the principles of life and spirituality, which are essential for manifesting the exaltation of Jesus Christ. He explains that spirituality involves being governed by the Holy Spirit, leading to a life that reflects Christ's supremacy and glory. The church exists not only to glorify God but also to minister life to others, serving as a vessel for God's elect and expressing Christ's presence in the world. Sparks challenges believers to ensure their lives are a true reflection of these spiritual truths, highlighting the importance of corporate life in the church as a living expression of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper commitment to embodying the life and spirituality that God desires in His house.
Evaluating Spirituality 10 March 1998
By George Verwer90144:41PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience at Bible College and in an OM (Operation Mobilization) environment. He discusses the challenges of spirituality and how it can become overwhelming to absorb so much information. The speaker mentions a current movement of 40 days of prayer and fasting in the United States, and questions the effectiveness of such practices for the average evangelical who may not have experience with fasting or attending prayer meetings. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of evaluating people's spirituality and not making quick judgments, using the example of the biblical book of Philemon.