The Church's Calling
The Church's Calling2
Love the Supreme Test of the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0JER 2:2JHN 2:24ACT 9:11CO 8:12CO 4:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:4HEB 12:7REV 1:5REV 2:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that love is the supreme test of the Church, drawing from Ephesians 2:4 to illustrate God's great love for humanity. He explores the messages to the seven churches in Revelation, highlighting that the essence of their challenges revolves around love—specifically, the loss of first love, which encompasses suffering, discernment, and steadfastness. Sparks argues that true love is not merely sentimental but requires a deep commitment and discernment, urging the Church to return to this foundational love as it approaches the end times. He concludes that love must be the driving force behind all actions and teachings within the Church, as it is the key to understanding God's purpose.
Fellowship Between Christ and His Church in Testimony
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 17:81CO 15:51EPH 1:19EPH 5:301TH 4:171TI 3:161PE 3:182PE 1:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound fellowship between Christ and His Church, illustrating how the Divine nature was manifested in Christ and continues through His Body, the Church. He highlights the Church's calling to be a living testimony of Christ's presence in the world, maintaining a witness of resurrection life amidst a hostile environment. Sparks warns against reducing the Church's purpose to mere religious activities, urging believers to embody the essence of Christ and reflect His love to the world. He concludes with the hope of the Church's future glory, affirming that believers are called to participate in the divine mystery of being received up in glory, just as Christ was.