The Church as God's House
The Church as God's House3
God’s Rights in His House
By T. Austin-Sparks0GEN 3:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the challenge to God's rights in His house, tracing the origins of this conflict back to the Garden of Eden where the serpent questioned God's command. He illustrates how throughout history, from the prophets to the New Testament, God's rights have been disregarded, culminating in the rejection of His Son. Sparks highlights that true recognition of God's rights is essential for the church, which is not merely a gathering of believers but a spiritual entity where God is acknowledged as sovereign. He calls for a return to the understanding that God's house is where His authority is respected and His presence is manifested, urging believers to prioritize God's rights above their own. Ultimately, he reassures that despite challenges, the power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to uphold God's rights and experience His resurrection life.
Vocational Union
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 16:18EPH 2:20HEB 3:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the concept of the church as a 'house' built by Christ, highlighting our union with Him as living stones that form a spiritual house. He explains that this house serves a divine purpose: to make God's presence available to humanity, and that true worship recognizes God's rights within this temple. Sparks urges believers to understand their identity as part of God's household, which requires purity, love, and loyalty among its members. He concludes by stressing the importance of stewardship and the need for a heavenly order within the church, where every member plays a role in ministering God's grace.
Assurance as to God's Rest and Satisfaction in Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 1:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the assurance of God's rest and satisfaction in Christ, highlighting that believers are adopted as sons through Jesus, which brings glory to God. He discusses the importance of the exaltation of Christ as the foundation of the Church's assurance and the danger of internal disintegration caused by doubt and suspicion, which the enemy uses to undermine confidence. Sparks illustrates that true assurance comes from recognizing the value of Christ's blood and the rest it provides, leading to a victorious Christian life. He calls for believers to focus on their identity in Christ, as the spiritual house is built upon Him, and to maintain a positive outlook on their fellowship with one another. Ultimately, the Church exists to glorify God, reflecting His grace and the transformative power of Christ in their lives.