The Glory of God
The Glory of God18
The Prayer Beside the Altar
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 17:1T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of John 17, referred to as 'The Prayer Beside the Altar,' where Jesus, as the High Priest, communicates intimately with the Father before His sacrifice. This prayer highlights three key themes: the glory of the Father and the Son, the oneness among believers, and the Church's testimony to the world. Sparks asserts that true unity and glory are rooted in the resurrection and the sacrificial work of Christ, which cannot be manufactured by human effort. He calls for believers to focus solely on Christ to impact the world effectively, as the Church embodies the life of Christ through the Spirit. Ultimately, the prayer serves as a challenge to live in the reality of this divine unity and glory.
Rev. 4:11. Glory to the Glorious One
By Horatius Bonar0PSA 29:9JHN 1:14PHP 2:9REV 4:11Horatius Bonar emphasizes the glory of the Lord as the central theme of worship, highlighting that everything in His temple proclaims His glory. He explains that the worthiness of Jesus to receive glory stems from His divine person, His redemptive work, His perfect life on earth, and His current exalted position in heaven. Bonar encourages believers to appreciate Christ's excellency, trust in Him, utilize His fullness, bow in worship, and sing praises to Him. The sermon culminates in the recognition that Jesus, as the Redeemer and King, is eternally worthy of glory.
The Ark of Glory
By T. Austin-Sparks01SA 4:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Ark of the Covenant as a representation of the glory of Jesus Christ, illustrating how the ark embodies life through the Word of God, divine provision, and the high priesthood of Aaron. He discusses the historical journey of the ark, highlighting moments of both victory and defeat, and how the glory of God can depart due to spiritual decline, yet ultimately remains powerful and unyielding against adversaries. The sermon culminates in the assurance that despite challenges, the glory of Jesus will ultimately prevail and fill the Church for all generations.
Mark 9
By John Nelson Darby0MRK 9:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the Transfiguration of Jesus as a revelation of His divine glory, intended to strengthen the faith of His disciples and foreshadow the coming of His kingdom. He explains that while Moses and Elijah represent the law and the prophets, it is Jesus alone who fulfills God's will and reveals the truth. The sermon highlights the necessity of faith in accessing Christ's power, as demonstrated through the healing of a boy possessed by an evil spirit, and underscores the importance of humility and the cross in the life of a believer. Darby concludes by reminding the congregation that true greatness in the kingdom of God is found in servanthood and that believers must remain vigilant against sin and strive for holiness.
Face to Face
By Michael Koulianos431:06:23EXO 33:7Michael Koulianos emphasizes the importance of seeking a personal relationship with Jesus, drawing from the example of Moses who met God face to face. He encourages believers to prioritize intimacy with Christ over ministry success, asserting that true power and glory come from being in His presence. Koulianos warns against the distractions of church culture that can lead to a loss of first love for Jesus, urging the congregation to return to their earliest experiences of His love and presence. He calls for a deep yearning for Christ, reminding that the essence of ministry is to lead others to Him, not merely to perform tasks. Ultimately, he invites everyone to come back to Jesus, the true source of life and fulfillment.
How to See the Glory of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 3:17MAT 12:47MRK 10:17JHN 1:14JHN 5:19JHN 11:4JHN 11:40JHN 14:24ACT 16:6REV 21:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the ultimate priority of Jesus' life and ministry was the glory of God, as illustrated in John 11. He explains that Jesus' commitment to this glory governed every aspect of His life, from His inner relationship with the Father to His conduct, works, and timing. Sparks encourages believers to reflect on whether their lives truly glorify God, highlighting that true glory comes from aligning with God's will and recognizing the finished work of Christ. The sermon culminates in the assurance that seeing God's glory is not a loss but the ultimate fulfillment in life.
The Throne, Throng and Thrill
By Leonard Ravenhill5853:53REV 22:1Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the significance of the throne of God, the throng of believers, and the thrill of seeing Jesus face to face in his sermon 'The Throne, Throng and Thrill.' He reflects on the profound revelation given to John in the book of Revelation, highlighting the beauty of eternal life and the joy of serving God. Ravenhill urges listeners to recognize the urgency of their faith and the nearness of Christ's return, encouraging them to long for the moment when they will behold the face of Jesus. He contrasts the fleeting nature of earthly life with the eternal glory that awaits believers, reminding them of the importance of living in anticipation of that day.
By My Spirit
By T. Austin-Sparks0ISA 43:7ZEC 4:6MAT 5:16JHN 14:13ROM 8:181CO 3:162CO 4:6EPH 3:201PE 4:14REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the divine testimony of God's glory is the ultimate purpose behind creation and the Church's existence. He illustrates how this testimony has been passed through individual witnesses, Israel, and ultimately to the Church, which must rely on the Holy Spirit to display God's glory. Sparks highlights that true glory is not achieved through human effort but through the Spirit, as seen in the life of Jesus and the early Church. He encourages believers to embrace their role in glorifying God, even in small beginnings, and to recognize that the testimony of God's glory is a heart matter, requiring a willing spirit. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the Church's effectiveness in glorifying God hinges on the presence and work of the Holy Spirit.
The Corridor of Glory: Cloud, Smoke, and Fire (Whirlwind)
By Mike Bickle221:07:37EPH 1:9Mike Bickle explores the concept of the 'Corridor of Glory,' emphasizing the divine connection between heaven and earth through the imagery of cloud, smoke, and fire. He explains that God's eternal purpose is to establish His kingdom on earth, where the heavenly and earthly realms converge, particularly through the New Jerusalem. Bickle highlights the significance of the glory cloud as a representation of God's presence and the transformative power of His glory in the lives of believers. He encourages the congregation to understand their future roles in this divine plan, emphasizing the importance of being aware of the biblical teachings regarding the end times and the kingdom of God. The sermon concludes with a call to engage deeply with Scripture to grasp the fullness of God's glory and purpose.
Into the Cloud
By Michael Koulianos191:18:06EXO 24:9Michael Koulianos shares a heartfelt message about the importance of drawing close to Jesus, emphasizing that in times of struggle, we don't need to be heroes; we simply need to hold on to Him. He reflects on his personal journey of faith, the sacredness of God's presence, and the transformative power of encountering His glory. Koulianos encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, reminding them that true Christianity is about experiential union with Him rather than mere theological knowledge. He passionately calls for a generation to prioritize intimacy with God over performance and numbers, urging them to embrace the beauty of His presence.
Neither Christ nor Heaven Can Be Hyperbolized!
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 16:11PSA 36:81CO 2:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes the incomparable glory of heaven and the person of Christ, asserting that earthly treasures pale in comparison to the eternal joys prepared for those who love God. He illustrates that our understanding of heaven is limited, akin to a drop in the ocean, and that the joys of heaven are beyond human comprehension. Brooks quotes scripture to reinforce that the pleasures found in God's presence are eternal and abundant, urging believers to grasp the magnitude of what awaits them.
2 Corinthians 4
By John Nelson Darby02CO 4:1John Nelson Darby expounds on 2 Corinthians 4, emphasizing Paul's unwavering commitment to preaching the gospel without deceit, highlighting the importance of presenting the truth of Christ without veils. He explains that any blindness to the gospel is due to the hearts of the lost being blinded by the god of this world, not through any fault of the messenger. Darby stresses the necessity of preaching Christ and His glory, and how the treasure of the gospel is contained in earthen vessels, showcasing God's power rather than human strength. He encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing that their outward struggles lead to inward renewal and eternal glory. Ultimately, the message calls for a return to the pure proclamation of Christ, urging believers to live in light of the eternal weight of glory that awaits them.
The Shining Face
By T. Austin-Sparks0EXO 34:29T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the concept of the 'shining face' as a reflection of one's relationship with God, drawing parallels from the lives of Moses, Daniel, Stephen, and Paul. He explains that true radiance comes not from external circumstances but from an internal connection with the Lord, which manifests as peace and joy even in adversity. Sparks highlights that being occupied with Jesus and understanding His glory leads to a transformation that others can see, even if we are unaware of it ourselves. The sermon encourages believers to focus on God's vision and the reality of Christ within them to maintain a shining testimony in challenging times.
The Glory of Christ in Us
By David Wilkerson0EXO 33:18David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's glory within believers, drawing parallels between Moses' encounter with God and the present-day experience of Christians. He highlights how Moses' face shone with God's glory after being in His presence, yet this glory was temporary, foreshadowing the eternal glory available to believers today. Wilkerson encourages Christians to seek this abiding presence of the Lord, which surpasses the fading glory of the Old Covenant, and serves as a powerful testimony to the world. The sermon calls for a deeper surrender to God, allowing His glory to shine through us and impact those around us.
The Character of the Ministry of the Gospel 2 Corinthians 4:5
By John Nelson Darby02CO 4:5John Nelson Darby emphasizes that the character of the ministry of the gospel requires that one must first possess the truth of the gospel in their own heart before sharing it with others. He explains that the glory of God is revealed in the face of Jesus Christ, who has accomplished the work of salvation, allowing believers to see and reflect that glory. Darby contrasts the ministry of the New Testament with that of the Old Testament, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. He encourages Christians to remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return, emphasizing the importance of being filled with the knowledge of God's glory and living in a way that reflects that light. Ultimately, he calls for believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the hope of eternal glory that awaits them.
The Character of the Gospel
By T. Austin-Sparks0EPH 1:131TI 1:11T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of the Gospel, referring to it as 'the gospel of the glory of the blessed God.' He explains that this Gospel encompasses not only salvation but also the mystery of God's eternal purpose, revealing the character of God as one of glory and righteousness. Sparks highlights that understanding glory is essential to grasping the fullness of the Gospel, which is linked to our calling and the hope of transformation into God's likeness. He encourages believers to see trials as opportunities for their faith to be tested and refined, ultimately leading to glory. The sermon concludes with the promise that through suffering with Christ, believers will be glorified together with Him.
In His Letters to Timothy
By T. Austin-Sparks0T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of the gospel as the 'gospel of the glory of the blessed God', highlighting that it reveals God's glory through Jesus Christ. He explains that this glory is not merely about the content of the gospel but about the manifestation of God's unique and tranquil nature, which is fully expressed in Christ. Sparks reassures believers, especially young Timothy, that despite life's challenges and personal struggles, Jesus is the answer and source of satisfaction for God and humanity. The sermon underscores the importance of being 'in Christ' and how this position brings peace and joy, as God sees us through the lens of His Son. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and assurance that God's happiness and satisfaction are available to all who abide in Christ.
Coming to the City
By T. Austin-Sparks0REV 21:2REV 21:10T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the New Jerusalem symbolizes the fullness of Christ and His Church, rather than a physical place. He explains that the glory of God is the satisfaction of His nature, which is reflected in the lives of believers as they grow in Christ. The sermon highlights the importance of being 'in the Spirit' to experience this glory and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Sparks encourages a shift from viewing the New Jerusalem as a distant reality to recognizing that believers are already part of this spiritual city, linked to heaven. Ultimately, the message is about the journey of becoming more like Christ and living in the glory of God.