The House of God
The House of God4
Prayer and the House of God
By E.M. Bounds1ISA 56:7MAT 21:13LUK 18:1ACT 2:42EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the vital relationship between prayer and the house of God, asserting that a church is a sacred space dedicated to worship and prayer. He argues that when prayer is absent, the church loses its divine essence and becomes just another building. Prayer is not only essential for individual believers but also for the collective worship of the church, making it a divine workshop for spiritual growth. Bounds highlights the importance of prayer in maintaining the church's life, power, and glory, and calls for a revival of prayer as the central focus of church activities. He concludes that without prayer, the church cannot fulfill its divine purpose and must prioritize teaching and practicing prayer in all its endeavors.
The House of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZK 40:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the House of God is embodied in Christ, who serves as the ultimate meeting place between heaven and earth. Through the visions given to Ezekiel, the detailed representation of the spiritual temple is revealed, highlighting the importance of Christ as the fulfillment of God's thoughts and the only means of access to Him. The sermon draws parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament, illustrating how Christ is the true Bethel, the House of God, where God communicates with humanity. Sparks also discusses the significance of baptism as a declaration of our death in Christ and our acceptance of His authority in our lives. Ultimately, he calls believers to recognize their identity in Christ and to live under His Headship, affirming that the Lord is present in their lives as they embody the House of God.
The House Not Made With Hands
By T. Austin-Sparks0HEB 12:26T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the 'House Not Made With Hands' in his sermon, illustrating the contrast between the transient earthly systems and the eternal spiritual realities represented in Christ. He explains that the shaking of the old covenant system foreshadows the establishment of a new, unshakable kingdom, urging believers to focus on the spiritual truths that endure beyond physical representations. Sparks highlights the necessity of the House of God for spiritual maturity, where believers are trained and held accountable in mutual responsibility, contrasting it with mere congregational gatherings. He calls for recognition of the spiritual order within the House, where every member plays a vital role in the growth and development of the Body of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a reminder to seek the eternal and unshakable aspects of faith amidst the temporal distractions of the world.
The Eternal Conception and Decision
By T. Austin-Sparks0EZR 6:3PSA 90:2ISA 66:1MAT 23:38JHN 4:14JHN 6:331CO 12:132CO 5:19EPH 3:19REV 21:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the eternal purpose of God in his sermon 'The Eternal Conception and Decision', focusing on the significance of God's house as a representation of His presence among humanity. He explains that while various aspects of Christianity are important, they can lead to division if the overarching purpose of God is overlooked. Sparks highlights that God's commitment is to His entire purpose, which is ultimately realized in Christ, who embodies the house of God. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's eternal thoughts and the necessity of a Christ-consciousness among believers to fulfill God's desire for fellowship and unity. The message encourages Christians to recognize their collective identity as the house of God, built on grace and love.