The Purpose of the Church
The Purpose of the Church3
The Greatness of the Church
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 7:22MAT 11:27MAT 13:46MAT 16:17MAT 18:20EPH 1:4EPH 1:12EPH 2:7EPH 3:10EPH 3:21T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound purpose of the Church, urging Christians to recognize their high calling beyond mere salvation. He highlights that the Church, as the Body of Christ, is meant to embody His glory and greatness, serving as a vessel through which God's revelation is made known. Sparks laments the loss of vision among believers, who often remain bound by tradition and fail to grasp the Church's eternal significance and stability rooted in Christ. He calls for a divine revelation to understand the true nature of the Church, which is not merely a human institution but a living expression of Christ's presence. Ultimately, the Church is called to fulfill a great vocation, serving God throughout the ages in close relationship with His Throne.
Christ Revealed as God's Pattern
By T. Austin-Sparks02CO 4:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the revelation of Jesus Christ as the ultimate pattern for the Christian life and the Church. He explains that understanding Christ as God's Pattern is essential for believers to grasp their identity as 'bits of Christ' and to recognize the purpose of the Church as a collective expression of Christ. Sparks argues that true ministry and evangelism should focus on increasing the measure of Christ in believers and the world, rather than merely counting conversions or establishing institutions. He calls for a revolution in the Church to align with this vision, highlighting that the essence of Christianity is Christ Himself, who should be the center of all activities and relationships within the Church. Ultimately, Sparks urges believers to embody Christ in their lives, as He is the foundation and purpose of their existence.
The Church to Be In
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 16:13ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 12:122CO 3:18GAL 1:16EPH 1:10PHP 3:8COL 1:17HEB 12:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to sum up all things in Christ, who embodies greatness and fullness. He stresses the importance of continually growing in our understanding of Christ's majesty and glory, as this was the foundation of the early Church's power and effectiveness. The spontaneous formation of churches was a result of the Holy Spirit's work, centered around the preaching of Christ. Sparks argues that Christ should be the guiding principle for gathering as a Church, especially in today's complex world. The ongoing revelation of Christ is essential for believers to experience the fullness of God's purpose.