Union with God
Union with God5
The Incorruptible Characteristic of Union With God as Father
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 18:20JHN 10:30JHN 14:10JHN 14:23ACT 13:372TI 1:8HEB 2:5HEB 9:14T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the incorruptible characteristics of union with God as Father, illustrating that true value in life and service is measured by intrinsic worth rather than superficial margins. He highlights that Jesus exemplified a life filled with intrinsic value, fully united with the Father through the Holy Spirit, and that this relationship was the source of His strength and the reason for His sufferings. Sparks argues that humanity was created for incorruptible life, which was lost through disobedience but restored in Christ, who provides a place for God in our hearts. The sermon challenges believers to evaluate how much of God is reflected in their lives and to ensure that their relationship with Him is one of fellowship and love, devoid of any margins of worthlessness. Ultimately, the test of our lives will be how much of God we have allowed to come through us to others.
Union With God
By G.W. North0JHN 1:14JHN 14:20ROM 5:101CO 10:162CO 5:21GAL 2:20EPH 2:13COL 1:20HEB 10:41PE 2:24G.W. North emphasizes the significance of union with God, tracing the concept of reconciliation from the Trinity's eternal counsel to its manifestation in Christ Jesus. He explains that the Old Testament sacrificial system symbolized God's covering of sin until the ultimate sacrifice was made by Jesus, who bore humanity's sin and established righteousness. This union is not only a theological concept but is made real through the work of the Holy Spirit and is expressed in the act of Communion. North highlights that this divine union is rooted in the oneness of the Trinity and is essential for believers to experience true reconciliation with God.
The Cross and the Person of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks1JER 17:9MAT 27:46JHN 3:14JHN 8:27JHN 11:25ACT 2:24ROM 8:11CO 1:182CO 5:14HEB 10:5T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the true understanding of Christ's Person is inseparable from the Cross, and vice versa. He explains that the disciples initially struggled to accept a Christ that included the Cross, as it contradicted their expectations. The Cross reveals the essence of Christ, which is union with God, and it is through this union that the lie, enmity, and death resulting from the Fall are annulled. Sparks highlights that true knowledge of Christ comes through experiencing His death and resurrection, leading to a restored relationship with God. Ultimately, the Cross is essential for understanding both the Person of Christ and the nature of our union with God.
Union With God: What It Looks Like (Jn. 14:12-24)
By Mike Bickle5039:24JHN 14:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound nature of our union with God as described in John 14:12-24, illustrating how Jesus models an intimate relationship with the Father that believers are invited to share. He explains that this relationship is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to engage in prayer, obedience, and experience God's presence in our lives. Bickle highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the transformative power of this union, encouraging believers to pursue a deeper connection with God through prayer and obedience to His commandments. The sermon underscores that our relationship with God is not just about belief but involves an active, loving response to His call.
God's Gentle Whisper
By A.W. Tozer0EXO 14:141KI 19:12PSA 46:10PSA 62:1ISA 30:15MAT 6:6LUK 5:16JHN 15:4PHP 4:6JAS 4:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness in learning profound truths about God, contrasting it with the lessons learned in the chaos of life. He argues that while prayer often focuses on requests and obtaining things from God, the highest form of prayer is about entering into a deep union with God, transcending mere requests. Tozer highlights that true understanding and connection with God come from moments of quiet reflection and being still, as encouraged by the psalmist. This deeper communion with God is far more significant than any miraculous answers to prayer.