Vessels of Ministry

Vessels of Ministry – Sparks, T. Austin “Moreover the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry he sprinkled in like manner with the blood” (Hebrews 9:21).  In thinking about that phrase, “the vessels of the ministry”, I am impressed with the largeness of the number of vessels that there were connected with the tabernacle. […]

Worship

Worship – Sparks, T. Austin The beginning of everything in relation to God is worship; that is, God having the central and supreme place of recognition, of acknowledgment, of government… God having supreme right in our complete obedience and surrender – in every part and phase of our being. Worship begins there. It is a […]

Ye Are Come

Ye Are Come – Sparks, T. Austin Notes of a Conference at Honor Oak  Reading: Rev. 21 “The holy city, new Jerusalem.” Heb. 12:22 “Ye are come… unto the heavenly Jerusalem.”   1. The City – Its Essentially Spiritual Character  The City, as set forth in Rev. 21, is a whole system of Divine thoughts […]

“Ye Are My Friends”

“Ye Are My Friends” – Sparks, T. Austin Among the various titles by which Christians were called in the New Testament surely the most wonderful is that given by the Lord Jesus – “Ye are my friends”: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye […]

Ye Are… A Holy Nation

Ye Are… A Holy Nation – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Matthew 21:42-44; 1 Peter 2:7-10.  These passages refer, as you see, to that very solemn and, in some respects, tragic thing: the truth that all that could and should have been the inheritance and the vocation of Israel was lost by them and to them […]

Vision and Vocation

Vision and Vocation – Sparks, T. Austin The Importance and Value of God-given Vision  “Come hither, I will shew thee…” Rev. 21:9.  Once again in the course of its history the Church of God is found in a time of serious crisis as to its life and world-testimony. Not once, nor twice, has this occurred, […]

Waiting God’s Time

Waiting God’s Time – Sparks, T. Austin “When the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son….”  When the fullness of time came! It is not difficult for us to see in the case of Abraham how his faith was brought into relation to God’s time. The time factor with Abraham was a […]

“Watchman, What of the Night?”

“Watchman, What of the Night?” – Sparks, T. Austin  Everyone who has read history, and especially Church history, knows how true it is that people have very often thought of their own time as being the most significant or even critical of all times. The language of crisis has characterized many periods and phases of […]

What is the Church?

What is the Church? – Sparks, T. Austin “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world […]

What is True Unity of the Spirit?

What is True Unity of the Spirit? – Sparks, T. Austin This unity is that which is resultant from the indwelling and dominating control of the Holy Spirit. The illustration is that of the head and the body. Every limb or member or faculty of the body is controlled by the nerve system, and this […]

What We See

What We See – Sparks, T. Austin “I beheld the Lord always before my face” (Acts 2:25).  The last part of that quotation could rightly define the nature and object of the ministry of this little paper. Not to propagate a teaching as such; not to constitute a new community; not to support a particular […]

What Will God Do Next?

What Will God Do Next? – Sparks, T. Austin This is an inquiry, not a prophecy. That a new thing needs to be done by the Lord is a growing conviction of many of His servants and people. But is there any reason why we should expect a new movement or further step on the […]

When the Books Are Opened

When the Books Are Opened – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Romans 16.  An outstanding feature of this chapter is that people are appreciated as people. The Letter itself is a masterpiece of spiritual instruction, Paul’s supreme exposition of the infinite range of redemption. The more striking, then, that place should be given for the names […]

When We Cannot See the Way

When We Cannot See the Way – Sparks, T. Austin “Thy way was in the sea, and thy paths in the great waters” (Psalm 77:19).  You will notice that the above words are taken from one of the eleven Psalms bearing the name of Asaph. You will also know that “Asaph the seer” (2 Chron. […]

Where Are You Looking?

Where Are You Looking? – Sparks, T. Austin Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left. (Proverbs 4:25-27)  Looking unto Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:2)  For the man […]

Where Do You Stand?

Where Do You Stand? – Sparks, T. Austin “And the Lord God called unto the man, and said unto him, Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9) “Behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9) I John, …was in the isle that is […]

“Wherefore… Let Us Press On”

“Wherefore… Let Us Press On” – Sparks, T. Austin Hebrews 6:1 The Tremendous Importance of Spiritual Maturity The Apostle is distressed. As he writes this letter it is as though from time to time he meets something that almost pulls him up dead. Three times at least he suspends his main theme and puts in […]

“Whither the Tribes Go Up”

“Whither the Tribes Go Up” – Sparks, T. Austin  (Psalm 122:4) “Gather my saints together” (Psalm 1:5) It was a beautiful thought in the mind of God when, in His Divine economy, He prescribed for the periodic convocations of His people. Away back in the time of Moses He commanded that all the males in […]

Why the Strange Ways of God?

Why the Strange Ways of God? – Sparks, T. Austin “But arise, and stand upon thy feet: for to this end have I appeared unto thee, to appoint thee a minister and a witness both of the things wherein thou hast seen me, and of the things wherein I will appear unto thee” (Acts 26:16). […]

Wings

Wings – Sparks, T. Austin ”As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young, Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings, So the Lord alone led him ” (Deut. 32:11,12)  The Lord’s mind for His people is that they shall have wings, wings that can cope with the […]

Use and Application of the Preceding portion of the Parable.

Use and Application of the Preceding portion of the Parable. – Sparks, T. Austin [31] Now then, from what hath been said, there might many things be spoken by way of use and application; but I shall be very brief, and but touch some things, and so wind up. And, First, I shall begin with […]

Urgently Needed!

Urgently Needed! – Sparks, T. Austin Men (and women) of stature (Isaiah 45:14; Ephesians 4:13) In whom the Cross has done a deep work as to self-interest. Who are not so concerned to preach, or to try and influence others to a doctrine or theory, but whose main influence will be one of LIFE. Who […]

Union with Christ in Consecration

Union with Christ in Consecration – Sparks, T. Austin READING: Leviticus 8:22-24; Romans 12:1-2; John 17:19.  Referring to this passage in chapter 8 of the book of Leviticus, it is important to note what happened in the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood at that particular point. The ram of consecration was […]

Understanding of the Times

Understanding of the Times – Sparks, T. Austin Some Observations and An Appeal by the Editor  In his “Holy War” John Bunyan’s spiritual acumen is rarely more impressive than in that point in the enemy’s strategy to capture Mansoul where he orders that Mr. Understanding – the Town Clerk – must be put in a […]

Under the Spirit’s Government

Under the Spirit’s Government – Sparks, T. Austin Transcribed from a message given in 1965. The spoken form has been retained verbatim.  His face… as a flint… to go up to Jerusalem. See what that means? All that was involved in that… we know and He knew, but He set his face steadfastly as a […]

Truth in The Inward Parts

Truth in The Inward Parts – Sparks, T. Austin “Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts” (Psalm 51:6). PSALM 51 might well have as its title DE PROFUNDIS. It is here that the Psalmist reaches the deepest depths of sorrow and remorse. The bottom is touched when it is a question of “bloodguiltiness”, for, […]

Training in the House of God

Training in the House of God – Sparks, T. Austin “When Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.” Genesis 14:14 “His trained men, born in his house.” This raises some interesting questions. It must […]

Titles of the Risen Lord

Titles of the Risen Lord – Sparks, T. Austin Square brackets  indicate interpolations, queries or corrections made by the transcriber that were not in the original spoken message.  We are today occupied with the Resurrection side of the Cross, and this afternoon I’m going to ask you to consider with me some of the titles […]

“Thy Way Was in the Sea”

“Thy Way Was in the Sea” – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Psalm 77 The heading of this psalm shows that it was contributed by Asaph, who was David’s choir master – the leader of the singers. Quite a number of psalms are attributed to him, and in this one he was in real trouble; he […]

Threshing, and the Lord’s Balance

Threshing, and the Lord’s Balance – Sparks, T. Austin “Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech. Doth the plowman plow continually to sow? doth he continually open and break the clods of his ground? When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and […]

This Psychic Age

This Psychic Age – Sparks, T. Austin The feature of intensification is inherent in all realms; the physical, the metaphysical, and the spiritual. In nature, harvest is the intensification of a process. The end is but the full outworking or development of what was inherent in the beginning. We are living in an age when, […]

This Present Evil World

This Present Evil World – Sparks, T. Austin Before we proceed with the message, for the sake of any young Christians who may read it, and who have not yet studied the use of words in the New Testament, let us explain the one which is now to occupy us – the ‘World’. There are […]

“This is the Message… Fellowship”

“This is the Message… Fellowship” – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: 1 John 1:1-2:1 John uses the phrase ‘This is’ ten times in his brief letter, and the first of his identification of things is this one in verse five: “This is the message which we have heard from him”. And if you look to see […]

Things Which Will Be Shaken

Things Which Will Be Shaken – Sparks, T. Austin With this last issue of the paper for this year (and it will not reach many of you until very near the end of the year) I feel a strong desire and urge to look back and on with you. For myself, it has been a […]

Things That Differ

Things That Differ – Sparks, T. Austin The Disaster Resulting from Confusing Divine Truth “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet” (Acts 2:34-35). “Jesus standing on the right hand of God…” “The Son of man standing on the right hand […]

Theodore Austin-Sparks: Reflections on his life and work

Theodore Austin-Sparks: Reflections on his life and work – Sparks, T. Austin Introduction THEODORE AUSTIN-SPARKS, best known as TAS to those of us who knew and loved him, was a preacher and teacher who lived and worked for most of his life in the Forest Hill District of southeast London, England. With a high view […]

The Word, the Work and the World

The Word, the Work and the World – Sparks, T. Austin (A message given to young Christians in October 1970) I have been wondering if I could define and sum up your conference in three words, and I think I have them: the Word, the Work and the World. We are going to speak a […]

The Wondrous Ways of God

The Wondrous Ways of God – Sparks, T. Austin “Thy way was in the sea, And thy paths in the great waters, And thy footsteps were not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock. By the hand of Moses and Aaron” (Psalm 77:19,20) What a strange juxtaposition of similes! It would be difficult to […]

The Wonderful Balance in the Life of the Lord

The Wonderful Balance in the Life of the Lord – Sparks, T. Austin How poised He was, how balanced! Take the matter of mind, heart and will, and you find in His case those three were perfectly balanced. We are very different naturally. I suppose people as a whole can be divided up into three […]

The Well Within

The Well Within – Sparks, T. Austin “The water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up into eternal life.” (John 4:14) “And Isaac digged again the well of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them up…” […]

The Way Of Spiritual Growth

The Way Of Spiritual Growth – Sparks, T. Austin Before we can or will consider the laws of spiritual growth, we need to have a real concern for that growth. There must be in us a strong sense of its importance and necessity. We must realize in a living way that: 1. The measure of […]

The Way Of Recovery

The Way Of Recovery – Sparks, T. Austin “David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave of Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father’s house heard it, they went down thither to him. And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was […]

The Way

The Way – Sparks, T. Austin “But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” […]

The Voice of the Son of God

The Voice of the Son of God – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: John 5:25, 28; 11:43; 6:63, 65; 8:43; 10:4,5; 10:16. It is well known that with John 11 a transition has taken place. Up to chapter 10 a series of spiritual truths and principles has been very largely enunciated and made practical in relation […]

The Value of Being Pronouncedly the Lord’s

The Value of Being Pronouncedly the Lord’s – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Acts 27. “Acts” is a book of principles. This whole story, and a great deal more in the life of Paul, is a commentary upon, and exposition of, verse 23 – “God whose I am, whom also I serve”. Paul might have been […]

The Unveiling of Jesus Christ

The Unveiling of Jesus Christ – Sparks, T. Austin At the beginning of the book of the Revelation, we find, on the one hand, a situation of spiritual loss and failure, weakness, and many other conditions and features which even the Lord Himself, in all His grace, has to deplore. Through His servant John He […]

The Unveiling of Christ in the Heart

The Unveiling of Christ in the Heart – Sparks, T. Austin Paul was continually growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, but it was a comprehensive knowledge or revelation which took him immediately away into Arabia for an extended period, that he might be occupied with its implications, and when he came back it is […]

The Unity of the Spirit

The Unity of the Spirit – Sparks, T. Austin “Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3. This unity is that which is resultant from the indwelling and dominating control of the Holy Spirit. The illustration is that of the head and the body. Every limb or […]

The True Nature of New Testament Christianity

The True Nature of New Testament Christianity – Sparks, T. Austin In what we are now, by the Lord’s help, essaying to set forth, we are making a bold and honest attempt to uncover the true nature of New Testament Christianity. It is in the way of spiritual excavation, to lay bare the essential foundation […]

The Transcendent Value of the Knowledge of Christ

The Transcendent Value of the Knowledge of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). “For to me to live is Christ…” (Philippians 1:21). “The excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus…” Clearly that means that the knowledge of […]

The Transcendent “Sign”

The Transcendent “Sign” – Sparks, T. Austin “What sign shewest thou…? Jesus answered… Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:13-22). In our book, Discipleship in the School of Christ, we have pointed out two things as to the Gospel by John. One: that his peculiar name for miracles […]

The Time is Shortened

The Time is Shortened – Sparks, T. Austin “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both those that have wives be as though they had none; and they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though […]

The Time In Which We Live

The Time In Which We Live – Sparks, T. Austin An Appeal To The People Of God Ezra 8 The ground upon which we stand is very much more positive at this present time than even the Old Testament saints enjoyed, for we look back to Calvary’s triumphant accomplishment. Yet the Old Testament position and […]

The Things Which Befall Us

The Things Which Befall Us – Sparks, T. Austin “For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life: yea, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we should […]

The Testimony of the Blood

The Testimony of the Blood – Sparks, T. Austin “And the Lord said to the serpent… I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: He shall bruise thy head…” (Genesis 3:15). “… the old serpent… and they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and […]

The Swing of the Pendulum

The Swing of the Pendulum – Sparks, T. Austin If a pendulum clock is not true on its base the pendulum will swing too much to one side. This will upset its timekeeping, and those who are guided by it will be misled. There is much that spiritually corresponds to this, and in the Word […]

The Supreme Vocation

The Supreme Vocation – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Daniel 10:1-21 From the tenth chapter of the Book of Daniel I want to take just this fragment from the nineteenth verse: “And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.” And I want to add to that, […]

The Supreme Importance of Knowing Christ

The Supreme Importance of Knowing Christ – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: John 17:3; Philippians 3:8,10; John 15:15; 14:21. “That they should know thee… and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ…” “That I may know him…” “I… will manifest myself unto him…” The knowledge of Christ is THE basis of the whole of the […]

The Street of Pure Gold

The Street of Pure Gold – Sparks, T. Austin “And he shewed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the midst of the street thereof” (Revelation 22:1-2) Passing from the general description of the holy city in Revelation 21 the […]

The Shining Face

The Shining Face – Sparks, T. Austin Read: Daniel 1:8-16; Acts 6:15; 7:56 “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tables of Testimony in his hand, he did not know that the skin of his face shone and sent forth beams by reason of his speaking with the Lord. When Aaron and […]

The Service of God

The Service of God – Sparks, T. Austin “To serve the living… God” (1 Thess. 1:9). 1. The Service – What It Is If the service of God is to be as immediately and fully fruitful and effectual as it can be it is essential that we should have its nature clearly defined. If asked […]

The Servant of the Lord

The Servant of the Lord – Sparks, T. Austin In choosing a model of a servant of Christ, we instinctively turn to St. Paul. He seems to us to be the most outstanding in every way, and from the greatness of his achievements, the success of his methods, the amazement of his endurance, and his […]

The Servant and Service of the Lord

The Servant and Service of the Lord – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Exodus 21:1-6; Deuteronomy 15:12-17; Leviticus 8:14-28; Isaiah 50:4-5. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. He that […]

The Sentence of Death

The Sentence of Death – Sparks, T. Austin “Yea, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves but in God, which raiseth the dead…. Always bearing about in the body the deadness of Jesus that the Life also of Jesus may be manifest in our mortal […]

The Seen and the Unseen

The Seen and the Unseen – Sparks, T. Austin (The 1928 Motto) Faith is the victory that overcometh and “faith is the conviction of the reality of things not seen.” If this is true then the secret of victory is the capacity for and the deliberate persistence in looking – not at things seen but […]

The Problem of the Stone

The Problem of the Stone – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Mark 16:3-6. “They were saying: Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the tomb? …for it was exceeding great”. This is one of those many human problems which have heavenly solutions. Let us look to see what this stone represented for […]

The Prisoner of the Lord

The Prisoner of the Lord – Sparks, T. Austin “The prisoner of the Lord” (Ephesians 4:1). “Thanks be unto God, who leads me on from place to place in the train of His triumph to celebrate His victory over the enemies of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14, Conybeare). It is a matter of vital importance that […]

The Pre-eminent Mark of a Life Governed by the Spirit

The Pre-eminent Mark of a Life Governed by the Spirit – Sparks, T. Austin The mark of a life governed by the Holy Spirit is that such a life is continually and ever more and more occupied with Christ, that Christ is becoming greater and greater, more wonderful as time goes on. The effect of […]

The Power of the Kingdom

The Power of the Kingdom – Sparks, T. Austin “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:19). “Verily I say unto you, There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom” […]

The Positive Ground of the Church

The Positive Ground of the Church – Sparks, T. Austin There is one thing that is giving me a good deal of anxiety and apprehension. In this time when a twofold movement is taking place on a wide scale: that is, on the one hand the great movement towards union (not unity), as in the […]

The Place and Work of the Levites

The Place and Work of the Levites – Sparks, T. Austin The Place and Work of the Levites by T. Austin-Sparks “And David made him houses in the city of David; and he prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, None ought to carry the […]

The New Age of the Holy Spirit

The New Age of the Holy Spirit – Sparks, T. Austin The book which goes by the title ”The Acts” is the book which introduces a new age; it marks the passing of certain days, age-days, and the arrival of a new day, a new age-day. But it not only marks that change; it sets […]

The Need of the Hour – Specific Ministry

The Need of the Hour–Specific Ministry – Sparks, T. Austin » As we take account of the situation in the Church today we feel more and more deeply convinced that the greatest need of the hour is for men of vision and courage. But we use the word ‘vision’ in the specific sense in which […]

The Need For Positive Ground

The Need For Positive Ground – Sparks, T. Austin “Certain men… taught, saying, Except ye… ye cannot…” “There rose… the sect…, saying, It is necessary…” (Acts 15:1,5). “Except ye…” “It is necessary…” What history of confusion and frustration is bound up with that clause! Here in “Acts” we have the beginning of that history which […]

The Need for a Spirit of Grace

The Need for a Spirit of Grace – Sparks, T. Austin “And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt” (1 Sam. 24:5). “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends” (Job 42:10). “And the people of Nineveh believed God; […]

The Need For A New Apprehension Of The Gospel

The Need For A New Apprehension Of The Gospel – Sparks, T. Austin I am just going to talk for a moment out of my heart, because I do feel that we are in a very perplexing, but very significant, situation at this time. There is a sense in which it does seem that the […]

The Necessity of Giving Earnest Heed to the Things That Have Been Heard

The Necessity of Giving Earnest Heed to the Things That Have Been Heard – Sparks, T. Austin “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a […]

The Meaning of Union With Christ

The Meaning of Union With Christ – Sparks, T. Austin What is union with Christ? It is union with Him as the new creation – as the new-creation Man; union with Him in the Life which is the Life of the new creation by the Spirit of Life. What is the meaning of that union? […]

The Meaning of the House of God

The Meaning of the House of God – Sparks, T. Austin If we go on with God, the Cross leads us immediately to the House of God. The Cross opens the way to the House of God, and the House of God depends for its full meaning upon whether the Cross has done its work. […]

The Meaning of the Fire

The Meaning of the Fire – Sparks, T. Austin “Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, will I do it; for how should My name be profaned? and My glory will I not give to another” […]

The Meaning of the Anointing

The Meaning of the Anointing – Sparks, T. Austin What is the meaning of the anointing of the Holy Spirit? It is nothing less and nothing other than the Holy Spirit taking His place as absolute Lord. The anointing carries with it the absolute Lordship of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit as Lord. That means […]

The Meaning of Christian Service

The Meaning of Christian Service – Sparks, T. Austin What is Christian service according to the mind of God? It is not our having a very full program of Christian activities – not necessarily. It is not that we are always busy in what we call “the things of the Lord.” It is not the […]

The Meaning of Christ

The Meaning of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin God has something to say right into our hearts by bringing His Son here into this world from infancy onward and having that life here in a world like this for thirty-three years. He is working out something, is doing something, and He is doing that in […]

The Law of Travail

The Law of Travail – Sparks, T. Austin “Unto the woman he [God] said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children… And unto Adam he said… cursed is the ground for thy sake; in toil (sorrow) shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy […]

The Law of the House

The Law of the House – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Ezekiel 43:1-12 At a time when the temple in Jerusalem was in ruins, Ezekiel the prophet was shown a spiritual temple, measured out by a man with a golden measuring rod. The measurements were all exact; the prophet was led in, led through, led round, […]

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength – Sparks, T. Austin Normal 0 false false false EN-ZA X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:”Table Normal”; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:””; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:”Calibri”,”sans-serif”; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} “Go your way; eat the […]

The Intrusion of Natural Life in the Service of God

The Intrusion of Natural Life in the Service of God – Sparks, T. Austin We have been at pains to show that Christianity has become very largely another Judaism, an outward system and a historic tradition. But it has become more than this. In its principles, methods, and means, it has largely become conformed to […]

The Inner Man of the Heart

The Inner Man of the Heart – Sparks, T. Austin Or, The Believer’s Sphere of Life and Base of Operations There is no subject more vital in relation to fulness of life and effectiveness of service in Christ than this that we are now to consider. It embraces all the practical meanings and outworkings of […]

The Inheritance – Gained or Forfeited

The Inheritance – Gained or Forfeited – Sparks, T. Austin “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32). “Wherefore let no one glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or […]

The Greatness and Glory of God’s Name

The Greatness and Glory of God’s Name – Sparks, T. Austin There are certain truths and concepts which dominate the whole Bible, and which are gathered into a single word. They are like a bunch of keys which, if you possess them, unlock the entire revelation of the mind of God. The most inclusive of […]

The Greatest Need of the Times

The Greatest Need of the Times – Sparks, T. Austin If we were asked what we feel to be the greatest need of the time, in the light of our far-flung travels this year, first as far East as India, and then over U.S.A. and Canada, we should say with strength: the greatest need of […]

The Great Divide and the Great Transition

The Great Divide and the Great Transition – Sparks, T. Austin Among the games that used to be played at parties there was one like this. A large circle was formed by the company present, and then someone began by whispering something to the next person. This was passed on right round the circle. The […]

“The Gospel Which We Preach”

“The Gospel Which We Preach” – Sparks, T. Austin “The Power of His Resurrection” “I make known unto you, brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which ye also received, wherein also ye stand, by which also ye are saved… The word which I preached unto you.” (1 Corinthians 15:1,2). I make known unto […]

The God Who Does Wonders

The God Who Does Wonders – Sparks, T. Austin “Thy way was in the sea, And thy paths in the great waters, And thy footsteps were not known, Thou leddest thy people like a flock, By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:19-20 What a strange juxtaposition of similes! It would be difficult to […]

The Face of Christ

The Face of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The face of Jesus Christ embraces all that is signified by “the Man Christ Jesus” from eternity to eternity in relation to God’s thought, God’s will, God’s design. It is all behind that face. That is what we mean when we say: Catch a glimpse of the […]

The Eternal Reward of Labour and Suffering

The Eternal Reward of Labour and Suffering – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Numbers 27:1-7; Joshua 15:13-19, Romans 8:17. I have just one thought that I want to pass to you here. It relates to inheritance. In the New Testament that word is found to compass quite a lot. In the first place, inheritance is there […]

The Earthly Man and the Heavenly Man

The Earthly Man and the Heavenly Man – Sparks, T. Austin “Jesus… said… Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above (R.V.M.), he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). These words and nearby verses are used almost exclusively in speaking to the unsaved, and, of course, originally they […]

The Divinely Appointed Place of Christ

The Divinely Appointed Place of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin “The unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). “O the depth of the riches…! how unsearchable…!” (Romans 11:33). “Things which eye saw not, and ear heard not and which entered not into the heart of man, whatsoever things God prepared for them that love him. But […]

The Deliverance of Souls

The Deliverance of Souls – Sparks, T. Austin An Exodus Accomplished Reading: Luke 9:27-36; 2 Pet. 1:16-18; John 18:33-37; Col. 1:13. “There are some of them that stand here, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.” “My kingdom is not of this world.” “…who delivered us out […]

The Danger of Coming Short

The Danger of Coming Short – Sparks, T. Austin “Lest any one of you should seem to have come short” (Hebrews 4:1). For those who, like the New Testament writers, have a real burden and sense of responsibility for the spiritual life of God’s people, one of the most heart-breaking things is the way in […]

The Centrality and Supremacy of Christ

The Centrality and Supremacy of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Centrality and Supremacy of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks “It pleased God… to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him” (Gal.1:15,16) 1. Everything Tested by Inwardness Since Paul’s day so very much of Christian activity has been the furthering of a movement, […]

The Belovedness of Christ

The Belovedness of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Belovedness of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Exodus 32:1-6, 15-29; Malachi 2:4-6; 3:1-3; Numbers 4:1-3; Luke 3:23. The matter of the priestly service or ministry of the people of God, the service of God in terms of priestliness, is one which has been on my heart […]

The Cleansing of the Temple

The Cleansing of the Temple – Sparks, T. Austin The Cleansing of the Temple by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: John 2:13-22. It is doubtless known to you that on two occasions the Lord cleansed the Temple in Jerusalem. The first occasion was that of which we read in this passage in John’s Gospel. The second, and […]

The Coming of the Crowning Day

The Coming of the Crowning Day – Sparks, T. Austin The Coming of the Crowning Day by T. Austin-Sparks Peter, Paul, James and John all point us onward to the crowns which God offers to His servants. In each case the thought is related to an ordeal, whether it be a fight, a race or […]

The Coming of the Kingdom in Power

The Coming of the Kingdom in Power – Sparks, T. Austin The Coming of the Kingdom in Power by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Matt. 16:28; 17:1-7. Though we are familiar with this incident of the transfiguration of Jesus, I have always had a feeling that we have not really grasped strongly enough the significance of it. […]

The Continuance of Divine Instrumentalities

The Continuance of Divine Instrumentalities – Sparks, T. Austin The Continuance of Divine Instrumentalities by T. Austin-Sparks The question concerning every instrumentality raised up by God in relation to His purpose is: What justifies His maintaining it? There are evidently some things which do not justify His preserving such instrumentalities. In the first place, because […]

The Amen

The Amen – Sparks, T. Austin The Amen by T. Austin-Sparks “These things saith the Amen” (Rev. 3:14). The last message to the Church is from the One who selects for Himself from His many titles and designations the one that embodies everything that is affirmative, positive, and definite. “Amen” is not only an ejaculation […]

The Altar (The Cross) Governs Everything

The Altar (The Cross) Governs Everything – Sparks, T. Austin The Altar (The Cross) Governs Everything by T. Austin-Sparks Ezekiel forty-three, in verses thirteen to twenty-seven, we have the great altar and its service. We will not read the whole section, but just the first verse of that section: “And these are the measurements of […]

The Alpha and The Omega

The Alpha and The Omega – Sparks, T. Austin The Alpha and The Omega by T. Austin-Sparks “I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, which is and which was and which is to come, the Almighty” (Rev. 1:8). “And He said unto me… I am the Alpha and the Omega, the […]

That Extra Mile

That Extra Mile – Sparks, T. Austin That Extra Mile by T. Austin-Sparks “And whosoever shall compel thee to go one mile, go with him twain” (Matthew 5:41). The idea in this exhortation had itself taken a long journey. It originated among the Persians, was taken over by the Romans, and then applied by the […]

Taking Responsibility for the Testimony

Taking Responsibility for the Testimony – Sparks, T. Austin Taking Responsibility for the Testimony by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Acts 12:1-11. We will not read more for the sake of time, but there is a word that has been very much on my heart of late which I feel the Lord would have passed on to […]

Spiritual Warfare (1959)

Spiritual Warfare (1959) – Sparks, T. Austin Spiritual Warfare (1959) by T. Austin-Sparks “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). “Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: […]

Spiritual Warfare

Spiritual Warfare – Sparks, T. Austin Spiritual Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks “If you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” Luke 22:36. Later on Jesus said to those same disciples, “Put your sword back into its place, for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). There must […]

Spiritual Understanding

Spiritual Understanding – Sparks, T. Austin Spiritual Understanding by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Matthew 13:1-9, 11, 14-15, 19, 23, 51 You will probably note that one word occurs in all these varied verses – the word ‘understanding’ in its different forms. I have recently been very much impressed with the necessity for spiritual understanding. This parable […]

Spiritual Ploughing

Spiritual Ploughing – Sparks, T. Austin Spiritual Ploughing by T. Austin-Sparks “But Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). I have just had a couple of days at the farm and during that time I saw some […]

Spiritual Exercise

Spiritual Exercise – Sparks, T. Austin Spiritual Exercise by T. Austin-Sparks “But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). “All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous: yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto […]

Some Principles of the House of God

Some Principles of the House of God – Sparks, T. Austin Some Principles of the House of God by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Psalm 132 “Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared unto David his father, which he made ready in the place that […]

Responsibility For What We Have

Responsibility For What We Have – Sparks, T. Austin Responsibility For What We Have by T. Austin-Sparks “They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them…. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead” (Luke 16:29,31). That is a strange parable, or illustration, […]

Reproduction by Divine Life

Reproduction by Divine Life – Sparks, T. Austin Reproduction by Divine Life by T. Austin-Sparks An organism is never an end in itself… and is never something for itself.  It is a means to a larger end – a channel for larger purposes – and the object of an organism is to reproduce itself by […]

Remembering and Forgetting

Remembering and Forgetting – Sparks, T. Austin Remembering and Forgetting by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Deuteronomy 8. “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God hath led thee…” Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to […]

Prison – Vision – Provision

Prison – Vision – Provision — Sparks, T. Austin Prison – Vision – Provision by T. Austin-Sparks “And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison” (Genesis 39:20). “Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him […]

Principles of Divine Guidance

Principles of Divine Guidance – Sparks, T. Austin Principles of Divine Guidance by T. Austin-Sparks “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of meeting, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord […]

Priesthood and Life

Priesthood and Life – Sparks, T. Austin Priesthood and Life by T. Austin-Sparks What is a priest? He is not an official or a member of a religious caste, but a man who withstands death and ministers life. The one all-inclusive issue of the ages, the great purpose of God from eternity to eternity, can […]

One of the Greatest Needs

One of the Greatest Needs – Sparks, T. Austin One of the Greatest Needs by T. Austin-Sparks One of the greatest needs of our time is to plough our way down through the heavy and tangled growth of Christian doctrines to the virgin soil of spiritual life and reality. A master-stroke of the great subverter, […]

“One New Man”

“One New Man” – Sparks, T. Austin “One New Man” by T. Austin-Sparks The Revelation of Christ READING: Gal. 1:15-16; Eph. 2:15-16; 4:15-16,24; Col. 3:10. The phrase which I feel is to engage us at this time is that in Eph. 2:15 – “one new man”. But before we speak about that specifically, there is […]

On Knowing the Lord

On Knowing the Lord – Sparks, T. Austin On Knowing the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks “That I may know…..” – Phil. 3:10. “Have I been so long time with you, and dost thou not know Me.” – John 14:9; (A.S.V.). Phil. 1:10; Heb. 8:11; 1 John 2:20, 27. It is of the greatest importance for […]

Oil for the Light

Oil for the Light – Sparks, T. Austin Oil for the Light by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given in July 1955. The book of Exodus, chapter 27 at verse 20: “And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a […]

“Not This Way Before”

“Not This Way Before” – Sparks, T. Austin “Not This Way Before” by T. Austin-Sparks (Joshua 3:4) The third chapter of the Book of Joshua is, in itself and in Israel’s history, a very great chapter, marking as it does the consummation of a long, long story related to Divine purpose. But in its figurativeness […]

Not Now But Afterwards

Not Now But Afterwards – Sparks, T. Austin Not Now But Afterwards by T. Austin-Sparks “Who is there among you that will give ear to this? that will hearken and hear for the time to come?” (Isaiah 42:23). Without considering the context of these words, we use them to ask ourselves if we really believe […]

Life and Death

Life and Death – Sparks, T. Austin Life and Death by T. Austin-Sparks “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that one died for all, therefore all died; and he died for all, that they which live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died […]

Let Us Run

Let Us Run – Sparks, T. Austin Let Us Run by T. Austin-Sparks “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:3). “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even […]

Let Us Go On

Let Us Go On – Sparks, T. Austin Let Us Go On by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in April 1959. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. I turn you again to the letter to the Hebrews, in chapter 2, at verse 1: “Therefore we ought to give the […]

Leadership and Ministry

Leadership and Ministry – Sparks, T. Austin Leadership and Ministry by T. Austin-Sparks “For that the leaders took the lead… bless the Lord” (Judges 5:2). While there are few things fraught with more difficulties, perils, and involvements than leadership, there are few things more vital and necessary. The fact of leadership needs no argument. It […]

Keeping Christ in View

Keeping Christ in View – Sparks, T. Austin Keeping Christ in View by T. Austin-Sparks From time to time we feel it to be helpful to our readers if we try to put into some concrete statement something relating to this ministry. Very many write us of its value and helpfulness, and we are glad […]

Joy Out of Travail

Joy Out of Travail – Sparks, T. Austin Joy Out of Travail by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given in 1958. One or two fragments of the Word, firstly in the book of Genesis, chapter 3, verses 16 and 17: “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; […]

Hindrances to Fullness of Life

Hindrances to Fullness of Life – Sparks, T. Austin Hindrances to Fullness of Life by T. Austin-Sparks While it is true that every spiritual blessing is a gift of grace and not something to be merited, it is equally true that no blessing is entered into without a real challenge, demanding a genuine and honest […]

How It Should Be And The Way To It

How It Should Be And The Way To It – Sparks, T. Austin How It Should Be And The Way To It by T. Austin-Sparks These two things are the supreme and all-inclusive concern of the New Testament. Ponder that statement carefully. The whole New Testament (Bible, if you like) is concerned with how things […]

“How Know We the Way?”

“How Know We the Way?” – Sparks, T. Austin  “How Know We the Way?” by T. Austin-Sparks From “This Ministry” – Messages given at Honor Oak – Volume 3 “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). The chapter in which the above […]

I Have Learned… I Know… I Can Do… Through Christ

I Have Learned… I Know… I Can Do… Through Christ – Sparks, T. Austin I Have Learned… I Know… I Can Do… Through Christ by T. Austin-Sparks “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and […]

“I Have Loved Thee”

“I Have Loved Thee” – Sparks, T. Austin “I Have Loved Thee” by T. Austin-Sparks From “The Work of the Ministry” – Volume 2 Reading: Revelation 3:7-11. You will notice that the words of our title are linked with the Lord’s coming – “I come quickly”. And with His coming imminent He addresses these words […]

“I Will Follow Thee, Lord; But…”

“I Will Follow Thee, Lord; But…” – Sparks, T. Austin  “I Will Follow Thee, Lord; But…” by T. Austin-Sparks “Another said, I will follow thee, Lord; but first…” (Luke 9:61). There was a lot of “following” going on just at that time. A glance at the concordance will show how often the word “follow” occurs. […]

God’s Mind About the Church

God’s Mind About the Church – Sparks, T. Austin God’s Mind About the Church by T. Austin-Sparks In the Divine scheme of things it is the Church which has the ultimate effect in the spiritual realm. I mean that individual Christians, though they may be born again, as individuals will not get very far in […]

God’s Means of Achieving His Purpose

God’s Means of Achieving His Purpose – Sparks, T. Austin God’s Means of Achieving His Purpose by T. Austin-Sparks By what means does God reach His end in His people?  What is God’s means of achieving His purpose?  It is by the Spirit of sonship through the Cross.  There is no hope of reaching God’s […]

God’s Man

God’s Man – Sparks, T. Austin God’s Man by T. Austin-Sparks “But thou, O man of God…” (1 Tim. 6:11). “O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee” (1 Tim. 6:20). “O man of God… O Timothy”. In these words you will sense a strong and intense going out of heart on the part […]

God’s Jealousy for Principles

God’s Jealousy for Principles – Sparks, T. Austin God’s Jealousy for Principles by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 1 Sam. 7:1-2; 1 Chron. 13:1-14. Though God has no favourites among men, and is not prejudiced against people as such, yet He is very jealous for principles, and perhaps in the Old Testament there is no incident which […]

God’s Instrument in a Day of Declension

God’s Instrument in a Day of Declension – Sparks, T. Austin God’s Instrument in a Day of Declension by T. Austin-Sparks “And it came to pass, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin” (Genesis 35:18). “And he lifted up his eyes, and […]

God’s Higher Order of Man

God’s Higher Order of Man – Sparks, T. Austin God’s Higher Order of Man by T. Austin-Sparks “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that […]

Friendship With God

Friendship With God – Sparks, T. Austin Friendship With God by T. Austin-Sparks “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11). “Didst not thou, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of […]

Foundation Truths

Foundation Truths – Sparks, T. Austin Foundation Truths by T. Austin-Sparks “Ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians has been divided into five short […]

For the Sake of the Name

For the Sake of the Name – Sparks, T. Austin For the Sake of the Name by T. Austin-Sparks “For the sake of the Name they went forth” (3 John 7). “…the world hateth you… they will also persecute you… But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they […]

“For the Glory of God”

“For the Glory of God” – Sparks, T. Austin “For the Glory of God” by T. Austin-Sparks From “The Work of the Ministry” – Volume 1. “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified thereby” (John 11:4). “He that was dead came forth, […]

“For Such a Time as This”

“For Such a Time as This” – Sparks, T. Austin “For Such a Time as This” by T. Austin-Sparks Beloved of God, I have recently been going over writings which expressed the feelings of spiritual people of God at various times during many years. The thing which is characteristic of them all is that the […]

Food for the Hungry

Food for the Hungry – Sparks, T. Austin Food for the Hungry by T. Austin-Sparks “Give ye them to eat” (Matt. 14:16; cf. Mark 6; Luke 9; John 6). It is significant that the feeding of a multitude by Jesus is something recorded by all four writers of the Gospels, even if the two occasions […]

Explanation of the Nature and History of “This Ministry”

Explanation of the Nature and History of “This Ministry” – Sparks, T. Austin Explanation of the Nature and History of “This Ministry” by T. Austin-Sparks With the expanding and strengthening of this ministry there is an increasing enquiry and request for some concise statement as to its spiritual history and nature. This need seems also […]

“Do It Yourself”

“Do It Yourself” – Sparks, T. Austin “Do It Yourself” by T. Austin-Sparks Readers in England will recognise that the heading is borrowed from that popular creative enterprise which has been growing so extensively in recent years. Behind the title there seem to be a number of implied questions, such as: Why not have all […]

Divine Strategy in What is Positive

Divine Strategy in What is Positive – Sparks, T. Austin Divine Strategy in What is Positive by T. Austin-Sparks “Fervent in spirit” (“The spiritual glow” – Moffatt) (Romans 12:11). In the legend of Orpheus there is the incident when Orpheus sailed by the Island of the Siren and the Siren made such enchanting music that […]

Deliverance in a Day of Judgment

Deliverance in a Day of Judgment – Sparks, T. Austin Deliverance in a Day of Judgment by T. Austin-Sparks “And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, when a land sinneth against me by committing a trespass, and I stretch out my hand upon it, and break the staff of […]

Death and Resurrection

Death and Resurrection – Sparks, T. Austin Death and Resurrection by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in 1965. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. Words which were not clearly discernible have been enclosed in [square] brackets. Now, Lord, we have been reminded of that great occasion when Thy Word […]

David’s Mighty Men

David’s Mighty Men – Sparks, T. Austin by T. Austin-Sparks “And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant. And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan […]

Christ the Power of God

Christ the Power of God – Sparks, T. Austin By T. Austin-Sparks  “But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks,Christ the power of God…” (1 Corinthians 1:24). For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). In many ways the explanation of Christ being […]

Christ Our Life

Christ Our Life – Sparks, T. Austin Christ Our Life by T. Austin-Sparks  “When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested…” (Colossians 3:4)  One of the main objects of the Holy Spirit is to get believers really identified with Christ as the risen and exalted Lord, and to make His risen life real in […]

At the Crossroads

At the Crossroads – Sparks, T. Austin At the Crossroads ,   by T. Austin-Sparks “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16). At some point – not quite […]

Christ in You

Christ in You – Sparks, T. Austin Christ in you by T. Austin-Sparks  “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took […]

Aspects of the City

Aspects of the City – Sparks, T. Austin Aspects of the City by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in March 1960. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. A few verses from two places, one in the Old and one in the New Testament. In the Old, the first book […]

Christ in Heaven and Christ Within

Christ in Heaven and Christ Within – Sparks, T. Austin Christ in Heaven and Christ Within by T. Austin-Sparks The Need For Balance “Which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” (Eph. 1:20). “To whom God would make known […]

“And So We Came To Rome”

“And So We Came To Rome” – Sparks, T. Austin “And So We Came To Rome” by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Rom. 1:10-15; 15:22-24,32; Acts 19:21; Acts 27, 28. “And so we came to Rome” (Acts 28:14). An Earthly Objective with Heavenly Significance It is not a new idea that Paul’s journey to Rome can be […]

Christ and His Bride

Christ and His Bride – Sparks, T. Austin Christ and His Bride by T. Austin-Sparks “Christ… loved the church, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot […]

An Open Heaven

An Open Heaven – Sparks, T. Austin An Open Heaven by T. Austin-Sparks “His servants shall serve him; and they shall see his face” Revelation 22:4 With the book of Genesis and the book of the Revelation we have the whole bound of human history and, as we read through the Scriptures, the matter which […]

Christ – All, And In All

Christ – All, And In All — Sparks, T. Austin Christ – All, And In All by T. Austin-Sparks “And He is the Head of the body, the church: Who is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the pre-eminence” (Colossians 1:18). “Where there is neither Greek nor […]

An Appreciation of T Austin-Sparks

An Appreciation of T Austin-Sparks – Sparks, T. Austin An Appreciation of T Austin-Sparks by Harry Foster Reprinted from “A Witness And A Testimony” magazine, July-August 1971. After forty years of active association with brother Austin-Sparks in the things of God, it fell to me to lead the praiseful funeral service on April 19th, 1971 […]

The Strategy of God

The Strategy of God – Sparks, T. Austin The Strategy of God by T. Austin-Sparks  From “This Ministry” – Messages given at Honor Oak – Volume 3.  Reading: Job 23:8-14.  “He hideth himself” (v. 9). “He knoweth the way that I take” (v. 10). “He performeth that which is appointed for me” (v. 14).  The […]

The Stones of Testing

The Stones of Testing – Sparks, T. Austin The stone of testing by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in 1959. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. Words which were not clearly discernible or questionable have been enclosed in [square] brackets. Our meditation for a few minutes will be in […]

The Spoil of Battle

The Spoil of Battle – Sparks, T. Austin The Spoil of Battle by T. Austin-Sparks “From spoil won in battles they dedicated gifts to maintain the house of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 26:27. From this passage of Scripture we gather that the House of the Lord is constituted out of our conflicts. The Lord builds […]

The Spirit of Service

The Spirit of Service – Sparks, T. Austin The Spirit of Service by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in April 1959. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. The book of Exodus chapter 32 and verse 32: “Yet now, if Thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, […]

The Spirit of Glory

The Spirit of Glory – Sparks, T. Austin The Spirit of Glory by T. Austin-Sparks From “The Work of the Ministry” – Messages given at Honor Oak – Volume 2. These things spake Jesus; and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that the Son may […]

The Spirit in Prison

The Spirit in Prison – Sparks, T. Austin The Spirit in Prison by T. Austin-Sparks The history of Christianity from the latter days of the Apostles is the history of prisons. Not literal, material prisons, though there have been not a few of these, but prisons which are the result of man’s inveterate habit of […]

The Silver Trumpets of Redemption

The Silver Trumpets of Redemption – Sparks, T. Austin The Silver Trumpets of Redemption by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Numbers 10:1-10 There is a great deal about trumpets in the Bible: indeed the word occurs about a hundred times. This suggests that God has something to say to us on this subject, especially to His servants. […]

The Silence of Sovereignty and the Action of Faith

The Silence of Sovereignty and the Action of Faith – Sparks, T. Austin The Silence of Sovereignty and the Action of Faith by T. Austin-Sparks “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake […]

The Seamless Robe

The Seamless Robe – Sparks, T. Austin The Seamless Robe by T. Austin-Sparks “They part My garments among them, and upon My vesture do they cast lots.” Psalm 22:18 (A.R.V.). “The soldiers therefore, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat: now […]

The Saving Power of Divine Vision

The Saving Power of Divine Vision – Sparks, T. Austin The Saving Power of Divine Vision by T. Austin-Sparks (A Message as Spoken) “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (“the people cast off restraint” – R.V.). (Proverbs 29:18). That verse might be translated, “Where there is no vision, the people disintegrate” or “fall […]

The Riches of His Grace

The Revelation of the Father

The Revelation of the Father – Sparks, T. Austin The Revelation of the Father by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: John 16:1-17:26 I want you just to pass your eye over that prayer again – “He said, Father… O Father… I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them… As thou, Father, art in me, and I in […]

The Rest And The Courage Of Faith

The Rest And The Courage Of Faith – Sparks, T. Austin The Rest And The Courage Of Faith by T. Austin-Sparks “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Heb 4:9). “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (Heb. 3:19). “Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua […]

The Removing of Those Things That Are Shaken

The Removing of Those Things That Are Shaken – Sparks, T. Austin The Removing of Those Things That Are Shaken by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in 1958. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. The letter to the Hebrews, chapter 12 at verse 26: “Whose voice then shook the […]

The Relevance of Christ

The Relevance of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Relevance of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks The words “Christ shall be magnified in my body” (Philippians 1:20) not only provide the key to the epistle to the Philippians but also the secret of Paul’s radiant and fruitful life. All through the four chapters he took pleasure […]

The Release of the Lord

The Release of the Lord – Sparks, T. Austin The Release of the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks That enlargement through straitening is an abiding law of the Kingdom of the Heavens in this age is a well-known truth. Its implications are various and its instances are numerous. One of its too oft-unrecognized implications is that […]

The Rainbow

The Rainbow – Sparks, T. Austin The Rainbow by T. Austin-Sparks “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in […]

The Purpose of God

The Purpose of God – Sparks, T. Austin The Purpose of God by T. Austin-Sparks  It is of immense help, in contemplating the manifold activities and energies of God, to be able to gather everything into one inclusive, comprehensive, and concrete issue. The Bible, from Genesis to the Revelation, covers a wide range and includes […]

The Peril of Divided Loyalties

The Peril of Divided Loyalties – Sparks, T. Austin The Peril of Divided Loyalties by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 1 Sam. 31:1-13; 2 Sam. 1:17-27. It is around Jonathan that our thoughts are gathered at this time. His is a strange and very pathetic story and raises a matter which is perhaps more difficult to resolve […]

The Peculiar Conditions of an End-Time

The Peculiar Conditions of an End-Time – Sparks, T. Austin The Peculiar Conditions of an End-Time by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Luke 2:25-38; I Cor. 10:11; Heb. 8:13, 9:26. We are being led at this time to take note of the fact that we are at an end-time, and that God does a peculiar work at […]

The Parables of the Kingdom

The Parables of the Kingdom – Sparks, T. Austin The Parables of the Kingdom by T. Austin-Sparks In the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel by Matthew, which we may have open before us by way of reminder, we find the operation of the Kingdom illustrated in a sevenfold way. THE PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM I […]

The Overcomer at the End-time

The Overcomer at the End-time – Sparks, T. Austin The Overcomer at the End-time by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Revelation 12. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” As to these words in the eleventh verse, we […]

The Otherness of Christ

The Otherness of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Otherness of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks Dear friends, what is the Lord doing with us? That is what we want to know. What is He doing with you and me, and with those who are really in His hands? Is He not doing with us that […]

The Ordinances of Heaven

The Ordinances of Heaven – Sparks, T. Austin The Ordinances of Heaven by T. Austin-Sparks “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he […]

The Only Reality

The Only Reality – Sparks, T. Austin The Only Reality by T. Austin-Sparks Among the many designations given to responsible servants of God in the Bible is that of ‘Watchman’. The function of the Watchman is so well understood that the time need not be taken to describe it. In a word, it is to […]

The Offence of the Cross (1932)

The Offence of the Cross (1932) – Sparks, T. Austin The Offence of the Cross (1932) by T. Austin-Sparks It is a perfectly obvious fact that wherever the Cross of the Lord Jesus Christ has been most faithfully preached and presented – while bringing hope and new life to many – it has almost invariably […]

The Offence of the Cross

The Offence of the Cross – Sparks, T. Austin The Offence of the Cross by T. Austin-Sparks “And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.” (Galatians 5:11). The verse from which this title is taken suggests that if only Paul had […]

The New Birth

The New Birth – Sparks, T. Austin The New Birth by T. Austin-Sparks “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God… Marvel not that I said unto you, You must be born anew” (John 3:3,7). “For God so loved […]

The Necessity For New Birth

The Necessity For New Birth – Sparks, T. Austin The Necessity For New Birth by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 1 Cor. 15:45,47; 2 Cor. 5:17; John 3:3,5-7. I want to bring a word very simply to you, a word which many may think to be quite elementary, but it will be intentionally so. Perhaps there is […]

The Nature of the Testimony

The Nature of the Testimony – Sparks, T. Austin The Nature of the Testimony by T. Austin-Sparks Life Incorruptible and Indestructible Reading: Hebrews 11:1-19. We are going to meditate upon the innermost nature of that Testimony which relates to the Lord in this earth, and in this universe. This whole chapter is occupied with that […]

The Nature of the Dispensation in Which We Live

The Nature of the Dispensation in Which We Live – Sparks, T. Austin The Nature of the Dispensation in Which We Live by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: “The spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be […]

The Nature Of Divine Life

The Nature Of Divine Life – Sparks, T. Austin The Nature Of Divine Life by T. Austin-Sparks “I came that they might have life” (John 10:10). When we come to the Gospel by John, we see that this is the Gospel of spiritual education. The others are largely a matter of history – the history […]

The Mystery and Miracle of Divine Support

The Mystery and Miracle of Divine Support – Sparks, T. Austin The Mystery and Miracle of Divine Support by T. Austin-Sparks (A message given in conference) Reading: John 6:25-27, 30-33, 47-48, 53. During this past week we have been considering the Lord Jesus as God’s pattern to which He is seeking to conform us, and […]

The Mount of Vision

The Mount of Vision – Sparks, T. Austin The Mount of Vision by T. Austin-Sparks Why the mountain? So often in the Bible God’s movements in revelation and purpose were connected with mountains. It was so with Moses and the Law and the Pattern of the Tabernacle. It was so with Elijah at Carmel and […]

The Most Difficult Thing in the World

The Most Difficult Thing in the World – Sparks, T. Austin The Most Difficult Thing in the World by T. Austin-Sparks READING: Heb. 4:1-13; 11:5-6. I am going to speak for a little while on the most difficult thing in the world, that is, faith. So far as the Lord’s people are concerned, it can […]

The Momentousness of Jesus Christ

The Momentousness of Jesus Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Momentousness of Jesus Christ by T. Austin-Sparks From “A Witness and A Testimony” magazines 1969, Volumes 47-4 & 47-5 Reading: Philippians 3:1-16. “I had heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; but now mine eye seeth thee” (Job 42:5). This verse sums up […]

The Ministry of Elijah

The Ministry of Elijah – Sparks, T. Austin The Ministry of Elijah by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 1 Kings 17. What we have in view, of course, in the first place, is the servant of the Lord. Once more God is found reacting to a state of things amongst His Own people, rising up in Divine […]

The Measure of Christ

The Measure of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Measure of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Col.1:27). Read the whole verse carefully, fragment by fragment, to get the full import of its wonderful truth: “God was pleased to make known – what is the riches of the glory – […]

The Marks of Jesus

The Marks of Jesus – Sparks, T. Austin The Marks of Jesus by T. Austin-Sparks A Message to Younger Christians I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus. (Galatians 6:17.) The marks of Jesus; whether these were actually marks on his body, scars of his sufferings, or whether he was using a figure, […]

The Lordship of Christ

The Lordship of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Lordship of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks From “The Work of the Ministry” – Volume 3 The Key to Fullness Reading: Acts 2:23-25, 34-36, 41; 3:13-15; 4:8-12; 5:30-32; 9:4-6; 10:36. As we read these passages, we cannot fail to see that one note runs through them all […]

The Lord’s Recovery Movement

The Lord’s Recovery Movement – Sparks, T. Austin The Lord’s Recovery Movement by T. Austin-Sparks On the whole today, the Lord’s full thought and conception is not the general thing among His people.  The testimony of the Lord has largely broken down, and the great multitude called by His name are governed and manipulated and […]

The Lord’s Government of the Ear and the Hand

The Lord’s Government of the Ear and the Hand – Sparks, T. Austin The Lord’s Government of the Ear and the Hand by T. Austin-Sparks The Ear The Lord is to have supreme control of the ear. We must come on to the ground where the ear is dead to every other controlling voice, every […]

The Lord’s Field

The Lord’s Field – Sparks, T. Austin The Lord’s Field by T. Austin-Sparks  “Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech. Doth he that plougheth to sow, plough continually? doth he open and harrow his ground? When, he hath levelled the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and […]

The Lord’s Attitude To His Children In Adversity

The Lord’s Attitude To His Children In Adversity – Sparks, T. Austin The Lord’s Attitude To His Children In Adversity by T. Austin-Sparks “In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His presence saved them: in His love and in His pity He redeemed them; and He bare them, and carried them […]

The Lord’s Assembly

The Lord’s Assembly – Sparks, T. Austin The Lord’s Assembly by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Exodus 35 This and the following chapters give us a comprehensive representation of Christ as tabernacling among His people; they are a typical setting forth of the body of Christ, the Church; and they are a most valuable disclosure of the […]

“The Lord is With Him”

“The Lord is With Him” – Sparks, T. Austin “The Lord is With Him” by T. Austin-Sparks “Then answered one of the young men and said, Behold I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is skilful in playing, and a mighty man of valour, and a man of war, and prudent in […]

“The Lord is Greater Than All”

“The Lord is Greater Than All” – Sparks, T. Austin  “The Lord is Greater Than All” by T. Austin-Sparks “THE LORD IS GREATER THAN ALL…” That is the motto which we have taken to govern this year 1954. Under that all-embracing statement we have gathered three other aspects of His superior greatness. The inclusive declaration […]

The Living God

The Living God – Sparks, T. Austin The Living God by T. Austin-Sparks “And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you… Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth passeth over before you into the Jordan.” Josh. 3:10-11. “For they themselves report… how ye […]

The Increase of Spiritual Capacity

The Increase of Spiritual Capacity – Sparks, T. Austin The Increase of Spiritual Capacity by T. Austin-Sparks  “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit…” (John 16:12).  “I could not speak unto you as spiritual… I fed you with milk, not with meat… not even now are […]

The Increase of God

The Increase of God – Sparks, T. Austin The Increase of God by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 1 Cor. 3; Heb. 5:11-6:3. “We desire each one of you to show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope…. that ye be not sluggish, but… through faith and patience inherit the promises.” “Walk worthily of the Lord… […]

The Incense-Bearer

The Incense-Bearer – Sparks, T. Austin The Incense-Bearer by T. Austin-Sparks “…and by me sends forth the knowledge of Him, a stream of fragrant incense, throughout the world.  For Christ’s is the fragrance which I offer up to God, whether among those in the way of salvation, or among those in the way of perdition; […]

The Importance of Being in the Spirit

The Importance of Being in the Spirit – Sparks, T. Austin The Importance of Being in the Spirit by T. Austin-Sparks  The phrase “in the Spirit” occurs several times in the book of the Revelation. It represents the way of escape for the Lord’s people from the oppression of the earthly conditions which surround and […]

The Importance and Value of God-given Vision

The Importance and Value of God-given Vision – Sparks, T. Austin The Importance and Value of God-given Vision by T. Austin-Sparks  “Come hither, I will show thee…” (Revelation 21:9)  At times of crisis in the Church’s history there has always been one factor which has been decisive; that is, the presence or absence of God-given […]

The Importance and Value of Experience

The Importance and Value of Experience – Sparks, T. Austin The Importance and Value of Experience by T. Austin-Sparks  “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed […]

The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Child of God

The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Child of God – Sparks, T. Austin The Holy Spirit in the Life of a Child of God by T. Austin-Sparks From “This Ministry” – Messages given at Honor Oak – Volume 3. “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the […]

The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Anointing

The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Anointing – Sparks, T. Austin The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Anointing by T. Austin-Sparks “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and he entered, as his custom was, into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up to read. And there […]

The Holy Spirit and the Cross, the Church, and the Coming Again of the Lord Jesus

The Holy Spirit and the Cross, the Church, and the Coming Again of the Lord Jesus – Sparks, T. Austin The Holy Spirit and the Cross, the Church, and the Coming Again of the Lord Jesus by T. Austin-Sparks   A Message as Spoken  The Theme is “The Holy Spirit and the Cross, the Church, […]

The Greatness of the Church

The Greatness of the Church – Sparks, T. Austin The Greatness of the Church by T. Austin-Sparks There is a painful slowness amongst Christians to apprehend the great purpose and intent of their salvation, to know and to understand the nature of their high calling; and it is in this connection that there is a […]

The God of the Amen

The God of the Amen – Sparks, T. Austin The God of the Amen by T. Austin-Sparks “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness” (Rev. 3:14). “So that he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of […]

The Galatians and the Witch’s Spell

The Galatians and the Witch’s Spell – Sparks, T. Austin The Galatians and the Witch’s Spell by T. Austin-Sparks This message was given on 20 Oct. 1934 Galatians 3:1 “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched (lit. cast the witch’s spell over) you…?” The apostle says that these people had come under a spell. Have you […]

The Fulfilled Law

The Fulfilled Law – Sparks, T. Austin The Fulfilled Law by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 1 Kings 8:5-11 At last the ark of the covenant had arrived at its destination. Amid scenes of great rejoicing it had been brought “to its place” and left there under the wings of the cherubim and surrounded by clouds of […]

“The Fruit of Conflict”

“The Fruit of Conflict” – Sparks, T. Austin “The Fruit of Conflict” by T. Austin-Sparks   “Out of the spoil won in battles did they dedicate to repair the house of the Lord” (1 Chron. 26:27). The margin gives a slight variation – “Out of the battles and the spoil did they dedicate to repair […]

The Fountain and the Cisterns

The Fountain and the Cisterns – Sparks, T. Austin The Fountain and the Cisterns by T. Austin-Sparks “It shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it […]

The Foundations of an Exemplary Christian Life

The Foundations of an Exemplary Christian Life – Sparks, T. Austin The Foundations of an Exemplary Christian Life by T. Austin-Sparks “Ye turned unto God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 1:9,10). Paul’s first […]

The Food Question

The Food Question – Sparks, T. Austin The Food Question by T. Austin-Sparks In times of national emergency one of the most vital considerations, and one that very largely governs the issue, is that of the food supply. To conserve it is a primary feature of both defence and aggression. To keep it from falling […]

“The Flame of a Sword”

“The Flame of a Sword” – Sparks, T. Austin  “The Flame of a Sword” by T. Austin-Sparks “He placed at the East of the Garden… the flame of a sword which turned every way…” Genesis 3:24. A glance at the context will show that this deliberate act of God was a precautionary measure against fallen […]

The Final Call of God

The Final Call of God – Sparks, T. Austin The Final Call of God by T. Austin-Sparks History is marked by a recurrent crisis which has three aspects. Whenever God has considered that the time has come for judgment, that ordeal by fire has involved these three issues. Judgment is not only penalty or punishment; […]

“The Fellowship of His Sufferings”

“The Fellowship of His Sufferings” – Sparks, T. Austin “The Fellowship of His Sufferings” by T. Austin-Sparks “That I may know him and… the fellowship of his sufferings” (Phil. 3:10). “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ… for his […]

The Curse of the Earth Touch

The Curse of the Earth Touch – Sparks, T. Austin The Curse of the Earth Touch by T. Austin-Sparks In searching for a sentence that will serve as a window through which what we have in view can be seen the one that seems most potent is The Curse of the Earth Touch. To understand […]

The Cry of the Elect

The Cry of the Elect – Sparks, T. Austin The “Cry” and the “Coming” Then it seems to me that the Lord intended that we should take account of this too, that, when the Church really does reach that point and position where it does cry like this, that means that the end is just […]

The Crown of the Incorruptible

The Crown of the Incorruptible – Sparks, T. Austin The Crown of the Incorruptible by T. Austin-Sparks “An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you…” (1 Peter 1:4) The verdict of the long run, that is, what abides as incorruptible when all else has passed, is the verdict […]

The Cross of Christ

The Cross of Christ – Sparks, T. Austin The Cross of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks [Click here to view the diagram that goes with this article] Zero. The dictionary tells us that (a) Zero is the point in the scale of the thermometer from which positive and negative quantity is reckoned. (b) In military operations, […]

The Cross and the God of Hope

The Cross and the God of Hope – Sparks, T. Austin The Cross and the God of Hope by T. Austin-Sparks “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). ‘The God of hope fill […]

The Cross and the Deliverance of the Mind

The Cross and the Deliverance of the Mind – Sparks, T. Austin The Cross and the Deliverance of the Mind by T. Austin-Sparks There are few, if any, more malignant causes of spiritual paralysis than a mind unrenewed or unguarded. We learn by bitter experience that the main objective of the adversary as the most […]

The Cross and Ministry

The Cross and Ministry – Sparks, T. Austin The Cross and Ministry by T. Austin-Sparks The second letter (to the Corinthians), as we know, is the ministers’ letter! It tells us what a minister is from the Divine standpoint when the Cross does its work. Moses, the minister of God, is brought very much into […]

The Crisis of Pentecost

The Crisis of Pentecost – Sparks, T. Austin The Crisis of Pentecost by T. Austin-Sparks Christianity is built upon two great facts, the facts that God raised Jesus from the dead and the fact that the Holy Spirit makes this a reality in the life of the believer. Jesus risen; the Spirit given: these are […]

The Corporate Vessel

The Corporate Vessel – Sparks, T. Austin The Corporate Vessel by T. Austin-Sparks There are two titles or designations of the Church, which are, to my mind, supreme amongst the designations. The first is “Christ”: “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, […]

The Continuing Need For Adjustment

The Continuing Need For Adjustment – Sparks, T. Austin The Continuing Need For Adjustment by T. Austin-Sparks From time to time, right through the ages, those who have stood in quite a definite relationship to the things of God have either been seduced, or have drifted, or have for some reason come to fixed and […]

The Candlestick all of Gold

The Candlestick all of Gold – Sparks, T. Austin The Candlestick all of Gold by T. Austin-Sparks Zechariah 4 Features of the End-Time The chapter which is now before us features in a remarkable way conditions and Divine aims in the “End-times.” There are striking similarities in it to certain things mentioned in the first […]

The Burden of the Valley of Vision

The Burden of the Valley of Vision – Sparks, T. Austin The Burden of the Valley of Vision by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Isaiah 22:1 The word ”burden” here just does mean a load or weight, as much as a man can carry. Thus the Prophets felt what the Lord had shown them to be something […]

The Body of Christ: Its Heavenly Aspect

The Body of Christ: Its Heavenly Aspect – Sparks, T. Austin The Body of Christ: Its Heavenly Aspect by T. Austin-Sparks  We are going, as the Lord enables us, to meditate afresh on the Body of Christ. We know, when we want to have the larger unfoldings of this “Mystery” where to turn; we instinctively […]

The Blood, the Cross and the Name of the Lord Jesus

The Blood, the Cross and the Name of the Lord Jesus – Sparks, T. Austin The Blood, the Cross and the Name of the Lord Jesus by T. Austin-Sparks  Readings: Series 1 – Luke 22:17,18,20. John 6:54,55. Col. 1:20. Heb. 9:12-14,20,22; 10:19; 11:29; 12:24. 1 Peter 1:2. 1 John 1:7. Rev. 5:9,10; 7:14,15. Series 2 […]

The Battleground of the Soul

The Battleground of the Soul – Sparks, T. Austin The Battleground of the Soul by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Matt. 16:13-25; Luke 22:31-34. “Blessed art thou, Simon… My Father (hath revealed it unto thee)” (Matt. 16:17). “He… said unto Peter, Get thee behind Me, Satan” (Matt. 16:23). “Simon… Satan asked to have you… but I made […]

The Battle Which Is Not Yours

The Battle Which Is Not Yours – Sparks, T. Austin The Battle Which Is Not Yours by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 2 Chron. 20:1–27. “Then upon Jehaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the Lord […]

The Basis of Authority

The Basis of Authority – Sparks, T. Austin The Basis of Authority by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Psalm 45:1-7; Hebrews 1:8,9. “My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Thou art fairer than the children of […]

THE AUTHOR TO THE READER.

THE AUTHOR TO THE READER. – Sparks, T. Austin THE AUTHOR TO THE READER. Friend, because it is a dangerous thing to be walking towards the lace of darkness and anguish; and again, because it is (notwithstanding) the journey that most of the poor souls in the world are taking, and that with delight and […]

The Assault on Fellowship

The Assault on Fellowship – Sparks, T. Austin The Assault on Fellowship by T. Austin-Sparks There are few matters which go to the heart of the Lord’s testimony more than the matter of fellowship between the Lord’s people… and especially where there is particular responsibility for His testimony. The drive of the enemy and all […]

The Anointing: Light Within Our Dwellings

The Anointing: Light Within Our Dwellings – Sparks, T. Austin The Anointing: Light Within Our Dwellings by T. Austin-Sparks When will the Lord’s people, who have the Scriptures and who know the Scriptures so well in the letter, when will they come to realize and to recognize that if truly they have been crucified with […]

Taking Heavenly Ground

Taking Heavenly Ground – Sparks, T. Austin Taking Heavenly Ground by T. Austin-Sparks In our Editorials we have referred much to the tragedy of spiritual conditions, particularly to the divided state of Christians. It is a matter which no one really concerned for God’s glory can easily set aside, or fail to have as a […]

Take Your Share

Take Your Share – Sparks, T. Austin Take Your Share by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: 1 Chronicles 15:1-2, 2 Timothy 2:1-3. And David made him houses in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said, None ought to carry the ark of […]

Suitability for the Glory of God

Suitability for the Glory of God – Sparks, T. Austin Suitability for the Glory of God by T. Austin-Sparks “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Rev. 21:14). “And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over […]

Suffering and Glory

Suffering and Glory – Sparks, T. Austin Suffering and Glory by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Hebrews 11:32-40, 2 Corinthians 11:23-33; Colossians 1:24; 2 Timothy 2:3 It is a remarkable combination which we find in those first people of God – the combination of suffering and joy. It is not easy for us to put ourselves into […]

In Hope

In Hope – Sparks, T. Austin Subjected… In Hope by T. Austin-Sparks “For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but by reason of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the […]

Striving In Prayer

Striving In Prayer – Sparks, T. Austin Striving In Prayer by T. Austin-Sparks A Conference Message Reading: Phil. 1:29-30; Col. 1:28-2:2; 4:12. There is much more in the Word of the same nature that could be added to these passages, but these are sufficient, I think, to indicate something we need to lay to heart. […]

Stripping Down to Christ Alone

Stripping Down to Christ Alone – Sparks, T. Austin Stripping Down to Christ Alone by T. Austin-Sparks We realize, with intense sorrow of heart, that all is not well with that which ostensibly represents the Lord here… and that there is a state of things widely prevailing which does not truly accord with the revealed […]

Stewardship

Stewardship – Sparks, T. Austin Stewardship          by T. Austin-Sparks “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:1,2) A steward is a man who, on […]

Stephen – Thy Witness

Stephen – Thy Witness — Sparks, T. Austin Stephen – Thy Witness by T. Austin-Sparks An Appeal for Spiritual Christianity Acts 22:20 (Acts 6 & 7) It would be difficult to find a Christian who did not hold Stephen in very high esteem. The reading of the account of his martyrdom, as that of a […]

Spirituality: The Key To All That is of God

Spirituality: The Key To All That is of God – Sparks, T. Austin Spirituality: The Key To All That is of God by T. Austin-Sparks A spiritual state is the key to all that is of God. Spirituality is the door, and the key to the door, beyond which lies everything that relates to God. […]

Simulation – Exaggeration – Predomination

Simulation – Exaggeration – Predomination — Sparks, T. Austin Simulation – Exaggeration – Predomination by T. Austin-Sparks Bible interpreters have been convinced that the words ostensibly addressed to “the king of Babylon” in Isaiah 14 have a larger context and can only be exhausted if seen to refer to some erstwhile angelic being. This conviction […]

Significant Salutations

Significant Salutations – Sparks, T. Austin Significant Salutations by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: Romans 16 This is a chapter which I expect you do not often read. The letter proper seems to end with the “Amen” of 15:33, and it is easy to regard the final chapter as of little importance. But even though it may […]

Service

Service – Sparks, T. Austin Service by T. Austin-Sparks There is so much – and there are so many ways – which claim to be “God’s service” and “mighty works in the Name of Jesus.” Thank God, however, that we have not to judge and decide what is and what is not true service to […]

Seeing Christ by Revelation

Seeing Christ by Revelation – Sparks, T. Austin Seeing Christ by Revelation by T. Austin-Sparks He (the Lord Jesus) is the sum of all Divine thoughts, and the Incarnation is the supreme expression of this one thought of God, to be truly, adequately, fully, perfectly represented; so that it was possible for the Lord Jesus […]

Satan’s Main Objective

Satan’s Main Objective – Sparks, T. Austin Satan’s Main Objective by T. Austin-Sparks The main objective of the forces of evil is by some means – no matter how – to rob the believer of real spiritual fighting force; not talking force, working force, organizing force, advertising force, holding-and-going-to-meeting force, listening-to-teaching force, soul force; but […]

Rooted and Grounded

Rooted and Grounded – Sparks, T. Austin Rooted and Grounded by T. Austin-Sparks The Lord’s Object with the Overcomer “And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.” (Is. 37:31). Reading: Isaiah 36:1-22. “And even now the axe lieth at the root of the […]

Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship – 2

Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship –2 — Sparks, T. Austin Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship – 2 by T. Austin-Sparks “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). And Jesus, crying with a loud […]

Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship

Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship – Sparks, T. Austin Resurrection, the Hallmark of Sonship by T. Austin-Sparks In the terrible darkness of the Cross, Jesus uttered the cry of desertion and forsakenness in which He could only use the term: “My God…” (Matthew 27:46), but before He died He was able to say: “Father, into […]

Resurrection: A Living Personal Reality

Resurrection: A Living Personal Reality – Sparks, T. Austin Resurrection: A Living Personal Reality by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in 1959. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. Words which were not clearly discernible have been enclosed in [square] brackets. Reading: 2 Kings 6:1-33 In the second book of […]

Resting in the Lord’s Care

Resting in the Lord’s Care – Sparks, T. Austin Resting in the Lord’s Care by T. Austin-Sparks “For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet. 2:15). “For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully… […]

Pride and Its Undoing

Pride and Its Undoing – Sparks, T. Austin Pride and Its Undoing by T. Austin-Sparks If I were asked to choose a text for what is on my heart I should have very great difficulty. I can only say to you that the whole Book is the text, so I give you the whole Bible […]

Portents of the Day of the Lord

Portents of the Day of the Lord – Sparks, T. Austin Portents of the Day of the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks While students of prophecy are occupied with historical signs of the approaching advent of Christ, there are three spiritual portents that should be carefully taken note of. 1. A phenomenal world-encirclement of the Gospel. […]

Personal Testimony

Personal Testimony – Sparks, T. Austin Personal Testimony by T. Austin-Sparks Years ago I was unquestionably stretched out to the full for God’s best (as I trust I am now), and there was no doubt whatever as to my devotion to the Lord. I was right in the full tide of every kind of evangelical […]

Partners

Partners – Sparks, T. Austin The word ‘house’ of course, is more literally ‘an economy’, an order of God in this dispensation. So on the one side there is the earthly house, on the other side the heavenly in contrast. On one side the temporal, on the other side the spiritual. On the one side, […]

Parenthetical Christians

Parenthetical Christians – Sparks, T. Austin Parenthetical Christians by T. Austin-Sparks “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples: and he said unto them, Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed?” (Acts 19:1-2). A Lack of […]

Overcomers

Overcomers – Sparks, T. Austin Overcomers by T. Austin-Sparks You see, the Remnant and Overcomers have as their function to be God’s vantage ground in a day of widespread spiritual declension and failure, to be vantage points, that upon which God can act and say. Here is my thought positively expressed; here is the thing […]

Our Ministry

Our Ministry – Sparks, T. Austin Our Ministry by T. Austin-Sparks My word to you is one of reminding you of the ministry which we have felt to be committed to us by God. It is but one among many given to His people, but it is one which is fulfilled with an ever increasing […]

One Universal Spiritual Remedy

One Universal Spiritual Remedy – Sparks, T. Austin One Universal Spiritual Remedy by T. Austin-Sparks It would be a wonderful thing if, in the realm of medicine, one remedy could be found whereby every conceivable malady could be most certainly cured. What a tremendous amount of complications and confusion would at once be removed. It […]

One Universal Answer

One Universal Answer – Sparks, T. Austin One Universal Answer by T. Austin-Sparks Perhaps one of the greatest, if not the greatest, of the difficulties of the Christian is to accept in a practical way, and establish as a governing rule of life, the things “most surely believed” as truth. We are all greatly oppressed […]

Not Here, and Not Now

Not Here, and Not Now – Sparks, T. Austin Not Here, and Not Now by T. Austin-Sparks “…to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose” (Eph. 3:10-11). “Who is there among […]

More Pioneers of the Heavenly Way

More Pioneers of the Heavenly Way – Sparks, T. Austin More Pioneers of the Heavenly Way by T. Austin-Sparks Genesis 45:5,7 “God did send me before you to preserve life” “God sent me before you to preserve… a remnant” It is clear from this double statement – “God sent me before…” – that Joseph was […]

Mentality of the Spiritual Warrior

Mentality of the Spiritual Warrior – Sparks, T. Austin Mentality of the Spiritual Warrior by T. Austin-Sparks “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds); casting down […]

Mental or Spiritual

Mental or Spiritual – Sparks, T. Austin Mental or Spiritual by T. Austin-Sparks There is a vast amount of intellectual comprehension of truth and doctrine which is not touching the situation, not meeting the need… A person may know Scripture most thoroughly and yet be the most awkward, cantankerous and peevish person in daily life; […]

Maturity – The Lord’s Desire for His People

Maturity – The Lord’s Desire for His People — Sparks, T. Austin Maturity – The Lord’s Desire for His People by T. Austin-Sparks The great feature of the dispensation in which we live is the gathering out from the nations of the members of the Body of Christ, and then the bringing of them on […]

Man’s Way vs. God’s Way

Man’s Way vs. God’s Way – Sparks, T. Austin Man’s Way vs. God’s Way by T. Austin-Sparks “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your […]

Man’s Alternative to God’s Best

Man’s Alternative to God’s Best – Sparks, T. Austin Man’s Alternative to God’s Best by T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in Los Angeles, March 1962. The spoken form has been retained verbatim. When I left New York to come here, I had a very strong sense that sometime while I […]

“Loose Him, and Let Him Go!”

“Loose Him, and Let Him Go!” – Sparks, T. Austin  “Loose Him, and Let Him Go!” by T. Austin-Sparks Reading: John 11:38-44 It is that last verse that we shall be considering especially: “He that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes; and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus […]

“Looking Unto Jesus”

“Looking Unto Jesus” – Sparks, T. Austin “Looking Unto Jesus” by T. Austin-Sparks “Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Make level the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left” (Proverbs 4:25-27). Therefore let […]

Life in the Spirit

Life in the Spirit – Sparks, T. Austin Life in the Spirit by T. Austin-Sparks “And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him; and lo, a voice out […]

Jonathan’s Arrow

Jonathan’s Arrow – Sparks, T. Austin Jonathan’s Arrow by T. Austin-Sparks An arrow has often been the symbol or instrument of a crisis in Bible times. In Elisha’s time it symbolized deliverance from Syria (2 Kings 13). It symbolized God’s judgment of Ahab in the days of Jehu (2 Kings 9). These were turning-points in […]

“Jehovah Shammah”

“Jehovah Shammah” – Sparks, T. Austin “Jehovah Shammah” by T. Austin-Sparks “The Lord is There” “The name of the city from that day shall be, JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH” (Ezekiel 48:35). So, the end sees the eternal object attained: that which prompted creation; that which motivated Providence; that which has always been the dynamic of Sovereignty; and that […]

Jealousy for God

Jealousy for God – Sparks, T. Austin Jealousy for God by T. Austin-Sparks “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Is it thou, thou troubler of Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house” (1 Kings 18:17,18). “And he said, I […]

Is the Great “Shaking” at Hand?

Is the Great “Shaking” at Hand? – Sparks, T. Austin Is the Great “Shaking” at Hand? by T. Austin-Sparks “Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also the heavens”. Hebrews 12:26-27. There is no doubt that the Letter to the Hebrews was a supreme effort to get Christian believers detached from an […]

Is He Really Lord?

Is He Really Lord? – Sparks, T. Austin Is He Really Lord? by T. Austin-Sparks Take the matter of service – ministry – the work of the Lord unto which we are called. Anyone who is really in spiritual ministry – really in spiritual work for the Lord – knows how difficult it is, how […]

In the Train of His Triumph

In the Train of His Triumph – Sparks, T. Austin  In the Train of His Triumph by T. Austin-Sparks “…and by me sends forth the knowledge of Him, a stream of fragrant incense, throughout the world. For Christ’s is the fragrance which I offer up to God, whether among those in the way of salvation, […]

“In the Likeness of His Resurrection”

“In the Likeness of His Resurrection” – Sparks, T. Austin  “In the Likeness of His Resurrection” by T. Austin-Sparks It is important that we should recognise what a great scope and tremendous emphasis the subject of resurrection has in the Word of God. As a principle it is patent or latent, according to the measure […]

“In Spirit and In Truth”

“In Spirit and In Truth” – Sparks, T. Austin  “In Spirit and In Truth” by T. Austin-Sparks John 4:23 It is no exaggeration to say that the briefest phrase from the lips of Jesus Christ contains a depth, wealth and cruciality of significance that is inexhaustible. The above clause is an example of this. In […]

In God or Outside of God?

In God or Outside of God? – Sparks, T. Austin In God or Outside of God? by T. Austin-Sparks (A message given at a conference in Switzerland in 1964) Reading: John 15:1,2,4; 1 Peter 3:18. There are two words to be underlined in the fifteenth chapter of John. The one word is ‘true’ – “I […]

“I Will Overturn”

“I Will Overturn” – Sparks, T. Austin  “I Will Overturn” by T. Austin-Sparks “I will overturn, overturn, overturn…. until He come Whose right it is; and I will give it Him” (Ezekiel 21:27). You will see, if you look, that those words have an immediate and a much wider context. Their immediate context is the […]

“Here Am I; Send Me”

“Here Am I; Send Me” – Sparks, T. Austin “I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us! Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). Whenever these words have been used in Christian circles – and they have been, and still are, very […]

He Ever Liveth to Make Intercession

He Ever Liveth to Make Intercession – Sparks, T. Austin He Ever Liveth to Make Intercessionby T. Austin-Sparks Transcribed from a message given by T. Austin-Sparks in February 1955.The spoken form has been retained verbatim.Fragments of scripture in the gospel by Luke, chapter 2, at verse 34:“And Simeon blessed them and said unto Mary his […]

Having Our Eyes Opened

Having Our Eyes Opened – Sparks, T. Austin “But their eyes were holden that they should not know him” (Luke 24:16). “And their eyes were opened, and they knew him” (Luke 24:31). This is a negative and a positive side. On the negative side there is a word of very solemn warning to us all. […]

Have We Fettered & Imprisoned The Spirit of Revival?

Have We Fettered & Imprisoned The Spirit of Revival? – Sparks, T. Austin From the latter days of the Apostles till now, the history of Christianity is a history of prisons. This history is not of literal or material prisons, though there have been not a few of these. It is a history of prisons, […]

Government by the Holy Spirit

Government by the Holy Spirit – Sparks, T. Austin We are considering the deeper and fuller meaning of what came in on the day of Pentecost, the nature and order of an entirely new day in this world’s history, that nature and order being essentially spiritual. A new order and character introduced by the advent […]

Golden Snuffers

Golden Snuffers – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Exodus 37:17-24. “And he made the lamps thereof, seven, and the snuffers thereof, and the snuff-dishes thereof, of pure gold.” We have here the great vessel of light and testimony in the candlestick, which quite clearly is Christ in corporate expression, but Christ pre-eminently; and we have the […]

God’s Thought-Intention Concerning Manhood

God’s Thought-Intention Concerning Manhood – Sparks, T. Austin “Ye must be born anew (from above)” (John 3:3). “…till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13). “Ye have […]

God’s Standard of Values

God’s Standard of Values – Sparks, T. Austin God’s Standard of Valuesby T. Austin-Sparks “For who hath despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10). “Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing?” (Haggai 2:3). […]

God’s Sovereign Activities

God’s Sovereign Activities – Sparks, T. Austin “And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, O Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. And when it rested, he said, Return, O Lord, unto the ten thousands of the thousands […]

God’s Present Purpose

God’s Present Purpose – Sparks, T. Austin It would be helpful for us to be reminded of the special nature of this dispensation, which embraces the period from the ascension of the Lord Jesus to His coming again; and it is well for us to be reminded (since it is a tragedy that the Lord’s […]

God’s Good Pleasure

God’s Good Pleasure – Sparks, T. Austin “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). It is upon a part of that statement that I want to dwell: “it is your Father’s good pleasure”. There is a very great, a vast, opening out of that […]

God’s Faithfulness To Us in His Son

God’s Faithfulness To Us in His Son – Sparks, T. Austin “God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9). “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be […]

God’s Eternal Thought of Sonship

God’s Eternal Thought of Sonship – Sparks, T. Austin Ultimately it is sonship which represents and embodies all God’s thought. So the one thing that is constantly reiterated about Solomon is sonship. ”Solomon thy son shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be […]

God’s End and God’s Way

God’s End and God’s Way – Sparks, T. Austin “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will… to sum up all things in Christ… according to the purpose of Him Who worketh all things after the counsel of His will… He put all things in subjection under His (Christ’s) feet, and gave Him […]

God’s Call to the Life Above

God’s Call to the Life Above – Sparks, T. Austin “They that trust in the Lord Are as mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, So the Lord is round about his people, From this time forth and for evermore.” Psalm 125:1-2 Psalms 120 to […]

God’s Answer to a State of Declension

God’s Answer to a State of Declension – Sparks, T. Austin We have observed that, when the Divine thought as represented by the temple and Jerusalem was forsaken and lost and the glory had departed, Ezekiel was given and caused to write the vision of a new heavenly house, a house in every detail measured […]

God Needs Gideons

God Needs Gideons – Sparks, T. Austin “And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might… have not I sent thee? And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I…? And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee.” Judges 6:14-16 Gideon lived at a time […]

Glory at the End

Glory at the End – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Haggai 2:1-9; Ephesians 3:20,21; Revelation 21:10-11. “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former.” “Unto him be the glory in the church… for ever and ever.” The holy city Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. […]

“Gather My Saints Together”

“Gather My Saints Together” – Sparks, T. Austin “Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Psalm 50:5). “Now we beseech you, brethren, touching the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together unto him” (2 Thess. 2:1). “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as […]

From Heaven or From Men?

From Heaven or From Men? – Sparks, T. Austin (Matthew 21:25) We do not propose to discuss the subject raised by the Lord in connection with this interrogation; that is, “the baptism of John”. Nor do we concern ourselves here with the dilemma which He created for those interrogated. It is this alternative with which […]

Five Uses By Way Of Self-Examination.

Five Uses By Way Of Self-Examination. – Sparks, T. Austin Now then, because I would not be too tedious, I shall at this time lay down no more discoveries of such an one as doth savingly believe the Scriptures, and the things contained in them, but shall speak a few words of examination concerning the […]

Features of the City and Its Inhabitants

Features of the City and Its Inhabitants – Sparks, T. Austin I can only remind you again of what a large place this has in the Word of God… “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10): “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy […]

Faith’s Witness in a Dark Day

Faith’s Witness in a Dark Day – Sparks, T. Austin  Faith’s Witness in a Dark Dayby T. Austin-Sparks We are going to be occupied with the book of Daniel, but not with any one particular passage in it. You know that in that great summary of faith’s devotion and activities in Hebrews 11, some referred […]

Faith’s Persistency

Faith’s Persistency – Sparks, T. Austin “Now Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of the roar of a heavy shower.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth, and put his […]

Faith Operating in a Dark Day

Faith Operating in a Dark Day – Sparks, T. Austin Our motto for 1970 circles round the declaration of Jeremiah in chapter 32, verse 17 of his prophecies: “Ah, Lord Jehovah… there is nothing too hard (wonderful) for thee.” This declaration was made in circumstances of extreme difficulty. Recall that situation. Jeremiah was himself in […]

“Even Barnabas”

“Even Barnabas” – Sparks, T. Austin “…even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation.” (Galatians 2:13.) What a pity that such painful and unhappy incidents should have been placed on record for all time! What a still greater pity that they should ever have happened at all, and that right at the heart of the […]

Equipment for the Ministry

Equipment for the Ministry – Sparks, T. Austin “And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent… but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue” (Exodus 4:10). “And the Lord… said go, and thou shalt save Israel… And he (Gideon) said, Oh, my Lord… behold… I am the […]

Entering Into God’s Rest

Entering Into God’s Rest – Sparks, T. Austin Adam’s first day on this earth was a Sabbath day. God created man on the sixth day, and the first complete day that man had was the Sabbath, and that Sabbath day becomes the first day for man. Carried over to the New Testament, where God finishes […]

Enlargement Through Conflict

Enlargement Through Conflict – Sparks, T. Austin “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, […]

Dying to Ambition

Dying to Ambition – Sparks, T. Austin What do we expect when we go on with God, when we come right out for God? What have we in view? Well, the answer to that question will decide whether, in relation to God, we have ambitions for something on the earth. Do you get the point? […]

David’s Last Words

David’s Last Words – Sparks, T. Austin “Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse saith, and the man who was raised on high saith, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: the Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was […]

Crucified to the Religious World

Crucified to the Religious World – Sparks, T. Austin “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14). It is interesting to notice the particular way in which the Apostle speaks of the […]

Corporate Life

Corporate Life – Sparks, T. Austin In order that life may fulfil its function, reveal its power, reach its full measure, and pass on its potentialities, it must assume form. Life in itself has never been seen. Only through the form which it takes can it express itself. It must have a body. It is […]

Conversion and Salvation

Conversion and Salvation – Sparks, T. Austin In the beginnings of the Church, we are told that the disciples continued in the apostles’ teaching. This implies something more than conversion; so that, clearly, conversion is not everything. We must beware of confounding beginnings with ends. Conversion is but initiation, it must never be regarded as […]

Conformed to the Image of His Son

Conformed to the Image of His Son – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Rom. 8:15-30. I want to speak to you in a general and simple way on what seems to me to be so evident in this portion of Scripture, as related particularly to the time in which we live. I think you will agree […]

Concerning Jerusalem

Concerning Jerusalem – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Nehemiah 1:1-11 In Ezra and Nehemiah which are really two halves of a whole, and they form one narrative, there is a sense in which the whole can be gathered up in three representative and symbolic things which are found there in Jerusalem, namely, the Altar, the House […]

Complementary, Not Contradictory

Complementary, Not Contradictory – Sparks, T. Austin “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet” (Acts 2:34-35). “Jesus standing on the right hand of God…” “The Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55-56). “If Christ is […]

Coming Down From God Out of Heaven

Coming Down From God Out of Heaven – Sparks, T. Austin Thoughts on the New Jerusalem Reading: Revelation 21 & 22 The next great event in God’s calendar is the return in glory of His Son Jesus Christ. It is the consummation of that coming and the final revelation of the glory of Christ which […]

Christianity – A Process of Transformation

Christianity – A Process of Transformation – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: 1 Corinthians 2. “We… are transformed into the same image” (that is: ‘We pass from one form to another’) 2 Corinthians 3:18. As I have moved about amongst Christians in many parts of this world, and in many situations, one thing has been growing […]

Christian Service From God’s Standpoint

Christian Service From God’s Standpoint – Sparks, T. Austin What is the work of the Lord? What is Christian service from God’s standpoint? It is contributing to the fullness of Christ. It is in the measure of each several part (of His Body) ministering to that end, that all things shall be summed up in […]

Captivity In The Lord

Captivity In The Lord – Sparks, T. Austin Read: Ephesians 3:1, 4:1; 2 Timothy 2:9 & 1:8. There is a very real sense in which the Apostle Paul, in his own person and experience, was an embodiment of the history of the Church in this age. Indeed it would seem to be a principle in […]

“Called. Chosen. Faithful.”

“Called. Chosen. Faithful.” – Sparks, T. Austin “These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome that are with him, called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14. There is a sense in which these three words represent […]

“By Faith…”

“By Faith…” – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Heb. 10:37-39; 11:12:1-2. In order rightly to appreciate and apprehend the value of this part of the letter, from the end of Chapter 10 through into Chapter 12, we have to remember the position in which these Hebrew believers were represented as being, or the position to which […]

“By My Spirit”

“By My Spirit” – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Zechariah 4 The golden lampstand which Zechariah saw was the symbol of the divine testimony, the out-shining of the glory of God. Lying behind all God’s activities with men, the very reason for man’s creation, is His desire to display His glory. The human race, as a […]

“But Ye…”

“But Ye…” – Sparks, T. Austin “And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority. But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you; and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all […]

Boundless Heavenly Resources

Boundless Heavenly Resources – Sparks, T. Austin For our lives and for our service – our ministry, our heavenly vocation – there are, in union with Christ, resources at our disposal which are heavenly, inexhaustible, and incorruptible. This is the great secret of strength. It is a grand thing and a source of tremendous strength […]

Blessedness of the Unoffended

Blessedness of the Unoffended – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-15 Turn to the gospel by Matthew, chapter 11 and verse 2: “When John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples,  And said unto him, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another? Jesus answered […]

Bethany – The Lord’s Thought For His Assembly

Bethany – The Lord’s Thought For His Assembly — Sparks, T. Austin The upper room of the first chapter of the Acts corresponds with Bethany, the “house of figs”, and Bethany with the upper room. We are going to take up that thought and, as the Lord helps us, follow it out to greater fullness. […]

“Because of the Blood of the Lamb”

“Because of the Blood of the Lamb” – Sparks, T. Austin (A Message as Spoken) Reading: Zechariah 3:1-10; Revelation 12:1-12. “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.” (R.V.) One clause of that verse sums […]

Attaining Unto The First Three

Attaining Unto The First Three – Sparks, T. Austin “These are the names of the mighty men whom David had… Adino… Eleazar… Shammah” (2 Sam. 23:8-12). “(Abishai) was made their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three” (2 Sam. 23:19). We are not so much concerned at the moment with the details of […]

An Apostle’s Supreme Ambition

An Apostle’s Supreme Ambition – Sparks, T. Austin “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death” (Philippians 3:10). There are few words in his writings which reveal how committed to the Lord Jesus this man was. The whole context is one […]

Alone? – Not Alone!

Alone? – Not Alone! – Sparks, T. Austin “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord” (1 Kings 18:22). “I, even I only, am left” (1 Kings 19:10,14). “Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal” (1 Kings 19:18). “Then he mustered… […]

All Things in Christ

All Things in Christ – Sparks, T. Austin We take the Epistles and we think of them as having to do within the building of the Church and the churches, the superstructure of Christianity, and so we take the technique of the Acts and the Epistles as a technique, as a system of doctrine and […]

Accredited Ministry

Accredited Ministry – Sparks, T. Austin “And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in […]

Abounding in Love

Abounding in Love – Sparks, T. Austin “The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you” (1 Thess. 3:12). “We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith […]

A Vital Ministry in a Day of Transition

A Vital Ministry in a Day of Transition – Sparks, T. Austin  ‘‘Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Malachi 4:5). ”For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” ”And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah […]

“A Very Deep Concern…”

“A Very Deep Concern…” – Sparks, T. Austin “A very deep concern…” The Church of God is passing into, or through, some very big changes, and there is much “overturning, overturning, until he comes whose right it is” (Ezekiel 21:27). While there is very much confusion in every realm, the lines of demarcation and definition […]

A Tragic Answer to Prayer (or The Tragedy of God’s Second-Best)

A Tragic Answer to Prayer (or The Tragedy of God’s Second-Best) – Sparks, T. Austin “He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their souls” (Psalm 106:15). What a sad ‘but’ that is! It represents God’s frustration and disappointment. It means that God has so left the decision and choice with man that He […]

A Talk to Young Christians on the Nature of the Christian Life

A Talk to Young Christians on the Nature of the Christian Life – Sparks, T. Austin I am going to talk to you very simply. I trust that the people who ‘know all about it’ will not think it is too simple! But I feel we want to be quite clear about our foundations, our […]

A Right Thing Done in a Wrong Way

A Right Thing Done in a Wrong Way – Sparks, T. Austin (1 Chronicles 13-15) The inclusion of this episode in the Chronicles of Israel has evidently a very definite purpose; it conveys a message which the “Israel of God” – the Church – has been, and still is, all too slow to take account […]

A Positive and Purposeful God

A Positive and Purposeful God – Sparks, T. Austin “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and […]

A Peculiar Vessel

A Peculiar Vessel – Sparks, T. Austin “For such a time as this” 1 Samuel 1. The state of things today is very similar to that which existed at the beginning of the first book of Samuel. Three things in particular seem to stand out there as features of those days. The first was a […]

A New Creation

A New Creation – Sparks, T. Austin The all-inclusive rule of the new creation is that “all things are of (out from) God.” Concerning this fact the Apostle Paul uses the word “but” – “But all things are of God” – as though he would anticipate, intercept, or arrest an impulse to rush away and […]

A Message for the Hour

A Message for the Hour – Sparks, T. Austin The Vital Importance of Spiritual Vision  “Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint” Proverbs 29:18. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea 4:6. The first quotation above is from the Book of Wisdom. The wisdom of that statement has been overwhelmingly […]

A Man in the Glory

A Man in the Glory – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12. This portion of the Scriptures is a condensation of all that the Bible, and especially the New Testament, is about. It is a strange thing to say, yet it is quite true, that at this late hour in the New Testament dispensation our […]

A Man in Heaven and Christ in You

A Man in Heaven and Christ in You – Sparks, T. Austin “Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on […]

“A Man in Christ”

“A Man in Christ” – Sparks, T. Austin “I know a man in Christ” (2 Corinthians 12:2) The object of our consideration is manhood in relation to the Lord’s testimony, and for it we take a little phrase used by the apostle Paul about himself: “I knew a man in Christ”. To it may be […]

A Jigsaw Puzzle

A Jigsaw Puzzle – Sparks, T. Austin  A Message to Young Christians – and Others “In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:21). “…for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all […]

“A House of Prayer For All People”

“A House of Prayer For All People” – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: 2 Chronicles 6; Isaiah 56:6-7; Mark 11:17; Ephesians 6:18. “My house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” The sixth chapter of the second book of Chronicles is a magnificent example and illustration of these words of the Prophet. In […]

A Holy Nation

A Holy Nation – Sparks, T. Austin In the Gospel by Matthew, chapter 21, at verse 42: “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner: this was from the Lord, and it is marvellous in our eyes? […]

A Heart for God’s Testimony

A Heart for God’s Testimony – Sparks, T. Austin That little romance – the Book of Ruth – stands as a link between the terrible spiritual tragedy – “Judges” – and God’s reaction thereto in David. “Ruth” ends with “Boaz begat Obed; and Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David.” The beginning of 1 Samuel […]

A Good Warfare

A Good Warfare – Sparks, T. Austin “This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that by them thou mayest war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18). “Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and […]

A Good Warfare (2)

A Good Warfare (2) – Sparks, T. Austin “This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that by them thou mayest war a good warfare” (1 Timothy 1:18). “Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, […]

A Good Man in Danger

A Good Man in Danger – Sparks, T. Austin It was no small thing that Jesus should have said of a man “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile”, thus marking him out as one apart from the majority of his nation, as being more spiritual than fleshly or carnal: a son of […]

A God That Hideth Himself

A God That Hideth Himself – Sparks, T. Austin “Verily, Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour” (Isa. 45:15) It is as though the Prophet was suddenly overawed and struck with amazement at what he was being made to prophesy! In the midst of his ministry something of its […]

A Child Over the Nations

A Child Over the Nations – Sparks, T. Austin Reading: Jeremiah 1 This title has nothing to do with a youth’s conceited idea of his own importance, but the very reverse of any such idea, for it indicates how God selected a weak and insignificant instrument through whom He could bring His own throne to […]

The Abiding Meaning of Pentecost

The Abiding Meaning of Pentecost – Sparks, T. Austin Readings: Acts 2:1-36; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 16:28; Acts 2:34; 1 Corinthians 15:25. Acts is pre-eminently a book of principles; and it is just here we so often go wrong in looking for the repetition of the form by which those principles were expressed; forms of expression […]