Geared Into Things Eternal
The Christian church must live to gear itself into things eternal and to live the life of heaven here upon earth.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit's coming on Pentecost as a pivotal moment for the Christian church, urging believers to focus on eternal matters and to embody the life of heaven on earth. He stresses the necessity of yielding complete loyalty to Jesus Christ, asserting that anything less diminishes the church's integrity. Tozer expresses a preference for a small, faithful gathering over a large, doctrinally unsound congregation, highlighting that a Spirit-filled church will be marked by joy, usefulness, and compassion. He calls for the church to be a positive influence in the community, reflecting the true essence of Christian living.
Text
The coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was a gracious experience of fulfillment and blessing and direction for the Christian church. It was the continuing emphasis for believers that we must live to gear ourselves into things eternal and to live the life of heaven here upon earth. We must yield our first obedience and loyalty to Jesus Christ, at any cost! Anything we try to offer God tbat is less than that really is a degradation of the Christian church. Frankly, I would rather be a member of a group that meets in a little room on a side street than to be part of a great activity that is not New Testament in its doctrine, in its spirit, in its living, in its holiness, in all of its texture and tenor.
The Spirit-filled and Spirit-led congregation will be a joyful people.
Beyond that, it will be useful and caring and compassionate! I do believe that the Christian church ought to be a helpful influence to the whole community!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of the Holy Spirit
- The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost
- A gracious experience of fulfillment and blessing
Key Quotes
“We must yield our first obedience and loyalty to Jesus Christ, at any cost!” — A.W. Tozer
“I would rather be a member of a group that meets in a little room on a side street than to be part of a great activity that is not New Testament in its doctrine, in its spirit, in its living, in its holiness, in all of its texture and tenor.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must prioritize our obedience and loyalty to Jesus Christ above all else.
- A Spirit-filled congregation is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's blessing and presence.
- The Christian church should strive to be a helpful influence to the community, demonstrating the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.