Epistle 297
The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying in the power of the Lord and the foundation of our meetings in Christ Jesus, who brings life, love, and salvation.
George Fox emphasizes the necessity of remaining in the power of the Lord, as losing this power equates to losing the kingdom characterized by peace, righteousness, and joy. He encourages believers to maintain their connection to the grace of God, which is essential for salvation and comfort. Fox highlights that Christ is the foundation of their gatherings, who overcomes falsehood and brings forth the true gospel, empowering both men and women to fulfill their duties in faith. He reassures that through Christ, believers have dominion and stability, urging them to encourage one another in their spiritual journey.
Text
Dear friends,--Keep in the power of the Lord; for if you lose that, you lose the kingdom which stands in power [1 Cor 4:20], and peace, and righteousness, and joy in the holy ghost [Rom 14:17]; for out of the kingdom is strife, and no peace; and therefore keep in the power, and life, and love, which you did first receive; that you all may be heirs of the kingdom [Jas 2:5], and sit under your teacher the grace of God, which will bring your salvation [Tit 2:11f], that you may witness that you have a teacher from God [John 3:2], that doth bring your salvation; which salvation is your walls and bulwarks [Isa 26:1], that he may be glorified, and ye may have your comfort in your salvation. . . .
For the foundation of our men's and women's meetings is Christ Jesus, who bruiseth the serpent's head [Gen 3:15], who is the head of all false orders and foundations, and the gospel, which is the power of God [Rom 16:1], which bringeth life and immortality to light [2 Tim 1:10], shines over him that did darken you; which power of God he is out of. And therefore all in the power and spirit, encourage both men and women in their duty, in the order of the gospel of Christ, in whom you have dominion, and in him who changeth not. My love is to you all.
G. F.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Staying in the Power of the Lord
- The Foundation of Our Meetings is Christ Jesus
- Encouragement in the Power and Spirit
- Encourage men and women in their duty in the order of the gospel
- Dominion is found in Christ, who does not change
Key Quotes
“For the foundation of our men's and women's meetings is Christ Jesus, who bruiseth the serpent's head [Gen 3:15].” — George Fox
“The gospel, which is the power of God [Rom 16:1], which bringeth life and immortality to light [2 Tim 1:10], shines over him that did darken you;” — George Fox
Application Points
- We must stay in the power of the Lord to experience the kingdom, peace, righteousness, and joy.
- Our meetings should be founded on Christ Jesus, who is the head of all false orders and foundations.
- We can find encouragement in the power and spirit, encouraging men and women in their duty in the order of the gospel.