Brother Sparks emphasizes that God's ultimate purpose is to establish a habitation on earth, which is symbolized as His house—primarily a people united with Christ, not merely a physical building. Throughout biblical history, from Adam and Eve to the nation of Israel, conflicts have centered around God's presence among His people. These conflicts originate from Satan's opposition to God's plan, aiming to prevent His dwelling with mankind. The story of Israel’s wilderness journey, the building of Solomon’s temple, and Christ’s ministry all highlight ongoing spiritual controversy over God's habitation. The church, as the spiritual temple, faces relentless opposition from evil spiritual forces, which seek to divide and weaken it from within. Brother Sparks warns that divisions and schisms are often rooted in this spiritual warfare, not just human disagreements. He stresses the importance of spiritual unity through the Holy Spirit, which is the true basis of oneness among believers. Living in the Spirit, guided by truth and inner conviction, is essential to counteract the enemy’s schemes. Ultimately, the battle is between God's divine purpose for a unified, holy habitation and the adversary’s efforts to thwart it. Believers must recognize this spiritual conflict and stand firm in the Spirit to fulfill God's eternal plan.
God’s divine purpose is to have a habitation on earth, symbolized as His house—primarily a people united with Christ.
Throughout biblical history, conflicts have centered around God's presence and habitation, initiated by Satan’s opposition.
The controversy begins in Eden, continues through Israel’s history, and culminates in Christ’s ministry and the church.
Spiritual warfare is rooted in the enemy’s desire to prevent God's dwelling among His people, often manifesting as divisions within the church.
True unity is based on the Holy Spirit, not merely intellectual agreement or sentimentality.
Living in the Spirit and walking in truth are vital to resisting spiritual opposition and maintaining divine fellowship.
The ongoing battle is between God's purpose for a holy, unified habitation and Satan’s efforts to divide and destroy it.
Believers must recognize the spiritual nature of this warfare and rely on God's power to stand firm.
3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;