In his message, Brother Sparks reflects on Luke 12:49-53, where Jesus speaks of casting fire upon the earth and the resulting division among families. He emphasizes that this division is not about conflict within the church but rather a spiritual separation based on the heart's relationship with God. The fire symbolizes judgment, which serves to test and discriminate between what belongs to God and what does not. Brother Sparks illustrates this with the example of the Levites, who were tested in the wilderness and chose to stand with God. He explains that the Holy Spirit's work is to create sensitivity to light and darkness, leading to discernment in relationships and Christian work. The presence of the Holy Spirit brings about a crisis, resulting in either condemnation or salvation. Ultimately, Brother Sparks stresses that true Christian work must be governed by the Holy Spirit to endure the test of fire, as only what is done through the Spirit will last. He concludes by urging believers to seek unity in the Spirit, as genuine spiritual life fosters oneness among God's people.
49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled? 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.