Brother Sparks emphasizes the significance of the title "The Living God" found throughout the Bible, appearing in at least 17 books. This title distinguishes the true God from pagan idols, ritualistic religion, and superficial Christianity, highlighting His reality and vitality. The phrase is used in four main contexts: against pagan gods, against formalism in religion, within Christian practice, and as a hope for believers. The core message is that the Living God is characterized by authenticity, life, and spiritual vitality, which must be reflected in His church and His people.
He underscores that true relationship with the Living God involves encountering Him through the cross and resurrection. The cross is not merely an object but a present, powerful force that deals with sin and unworthiness, making everything real. Resurrection signifies God's ongoing work of life and fulfillment, marking the beginning of new phases in His purpose. The true church is defined by the presence of the Living God, where Christ presides as Lord, and where His jealousy for His house is evident. Brother Sparks calls believers to seek a church and life that are genuine and alive, avoiding mere formalism, and to continually pray for reality in their spiritual walk. Ultimately, the Living God is a source of blessing, judgment, and divine authority, demanding sincerity and spiritual vitality in all aspects of faith and practice.
The phrase "The Living God" appears throughout the Bible, emphasizing His reality and vitality.
It contrasts with pagan idols, superficial religion, and nominal Christianity.
The title is used in four main contexts: against pagan gods, against formalism, within Christian practice, and as a hope for believers.
Encountering the Living God involves the cross and resurrection—powerful, ongoing forces that make spiritual life real.
The true church is characterized by the presence and lordship of the Living God, marked by His jealousy and authority.
Believers are called to seek genuine, living faith, avoiding emptiness and ritualism.
The reality of the Living God brings blessing, judgment, and divine authority, requiring sincerity and spiritual vitality.
9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
25 As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,