Svend Christensen

ID 53607Nov 13, 1972

The contrast between the lives and offerings of Abel and Stephen, highlighting their shared faith and obedience to God's revelation. Both men offered sacrifices by faith, testified for God, and were hated by those who relied on their own works. Cain, representing self-righteousness, murdered Abel for his faith, while Stephen, a martyr full of the Holy Spirit, was stoned by religious leaders who resisted the truth. The sermon emphasizes that true acceptance comes through faith in God's appointed sacrifice, not through human works or religion, and warns against following Cain's path of self-will and rejection of God's way.

ID 53606Nov 12, 1972

Two men, Adam and Esau, are used to illustrate the profound consequences of losing great wealth, whether it be an inheritance or a birthright. Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden, a willful disobedience stemming from Satan's deception, resulted in the loss of humanity's perfect inheritance and introduced sin, shame, blame-shifting, and toil into the world. Esau, similarly, carelessly sold his birthright for a single meal, demonstrating how a momentary lack of appreciation for spiritual blessings can lead to irreversible loss. The sermon emphasizes that while human efforts to cover sin with 'fig leaves' are futile, God provides a covering through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, offering redemption and righteousness to those who confess their sin and accept His provision.

ID 53600Nov 19, 1972

God's word is certain and that sin will always be discovered and punished, illustrating this with the examples of King David and King Ahab. David's sin of adultery with Bathsheba and subsequent murder of Uriah, though initially covered up, was revealed by the prophet Nathan, leading to divine judgment upon his household. Similarly, Ahab's coveting and taking of Naboth's vineyard, orchestrated by his wife Jezebel, resulted in Elijah's prophecy of his death and the dogs licking his blood, and Jezebel's own gruesome end. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that God sees all actions and that no sin goes unpunished, urging listeners to accept Jesus Christ as their savior to avoid the final judgment described in Revelation.

ID 53595Nov 13, 1972

The contrast between the profound sinfulness and subsequent radical conversions of Manasseh and Saul (later Paul), identifying them as "chiefs of sinners" in their respective testaments. It details Manasseh's wicked reign, marked by idolatry and bloodshed, and his eventual repentance and restoration after divine discipline, highlighting his efforts to undo his past wrongs. Similarly, it recounts Saul's zealous persecution of early Christians, his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, and his transformation into the apostle Paul, a fervent preacher of the gospel. The central lesson emphasizes that God's grace is powerful enough to redeem even the most grievous sinners, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of salvation through Christ.

ID 53594Feb 13, 1986

The anointing of the Holy Spirit is a divine designation for believers, enabling them to see spiritually, discern truth, and minister to others. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 1:21 and 1 John 2:20-27, the sermon explains that God Himself anoints believers, equipping them for worship and service as priests and kings. This anointing allows for spiritual sight, understanding, and the ability to receive God's blessings, transforming believers to live for eternity rather than temporal concerns. The message concludes by emphasizing that this anointing empowers believers to reign with Christ, do good, die to self, and fully receive God's eternal provisions.

ID 53593Feb 9, 1986

The Holy Spirit is God, equal with the Father and the Son, and is the indwelling presence within believers. The sermon establishes the deity and personality of the Holy Spirit by examining His names, attributes (eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent), and His work in creation, inspiration of Scripture, and the resurrection of Christ. It highlights God's desire throughout history to dwell with humanity, culminating in the New Testament promise of the Holy Spirit indwelling believers, making them the temple of God. This indwelling is a gift received upon salvation, not something to be continually asked for, and it empowers believers to live holy lives and reflect Christ.

ID 53589Mar 2, 1973

Christ's hands and feet are explored as symbols of his divine nature, creative power, and redemptive work. The sermon highlights how his hands, described as "gold rings set with the barrel," represent his creative and healing power, as seen in his miracles and his omnipresence. His feet, also "fine gold," symbolize his majestic presence and his role as the messenger of good tidings, whose beautiful feet bring peace. Ultimately, both hands and feet, bearing the scars of the cross, signify his love, authority, and the victory he has won, urging believers to submit to his sovereignty in all aspects of their lives.

ID 53588Mar 1, 1973

ID 53571Feb 28, 1973

Christ's eyes are described as those of a dove, signifying love, compassion, and discernment. His all-seeing gaze penetrates all things, revealing our true hearts and motives, as illustrated by his interactions with Nathaniel and Zacchaeus. The sermon emphasizes that Christ's eyes discern not only our intentions but also our potential, as seen in his calling of ordinary fishermen like Peter and Andrew to be his disciples. Furthermore, his eyes express deep compassion, weeping over Jerusalem and showing empathy for the suffering, and they also hold a purposeful gaze, providing for his mother and preparing a place for believers. Ultimately, Christ's eyes are a source of correction, provision, and judgment, urging listeners to ensure their lives are aligned with his gaze.

ID 53569Feb 25, 1973

The conversion of the Thessalonian believers is explored, highlighting their turning from idols to serve the living and true God, and their patient waiting for Christ's return. This transformation is evidenced by their work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope, which made them an example to other churches. The sermon emphasizes that genuine conversion involves a radical shift in allegiance and a life lived in active service and hopeful expectation of Jesus. Ultimately, this foundational chapter demonstrates how true faith is manifested through tangible actions and a transformed life, delivering believers from future wrath.

ID 53554Mar 2, 1973

Expounds on the "day of the Lord" as described in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5, distinguishing it from the "day of Christ" and emphasizing its nature as a time of judgment for Israel and the nations, not the church. It highlights the unexpected, thief-like coming of this day, drawing parallels from Old Testament prophecies in Joel, Amos, Zephaniah, and Malachi to illustrate its darkness and destructive power for unbelievers. The message contrasts this with the believer's position as children of light, who are not appointed to wrath but to salvation, and are called to live awake, sober, and armed with faith, love, and hope, while also detailing responsibilities toward spiritual leaders and one another, and concluding with the importance of rejoicing, praying, giving thanks, and abstaining from evil.