Bangalore Conference 2017

The message emphasizes that God accepts offerings based on the quality of what is given, referencing the contrast between Cain and Abel. True devotion requires bringing the best to God, which extends beyond material offerings to include one's whole life and relationships. The speaker warns that a lack of genuine devotion, symbolized by bringing less than one's best, can stifle the fire and anointing of God's presence.

The speaker contrasts the one-man ministry model of the Old Testament with the New Covenant, which requires fellowship, noting that the minimum for a body is two. He emphasizes that true Christian life involves disagreement and mutual accountability, citing his own 42-year fellowship as an example of maintaining unity despite differences. The central message is that life is a continuous process of learning, requiring humility and mercy, even for parents regarding their children.

This session features two distinct messages: one on magnifying God's name, and another focusing on overcoming the sins associated with the tongue and the eyes. The content addresses specific areas of sin and how believers can overcome them through spiritual focus.

The central message revolves around the biblical principle that one cannot serve both God and money, citing Luke 16:13. The speaker urges the audience to be brutally honest with Scripture, recognizing that God's Word is a surgeon's knife meant to bring life, not death. True discipleship requires confronting uncomfortable truths about one's devotion, as neglecting this truth can lead to spiritual deception.

The speaker warns against modern-day exploitation, drawing parallels between historical instances of selling salvation (like the early Reformation) and contemporary instances where healing or prosperity are sold for money. He emphasizes that true spiritual protection comes from diligently checking scripture, as the early church advised. Ultimately, he encourages the congregation to stand for righteousness by relying on God's provision rather than worldly means or begging.

The central message emphasizes that true qualification for leadership, such as being an elder, comes from having no desire for the position itself. The speaker draws parallels to Moses's experience and warns against the temptation to seek honor or status, citing Jesus' teaching that the greatest among us must be the servant. Humility and dependence on the Lord are presented as the ultimate qualifications for ministry.

The speaker emphasizes that in the New Covenant, the messenger is the message, drawing a parallel to 1 Timothy 3:16 which states the mystery of godliness is a person. He argues that while the death and resurrection of Jesus are vital, the life Jesus lived with the Father is equally crucial to grasp. The message must center on the person of Christ, not just doctrines or rules.

The sermon outlines three foundational 'stories' for building the church, starting with the foundation: realizing God's perfect love for us, as exemplified by the Father's love for Jesus. The second story emphasizes maintaining a blameless conscience at one's current level of understanding, recognizing that others may not be at the same spiritual standard. The third story, drawn from Paul's defense, teaches that the true 'cult' is one that believes and serves God according to everything written in the Word.

The speaker emphasizes the critical difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, citing Hebrews 8 to show that the former has been made obsolete by Christ's mediation. He warns against the hypocrisy of selectively adhering to Old Covenant laws, comparing it to trying to use abolished currency notes. The central message is that believers must live fully within the grace of the New Covenant, which is freely given.

The speaker shares his personal journey of repentance and spiritual transformation, emphasizing that his life was once bound by 'grave clothes' like pride and disobedience. He credits the Word of God and the church for his renewal, drawing parallels to Paul's declaration of being recognized by Christ, not by earthly means. The core message stresses that true Christian life is built on recognizing God as Heavenly Father, leading to a life of obedience, which is the path to holiness and unhindered fellowship with God.

The speaker emphasizes that a believer must actively claim every promise in the Bible, as unclaimed promises will not materialize. Regarding prayer, he warns that prayer is ineffective if one has unconfessed sin or unresolved grudges. Furthermore, he cautions against meaningless repetition in prayer, citing Matthew 6:7, and advises that prayer should stem from a genuine burden given by God.