2014 Mens Conference with Zac Poonen: "Who Can Build the Church?"

This session appears to be part of a men's conference focusing on building the body of Christ. While the specific content isn't detailed, the context suggests a teaching aimed at spiritual growth and service within the church community.

Building the Church as the Body of Christ requires more than mere intellectual knowledge of scripture; it demands the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The speaker contrasts a mere 'congregation' (like a pile of bricks) with the true 'Body' (a connected structure), emphasizing that true unity involves mutual connection and submission to local leadership. The identifying mark of this body is a sacrificial love, exemplified by the parts of the body caring for one another.

This session focuses on the concept of being a pure bride for Christ. The message emphasizes the believer's calling to holiness and preparation for Christ's return. It speaks to the need for a dedicated life focused on Christ's glory.

The central message is that true Christian life requires continuous progression toward Christ's likeness, moving from glory to glory, rather than becoming complacent after initial blessings. The speaker emphasizes that the 'full gospel' is not merely forgiveness of sins, but the pursuit of gaining the glory of Jesus Christ. This requires humility, acknowledging that all blessings come from God, and reading scripture slowly to grasp its deeper implications.

This session focuses on the profound love for Christ that should define a believer's life. The message emphasizes that a supreme love for Christ should motivate all aspects of Christian living and service. It encourages the audience to live out this deep devotion in their daily walk.

The central message is that true obedience and holiness must be rooted in a fervent, all-consuming love for Christ, not merely adherence to commandments. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest commandments are to love God and love neighbor, and this love must be the foundation for discipleship. He argues that the focus should be on finding people who desire to follow Jesus wholeheartedly here on earth, rather than those who are only concerned with going to heaven.

Building the body of Christ requires participation from all members, not just those in visible ministries; invisible service, especially prayer, is profoundly valuable. True love for Christ is demonstrated not through mere words or emotion, but by a daily willingness to take up the cross, which means living free from conscious sin. The core message emphasizes that the daily cross—laying down one's life for Christ and the church—is the essential, often overlooked, mark of genuine Christian love.

The speaker emphasizes that true faith must be demonstrated by love, citing Galatians 5:6. He cautions against holding to non-essential doctrines or practices, advocating for freedom within the church, as seen in Romans 14. Ultimately, the core message is that faith must translate into a life that overcomes sin and builds up the church, rather than merely being intellectual assent to doctrines.