Waiting on God

The sermon emphasizes that the entire Bible, including the Old Testament, is inspired by God and should not be ignored. Zac Poonen draws parallels between the persistent faith of the widow in Luke 18 and the necessity of persistent prayer, comparing it to the selfless love shown in Luke 11. He urges the congregation to first recognize a burden for others and then acknowledge their own inability to meet those needs, knowing they must turn to God through persistent prayer.

The speaker emphasizes that true Christianity requires living according to the New Testament standard, which involves desiring nothing but God. He draws from James 5 to teach patience, comparing the Christian life to a farmer waiting for a harvest, urging believers not to complain or judge others because the Lord's return is near. Suffering and trials are likened to the birth pains before Christ's return, and enduring them patiently, like the Old Testament prophets and Job, leads to a great reward.

The speaker emphasizes that living a life pleasing to God requires being filled with the Holy Spirit, drawing parallels between Jesus's perfect obedience and the believer's need for divine empowerment. He warns that mere witnessing of miracles, like the Red Sea parting, is insufficient without genuine, persistent faith tested during trials. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to pray earnestly for one another in faith, trusting that their labor in prayer, even when unseen, will bear eternal fruit.

The sermon emphasizes the urgency of spiritual readiness for the Lord's return, drawing parallels between the warnings given to Noah and the current times. The central message is that one must not become complacent, as being distracted by daily life or ministry preparations can lead to unpreparedness. The speaker urges the congregation to examine their hearts daily and prioritize spiritual readiness over worldly distractions.

The speaker discusses the biblical story of Balaam to illustrate the danger of repeatedly questioning God's initial answer. He explains that Balaam's error was not in asking God, but in being dissatisfied with the first answer and asking again, which ultimately displeased God. The message encourages the audience to accept God's word the first time it is given, and also touches on the need to be strong in the Lord, referencing passages on steadfastness and patience.

This session focuses on the importance of remaining steadfast and true to God amidst life's challenges. The message encourages believers to maintain their commitment to God's will regardless of external pressures or circumstances.

The speaker emphasizes that true faith requires more than just hearing God's Word; one must actively obey it, or they build on sand. Regarding prayer, he warns against praying for public recognition, urging believers instead to pray in secret, shutting out the world and focusing solely on God. He stresses that sincerity and genuine connection with the Father are what truly matter, rather than elaborate or ritualistic prayers.

The service focused on praising God's immense love and mercy, acknowledging that salvation comes through Christ's sacrifice. The prayer time emphasized seeking greater revelation of God's nature, asking for the Holy Spirit's filling, and praying for freedom from sin, bondage, and the enemy's power. The speakers also prayed for physical healing, material provision, and guidance for family and children, all while maintaining a focus on living holy lives in anticipation of Christ's return.

The speaker addresses the historical pattern of decline within Christian movements, citing examples from the Bible (Joshua, Acts) to illustrate how revival fades. He emphasizes that a crucial duty for leaders is to train others to continue the ministry, rather than relying on a few key figures. The core message is that believers should not doubt God's love, contrasting worldly satisfaction with the divine inheritance reserved for the godly.

The sermon emphasizes that the church is a special place for Jesus, and while God's presence is available to all, only those who are willing to pay any price to remain in His presence will ascend to the mount of God. The speaker uses the analogy of a firefighter entering a fire to illustrate that commitment is required, drawing parallels from Mary Magdalene's unwavering devotion to Jesus and the crowded, noisy reality of the Nativity to urge the congregation to cling to Jesus fully.

The central message is that true faith is proven and strengthened during times of intense testing and suffering. Drawing from the example of Corey Tenbon, the speaker emphasizes that enduring hardship, like the persecution faced, reveals the depth of one's faith. The core encouragement is to anchor oneself in the unseen promises of God, trusting that this faith, rooted in the Holy Spirit, will lead to perseverance, character, and hope, even when circumstances are difficult.

The service focused heavily on worship, praising God's steadfast love and faithfulness, which is new every morning. The speaker guided the congregation through a time of personal prayer, drawing a parallel to Jehoshaphat's reliance on God when they had no power, only their eyes on Him. The prayer emphasized committing lives to the Lord, asking for a greater filling of the Holy Spirit, and praying for freedom from spiritual bondage and discouragement.

The central message is that Christians must maintain a constant state of humility, confess sin immediately, and rely completely on Christ in every situation. The speaker emphasizes that genuine prayer requires a clear conscience, drawing parallels from Jesus' miracles and passages like Philippians 2, urging listeners to trust God's provision rather than fearing circumstances.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a 'forever mindset' in trusting God, especially during adversity, rather than relying on backup plans. He then discusses Matthew 7, explaining that entering the 'narrow gate' signifies a one-time transition from the darkness of the world into the Kingdom of Light. This gate represents truly becoming a child of God.

The sermon uses the story of the young girl who served Naaman's wife to illustrate the power of forgiveness and compassion. This girl, despite suffering great injustice, wished for her master to be with the prophet, demonstrating a profound heart of love and forgiveness. The speaker urges the congregation to cultivate this same heart—one of faith and compassion—believing that such a spirit can lead to great things in the church and in people's lives.

The sermon discusses several passages from Acts, emphasizing that God's miracles today are often done by unknown individuals rather than famous evangelists. It highlights that God listens to the sincere prayers of all, even non-Christians, and that true Christian prayer is rooted in faith that God can do the unexpected. The speaker concludes by noting the power of corporate prayer, citing the miraculous release of Peter from prison as evidence.

This message encourages believers to trust God's timing regarding their exaltation and calling. The core message is that God has a perfect plan and will bring about elevation and purpose in His appointed time, so believers should remain patient and expectant.

The central message is that Christian faith must be grounded in the objective facts of God's Word rather than being dictated by fluctuating feelings. The speaker uses an enactment to illustrate how relying on feelings—such as guilt, anxiety, or discouragement—can lead to spiritual paralysis, whereas resting on scripture provides stability. True maturity in faith is demonstrated by continuing to walk with God's Word even when feelings are negative or when external affirmations are absent.

When faced with overwhelming fear, the response should be to seek God through fasting, prayer, and gathering believers together. The speaker emphasizes that faith and fear are opposites, and to strengthen faith, one must confess God's power, recall God's past faithfulness, and boldly claim God's promises. Ultimately, when problems arise, the believer's role is simply to present the issue to God without trying to dictate the solution.

The speaker emphasizes that the foundation of Christian life must be the unwavering belief in God's love, which is stronger than any temptation or doubt. He stresses the necessity of keeping life aligned with God's Word, comparing it to staying on the rails, and advises modesty in dress to avoid tempting others, especially in church. Finally, he counsels that major life decisions, such as financial ones, should be guided by prayer, as the mind of the Spirit brings peace.

The central message is that young people should seek the Lord wholeheartedly during their single years, as this pursuit leads to spiritual restoration. Drawing from Jeremiah 29:13, the speaker emphasizes that God is a God of restoration, capable of cleansing the 'tarnish' of sin. Practically, this involves cleansing oneself from the lust of the eyes by developing a true fear of God, rather than merely fearing man, which is demonstrated by quickly turning away from temptation when alone.

The speaker encourages listeners to evaluate their spiritual progress annually, comparing it to the Earth's yearly orbit. He emphasizes that true spiritual growth is found in deep fellowship and following Christ's example, rather than focusing on material achievements like buildings or finances. A core teaching point is that all prayer must be founded on two truths: believing in a loving Heavenly Father and acknowledging that this Father is in heaven and all-powerful, concluding with the submission found in praying, "not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

The speaker shares a testimony of God's nearness and sustaining grace during a difficult week, highlighting the importance of consistent, daily time with God through prayer and reading scripture. He also reflects deeply on the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing that true need is addressed by trusting God's provision rather than worrying about daily anxieties, and that living under God's kingdom means prioritizing His will over personal desires or career ambitions. Finally, he stresses the necessity of daily forgiveness, both receiving and giving, mirroring the debt forgiveness taught in Matthew 18.

The speaker encourages the congregation to develop a habit of spending time alone with God, emphasizing that Jesus himself needed this time. He urges listeners to bring any spiritual need, battle, or stronghold—including addictions, relationship issues, or physical needs—to Jesus in prayer, trusting that he will set them free. The message concludes with reminders to live for eternity, to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:18), and to pay close attention to the Word.