Questions & Answers for Young Adults - Santosh Poonen - July 31, 2017
http://rlcfchurch.org/qa-santosh River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the local church should foster an informal, welcoming atmosphere, mirroring Jesus' ministry rather than rigid religious structures. A core message is the identity of believers as ambassadors for Christ, meaning our citizenship and true home are in heaven. This ambassadorship is rooted in Christ taking our sin upon Himself, enabling us to confess our own sins and be reconciled to God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The informal culture of a New Covenant churchThe local church is envisioned as an informal family where gatherings are welcoming, orderly, and guided by the Holy Spirit rather than rigid Pharisaical rules.
What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?Believers are representatives of the kingdom of heaven on earth, called to embody the spirit of Christ by taking the blame when things go undone instead of pointing fingers.
Jesus started the ball rolling by taking the blameJesus, who knew no sin, became sin on our behalf so we could be made the righteousness of God, setting an ultimate example of taking the blame for others.
When do we take the Great Commission seriously?The Great Commission has two sides like a counterfeit-detecting coin: preaching the gospel to all creation with accompanying signs, and teaching disciples to obey all of Jesus' commands.Mark 16:15
Making disciples and receiving power from the Holy SpiritMatthew's account emphasizes baptizing and teaching believers to observe all Christ commanded, which can only be truly fulfilled by receiving power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us.Matthew 28:18
Live today with the perspective you will have after deathYoung adults are encouraged to live with the eternal perspective they will instantly hold just seconds after death, keeping their focus on God rather than temporary things.
The difference between punishment and disciplineJesus took the punishment and eternal hell for our sins on the cross, meaning God does not punish His children but lovingly disciplines them for their growth and sanctification.
Satan's sifting and Jesus' prayer for our faithAlthough Satan seeks to bring calamity and shake believers, Jesus intercedes at the right hand of the Father so that our faith will not fail through the trial.Luke 22:31
