Discerning the Ministry of the True Jesus - Santosh Poonen - January 24, 2016
http://rlcfchurch.org/discerning-the-ministry-of-the-true-jesus River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker warns that while church fellowship is vital for deepening intimacy with Christ, it can distract from pure devotion to Jesus. He cautions that the devil can lead the church's minds astray through activities, even within wonderful fellowship, by promoting a 'different Jesus,' a 'different spirit,' or a 'different gospel.' The core message is to remain vigilant and keep devotion focused solely on the true ministry of Jesus Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Avoiding the deception of another JesusPaul expresses a godly jealousy for the church, warning believers lest the serpent deceive their minds away from the pure simplicity of devotion to Christ through another Jesus, another spirit, or another gospel.
Testing the spirits for false prophetsJohn warns believers not to believe every spirit because many false prophets and antichrists have gone out into the world, making spiritual discernment essential.1 John 4:1–3
Faith as the key in the ministry of JesusExamining Matthew 8, true faith is shown to be complete dependence on God and God alone, which is what Jesus looks for rather than mere religious association.Matthew 8:12–13
Will the Son of Man find faith on the earth?Jesus questions whether He will find persistent prayer and living faith when He returns, comparing it to the helpless dependence of a widow seeking justice.Luke 18:7–8
Spiritual power is immediateWhere true faith is present, Jesus demonstrates instantaneous power over sickness and demons, operating from the reality that Satan is a defeated enemy.
This kind goes out by prayer and fastingThe disciples' inability to cast out a demon highlights that exercising spiritual authority requires a continuous lifestyle of prayer and fasting rather than a last-minute ritual.Mark 9:28–29
Zero fanfare in the true ministry of JesusUnlike modern televangelism that draws attention to human agents, Jesus consistently commanded people to tell no one and avoided taking any human glory.
Distinguishing the physical and spiritualJesus distinguished between physical ailments and spiritual strongholds, courageously touching the untouchable lepers while dealing with demons through authority and a word.
The ultimate purpose of God's power is discipleshipWhen Peter's mother-in-law was healed, she immediately rose up to serve, illustrating that every work of God in the physical realm ultimately aims to make us His disciples.
