The Church: A Testimony to Satan - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2017
http://rlcf.church/sermons/church-testimony-satan River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that Christian mission work should not be based on human need but on the absolute authority given to Jesus Christ in heaven and on earth. He argues that believers should live under the total authority of God, focusing solely on fulfilling the divine will rather than seeking personal honor or material gain. The ultimate goal is to complete the work God has planned for each individual.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's sovereignty and man's free willWhile God is sovereign and controls everything, man has a free will to accept or resist His grace, yet human choice cannot overrule God's ultimate purpose to make believers like Christ.
The true basis of the Great CommissionJesus commissioned believers to go and make disciples because all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him, not simply because people are going to hell.Matthew 28:18
Living as an immortal until your work is doneLiving under the total authority of Christ means having no desire outside of God's will, making believers immortal until the specific work God planned for them is completed.
The church that Jesus buildsJesus promised to build His church against which the gates of hell will never prevail, distinct from man-made religious structures that will eventually be rooted up.Matthew 16:18
Being a witness to Satan through the churchWhile individuals are called to be witnesses to the world, the united church is designed to be a witness to demonic rulers and authorities by demonstrating how diverse people function together without conflict.
Being a helper to Christ in building the churchJust as Eve was created to be a helper to Adam, believers filled with the Holy Spirit are called to act as helpers to Christ in His primary earthly work of building the church.
Equipping believers for the work of serviceApostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors are given to the church to equip ordinary believers so that they can do the actual work of building the body of Christ.
The silent, functioning joints of the bodyEvery member is called to supply encouragement and function together like the joints of a body, working in complete harmony and without the friction of complaints.Ephesians 4:16
God can solve every problemJust as Jesus demonstrated through His miracles, God is fully capable of solving every difficulty that arises in personal lives, homes, and local churches.
The power of agreement in prayerWhen husbands and wives or church leaders come into spiritual agreement like instruments in a symphony, they can bind satanic forces and see God answer their prayers.Matthew 18:19–20
Preserving the unity of the SpiritBelievers must work diligently through humility, yielding to one another, and forgiveness to preserve the unity of the Spirit until complete unity of faith is attained.Ephesians 4:3
Recognizing that we are zerosTrue humility is not outward show but the deep recognition that apart from Christ—who alone gives us value—we are absolute zeros, which allows God to use us mightily.Galatians 6:3
A time of silent reflection and humblingBelievers are urged to bow their heads in silence, examine their hearts for pride or self-seeking, and deal with any hindrances in their relationships and service to God.
Returning to a fervent devotion to ChristBacksliders and weary believers are called to repent, acknowledge their sins, and receive God's abundant mercy to be restored into a passionate, lifelong devotion to Jesus.
Concluding prayer against confusion and divisionThe speaker leads a final prayer binding all demonic confusion in homes and churches, asking God to raise up a lasting work for His glory.
