Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - April 25, 2020
RLCF Men's Conference 2020 - 'Act Like Men and Be Strong' http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-be-strong River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker addresses questions regarding living under grace, emphasizing that sin cannot rule over a believer who remains under grace, which is maintained by humility. He stresses that the standard for Christian living must be Jesus Christ, and anything contrary to His life is sin. Furthermore, he encourages diligent seeking of God with the whole heart to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit and maintain patience in all life circumstances.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How do I go forward when I feel defeated and helpless without the Holy Spirit?Defeat indicates we are not living under grace, because Romans 6:14 promises that sin will not have dominion over us when we remain under grace.Romans 6:14
Can an unmarried person live without pornography and masturbation?It is definitely possible if you live under grace and take Jesus as your absolute standard rather than backslidden Christians around you.1 John 2:6
How can I find godly fellowship when there is no local church around me?You do not need special communication abilities, but you must seek God with all your heart, and He will reward you and bring you into contact with others.Jeremiah 29:11–14
How can I experience God's love in my heart?The Holy Spirit is the one who makes God's love real in your heart when you seek God wholeheartedly and ask to be filled with the Spirit.Romans 5:5
How should a husband handle a wife experiencing a long season of discouragement?Recognize that women are weaker vessels and face physical challenges, but do not try to force anyone into joy; instead, be a patient and merciful example.
Is there still mercy for someone who was converted young and fell away?As long as a person continues sinning they cannot repent, but if they turn away from sin, God is always ready to forgive and no one is too backslidden to return.
How do you correct little children without anger?You must never correct children in anger. The speaker shares his own struggle of repenting before God in tears until he finally gained victory over anger.
What should I do if I cannot read and pray for more than 15 minutes?Read as much as you can, but more importantly, meditate on what you have read throughout the day by carrying a verse with you.
How do I deal with visiting filthy websites and drifting during lockdown?Acknowledge that the filth was always inside your heart like an unflushed toilet. Use this time to live before God's face rather than man's face and repent immediately.
How do you encourage someone with a stomach ulcer to fulfill the call to fast?God understands medical conditions, and fasting can take limited forms like avoiding certain foods rather than completely abstaining.
What is the confirmation that one is filled with the Holy Spirit?The mark of being filled with the Holy Spirit is holiness and a heart filled with love, not speaking in tongues, which is a historical fact in Acts rather than a doctrinal rule.
How should I handle ongoing dirty dreams after baptism?Dirty dreams are unconscious sins resulting from past years of dirty thoughts. The solution is to continually pour the clean water of God's Word into your mind.
Is it possible to become too familiar with our children and joke around?Humor is a gift from God and a test of a healthy relationship. It is good to joke with family members as long as it does not hurt anyone.
How do a husband and wife handle different spiritual convictions?Do not force someone at a lower spiritual level to live at your higher level. Bear with them patiently, just as you once were in a lower grade spiritually.
Does losing a job mean God has called me to full-time Christian service?Not necessarily. A true calling to Christian service must be confirmed by other godly people around you, rather than being an escape from unemployment.
I have a passion for computer programming, but I resent others advancing without good skills.Your passion is actually for climbing the ladder and earning more money rather than programming. Your first passion must be to follow Jesus.
Are good works needed to stay saved?Salvation has past, present, and future tenses. Good works do not earn salvation, but they are the necessary fruit and proof that our faith is genuine.Ephesians 2:8
How do I give more to God?God loves a cheerful giver, so start by giving cheerfully. Most importantly, God wants you to give your body and mind to Him first as described in Romans 12.Romans 12:1–2
What does the Bible say about women not being allowed to teach?The Holy Spirit restricts women from holding teaching authority over men in the local church, though they can prophesy, encourage, and teach other women and children.1 Timothy 2:12
How have you been able to remain humble and approachable?Humility comes from constantly looking at the life of Jesus and His example rather than looking at our own accomplishments.Matthew 11:29
Will we ever reach a place where we are no longer tempted to doubt God?We will face temptations and trials throughout our lives, but as we walk with God, our temptation to doubt Him becomes less and less.
