29th March, 2015 - Two Ways Of Giving To The Lord - Zac Poonen
This is the live webcast of the Sunday Church Service from Christian Fellowship Church, Bangalore
Summary
The service begins with communal singing of praise, focusing on God's enduring love and faithfulness. The sermon portion emphasizes that the purpose of life is to worship God, acknowledging that all good gifts come from Him. The service concludes with a collective prayer dedicating lives and praise to God's majesty.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Welcome and opening praiseThe speaker welcomes the congregation and invites them to join in a song of praise celebrating God's enduring love.
Celebrating redemptionThe congregation sings about being redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and through God's mercy.
Opening prayerThe speaker leads a prayer to humble the congregation and acknowledge God's majesty and sovereignty over all creation.
A prayer of adorationThe message begins with a prayer acknowledging God's greatness, power, and sovereignty over the universe.
The importance of claiming God's promisesUsing Romans 6:14 as an example, the speaker explains that knowing a promise is not enough; one must actively claim it in Jesus' name like an inheritance.Romans 6:14
The test of believing God works all things for goodThe speaker argues that if we truly believe Romans 8:28, we will have no complaints against others because we trust God is using every circumstance for our good.Romans 8:28
The contradiction of trusting God but not His wordClaiming to have faith in Jesus while ignoring His warning that we will give an account for every careless word is a fundamental contradiction.
The accountability of our wordsJesus teaches that we will be justified or condemned based on the words we speak.
The tongue as an indicator of spiritual healthJust as a doctor examines the tongue to check for physical sickness, the state of one's speech reveals their true spiritual condition.1 Corinthians 3:1
The difference between walking like Christ and walking like the worldMature believers use their spiritual senses to discern between godly and human ways. To walk as a new creation means choosing not to react with anger, lies, or dishonesty just as others do.
What it means to seek the Kingdom of GodSeeking the kingdom is not about giving money to missions, but about seeking the government of God. It means letting His principles guide your daily walk, speech, and treatment of others.
The distinction between an offering and the very bestUsing the example of Cain and Abel, the speaker explains that God accepts those who give Him their very best rather than just a casual offering. This level of devotion is not about the amount of work or money, but the heart behind what you give from what you have been given.
A line drawn between two types of peopleUsing the story of Cain and Abel as a template, the speaker explains that Jesus observes not just the amount given, but the manner in which people give.Mark 12:41
The widow's superior offeringWhile others gave from their surplus, the widow gave everything she had, demonstrating that God values sacrificial devotion over monetary value.
Giving our whole lives to GodTrue giving is not about calculating percentages or money, but about a total surrender of our time, energy, and devotion to Christ.
