Austin CFC - Zac Poonen 2019 - Session 4: Love in Two Directions
Austin CFC Conference with Zac Poonen on May 4-5, 2019 Theme: Patiently Pressing On to Perfection Session 4: Love in Two Directions www.AustinCFC.com
Summary
The speaker contrasts seeking knowledge through rules (the Tree of Knowledge) with true spiritual life, using the Garden of Eden analogy. He argues that merely knowing doctrines or having correct answers is insufficient; one must embrace 'death to self'—crucifying Christ daily—to access the 'Tree of Life.' True understanding comes from recognizing Christ in all scripture and living according to His sacrifice.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of spiritual death with correct answersThe scribes and Pharisees had all the correct doctrines and answers, yet Jesus warned against their hypocrisy because they were spiritually dead and rejected death to self.Matthew 23:2
Studying the scriptures yet missing ChristThough Jesus explained how every book of the Old Testament pointed to Himself, the religious scholars studied the exact same texts and called Him the prince of devils.
The trap of gathering exciting information without godly livingMany people listen to sermons for intellectual stimulation and clever presentation without desiring to follow Jesus in their daily lives or homes.
The greatest commandmentsWhen asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus stated that all the law and the prophets hang on loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and loving your neighbor as yourself.Matthew 22:36
Taking Christ's easy yokeWalking with Jesus means submitting to His yoke, learning from Him, and refusing to live by a bare minimum standard or legalistic rules.Matthew 11:29
Living in the most holy placeMoving past the outer court and holy place of service, true spiritual life is found in continuous fellowship with God in the most holy place.
We love Him because He first loved usLove for Christ increases as we meditate on the four-dimensional breadth, length, height, and depth of His love that surpasses knowledge.1 John 4:19
Serving God instead of MammonJesus taught that no one can serve two masters, meaning true devotion to Christ requires us to treat our love for money as insignificant by comparison.Luke 16:13
Forgiven much, loving muchAn immoral woman poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet because she recognized the magnitude of her forgiveness, whereas those who think they are forgiven little love little.
Avoiding spiritual blindnessBelievers become spiritually short-sighted and blind when they forget the purification of their former sins.2 Peter 1:9
Living as witnesses in the days of NoahAs the world grows increasingly wicked like the days of Noah, God is looking for families and believers who will wholeheartedly build His church rather than safeguard personal interests.
Elijah's fervent prayer and wholehearted devotionWhile thousands maintained a negative testimony against evil, Elijah brought fire down from heaven because he lived before the face of God and sought Him with all his heart.
