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Speaker: Zac Poonen Title: Q&A Part 2 Date: 06-06-2015 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Summary
The central message is that Christian growth involves becoming an exact reflection of Jesus through individual purity and corporate church function. True spiritual service results in holiness, not emotional highs. Progressing in sin-awareness is gradual, and recognizing God's voice comes from consistent obedience to scripture. Humility is found in accepting God's challenging circumstances, which lead to grace.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How do you worship God in spirit versus emotion?True operation of the Holy Spirit always produces holiness and sanctification in a person's life, whereas service driven purely by emotion leaves room for frustration, criticism, and unchanged behavior.Romans 6:22
Is victory over sin gradual or instant?Repentance is an immediate change of attitude against sin, but our understanding and recognition of sin increase progressively as we walk with God, much like advancing through school grades.
What does true spiritual fellowship mean?Biblical fellowship is a noiseless, yielding bond between believers, functioning harmoniously like the muscles in the human body where one pulls while the other yields.
How can you know when God is talking to you?Just as you recognize a familiar voice through frequent exposure, you recognize God's voice by regularly listening to and obeying His absolute voice found in the Bible.
How do we handle discouragement when feeling opposed by God?True humility is accepting the difficult circumstances God brings into our lives as His mighty hand, choosing not to complain or grumble so that we may receive His grace.
Does forgiving someone mean your relationship goes back to normal?Forgiveness is an inward attitude of the heart, but it does not mean you must place yourself in dangerous relationships or maintain close fellowship with harmful people.
What is your opinion on Facebook and wasting time?Believers should evaluate how much time they spend on social media compared to God's word, and exercise caution regarding privacy and self-importance.
Can God's children take alcohol?While the Bible commands believers not to get drunk rather than strictly forbidding all wine, Poonen chooses total abstinence to avoid becoming a stumbling block that causes others to fall.
How can I always be joyful?True joy is an inward, uncomplaining state of heart rooted in God's presence and unchanging spiritual truths rather than external circumstances.Psalm 16:11
What is the difference between prophets and desiring to prophesy?Prophecy is speaking God's word to edify, exhort, and comfort others, and while not everyone holds the office of a prophet, every believer can seek to encourage others.
Should we follow the footsteps of righteous people?We can follow Christ and godly leaders in their holy way of living, but we cannot replicate their unique ministries or attempt to copy others to the detriment of our own calling.
Should women cover their heads?Head covering is a scriptural symbol based on the creation order representing submission and the covering of human glory, paralleling the breaking of bread.
How does God view past divorces before knowing Christ?While God hates divorce, He overlooks past times of ignorance for those who now possess a true spirit of repentance.Malachi 2:16
How can one obtain assurance of salvation?Assurance of salvation must be anchored firmly on God's objective promises in His word rather than subjective feelings.
How do you know if you have made progress in your walk with God?Spiritual growth is recognized when God reveals deeper, previously unseen areas of selfishness and unchrist-likeness in your life, much like conquering successive giants in Canaan.
Why don't we have conferences dedicated to casting out demons and healing?Demons and sickness are dealt with when they are actively encountered in daily life and ministry, rather than being manufactured as the main focus of a meeting.
