18th February 2018 - Don't Neglect This Great Salvation - Zac Poonen
18th February 2018 - Don't Neglect This Great Salvation - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon focuses on the boundless nature of God's love, mercy, and grace, emphasizing that salvation is a gift that should not be neglected. The speaker repeatedly directs the congregation to praise Jesus, acknowledging that our redemption and eternal life are secured through Christ's blood and sacrifice. The message encourages believers to live in gratitude for this undeserved grace.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship and hymnsThe service begins with a warm welcome and the singing of hymns that celebrate God's everlasting love and providence.
Exalting the name of JesusThe congregation sings songs focused on the supremacy of the name of Jesus and the joy found in His salvation.
A prayer on God's redeeming mercyAfter a song of redemption, the speaker leads a prayer meditating on the kindness of God's justice and His immense mercy toward humanity.
A prayer of thanksgiving for God's graceThe speaker begins with a prayer acknowledging how God has loved us, raised us up in Christ, and lavished His grace upon us from before the foundation of the world.
The purpose of repeating biblical truthsThe speaker explains that the church does not repeat messages out of lack of content, but because a message is only truly heard once it has been fully experienced in one's life.
The difference between struggling with sin and spiritual stagnationWhile all Christians will struggle with sin until the end of their lives, maturity is marked by moving beyond old, repetitive sins and developing a sensitive discernment between good and evil.
The difference between knowledge and discernmentMany believers accumulate a vast list of good and evil things to avoid, but this is merely legalism. True discernment comes from the Holy Spirit within, allowing us to sense what is spiritually hygienic or unhygienic.
The living and active Word of GodSpiritual growth requires distinguishing between human and divine reactions. This is achieved through the living Word of God that proceeds from His mouth to pierce through our soul and spirit.Hebrews 4:12
The danger of living for the opinion of menWe fail to grow in discernment when we seek to justify ourselves before others. To hear God's voice clearly, we must stop living before the eyes of man and instead live solely before the face of God.
Why Jesus came in the fleshJesus took on human flesh and blood like his brothers so that he would be able to die, unlike angels who cannot die.Hebrews 2:14
The defeat of the power of deathBecause Satan held the power of death, Jesus had to die as a perfect human to strip that power away from the devil and free us from the fear of death.
Being made like us to help with temptationJesus was made like us in all things not just to deal with our past sins, but so he could be tempted and therefore be able to aid us in our present temptations.
Conquering the giants withinJust as Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit to conquer Canaan, believers must use the Holy Spirit's power to overcome sins like anger, lust, and greed that rule our bodies.
The consequences of repeated unbeliefUsing the Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land as a warning, the speaker explains that God's patience has limits and we must not take advantage of His goodness.
Looking to Jesus for victoryInstead of looking at failing believers, we must look to Jesus, who endured the cross and overcame, trusting in His promise to never forsake us.
