22 March 2015 - Be A Compassionate Shepherd - Zac Poonen
This is the live webcast of the Sunday Church Service from Christian Fellowship Church, Bangalore
Summary
The speaker uses the principle of sowing and reaping, drawing parallels from farming and nature, to discuss parenting and personal conduct. He emphasizes that the way parents treat their children and each other will determine the kind of behavior they reap in their offspring. Furthermore, he contrasts Adam's sin of hiding from God with the proper response of immediately confessing sin to God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Praising our Redeemer and SaviorA call to praise Jesus, our blessed redeemer, who suffered and died for our salvation and has conquered death.
Magnifying the mighty GodThe congregation joins in singing to magnify the name of the Prince of Peace and the Almighty God.
The principle of reaping what you sowUsing the metaphor of farming and growing trees, the speaker explains that parents will reap the character in their children based on what they intentionally sow into them.
Stop the habit of blaming othersAdam blamed both his wife and God for his sin, but true paradise is found when we take responsibility for our own faults like the thief on the cross.
God's way is to find a solution rather than assign blameInstead of arguing over who is at fault when things go wrong, we should follow God's example by looking for ways to rectify the problem.
Prioritizing time with children to raise a godly generationParents should invest intentional time and priority into their children, much like Timothy's mother did, to help them grow as witnesses for Christ.
A prayer of praise and focus on GodThe speaker begins with a prayer focused on God's attributes like love, grace, and holiness, asking for the Lord to speak to and minister to the needs of the people.
Seeking Christlikeness through compassionUsing Matthew 9:36, the speaker explains that true spiritual growth and ministry do not start with seeking titles or gifts like tongues, but with having a heart of compassion for others.Matthew 9:36
The urgent need for shepherds in the churchRecognizing the deep personal struggles many believers face, the speaker calls for both men and women to step up as shepherds to care for those in need.
The value of small beginningsReflecting on a time when he traveled weekly to visit one family for Bible study, the speaker emphasizes how small seeds of ministry can grow into fruitful trees.
Don't just exist; live for the LordUsing the metaphor of a tombstone's dash, he urges people not to waste their lives merely earning money but to ensure they have done something significant for God.
Pressing on toward spiritual maturityThe speaker calls believers to move past the 'milk' of infancy and the 'preschool' stage of faith to become mature teachers and leaders who overcome Satan through the abiding Word.
Becoming spiritual fathers and shepherdsRegardless of physical age, believers can become spiritual fathers who care for others like shepherds.
Instructions for different ages in Titus 2The passage in Titus 2 provides specific guidance for older men, older women, young women, and young men.
Memorizing scripture and concluding prayerThe service concludes with the congregation memorizing key verses and a final prayer for God to raise up compassionate shepherds.Romans 6:14
