Session 3 - Building the Body of Christ – Santosh Poonen – WOF 2017 Austin CFC

Santosh PoonenOctober 30, 20171h 13mWatch on YouTube

Session 3 - Building the Body of Christ – Santosh Poonen – WOF 2017 Austin CFC 2017 Austin CFC Weekend of Fellowship at Austin CFC, Oct 28 & 29, 2017 Theme - Living in the Kingdom of Heaven

Summary

The message emphasizes that while Jesus Christ alone is the necessary foundation for salvation, believers must actively build their lives upon this foundation with works of faith. Paul's analogy compares building materials—precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw—to illustrate that mere profession or accumulation of earthly things will not suffice; one must live a life reflecting genuine commitment to Christ. The ultimate test is enduring the fire, which purifies true devotion.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

How are you building on the foundation?Paul instructs believers in Corinth to be careful how they build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ, comparing eternal building materials to temporary ones.1 Corinthians 3:10

Gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, strawEarthly works built out of selfish ambition will be burned up by fire, while quality works produced by God's grace will survive.

Living for the other side of the furnaceBelievers should evaluate their daily choices, wealth, and health based on what will survive the final testing fire of God.

Valuing quality over quantity in God's workGod is interested in quality rather than large numbers, and true spiritual fellowship is often found in small, fully committed gatherings.

The danger of artificial unityTrying to force church unity through human activities and sheer willpower is like gluing separate pieces of gold together rather than melting them as one.

Going through the fire in marriageGod takes husbands and wives through trials and the fire of brokenness so they can lose their rigid agendas and truly become one.

The body of Christ versus an amoebaThe true church is structured like a human body where every part is interconnected through the head, unlike independent lone-ranger Christians.

Local expressions of Christ's bodyWhile Ephesians describes the universal body of Christ, First Corinthians addresses the practical application of being the body locally.1 Corinthians 12:27

Emptying your cup dailyJesus was able to finish his course in thirty-three years because He never did anything of His own initiative, but only what the Father asked.

The church is not a social welfare organizationWhile doing good things is important, the church must operate as a body hearing directly from the Head rather than acting on human sympathy alone.

The first test of fellowshipTrue fellowship requires walking in the light as He is in the light, which is proven most clearly in our private lives and homes.

Unless a grain of wheat falls and diesBelievers often blame others for their isolation, but the real solution is falling into the ground and dying to self to develop a deep root system.John 12:24

Rooted and grounded in loveBeing rooted and grounded in love allows believers to comprehend the fullness of God and praise Him with one heart and one voice.

A church the gates of hell cannot prevail againstA small, genuinely united church built by God is immensely more powerful and victorious than massive religious gatherings plagued by division.

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Austin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)

Session 3 - Building the Body of Christ – Santosh Poonen – WOF 2017 Austin CFC

Santosh Poonen · October 30, 2017 · 1h 13m

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