The New Covenant Life And Church (1 of 4) - Zac Poonen
The New Covenant Life And Church (1 of 4) - Zac Poonen (Building The Church As A Family) Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The central message is that the church must function as the 'Body of Christ,' which requires every individual believer to maintain a direct, unbroken connection to Christ (the Head). This connection is superior to mere physical proximity or shared beliefs, as demonstrated by the analogy of a pianist's fingers working together through the head's control. A true body is built together like bricks in a wall, whereas a mere congregation is just a collection of separate parts.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why is the church called the body of Jesus Christ?Unlike Old Testament Israel or kingdoms where people are merely subjects, every part of a body is individually and directly connected to the head.
Direct connection with ChristEvery individual in the New Covenant, from newly converted to mature, must maintain an unbroken, personal connection to Christ the Head.
A church is not a doctrinal congregationHaving the same doctrinal statement or gathering a large crowd does not make a group a body; dead parts in a laboratory do not function without a living connection.
Being built together as a templeBelievers must be built together like bricks in a house rather than remaining as a loose pile of bricks vulnerable to the enemy.
Congregation versus a bodyA congregation relies on a strong human leader to stay together, whereas a body functions through each member's connection to Christ, even when weak like a baby.
Not a social clubPeople should not join a church merely for mutual help like a worldly club, but to be connected with others who are connected to Jesus Christ.
Characteristics of the human raceThe human race is marked by a lack of the true fear of God and a constant drive to seek one's own benefit and self-promotion.
Valuing God over earthly thingsChristians often carefully select the best schools and hospitals for earthly health and education, yet settle for mediocrity in spiritual things to avoid offending others.
Not loving the worldJust as a marriage cannot tolerate divided affection for another lover, a believer cannot love both God and the world system.1 John 2:15
The patience and limits of GodIn the days of Noah, human wickedness grieved God's heart, demonstrating that God's patience has a time limit and a red line before judgment.
Radical 180-degree conversionFriendship with the world makes someone an enemy of God, requiring a radical 180-degree turn of total commitment rather than a partial religious adjustment.James 4:4
Valuing the weak in the familyJust as a family lovingly supports a member who is weak, lacking in gifts, or uncultured, the church must embrace and accept one another rather than acting like an exclusive elite school.
Simple people and genuine repentanceThe gospel reaches the simple and poor in villages, whose sincere hearts and simple repentance bring profound spiritual life and genuine fellowship.
Accept one another as Christ accepted youThe church must be a secure place where believers are accepted as they are, growing in grace together to the glory of God rather than building corrupt, money-driven congregations.
