Holding Fast Our Assurance Until the End - Zac Poonen - June 2, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/holding-fast-assurance-end River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message emphasizes holding fast to faith until the end by maintaining a deep desire for holiness and practicing mercy. The speaker uses examples like Zacchaeus, the woman caught in adultery, and the thief on the cross to illustrate God's boundless mercy for sinners. He advises that true pursuit of holiness requires a passionate hunger, and that this pursuit must always be balanced with compassion and mercy toward others.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Settling matters in our conscienceUnsettled matters in our conscience will always act as a drag on our spiritual life, hindering us from holding fast until the end.
Jesus has hope for the worst of sinnersJust as Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus, the woman caught in adultery, the Samaritan woman, and the thief on the cross, He has hope for anyone.
Taking the blame instead of pointing fingersUnlike Adam in Eden who blamed his wife, the thief on the cross took full responsibility for his guilt, demonstrating the true humility that God is merciful to.
Hungering for holiness and extending mercyThose who hunger and thirst for a holy life will be satisfied, and the very next step is to be merciful to others rather than proud.
The conduct of the Lord's bond-servantEvery child of God is called to be a servant and witness, never quarrelsome, but kind to all people.2 Timothy 2:24
Teaching what we know and enduring wrongsBelievers should teach whatever little they know of Jesus and remain patient when wronged, gently correcting those in opposition.
Extending mercy in our homesHusbands and parents must practice mercy toward their families rather than reacting in anger, viewing daily challenges as opportunities to learn patience.
Confessing sin and walking in the lightMajor or minor sins must be brought into the light through honest confession, ensuring the blood of Jesus cleanses us immediately.
God remembers our sins no moreWhile our memory may retain past failures, our heart is cleansed and God declares that He will remember our sins no more.
Justified by the blood of JesusJustification means we are declared righteous, just as if we had never sinned, which deepens our hatred for sin because of Christ's complete sacrifice.Romans 5:9
Resisting the accuser of believersBelievers must reject demonic whispers and accusations against others, refusing to form critical opinions that give the devil a foothold.
Seeking daily fullness of the Holy SpiritBelievers must constantly seek the strengthening and guiding ministry of the Holy Spirit every day of their lives.
Keeping a good conscience and humbling ourselvesTo keep the vessel full of oil without unconfessed sin draining it, believers must keep a clear conscience and take the low place in humility.
