Session - 9: Fall. Sit. Go., God Lifts Up Our Head
Dates: 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th Oct, 2016 For more sermons by Sandeep Poonen, please visit http://newcovenantcf.org.
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the ministry's global reach, especially through the internet, is entirely God's work, not their own. He encourages the congregation to pray for their lives to be such a witness for Christ that God can use them to reach people worldwide. The message concludes by noting the diverse cultural makeup of a local church that exemplifies God's expansive work.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Celebrating our redemptionThe service begins with a joyful song proclaiming that we are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and His infinite mercy.
Standing on the promisesThe congregation sings about finding stability and strength by standing on the eternal promises of Christ.
Marveling at the Savior's loveThe worship continues with a song of amazement at how Jesus could love a sinner and bear our sorrows on the cross.
God's global reach through humble meansThe speaker praises God for using small beginnings and humble people to reach hearts across the world, much like a satellite connects distant places.
A diverse church led by young eldersThe speaker introduces a multi-cultural church in California led by young elders who have been gripped by divine revelation rather than just long study.
Moving from religious conversation to a cry of desperationUsing the story of Mary and Martha, the speaker contrasts an intellectual conversation with a helpless cry of need that deeply moves the heart of Jesus.
True worship is falling at the feet of JesusThe speaker reflects on how true worship is not about music, but about a posture of surrender and crying out to God, much like the woman who poured oil on Jesus.
Jesus invites us to sit with HimWhile Jesus does not stop us from falling at His feet, He also does not want us to stay there; He wants to raise us up to sit in intimacy with Him.
The third step is to goAfter falling at His feet and sitting on the lap of the Father, we are called to 'go' and share the good news with others, as modeled by Mary Magdalene.John 20:16–17
A powerful example of sacrificial loveUsing a video of an athlete stopping to help his struggling brother finish a race, the speaker illustrates a heart that prioritizes others over personal victory.
The pattern of Christ's humilityJust as the brother helped his sibling, Jesus emptied himself of glory to serve us and become our righteousness.
Letting the resurrection transform our livesKnowing the facts of the resurrection is not enough; we must allow the reality of the risen Christ to sink into our hearts and change how we live and serve.
The drift of modern ChristianityThe speaker observes a decline in godliness and an increase in false ministries since the post-WWII era, noting that many modern healing ministries are driven by greed.
Do you lift up your head yourself?Using the examples of the Pharisee and the Publican, the speaker warns against seeking personal glory and instead asks if we rely on God to lift our heads.
Living out the call to love and serve othersThe speaker concludes by encouraging the congregation to help those who are stumbling, using a song as a prayer to live more like Jesus.
