15th March 2020 - The Last Days Faith That Overcomes Fear - Zac Poonen
15th March 2020 - Christian Fellowship Meeting - Bangalore. For more sermons please visit https://www.cfcindia.com/
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that in the New Covenant, prophecy is not meant to direct people with specific commands, unlike in the Old Testament. Instead, it serves to prepare the church for the future, revealing things that are to come. He encourages the congregation to remain attentive to the Word of God, recognizing that the Holy Spirit guides the church in preparation for the days ahead.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening songs of praiseThe congregation begins the service by singing hymns that exalt the holiness and glory of God.
Marveling at the Savior's loveThe music celebrates the wonderful and marvelous nature of Jesus' love for His people.
A call to reverent prayerThe speaker invites the congregation to quiet their minds and approach God with expectation, gratitude for His daily mercies, and praise for His sovereignty over all creation.
A prayer for preparationThe speaker begins with a prayer asking God to speak to hearts and prepare the church for the future through His words and Spirit.
The true purpose of prophecy in the New TestamentUnlike the Old Testament where prophets gave specific directions, New Testament prophecy is meant to prepare us for what is coming rather than telling us what to do or whom to marry.
Standing unshaken amidst the shaking of created thingsAs God shakes everything that can be shaken, those who seek His kingdom first—pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy—will remain standing upright and unafraid.
The need for continuous filling of the SpiritIn the last days, people's hearts will faint with fear, so we must be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit to remain upright.Ephesians 5:18
How to keep the Word from becoming staleJust as manna became stale after twenty-four hours unless kept in the presence of God, the Word of God can become stale in our lives if we do not let the Holy Spirit set it on us.Deuteronomy 8:3
Overcoming anxiety through prayer and thanksgivingWe overcome anxiety by bringing specific requests to God in prayer with thanksgiving, effectively transferring the heavy files of our worries from our hands to His.Philippians 4:6
Where is your true confidence placed?True confidence should not be found in bank accounts, houses, or even children, but solely in the God who promises to sustain us into our old age.
Preparing for the calamities of the last daysAs wars, famines, and earthquakes increase, we should not pray against God's Word, but rather seek to be found among those who follow the narrow way.
Learning readiness from the life of EnochBy studying Enoch, we see a man who walked with God and was taken up by faith, serving as an example of how to live a life that pleases God before His return.
The calling of the people in the spirit of ElijahJust as Enoch preached against sin, the New Testament church acts as a body of people in the spirit of Elijah, calling others to turn from sin and choose God over the world.Malachi 4:5
Learning to stand upright under pressureUsing Jesus' confession before Pontius Pilate as an example, we should learn to stand with spiritual authority and composure even when faced with threats or persecution.John 19:11
Repenting of fear and seeking a spirit of powerThe speaker concludes with a prayer to repent of fear as a sin and asks for the Holy Spirit to empower believers to walk in faith and adoption rather than timidity.
