Why Another Church: 3.Coming Out Of Babylon - Zac Poonen
Why Another Church
Summary
The sermon explains that a 'why another church' arises when the established leadership fails to heed warnings from the Holy Spirit, leading the congregation into backsliding. This failure is often characterized by misuse of spiritual gifts for personal gain, doctrinal drift, pride, or neglecting true holiness. Ultimately, God withdraws His presence, causing the true remnant to gather into a new, authentic church.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why were there divisions in Corinth?Paul hears of divisions in Corinth because believers were unhappy with the leadership, the backslidden direction, and the tolerance of sin, pointing to why new churches eventually form.1 Corinthians 11:16
The misuse of God's gifts for personal gainPreachers often misuse their anointing to make money, gain honor, or build personal power, much like the teaching of Balaam condemned in Revelation.
Hidden idolatry among the leadersEzekiel's vision of leaders worshipping idols in hidden rooms pictures the secret idolatry of money and honor in the minds of religious leaders.Ezekiel 8:7
The slow departure of God's gloryThe glory of the Lord departed from the Jerusalem temple in slow stages, moving from the most holy place to the threshold before finally leaving.
The return of God's glory to a faithful remnantGod restores His glory and builds a pure testimony when a faithful remnant responds to His word and rejects worldly comfort.
Why many people fail to understand the New Covenant churchPeople do not understand God's true plan because they are not genuinely ashamed of their sin, anger, and unrighteousness.
God opposes preachers who mislead the peopleJeremiah warns against false prophets who preach that everything is fine to people set in their own ways and who steal messages from others for honor.
Worshipping God or MammonJust as ancient Israel switched between Jehovah and Baal, modern Christians often try to serve both Christ and money.Luke 16:13
Idols set up in the heartEzekiel records that elders set up idols in their hearts and placed stumbling blocks before their faces, leading directly into spiritual Babylon.
Friendship with the world is hostility towards GodJames warns believers that spiritual unfaithfulness and friendship with the world's system make them enemies of God.
Jealousy for pure devotion to ChristPaul expresses a godly jealousy to present believers as a pure virgin to Christ, warning that clever deception can lead minds astray.
God desires a pure offering among the nationsGod rejects corrupt religious machinery and empty services, promising instead to raise up a pure offering and a genuine witness in every nation.
The call to come out of BabylonGod's voice calls His people to leave the corrupt Babylonian system marked by human greatness, commercialized religion, and music without godliness.
Rejoicing over the true brideRevelation pictures true heavenly praise erupting not over religious bigness, but over the judgment of the harlot and the readiness of Christ's pure bride.
