Following Another Jesus - Santosh Poonen - July 30, 2017
http://rlcf.church/sermons/following-another-jesus River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker warns that Christians today risk missing the true presence of Jesus, much like the Pharisees in Jesus' time. He draws from 2 Corinthians 11, cautioning against accepting a 'different Jesus' or spirit, emphasizing that the true Christ is the only focus. The message stresses that even when Jesus speaks with necessary firmness against sin, it stems from love and a desire to set people free.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Could we miss Jesus if he walked in today?The Pharisees studied the law and wanted to be holy, yet they completely missed Jesus when he stood right in front of them, a danger that can still happen in churches today.
Paul's warning about another JesusPaul warned the Corinthians that believers can be led astray by preachers presenting a different Jesus, a different spirit, and a different gospel.2 Corinthians 11:2
Why Jesus spoke so harshly to the PhariseesJesus rebuked the Pharisees with extreme firmness out of love and passion, acting like a parent pulling a child away from oncoming traffic.
First sign: Valuing the traditions of men over God's wordBelievers often honor God with their lips while their hearts are far away, relying on rote traditions and fearing people rather than fearing God alone.
Second sign: Allowing hypocrisy to remain in our thought lifeJesus taught that what defiles a person comes from the heart and mouth, meaning harboring unconfessed evil or lustful thoughts is spiritually devastating.
The true test of spirituality is our thought lifeJust as a blood infection like sepsis is deadly, allowing hidden impure or angry thoughts to fester shows that our heart condition is compromised.
Third sign: Everyday life is no longer mysteriously gloriousBelievers often wait for spiritual highs and fireworks while missing the mystery of Christ manifest in ordinary flesh and everyday life.1 Timothy 3:14
Christ in you, the hope of gloryThe great hidden mystery revealed to saints is not just Jesus in the flesh, but Christ living inside believers during normal tasks like working or caring for family.
Living with the quiet sunrise mentalityInstead of chasing constant spectacular spiritual events, we should cultivate a quiet daily devotion where Christ silently rises and works in our lives.
