Session - 13: CFC Bangalore Conference
Dates: 8th, 9th, 10th & 11th Oct, 2016
Summary
The speaker contrasts the spiritual state of 'Babylon' (the Harlot city) with 'Jerusalem' (the bride of Christ). He warns that Christians who prioritize the approval of men over the approval of Jesus Christ possess the spirit of the harlot. While most opinions of men should be disregarded, there is an exception for the counsel of a genuinely godly person whose word might save one from calamity.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship and prayerThe session begins with a communal singing of 'Crown Him With Many Crowns' and a prayer for God to build a strong, unified people of praise through His Spirit.
A prayer for selfless love and serviceThrough song, the speaker petitions God to help them love others even when they are unthankful and to seek to meet the needs of others in secret.
Distinguishing between spiritual fidelity and the spirit of the harlotThe speaker teaches that a 'harlot' spirit in the church is characterized by seeking the approval of men and earthly pleasures more than the approval of Jesus Christ.
Valuing godly counsel and scriptureThe speaker emphasizes that we should not disregard the opinions of godly people or the truths found in Scripture, as they can save us from calamity.
The danger of the spirit of the harlot in the churchUsing Ezra 2 as a foundation, the speaker warns that even in godly churches, hypocrisy and the 'spirit of the harlot' can exist, but God's word will eventually expose them.Ezra 2:1
The difference between knowledge and lifeThe speaker distinguishes between gaining mere intellectual knowledge through study and gaining the 'knowledge of good and evil' through a lived experience of God's presence.
The necessity of believing God's wordIf we cannot believe that God can do the impossible in the Bible, then His word becomes impractical and we lose faith.
The essence of temptationGod made the Tree of Knowledge beautiful to test whether man would choose the Creator or the beautiful things He created.Genesis 3:6
The danger of prioritizing doctrine over lifePaul expresses a godly jealousy to protect believers from being deceived by craftiness and moving away from the Tree of Life toward mere doctrinal argument.2 Corinthians 11:2–3
Defining the Tree of LifeThe speaker defines the Tree of Life as simple and pure devotion to Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the pursuit of mere knowledge.
Why Jesus chose specific disciplesJesus was drawn to Peter, James, and John not out of partiality, but because of their greater hunger and devotion.
The deception of the Prosperity GospelThe speaker warns against the prosperity gospel, noting that it often enriches leaders while leaving the congregation in the same financial state.
What will you tell your story?The speaker asks whether we will present our earthly achievements or our devotion to Jesus when we meet Him in heaven.
Building Jerusalem through sacrificeTo build 'Jerusalem,' we must gather people who possess a spirit of sacrifice and devotion to Christ, rather than those seeking personal benefit.
A call to surrender and higher livingThe speaker concludes with a prayer for decisive surrender, asking God for the strength to live a life of secret sacrifice and total devotion.
