The Covering of Reproach on the Church - Zac Poonen & Santosh Poonen - February 16, 2020
https://rlcf.us/tcorotc River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that building the church requires embracing the 'reproach of Christ,' which the speaker compares to considering Christ's reproach greater riches than the treasures of Egypt (worldliness). True discipleship involves following Jesus even when it leads to opposition, and the church must be understood not merely as a gathering, but as the living Body of Christ, which requires daily self-denial and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Moses and the reproach of ChristMoses is commended in Hebrews for considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.Hebrews 11:26
Leaving Egypt behindJust as the Israelites could not bring the melons and leeks of Egypt into the Promised Land, believers must leave worldliness behind.
Taking on Christ's name and reproachFollowing Jesus fully and marrying Him spiritually means taking on a name that carries a reproach from the world.
Finding true joy in the inner roomTrue, deep joy comes from standing for truth in the presence of Jesus rather than depending on the approval of other people.
A true body versus a religious gatheringBuilding Christ's body takes grace and the anointing of God, requiring believers to deny themselves, die daily, and be filled with the Spirit.
The humble and ugly beginning in the mangerThe first body of Christ was identified by the humiliating and smelly reproach of a manger, just as true spiritual expressions face reproach today.Luke 2:12
Distinguishing the reproach of Christ from our own sinBelievers must ensure they suffer reproach for upholding the truth of Jesus rather than because of their own sin or lack of love.Hebrews 13:13
No outward attractiveness to the worldLike Jesus who had no physical attractiveness that men desired, a true local church should not be attractive to the world or Babylonian Christendom.John 1:14
The outer covering of ramskinJust like the tabernacle with its plain outer covering of dark brown ramskin, the Bride of Christ has a cover of reproach over her inner glory.
Avoiding the commendation of the worldIf a church seeks praise from carnal Christians or the world, it ends up building Babylon rather than following Jesus.
Protecting the body like JosephJust as Joseph protected the baby Jesus by listening and quickly obeying God's voice, leaders and believers must protect Christ's body today.
Taking spiritual responsibility seriouslyElders and believers must take their responsibilities seriously because they will have to give an account to God for every soul.Hebrews 13:17
