Manifesting Jesus in Our Life - Zac Poonen - December 15, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/manifesting-jesus-in-our-life River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that the primary calling for Christians is not merely to preach about Jesus, but to live lives that visibly demonstrate who Jesus was. Drawing from Jesus' commission, the speaker emphasizes that by living according to Christ's example—in private life, speech, and handling of resources—one shows the world what God is like, proving that 'who has seen me has seen the Father.'
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The First Commission Given by the Risen ChristBefore giving the Great Commission, Jesus appeared to His disciples and gave them a foundational commission based on His own sending by the Father.
Showing What God is Like Through Daily LifeFor thirty-three and a half years, Jesus's primary purpose on earth was to explain and demonstrate the loving nature of the Father to humanity.
The Tragic Quality of Shallow ChristianityA low standard of Christian living brings disgrace to the name of Christ, making the quality of life far more important than mere numbers or religious labels.
Being a Testimony Before the DevilJust as God boasted about Job to Satan, our private purity and inner lives should be a testimony before spiritual powers, far more important than public impressions.
Receiving the Spirit to Manifest JesusWhen Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit on His disciples, it was directly tied to the commission of representing Him in the world rather than relying on human behavior modification.John 20:21
Cleaning the Inside of the CupLike the Pharisees, we can have correct doctrines and good external behavior, but true righteousness requires dealing with the root of the problem inside the heart.Matthew 23:2–3
The Double Ministry of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit reveals the glory of Jesus through the Scriptures so we see our need, and then progressively changes us into that same likeness from glory to glory.2 Corinthians 3:18
Jesus Commends a Military Man's FaithJesus marveled at the great faith of a Roman centurion, showing that He did not hold the legalistic prejudices that religious people often maintain.
Jesus Prays for Peter's Faith to Not FailKnowing Peter would fall into terrible sin, Jesus did not pray against the fall itself, but prayed that Peter's faith in the Father's unfailing love would remain intact.
Breaking Traditions to Reach the Samaritan WomanJesus crossed cultural barriers and avoided embarrassing a woman with a troubled past, focusing instead on offering her living water and using her to reach an entire city.
A Heart That Breaks for the SufferingJesus moved with deep compassion when He saw confused and hurting multitudes, calling His disciples to pray and showing that God's heart is filled with pity and practical care.
The Holy Spirit Forms a New Body for JesusJust as Jesus ministered in a physical body, the Holy Spirit has formed the church to be His body today so we can continue showing people what God is truly like.
Helping Rather Than Condemning PeopleRather than acting like critical judges or pointing out flaws without offering solutions, believers must learn to offer healing, grace, and encouragement.
A Call to Drop Legalism and PrejudicesThe speaker concludes with a call to abandon religious prejudices and legalism, asking the Holy Spirit to give us the compassionate heart of Jesus toward all people.
