God wants us to Build Fellowship (Picnic Sunday) - Zac Poonen
Watch the live stream of the Freedom Picnic Sunday service from CFC Bangalore. For more information, please visit www.cfcindia.com.
Summary
The central message is that the primary purpose of gathering on Sunday is to build genuine fellowship, which is more vital than merely hearing the word of God. True fellowship requires believers to walk in the light in their personal lives, as otherwise, the gathering will only amount to mere friendship. Jesus's prayer in John 17 emphasizes that the world will believe that Jesus was sent by the Father when His followers are united.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why have a picnic on a Sunday?While many Christians think Sunday is strictly for hearing a message, the availability of abundant online resources and books means we can study Scripture anytime. Therefore, the main purpose of our Sunday gathering is something we cannot get at home: fellowship.
Walking in the light to experience true fellowshipTrue fellowship requires us to walk in the light in our personal lives; otherwise, our relationships remain mere friendships that can easily turn to bitterness.
Jesus's burden for unity in John 17Jesus prayed fervently that His disciples would be one, just as He and the Father are one, so the world would believe He was sent from heaven.
Daily renewal and walking in the lightWe must continually judge ourselves by looking at Jesus rather than focusing on others' faults, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our inner man daily.
Does God enjoy seeing people play?Zechariah paints a picture of Christ's future earthly reign where the streets are filled with boys and girls playing, showing that enjoying God's good gifts and playing games is far from being overly spiritual or pharisaical.
What playing games reveals about our fleshPlaying competitive games exposes hidden pride and the desire to win in our flesh, giving us light to cleanse ourselves and love one another like children.
Guarding our conversation against gossipWe must ensure our conversations and times of fellowship do not descend into gossiping or speaking evil of others, instead choosing to build one another up.
Closing prayer for unity and lovePoonen concludes in prayer, asking God to remove pride and selfishness, break down prejudices between families, and make the church a united family that brings joy to His heart.
