17th January 2016 - How to be ready for Christ's return - Zac Poonen
Watch the live stream of the Sunday service from CFC Bangalore. For more videos, visit www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The sermon is largely a collection of worship songs and devotional readings, focusing heavily on praising God's majesty, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the themes of salvation and redemption. The speaker encourages the congregation to praise God through all creation and to find refuge and strength in Christ's atoning work.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A call to praise the RedeemerThe service begins with a communal call to sing praises to Jesus, our blessed redeemer, celebrating His wonderful love.
Praising God's greatness in all creationThe congregation continues in worship, declaring that all of nature—the sun, moon, and stars—should praise the great and powerful King.
Finding confidence in our High PriestThe worship concludes with a focus on Jesus as our great High Priest, whose love and sacrifice provide our only plea before the throne of God.
A song of boasting in ChristThe speaker begins with a musical reflection on finding no boast in oneself, but only in the wounds and death of Jesus Christ.
A call to praise God's creationThe speaker reads from Psalm 148, highlighting how all of creation—from the heavens to the stars—is commanded to praise the Lord.
Resisting fear and anxiety as a believerThe speaker encourages believers to treat fear and anxiety as 'dirty thoughts' that must be resisted, just as one would resist lust or anger.
Refusing to compromise our convictionsJust as the three young men refused to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's image, we must never compromise our faith or use God's mercy as an excuse for sin.
Trusting God for wisdom during trialsWe do not need to prepare legal defenses in advance because God promises to give us an utterance and wisdom that enemies cannot resist when we are persecuted.
Remaining alert for the Lord's returnAs signs appear in the heavens and hearts become weighed down by worldly worries, we must stay prayerful and alert to ensure we are found with faith when Christ returns.
Documenting God's provision for the next generationParents should write down personal experiences of God's miraculous care and provision to create a legacy of faith for their children.
The importance of persistent prayerUsing the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, the speaker teaches that believers must never lose heart but should continue praying even when answers are delayed.
Protecting your spiritual inheritanceBelievers should boldly go to God to claim their spiritual inheritance and refuse to let the devil take away the purity or the salvation of their families.
Learning from Jesus' parables on prayerUsing the parable of the friend at midnight, the speaker explains that we should approach God with shameless persistence in our requests.
The true purpose of prayer is not a feat of enduranceTrue prayer is measured by receiving answers from God rather than the number of hours spent on one's knees.
A promise of restoration and a call to readinessThe speaker concludes with a promise from Zechariah that God can turn a curse into a blessing, encouraging believers to recover all through Christ.Zechariah 8:13
