The Way To Astonishing Faith - Zac Poonen
Bangalore Conference 2011 Theme: New Wine In New Wineskins Message Title: The Way To Astonishing Faith - Zac Poonen Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
Jesus was astonished twice: first by the unbelief of his own people in Nazareth, and second by the faith of a Centurion who, despite his background, trusted Jesus's word completely. The speaker emphasizes that genuine faith, which is a total confidence and dependence on God, is rooted in humility—recognizing one's unworthiness before God. This humility is presented as the necessary first step toward true worship and faith.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What astonished Jesus?The Gospels record only two instances where Jesus was astonished, using the same Greek word as the amazement on the day of Pentecost.
Astonishment at Nazareth's unbeliefIn Mark chapter 6, Jesus went to his hometown where people took offense at him, and he was astonished at their unbelief.
Astonishment at the Centurion's faithIn Matthew chapter 8, a Roman centurion asked Jesus just to speak a word to heal his paralyzed servant, prompting Jesus to marvel at his great faith.Matthew 8:5
Aiming to astonish Jesus by faithRecognizing that unbelief ties the hands of Almighty God and that faith is essential to please Him, the speaker resolves to try and astonish God with his faith.
Recognizing unworthinessThe centurion showed profound humility by stating he was not worthy for Jesus to come under his roof, which is the necessary first step to genuine faith.
The loss of reverence in modern ChristianityToday's Christians often lack the deep reverence, worship, and face-down posture before God seen in biblical figures like Job, Abraham, and John.
Claiming the title of an unworthy slaveJesus taught that after doing everything commanded of us, our proper title is an unprofitable servant or unworthy slave.
Remembering past sins to stay humbleFrequently remembering cleansed past sins prevents spiritual blindness and keeps us from spiritual pride, ensuring we never think God owes us anything.
Being a man under authorityThe centurion understood that just as he was under military authority and therefore held authority over others, spiritual authority functions through a divine chain of command.
The chain of authority in ScriptureFirst Corinthians 11 outlines the chain of authority starting with God as head of Christ, Christ as head of man, and man as head of woman.1 Corinthians 11:3
Having authority over the enemyJesus has given believers authority to tread on serpents and scorpions over all the power of the enemy, which functions when we remain under authority.Luke 10:19
Teaching children obedienceTraining children to obey from an early age teaches them submission to authority, driving out the foolishness bound up in a child's heart.
Rebellion against authority in the churchJust as in homes, modern Christendom suffers from widespread rebellion against leadership authority, echoing the tragic historical rebellion of Korah.Hebrews 13:17
