TRIVANDRUM CONFERENCE - 2014: Session - 1
This is live broadcast of the Trivandrum Conference (with Malayalam Translation) - from Christian Fellowship Church, Trivandrum from 25th Jan and 26th Jan Jan 2014.
Summary
The session primarily consists of prayers dedicating the conference and the message to God's will and glory. The speakers express gratitude for the gathering and pray for the truth of the Gospel to be preached and for the ministry to be effective. The latter part of the transcript introduces the speaker, Zac Poonen, highlighting his extensive work and the depth of his message, while also addressing the congregation about the schedule and the importance of fully participating.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why does God allow deceiving spirits?While we do not read much about deception in the Old Testament, the New Testament warns extensively about deceiving spirits in the last days, raising the question of why a loving God allows this.
Jesus' warnings about deception in Matthew 24When asked about the signs of His coming, Jesus first warned His disciples not to be deceived, pointing to false prophets and false Christs performing great signs.
Apostolic warnings on falling awayThe Holy Spirit explicitly warns through the apostles that people will fall away from the faith in latter times by paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.
Learning from the Garden of EdenJust as God silently watched the devil deceive Eve without forcefully interfering, He respects human free choice because forced obedience has no genuine value.
The unique gift of freedom of choiceUnlike planets that follow natural laws automatically without free will, humans possess the unique capacity to choose, which also makes deception and sin possible.
The difference between God and the devil in controlWhile the devil possesses people and forces them against their will, the Holy Spirit never forces anyone; true spiritual gifts operate under the self-control of the individual.
Jesus invites rather than compelsJesus invited people to follow Him like Peter and Andrew, but when the rich young ruler refused and walked away, Jesus did not force him to stay.
Conscience as a blessing like physical painJust as physical pain alerts the body to danger and prevents worse harm, the conscience is a great gift that immediately warns us when we do something wrong.
Dulling the conscience over timeWhile children have sensitive consciences, repeated disobedience and self-justification can sear and kill the conscience until a person becomes deaf to God's voice.
The ultimate safeguard against deceptionAccording to 2 Thessalonians, those who do not receive the love of the truth to be saved from sin are given over to delusion, making a sincere love for God's truth our only true protection.
