30th August 2020 - CFC Sunday Church Service | The Importance Of Fellowship | Zac Poonen
30th August 2020 - CFC Sunday Church Service | The Importance Of Fellowship | Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that building fellowship is crucial to understanding the New Covenant established by Christ, arguing that merely attending services or listening to messages is insufficient. He compares the pursuit of fellowship to the pursuit of essential needs like housing or employment, suggesting that if one does not actively build these relationships, they have not grasped the full scope of what Christ accomplished. The message draws parallels to Jesus' desire for fellowship at the Last Supper.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship through songThe service commences with congregational singing focused on rejoicing in the Lord and glorifying His name.
A call to prayerful focusThe speaker invites the congregation to quiet their minds and cast away distractions to give God rightful place before His throne.
Reciting the memory versesThe congregation recites last week's verse from 1 Corinthians 13 and this week's promise from Ephesians 1.
Jesus' desire for fellowshipReflecting on the Passover, the speaker notes that Jesus expressed a deep desire to have fellowship with His disciples even in the face of His coming suffering.
The difference between friendship and fellowshipWhile anyone can have earthly friendships, true biblical fellowship requires being free from sin and understanding the new covenant.
Avoiding the 'doctrine of Balaam'The speaker warns against following teachers who pursue money and honor, much like the prophet Balaam, and encourages returning to the scriptures for true guidance.
The rapid decline of churchesEven churches planted by apostles faced significant spiritual decline and worldliness within just a few decades. This serves as a warning that a godly beginning does not guarantee a lasting, faithful legacy.
The New Covenant is life, not just doctrineUsing 1 John as a foundation, the speaker explains that the New Covenant is about experiencing the tangible life of Jesus rather than just possessing head knowledge or doctrines.
The necessity of building fellowship in the local churchTrue fellowship requires physical presence and interaction with others to build a connected body. The speaker emphasizes that the goal of the church is not just good preaching or singing, but creating opportunities for deep connection through shared life.
The purpose of fellowship and the danger of spiritual deathTrue fellowship makes us the body of Christ, but we must beware of being like the churches in Laodicea or Sardis, where one may appear alive to others but is actually dead in the Lord.
How fellowship produces full joyThe purpose of writing about fellowship is so that our joy may be complete; this joy is not dependent on circumstances like money or health, but entirely on our vertical fellowship with God.
The necessity of praying for one anotherRecognizing our need for the body is vital; even great apostles like Paul requested prayer from others to ensure they could speak the mystery of the gospel boldly and clearly.
The basis of true fellowshipFellowship with God does not depend on speaking in tongues or physical healing, but on recognizing that there is no darkness in Him.
Walking in the light means being honestWalking in the light does not mean achieving perfection; it means having the honesty to acknowledge our sins so that the blood of Jesus can cleanse us.
Jesus Christ as our advocateEven when we slip up, we have Jesus Christ the Righteous as our advocate who pleads with the Father on our behalf.
