Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/act-like-men-and-be-strong RLCF Men's Conference 2013 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses the necessity of the New Covenant, arguing that the Old Covenant served its purpose by demonstrating humanity's need for Christ. He emphasizes that all of Scripture, including the New Testament, is relevant for today, urging listeners not to discard promises they haven't personally experienced. The core message is to hold fast to God's Word, even when it seems difficult, trusting that God will bring the believer to that reality over time.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Is the old wine good enough?People often reject the New Covenant and new wineskin because it is too much trouble, preferring the old ways. However, God did not experiment with the Old Covenant; it was designed to show man's need for the New Covenant established through Christ.Luke 5:37–39
Accepting the whole New Testament for todayEverything in the New Testament is meant for believers today, including promises like victory over sin and constant rejoicing. Ignoring or watering down scriptures because they have not yet been experienced prevents believers from walking in them.
God's appointed order in the churchScripture outlines a specific order in the church, placing apostles first, prophets second, and teachers third. Believers should search the Scriptures to understand this apostolic pattern and how local churches should function as a body.
The world's view versus God's view of apostlesWhile God places apostles at the top of church order, the world treats them like scum and fools for Christ's sake. As believers grow closer to God, they learn to evaluate people the way God evaluates them.1 Corinthians 4:9–13
Having faith and hunger for a functioning local churchMost Christians are satisfied with mediocre church life and good sermons, but those who hunger and thirst for God's best are the ones who receive it. Like Abraham waiting for the promised son, believers must refuse to give up until God's promises are fulfilled.
Obeying every commandment and claiming every promiseGod expects His children to obey every single commandment and experience every New Covenant promise, just as a parent expects a student to complete all college courses. Believers should pursue God's promises with the same urgency as a valuable bank check.
The passion of Simeon and barren mothers of ScriptureSimeon had a deep passion to see the Messiah before he died, just as many great Old Testament figures like Isaac and Samuel were born to barren mothers who cried out with a desperate burden. God births His work through those who carry a heavy burden for it.Luke 2:25
Facing reproach and rejecting substandard choicesThe body of Christ is born with reproach, ridicule, and rejection rather than pomp and show. Believers must refuse substandard spiritual associations, just as Adam rejected all the animals before God brought him a suitable helper.
Distinguishing elders and deaconsDeacons in the New Testament are simply servants who take responsibility for practical aspects like finances and maintenance, while elders oversee the spiritual ministry. Neither office requires a salary structure that depends on pleasing wealthy donors.
Leadership authority and the role of spiritual fathersNew Testament elders must give an account for their flock, which makes mega-churches contrary to God's will. Apostolic authority operates within specific God-given spheres and relational bounds, functioning like a spiritual father to his own planted churches.Hebrews 13:17
Preparing sermons and self-supporting ministryPreachers should prepare messages by waiting on the Lord and writing down main points and scripture references, especially when younger. Following the pattern of Jesus and Paul, true Christian workers should be self-supporting tentmakers rather than relying on paid salaries.
Church discipline, progressive sanctification, and modest dressMatthew 18 outlines the process for handling unrepentant personal sin in a local church. Romans 7 describes how the flesh continually serves the law of sin through unconscious areas, which God progressively brings to light through sanctification. Christian women should dress modestly, guided by a pure conscience and what is appropriate before God.Matthew 18:15–17
