If It Dies, It Bears Much Fruit - Santosh Poonen - November 6, 2016
http://rlcfchurch.org/if-it-dies-it-bears-much-fruit River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of both encouragement and strong exhortation in spiritual growth, noting that true growth requires confronting areas needing improvement. He challenges the younger generation to surpass the current generation in devotion to Jesus, drawing heavily on John 14:12. The core message is that believers are called to do 'Greater Works' than Jesus, which is understood to be facilitated by the sending of the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascends to the Father.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Responsibility to Surpass Previous GenerationsThe speaker challenges younger believers to exceed what the older generation has done, specifically in terms of undivided, 100 percent devotion to Jesus Christ.
Doing Greater Works Through the Holy SpiritJesus declared that believers would do greater works because He went to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit, uniting believers together to accomplish what Christ did not do in His earthly ministry alone.John 14:12
Knowledge Versus True DevotionHaving greater biblical clarity and standing on the shoulders of past godly men does not automatically translate into greater spiritual devotion; God judges us by the light we are given.
Knowing God Means Having His LifeKnowing God is not merely about accumulating religious facts, but experiencing eternal life and being transformed in our daily character and relationships.John 17:3
The Standard of Oneness in Jesus' PrayerJesus prayed that His followers would experience the exact same depth of unity and fellowship with one another that exists between the Father and the Son.
What is Your Standard of Unity?Believers must examine their standard of unity and love, starting within their marriages and local church, pressing on toward perfection rather than settling for mere tolerance.
Becoming a Church of NobodiesTrue spiritual significance comes from hiding our lives in Christ, refusing to seek our own name or glory, and becoming like zeros who deflect praise away from ourselves.
Multiplication Through Supernatural OnenessGod does not work through mere linear addition of individuals, but brings people together so that many become one, just as marriage is a picture of becoming one flesh in Christ.
Unless a Grain of Wheat Falls and DiesJesus taught that a grain of wheat remains alone unless it falls into the earth and dies; refusing to die to self is the root cause of loneliness and spiritual stagnation.John 12:24
The Only Formula for SuccessThere are no human steps or formulas for success in the Christian life; the secret is simply being willing to be pushed down, silenced, and choosing to die.
A Simple Test for Self-DeathA practical test of whether we have died is our defensive response when people speak evil of us or fail to meet our expectations instead of fighting back or complaining.
Following Christ's Example to FruitfulnessJesus exemplified this life of death through Calvary, and as we embrace this path of self-death in our homes and churches, God will bring forth abundant fruit and glory.
