Fellowship with Jesus and His Body Comes by Practicing the Truth - Santosh Poonen - May 17, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/fellowship-jesus-body-practicing-truth River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true Christian life involves moving from living in darkness to practicing the truth, which brings one into the light. Drawing from John 3, the speaker emphasizes that being 'born again' is a spiritual rebirth, not just a physical one. The key difference between the old life and the new life is not inherent perfection, but the commitment to practicing the truth, allowing one's deeds to be manifested and wrought in God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Nicodemus and the Call to Be Born AgainExamining Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus reveals that being born again means beginning a completely new spiritual life rather than just relying on physical existence.
What is the difference between before and after being born again?The true mark of a believer is not instant moral perfection, but the shift from hiding evil deeds to practicing the truth in the light.John 3:20–21
The Danger of Raising Standards Without HonestyAs a church hears higher biblical standards, the great danger is becoming hypocrites and pretenders rather than an honest, transparent people.
The Origin of Hypocrisy in the Garden of EdenAdam and Eve responded to their sin by hiding and covering up with fig leaves, setting the pattern for human pretense and blame-shifting ever since.Genesis 3:6
From Hidden Pretense to MurderSin progresses from silent hypocrisy to Cain hiding his murderous intent behind friendly words, mirroring how Christians can harbor secret malice today.
Walking in the Light as God is in the LightJohn explains that claiming fellowship with God while walking in darkness makes us liars, while confessing our sins brings cleansing through Christ.1 John 1:5–7
The Result of Walking in the Light is FellowshipWhen we allow Jesus to turn the lights on in every room of our lives, we receive cleansing and true fellowship with both God and one another.
Testing Our Fellowship by Loving Our BrotherAnyone who claims to be in the light yet harbors hatred or coldness toward a brother or sister is actually still walking in darkness.1 John 2:8–11
The Warning to the Church in LaodiceaRevelation reveals that lukewarmness and self-sufficiency blind believers to their true spiritual nakedness, prompting Jesus to stand outside and knock.
The Danger of Secret Hypocrisy in the Early ChurchThe first sin judged directly by God in the early church was the hidden hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira, proving God's hatred for pretense.
The Honest Sinner Finds ParadiseJust like the repentant criminal on the cross who admitted his guilt, we can find mercy and paradise today by being completely honest with Jesus.
