1st April 2018 - Whom Does Jesus Value?
1st April 2018 - Whom Does Jesus Value? - Zac Poonen
Summary
The message emphasizes that true worship is not limited to Sunday services but should be a continuous 'sacrifice of Thanksgiving' offered throughout our entire lives. The speaker encourages the congregation to thank God for everything, recognizing that nothing happens by accident, and to live a life that constantly honors Him. A special prayer is offered for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, particularly upon the young people.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Welcome to the Sunday serviceThe speaker welcomes the congregation and invites them to stand for the first song of praise.
A series of worship songsThe congregation sings several hymns including 'Taste and See', 'A Pilgrim Was I', and 'How Deep the Father's Love for Us'.
God's desire for a sacrifice of thanksgivingReading from the Psalms, the speaker explains that God does not need our material offerings because everything belongs to Him, but He desires a heart of thanksgiving.
A prayer for God's gloryThe speaker begins with a prayer asking God to bless the congregation with resurrection power to live lives that glorify Him until His return.
The greatest danger in the churchThe speaker identifies the primary danger for those pursuing holiness as being unmerciful to others who do not meet their same standards of doctrine or conduct.
Cleaning the inside and remaining humbleTo avoid the 'leaven of the Pharisees,' one must focus on cleaning their internal character first and embracing a life of humble service.
God's heart is larger than oursUsing the examples of the widow in Sidon and the Syrian leper, the speaker shows that God extends His blessings to outsiders because He looks at the heart rather than outward appearance or nationality.
The greatest commandmentsJesus identifies loving God and loving your neighbor as the two fundamental commands upon which all other laws depend.
The danger of narrowing God's loveThe speaker warns against using zeal for doctrine to create false limits on God's mercy, as seen in the example of the Centurion whose great faith was recognized by Jesus despite his lack of religious knowledge.
Jesus' journey to help one personBy examining the distance Jesus traveled to Tyre and Sidon, we see His intentional effort to reach a single person of great faith.
Great is your faithJesus commended the Canaanite woman's great faith despite her lack of biblical knowledge, contrasting her with the disciples' frequent unbelief.
Walking with the Lord dailyTrue spirituality is found in a daily walk of self-judgment, confession, and seeking God's approval rather than just sitting in a spiritual church.
The Jewish avoidance of SamariaBecause of historical intermarriage, Jews despised Samaritans so much they would take long detours to avoid their towns.
Following the Spirit's promptingsJesus intentionally went through Samaria because he was prompted by the Holy Spirit to meet people in need.
The essence of true ChristianityTrue faith is defined by loving Jesus more than anything else and refusing to hold grudges or hate anyone, just as He loved us.
