A Challenge to Greater Godliness -- Zac Poonen -- October 17, 2021
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that all Christians are called to be witnesses of what the Lord has done in their lives, regardless of natural gifting. The speaker urges listeners not to be complacent, comparing a lukewarm Christian life to a beautiful house without electricity. To truly witness, one must be filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers one to share the gospel without needing to be prompted. Furthermore, the sermon stresses the urgent need to witness to one's immediate family before it is too late.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Called to be witnesses, not all evangelistsWhile not everyone has the specific gift of an evangelist or teacher, every believer is called to be a witness for Christ where opportunities arise.
The need for the Holy Spirit's powerIf you never tell anyone what Jesus has done, you lack the power of the Holy Spirit, much like the early disciples who stayed locked away before Pentecost.
Witnessing to your immediate relativesBelievers must overcome shyness and witness to their immediate family members, warning them of spiritual realities rather than assuming family heritage ensures salvation.
Must be born againBeing born into a Christian family does not make someone a Christian; Jesus clearly stated that a person must be born again of the Holy Spirit.
Finding personal assurance through God's wordGrowing up in a Christian home without a dramatic conversion story, the speaker ultimately found unshakeable assurance of his salvation anchored in scripture rather than emotional experiences or visions.
The inward testimony of the SpiritBelievers should not rest until the Holy Spirit bears witness with their spirit that they are children of God, based on scripture.Romans 8:16
Preaching repentance alongside beliefTrue gospel preaching calls sinners to repent and turn away from sin, rather than merely asking them to believe without addressing ongoing sin.
The necessity of instantaneous obedienceThe early apostles obeyed the Lord immediately without hesitation or consulting others, setting an example of wholehearted devotion.
Living a life of gratitudeA true Christian life is a daily expression of deep gratitude to Christ for His sacrifice, making maximum use of every remaining day.
Friendship with the world is spiritual adulteryScripture warns that loving the world and desiring its ways makes a person an enemy of God, akin to unfaithfulness in a marriage.
Taking up the cross and forgiving othersBelievers must reject self-pity and resentment, choosing instead to forgive others and embrace the cross just as Jesus did.
The unquenchable flame of the LordGod can place a fire of love in the believer's heart through the Holy Spirit that cannot be quenched by any amount of hatred or opposition.Song of Solomon 8:6
Choosing God over moneyNo one can serve two masters; a believer's true allegiance is tested by whether they obey God or financial gain in practical daily situations.
