How God Planted A New Covenant Church In Bangalore – India - Zac Poonen
Visit our website for more information: www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The speaker compares the Israelites' poor offerings in Malachi to the need for believers to offer their best to God, emphasizing that true devotion requires sacrifice. He stresses that the foundation of the church (CFC) is built upon two core principles: offering the best of oneself and being filled with the Holy Spirit, citing Acts 1:8 as the definitive evidence of this filling. He warns against neglecting these truths in favor of superficial religious practices or focusing on money.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God gave up on the IsraelitesThe Israelites in Malachi's day compromised by offering sick and blind animals to God instead of their very best.
A pure offering from the East to the WestGod promised a pure offering would be raised up among all nations, which became the foundational principle of sacrifice for CFC in August 1975.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit as our foundationCFC was born out of the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which brings power to live and serve like Jesus rather than mere emotionalism.
Liberty and freedom from sinWhere the Holy Spirit is Lord, He brings true liberty and freedom from sin, going far beyond mere forgiveness.2 Corinthians 3:17–18
Jesus saves His people from their sinsThe very first promise in the New Testament declares that Jesus is named Savior because He saves people from their sins, not just from hell.
Hungering and thirsting for righteousnessThose who hunger and thirst for righteousness—meaning freedom from sin—will be fully satisfied by God.
The three wonderful promises of the New CovenantThe New Covenant grants complete blotting out of past sin, personal knowledge of God as Father, and God's laws written in our minds and hearts.Hebrews 8:7–12
No longer I, but Christ living in meTrue discipleship means stepping off the throne of our own lives, dying to self, and letting Christ direct us through daily dependence.Galatians 2:20
Taking up the cross dailyJesus commanded that anyone coming after Him must say no to themselves and take up their cross every single day.Luke 9:23
Making disciples and teaching all Jesus commandedThe Great Commission requires making disciples and teaching them to obey every single thing Jesus commanded, promising His constant presence.Matthew 28:18
Brothers and servants, not pastors and reverendsRejecting human religious titles like 'reverend' or 'pastor', Jesus instructed His followers to be known simply as brothers and servants.
Building on the right foundation: walk, family, and churchThe Christian life is built upward from a personal walk with God, to a godly family life, and finally into the unity of the church body.
Guarding against losing your first loveEven well-taught churches can fall away by losing their fervent love for Christ, reminding believers to repent and preserve a pure heart.Revelation 2:4–5
