A Good Conscience and Christ's Return- Zac Poonen - August 30, 2015
http://rlcfchurch.org/a-good-conscience-and-christs-return River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker urges believers to take their spiritual inheritance seriously, comparing their lack of focus on God to treating money. He emphasizes that spiritual progress requires diligently seeking God with all one's heart, as God is not partial. Furthermore, he warns that believers will face judgment for their earthly conduct, and at Christ's return, some will be bold while others will shrink away in shame.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Are you serious about your spiritual inheritance?Believers often study earthly inheritances carefully but fail to pursue what God has provided, living far below their spiritual potential.
Why some Christians make no spiritual progressGod is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him with all their heart, and everyone has an equal opportunity to overcome sin through the Holy Spirit.Jeremiah 29:13
Bringing dishonor to God's nameWhen believers sin and quarrel, they give occasion to the enemy and the heavenly accuser to blaspheme God.
Standing before the judgment seat of Christ in shame or boldnessWhen Christ returns, believers will face the judgment seat to give an account of their lives, and some will shrink away in shame while others have confidence.1 John 2:28
Living in constant readiness for Christ's returnBelievers should live in spiritual alertness so that the day of the Lord does not overtake them unexpectedly like a thief.1 Thessalonians 5:2
Paul's testimony of a blameless consciencePaul did his best to maintain a blameless conscience before God and men at all times, immediately clearing up wrongs and apologizing.
Unsettled relational sin hinders prayerGod ignores prayers when believers harbor unconfessed sin or refuse to settle offenses with others.
The two resurrections and the danger of prideIn view of the resurrection of the righteous versus the wicked, believers must maintain clear consciences, recognizing that pride is the root sin of the devil.
The falling away and acting like GodA gradual falling away occurs when people refuse to humble themselves, make mistakes, or apologize, acting like God in their self-importance.
The spiritual meaning of 666 and open versus secret discipleshipThe number 666 symbolizes man trying to be like God, and unlike secret agents of Satan, true followers of Jesus openly bear His name.
Christ died for our sins and showed us how to liveWhile Christ's death for our sins is vital, He also came to show us how to live every day in humility, love, and forgiveness.
Learning the new song by being redeemed from the earthOnly those whose interests are detached from earthly honor, wealth, and pleasure can learn the new song of a true heavenly disciple.
Treating the blood of Christ as cheapBelievers often treat sin casually and trample underfoot the Son of God because confession is free, unlike the costly animal sacrifices of the Old Testament.
Living by one verse: Have the mind of ChristBelievers can navigate every situation in life by adopting the same humble attitude that Christ had toward sin, money, and enemies.Philippians 2:5
Christ's descent into humility and the promise of exaltationJesus humbled Himself completely from God to man, slave, and criminal, and God exalted Him, promising that those who humble themselves will conquer sin through the Holy Spirit.
