Speaker: Sunil Poonen
Title: Unity And Growth In The Church Through Intercession
Date: 04/28/2024
Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29)
We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3)
We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Summary
Sunil Poonen teaches that church unity and growth are built on two foundational staffs: grace (vertical relationship with God) and union (horizontal relationships between believers). True church unity is not based on cultural similarity or even doctrinal uniformity, but rather on a shared faith expressed through intercession—crying out to God together for one another's needs. When believers demonstrate this kind of unity, the world recognizes Jesus as sent from God, and the church grows as each member functions properly and builds up the body in love.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The two staffs of favor and unionLooking at Zechariah chapter 11, the speaker introduces two staffs held by the shepherd: Favor representing our vertical relationship with God, and Union representing the horizontal unity between believers.Zechariah 11:4
Jesus' prayer for onenessJesus prayed for His disciples to be one so that the world would know He was sent by the Father, demonstrating that unity among believers is a powerful testimony to the reality of Jesus.John 17:21
The saints build up the body of ChristIn Ephesians chapter 4, leaders equip the saints so that the body of Christ can be built up until everyone attains the unity of the faith and grows up into Christ.
What is the unity of the faith?True unity in the church goes beyond shared language, culture, moral values, or doctrine, finding its definition instead in the persistent, day-and-night cry of faith to God on behalf of those who are struggling.
How church growth is measuredGrowth in the church is measured not by numbers, but by every joint supplying what is needed and by the proper functioning of each individual part of the body.
Three possible responses to a struggling brother or sisterWhen seeing someone struggle, believers typically respond with judgment, ignorance, or the spirit of Jesus, who lives to make intercession.Revelation 12:10
Being mute in the face of rebellionGod told Ezekiel to remain mute rather than rebuke a rebellious house with human opinion, speaking only the direct utterances of God when He gives them.Ezekiel 3:26–27
Converting swords into plowsharesMicah chapter 4 pictures the Lord transforming our tongues from sharp swords of accusation and gossip into plowshares that dig up the soil through prayer.
Purifying the inside of the cupTo effectively bear others' burdens and intercede for them, believers must first clean their own hearts and lives before the Lord.1 Peter 1:22
The parable of the vineyard keeperInstead of cutting down a barren fig tree, the vineyard keeper asks to leave it, dig around it, and fertilize it with small acts of prayer and encouragement.
Not keeping silent for Zion's sakeIsaiah declares he will not keep silent until the righteousness and salvation of God break forth brightly for others.Isaiah 62:1
Joshua the high priest and the garments of graceWhen Joshua stands with filthy garments before the angel while Satan accuses him, the Lord removes his iniquity, clothes him with festal robes, and invites us to rejoice in repentance rather than act like the older brother.
Speaker: Sunil Poonen
Title: Unity And Growth In The Church Through Intercession
Date: 04/28/2024
Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29)
We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3)
We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Summary
Sunil Poonen teaches that church unity and growth are built on two foundational staffs: grace (vertical relationship with God) and union (horizontal relationships between believers). True church unity is not based on cultural similarity or even doctrinal uniformity, but rather on a shared faith expressed through intercession—crying out to God together for one another's needs. When believers demonstrate this kind of unity, the world recognizes Jesus as sent from God, and the church grows as each member functions properly and builds up the body in love.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The two staffs of favor and unionLooking at Zechariah chapter 11, the speaker introduces two staffs held by the shepherd: Favor representing our vertical relationship with God, and Union representing the horizontal unity between believers.Zechariah 11:4
Jesus' prayer for onenessJesus prayed for His disciples to be one so that the world would know He was sent by the Father, demonstrating that unity among believers is a powerful testimony to the reality of Jesus.John 17:21
The saints build up the body of ChristIn Ephesians chapter 4, leaders equip the saints so that the body of Christ can be built up until everyone attains the unity of the faith and grows up into Christ.
What is the unity of the faith?True unity in the church goes beyond shared language, culture, moral values, or doctrine, finding its definition instead in the persistent, day-and-night cry of faith to God on behalf of those who are struggling.
How church growth is measuredGrowth in the church is measured not by numbers, but by every joint supplying what is needed and by the proper functioning of each individual part of the body.
Three possible responses to a struggling brother or sisterWhen seeing someone struggle, believers typically respond with judgment, ignorance, or the spirit of Jesus, who lives to make intercession.Revelation 12:10
Being mute in the face of rebellionGod told Ezekiel to remain mute rather than rebuke a rebellious house with human opinion, speaking only the direct utterances of God when He gives them.Ezekiel 3:26–27
Converting swords into plowsharesMicah chapter 4 pictures the Lord transforming our tongues from sharp swords of accusation and gossip into plowshares that dig up the soil through prayer.
Purifying the inside of the cupTo effectively bear others' burdens and intercede for them, believers must first clean their own hearts and lives before the Lord.1 Peter 1:22
The parable of the vineyard keeperInstead of cutting down a barren fig tree, the vineyard keeper asks to leave it, dig around it, and fertilize it with small acts of prayer and encouragement.
Not keeping silent for Zion's sakeIsaiah declares he will not keep silent until the righteousness and salvation of God break forth brightly for others.Isaiah 62:1
Joshua the high priest and the garments of graceWhen Joshua stands with filthy garments before the angel while Satan accuses him, the Lord removes his iniquity, clothes him with festal robes, and invites us to rejoice in repentance rather than act like the older brother.
