Austin CFC Zoom With Zac Poonen 3
Summary
The speaker encourages listeners to read the Bible not just academically, but to seek God's heart for a deeper fellowship. He emphasizes that Christian life and ministry must begin at home, using the analogy of a broken DVD player—one cannot give what does not work in one's own house. The message concludes by highlighting two unique blessings of the New Covenant: being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and having the ability to resist the devil (James 4:7), noting that both concepts are bracketed by passages concerning family life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A personal testimony of victory over sinBrother Binoy shares how hearing about the victory over sin through Romans 6:14 changed his life and provided a second phase to his salvation.Romans 6:14
Reading the Bible to see God's heartRather than just studying theology or doctrine, we should read the Bible to discover the intense love and heart of our Heavenly Father.
The goal of overcoming through the SpiritBy being filled with the Holy Spirit, families can resist the devil's attacks and strive to reach a state where their marriage and home are 'very good.'Ephesians 6:13
Unbelief limits what God does in our livesUsing the account of Jesus in Nazareth, the speaker explains that God's inability to perform miracles in certain places was due to people's lack of faith rather than a lack of power.Matthew 13:58
The wife as a helper, not a slaveReflecting on the creation of Eve, the speaker notes that God designed the wife to be a 'helper' near the husband's heart, much like the Holy Spirit serves believers.Genesis 2:18
How to prevent a marriage from becoming a wildernessThe speaker warns that neglecting a marriage through laziness or the habit of blaming others will turn a beautiful relationship into a wasteland.
Stop the habit of pointing fingersAvoid the spirit of accusation that Adam introduced, which turns a marriage into a wilderness. Instead, claim the promise that God can make your life like a watered garden if you stop blaming others.
Who should take the first step in conflict?In a Christian marriage, the one who is more spiritual should take the first step toward restoration, following the example of God who reached out to man despite man's fault.
Teaching children obedience and respectParents have a responsibility to teach children to obey and honor them, as well as to respect older people and always speak the truth.
Restoring relationships between fathers and childrenDrawing from Malachi, the speaker emphasizes that in the last days, fathers must take the initiative to restore their relationship with their children.Malachi 4:6
The purpose and necessity of divine and parental disciplineUsing his own experiences, the speaker explains that God uses discipline to make us more Christ-like, and parents should similarly use various methods to instruct their children.
Faith without works is deadThe speaker argues that true faith must result in obedience and the hard work of denying oneself, much like a body requires breath to be alive.James 2:26
The secret to avoiding conflict is dying to selfBy choosing to die to our own selfish desires, we can find true fellowship and avoid the clashes that occur when people insist on their own way.
How to respond when a spouse is not fulfilling their roleRather than reacting with resentment when a spouse fails to love or submit, we should follow God's example of reaching down to love and redeem the rebellious.
Overcoming anger in parenting through prayerThe speaker shares his personal struggle with disciplining children in anger and how seeking God's help eventually led to victory over that sin.
