Zac Poonen - "Power to be Witnesses for Christ" | Austin CFC | 2024-09-22
Session 4 of the 2024 Zac Poonen Conference in Austin, TX.
Summary
The speaker recounts his personal journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of diligent Bible study and obedience to God's clear commands. He contrasts seeking spiritual power through techniques with pursuing the genuine anointing of the Holy Spirit. The central message draws lessons from Jesus' life—specifically His willingness to be baptized by John the Baptist despite His sinlessness—highlighting that true service requires profound humility and a readiness to submit to death for Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How was Jesus anointed?Even though Jesus lived a perfect life for thirty years, He still had to be anointed by the Holy Spirit before beginning His public ministry.
Starting with humilityHumility is the number one requirement in the Christian life, demonstrated when Jesus stood humbly in line with sinners to be baptized by John.
Being witnesses versus bearing witnessJesus promised power to be His witnesses in Acts 1:8, which means first living out the truth by our lives and then speaking it with our lips.
Opening every room of your life to the Holy SpiritWhile believers receive the Holy Spirit at new birth, He desires to fill every area of our lives, much like a house with lights turned on in every room.
Handling finances and avoiding debtThe Holy Spirit will not fill a believer who ignores biblical commands regarding finances, such as the instruction to owe no man anything.
The three-story building of the Christian lifeThe Christian life rests on knowing God as a loving Father, building a life with a good conscience, and establishing a godly family before attempting to build the church.
Keeping a blameless conscienceApostle Paul explained that in view of the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked, he did his best to keep a clear conscience before God and men 24/7.Acts 24:15
Freedom from sin in all five areasTo keep a clear conscience, a believer must seek victory over sin in actions, words, thoughts, attitudes, and motives.
Building the second story in marriage and familyHusbands and wives must cultivate a forgiving heart, eliminate bitterness, and raise their children to respect parents and speak the truth.
All that Jesus began to do and teachLuke records that Jesus first did and then taught, serving as an example that believers must practice what they preach rather than being hypocrites.
Understanding speaking in tongues and church edificationWhile speaking in tongues is a genuine gift, Paul emphasized that speaking clearly to instruct others in the church is far more valuable.1 Corinthians 14:18–19
The authority of believers gathered in Jesus' nameWhen two or three believers are truly gathered in Jesus' name to glorify Him, they share kingdom authority to bind and loose things on earth.Matthew 16:18
Spiritual warfare and victory over demonsBelievers with a clear conscience have authority in Jesus' name to cast out demons, because Satan was decisively defeated on the cross.
