16th August 2020 - CFC 45th Anniversary Church Service | Transformed From Glory To Glory |Zac Poonen
Summary
The service is a celebration of the CFC's 45th anniversary, emphasizing that the church's founding and continued strength are attributed to the Holy Spirit. The message encourages the congregation to praise God for His faithfulness, acknowledging that the church's ministry focuses on making disciples rather than just making converts. The service concludes with reflections on scripture and a commitment to continued spiritual growth.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A call to worship and praiseThe service opens with a warm welcome and a communal celebration of the resurrection through song.
A time for prayer and devotionThe congregation is invited to quiet their minds and focus on God's greatness, faithfulness, and lovingkindness.
The origins and mission of CFCReflecting on the 45th anniversary, the speaker recounts how the church began through a shared pursuit of the Holy Spirit and emphasizes its focus on making disciples rather than just converts.1 Corinthians 11:31–32
Seeking the power of the Holy SpiritThe speaker recounts how he and his co-founder sought God's filling because their external testimony was good but their inner lives lacked the necessary power.
The necessity of the Holy Spirit's baptismJust as the disciples were defeated and discouraged despite seeing the risen Christ, believers today need the baptism of the Holy Spirit to move beyond mere knowledge into power.
The way of spiritual growth through immediate settlingTrue spiritual progress involves a quick response to the conscience, such as repenting immediately or settling debts and wrongs as soon as they are recognized.
Being an example through devotion and humilityLeaders must set an example through personal devotion to Christ and a genuine spirit of humility that seeks to serve others.
The importance of sensitivity to sinA mark of spiritual progress is a growing sensitivity to sin, where even the smallest offenses disturb one's conscience.
God's desire for a pure offeringReflecting on Malachi, the speaker concludes that God seeks a pure offering of people who are truly devoted to Him and free from worldly impurities.
A call to pass values to the next generationThe speaker urges parents to work with their children so that the second generation grows up seeking God and valuing Christ-like humility.
Reflecting on the purpose of transformationThe speaker praises God for 45 years of leadership and notes that God's purpose is not just salvation, but to transform us from glory to glory.
The joy of decreasing so Christ may increaseUsing the example of John the Baptist, the speaker explains that true success is found in being happy when others receive more grace and Christ takes center stage.
CFC's mission to restore a pure testimonyReflecting on historical backsliding in Israel and India, the speaker explains that CFC was raised to honor God's name by prioritizing quality of disciples over quantity of members.
Building the church as the Body of ChristThe speaker distinguishes between a mere congregation and the true Body of Christ, which is characterized by disciples who serve one another without competition or jealousy.
Distinguishing Jerusalem from BabylonThe speaker contrasts the 'Babylon' of corrupt, money-driven churches with the 'Jerusalem' of the true church, which serves freely and seeks holiness over numerical growth.
