Who Can Build the Body of Christ: 6: One Who Lives a Sacrificial Life - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2014
http://rlcfchurch.org/who-can-build-body-christ RLCF Men's Conference 2014 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Building the body of Christ requires participation from all members, not just those in visible ministries; invisible service, especially prayer, is highly valued by God. True love for Christ, which is necessary for service, is demonstrated not through emotional displays but by a willingness to take up the daily cross, meaning daily self-denial and sacrifice. The speaker emphasizes that this message of the cross is often missing in modern Christianity.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Proving our love for Jesus through a daily crossJust as Jesus laid down His life on a cross to show His love, believers must die to self daily to prove their love for Him, rather than relying on emotional feelings or songs.
Laying down our lives for the brethrenFirst John 3:16 calls believers to lay down their lives for their brothers and sisters in the church through a daily cross, not just a once-in-a-lifetime martyrdom.1 John 3:16
The missing message of the cross in modern ChristianityThe message of the cross is widely ignored by denominations and television preachers, leading to shallow Christian lives and rampant divorce.Galatians 5:11
The fire of God in the tabernacle and true meetingsWhile anyone can copy the external pattern of a New Testament church, the true presence of God is marked by the fire of the Holy Spirit rather than boring routine.
Sacrifice precedes the fire of GodIn the Old Testament, the fire from heaven came down only after the burnt offerings and sacrifices were completely placed on the altar.Leviticus 9:22–24
David's refusal to offer that which costs nothingDavid insisted on paying for the threshing floor of Araunah, declaring he would never offer to the Lord a sacrifice that cost him nothing, which became the exact site of the temple.
Abraham offering Isaac at Mount MoriahAbraham's act of offering Isaac on Mount Moriah defined true worship as giving God that which is most precious and costs everything.
The mark of a New Testament churchA genuine New Testament church is marked by the presence of God where unbelievers fall on their faces and declare that God is truly among them.
Evaluating the true value of our offerings to GodThe quality of our gifts and service to the Lord demonstrates how much we value Him, just as expensive gifts are reserved for those we cherish most.
Testing every man's work with fireBelievers build on the foundation of Christ either with costly sacrifice symbolized by gold, silver, and precious stones, or with cheap convenience like wood, hay, and straw.1 Corinthians 3:10–15
Avoiding eternal regret by yielding to God todayThose who live selfish, convenient lives will see their work burned up at the judgment seat and may face deep regret for eternity, making it urgent to surrender the remaining years of life to God's mold.
Related messages
- Session 10: One Who Lives a Sacrificial Life - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2014Zac Poonen · 57m
- Who Can Build the Body of Christ: 2: One Who is Empowered By the Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014Zac Poonen · 59m
- Who Can Build the Body of Christ: 5: One Who Values Fellowship with God - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2014Zac Poonen · 1h 5m
