Bangalore Conference - 2015:Day 1: Session - 4
Watch the Live broadcast of the Bangalore Conference: Session - 1 For more videos, please visit www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The speaker discusses the distinctives of their church, drawing parallels to historical movements like Martin Luther's challenge to established practices. He focuses heavily on 1 Corinthians 3, emphasizing that while Christ is the only foundation, believers must be careful in how they build upon it. The core message is that God tests the *quality* of our work, not the *quantity*, urging believers to evaluate their motives and the lasting impact of their service.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why are there different churches?The speaker explains that throughout church history, starting with Martin Luther, individuals took stands for truth, resulting in groups coming out of dead churches to form new ones for the sake of truth.
Building with quality instead of quantityUsing 1 Corinthians 3, the speaker warns that every person's work will be tested by fire, emphasizing that God looks at the quality of our motives and discipleship rather than mere quantity.1 Corinthians 3:10–15
1. Not greatness but holinessThe first distinctive is that the church stands for holiness and quality rather than the Babylonian spirit of bigness, mega-church numbers, and making a name for oneself.
2. Not the external life first but the internalThe second distinctive is focusing on inward righteousness and purity, such as dealing with inner anger and lust, rather than merely cleaning the outside like the Pharisees.
3. Not activity but obedienceThe third distinctive emphasizes waiting on God and obeying His specific direction rather than being driven by endless human religious activity.
4. Not making converts but disciplesThe fourth distinctive is that the church must nurture people into mature disciples over years, just like a family brings up children, rather than just tallying initial decisions.
5. Not giving money first but our body and mindThe fifth distinctive is offering our entire body and mind to God as a living sacrifice rather than reducing New Testament giving to a mere old covenant tithe of money.
6. Not using our power but God's powerThe sixth distinctive is living by the power of the Holy Spirit to obey God's commands rather than struggling in our own strength under the law.
7. Not building a congregation but Christ's bodyThe seventh distinctive is building an interconnected local body where members genuinely function together, rather than a passive audience attending a Sunday performance.
