The ABC of Walking with God -- Zac Poonen -- August 9, 2026
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-abc-of-walking-with-god River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Zac Poonen teaches believers to maintain conscious awareness of Christ's presence in daily life and worship, warning against letting spiritual practices become hollow rituals. He introduces the ABC of walking with God, beginning with A—assurance of salvation—using John 6:37 to assure young believers that Christ will never cast out those who come to Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of ritualistic worshipRepeated actions in the Christian life can easily become meaningless rituals where we forget that Jesus is actually present among us.
Talking to Jesus through worshipWhen singing songs directed to Christ, we must be conscious that we are actually speaking to Him rather than just enjoying the music.
The power of touching the LordConnecting with the Lord brings a transformative power into our lives, much like the energy found in an electric socket.
Starting your day with GodMake it a daily habit to talk to God as soon as you wake up, before focusing on the tasks of the day.
Using assurance to stand against the devilOnce you are sure of your salvation, you can boldly tell the devil that he has no power over you because Christ has forgiven you.
God's direct guidance through His wordThe speaker shares how seeking God's guidance in Scripture led to a life-saving medical diagnosis, illustrating that God speaks to those eager to hear Him.
The significance of water baptismWater baptism is a testimony of burying the old self and being raised to walk in newness of life, as described in Romans 6.Romans 6:4
The necessity of baptism in the Holy SpiritBeyond water baptism, the Bible teaches the importance of being immersed in the Holy Spirit and fire.Matthew 3:11
Finding the truth in the first instances of ScriptureTo understand biblical truths, one should look at the first time an event occurred, such as when the disciples first received the Holy Spirit.
The distinction between being born again and being immersed in the SpiritWhile the disciples received the Spirit when Jesus breathed on them at the resurrection, Jesus later commanded them to wait for the specific baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The connection between death to self and the Holy SpiritUsing Jesus' baptism as a model, the speaker explains that submitting to being 'buried' and dying to one's own will is the prerequisite for receiving the power of the Holy Spirit.
The danger of not diligently seeking GodDrawing from Hebrews 11:6, the speaker warns that failing to earnestly seek God's promises can lead to spiritual backsliding and a loss of intimacy with Him.Hebrews 11:6
A personal testimony of seeking assuranceThe speaker recounts how he sought a fresh revelation through fasting and prayer, eventually finding God's confirmation through the Gospel of Matthew.
The true meaning of being part of the ChurchTrue church life is not about attending a building or enjoying a service, but about being deeply connected to a body of believers functioning under the headship of Christ.
The necessity of total obedience to God's WordThe speaker emphasizes that spiritual growth requires obeying all of God's commands, such as not being in debt, rather than treating certain biblical instructions as optional.Romans 13:8
