Session 2: One Who is Empowered by the Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014

Zac PoonenMay 24, 201459mWatch on YouTube

Part of2014 Mens Conference with Zac Poonen: "Who Can Build the Church?"2 of 8

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2014 RLCF Men's Conference - Session 2 http:/www/rlcfchurch.org/who-can-build-the-body-of-christ/ River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA

Summary

Building the Church as the Body of Christ requires more than mere intellectual knowledge of scripture; it demands the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The speaker contrasts a mere 'congregation' (like a pile of bricks) with the true 'Body' (a connected structure), emphasizing that true unity involves mutual connection and submission to local leadership. The identifying mark of this body is a sacrificial love, exemplified by the parts of the body caring for one another.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Human power cannot build the churchBuilding the body of Christ is impossible with human resources, intellectual knowledge, or bible school training, and requires the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Congregation versus bodyMany mega churches are like a pile of loose bricks or a dead anatomy lab rather than a living building where members are inwardly connected to one another through Christ.

Local unity and leadershipWhile every member connects directly to Christ as head, believers are also placed into local bodies under elders and must move in unity with them.

The identifying mark of the bodyA true local church is marked by sacrificial love, freedom from jealousy, and proper functioning where members do not compete for prominence.

How a body beginsA body always begins small with two completely united people, growing over time and including spiritual babies who need patience as they mature.

Mary as an example of a God-fearing servantGod chose a young, inexperienced, yet deeply God-fearing girl like Mary rather than someone full of complaints or self-sufficiency.

Recognizing human impossibilityLike Mary asking how a virgin could give birth, builders of the church must recognize that creating a local body is completely impossible in human strength.

God chooses the humble, not the proudGod hides spiritual realities from the clever and intelligent who are full of pride, revealing them instead to those who are humble and dependent.Matthew 11:25

The head does not despise the weakestJust as the eye cannot say it needs no other part, Jesus the head never despises the lowest or weakest member of the body.1 Corinthians 12:21

The power of the Holy SpiritJust as the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary to bring forth Christ, disciples must wait for the power of the Spirit rather than relying on money or worldly methods.Luke 1:35

Equipping the saints to buildLeaders like apostles and prophets are given to equip all the saints so that every individual member does the work of building the body.Ephesians 4:11–12

The ministry of the smallest partsEven seemingly insignificant members, like a fingernail that can scratch an itch, perform vital ministries of encouragement that build up the church.

Persistent prayer for the Holy SpiritWhen faced with a needy world and personal inability, believers must persistently ask God for the gift of the Holy Spirit.Luke 11:13

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River of Life Christian Fellowship

Session 2: One Who is Empowered by the Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014

Zac Poonen · May 24, 2014 · 59m

The Holy Spirit The church