Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - April 7, 2012
RLCF Spring Conference 2012 Session 5: April 7, 2012 http://rlcfchurch.org River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue, Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker distinguishes between merely avoiding sin and actively hating sin, arguing that true joy and gladness come from loving righteousness, not just abstaining from wrongdoing. He also addresses spiritual authority, cautioning against imposed structures and emphasizing that true authority in the New Covenant is accepted voluntarily, like a father guiding his child, rather than being a tool for rule or control.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why hating sin is better than avoiding sinAvoiding sin is second best, but true joy comes when we actually hate sin and love righteousness the way Jesus did.
A parable on the attitude toward sinA parable illustrates that if someone reaches heaven wishing they had indulged in secret sins because God is merciful, they never truly hated sin.
Understanding presumptuous sinsPresumptuous sins are those deliberately committed while taking advantage of God's goodness and grace, distinct from unconscious sins we discover as we grow.
How to properly understand biblical spiritual authorityFalse teachings often push a hierarchical covering or pyramid structure, whereas New Covenant spiritual authority is accepted voluntarily from beneath.
An elder must have a father's heartElders should treat people in the church like their own children at home, protecting them rather than ruling over them with harshness.
Brokenness and avoiding human despisingLeaders must be thoroughly broken by God so they do not despise anyone based on culture, race, or personal mannerisms, following God's example.
Submission to authority within the local churchBelievers should submit to the elders' direction in church matters, but if they disagree with the direction, they are free to join another church rather than cause division.
Testifying about physical healing truthfullyWe should not confess a healing before it actually happens, as seen when Jesus healed the blind man gradually and did not demand a false confession.
Lessons from Samuel's family and busynessOld Testament figures like Samuel faced limitations in resources and time, reminding us not to neglect our families while serving the Lord.
The four-fold test for raising fundsTo stay within biblical bounds, we ask whether Jesus or the apostles did or taught fund-raising for themselves, while recognizing the call to give to the poor.
How can I lay hold of faith fully?Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ, starting with foundational promises like victory over sin rather than material desires.
Honoring parents as an adultAdults must always honor their parents, but the requirement to obey them applies when living under their roof as children, mirroring Jesus' example.
Understanding temptation versus sinBeing tempted with a doubt or a stray thought is not sin; sin only occurs when you yield to it.
Going from an external Christian to an internal oneWe become internal Christians by learning to live before God's face and continually repenting of doing things merely to impress people.
Is re-baptism appropriate?If someone realizes they were not truly born again when first baptized, they can be baptized again because water baptism symbolizes burying someone who has died.
Discerning where to give financiallyBelievers must be wise stewards and cautious about supporting certain Christian organizations and orphanages that operate primarily as financial rackets.
