Avoiding The Cross is like Worshipping Satan — Zac Poonen — April 5, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages the audience to adopt a heart reflecting God's immense love, rather than one of judgment, drawing parallels between idol worship and viewing God with a frown. He emphasizes that true Christian joy stems from the realization of God's boundless love, citing John 17:23 as a profound comfort. Furthermore, he discusses the need for believers to allow the Holy Spirit to root and ground them in love so that Christ can dwell completely at home in their hearts, drawing from Ephesians 3.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is your image of God?Many believers picture God as frowning upon them because of their faults, but Scripture teaches that those who worship idols become like them.Psalm 135:15
God loves us as much as He loved JesusJesus prayed that the world might know the Father loves His disciples just as much as He loved Jesus Himself.John 17:23
Rooted and grounded in lovePaul prays that believers would be strengthened in the inner man so that Christ can feel completely at home in their hearts through love.
Jesus explained the FatherJesus revealed the true nature of the Father through His life, service, and willingness to wash His disciples' feet.John 1:18
The discipline and love of GodGod loves His children too much to let sin remain in them, so He rebukes and disciplines them to remove it.Revelation 3:19
Get behind me, SatanJesus used the phrase 'get behind me, Satan' only twice: when tempted to worship Satan, and when Peter told Him not to go to the cross.
Proving our love for the FatherJust as Jesus went to the cross to prove His love for the Father, we also prove our love for the Father by embracing the cross.John 14:30
Forgiveness instead of judgmentWhen the Pharisees accused Jesus of being demon-possessed, He offered them forgiveness instead of executing judgment like prophets of old.Matthew 12:22
Strengthened by the Holy SpiritThe primary purpose of the Holy Spirit's power in the inner man is to root and ground believers in the unshakable love of Christ.Ephesians 3:16
Overcoming evil with goodBelievers are instructed never to take revenge, but rather to feed their enemies and overcome evil solely by doing good.
