4th October 2020 - Sunday Church Service | The Lord Rewards His Faithful Saint - Zac Poonen
4th October 2020 - Sunday Church Service | The Lord Rewards His Faithful Saint - Zac Poonen
Summary
The message emphasizes that Christian life requires building upon the foundation of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, as no other foundation can support a life pleasing to God. It warns against merely laying a foundation without actively building upon it through righteous living. The core message is that our lives will be evaluated based on what we build upon Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Opening worship and songsThe service commences with congregational singing of hymns focused on the holiness of God.
Preparing our hearts for God's presenceThe speaker invites the congregation to bow in reverence, cast away distractions, and focus entirely on God.
Introduction to the message on life's evaluationThe speaker introduces the theme that our lives will be evaluated by God and establishes Jesus Christ as the only true foundation for our lives.1 Corinthians 3:11
Building with quality versus quantityUsing the imagery of building a foundation, the speaker contrasts precious materials like gold and silver with cheap materials like wood and straw, noting that our lives after conversion will be tested by fire.1 Corinthians 3:12Luke 14:29
The two aspects of our righteousnessWhile we are initially clothed in the righteousness of Christ to be accepted by God, the Bible also speaks of a 'dress' made of the righteous acts of the saints.Revelation 19:7–8
Serving the least of Christ's brothersThe speaker clarifies that God's evaluation focuses on how we treat fellow believers in their need, rather than general charitable works for the world.
A celebration of faithfulnessThe service begins with a tribute to Brother Ian Robson on his 8 and a reflection on the desire to give more of one's life to God.
Three life-changing encountersThe presentation details how Brother Ian's life was transformed through hearing the gospel, sensing God's call while reading Isaiah, and experiencing the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
A life of humility and spiritual wealthBrother Ian's life motto was to decrease so Christ could increase, demonstrating a spirit that seeks to hide itself while empowering others through faithfulness in trials.John 3:30Isaiah 45:15
A celebration of eighty yearsZac Poonen begins by offering birthday blessings to a long-time companion, praying for continued strength and refreshment in the Holy Spirit.
A shared journey of ministryReflecting on their 45-year partnership, Zac describes how God brought them together through prayer and fasting, much like Saul and Barnabas in the book of Acts.
Tributes from family and loved onesThe speaker's wife, children, and grandchildren share heartfelt birthday messages, praising his character, his devotion to the Lord, and his role as a spiritual pillar for the family.Song of Solomon 2:8–9Song of Solomon 5:16
A daughter's tribute to her father's hard work and devotionA daughter expresses her deep love and respect for her father, highlighting his tireless service to his family and his commitment to his wife.
Honoring a brother's godly character and fruit of the SpiritA friend celebrates the man's 80th birthday, noting that the fruit of the Spirit is clearly evident in his life.
The celebrant's prayer for grace and faithIn response to the tributes, the man thanks his church family and shares his two specific prayers: for an abundance of grace and for the kind of faith that Jesus lived by.
