Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2017
http://rlcf.church/sermons/questions-answers-rlcffc2017-2 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker addresses how to grow in faith, emphasizing that since faith is a gift, it must be nurtured by hearing and meditating on the Word of Christ, not just reading it. He also discusses submission to elders, noting that true authority in the New Covenant is accepted from beneath, primarily concerning church matters. Finally, he advises that closeness to others should be based on a spiritual link established by God, not on worldly grounds.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How do we grow in faith if it is a gift of God?Faith is a gift, but just like a baby, it needs to be fed through hearing and meditating on the word of God with the help of the Holy Spirit.Romans 10:17
How do you see submission to elders and their authority?True New Testament authority is accepted from beneath rather than imposed from above, and elders only hold absolute authority in matters concerning the church.
Should we be equally close to everyone in the local church?Jesus was not equally close to everyone, having an inner circle based on spiritual response, and believers naturally connect more with certain people due to spiritual links.
Do babies and small children go to heaven when they die?Children who have not reached the age of conscious sin are justified by Christ's death and clothed in His righteousness when they die.
What are some practical ways to study and memorize Scripture?Recognizing the Bible as God's word by observing changed lives inspires us to memorize it like Jesus did and use heart-focused Christian books to aid understanding.
How do we decide how many children to have?Since the New Testament gives no specific command on family size, couples should use common sense, consider their resources, and protect the mother's health.
How to deal with mood swings that women have due to health reasons?Husbands must live with their wives in an understanding way recognizing they are weaker vessels, while both spouses can maintain joy by focusing on the 99 percent of spiritual facts that are right.1 Peter 3:7
Why do you have only elders in your church instead of the fivefold ministry?Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are spiritual gifts, whereas eldership is an office held by the most mature person in the local church.
What advice do you have for a brother who wants to plant a church?A church plant must start with a genuine burden from God to build fellowship and share the truth using simple literature rather than starting a rival church.
If a Christian kills a man in war, is it right?While personal murder and violence are wrong, governing authorities are appointed by God to maintain law and order and restrain evil through police and armies.
My wife does not submit to me, can you give me some advice?Husbands cannot force their wives to submit, but are instead commanded to love them, pray for them, and leave the results to God.
How can a born-again holy man judge when, what, and how?Spiritual leaders are given the gift of discernment by God, which operates effectively only when coupled with love and compassion for people.1 Corinthians 2:15
Can a born-again man still be called a sinner?True spiritual growth results in believers seeing more of their own shortcomings as they draw closer to God, causing them to rely entirely on His grace.1 John 1:8
How can we practically be united with our spouses?Marriage exposes our deep selfishness, and true unity comes when each partner stops judging the other and instead asks God to reveal and cleanse their own selfishness.
Is it okay as a sister to share in the church?Sisters can share testimonies and witness to others, but the Bible forbids them from teaching or exercising authority over men in the church.1 Timothy 2:12
What should I do when I find myself in a spiritual dry spell?Spiritual dry spells can be overcome by checking for unconfused sin, clearing your conscience, avoiding gossip, and seeking fellowship with other believers.
Why do you pray sitting down?Posture does not matter in prayer; Jesus often instructed people to sit down before praying, showing that a yielded heart matters far more than physical posture.Matthew 14:19
How will we ever get any new revelation ourselves when we read the Bible?Teachings from others serve as secondary help, but believers must take those truths directly to God in prayer to receive personal revelation.
How does one live a disciplined life?Discipline starts with small, manageable areas like controlling eating habits through fasting, keeping living spaces orderly, and faithfully practicing small duties.
How should we share the gospel with unbelievers in our workplace?Believers should witness primarily through a changed lifestyle, genuine personal interest in others, and asking simple caring questions.
What should I do about members of my family becoming Roman Catholics?We should pray for our unconverted relatives and point them toward a genuine relationship with Jesus rather than arguing over denominations.
How do you know that you've repented 180 degrees?True repentance is evident when nothing in the world becomes more attractive or desirable to your heart than Jesus Christ.
Is Mark 10:31 referring to earthly life or eternal life?The passage refers to eternity, where those who humbled themselves the most on earth, regardless of earthly status, will be first in heaven.Mark 10:31
