Questions and Answers — Zac Poonen — April 6, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker advises that to hear God's voice, one must maintain a clear conscience by confessing sins and making amends. Furthermore, regular meditation on Scripture is crucial, as God has provided His voice through written word. Assurance in Christ comes from believing God's promises, such as John 6:37, rather than relying on feelings. Finally, the speaker distinguishes between judging (condemning) and discerning, emphasizing that while we must avoid bad company for purity, only God has the authority to judge.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How can I truly hear God's voice?God is constantly speaking, but hearing Him requires a sensitive conscience that has not been deadened by repeated sin, coupled with regular meditation on the Bible.
I struggle with having Assurance in ChristAssurance can take time, but the key is to base your faith on God's objective promises in His word rather than on passing feelings or sensations.
How do I keep the fire of God going without falling back into lukewarmness?Maintain a clear conscience, feed daily on the fuel of God's word, and keep fellowship with believers who are serious about their faith.
How do I practically forgive and choose not to remember the harm that others have done to me?Forgiveness is an act of the will. While you may still remember an event happening, you choose to release the person and no longer look at them through the lens of resentment.
How is discernment different from judging?Judging or condemning people means sitting in the place of God or Satan, whereas discernment allows you to evaluate actions and avoid harmful company to protect your purity and family.
How can I submit to Spiritual Authority if I don't have a local church or Godly Elders?Submit to general authorities like parents or government laws, and ultimately submit directly to God, while seeking out genuine fellowship and respecting leaders only for their godliness.
Do we have an inherited sinful nature?Yes, children inherit a fallen nature from their parents, requiring both grace and strict guidance.
What does it practically mean to abide in Christ?Just as a branch stays connected to a tree, abiding means not breaking your connection with Christ through willful disobedience and keeping a consistently clear conscience.John 15:4
Can we really overcome all anger and lust conscious and unconscious while on the earth?Sinful anger and lust are always conscious when present, though unconscious sin refers to areas of our lives not yet enlightened by God as we grow.
What is the definition of sin?Sin is coming short of the glory of God, which is defined in the New Testament as failing to live up to the standard of Jesus Christ's life and character.Romans 3:23
What would you recommend to someone struggling to pray in the spirit and connect with God In Prayer?True New Testament prayer is an expression of continuous, helpless dependence on God rather than performing long endurance feats.
Is overcoming some habitual sins a confirmation of being filled with the spirit?The fullness of the Holy Spirit is a growing, continuous process of dying to self and being refilled as your capacity expands through taking up the cross.
I have lots of debt which I owe to Banks and government mostly due to my business... should I focus now on paying it off?Avoid unnecessary debt by learning financial prudence from the ant, but for existing business debts, make minimum payments if permitted and live simply rather than taking drastic measures like selling your home.
What should married couples do with small kids to bring them up in God's ways?Do not fight in front of your children, consistently teach them the word of God, and train them to take personal responsibility and apologize when they do wrong.
It has been 3 years since my wife checked out on our marriage and has filed for divorce... how must I respond?Since God hates divorce, do not give up, and continue faithfully praying for your wife and trusting God for her restoration over the long term.
How do you determine if one of your children is under demonic influence or oppression?A simple test is whether they can genuinely confess Jesus Christ as Lord and declare that Satan was defeated on the cross.
In social life is it okay to invest in the stock market gold Bitcoin trading buying shares etc?Ensure you do not love money; stick to safe, long-term investments in established companies rather than risky speculation or day trading.
The Earthly work that I do earn to earn a living feels a bit pointless especially when we know that Christ is coming soon...We do not know the exact timing of Christ's return, so we must responsibly work and support our families while maintaining our ultimate hope focused on the sky rather than the grave.
