Too Grown-Up For God's Kingdom - Santosh Poonen - March 25, 2012
http://rlcfchurch.org/too-grown-up-for-gods-kingdom River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses how many people miss God's love and the Kingdom of Heaven because they become too worldly or 'grown up.' He draws a parallel between the natural, overwhelming love felt for one's own children and the divine, boundless love of God, which he sees as a 'drop' from the ocean of God's heart. The message encourages listeners to rediscover this childlike faith and dependence on God's love, referencing Matthew 18 in the context of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Too Grown-Up For God's KingdomThe title of the message reflects how believers often miss out on the heart of God's love because they act too mature and self-sufficient in the eyes of the world.
What is the Kingdom of Heaven?The Kingdom of Heaven is not the physical place of heaven, but the earthly domain where God has complete control and supreme authority over our lives.
Unless You Are Converted and Become Like ChildrenJesus tells His disciples that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, they must experience a complete 180-degree conversion away from the world's self-promoting system and become like little children.
Humbled Like a Little ChildWhoever humbles themselves like a little child—free from self-obsession, pride, and the desire to be great—is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Humility Towards God: God Be Merciful to Me a SinnerThrough the parable of the Pharisee and the tax gatherer, Jesus illustrates that true humility towards God means constantly recognizing our utter dependence on His mercy, regardless of our spiritual progress.
Humility Towards Our Fellow MenBiblical humility of mind involves regarding others as more important than oneself, reflecting the ultimate attitude of Christ Jesus.Philippians 2:3
A Quiet Soul Like a Weaned ChildDavid exemplified true spiritual rest and freedom from pride by quieting his soul before God like a weaned child resting against its mother.
Hunger for the Pure Milk of the WordJust as newborn babies cry out passionately for milk, spiritual children hunger deeply for the unadulterated word of God above everything else.1 Peter 2:2
Imitating Our Heavenly FatherTrue children of God naturally imitate their Father by showing mercy, acting tenderhearted, pursuing holiness, and doing all things without grumbling or complaining.Luke 6:36
The Father's Yearning LoveOur love for God is a response to His active, passionate, and yearning love for us, just like a rubber ball bounces back with the same force it is thrown against a wall.
Jesus's Prayer for the Father's Love to Be in UsJesus's parting prayer before going to the garden was that His disciples might personally experience the very same love that the Father had for Him before the foundation of the world.John 17:23
