Preserving The Standard of Jesus and The Apostles - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the primary focus of the church should be on maintaining purity and quality of its members, rather than merely increasing in numbers. He draws from scripture to argue that while evangelism is important, the internal work of discipleship and guarding against corruption (the 'leaven') is paramount. True Christian living, according to him, is demonstrated by a consistent, godly life throughout the entire week, not just on Sunday.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Quality is our business, quantity is God's businessThe church should focus on maintaining spiritual purity and making disciples rather than striving to increase in numbers, leaving numerical growth to God.Acts 2:47
Jesus' uncompromising standards on wealthJesus refused to lower His standards to accommodate wealthy or influential seekers, instructing the rich ruler to give away his money.
Living righteously every day of the weekWhile other churches emphasize Sunday performance and entertainment, true worship requires living a godly and obedient life during the weekdays.
Demonstrating financial integrity without beggingFollowing the example of Jesus and Paul, the ministry was established to prove that God provides for those who seek His kingdom first, without ever asking people for money or sending out promotional reports.
Evangelism that builds local churchesRather than holding mass crusades and abandoning new converts, true biblical evangelism brings people into local churches for nurturing and spiritual growth.
True eldership and passing the torchUnlike selfish leaders who cling to power like King Saul, true spiritual fathers raise up others, train them, and willingly step down to let them lead independently.
A strong emphasis on godly family lifeThe New Testament deeply emphasizes Spirit-filled family relationships, making a man's orderly home life a primary qualification for leadership in the church.Ephesians 5:18
Building a life that cannot be shakenJesus taught that hearing His words is not enough; true discipleship requires actively obeying His teachings during the rest of the week to withstand the storms of life.Matthew 7:20
The second journey from Babylon to JerusalemJust as the Old Testament move from Babylon to Jerusalem pictured a return to God's order, God always raises up a movement to bring His people out of corrupt religious systems into a pure testimony.
God rejects compromised and inferior offeringsUsing the rebuke in Malachi, God refuses to accept lazy or substandard offerings from people who give Him their leftovers while keeping the best for themselves.
A fourfold test for spiritual practicesEverything in modern Christianity must be tested by whether Jesus did it, Jesus taught it, the apostles did it, or the apostles taught it.
Responding to criticism with love and forgivenessWhen facing accusations, false labels, or opposition from those who leave, believers must respond with love, forgiveness, and an unwavering commitment to serve God.
