The Word Of The Cross Tests People - Zac Poonen
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Summary
The speaker warns that Christians are unprepared for the times before Christ's return, comparing it to those who ignore warnings like a flood. He emphasizes that believers must actively align their thinking with God's way by deeply studying Scripture, rather than relying on the belief that Christ's return will magically change them. This alignment is necessary to be among those who meet Him with boldness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Two types of believers when Christ appearsWhen Jesus returns, there will be two groups of believers: those who have prepared and have tremendous boldness, and those who shrink away in shame.1 John 2:28
Aligning our thinking with God's waysMany believers suffer from anxiety and foolishness because they do not read scripture to align their thoughts with God's higher thoughts.Isaiah 55:8–9
Purifying ourselves as Christ is pureHaving the hope of becoming like Christ requires us to actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit to purify ourselves as He is pure.1 John 3:3
God honors our free willGod never forces obedience like a robot; He respects our free will and waits for us to invite Him and ask for grace in moments of temptation.Revelation 3:20
Do you want to get well?Jesus asked the disabled man at the pool of Bethesda if he wanted to get well, confronting believers who have stayed defeated by conscious sin for years.
Paul's honesty regarding the tenth commandmentWhile others kept outward commandments, the Apostle Paul honestly faced the inward tenth commandment against lust and discovered deliverance through Christ.
Accepting the high standard of scriptureSome people complain that biblical standards are too high, but we must hold to the whole counsel of God rather than lowering standards to make people comfortable.
Fulfilling the law through the Holy SpiritThrough the law of the Holy Spirit and moment-by-moment walking with God, the righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled in us.Romans 8:2–4
Working for eternal food and eating Christ's fleshJesus urged the crowd to work for eternal food and explained that following Him requires eating His flesh and drinking His blood by daily taking up the cross.
Disciples offended by the hard sayingWhen many disciples were offended by the call to daily self-denial and left, Jesus did not chase after them, allowing them to make their own choice.
Peter's response and the words of eternal lifeWhen Jesus asked the twelve if they also wanted to leave, Peter recognized that Jesus alone had the words of eternal life.
Recognizing the spirit of the Antichrist in the last hourLiving in the last hour means recognizing the spirit of the Antichrist, which resists the message of the cross, and standing firm until the Lord appears.1 John 2:18–19
