This is the True Grace of God — Zac Poonen — April 30, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/this-is-the-true-grace-of-god-2 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon warns that the greatest danger to a church is the loss of first love for Christ, which outweighs all other good works or doctrinal correctness. Drawing from Revelation 2, the speaker emphasizes that true spiritual vitality comes from a personal, fervent devotion to the Lord, not merely from outward activities or organizational success. If this personal devotion fades, the church risks losing the Lord's presence, regardless of its structure or adherence to doctrine.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The warning to the church in EphesusLooking at Revelation chapters two and three, the speaker highlights the church in Ephesus where Paul preached extensively, yet the church eventually received a severe warning from Christ.
Leaving your first loveDespite having many good qualities and exposing false teachers, the Ephesian church had lost its fervent personal devotion and love for Christ.
The mark of a true New Testament meetingTrue New Testament gatherings are marked by preaching that convicts hearts and leads people to acknowledge that God is truly present among them.1 Corinthians 14:23
God gathers with the overcomersWhen a church loses its spiritual life and Christ departs, God's true witnesses are those who separate themselves to overcome sin and fellowship where the Lord is present.
Sin shall not be master over youUnder the true grace of God, sin is broken as master over the believer's body, distinguishing those under grace from those under law.
The two parts of God's graceMany Christians are content with half of grace—free forgiveness of past sins through faith—while ignoring the second half of grace that grants victory over sin.Ephesians 2:8
The true grace of God in 1 PeterPeter writes his short letter to exhort believers concerning the genuine, full grace of God in contrast to counterfeit messages.1 Peter 5:12
Called to be holy and to suffer in the fleshTrue grace calls believers to be holy in all behavior and to arm themselves with the mindset of Christ, who suffered in the flesh so they could stop sinning.1 Peter 1:15–16
Grace in marriage for wives and husbandsTrue grace transforms the home, guiding wives to have a gentle and quiet spirit and husbands to live understandingly with their wives as weaker vessels and fellow heirs.
Ceasing from sin by suffering in the fleshObedience requires denying fleshly pleasures and following Christ's example of overcoming temptation step by step.
True elders do not serve for money or controlGodly elders shepherd the flock willingly, not for financial gain or by lording over others, pointing people to Christ rather than acting as spiritual mediators.
