Bangalore Conference - 2017 - Session 1
Recorded Live: A Pure Offering For God - Zac Poonen For more sermons and bible studies, please vist the CFC channel https://www.youtube.com/user/cfcindiaVideos Or visit our website http://www.cfcindia.com
Summary
The message emphasizes that God accepts offerings based on the quality of what is given, referencing the contrast between Cain and Abel. True devotion requires bringing the best to God, which extends beyond material offerings to include one's whole life and relationships. The speaker warns that a lack of genuine devotion, symbolized by bringing less than one's best, can stifle the fire and anointing of God's presence.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What did God teach us from Malachi?God raised up the church to preserve a pure testimony, drawing on the warning in Malachi against offering God our leftovers.
Old Testament tithing versus New Testament devotionThe Old Testament tithe functioned like a government income tax for the Levites, whereas New Testament believers give themselves entirely as children to a Father.
What is a pure offering?A pure offering means holding nothing back from God, mirroring the total commitment expected in a marriage.
The high standard of discipleshipJesus set a demanding standard of discipleship in Luke 14, requiring believers to love Him more than family, self, and possessions.Luke 14:26
Casting nets and mending netsComparing Peter casting nets to John mending torn nets, the speaker highlights the ongoing need to repair unbiblical practices in Christian history.Matthew 4:18
Walking as Jesus walkedFirst John 2:6 stresses that anyone claiming to be a Christian must live and walk exactly as Jesus lived.1 John 2:6
Overcoming as Jesus overcameEven to the church of Laodicea, Jesus promises that those who overcome just as He overcame will sit with Him on His throne.Revelation 3:21
Making disciples versus gathering crowdsJesus commanded believers to make disciples rather than merely seeking converts or people who simply want to go to heaven.
Be like the BereansBelievers should carefully examine the Scriptures daily, just like the Bereans, rather than blindly accepting what preachers say.
Testing practices against ScriptureThe speaker uses the example of uncontrolled speaking in tongues without interpretation to show how modern churches drift away from biblical patterns.1 Corinthians 14:23
You cannot serve God and MammonJesus warned in Luke 16 that wealth is the primary rival master competing with God for control of our lives.Luke 16:13
Standing on the shoulders of giantsJust as Martin Luther and later reformers uncovered buried truths, God continues to restore vital principles to His church over time.
Remembering the poorTrue ministry avoids favoritism toward the rich and follows the early apostles' charge to remember the poor.
How Jesus handled moneyBased on John 13:29, the practical rule for handling money is simply to buy what you actually need and give to the poor.John 13:29
Living out the message in CFCFrom the beginning, CFC decided never to take collections or pay salaries to elders, proving that New Testament principles are still entirely possible today.
