Why Another Church? - Zac Poonen - April 7, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/why-another-church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
God starts new churches when existing ones become corrupt and fail to serve as a pure testimony of His name. This pattern is seen historically, from Israel to the early church, because leaders compromise principles for comfort or salary. A true church, therefore, must be led by individuals who proclaim the full counsel of God without compromise, reflecting Christ's righteousness.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why another church?When a church becomes corrupt like ancient Israel, God starts something new to maintain a pure testimony.
Israel's failure and Malachi's messageGod set aside Israel because they despised His name, offered corrupted sacrifices, and the priests compromised for money.
A pure offering from east to westGod promised to do a new thing among all nations, establishing a pure offering where leadership proclaims the full counsel of God without compromise.
Surpassing external religionJesus taught that true kingdom righteousness must exceed the external rule-keeping of the scribes and Pharisees in quality, not just quantity.Matthew 5:20
Going to the root of murder: angerThe New Covenant standard requires dealing with the root of murder by stopping internal anger and insults rather than just avoiding physical acts.
Reconciliation before worshipGod refuses offerings and prayers if a believer has unresolved conflict or unmade restitution with a brother.
Dealing with lust and divorceJesus raised the standard against lust and forbade unbiblical divorce and remarriage, which modern compromised churches often permit.Matthew 5:27–32
Termites in the churchMany churches look beautiful on the outside, but inner sin and compromise eat away at their spiritual life like termites.
Judging with righteous judgmentBelievers must test scriptures fully and judge with righteous judgment rather than blindly accepting half-truths or ignoring blatant sin.John 7:24
The sun shines on the righteous and unrighteousMaterial prosperity and physical blessings do not validate spiritual righteousness, as God causes rain and sun to fall on both the good and evil.Matthew 5:45
Hunger and thirst for righteousnessPeople fail to gain victory over sin because they do not pursue righteousness with the same intense passion that worldly people seek money or fame.Matthew 5:6
Small numbers and a faithful remnantJesus never measured success by large crowds, and God continues to look for a faithful remnant willing to pay the price and deny themselves daily.
The strong words of JesusThe true Jesus spoke extremely firmly against sin, especially against actions that cause little ones to stumble, calling His followers to radical discipleship.
