The Pathway to the Promise: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 5, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-pathway-to-the-promise-part-1 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker advises that true spiritual blessing comes not from impressive oratory skills, but from seeking the narrow way that leads to eternal life. He contrasts the world's desire for stimulating intellectual or emotional experiences with the transformative power found in the 'foolishness of the message of the cross.' Ultimately, the goal of Christian life and preaching should be transformation through discipleship, not mere entertainment.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Impressing versus blessing in ministryPreachers face a choice between impressing people with oratory and PowerPoint or truly blessing them with the word of God.
Peter's pursuit of words of eternal lifeWhen many disciples left Jesus over hard sayings, Peter recognized that only Jesus had the words of eternal life.
The foolishness of the message of the crossGod is pleased to save believers through the seemingly foolish message of preaching and the cross, which nourishes the spiritual body.
The genealogy of Jesus and the reality of sinThe biblical genealogy leads to Jesus saving His people from their sins, though many want salvation without the required pathway of sacrifice.
Taking my yoke upon youTrue evangelism involves not just coming to Jesus for rest, but taking His easy yoke and submitting to His daily authority.
David's sin and Nathan's confrontationDavid committed adultery and murder, but when Nathan confronted him with a parable, David confessed his sin.
Seeing sin as a spiritual sicknessJust as no one wants hidden cancer, believers must view all sin and hidden pride as exceedingly dangerous sickness.
Jesus' joy through loving righteousness and hating sinJesus lived the happiest life on Earth because He loved righteousness and hated iniquity, receiving the oil of joy.
Comparing Adam's excuses with David's confessionUnlike Adam who blamed the woman and made excuses, David took full responsibility and immediately received forgiveness.Genesis 3:10
David's cry for a clean heartIn Psalm 51, David pleads for mercy, acknowledging that his sin was against God alone and asking for a renewed steadfast spirit.
The two criminals beside JesusOne criminal at the cross acknowledged his guilt and received paradise, while the other mocked Jesus and missed salvation.
Only acknowledge your iniquityGod calls rebellious people to simply acknowledge their sin and return to Him to be brought into His church.Jeremiah 3:13
