What Makes Christ Uncomfortable In A Church - Santosh Poonen
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Summary
The speaker argues that the presence of God is not dependent on elaborate buildings or human efforts, citing scripture to show that the Most High does not dwell in structures made by human hands. True divine presence, or Christ's comfort, is found when certain spiritual principles are present within the community. These principles include rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in everything, which are ways of not grieving the Holy Spirit.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Humanity's innate desire for religion and worshipFrom the beginning with Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel, human beings have always been religious, driven by an innate desire to worship something.
The Most High does not dwell in houses made by human handsStephen reminds the Jews in Acts that God does not dwell in man-made structures, warning against relying on physical buildings or human effort to manufacture God's presence.
Not grieving the Holy SpiritJust as a person has feelings, the Holy Spirit is grieved by selfish motives, wrong attitudes, and ambitions that make Him uncomfortable in our midst.1 Thessalonians 5:16–19
First: When there is not a sole desire for God's name to be magnifiedChrist is uncomfortable in a church if any motive exists in building it other than the magnification of God's name, as seen when God corrected David's pride in wanting to build Him a temple.
Second: Where there is no genuine humilityChrist is uncomfortable where people use Christianity as a platform for their own names instead of regarding others as more important than themselves through genuine humility and a contrite spirit.
Being crushed in spiritTrue humility involves being crushed in spirit, recognizing one's own sin and unworthiness, which invites God's presence and true revival.
Third: Where God's word is not treated with reverenceChrist is uncomfortable where believers fail to tremble at God's word, neglecting to read it, open their Bibles, or obey even the smaller commands.
Fourth: Where there is no sense of needDrawing from the lukewarm church of Laodicea, Christ cannot be comfortable in a church where people feel wealthy, self-sufficient, and devoid of a daily, desperate need for spiritual growth.
Fifth: Where God cannot establish His peaceGod wants His church and homes to be places of unbroken peace, where believers put down the sword of argumentativeness, bitterness, and division.
The increase of Christ's government and peaceChrist is the Prince of Peace, and His government in our marriages, homes, and local churches should be marked by a continuous, unending increase of peace.Isaiah 9:6–7
Closing prayer for the church in AtlantaThe speaker concludes by praying that God would grip the hearts of the believers, help them walk in humility and reverence, and establish their local church as a pure lighthouse.
