13th March 2022 - CFC Sunday Church Service |The Most Important Message of Discipleship - Zac Poonen
13th March 2022 - CFC Sunday Church Service |The Most Important Message of Discipleship - Zac Poonen
Summary
The message emphasizes that true Christianity is rooted in discipleship, recalling that the term 'Christian' originally referred to disciples in Antioch. The speaker argues that merely seeking forgiveness or assurance of heaven is insufficient for building a life, home, or church. True discipleship requires a deeper commitment to following Christ's path, moving beyond superficial religious understanding.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Recalling memory verses and introducing the messageThe congregation recites memory verses before Zac Poonen introduces the message on what it truly means to be a Christian and a disciple of Jesus Christ.Jeremiah 9:24
Why discipleship is basic foundational teachingThe speaker explains that building a church requires focusing on fundamental discipleship rather than merely offering a basic message about the forgiveness of sins.
Checking our spiritual health through Luke 14Believers are urged to perform a spiritual checkup using the foundational conditions of discipleship outlined by Jesus in Luke 14.Luke 14:25–35
The danger of losing our saltinessJesus warns that a disciple who loses his taste is useless to the kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of embracing divine discipline and rebukes.
The three conditions of discipleshipThe speaker outlines the three main areas to examine: our loved ones, self on the throne, and our possessions.
Understanding what it means to hate father and motherUsing the word picture of stars disappearing when the sun rises, the speaker explains that our love for family must be completely superseded by our supreme love for Christ.
Avoiding partiality and loving through ChristBelievers are warned against showing human partiality in relationships and church life, emphasizing that true love for others must flow through our love for Christ.
Putting away self-willThe speaker explains that self sits on the throne of every natural man, and true discipleship requires daily surrender of our own will in favor of God's will.
Looking to CalvaryReflecting on the immense sacrifice Jesus made out of love for the Father puts any personal suffering or sacrifice into perspective.
Calculating the cost of building the towerJesus instructs believers to sit down and calculate the cost of discipleship so they do not start building and fail to finish.
Holding possessions in an open palmThe speaker explains that giving up possessions means not clinging to money, jobs, or ambitions, but keeping them entirely at the disposal of the Lord.
Abraham offering up Isaac as true worshipAbraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac illustrates costly spiritual worship, where the most precious earthly things are surrendered to God.
An invitation to come up higherThe message closes with an invitation to examine our own lives before the Lord and seek His light to come up higher in our walk of discipleship.
