27th Aug 2017 - How The Work In Cfc Began - Zac Poonen
27th Aug 2017 - How The Work In Cfc Began - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker reflects on the history and blessings of the community, noting that the gathering is part of a 42nd anniversary celebration. He emphasizes the importance of remembering God's faithfulness, citing scripture passages about dwelling in unity and the Lord doing great things. The message concludes with a call to give thanks for the spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and continued guidance from God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God's power to care for usA musical introduction emphasizing that the same God who cared for Jesus will provide for and strengthen His people in all their needs.
A call to praise the LordUsing Psalms 149 and 145, the speaker encourages the congregation to sing new songs and recognize God's unsearchable greatness.
Reflecting on the true meaning of a prophetThe speaker begins to address how CFC began and clarifies that a New Testament prophet is not merely one who predicts the future.
The purpose of true prophecyTrue prophets like Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist were sent by God to call His people back to repentance when they drifted from His ways.
Seeking the ancient pathsFollowing Jeremiah's call, we must return to the 'ancient paths' by looking to the Bible and the way Jesus and the Apostles preached.Jeremiah 6:16
The danger of drifting and the necessity of sacrificeJust as Israel drifted into slavery, modern Christianity risks losing its power when people join for earthly benefits rather than being willing to sacrifice everything for Christ.
The history of a corrupt church structureSince the time of Constantine, a large, institutionalized version of Christianity has often been characterized by corruption and an interest in money rather than godliness.
The pattern of reformations and declineFrom the Protestant Reformation to the Methodist movement, God has raised up godly men like Luther and Wesley, but their movements often declined when followers relied on the founder's legacy rather than a personal connection to God.
The principle of lowliness and serviceJust as Jesus was born in a lowly manger to be able to lift others up, true leadership in the church requires a willingness to take the lowest place and serve others without seeking titles or honor.
The struggle for an inner life that matches the outer lifeWhile preaching effectively, Zac struggled with a defeated inner life and sought God's mercy to overcome sin. He desired his private character to be as sincere as his public ministry.
Overcoming unbelief to receive the Holy SpiritAfter realizing that unbelief was a barrier to God's power, Zac prayed for the Holy Spirit and experienced speaking in tongues. This marked a significant spiritual turning point for him and his ministry.
The true nature of the church and the cost of discipleshipZac explains that CFC was not his creation but God's, born out of sacrifice and a willingness to endure reproach. He concludes by emphasizing that true discipleship requires dying to self and following the difficult path of Jesus.
The conditions for true discipleshipTo be a disciple, one must love Jesus above all earthly relationships, die to oneself daily, and hold possessions without being possessed by them.
Studying the Sermon on the MountThe speaker encourages studying Matthew 5-7 and Luke 14 to understand the difficult requirements of following Christ.Luke 14:26–33
A prayer for the next generationThe message concludes with a prayer that the church will never lose its vision and that a new generation of young people will rise up to carry on the work of God.
