Whose Side Are You On? - Santosh Poonen - October 14, 2012
http://rlcfchurch.org/whose-side-are-you-on River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that the purpose of the local church is not to meet individual needs, but to mature into a body united in purpose for Christ's sake. True maturity is characterized by realizing that participation is about God fulfilling His purpose in one's life. The speaker warns that the devil targets unity, using interpersonal conflicts—especially in marriage and church fellowship—to break apart the body of Christ, which is the only thing that poses a threat to his kingdom.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Our Purpose as a Church: Discipleship and FellowshipThe sign of maturity in a church body is moving past self-centered needs to asking how Christ can use us to build His body, fulfilling a twofold mission of discipleship and fellowship.
Pursuing Fellowship and the Test of Interpersonal RelationshipsWhen we genuinely pursue fellowship, we are tested in our interpersonal relationships because the devil is intent on dividing church bodies and families.2 Timothy 2:22
Satan's Weapon of DisunityThe devil's best weapon to stop believers from taking down his strongholds is to cause division and quarrels among them, starting with an attitude of finding fault.2 Timothy 2:23
Two Realms: Asleep in Darkness or Waging WarGod sees the world as those asleep in darkness versus those who have been brought into His marvelous light and are called to live as aliens abstaining from fleshly lusts.
We Do Not Wrestle Against Flesh and BloodWhen we pick fights with people using earthly methods, we are rendered powerless against the true spiritual enemy, because our battle is against spiritual forces of wickedness.Ephesians 6:13
Weapons of Our Warfare Are Not of the FleshEven when experiencing attacks in the physical realm, we must not war according to the flesh, but use divinely powerful weapons to destroy fortresses and take every thought captive.2 Corinthians 10:3
Whose Side Are You On?When Joshua asked the angel near Jericho if he was for them or their adversaries, the angel answered no, revealing that God is not on our side or our opponent's side, but is the captain of the Lord's host pursuing His own purpose.
The Alternative to Quarrelling: The Spirit of ProphecyThe contrast to a biting, critical tongue is the spirit of prophecy, which edifies, builds up, and encourages others and is fueled by true love and laying down the self-life.
Realizing How Much We Have Been ForgivenThe more we realize the depth of our sin and how lavishly God has forgiven us through Christ, the easier it becomes to drop our fights, forgive others, and love without fear.
