18th Aug 2019 - CFC Sunday Church Service
Summary
The message reflects on the founding of the church 44 years prior, emphasizing that God raises up movements when existing churches fail to preach the fullness of God's counsel. The core focus is on discipleship, which requires three ongoing commitments: making Jesus supreme in life, daily self-denial by taking up the cross, and prioritizing Christ above all possessions. The speaker urges the congregation to continually examine these conditions rather than resting on past foundations.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God raised up CFC 44 years agoMoses told the Israelites to remember how God led them in the wilderness, and believers should similarly look back with gratitude at how God guided them since the church began.
The call to discipleship and obeying all of Jesus' commandsThe church was founded not just to preach conversion, but to fulfill the second part of the Great Commission by making disciples and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded.
The conditions of true discipleshipTrue discipleship requires loving Jesus supremely above family and possessions, and taking up the cross daily to die to self.Luke 14:26–33
Pressing on to perfection through the Sermon on the MountBelievers must not stop at the foundational experiences of salvation and baptism, but must press on to perfection by living out the high standards of the Sermon on the Mount through the power of the Holy Spirit.Hebrews 6:1
Following Jesus' example of humility and submission to authorityJesus gave an example to follow in His earthly life, demonstrating total submission to imperfect authorities, which is the pathway to glory unlike the rebellion of Satan.
Guarding against deception and losing first loveAs the return of the Lord approaches, believers must beware of deception and the warning that the love of many will grow cold due to the increase of sin.
Preserving pure devotion to Jesus ChristJust as the serpent deceived Eve, the devil seeks to lead believers away from simple, pure devotion to Christ into mere intellectual knowledge.2 Corinthians 11:3
The dangers of the last days and a form of godlinessThe last days will be difficult because people will have a form of godliness but deny its power, while inwardly loving themselves and money.
Following Jesus by serving others and going down in humilityTo truly follow Jesus, believers must take the path of humility, washing one's feet and serving others rather than seeking self-exaltation.
Cooperating with God in building His churchBelievers must keep their minds set on God's interests—building His church—rather than human interests, ensuring they do not become stumbling blocks.Matthew 16:18–23
Unless the Lord builds the houseSister Annie reflects on 44 years of God's grace, noting that it is the Lord who has built the church and watched over it, not human effort.
Finding deliverance and keeping eyes on the LordFacing opposition and criticism in the early days, the community learned to confess their powerlessness and keep their eyes fixed solely on God.
Practicing hospitality without grumblingThe Lord taught her through Scripture to practice hospitality cheerfully without grumbling, opening their home to minister to God's people.
