Lessons from the life of Mary - Zac Poonen

Zac PoonenApril 18, 202334mWatch on YouTube

Excerpt from Luke - Through The Bible with Zac Poonen series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeUiCH7ooZ3nhCmWTt2WIcHoEMGaNWSwM • Through The Bible... Three Marys In The Gospels: http://www.cfcindia.com/sermon/three-... For more studies: http://www.cfcindia.com/studies More on Mary, the mother of Jesus: http://www.cfcindia.com/wftw/a-godly-... About Zac Poonen: Zac Poonen was formerly an Indian Naval Officer who has been serving the Lord in India for nearly 50 years as a Bible-teacher. He has responsibility for a number of churches in India and abroad. He has written more than 25 books and numerous articles in English - which have been translated into many Indian and foreign languages. His messages are available on audio CDs and video DVDs. Like the other elders in CFC, Zac Poonen also supports himself and his family through "tent-making" and does not receive any salary for his services. He does not receive any royalty for any of his books, CDs or DVDs, that are published by Christian Fellowship Centre, Bangalore. © 2018 Christian Fellowship Church, Bangalore, India. All Rights Reserved.

Summary

The speaker draws parallels between the Holy Spirit coming upon Mary to conceive Jesus and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that the purpose is to produce Christ's character in one's life. He stresses that believers must operate by believing God's word without analysis, as no word from God is without power. Furthermore, true service to Christ's body requires a willingness to endure reproach, as Mary did, and the speaker notes that Mary's initial questioning was different from Zacharias's because she had no historical example of a virgin birth.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

The Holy Spirit and powerWhen the angel tells Mary the Holy Spirit will come upon her, it demonstrates that the Holy Spirit and power always go together.

No word from God is without powerGod's spoken words carry inherent power, and taking them simply as God's word rather than analyzing them with skepticism allows us to experience that power.

Mary's submission to reproachMary willingly accepted the gossip and reproach of her village to bring forth the body of Christ, showing that building Christ's body is always coupled with misunderstanding.

Comparing Zacharias and MaryUnlike Zacharias, who was punished with muteness for unbelief despite having the example of Abraham and Sarah, young Mary had no prior human example and was dealt with mercifully.

The sovereign birth in BethlehemGod used Caesar's census decree to sovereignly ensure Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in a cattle shed.

Mary's lack of complaintMary did not murmur or complain about the difficult circumstances and lack of privacy in the cowshed, proving her genuinely humble spirit.

Avoiding extremes regarding MaryWhile venerating Mary as an object of worship is wrong, Protestant Christians often make the mistake of ignoring her entirely, missing her profound example of godliness.

The mark of someone God choosesMary's low self-evaluation and surprise at being favored illustrate that God chooses people who do not feel worthy or equipped.

Finding favor with GodJust as Mary found favor with God, every believer chosen before the creation of the world can approach God with boldness rather than insecurity.

Seeking the right fellowshipUpon hearing the angel's message, Mary immediately sought fellowship with Elizabeth, who had also experienced a miracle, avoiding the poisonous unbelief of the world.

Accepting new boundaries and relationshipsWhen Jesus began His public ministry at Cana and addressed her as 'woman,' Mary accepted the shift in their relationship without taking offense.John 2:3–4

A lifelong posture of a servantRight through to the day of Pentecost, Mary never sought prominence as the mother of Jesus, remaining a humble servant whom God could use.

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Lessons from the life of Mary - Zac Poonen

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