7th January 2018 - Be Ready For Christ's Return - Zac Poonen
Be Ready For Christ's Return - Zac Poonen
Summary
The message warns that in the last days, mockers will question the promise of Christ's return, suggesting that everything remains unchanged since creation. However, the speaker reminds the audience that the current heavens and earth are reserved for fire for the day of judgment, emphasizing that with the Lord, one day is like a thousand years.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Praising Jesus our blessed RedeemerThe congregation begins the service singing hymns that proclaim the wonderful love, sacrifice, and victory of Jesus Christ over death.
Welcoming the Holy Spirit into His houseA song of welcome is sung to invite the Holy Spirit to have His way and to set hearts on fire for God.
Entering the new year with a spirit of praiseThe speaker encourages the congregation to start the new year with a determination to love God and walk in newness of life, reflecting on His faithfulness in the past year.
A prayer for the ministry of the WordThe speaker begins with a prayer asking God to bless the service, strengthen the listeners, and let the Word have a powerful effect on their lives.
Understanding the signs of the last daysAs we move closer to Christ's return, we see mockers questioning His promise, yet we must remember that God's timing is different from ours and He uses delay to show patience toward believers.2 Peter 3:3
The promise of not being judged if we judge ourselves rightlyBy judging ourselves and acknowledging our errors rather than blaming others, we can stand before God without fear of judgment.
Living each day with a desire for total devotionThe speaker expresses a desire to live every single day of the year with a hundred percent passion and a commitment to judging oneself rightly before God.
What should we judge ourselves by?Using Matthew 24, the speaker explores how Jesus spoke about the end times and warns against focusing on physical buildings rather than the spiritual temple of our own bodies.
The promise that God honors those who honor HimReflecting on his own life, the speaker testifies that whenever he has chosen to honor God over compromise, God has consistently honored him.1 Samuel 2:30
What is the gospel of the kingdom?The gospel of the kingdom consists of righteousness, peace, and joy through the power of the Holy Spirit, a message that is being spread globally via the internet.Romans 14:17
Do not boast beyond your measureUsing Paul's example, the speaker encourages believers to stay within the sphere God has assigned to them rather than comparing their fruitfulness to others.2 Corinthians 10:13
The threat of growing cold in loveAs lawlessness increases in the last days, people will maintain a form of godliness but lack the Holy Spirit's power to overcome loves for self, money, and pleasure.Matthew 24:12–13
The dangers of loving self, money, and pleasureMany people fail to have a part in God's kingdom because they are driven by a love for self, money, and entertainment.
Seeking the power of the Holy SpiritTo avoid degenerating into old habits and worldly loves, it is essential to be filled with the Holy Spirit every single day.
The church's role in stirring up the fireBelievers should act like tools used to stir a fire, helping one another stay spiritually fervent so that the flame of God does not grow cold.
