Austin CFC 2016 - Zac Poonen conference - Session 3 - Built together in Christ’s Body
- Building Fellowship And the Body of Christ - Session 3 - Built together in Christ’s Body
Summary
The central message emphasizes that Christian growth is a continuous, daily process requiring humility before God. Drawing parallels between Genesis 1's creation and the believer's life, the speaker argues that just as the Earth had no choice but to follow God's word, believers have the free choice every day to respond to God's guidance through His Word. This constant reception of grace and daily obedience is necessary for spiritual progress.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humbleThe speaker shares that for 40 years he has relied on the truth that God gives grace to the humble, which is essential for overcoming inward sins and carrying out ministry.
God's purpose for daily inward renewalComparing the ongoing creation in Genesis 1 to the Christian life, God desires that our inner man be renewed daily rather than staying in the same spiritual state.
Learning from the daily manna in the wildernessJust as the Israelites received manna every day to teach them that man lives by every word of God, believers need daily spiritual food that cannot be replaced once lost.
The New Covenant pattern of sending disciples two by twoUnlike the Old Covenant where prophets often operated alone, Jesus sent his disciples out two by two because the New Covenant requires fellowship and teamwork.
Binding the activity of Satan through agreementWhile individual believers can cast out demons, binding satanic activity in homes and churches requires at least two people in agreement where Jesus is in the midst.Matthew 18:18–19
The importance of unity between husbands and wivesHusbands and wives must actively maintain unity and Christ's presence in the home to protect their children from the confusion brought by the devil.
Taking the first step in reconciliationFollowing God's example of reaching out to humanity first, the more spiritual person in a conflict should take the initiative to ask for forgiveness quickly.
Maintaining unity in leadership despite differencesDrawing from 41 years of church leadership, the speaker explains that differences in temperament do not cause disunity as long as leaders refuse to act like tyrants and wait for true agreement.
The sharp disagreement between Paul and BarnabasEven early apostles like Paul and Barnabas suffered a sharp separation over John Mark, demonstrating the danger of immaturity and the need for spiritual guidance.
The root sin of seeking one's own interestsMany believers maintain individual holiness but still fail to build Christ's body because deep down they seek their own interests rather than the things of Christ.
Shaping stones in the quarry before building the templeJust as Solomon's temple stones were shaped at the quarry so no hammer was heard at the construction site, believers must let God deal with their self-life in private.
Judgment must begin in the household of GodGod's discipline and shaping begin within His own household as each person judges themselves rather than pointing fingers at others.1 Peter 4:17
