25th February 2018 - Sunday Church Service Bangalore
25th February 2018 - Following Jesus Is The Better Message Of The New Covenant - Zac Poonen
Summary
The sermon encourages believers to focus on the superior provision God has given through Christ, rather than dwelling on the miraculous but limited achievements of the Old Covenant. Drawing from Hebrews 11 and 12, the speaker emphasizes that Christians are called to run the race of faith by laying aside all sin and every encumbrance. The central message is to run this race with focus, remembering that God has provided something better for us.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Songs of praise to JesusThe service opens with musical worship focused on the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit and the worthiness of Christ.
Acknowledging God as KingThe congregation sings of bowing before the majesty of God, the King of kings, and laying everything before Him.
Trusting in God's faithfulnessReflecting on Psalm 104, the speaker notes that because God was faithful to establish the earth and set boundaries for nature, we can trust Him not to abandon us in trouble.
A tip for reading the BibleTo better understand God's truth, readers should connect the end of one chapter to the beginning of the next rather than closing the book abruptly.
Running without weights and sinUsing the imagery of a race, the speaker explains that we must lay aside every sin and unnecessary weight to experience what God has provided.
Following the sinless example of ChristBelievers are called to follow in the steps of Jesus, who lived a life without sin or deceit, a feat made possible through faith in God.1 Peter 2:21
How babies and the multitude enter heavenThe speaker explains that many people in heaven, including infants, enter because the righteousness of Christ is credited to their account, much like a newborn inheriting wealth.
Understanding the symbols of RevelationThe speaker clarifies that numbers and imagery in Revelation, such as the 144,000, are symbolic representations of spiritual truths rather than literal counts.
The necessity of spiritual revelation for transformationTrue revelation from God is a matter of the heart that enables an individual to overcome sin and anxiety, whereas mere intellectual understanding does not change one's life.
Prioritize inner purity over outward appearanceTrue spiritual health requires cleaning the inside first, rather than focusing on external righteousness like the Pharisees. We must avoid speaking evil of others behind their backs and instead seek to correct them directly.Matthew 23:26
The secret of the Christian life is worshiping JesusLooking unto Jesus is the key to our spiritual life. The speaker notes that both the beginning and the end of Matthew's Gospel highlight people falling down to worship Him.
Following Jesus means submitting to imperfect peopleJesus demonstrated true character by remaining in subjection to His imperfect earthly parents for thirty years. We prove we are following Him by our attitude toward the imperfections of others, such as spouses or bosses.
Jesus does not despise anyoneUnlike the Pharisees who despised others based on their status or past, Jesus came to save souls without showing partiality toward the rich or the poor.
Jesus was tempted exactly like usThe speaker argues against the idea that Jesus was like Adam, asserting instead that Jesus was truly tempted in all points as we are so He can be our example.Hebrews 4:15
Prioritizing the life of Jesus over doctrineWhile all doctrines are valuable, they must not be valued more than the actual life and light found in Christ, which is what truly saves us from darkness.
