Recognizing The Body Of Christ On Earth - Zac Poonen (Telugu)
Kakinada Conference 2013 - Seek Good And Not Evil, That You May Live: 12. Recognizing The Body Of Christ On Earth - Zac Poonen (Telugu)
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that the Christian life, symbolized by the Lord's Supper, is a profound testimony of God's love, which was demonstrated by Christ dying for us when we were enemies. The speaker stresses that personal repentance and forgiveness are necessary to partake worthily, arguing that sin is akin to nailing nails into Christ's body. Furthermore, causing trouble within the church is equated to crucifying Christ again, as the physical body of Christ resides in heaven.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The simplicity of the bread and the cupEven though the cross has deep mysteries that are hard to understand, Jesus made the bread and the cup simple enough for a child to grasp.
God demonstrates His love for His enemiesWhile people rarely die even for a good person, God demonstrated His love by having Christ die for us while we were still His enemies.
Our sin puts Jesus on the crossIt was not just the physical nails that kept Jesus on the cross, but our sins and His great love for us.
Christ's personal love for each individualThe love of God is not just for the world in general, but deeply personal; Jesus would have come to die even if you were the only sinner in existence.
Coming to the table with a worthy mannerBelievers must examine their petty fights and unforgiveness when taking the bread and cup, realizing Christ died to forgive those very sins.
Taking personal responsibility at the tableUnlike religious traditions where a priest administers the elements, taking the Lord's table requires each person to personally decide to hate sin and follow Jesus.
Are you a troublemaker in the church?Causing trouble and fighting within the church is likened to putting a nail into the body of Christ.
Saul persecuting Jesus by persecuting believersWhen Jesus confronted Saul on the road to Damascus, He asked why Saul was persecuting Him, revealing that hurting believers on earth is hurting Jesus in heaven.
We are one body through the one breadPartaking of the one bread signifies that we are all one body in Jesus Christ, meaning we must care for one another rather than cutting each other down.1 Corinthians 10:17
Repenting of hurting the body of ChristGod overlooks past times of ignorance, but now commands everyone to repent of hurting the body of Christ and to adopt a new attitude of love.
