Spiritual Authority Protects the Church -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023

Zac PoonenSeptember 27, 202332mWatch on YouTube

Also in

Zac Poonen Sermons434 messages

https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/spiritual-authority-protects-the-church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA

Summary

The speaker emphasizes that true submission to authority, whether in life, work, or home, is vital, contrasting this with the casual acceptance of things like ice cream. He draws heavily from Paul's ministry in Ephesus, warning that churches can become doctrinally accurate but lose their fervent love for Christ, leading the Lord to 'remove the lampstand' (de-recognize them). The ultimate call is to return to the first love and remain in the presence of the Lord, even if it means leaving the established institution.

Outline

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

How Paul led the church in EphesusPaul spent three years admonishing the believers in Ephesus with tears and compassion, which kept spiritual wolves out of the church.Acts 20:31

The warning to the church in EphesusYears later, the church in Ephesus lost its first fervent love for Jesus despite having good doctrine and perseverance, prompting a warning from the Lord.Revelation 2:5

The Lord derecognizes backslidden churchesWhen a church loses its first love and departs from the Lord, He removes its lampstand even if the institution continues to function nominally.

Overcomers outside the campThroughout church history, true believers have been small, humble groups outside large institutions, bearing the reproach of Christ while overcoming sin.

Caring only for God's approvalThe speaker emphasizes that he does not care about human reputation or offending people, but only about finishing the work God called him to do.

The danger of money and backslidingMoney is one of God's greatest enemies, and believers must guard their hearts against loving riches and material comfort.

Enjoying God's provision without becoming a slave to itGod gives us richly all things to enjoy, but believers must place their hope in God rather than becoming enslaved to wealth.

Why God withheld printed Bibles for centuriesEarly Christians depended on the living voice of the Holy Spirit rather than printed texts, cultivating a deep sensitivity to God's immediate guidance.

Preaching as the very utterance of GodThose who preach God's word must speak relying on the strength God supplies so that God is glorified rather than human cleverness.

God hides things from the wise and intelligentSpiritual revelation is given to infants, requiring intelligent people to humble themselves and fight a battle to become like children before God.

Becoming like a babe before ScriptureInstead of arguing with human cleverness, believers must accept their limitations and approach Scripture with childlike faith to receive divine truth.

Related messages

Back to the catalog

River of Life Christian Fellowship

Spiritual Authority Protects the Church -- Zac Poonen -- September 22, 2023

Zac Poonen · September 27, 2023 · 32m

The church Following Jesus