How the Altar of God is Defiled
Santosh Poonen teaches that God's glory is manifested through genuine faith and wholehearted surrender, especially in our weaknesses and problems, rather than through human effort or gifts.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a maximum mentality in our relationship with God, giving Him our all without holding back. It highlights the need to return to our first love for Christ, like a child's love for their mother, where we offer everything to God with a pure and selfless heart. The message encourages trusting God in impossible situations, being willing to give what we have, no matter how small, for Him to work miracles and manifest His glory.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Promise of the Holy Spirit for All Ages
- God pours out His Spirit regardless of age or status
- Salvation and spiritual growth can begin at any stage of life
- The first shall be last and the last shall be first in eternity
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II. Manifesting God's Glory Through Problems
- God's glory often begins with a problem or helpless situation
- Jesus' first miracle at Cana illustrates glory arising from a need
- Faith is essential for miracles and God's glory to be revealed
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III. The Role of Human Participation in God's Work
- Under the New Covenant, God involves us in manifesting His glory
- The miracle at Cana required human action (filling jars with water)
- God desires our obedience and participation, not just passive faith
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IV. Sacrificial Giving as a Manifestation of God's Glory
- The poor widow's offering was valued more than the rich's abundance
- God honors wholehearted surrender over quantity or gifts
- Defiled offerings and unbelief hinder God's glory in the church
Key Quotes
“For God to manifest His glory in the new covenant, it starts with a problem, a mistake, a sin, a helpless situation where we have no hope, then He says, okay.” — Santosh Poonen
“The glory of God is manifested through poor widows who give everything.” — Santosh Poonen
“God doesn't need gifted people. The world is looking for gifted people. Churches are looking for gifted people. But the glory of God is manifested through the maximum mentality that gives everything.” — Santosh Poonen
Application Points
- Embrace your problems as opportunities for God to manifest His glory in your life.
- Participate actively in God's work by offering your obedience and faith, not just waiting passively.
- Give sacrificially and wholeheartedly, trusting that God values the heart behind the offering more than the amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God manifest His glory through problems?
God uses our helpless situations to show His power and grace, revealing His glory when we rely on Him fully.
What does the miracle at Cana teach us about faith?
It shows that faith combined with our willing participation allows God to perform miracles and manifest His glory.
How can I manifest God's glory in my life?
By surrendering fully, embracing faith even in difficulties, and giving wholeheartedly without holding back.
Why was the poor widow's offering considered greater than the rich?
Because she gave all she had out of poverty, demonstrating total trust and sacrifice, which pleases God more than abundance given out of surplus.
What hinders God's glory from being manifested in the church?
Unbelief and offering defiled or insincere sacrifices prevent God from working powerfully among His people.