Exhortation To Canada CFC Churches
Zac Poonen exhorts the Canada CFC churches to build their lives and churches on the solid foundation of knowing God as Father, maintaining a clear conscience, fostering healthy family life, and living out the Sermon on the Mount with genuine forgiveness and holiness.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, building a foundation on God's love, and maintaining a personal walk with God. It highlights the need for clear consciences, seeking forgiveness, and living in obedience to God's word. The speaker stresses the significance of making disciples, teaching them to obey all that Jesus taught, and the assurance of God's presence for those who follow Him wholeheartedly.
Sermon Outline
-
I. Foundation of the Church
- Know God as a loving Father, not distant Lord
- Importance of intimate relationship with God
- Foundation for personal and church life
-
II. First Story: Personal Walk with God
- Maintain a clear conscience 24/7
- Confess sin and seek forgiveness immediately
- God does not listen to prayer if unforgiveness remains
-
III. Second Story: Family Life
- Family life is crucial for church leadership
- Bring up children in the fear of God
- Holy Spirit’s filling transforms family relationships
-
IV. Third Story: Building the Church
- Church must be built on solid personal and family foundation
- Sermon on the Mount as the blueprint for godly living
- Hearing and doing God’s word leads to unshakable faith
Key Quotes
“The Church of Jesus Christ is a three story building. The foundation is God's perfect love for us and knowing God as our personal father.” — Zac Poonen
“God does not listen to your prayer if you hurt somebody and you're not settled the matter with him.” — Zac Poonen
“If you hear these words and you do them, then you are building on a rock, unshakable.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Examine your personal relationship with God and seek to know Him intimately as your Father.
- Confess sins promptly and resolve any conflicts to maintain a clear conscience before God and others.
- Prioritize godly family life as a foundation for effective church involvement and leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is knowing God as Father important?
Knowing God as Father establishes a personal, intimate relationship that forms the foundation of Christian life and church.
What happens if we do not forgive others?
God will not forgive our sins if we refuse to forgive others, and He will not listen to our prayers until we reconcile.
Why is family life emphasized for church leaders?
1 Timothy 3 teaches that a man who cannot manage his own family well is unfit to lead the church, highlighting the importance of godly family life.
What does it mean to walk with a clear conscience?
It means living honestly, confessing sin promptly, settling disputes, and maintaining integrity in all areas of life.
How does the Sermon on the Mount relate to church building?
The Sermon on the Mount provides the high standard of holiness and godly living necessary to build a church that stands firm against trials.