Planted by God Himself
Zac Poonen teaches that building a true New Covenant church is only possible through God's supernatural planting and sustaining, not human effort or wisdom.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a New Covenant church, highlighting the need for believers to understand and live by the principles of the New Covenant. It stresses the significance of being under grace, having victory over sin, and the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit to accomplish God's work. The sermon draws parallels between biblical figures like Moses and Mary, showcasing the humility, brokenness, and obedience required to build the body of Christ amidst challenges and opposition.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of the New Covenant
- Most believers live under the Old Covenant without victory over sin
- New Covenant life brings progressive sanctification and victory
- Misconceptions hinder understanding and living the New Covenant
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II. The Impossibility of Building God's Church by Human Effort
- Human attempts produce 'Cain' or 'Ishmael' instead of Christ's body
- God alone plants and sustains the true church
- Jesus' warning about churches not planted by God being uprooted
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III. Dependence on Christ is Essential
- Branches must abide in the vine to bear fruit
- Without Christ, all efforts amount to nothing
- Humility is necessary to remain in God's blessing
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IV. God Chooses the Humble and Unlikely
- God uses those overlooked by society to build His church
- Human wisdom and status do not guarantee God's use
- God frustrates the plans of the clever to exalt His own purposes
Key Quotes
“Every church which my heavenly father did not plant will be uprooted.” — Zac Poonen
“Without me, you can do nothing.” — Zac Poonen
“God deliberately chose men and women that their culture overlooks and that their society exploits and abuses.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Examine your heart for pride and cultivate humility to remain in God's blessing.
- Depend daily on Christ to bear spiritual fruit and avoid relying on human methods.
- Trust God to plant and grow His church rather than relying on your own plans or abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to live under the New Covenant?
Living under the New Covenant means experiencing victory over sin through God's grace and progressively becoming more like Christ.
Can humans build the true body of Christ by their own efforts?
No, Zac Poonen emphasizes that only God can plant and sustain the true church; human efforts apart from Him will fail.
Why is dependence on Christ so important in ministry?
Because apart from Christ, efforts bear no eternal fruit; abiding in Him is essential for lasting spiritual impact.
Who does God typically use to build His church?
God often chooses humble, overlooked, and unlikely people rather than the influential or clever to accomplish His purposes.
What is the danger of pride after receiving God's blessings?
Pride can cause God's blessings to dry up, as humility is necessary to continue receiving His favor and use.