Planted by God Himself (Video)
Zac Poonen teaches that building a true New Covenant church is only possible through God's supernatural planting and sustaining, not by 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 progressively becoming sanctified to be more like Christ. The sermon also addresses the need for humility, brokenness, and reliance on the Holy Spirit in building the body of Christ, even in the face of potential shame and ridicule.
Sermon Outline
-
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
-
II. Human Effort Cannot Build the Body of Christ
- Building a New Covenant church is a supernatural act of God
- Human plans and organizations resemble Babylon, not the true church
- Examples from Genesis and Abraham show failure of human attempts
-
III. God Plants and Sustains the True Church
- Jesus’ teaching that every church not planted by God will be uprooted
- Dependence on Christ is essential: apart from Him, we can do nothing
- God chooses unlikely people to build His church, not the wise or powerful
-
IV. Practical Lessons for Believers
- Avoid pride and dependence on personal abilities
- Press on toward perfection acknowledging our need for God
- Recognize false teachings and remain grounded in Scripture
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 dependence on your own abilities rather than on Christ.
- Seek to live progressively sanctified under the New Covenant, not under the law.
- Trust God to plant and sustain His church rather than relying on human methods or strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Covenant according to Zac Poonen?
The New Covenant is the grace-based relationship with God that replaces the Old Covenant, enabling believers to live victorious over sin.
Why can't humans build the true church by their own efforts?
Because the true church is a supernatural body planted and sustained by God, human wisdom and strength only produce failure or false churches.
What does it mean to be 'planted by God'?
It means that the church or believer's spiritual life is initiated and sustained by God's power and presence, not by human initiative.
How does pride affect a believer's usefulness to God?
Pride causes God’s blessing to dry up and prevents Him from using the believer effectively in His work.
What is the significance of John 15:5 in this sermon?
It emphasizes that apart from abiding in Christ, believers can do nothing of eternal value, highlighting total dependence on Him.