(Clip) Working Together With Others Testimony
Zac Poonen testifies to the power and blessing of New Covenant leadership through faithful, conflict-free partnership, emphasizing that working together in grace builds the body of Christ.
This sermon emphasizes the shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, highlighting the freedom from sin's rule under grace. It explores the components of the New Covenant that provide believers with a solid grip on the Christian life, such as God's love, the blood of Jesus, the Word of God, being filled with the Holy Spirit, taking up the cross daily, and building fellowship. The importance of partnership and fellowship in ministry is also discussed, contrasting the Old Covenant's lone figures with the New Covenant's emphasis on working together in harmony and unity.
Sermon Outline
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I. The New Covenant vs. Old Covenant
- Old Covenant believers lived under law and sin ruled them
- New Covenant believers live under grace and victory over sin
- The New Covenant provides a solid grip on the Christian life
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II. The New Covenant Leadership Model
- Old Testament leaders ministered individually
- Jesus sent disciples two by two in the New Testament
- New Testament ministry requires partnership and fellowship
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III. Testimony of Partnership in CFC
- Ian Robson and Zac Poonen have worked together for over 44 years
- They have never had conflict or broken fellowship
- Their partnership exemplifies New Covenant leadership
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IV. Lessons for the Church Today
- Single-leader churches often face destruction
- God desires fellowship and mutual submission, not dictatorship
- Disagreement can enhance ministry when handled in love
Key Quotes
“In all these 44 years and 3 months, we have worked together in fellowship without ever being in conflict with each other.” — Zac Poonen
“The New Covenant gives us a solid grip on the Christian life.” — Zac Poonen
“Jesus sent out his disciples two by two because they could not live together without fighting under the Old Covenant.” — Zac Poonen
Application Points
- Seek to build leadership partnerships rather than relying on a single leader to strengthen the church body.
- Embrace disagreement as a healthy part of fellowship that can deepen understanding and unity.
- Hold firmly to the New Covenant truths of grace, justification, and daily reliance on the Holy Spirit.