Top 15 Lessons

Key themes of the book

Importance of listening to God’s voice

I am happy to provide you with some inspiring top 15 lessons from “The Day of Small Beginnings” by Zac Poonen. This inspiring book shares the author’s journey of how God prepared him to serve Him. Through listening to God’s voice, finding assurance of salvation, and receiving help in times of need, Zac Poonen’s story will encourage and uplift you.

Here are the top 15 lessons from this book:

1. God uses small beginnings to accomplish great things.

Zac Poonen’s story is a testament to this truth. He started out as a young medical student who felt called to serve God but didn’t know how. Through a series of small steps, he eventually founded a church that has impacted thousands of lives.

2. Listening to God’s voice is essential.

Throughout his journey, Zac Poonen learned the importance of listening to God’s voice. He shares how he would spend time in prayer and meditation, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.

3. Assurance of salvation is crucial.

Zac Poonen struggled with doubts about his salvation for many years. It wasn’t until he fully surrendered his life to Christ that he found true peace and assurance.

4. The Bible is our guidebook for life.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of studying and meditating on Scripture. He shares how reading the Bible helped him understand God’s character and His plan for his life.

5. We must be willing to obey God even when it doesn’t make sense.

Zac Poonen recounts several instances where he felt led by God to do something that seemed illogical or risky at the time. However, each time he obeyed, he saw God work in amazing ways.

6. We must be willing to take risks for God.

Starting a church in India was not an easy task, but Zac Poonen was willing to take the risk because he believed it was what God wanted him to do. He encourages readers to step out in faith and trust God with the outcome.

7. We must be willing to suffer for Christ.

Zac Poonen shares how he faced persecution and opposition from those who didn’t understand his ministry. However, he remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ and continued to serve Him despite the cost.

8. We must be willing to forgive others.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our relationships with others. He shares how he had to learn to forgive those who had hurt him, even when it was difficult. He explains that forgiveness is not just a one-time event, but a daily choice to release bitterness and resentment.

9. We must be willing to serve others.

Zac Poonen’s ministry is centered around serving others. He encourages readers to look for ways to serve those around them, whether it’s through acts of kindness or sharing the gospel.

10. We must be willing to be vulnerable with others.

Zac Poonen shares how he struggled with pride and self-sufficiency early on in his ministry. However, he learned the importance of being vulnerable with others and allowing them to see his weaknesses.

11. We must be willing to learn from our mistakes.

Zac Poonen admits that he made many mistakes along the way, but he learned from each one and used them as opportunities for growth. He encourages readers to do the same and not be afraid of failure.

Zac Poonen admits that he made many mistakes along the way, but he learned from each one and used them as opportunities for growth.

One example of this is when Zac Poonen first started his ministry in India. He was a young medical student who felt called to serve God, but he didn’t know where to start. He began by sharing the gospel with his classmates and friends, but he quickly realized that he needed more training and support.

Zac Poonen decided to attend a Bible school in another city, but he soon discovered that it wasn’t what he expected. The school was legalistic and focused more on rules than on a relationship with God. Zac Poonen became disillusioned and discouraged, but he didn’t give up.

Instead, he decided to start his own Bible study group with some friends. They met regularly to study the Bible and pray together, and soon others began to join them. This small group eventually grew into a church that has impacted thousands of lives.

However, along the way, Zac Poonen made many mistakes. He admits that he was too focused on numbers at times and didn’t always prioritize discipleship and spiritual growth. He also struggled with pride and self-sufficiency early on in his ministry.

But through each mistake, Zac Poonen learned valuable lessons about humility, dependence on God, and the importance of discipleship. He used these lessons to grow as a leader and shepherd for his congregation.

Today, Zac Poonen’s ministry continues to impact countless lives in India and around the world. His story is a powerful reminder that even when we make mistakes or face setbacks in our journey with God, we can learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth. As we persevere through difficult times and seek to follow God’s leading, may we be encouraged by Zac Poonen’s example and trust that God can use even our mistakes for His glory.

12. We must be willing to persevere through difficult times.

Starting a church in India was not an easy task, but Zac Poonen persevered through the challenges and difficulties. He encourages readers to do the same and not give up when things get tough.

13. We must be willing to trust God’s timing.

Zac Poonen shares how he had to wait many years before seeing the fruit of his ministry. However, he trusted God’s timing and remained faithful in his calling.

14. We must be willing to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of putting our relationship with God first in our lives. He shares how spending time in prayer and meditation helped him stay focused on what was truly important.

15. We must be willing to give God all the glory.

Throughout his journey, Zac Poonen gives all the credit for his success to God. He encourages readers to do the same and recognize that any accomplishments or achievements are only possible because of God’s grace and provision.

“The Day of Small Beginnings” by Zac Poonen is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision. Through his story, readers can learn valuable lessons about listening to God’s voice, taking risks for Him, serving others, and trusting in His timing. May we all be inspired to follow in Zac Poonen’s footsteps and live a life that brings glory to God.

As we apply these lessons to our own lives, may we be inspired to step out in faith and trust God with the outcome. May we be willing to take risks for Him, serve others with humility and love, and give Him all the glory for any success or accomplishment in our lives. And may we always remember that no matter how small our beginnings may seem, God can use them to accomplish great things for His kingdom.

What are some of the key themes in “The Day of Small Beginnings”?

I can tell you that “The Day of Small Beginnings” by Zac Poonen is a book that shares the author’s journey of how God prepared him to serve Him. Some of the key themes in this book include:

1. Small beginnings: Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of starting small and trusting God to grow our efforts over time. He shares how his own ministry started with just a few friends meeting for Bible study, but eventually grew into a thriving church.

2. Listening to God’s voice: Throughout his journey, Zac Poonen learned the importance of listening to God’s voice and seeking His guidance in all things.

3. Perseverance: Starting a church in India was not an easy task, but Zac Poonen persevered through the challenges and difficulties. He encourages readers to do the same and not give up when things get tough.

4. Trusting in God’s provision: Zac Poonen shares how he learned to trust in God’s provision for his ministry, even when it seemed impossible.

5. Discipleship: Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of discipleship and spiritual growth in our journey with Christ.

6. Forgiveness: Zac Poonen shares how he had to learn to forgive those who had hurt him, even when it was difficult.

7. Humility: Throughout his story, Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of humility and dependence on God.

8. Serving others: Zac Poonen’s ministry is centered around serving others. He encourages readers to look for ways to serve those around them, whether it’s through acts of kindness or sharing the gospel.

9. Prioritizing our relationship with God: Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of putting our relationship with God first in our lives.

Overall, “The Day of Small Beginnings” is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and provision in the life of Zac Poonen. Through his story, readers can learn valuable lessons about starting small, listening to God’s voice, persevering through difficult times, and trusting in His provision.

How does Zac Poonen’s story demonstrate the importance of listening to God’s voice?

Zac Poonen’s story in “The Day of Small Beginnings” demonstrates the importance of listening to God’s voice in several ways. One example is when he felt called to start a Bible study group with some friends after becoming disillusioned with the legalistic Bible school he was attending. Despite facing opposition and criticism from others, Zac Poonen listened to God’s voice and followed His leading.

Another example is when Zac Poonen felt called to leave his medical studies and join the Indian Navy. Although it seemed like an unlikely path for someone who wanted to serve God, Zac Poonen trusted that God had a plan for him in the Navy. Through his experiences in the Navy, Zac Poonen learned valuable lessons about leadership and discipline that would later serve him well in his ministry.

Later on, when Zac Poonen felt called to leave the Navy and serve God full-time, he again listened to God’s voice and followed His leading. Despite facing opposition from his family and friends, Zac Poonen trusted that God had a plan for him and stepped out in faith.

Throughout his journey, Zac Poonen learned the importance of listening to God’s voice and seeking His guidance in all things. He shares how spending time in prayer and meditation helped him discern God’s will for his life. He also emphasizes the importance of being open to correction from others who are walking closely with God.

Zac Poonen’s story demonstrates that when we listen to God’s voice and follow His leading, He can use us in powerful ways for His kingdom. Whether it’s starting a small Bible study group or leaving a successful career to serve Him full-time, we can trust that God has a plan for our lives if we are willing to listen and obey.