Words of Encouragement -- Olu Talai & Chetan Chadalavada -- June 20, 2021
http://rlcf.church/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that truly knowing God as Father is not just intellectual knowledge but an experience gained through times of testing and chaos. He draws heavily on Luke 10 and John 14, stressing that this deep knowledge comes through following Christ and keeping His commandments. Furthermore, he encourages the congregation to practice asking God in faith, referencing Matthew 7:7, and warns against the danger of worldly love weakening one's faith, citing the example of Demas.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jesus rejoices that the Father is revealed to babesJesus rejoiced that God hides things from the proud and reveals Himself to those who come with childlike dependence, specifically revealing Himself as a Father.Luke 10:21
Knowing God as Father by experienceKnowing God as a father is not just a mental fact; it is experienced in times of chaos and testing when the Holy Spirit reminds us not to fret.
Seeing the Father through ChristJust as Jesus told Philip, knowing the Father comes through pursuing and knowing Christ, whose presence makes the Father's love real to us.
Asking in faith when testedJesus commands us to ask, seek, and knock, and if earthly fathers give good gifts, how much more will our heavenly Father give good things to those who ask in faith.Matthew 7:7
The warning of DemasDemas worked alongside Paul for a long time but ultimately deserted him because he fell in love with the present world, serving as a warning that we can agree with sound doctrine yet still drift away.
The encouragement of restorationJust as John Mark recovered from past failure to become useful to Paul once again, there is great hope and encouragement for those who repent.
Contending for our faith with watchfulnessNothing can stop us from losing our devotion to the Lord unless we are watchful and earnestly contend for the faith entrusted to us.
Every member is important to the LordJust as children on a sports field have varying skill levels but are all watched over by heaven, every member in the body of Christ is important.
The parable of the talentsThe Lord distributes abilities according to each person's capacity, and He patiently works with those who have lesser abilities just as a coach pours into weaker players.
Greatness in the sight of the LordGod's purpose for each of us is to be conformed to the image of His Son and to achieve true greatness in faith rather than worldly success.
Avoiding comparison and resting in God's purposeWe must not compare ourselves or our children with others out of jealousy or discouragement, but instead focus fully on the unique purpose and faith the Lord has called us to.
