The Violent Take the Kingdom of Heaven by Force - August 28, 2016
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/violent-take-kingdom-heaven-force River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages the congregation to view themselves not as mere recipients of blessings, but as active, contributing members of the Body of Christ. He emphasizes that every member has a responsibility to fulfill God's calling, contrasting this with the mentality of simply attending church to receive entertainment or sermons. True participation means actively contributing to the work of the kingdom.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Coming to church to give rather than just receiveThe speaker contrasts the typical American Christian mentality of going to church merely to receive a service with the biblical calling to be an active, contributing member of the body of Christ.
It is more blessed to give than to receiveBelievers receive a greater blessing by approaching church gatherings with the attitude of how God can use them to give and water others.
Edifying the church through prophecyDrawing from 1 Corinthians 14, the speaker explains that while not all are teachers, all are called to prophesy in the sense of sharing words that build up and edify others.1 Corinthians 14:23
Convicting unbelievers through the presence of GodWhen the church operates fully in the Spirit and prophecy, visiting unbelievers will be convicted, have the secrets of their hearts disclosed, and fall down to worship God.
Greater than John the Baptist through the New CovenantBecause every born-again believer has the Holy Spirit dwelling inside them, they are called to a standard of spiritual usefulness higher than John the Baptist.Matthew 11:10
The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violenceThe physical violence seen in the Old Testament serves as a picture of the aggressive, forceful attitude believers must maintain against the lust of the flesh and sin.
Practical preparation for sharing and servingBelievers should diligently record the things the Lord speaks to them throughout the week using notes or voice memos so they are always prepared to edify the body.
Without love, spiritual gifts are just noiseQuoting 1 Corinthians 13, the speaker emphasizes that any service or sacrifice done without a deep, sincere care for the family of God amounts to nothing.
Shepherding out of a willing heartElders and believers are called to shepherd and invest in each other voluntarily and cheerfully according to God's will, rather than serving out of compulsion or for self-congratulation.
A work of faith and a labor of lovePaul commended the Thessalonians for their work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope, which serves as the model for how the church should function together.1 Thessalonians 1:2–3
