Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & Olu Talabi - April 19, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker urges self-examination, drawing parallels from the Parable of the Pharisee and the Prodigal Son to warn against hypocrisy and self-serving religion. He emphasizes that true devotion to Jesus requires a costly, private love, exemplified by Mary anointing Jesus' feet, rather than seeking public recognition or material gain. The core message is to examine the 'inside' of one's cup, ensuring one's love for God surpasses all other earthly attachments.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Recognizing self-righteousness in the story of the prodigal sonThe speaker reflects on the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son, noting how easy it is to serve out of a sense of personal merit rather than pure gratitude.Luke 15:29
The clean outside and the selfish insideUsing Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees, the speaker warns against having a spotless public reputation while harboring inner selfishness, lust, and self-indulgence.Matthew 23:25
Mary's costly perfume for JesusMary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive nard worth a year's salary, facing criticism from those who considered it a waste.John 12:1
Missing the opportunity to show devotionWhile the women at the tomb desired to anoint Jesus' body later, only Mary had the opportunity to do so beforehand because she was willing to pay the high cost.Luke 23:53
You cannot serve the Lord in your own strengthJust as Joshua told the Israelites that their own determination was insufficient to serve God, believers cannot love Jesus through mere willpower.
The Helper who enables us to keep commandmentsJesus connects loving Him and keeping His commandments with the promise of the Holy Spirit, who pours God's love into our hearts and guides us.John 14:15–16
