Christ in You, the Hope of Glory - Bobby McDonald - August 1, 2014 (Session 13)
Also in
http://rlcfchurch.org/rlcf-youth-conference-2014 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that God's primary goal for believers is not the accumulation of earthly accomplishments, but rather the process of being conformed to the image of Christ by dying to self. This transformation, described as moving from glory to glory, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit through self-denial and taking up one's cross daily. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual growth happens when believers are united within the body of Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Galatians 2:20 and the Method of GodlinessGod accomplishes godliness not through self-effort, but by our dying so that Jesus Christ can live inside us.Galatians 2:20
Unless a Grain of Wheat Falls and DiesJesus explains in John 12 that fruitfulness comes only through death to self and letting go of one's life in this world.
God's Main Ambition for UsGod's primary goal is not how many things we accomplish outwardly, but that we are conformed to the image of Christ.
A Personal Lesson on Motives in ServiceA disastrous mission trip revealed that without self-denial, even hard work can be done for oneself rather than for God.
Growing Together as the Body of ChristSpiritual growth happens in proportion as we remain united with the church, much like a single mature man described in Ephesians.
Absorbing the Word and Edifying ResourcesBelievers are transformed by letting the word of Christ dwell in them richly, utilizing scripture, helpful books, and sermons.Colossians 3:16
Choosing Spiritual Health Over Mere ExcitementJust like eating a healthy diet, we should consume God's word and sermons because they are good for us, not just when they feel exciting.
The Power of Deep Lyrics Over Fleeting TunesDeep spiritual songs and hymns like 'It Is Well With My Soul' sustain believers through hard times far better than superficial music.
Carrying Our Cross Through Trials and TemptationsOur cross changes throughout life, encompassing both difficult circumstances and temptations that test our self-denial and make us spiritually strong.
Satan's Schemes to Lighten Our CrossSatan tries to make us lazy or tempts us to ease our cross through sin, while also lying to make us feel isolated in our suffering.
Bringing Head Knowledge Down to the HeartPersonal crosses help move abstract theological truths, like God's love, from our heads down into our hearts, just as the prodigal son experienced.
The Danger of Comparing Ourselves to OthersComparing ourselves to others destroys our joy, as seen in the older brother of the prodigal son and in Peter's questioning about John.
Looking Straight Forward to JesusInstead of looking to the right or left at others, we must make Jesus preeminent in our lives as our first love.
His Cross is Far Greater Than OursWe can never be discouraged by our own crosses because Jesus carried a far greater burden—the one burden of sin we could never carry.
