Words of Encouragement -- Dave Bertsch & Alan Thomas -- April 17, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that to attain the power of resurrection, one must have no confidence in the flesh, drawing heavily from Philippians chapter 3. He illustrates this by comparing worldly accomplishments and self-reliance to dung, suggesting they should be counted as worthless. The central message is that true spiritual attainment comes only through relying completely on Christ, not on personal strength or past achievements.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Rejoicing in the Lord and having no confidence in the fleshPaul instructs believers to rejoice in the Lord and explicitly warns against having any confidence in the flesh or human works.
Counting worldly achievements as dungPaul states that he counts all human attainments and righteousness as dung compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ.
An encounter with an elderly veteranWhile traveling, Alan meets an elderly former soldier who is completely physically drained and bears severe scars from his military service.
Recognizing our total weaknessJust as the disabled veteran had no physical strength left, believers cannot attain resurrection power while relying on any strength of their own.
Jesus refusing the anesthetic on the crossWhen offered wine mixed with gall on the cross, Jesus tasted it and refused to drink, choosing not to mentally check out of His trial.Matthew 27:34
The repentance of the criminal next to JesusWatching Jesus endure insults with silent grace and communion with God's Spirit may have led the dying criminal to recognize Christ's heavenly kingdom.Luke 23:39–42
Conviction about our daily response to hardshipReflecting on this study convicts Alan to consider whether he checks out with worldly anesthetics during hard times or walks by the Holy Spirit before his children.
God's plans for a future and a hopeJeremiah 29:11 reminds believers of God's design for a future and hope, which He intends to be an all-time reality regardless of our circumstances.
Receiving grace in the middle of family trialsFaced with difficult moments with his kids shortly after waking from a comforting dream, Alan chose to lean on God instead of checking out.
Fullness of joy in the presence of the LordPsalm 16 teaches that God makes known the path of life, where His presence provides fullness of joy and eternal pleasures for right now.
