Words of Encouragement — Olu Talabi & Santosh Poonen — January 29, 2023
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that believers must walk by faith, not by what they see or feel, drawing lessons from the contrasting examples of Abraham and Lot. He stresses that while we cannot determine the ultimate fate of a person, we must observe their life's fruit. Furthermore, the message repeatedly affirms that God's ways are good, even when human understanding cannot explain suffering, pain, or global injustice, urging trust in God's revealed commandments.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Learning from the life of LotThe speaker shares lessons learned from the life of Lot, noting that while Lot made many compromises, Scripture still refers to him as a righteous man.
Lot chose for himself by sightUnlike Abraham who let God choose for him, Lot looked at the fertile lands of Sodom and Gomorrah and chose for himself based on what his eyes saw.
Trusting God's good ways amidst sufferingWe must not judge God by human reasoning or question His ways during pain and suffering, but rather trust that His ways are good and true.
The danger of becoming religiousThe speaker warns that believers in a strong church are in great danger of becoming merely religious rather than truly spiritual.
Reading monthly foundational booksThe congregation is encouraged to continue reading through foundational books together each month, starting with 'The Full Gospel'.
Continuing in Jesus' word to be set freeJesus told the Jews who believed in Him that continuing in His word proves they are true disciples and know the truth that makes them free.John 8:31–32
The proof of hearing the truthThe true mark and proof of hearing the Full Gospel is that a person is progressively set free from sin's power in their life.
Cain's religiosity marked by hatredCain's religiosity was manifested through jealousy and hatred toward his brother Abel, demonstrating that hidden internal attitudes reveal a lack of true spirituality.
God looks at the heartWhen Cain and Abel brought their offerings, God looked past the outward act and saw the hidden evil deeds and motives in Cain's heart.Genesis 4:3–4
God's warning to Cain about crouching sinGod lovingly rebuked Cain when his countenance fell, warning him that sin was crouching at the door and he needed to master it.
