Words of Encouragement - Olu Talabi, David Lane, Santosh Poonen - May 17, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message centers on the necessity of being 'born again,' a concept drawn from John 3:3, which is understood to mean being regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that true life and entering God's kingdom come through Christ, who is identified as the Light of the World. Walking in this light reveals sin and darkness but ultimately produces life, drawing believers away from hypocrisy and toward a life modeled after Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Except a man be born againThe speaker reflects on initially hating the phrase born again when he was young, but later realizing through John 3 that no amount of human goodness can replace having a new man implanted by the Holy Spirit.John 3:3
The twin themes of John's lettersJohn's writings focus primarily on two things: keeping God's commandments in love, and walking in the light and truth.
God desires truth in the inner beingDrawing from Psalm 51, the speaker notes that God wants honesty and sincerity in our innermost parts rather than mere outward perfection.
Jesus is the truthTrue conversion means having a deep, personal affection and desire for Jesus Christ himself above mere knowledge, doctrine, or biblical facts.
Following the light of the worldJesus declared in John 8 that whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness because they will have the light of life.John 8:12
Light is Jesus Christ, not just mental revelationTrue spiritual light is not just discovering a clever scriptural connection, but encountering Jesus Christ, in whom was life and the light of men.
When the light exposes our sinThough having our sin exposed by the light does not feel good to the flesh, it ultimately produces life if we refuse to self-justify and instead agree with God.
The Word of God judges the heartThe living and active Word of God exposes our true nature, piercing deeply to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart so that nothing is hidden.
Nothing to be afraid of in the lightBelievers should not be afraid to let Jesus turn on the light and shine into every area of their lives.
Do not look to others, look to JesusIt is easy to get discouraged when hearing strong teaching or comparing ourselves to others, but we must look to Jesus, who can cleanse even the darkest situations.
A church with no pretenseThe speaker prays for a local church fellowship characterized by transparency, freedom from secret sin, and genuine honesty without pretense.
