Words of Encouragement — Santosh Poonen & Dave Bertsch — April 16, 2023
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message emphasizes that true authority, even over spiritual adversaries, comes from exact obedience to the Father, mirroring Jesus's life. The speaker draws parallels from the Centurion's faith and Jesus's relationship with the Father, arguing that this perfect obedience is the source of divine power. He challenges the listeners to apply this exact obedience to their daily lives, especially within their marriages and families.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The centurion's great faith in Jesus' authorityThe centurion recognized that Jesus had authority over sickness simply through His word, comparing it to his own experience as a man under authority.
Authority over Satan in our homesBelievers, especially husbands and wives in the home, can unite in agreement to bind the work of Satan and establish God's hedge of protection.
The ruler of this world has nothing in JesusJesus possessed ultimate authority because the devil could find nothing in Him; Jesus loved the Father and did exactly as He commanded.
Exact obedience to the FatherJust as demons obeyed Jesus' word instantly, Jesus obeyed the Father's commands without hesitation, debate, or delay.
Applying exact obedience in daily lifeWe often hesitate or wait to obey God in moments requiring mercy, forgiveness, or silence, lacking the exact obedience modeled by Jesus.
Seeing the Father through JesusPhilip and the disciples saw that Jesus answered only to the Father, doing whatever He commanded immediately without second-guessing.
Greater Works through exact obedienceThe Greater Works Jesus spoke of refer to living out the same exact obedience to the Father that Jesus walked in, leading to answered prayer.
The impossibility of pleasing both men and GodPaul states that if he still sought to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ, because it is always one or the other.Galatians 1:10
How easy it is to please menPleasing people requires no faith at all; anyone can use flattering words or say what others want to hear, whether in sales or even in a church setting.
Enoch's testimony of pleasing God by faithEnoch had the testimony that he pleased God before he was translated, demonstrating that pleasing God is tied directly to faith.
Without faith it is impossible to please GodGod has drawn a hard line: without faith, it is strictly impossible to please Him, unlike the human approval that is easily won through soothing words.
Closing prayer and dismissalThe service concludes with a prayer asking God to help everyone take these serious truths to heart throughout the coming week.
