Words of Encouragement — Santosh Poonen & Sunil Poonen — July 31, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker urges the congregation to recognize the current 'time of visitation' from God, warning against spiritual complacency like the religious leaders who missed Jesus's ministry. He advises believers to live differently by being transformed through the renewing of their minds, emphasizing that true self-assessment involves measuring one's value by dependence on God, not by past victories or achievements.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Recognizing the time of visitationThe speaker shares an exhortation about recognizing special seasons when God is actively moving in the local church, warning against spiritual blindness.
Presenting our bodies and renewing our mindsDrawing from Romans 12, Santosh explains that true transformation and non-conformity to the world begin in the way we think rather than outward practices.
Having an honest estimate of yourself through faithBelievers are called to have an honest estimate of themselves, measuring their value by their level of dependence on God rather than self-discipline or perceived victory.
Contending for the faith and the God who keeps usReferencing Jude, the speaker highlights the call to contend for a life of dependence and praises God, who alone has the power to keep believers from stumbling.
Comparing Jonah and Jesus on the boatSunil compares Jonah and Jesus sleeping on boats during a storm, noting that Jonah's self-centeredness and unwillingness to show mercy to Nineveh contrasted sharply with God's heart.
God's thoughts and ways of abundant pardonLooking at Isaiah 55, the speaker explains that God's higher ways involve a willingness to show mercy and abundantly pardon those who forsake their wicked ways.
The Lord is gracious, merciful, and good to allDrawing from Psalm 145, Sunil notes that God's mercies are over all His works, which empowers believers to extend mercy to others instead of holding a judgmental spirit.Psalms 145:8–9
Practical applications of love in the home and churchThe speaker outlines practical ways to apply love, hospitality, and preference for one another within the family and the body of Christ, as described in Romans 12.Romans 12:10
Seeking the welfare of those who oppose usConcluding with examples from Jeremiah and Peter, Sunil encourages believers to pray for the welfare of those who wrong them and to regard the Lord's patience as salvation.Jeremiah 29:7
