Singles Discipleship Gathering 2023 Testimonies — July 16, 2023
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life requires dying to self and prioritizing God's will over worldly desires, referencing passages like 1 John 2:15 and John 12:24. Key themes include the necessity of humility, the sufficiency of Jesus' blood for reconciliation, and the ongoing process of spiritual growth, even when difficult. The message encourages continuous pursuit of God's presence and Word.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Finding joy and life by dying to selfAbiding in God brings true joy and peace, while the path of life is counterintuitive—requiring us to die to self and not love the world, much like a grain of wheat falling into the earth.1 John 2:15
Reconciled to God as former enemiesGod is wonderfully merciful in reconciling rebellious creatures back to Himself through the death of His Son, allowing His kingdom to reign supreme instead of our own.
The sufficiency of Jesus' blood and daily purposeThe blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all we need on both good and bad days, and God has a purpose in every mundane, everyday thing we do.
Embracing the process of correctionScripture is profitable for correction and training so we can be adequately equipped, teaching us to embrace the sometimes painful process of the Christian life.
Practical nuggets for the Christian walkSuccess is defined by not giving up and focusing on the next temptation rather than the last sin, cultivating humility, and fighting joylessness.
Coming empty-handed to sit at Jesus' feetLike David or Mary, we cannot bring anything worthy to the Lord's presence, but must sit at His feet and listen, avoiding the trap of getting too busy with activities to fellowship with God.
Observing servant leadership and simple obedienceWitnessing the elders sacrifice their time and practice what they preach encourages a simple and pure devotion to God, obedience to authorities, and disciplined day-to-day activities.
Recognizing our great need for ChristEvery hour is a time of need, and we are safest when we feel that need keenly, resting in total dependence on Jesus rather than trying to work things up in our own strength.
Depending on the Father as a weaned childRather than relying on our own cleverness, we depend on the Father, confident that those who come to Him will certainly not be cast out.
Quickly putting our failures back on the altarWhen we fall away in our thoughts or attitudes, we must quickly put that part of our body back on the altar and accept Christ's immediate, welcoming forgiveness.
Living delivered from fearRecognizing the darkness within our own flesh frees us from the fear of man, fulfilling the promise that we might serve God without fear.
Moving past discouragement to believe in the Spirit's fillingEven when feeling unworthy or struggling without immediate victory, we can choose to believe that God gives us the Holy Spirit to build up the body of Christ.
Dropping the ball and chain of condemnationCarrying around guilt and condemnation after repenting of sin actually hinders spiritual growth, whereas confessing sin and leaving it brings true hope and freedom.
Moving from a transactional life to seeking God's faceGod's mercy clothes us with His righteousness when our own ambitions fail, assuring us that He will complete the good work He started.
Finding freedom and mercy like the woman caught in adulteryApproaching the Lord with expectancy rather than anxiety, we find forgiveness in Christ, who tells us to go and sin no more.
Realizing the heavy cost of sin and the greatness of God's loveReflecting on Jesus' suffering on the cross shows the true horror of sin and reveals a love that is vastly greater than we often realize, freeing us from the need to sit in self-imposed timeouts.
Meditating on God's holiness and dying to selfRecognizing God's holiness, like Isaiah did in chapter six, helps us take small sins more seriously and motivates us to live fully for Christ out of love rather than obligation.
Walking, crawling, or turning to God when weakWhen we lack the strength to run, God lovingly accepts it if we simply turn to Him, and instead of wallowing in discouragement at home, we should pour ourselves out to serve others.
Seeing Jesus as the embodiment of love and patienceReplacing the word 'love' in First Corinthians 13 with the name 'Jesus' highlights His extreme patience and kindness toward us.
Taking things hour by hour and choosing praise in the valleyGod is not limited by our expectations, and we are encouraged to take life hour by hour, choosing praise and song even when walking through deep personal valleys and trials.
Removing unprofitable things and hating sinExamining our lives through Scripture reveals things that are lawful but not profitable, leading us to hate sin and maintain a sensitive heart modeled after biblical examples like Hosea.
The vital importance of true fellowship and assuranceClose fellowship with brothers and sisters provides immense encouragement when wrestling with shared questions, and asking for the Holy Spirit brings the firm assurance of God's presence.
Embracing a secret life of integrity and daily spiritual subscriptionRather than trying to prove our worth through public service, we are called to a secret life of integrity like Job, receiving daily updates and guidance by subscribing to the voice of the Holy Spirit within biblical boundaries.
