Words of Encouragement - Dave Bertsch & Chetan Chadalavada - August 18, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses the concept of 'revenge' using the example of the Corinthian church, drawing heavily from 2 Corinthians. He contrasts the idea of taking revenge with the godly sorrow that leads to repentance, emphasizing that true joy comes from godly sorrow, not from worldly regret. The passage highlights Paul's deep care for the Corinthians, which ultimately brought him comfort and joy.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Does the Bible teach Christians to take revenge?The speaker opens with a seemingly trick question about whether Christians are taught to take revenge, leading into a discussion about the church in Corinth.
Paul's letter and the Corinthians' responseExamining 2nd Corinthians chapter 7, Paul describes his trials in Macedonia and his initial anxiety over whether his stern first letter was too harsh.2 Corinthians 7:2
Godly sorrow working repentanceGodly sorrow produces genuine repentance leading to salvation, whereas worldly sorrow leads to death.
The revenge the church took against sinThe Corinthians responded to Paul's correction with eagerness, zeal, and revenge or punishment against the disobedience among them.
Readiness to revenge all disobedienceIn 2nd Corinthians chapter 10, Paul speaks of having readiness to revenge all disobedience when obedience is fulfilled.2 Corinthians 10:3
Growing up and facing strugglesChetan shares how he grew up in a god-fearing home with a praying mother, but struggled with being bullied at school and feeling unpopular and full of complaints.
Discovering through-the-bible messages in BangaloreAfter initially following prosperity gospel preachers, Chetan accidentally stumbled upon through-the-bible audio messages on his computer that had a unique power and authority.
Finding the church and experiencing God's graceHe eventually found his way to the Bangalore Christian Fellowship, where God worked in his life, giving him a family and replacing his worldly desires with a love for the brothers.
Thankful for godly shepherds and church fellowshipLooking back, Chetan expresses deep gratitude for the church, godly shepherds after God's own heart, and a godly wife he does not deserve.Jeremiah 3:15
Dwelling in the house of the LordChetan reflects on Psalm 27 and John the Baptist's humility, desiring to maintain a constant attitude of unworthiness and thankfulness for being allowed in God's presence and church.
