Words of Encouragement -- Dave Bertsch & David Lane -- December 5, 2021
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The message emphasizes that true Christian peace comes from diligence and focusing on God's love, rather than succumbing to fear or anxiety. The speaker draws heavily on scripture, quoting passages about being found in peace (2 Peter 3:14), the Spirit of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), and the assurance that Jesus' yoke is light. Ultimately, the core message is to build oneself up in the holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and keeping oneself in God's perfect love, which casts out fear.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does Peter say about being found in peace?Peter urges believers in his second epistle to be diligent so that they are found by the Lord in peace, without spot and blameless.
God has not given us a spirit of fearPaul tells Timothy that God never gives a spirit of fear, but instead gives power, love, and a sound mind.
How great is the love of God?The vastness of God's love is illustrated by imagining an ocean of ink and every stalk on earth as a quill, yet still failing to write its full measure.
The devil's tactic regarding Christ's yokeThe enemy tries to convince us that Jesus's yoke is heavy and burdensome, whereas Jesus actually promises that His yoke is easy and light.
Keeping ourselves in the love of GodJude commands believers to build themselves up in their faith and keep themselves in God's love, which casts out fear and torment.
Unrest should be foreign to the believerA lack of peace should not be accepted as a normal part of the human condition, but rather signals that our state in the Lord needs attention.
Keeping a steadfast mind on God for perfect peaceIsaiah teaches that the Lord keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast and stayed on Him, unlike earthly positive thinking.
Crying out to the Lord at our wits' endWhen the children of israel were at their wits' end, they cried out to the Lord, and He quieted the storm and guided them to safety.
The spirit of rest upon JesusIsaiah prophesied that the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon Christ, modeling the life of rest that He offers to everyone who comes to Him.
