Be Grateful for the Body of Christ / Hope for the Lost — Dave Bertsch & Alan Thomas — Oct. 13, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker expresses deep gratitude for the local body of Christ, emphasizing that the church should embody the principles laid out in Romans 12. Key themes include thinking of oneself rightly, using spiritual gifts according to grace, showing mercy cheerfully, maintaining genuine love, preferring one another, and being devoted to prayer and hope. He concludes by reflecting on the parables in Luke 15, highlighting the immense joy in finding the lost, whether it be a sheep, a coin, or a son.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A growing thankfulness for the local churchThe speaker shares how the Lord has recently renewed his gratitude for the local fellowship at River of Life, emphasizing that being part of such a body is a precious gift not to be taken for granted.
Living out humility and unity in Romans 12Reading through Romans 12, the speaker highlights that believers should not think too highly of themselves, but rather function together as many members of one body in Christ.
Using spiritual gifts and showing sincere loveThe passage outlines different gifts and practical Christian duties, such as showing mercy with cheerfulness, maintaining unhypocritical love, and preferring one another in honor.
Fervent service and overcoming evil with goodConcluding the reflection on Romans 12, the speaker encourages the church to be fervent in service, hospitable, and characterized by overcoming evil with good.
What is our attitude toward those who wander?Pondering those who once walked closely with the Lord but have since drifted away, the speaker turns to Luke 15 to discover the proper heart attitude to have toward them.
The parables of the lost sheep, coin, and sonJesus tells three parables highlighting heaven's immense joy and celebration when something or someone lost is found and restored.
The contrast of the older brother's bitter heartUnlike the rejoicing father, the older brother becomes angry and refuses to celebrate his lost brother's return, mirroring a lack of love and the defensive attitude of Cain.
The shepherd's heart applied to church correctionIn Matthew 18, Jesus uses the parable of the wandering sheep as a preamble to church discipline, establishing that the goal and underlying attitude should always be the recovery and rescue of the straying brother.
Rejoicing over repentance and showing mercyThe speaker resolves to share heaven's joy whenever there is repentance, and references Jude to encourage having mercy on those who doubt while working to snatch others from the fire.Jude 1:22–23
