Words of Encouragement - Jarrod Schnell & Dave Bertsch - August 23, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker reflects on Romans 8:28, initially applying it only to trials, but realizing the promise applies to all things, including failures and sin. He shares that God uses everything, even mistakes, to conform believers to the image of Christ. Furthermore, he teaches that discouragement is a choice, not a mandatory consequence of failure, and that through repentance and reliance on Christ, believers can find freedom and victory.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Romans 8:28 as an anchor in trialsThe speaker shares how the promise that God causes all things to work together for good served as an anchor during trials throughout his Christian life.
Applying the promise to our failuresJust as a precious stone has many sides, Romans 8:28 applies not only to external trials but also to our failures and times when we fall into sin.
Recognizing discouragement as a temptationDiscouragement is not an unavoidable flu that we must simply ride out; it is a temptation we can say no to, just as Jesus did.
Peter's failure and Jesus' prayer for himExamining Peter's failure in Luke 22 shows that Jesus allows sifting to test us, but He prays that our faith will not fail and redeems our mistakes.
Confidence in God's justificationWhen we fail, we do not need to endure weeks of self-inflicted discouragement, because God justifies us and is completely for us.
Paul in Athens and the unknown GodPaul addresses the philosophers in Athens, explaining that God determined the times and boundaries of people's habitation so they would seek Him.
A background of religious zeal and rejectionDave shares how, despite God placing him in a specific time and place, his early life was marked by intense religious pride and a fierce rejection of biblical truths.
The promise that those who seek will findGod ensures we are born when and where we are so we can seek Him, and He is faithful to be found by those who earnestly search for Him.
A turning point at a conferenceDespite his heavy opposition to specific teachings, Dave was prompted by God to attend a conference where he encountered different perspectives and brothers in Christ.
God's persistent pursuit through trialsThrough various difficult circumstances and personal struggles in his dorm room, God persistently chipped away at Dave's pride until he finally surrendered.
God is not far from any of usConcluding his testimony, Dave emphasizes that God is not far from anyone, and He graciously responds to those who seek Him with a humble heart.
