Near to Jesus with No Condemnation — David Lane & Alan Thomas — April 14, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true fellowship with God and Jesus is found in humility, a contrite spirit, and a desire to love the truth and obey God's word. Drawing from scriptures like John 17 and Isaiah 66, the message stresses that God desires to dwell with those who are humble, contrasting this with building grand, outward displays of religion. The talk concludes by advising believers to reject negative thoughts, even if factually true, if those thoughts undermine faith in God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jesus desires to be with His disciplesIn John 17, Jesus prays earnestly that His disciples may be with Him where He is to behold His glory.
Preparing a place for usJesus explains before His suffering that He goes to prepare a place so He can receive us to Himself.John 14:3
A fervent desire to eat the PassoverJesus expresses His intense, fervent desire to share the Passover meal with His followers before suffering.
The one God looks to for restGod looks to dwell with the one who is humble, of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at His word.
Making a home with those who keep His wordJesus explains that if anyone loves Him and keeps His word, the Father will love them and make their home with them.
The advantage of the helper and convictionJesus explains in John 16 that it is to our advantage He goes away so He can send the Helper to convict.John 16:7
The bad report of the spies in CanaanThe Israelite spies brought a factually true report about strong inhabitants in Canaan, but it caused the people to weep in despair because it lacked faith.Numbers 13:27
The Spirit of truth guides into all truthWhen facing true accusations that produce hopelessness, we can anchor ourselves in the promise that the Spirit of truth guides us correctly.John 16:13
No condemnation for those in Christ JesusRomans 8 assures believers that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus, allowing us to trust the Holy Spirit to bring a repentance-producing godly sorrow.
Running to the cross instead of despairingUnlike Judas who fell to worldly sorrow and self-destruction, believers should run to the foot of the cross when tempted by condemnation.
