I Would Have Despaired Unless I Had Believed - Santosh Poonen - October 22, 2017
http://rlcfchurch.org/sermons/unless-i-had-believed River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages listeners facing any kind of loss—physical, emotional, or memory-related—by pointing them to the comfort of the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that God does not judge us by what we are currently experiencing, and that we should seek the Spirit's comfort. Furthermore, he stresses that while sin is always dishonoring to God, true repentance involves a godly sorrow, which is distinct from the devil's condemnation.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Holy Spirit as our ComforterWhile God the Father and Jesus the Son are known to us as Father and life, the Holy Spirit is revealed as our helper and comforter in times of loss and trial.
Desperation and deliverance from spiritual bondageWhen facing overwhelming struggles like the desperate father in Matthew 17, we must cast aside our dignity, cry out to Jesus, and experience His power over spiritual oppression.Matthew 17:14
Why Jesus died: rendering the devil powerlessJesus died not only to forgive our sins but to render the devil—who held the power of death—completely powerless, freeing us from torment and fear.Hebrews 2:14–15
The Lamb will overcome every host of hellEven when the armies of hell wage war against us, we are not outnumbered because the Lamb who lives within us will overcome.Revelation 17:14
I will not leave you as orphansWhen we feel abandoned, lonely, or let down, Jesus promises not to leave us as orphans, but gives us His own indestructible life through the Holy Spirit.
The Lord is my helper against mere manBecause God has promised never to desert or forsake us, we can boldly declare that the Lord is our helper and refuse to fear what mere mortals can do.Hebrews 13:5–6
Freeing our character from the love of moneyAnxiety and fear often stem from a hidden love of money, but true contentment comes from trusting God's promise that He will never leave us.
Provision for the sons in CapernaumJust as Jesus provided a coin in the fish's mouth for Peter's tax, God has a practical or miraculous answer for our financial needs when we seek His kingdom first.Matthew 17:24
The Lord is my light and my salvationWhen evildoers and our own lusts attack, we can remain confident because God hides us in His tabernacle and lifts our head above our enemies.
I would have despaired unless I had believedThe ultimate anchor against a world of despair is the active faith that we will see the goodness of the Lord right here in the land of the living.
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