Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & Dave Bertsch - December 8, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true ministry and ability to help others stem from a deep, personal encounter with the Lord, exemplified by Elisha's yearning for the life of Elijah. The speaker urges the audience not to be content with merely hearing the word but to actively pursue a life following Christ, as this pursuit will empower them to bring hope to those who are spiritually bound or despairing, like the lepers. The core call is to move beyond complacency and seek a deeper relationship with God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
How should the Lord's bondservant act?Believers must not be quarrelsome, but kind, patient, and gentle when correcting those in opposition.
Elisha's refusal to settleUnlike the other prophets who stayed comfortably in places like Bethel and Jericho, Elisha refused to settle and wanted the genuine life and anointing of Elijah.
Bringing hope to the hopelessBecause Elisha relentlessly sought God rather than a routine service, God used him to bring life and abundant provision to hopeless lepers during a famine.
Hearing with the ear of a discipleIf we meet with the Lord ourselves instead of settling for surface religion, He will give us a word to sustain the weary.
A sinful woman anoints Jesus' feetA woman known as a sinner wept at Jesus' feet, washed them with her hair and tears, and anointed them with costly ointment in the house of Simon the Pharisee.Luke 7:36
The parable of the two debtorsJesus tells Simon of a creditor who forgave two debtors one who owed much and one who owed little, explaining that the one forgiven more loves more.
Understanding the greatness of our sinAs Christians grow, they increasingly understand the greatness of their forgiven sin, which deepens their thankfulness and causes them to love much.
