Words of Encouragement -- Ajay Chakravarthy & Chetan Chadalavada -- September 12, 2021
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker urges the audience to deeply consider the profound value of knowing Jesus, comparing it to a hidden treasure or a pearl of great worth that demands giving up all earthly priorities. He emphasizes that true love for Christ must be sustained by remembering the depth of God's sacrifice on the cross, warning against letting the passion for Jesus wane. The message concludes by advising against taking offense, drawing a parallel to John the Baptist's doubt, and encouraging reliance on Christ's grace rather than unmet expectations.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Letting the Lord's words sink deep into your earsThe speaker encourages listeners to take heed of Jesus's warning in Luke 9 to let His words sink deep into their ears as they prepare to stand before the judgment seat of Christ.Luke 9:44
Seeing Jesus as the hidden treasure and pearl of great priceUsing the parables in Matthew 13, the speaker explains that anyone who truly sees the supreme value of the kingdom of heaven and Jesus will gladly forsake everything else.Matthew 13:44
Loving Him because He first loved usBelievers love God because He first loved them, and the speaker reflects on the profound importance of continually remembering Christ's sacrificial love on the cross.
Remembering the agony of Christ on the crossThe speaker describes the thick darkness and intense agony Jesus experienced while bearing the wrath of God and being forsaken for our sins during those three hours on the cross.
Prioritizing what matters most to avoid future regretUrging listeners not to let their passion for Jesus wane amidst earthly occupations, the speaker calls everyone to prioritize time reflecting on the cross so they live life without regret.
John the Baptist's doubt and Jesus's warning against offenseWhen John the Baptist was in prison and Jesus did not act as expected, John had doubts, prompting Jesus to warn that blessed is the one who does not take offense at Him.Luke 7:18
Dealing with personal offense and church communityReflecting on his past struggles with feeling unwelcomed in church, the speaker shares how he realized leaving would mean missing out on truth and pastoral care that exposes pride.
Receiving correction and rebuke as coming from the LordLooking at David's response to Shimei's curses and Nathan's prophetic rebukes, the speaker highlights that godly correction—even when painful or seemingly unjust—should be received as coming from the Lord.
Taking God's discipline seriously to be cleansed from prideConcluding with a reminder of how the Lord rebukes those He loves, the speaker encourages listeners not to get offended by God's pruning but to take His words seriously and be cleansed of pride.
