Words of Encouragement -- Olu Talabi & Chetan Chadalavada -- November 28, 2021
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker addresses the apparent contradictions within scripture regarding holiness, faith vs. works, and love vs. fear of God, concluding that the Bible presents a balanced truth. He emphasizes that these concepts are not conflicting but rather complementary aspects of a deeper reality. The central message is the need to internalize God's word first, allowing it to work in the heart before being eager to share it with others, drawing parallels to Ezekiel's commission.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Is there a conflict in God's word?Believers often notice verses that seem to contradict one another, such as being told we already overcome while also being commanded to overcome.
Examining other apparent biblical contradictionsSimilar questions arise when comparing salvation by grace alone in Ephesians with being judged by works in James, or Christ's righteousness versus the righteousness of saints.
Love and the fear of GodSome argue that love is all that matters, but the fear of God is the other side of the coin; if we love God, we will hate evil just as Scripture commands.
Letting the word work in us before sharingInstead of immediately thinking of someone else who needs to hear a message, we should search our own hearts and allow the word to change us first.
Ezekiel's commission as a watchmanGod told Ezekiel to first receive His words in his heart before going out to speak to the Israelites.Ezekiel 3:10–11
Trusting the truth of ScriptureEven when details in historical accounts like Paul's conversion seem different, God's word remains completely true.
Abraham's test at Mount MoriahAbraham obeyed God in secret when asked to sacrifice Isaac, demonstrating the fear of God when no one else was watching.
Hannah's desperate burdenUnlike Peninnah who had a comfortable life with children, Hannah had a deep need and wept before the Lord, ultimately bringing forth Samuel.
Recognizing our spiritual needinessOur greatest need is to be right with the Lord and to seek Him wholeheartedly out of a sense of spiritual poverty rather than self-sufficiency.
The testimony of Fanny CrosbyFanny Crosby never held bitterness toward the doctor whose mistake caused her blindness, but instead thanked God because it enabled her to write many hymns.
Being completely satisfied in God's provisionBelieving that all things work together for good, we should not compare our lives with others but rest in God's sovereign care.
Approaching God without spiritual self-sufficiencyMay the Lord help us to lay aside distractions, fear Him alone, and always come to Him as needy people who depend entirely on His grace.
