She Said, "Yes, I Will Go" - Ajay Chakravarthy - September 1, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/she-said-yes-i-will-go River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon uses the biblical narrative of Rebecca to illustrate the characteristics of a true bride, emphasizing that she must be devoted to the bridegroom and willing to leave everything to follow him. The speaker further emphasizes that this devotion requires discipline, citing examples of brothers who intentionally sacrificed time and effort to meet with the Lord, and concludes by urging the congregation to imitate this diligent pursuit of God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The bride versus the friend of the bridegroomWhile the friend of the bridegroom rejoices in hearing his voice, the true bride desires complete devotion and presence with the bridegroom.John 3:29
The first condition of the bride: leaving everythingUsing the picture of Rebecca leaving her home to marry Isaac, the speaker emphasizes that following Christ requires forsaking family, possessions, and self-life.
The second quality: discipline and hard work in seeking GodRebecca was hardworking at the well, just as believers must discipline themselves to seek God early and consistently rather than waiting for tomorrow.
God orchestrates circumstances to find His brideJust as Eliezer's long journey intersected with Rebecca arriving at the well at the exact right moment, God sovereignly orchestrates events to gather His people.
The gold ring and bracelets as a foretaste of heavenThe gifts Eliezer gave Rebecca represent the small taste of heaven and spiritual treasures the Holy Spirit gives believers as preparation for the wedding feast.
Laban's earthly-mindedness versus the bride's responseWhile Laban was captivated by the gold and tried to delay Rebecca's departure, Rebecca immediately answered 'Yes, I will go' when asked to meet the bridegroom.
The bride's journey and longing for the bridegroom's heartAs the bride travels through the desert waiting to see the bridegroom face-to-face, her primary focus is learning his likes, dislikes, and passions.
Sarah bearing Isaac in secret painJust as Sarah endured intense pain giving birth at ninety with only the Lord to comfort her, the Bride of Christ comes through deep, often misunderstood suffering.
Seeing past the ordinary humanity of Christ's bodyJust as many were offended by Jesus' ordinary upbringing in Nazareth, people are often offended by the ordinariness of the church unless the Father gives spiritual revelation.Mark 6:3
Rescued like the starfish to live in the bodyUsing the story of the boy throwing stranded starfish back into the ocean, the speaker illustrates how God mercifully saves individuals whom the world ignores.
Dying to personal preferences to maintain church unityBuilding the body of Christ requires believers to carry their cross, die to personal preferences, and genuinely rejoice and suffer with one another as members of one body.
