The Big Day - Ajay Chakravarthy - March 15, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/big-day River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages the audience not to fear the current uncertainties, drawing strength from scripture which has been written for our instruction and hope. He emphasizes that just as Jesus prepared his disciples by telling them things in advance, God prepares us for difficult times. The central message is to focus on the coming Lord rather than being overwhelmed by the 'birth pangs' of the end times, maintaining faith and looking up with expectation.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why did God give us the scriptures?God provided the scriptures so that through perseverance and encouragement, we might have hope in uncertain times.Romans 15:4
The ends of the agesScripture calls our generation those upon whom the ends of the ages have come, serving as an instruction for us.
Told in advance so we may believeJesus told His disciples about future hardships beforehand so that when they happen, their faith would hold firm.John 14:29
Do not let your heart be troubledBefore going to the cross, Jesus commanded His disciples not to let their hearts be troubled or fearful.John 14:27
Grief turned into joy like childbirthJesus compared the disciples' sorrow and the coming tribulations to birth pangs, which give way to great joy when a child is born.John 16:19–21
Lifting up your heads when powers are shakenWhile men faint from fear as the world is shaken, believers are told to straighten up and lift up their heads because their redemption is near.Luke 21:26
Enduring by seeing him who is unseenLike Moses who left Egypt without fearing the king's wrath, believers must endure by seeing Him who is unseen.Hebrews 11:27
Safety in the ark through trialsNoah and his family endured a difficult, uncomfortable, and dark time inside the ark, yet God ensured they were completely safe.
The ten virgins and the need for oilThe parable of the ten virgins demonstrates that the wise brought extra oil in their flasks while the foolish did not, testing who was truly prepared.Matthew 25:1
Striving to enter through the narrow doorJesus warns to strive to enter the narrow door, noting that merely attending meetings is not enough if we do not truly know the Lord.Luke 13:24–26
Clear oil from beaten olivesTo keep the lamp burning continually, clear oil must be produced through crushed and broken olives representing trials at home and work.
Knowing Christ in the fellowship of his sufferingsPaul expressed his desire to know Jesus and the fellowship of His sufferings, allowing the Lord to produce oil through life's trials.Philippians 3:10
The shepherds watching by nightThe shepherds stayed out in the fields at night watching their flocks, exemplifying readiness for the Lord's return.Luke 2:8
The hired hand versus the true shepherdUnlike a hired hand who flees when the wolf comes because he does not care for the sheep, a true shepherd serves out of love for the Master.John 10:12
Fulfilling the law through loveThe whole law is fulfilled in loving your neighbor as yourself, calling believers to serve one another through love rather than biting and devouring.Galatians 5:14
