Words of Encouragement — Dave Bertsch & David Lane — February 19, 2023
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, does not seek its own happiness at the expense of others. He contrasts this selfless love with the world's pursuit of personal joy, and further stresses that true spiritual recognition comes not from mere association with the church or godly people, but from an intimate, Spirit-filled relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, the focus must be on knowing and understanding the Lord through humility and mercy.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What is love and what is it not?Looking at First Corinthians 13, the love chapter, we see descriptions of both what love is and what love is not.
Love does not seek her ownTrue love does not seek its own happiness at the cost of someone else's joy, a principle that applies deeply within families.
Bears all things and endures all thingsLove bears and endures all things, covering shortcomings in our homes and bearing one another's burdens within the body of Christ.1 Corinthians 13:7
Recognizing false joy and the works of the fleshThe world offers a false sense of joy at the expense of others, which aligns with the works of the flesh rather than the fruit of the spirit.
Peter's denial before the SpiritIn Mark 14, Peter denied knowing Jesus and even cursed when questioned by the servant girl around the fire.Mark 14:67–71
The boldness of Peter and JohnIn Acts 4, observers recognized the confidence and boldness of Peter and John as having been with Jesus after receiving the Holy Spirit.
The danger of outward connection without the SpiritThere is a danger in simply being connected to the church or Godly people without having a true relationship and oneness through the Holy Spirit.
Boasting in knowing the LordQuoting Jeremiah, David reminds us that if we boast, we should boast that we understand and know the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness.
