Appointment of Elders -- Ajay Chakravarthy and Olu Talabi -- August 5, 2018
http://rlcfchurch.org River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that Christian life is a continuous race requiring constant effort, warning against the danger of complacency after initial conversion or milestones like baptism. He stresses that believers must remain fervent, living out a hidden life of Christ's example until the end. The service concluded with prayers for the newly appointed elders, asking God to fill them with the Holy Spirit, grace, and wisdom to lead the church in godliness and to discern truth.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Appointing new eldersThe church recognizes the loving authority of elders and prepares to appoint two brothers, Ajay and Olu, following first-century apostolic practice.
Approaching the responsibility with reverenceOlu shares that his desire as an elder is to recognize that Jesus is present in the midst of the church, searching all hearts and serving as the ultimate standard.
Walking by faith and not shrinking backRecognizing the temptation to take the easy route, Olu resolves to live by faith, follow God's word, and be an example of love and purity.
The Christian life is a raceThe Christian life is compared to a race and a battle that begins at the new birth, but there is a common temptation to rest prematurely after reaching spiritual milestones.
Running until the finish lineLike the Apostle Paul, believers must keep fighting and running until the end of life rather than letting down their guard once they find a good church.
Enduring in faithfulnessThe race is not over until death, and believers must continue to endure in love and faithfulness as God works in their midst.
Calling Ajay and Olu forward for prayerThe congregation gathers to pray for Ajay and Olu, recognizing the church as a body where everyone works and prays together.
Praying for anointing, grace, and discernmentThe leaders pray that God will fill Olu and Ajay with the Holy Spirit, supernatural gifts, humility, and the discernment needed to guide the church.
Leading the church from glory to gloryThe prayer concludes with a petition that Ajay, Olu, and Santosh will lead the church in unity and humility, shining brighter and brighter under God's grace.
