Words of Encouragement -- Ajay Chakravarthy, Chetan Chadalavada, Santosh Poonen -- December 13, 2020
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages the congregation to be continually growing in their spiritual life, warning against complacency with any current level of anointing or blessing. Drawing from examples like Paul's growth and the story of Apollos, the message emphasizes that believers should never be satisfied with what they currently possess, but should instead seek a greater anointing and deeper knowledge of Christ's glory. The ultimate goal is to keep pressing forward in faith and humility.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Looking at those who kept the anointingInstead of getting discouraged by biblical examples of people who lost their anointing, we should look to those who finished well as recorded in Second Corinthians.2 Corinthians 3:16
Growing brighter like the path of the righteousJust like Jesus and Paul grew in grace, the path of the righteous shines brighter and brighter, and our longing should be for increasing glory day by day.Proverbs 4:18
Moving from a cup to rivers of living waterDo not be content with merely receiving the cup of salvation at new birth; God wants to take us from a well to rivers of living water.
Explaining the way of God more accuratelyUsing the example of Priscilla and Aquila helping Apollos in Acts, we need believers to help us see when something is missing so we can come up higher.
Following in the steps of Christ's sufferingPeter reminds believers that Christ suffered for us, leaving an example where He did not revile in return or utter threats when suffering.
How the Holy Spirit changed Peter's viewBefore Pentecost, Peter tried to fight and defend Jesus with a sword, but after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit revealed the true glory of Christ's gentle submission.
Holding fast to God's promisesLike Abraham who waited patiently and kept confessing God's promise, we must hold on in faith for the rivers of living water to be fulfilled in us.
Counting the cost as a discipleJesus explains in Luke 14 that anyone wanting to be His disciple must count the cost, which takes intentional quiet time alone rather than emotional altar calls.
Giving up our precious comfortsGod may ask us to give up even our harmless downtime or comforts so that we lean on Him so thoroughly that nothing else holds us up.
