NCCF Church Sharing

March 27, 202316mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: NCCF Church Title: NCCF Church Sharing Date: 03/26/2023 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16) Derek Redmond's Emotional Olympic Story: https://youtu.be/t2G8KVzTwfw

Summary

The central message is that Christian life requires us to reflect Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning corporately within the church. The speaker emphasizes that asking, seeking, and knocking should not primarily be for personal needs, but rather for the Lord to remove our judgmental attitudes and to persistently seek ways to encourage those in need. True encouragement comes from listening to God daily so we can offer words of truth and support to others.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

What is the context of ask, seek, and knock?Examining Matthew 7 and Luke 11, the speaker points out that these verses about asking are not about physical needs for oneself, but follow passages about removing logs from our own eyes and persistently asking for bread for a friend in need.

Having the tongue of a disciple to encourage the wearyTrue biblical encouragement is not flattery or pity, but starts with listening to God daily so we can sustain the weary with a word from the Lord.Isaiah 50:4

Are we a referee or a teammate?Reflecting on Derek Redmond's father helping him finish the race, the speaker contrasts the attitude of a policing referee with a supportive father who uses a mistake as an opportunity to uplift and encourage.

The power of Barnabas the encouragerThe speaker highlights Joseph, nicknamed Barnabas meaning 'son of encouragement,' who was sent to Antioch to strengthen the first church plant with his faith and uplifting presence.

Investing our words of encouragement like talentsRather than burying words of encouragement in the ground out of laziness or fear of pride, we should actively invest them in others, following the command to build one another up daily.

How Jesus bore long with His disciples at the Last SupperEven while the disciples argued over who was the greatest, Jesus showed deep compassion, praying for Peter and promising them a place in His kingdom instead of rebuking them harshly.

Reflecting the patience and forgiveness of our SaviorRecognizing how much God has forgiven us and borne with our foolishness challenges us to be kind to the ungrateful and expect nothing in return, just as our Savior does.