The Compass for a Troubled Heart - Santosh Poonen - February 16, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/compass-troubled-heart River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is to remain steadfast and trust God when facing emotional turmoil or spiritual adversity, drawing from John 14:1. Jesus instructs us not to let our hearts be troubled, urging us to believe in God and also in Him. This trust is necessary even when our feelings or current circumstances suggest otherwise, as faith must anchor us when emotional highs and lows occur.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Do not let your heart be troubledJesus encourages believers facing various trials and worries not to let their hearts be troubled.John 14:1
The context of Peter's future failureJesus spoke these comforting words immediately after telling Peter he would deny Him three times, showing that God offers reassurance even when He foresees our sin.
When you seek God and cannot find HimJesus warns that there will be times when believers seek Him and experience a season where His presence is no longer felt emotionally or physically.John 13:33
Trusting God through spiritual adversityBelievers must have a steady constant inside them so that their hearts are not troubled by spiritual adversity or personal failure.
Visual flight versus instrument flightJust as a pilot in a severe storm cannot rely on visual flight rules and must trust instruments, believers in dark times must rely on instrument flight rules.
Knowing the Father as true northA compass must know where north is, and for the believer, seeing and knowing the Father through Jesus is our true north.
The test of a personal walk with GodThe true test of knowing God intimately is whether your faith remains unshaken even if everyone around you falls away and emotional feelings disappear.
Entering a deeper relationship without emotional crutchesJesus removes physical and emotional feelings of His presence at times to bring believers into a deeper, more mature relationship rooted in faith.
The magnetic aspect of drawing othersJust as a magnet draws iron filings, the life of Christ within a believer naturally draws those who are truly seeking a godly life.
Building a church through life, not methodsScripture gives no specific methods for evangelism gimmicks, but teaches that if Christ is lifted up, He will draw people.
Inviting people to see real lifeRather than forming a human club by recruiting people, we should invite them to come and see our homes, marriages, and lives transformed by Christ.
Receiving power to be witnessesBeing a witness in your workplace or neighborhood requires the power of the Holy Spirit rather than human speaking ability or clever advertising.
