Words of Encouragement -- Dave Bertsch & David Lane -- February 27, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the critical importance of radical honesty before God, drawing heavily on the Book of Revelation. He contrasts the self-deception of the lukewarm church in Laodicea with the genuine struggles of Smyrna, urging believers to be watchful and repent. The message concludes by highlighting Daniel's model of confession, where he repeatedly and humbly acknowledged the sin of the people, demonstrating profound self-accountability.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What do the letters to Smyrna and Laodicea reveal about honesty?Smyrna was poor and afflicted yet spiritually rich, whereas Laodicea believed they were rich and needed nothing while God saw them as wretched, poor, and blind.Revelation 2:9Revelation 3:15
The danger of a reputation for life while being spiritually deadThe church in Sardis had a reputation of being alive, but Jesus warned them that they were actually dead and urged them to wake up, repent, and hold fast.
The terrifying reality of self-deception and delusionJust as 2 Thessalonians warns that those who do not love the truth are sent a delusion, several churches in Revelation deceived themselves into thinking they were in a good place when they were not.
Compromise in the church at PergamusThough Pergamus held fast to Christ's name even where Satan dwelt, they tolerated false doctrines and were told to repent or face the sword of His mouth.
How ruthlessly honest do we need to be with ourselves?Daniel, who stands out as a remarkably faithful figure in the Old Testament, approached God with deep mourning, fasting, and intense confession.
Daniel includes himself in the confession of sinInstead of distancing himself from the sins of his people, Daniel repeatedly confessed that 'we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly.'
Fearing spiritual self-deception in our own communityBelonging to a fellowship like River of Life or CFC does not automatically mean we are spiritually alive; we must be completely honest with God about our true state.
What is the one thing that is necessary?While Martha was worried and bothered by many things, Jesus commended Mary because she chose the good part: sitting at the Lord's feet to listen to His word.
Truths unchanged from the dawn of timeAmidst all the changing circumstances and anxieties of the present day, hearing God speak directly from His word to our hearts remains the single most needful priority.
Loving the truth protects us from deceptionThose who do not receive the love of the truth are susceptible to a deluding influence, but loving the truth guards our hearts and keeps us anchored in God.
Resting in God's sovereignty and a complete salvationInstead of trying to figure out every current event or prophetic timeline, we can rest in Christ, who sits on the throne interceding to save us to the uttermost.
