Words of Encouragement - Olu Talabi & Dave Bertsch - September 29, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message emphasizes that the essential test of Christian life is patient endurance, continuing to walk faithfully with Christ even when circumstances or feelings are difficult. The speaker draws heavily from Romans 2:7 and James 5:7-11, urging the audience to obey and continue in God's calling through patience, using the examples of the farmer and the prophets who endured suffering.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does Romans 2:7 teach about patient endurance?It is those who patiently continue in well-doing who will inherit eternal life at last, focusing on daily faithfulness rather than current circumstances.Romans 2:7
Inheriting the promise through faith and patienceThe test of true faith is our patience in continuing with Christ day by day to the end, just as those who inherited the promises before us.Hebrews 6:12
Saving your soul through enduranceJesus explains that in the midst of trials and destructions in the last days, it is through patient endurance that believers will possess their souls.Luke 21:19
Did Jesus have to learn patience as a man?Even Jesus had to learn patience and obedience as a man, waiting for the Father's timing before starting His ministry.
Why did Job suffer so much?When we question why godly people go through severe trials, the conclusion of the matter is found in James chapter 5.
Examples of patience in James 5Believers are instructed to be patient like a farmer waiting for crops, and to look to the prophets and older faithful believers as examples of enduring suffering.James 5:7–11
The ultimate purpose of the book of JobThe book of Job exists so we can learn endurance and see that our Father is full of tender mercy and that God is still good.
Being doers of the word and not hearers onlyContinuing the thought on building on the rock versus sand, believers must ensure they put God's word into action.
Stopping empty words and showing love by actionsFirst John instructs believers to stop just saying we love people and to really love them and show it by our actions.1 John 3:18
The warning from the example of the PhariseesJesus warned the crowds about the Pharisees because they knew the scriptures and sat in Moses' seat, but they did not practice what they preached.Matthew 23:3
Having a clear conscience through love and actionWhen our love is backed by actions, we can know for sure that we are on God's side and maintain a clear conscience when we stand before the Lord.
