Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & Olu Talabi - February 10, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that following Christ requires a willingness to 'come and die' to self, which is not easy but leads to true life. The speaker draws parallels from scripture, noting that God calls us to this path for our own good, citing Jesus' endurance and the example of Simon of Cyrene. Ultimately, the Christian walk involves willingly carrying one's cross through daily suffering, trusting that faithfulness in secret will lead to open reward.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why does God call us to die?God inspires the fear of Him in our hearts so that we choose the path of suffering for our own good and the good of our children.
The slave who chooses to stayUnlike a forced laborer or someone pressed into service like Simon of Cyrene, followers of Christ have a choice to stay with their master out of love.Exodus 21:5
Simon of Cyrene and willing serviceSimon was pressed into service to carry Jesus' cross, contrasting with believers who willingly pick up their cross because they desire the life behind the suffering.Mark 15:21
Indestructible life versus the lawUnlike the Levites who served based on physical requirements of the law, believers serve through the power of an indestructible life.Hebrews 7:16
God puts His fear in our heartsWalking with Jesus is an impossible human achievement, but God in His mercy gives us the ability and desire day by day.Jeremiah 32:40
What does it mean to fear God?The fear of the Lord is clearly defined in scripture as hating evil and hating iniquity, which keeps a person from sin.Proverbs 8:13
