Words of Encouragement -- Olu Talabi & Chetan Chadalavada -- January 24, 2021
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker encourages listeners to deeply ponder the question, "What is it that you are seeking?" Drawing from John 1:37-38, he emphasizes that simply claiming to follow Jesus is not enough; one must actively and honestly answer this question. True desire for Christ must be the sole passion, which is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life conformed to Christ's attributes.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What do you seek?When Jesus turns and asks the two disciples what they are seeking, it is a searching question we must all ponder for ourselves.John 1:37–38
Recognizing the simple beauty of ChristJesus appeared as a simple man without outward majesty that the world would naturally desire, yet his words and life revealed something profoundly different.Isaiah 53:2
Is it possible to seek God and not find him?Jesus warned the Jews that they would seek him and not find him because of unbelief and mixed passions in their hearts.
The Holy Spirit creates a true passion for ChristA genuine hunger for Christ cannot be worked up by the natural man; it is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit conforming us to his image.
Bearing the fruit of the SpiritWe must not leave God's attributes to himself, but cry out for the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of the spirit in our own lives.
Moses values God's presence over an angelWhen God offered to send an angel to drive out their enemies into a land flowing with milk and honey while withholding His own presence, Moses insisted he would rather stay put if God did not go with them.
Refusing our own way without God's blessingWe often fight for our own way, visas, or jobs, but true spiritual maturity means refusing comfortable success if the anointing and presence of God are missing.
Choosing the suffering of the Lord's presenceLike David, who chose to fall into the hands of the merciful Lord rather than escape judgment through other means, we must choose to seek God's presence above all else.
