Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy, David Lane - February 3, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker contrasts the self-serving attitude of King Hezekiah, who boasted about his earthly treasures, with the call to live selflessly for others. He draws parallels to the faith of the 'cloud of witnesses' in Hebrews 11, arguing that while many saints died in faith without seeing the final fulfillment, the current generation has the privilege of experiencing God's promised blessings, particularly the building of the Church.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Letting death work so life may comeBecause someone else's sacrifice brought the gospel to us, we should be willing to have death work in us so that life may be produced in others.2 Corinthians 4:11
The selfish attitude of King HezekiahKing Hezekiah was unconcerned about future judgment on his descendants as long as there was peace and truth in his own days, illustrating a dangerous generational selfishness.2 Kings 20:14–15
The stadium of witnesses in HebrewsA great cloud of witnesses surrounds believers, representing those who lived by faith but could not finish the story without us.
What Abraham longed to experienceAbraham died in faith without receiving the full promises, looking forward to experiencing the pain of God giving His Son and seeing the New Jerusalem, the church.
Laying aside every encumbranceTo successfully run the race and enter into this life, believers must lay aside the encumbrances and sins that slowed down figures like Abraham.
Momentary light affliction producing eternal gloryTrials become our servants when we look away from the things that are seen to the things that are unseen and eternal.
Paul's thorn in the fleshPaul pleaded for his thorn in the flesh to leave, but learned that Christ's grace was sufficient and that boasting in weakness allows Christ's power to dwell in him.2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Life happening to us allWhile unexpected events and time happen to everyone under the sun, people of faith who keep their eyes on Jesus see these trials transformed into eternal value.
Setting the Lord continually before usFollowing the example of Jesus in the Psalms, believers who keep the Lord at their right hand and fear Him will not be shaken or fear evil tidings.Psalm 16:8
