Words of Encouragement - Olu Talabi & David Lane - September 1, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker discusses the concept of the Bride of Christ preparing for the marriage supper of the Lamb, drawing from Revelation 19. While acknowledging that salvation is by grace through Christ's righteousness, the message emphasizes that believers are also called to active preparation. This preparation involves yielding to trials and temptations, as faith is refined like gold, ensuring one is ready for the Lord's return.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The righteousness of the saintsWhile we are saved by the righteousness of Jesus Christ, Revelation 19 speaks of the bride's fine linen as the righteous acts of the saints.
Is there an element of preparation?Jesus has paid it all, but Scripture still calls believers to holiness and preparation while waiting for His return, much like the wedding garment parable in Matthew 22.1 Peter 1:16
Refined like gold through trialsGod allows temptations and trials to test and refine our faith so that we may be found to the praise and honor of Christ at His appearing.1 Peter 1:6–7
Yielding to the Father's disciplineGod continues a perfecting work in us, and those who yield to His trials and discipline will produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
Do not take grace for grantedWe must not take our salvation for granted or assume we need no further growth, but instead yield ourselves to be made ready as a pure and spotless bride.
To whom shall we go?When Jesus challenged His disciples and many walked away, Peter declared that they had nowhere else to go because He alone has the words of eternal life.John 6:66–68
Fixing our eyes on Jesus in the raceWe are called to lay aside sin and encumbrances while running our race with endurance by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.Hebrews 12:1–2
The goal is unbroken fellowshipVictory over sin is not the ultimate destination in itself, but rather a means to achieve unbroken fellowship with the Father and the Savior.
Rejecting performance-based ChristianityInstead of approaching God based on our daily performance or whether we had a good day, we must continually turn away from sin and pursue righteousness and peace.
Pure devotion to the SaviorPure devotion and unbroken fellowship driven by Christ are what sustain us through hard messages and discipline, knowing He is the one who gives true life.
