The Way Forward for Us as a Church — Santosh Poonen — October 29, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-way-forward-for-us-as-a-church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the way forward for the church is to embrace simplicity and childlike faith, contrasting it with intellectualism and worldly impressiveness. He draws from Matthew 11, noting that God hides profound truths from the wise and intelligent, revealing them instead to the simple. The core message is to forsake the desire to be impressive to the world and instead focus on a deep, unadorned devotion to the Lord.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God hides Himself from the proudGod hides His truth from those who rely on their own intellect and self-promotion so that no one can boast, revealing it instead to those who are humble like little children.
Not being distracted from devotion to the LordBelievers must guard against letting work, family ambitions, or church activities distract them from 100 percent devotion to Jesus Christ.
Living in light of the shortened timeBecause the time is short and the world is passing away, believers should hold loosely to worldly success, possessions, and careers.
Avoiding distractions in times of lackJust as God remembered Israel's early devotion in the wilderness, believers must not let desert places or unmet desires distract them from being satisfied with Jesus alone.
Simon's banquet versus the sinful woman's devotionComparing Simon the Pharisee's respectable gathering to the sinful woman who poured expensive perfume on Jesus' feet, the church must choose genuine, undistracted devotion over mere external respectability.
Growing from faith to faithThe gospel is not just about a starting faith for forgiveness, but a continual, growing dependence on God day by day.
Waiting on the Lord in humilityThe righteous live by a growing faithfulness, and any lack of faith in a believer's life stems from pride rather than circumstances.
Letting love be without hypocrisyBelievers are called to show genuine, devoted love for one another by giving preference in honor and serving with diligence.
Keeping fervent in love as the end draws nearBecause the end of all things is near, believers must keep their love bubbling hot for one another, covering a multitude of sins instead of falling into cold betrayal.1 Peter 1:22
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