Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & David Lane - October 27, 2019
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that Christian life requires continuous growth beyond the initial reception of Jesus, which is merely the starting line. True maturity involves consistently aligning one's life with God's will, much like Jesus was in all circumstances. He draws heavily on Hebrews 5, urging believers to move from needing 'milk' (basic teaching) to 'solid food' (deeper, mature doctrine) through consistent practice and hearing God's voice.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Receiving Jesus is the starting lineReceiving Jesus makes us children of God, but this is only the starting line of the Christian walk, not the finishing line.John 1:12
The danger of remaining spiritually immatureThe author of Hebrews expresses concern that believers have become dull of hearing, needing milk instead of solid food when they ought to be mature teachers.Hebrews 5:11
Solid food is for the matureSpiritual maturity comes through practice, training our senses to listen to the Holy Spirit and discern good from evil.
Micaiah stands firm as a true prophetUnlike the false prophets who told King Ahab what he wanted to hear, Micaiah spoke the true word of the Lord despite facing opposition and imprisonment.
Loving the truth to avoid deceptionIn the last days, those who do not love the truth will be sent a deceiving spirit, making it vital to welcome hard words from God rather than seeking comfort for our flesh.
Jesus helps the descendants of AbrahamJesus was made lower than the angels to taste death for everyone and become a merciful high priest who can aid those who are tempted.Hebrews 2:9–10
The contrast between angels and humanityEven though Satan was originally created full of wisdom and perfect in beauty as described in Ezekiel, God did not give help to fallen angels, yet He is mindful of and helps human beings.
Partakers of the divine natureChrist became lower than the angels to lift us higher, allowing us to partake of His divine nature—a mystery once hidden but now revealed as Christ in us.
