Keep Yourselves in the Love of God - Santosh Poonen - December 31, 2017
Sermon Series: To Save That Which is Lost (Part 2) http://rlcfchurch.org/keep-yourselves-love-god River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that the church's purpose is to save the lost, echoing Jesus' declaration that he came to save what was lost. It stresses that true Christian love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, is the essential characteristic, and this love must guide how believers confront sin in their community. Ultimately, the church must maintain a burden for the lost world around them, recognizing that God's joy is greatest over the one who returns.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Reading Jude 1:24-25The speaker shares the wonderful promise of God being able to keep believers from stumbling and present them blameless before His glory.Jude 1:24–25
The Purpose of the Church and Matthew 18:11The speaker connects the church's purpose to Jesus's mission in Matthew 18:11 to save that which was lost.
Thanking Sunday School Teachers and Valuing ChildrenThe speaker expresses deep gratitude for the Sunday school teachers and stresses the importance of welcoming children and embracing the mess that comes with investing in lives.
Living Out Genuine Love Without HypocrisyReflecting on 1 Corinthians 13, the speaker emphasizes that spiritual gifts mean nothing without love, and true love covers a multitude of sins and guides how we approach a brother in fault.
Preserving a Burden for the LostThe speaker urges the congregation not to get so caught up in personal godliness that they forget their neighbors and the lost world around them who need the gospel.
Childhood Fears and Misconceptions of GodThe speaker shares a personal testimony of growing up fearing God as a harsh judge waiting to send him to hell for every minor sin.
The Real Character of God in 2 Peter 3The speaker uncovers the true perspective of God's patience from 2 Peter 3, showing that God is not slow but patiently grants another day and another chance for repentance.
God's Love is an Endless OceanDrawing an analogy of an ocean, the speaker explains that taking forgiveness from God does not deplete His love; rather, His grace is limitless and lavishly poured out.
Forgiveness Versus Justification in Romans 5Explaining Romans 5, the speaker illustrates forgiveness as canceling a massive debt and justification as depositing vast wealth into a spiritual bank account.
Moving Past the Introduction of GraceThe speaker cautions against stopping at the introduction of salvation, encouraging believers to advance through the chapters of grace, including exulting in tribulations.
Finishing the Book of Grace Like Jesus and PaulLooking at the examples of Jesus and the Apostle Paul, the speaker encourages believers to finish their lives having fully experienced and walked out God's grace.
Today is the Day of SalvationUrging the congregation not to wait for New Year's resolutions, the speaker declares that December 31st can be a day of supernatural turnaround and outpouring.
Tribulation, Character, and Hope That Does Not DisappointReturning to Romans 5, the speaker highlights how tribulation leads to perseverance, proven character, and a hope anchored in the love of God shed abroad in our hearts.
Seeking the Fullness of the Holy SpiritThe speaker explains that while the Holy Spirit is given at the new birth as a guarantee, believers must continually seek His fullness and rivers of living water.
The Prodigal Son and the Lavish Love of the FatherUsing the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15, the speaker illustrates how the Father's lavish welcome and daily presence keep us from returning to sin.
Building Corrective Love on the Right FoundationConcluding the message, the speaker emphasizes that correcting and helping others must be built entirely upon the foundational experience of receiving God's lavish love.
