Words of Encouragement - Ajay Chakravarthy & Dave Bertsch - January 12, 2020
http://rlcfchurch.org/words-of-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker uses the story of the woman who anointed Jesus' feet to emphasize the profound forgiveness found in Christ's presence. He then extends this principle to relationships, urging listeners to create an environment of non-judgmental acceptance so that others feel free to confess their sins. Finally, he stresses that true discipleship requires not just hearing Jesus' teachings, but actively observing and living them out in one's own life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The Woman Who Came to Jesus for ForgivenessA woman known as a sinner entered the Pharisee's house with an alabaster vial of perfume, hoping for compassion rather than condemnation from Jesus.Luke 7:37
Much Forgiven, Much LoveJesus pointed out to Simon that because the woman's many sins were forgiven, she showed great love by washing and anointing His feet.Luke 7:44
Emulating Christ's Forgiveness in the ChurchHaving experienced God's forgiveness ourselves, we must cultivate a family environment in the church where anyone who has wronged us feels completely safe and un-condemned coming to apologize.
Observing All That Jesus CommandedBefore ascending, Jesus instructed His disciples to teach others to observe all that He commanded, meaning we must first live out His teachings in our own lives.
The Feeding of the Multitude and the Bread of LifeAfter Jesus fed the crowds with loaves and fish, many followed Him, but when He challenged them to truly partake of His life and teachings, they found it a difficult statement.Mark 6:37
A Difficult Statement That Causes StumblingMany disciples grumbled and turned away because accepting Jesus's deeper call required personal surrender and obedience rather than just receiving physical benefits.
A Great Light in Galilee of the GentilesIsaiah prophesied that people walking in darkness would see a great light, a passage fulfilled when Jesus ministered in the region of Galilee.Isaiah 9:1–2
Healing the Demoniac in the Country of the GadarenesJesus crossed the sea to the Gentile region and healed a severely demon-possessed man living among the tombs, casting the legion of spirits into a herd of swine.
Listening to the Father's Will Above Human LogicThough the healed man begged to stay with Jesus, Jesus told him to go home and tell his friends what the Lord had done, fulfilling a greater purpose by spreading the light throughout Decapolis.
