The Story of Two Trees — Santosh Poonen — November 19, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/the-story-of-two-trees River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that true Christian life requires a constant, heavenly-centered focus on Jesus Christ, rejecting worldly distractions. The speaker emphasizes that reverence for God must permeate all aspects of life, including church attendance, and that the goal of the church is not mere attendance but the transformation of members into Christ's image. This transformation is rooted in the true fear of the Lord, which is characterized by joy and love, not gloominess.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Living with a heavenly center nowBelievers must have a heavenly-centered life now on earth, because someone who has no interest in Jesus being the center of everything will be out of place and bored in heaven.
Maintaining reverence in our meetingsThere should be a spirit of reverence in everything we do, free from casual attitudes, especially when gathering as the body of Christ.
The fear of the Lord brings true joyMany Christians remain defeated because of a lack of the fear of the Lord, which is actually full of joy, peace, love, gentleness, and humility.
Encouraging our children in the kingdomChildren should be encouraged in their small steps of obedience and memory of God's word so they can stand strong against the world.
Introduction to the two treesBoth the tree of death and the tree of life begin as very small seeds in the heart, eventually growing into manifest trees.
The tree of death begins with a seed of offenseThe path to the tree of death starts with a small offense, such as resisting a word of correction from a spouse, parent, or elder.1 Peter 2:8
The responsibility of watchmen and the danger of perverting blessingsElders and fathers are called to warn those under their care against sin, lest blessings from God be perverted into opportunities for sin.Ezekiel 3:16
Seeds of offense become roots of bitternessUnaddressed offenses hidden in the heart grow into roots of bitterness that cause trouble and defile many people if peace and sanctification are not pursued.
The Tree of Life starts with the seed of God's wordJesus is the sower and the seed is the living and enduring word of God, which produces imperishable life in the believer.
The seed takes root through dying to selfJust as a grain does not come to life unless it dies, the word of God requires us to die to self daily so God can give it a body in our practical lives.
Being rooted and grounded in lovePaul prayed that believers would be strengthened in the inner man and rooted and grounded in love rather than the root of bitterness.Ephesians 3:14
Jesus is the final Tree of LifeIn the end, the tree of death and the devil are judged, and Jesus remains as the root, the descendant, and the Tree of Life for all eternity.
