Afraid? Of What? - Santosh Poonen - February 23, 2014
http://rlcfchurch.org/afraid-of-what River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
Jesus contrasts the blessings of the Old Covenant with the blessings of the New Covenant, emphasizing that true fortune comes from being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, and hunger for righteousness. Specifically, the speaker highlights that being persecuted for the sake of righteousness is a sign of great fortune, a concept that reverses the old understanding of earthly prosperity as God's favor.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The real meaning of blessedJesus turns old covenant assumptions upside down, teaching that the fortunate ones are not those who prosper with earthly wealth, but those who are poor in spirit and persecuted for righteousness.Matthew 5:10
Persecution is not something to seek outBelievers are not called to be masochists or seek out torture, but when persecution comes naturally through following Jesus and identifying as a Christian, they should consider themselves fortunate.
Misconceptions about the rapture and tribulationA popular misconception in modern Christendom teaches that Jesus will whisk believers away to prevent them from experiencing any great tribulation, leaving the church unprepared for real suffering.
Satan has demanded permission to sift youJust as Jesus warned Peter, Satan asks permission to sift the elect like wheat through spiritual earthquakes designed to pull away our human crutches and test our confidence in God.
What the Bible says about the return of the LordScripture indicates that the gathering of the elect and the resurrection of believers happens immediately after the great tribulation described in Matthew and Thessalonians.
The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in warTimes of peace are meant for building spiritual strength, valuing fellowship, and treasuring God's word so that we are not easily shaken when real hostility comes.
If you fear God you need fear nothing elseLearning the fear of the Lord during peaceful times removes the fear of human circumstances, persecution, and what others can do to us.
Stimulate one another to love and good deedsBelievers must actively encourage one another and refuse to neglect assembling together as the day of Christ's return approaches.
Corrie ten Boom's experience in the darkness of RavensbrückCorrie ten Boom shares how her father's training about receiving grace in the moment of need sustained her through the cruelty of Nazi concentration camps, where she experienced the profound light of Christ.
Afraid of what?A poem reflecting on a martyr's courage reminds believers that death is merely a release into the presence of the Savior, and if we fear God we need fear nothing else.
