Gold, Silver, and Precious Stones — Ajay Chakravarthy — March 26, 2023
https://rlcf.church/media/sermons/gold-silver-and-precious-stones River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The sermon emphasizes that Christian life involves building one's life upon a solid foundation, drawing lessons from the stories of missionaries and biblical passages. The core message is that while God initiates our calling through grace, our responsibility is to actively build and complete the 'tower' He calls us to build, knowing that everything will eventually be tested by fire. The ultimate goal is to have works that remain—gold, silver, and precious stones—after this testing.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
What does it mean to build with gold, silver, and precious stones?Believers are called to make choices that are profitable before the Lord and to not be ashamed of His call, building with materials that will endure the testing of fire.1 Corinthians 3:12
God chose us to be with HimGod did not choose believers because of what they could do for Him, but rather desired them so they could have fellowship with Him.Mark 3:13
Calculating the cost to build a towerFollowing Jesus requires carrying one's cross and finishing the tower that God has called each person to build.Luke 14:28
Good works prepared beforehandBelievers are created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared ahead of time so they can walk in them.Ephesians 2:8
Catching fish through obedience instead of human toilPeter fished all night and caught nothing in his own strength, but caught an abundance when he obeyed Jesus and cast his net where instructed.Luke 5:4
Entering into God's restGod rested on the seventh day to leave an example that believers should rest from their own works and trust Him.
What is the work of God?When asked what they must do to perform the works of God, Jesus answered that the work of God is to believe in the One He sent.John 6:28
Taking His yoke upon usJesus invites the weary to take His yoke, representing a life of doing His work in close fellowship and humility with Him.
Sowing in tears and resting in GodThose who weep over the seed will reap with joyful shouting, and God provides for His beloved even while they sleep.Psalm 126:5
Noah's righteous walk in a wicked worldDespite widespread wickedness and violence in his generation, Noah walked with God and faithfully built the ark over decades.Genesis 6:5
Faith tested by fireThe proof of a believer's faith is more precious than perishable gold and will result in praise and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Pearls formed through irritation and trialsJust as pearls are formed in oysters through irritation and trials, believers face tribulations that God uses to bring forth eternal spiritual beauty.
