Monday Morning Christians - Santosh Poonen - March 13, 2016
http://rlcfchurch.org/monday-morning-christians River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker uses the analogy of a boxer, Buster Douglas, to illustrate the importance of having a deep, motivating 'why' during life's trials. He emphasizes that while Jesus' sacrifice provides forgiveness, true Christian life requires believers to run the race with perseverance. The ultimate motivation to endure hardship and overcome sin is found in faith and focusing on the ultimate victory in Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Forgiveness is the start of the raceForgiveness through Jesus Christ is just the starting point of the Christian life, after which believers must run the race with God's grace and power.
Why do we love him?Believers love Jesus not because of fleeting emotions, but because He loved them first and bled for them.
The one who is forgiven much loves muchRecognizing the depth of one's forgiveness by letting small sins become big in one's eyes produces a deep, flowing love for Christ.
Nominal Christians versus true disciplesWhile nominal Christians treat Sunday as the big day of performance, a disciple views every day of the week as the real test of spiritual life.
Why do we hide God's word in our hearts?Believers study and memorize scripture so they might not sin against God in their daily lives.
The attitude of Jesus toward God's wordEvery disciple must echo Christ's attitude when hearing scripture: coming to do God's will and recognizing that the word is written about them.Hebrews 10:7
The true test of God's blessingEarthly success is not the test of divine blessing; rather, true blessing is becoming more like Jesus over time.
The world loves Miracle Jesus but hates Discipleship JesusPeople flock to Jesus for miracles and provisions, but numbers dwindle when He demands total surrender and lordship over their lives.Matthew 8:18
The cost of following JesusWhen a scribe offered to follow Him, Jesus warned that the Son of Man had nowhere to lay His head, exposing the human desire for a comfortable life.
Let the dead bury their deadDiscipleship requires breaking attachments to anything in the domain of the dead and putting Jesus completely first above human ties.
Why we emphasize the fullness of the Holy SpiritBelievers seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit not just for spiritual gifts, but so He can open their eyes to see Jesus and flood their souls with God's love.
Breaking down the dam of prideGod sometimes allows severe tribulations to break down the dams of human selfishness, pride, and unforgiveness so His love can flood our hearts.Romans 5:5
The Spirit glorifies ChristWhen the Spirit of truth comes, He guides believers into all truth and takes of what belongs to Christ to glorify Him within the believer's estimation.
