Living With a Sense of Urgency Before Christ's Return -- Santosh Poonen -- February 6, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker urges the congregation to live with a profound sense of urgency because Christ's return is imminent. He warns against adopting a mindset of waiting for physical evidence, like the Antichrist, before fully committing to Christ. Drawing parallels from Noah's Ark, he emphasizes that when the door closes, there is no more opportunity for repentance, urging believers to imitate God in all aspects of life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Listening to God during the day rather than relying on dreamsGod can speak through dreams, but seeking His voice and obeying Him during the daily ordinary moments of life brings a much deeper and truer revelation of Jesus.
The danger of waiting until the last minuteJust as mockers in the story of Noah foolishly waited for the first drop of rain before believing, believers often make the mistake of delaying total surrender to God.
When God shuts the doorGod closed the ark's door before the flood arrived, serving as a warning against those who procrastinate obedience while waiting for physical evidence of Christ's return.Genesis 7:13–17
Walking as imitators of God and redeeming the timeBelievers are called to walk in love, avoid all impurity, and make the most of their short time on earth by trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.Ephesians 5:1–17
Avoiding spiritual dissipation and being filled with the SpiritBelievers must stay completely sober and avoid anything of this world that drains the power of the Holy Spirit, being filled instead with the Spirit through thanksgiving and mutual submission.
The importance of commitment to a local churchCommitment to a local body of believers is necessary to practice mutual submission in the fear of Christ rather than floating around independently to avoid accountability.
First, beware of hypocrisyJesus warns His disciples against the leaven of the Pharisees, reminding them that hidden hypocrisy will eventually be brought out into the open.
Second, be vigilant against the love of moneyBelievers must guard against greed and the illusion that life consists of material possessions, keeping their focus entirely on eternity.
Third, be prepared for persecutionBelievers should expect persecution for Christ's name, trusting that the Holy Spirit will provide the necessary words and wisdom as a testimony when trials arise.
Fourth, do not fear or worryBelievers must harbor a radical hatred for worry and unbelief just as they would for gross sin, resting securely in the Father's personal care and seeking His kingdom above all else.
