11th Aug 2019 - What We Heard, Received And Kept And Hold Fast To - Ian Robson & Danish
Summary
The message urges the congregation to remember, keep, and hold fast to what they have heard and received from God's Word. Drawing parallels from the letters to the churches in Revelation, the speaker warns against spiritual complacency, using the example of Sardis, while encouraging the congregation to emulate the faithfulness of the church in Philadelphia. The central call is to remain spiritually alert and live in the Spirit, recognizing the open door Christ has provided.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
A call to remember God's promisesThe speaker begins by reciting memory verses from Isaiah and Ephesians that call believers to wake up and arise so that Christ may shine upon them.Isaiah 60:13
The importance of remembering what we have receivedDrawing from Revelation, the speaker discusses the need to remember and keep the truth heard in previous meetings to avoid spiritual death.
Recognizing the treasure of God's light in usThe speaker reflects on how God's light separates darkness in our hearts, providing a precious treasure within our imperfect human vessels.2 Corinthians 4:6
The importance of repenting and keeping our spiritual treasureWhen we fall, we must be quick to repent and seek a clean heart so that we do not lose the precious down payment of the Holy Spirit.
The first thing to hold fast: a good conscienceWe must strive to maintain a pure heart and a sincere faith by keeping a clear conscience before God and men.1 Timothy 1:18
The second thing to hold fast: confidence in GodWe must not throw away our confidence through trials, but live by faith in the promises of Jesus.
Seeking the root rather than just the fruitWhile we can see the fruits of spiritual life, we must seek the source, which is the eternal life found in Christ as described in 1 John.
Taking hold of the eternal lifeFollowing Paul's exhortation to Timothy, we are called to fight the good fight and grasp the eternal life to which we were called.1 Timothy 6:12
Embracing the purifying fire and protection of GodThe speaker reflects on how God's spirit of judgment acts as a purifying fire and a protective canopy for the church.
The importance of holding fast to Christ as our HeadTrue life and growth in the church come from being integrated into Christ, who supplies everything the body needs through His connections to us.Colossians 2:19
Seeking God's kingdom firstPrioritizing God's righteousness ensures that all other needs are provided for, rather than relying on human effort or talent.Matthew 6:33
Finding breakthrough and strength through God's SpiritA believer shares how the realization that breakthrough comes not by might but by God's Spirit led to their baptism and a transformed life.
A life surrendered to Christ's purchaseA facilitator testifies that because Christ died for him, he can no longer live for himself but must surrender his entire life to God.
Evaluating spiritual progress through writingThe speaker encourages believers to write down what they have personally heard and received in their Bibles to track their spiritual growth and avoid becoming spiritually dead.
The unmistakable mark of a true churchA testimony highlights that the true mark of a church is when the secrets of hearts are disclosed through preaching, leading people to worship God.1 Corinthians 14:25
