Words of Encouragement -- Ajay Chakravarthy & Olu Talabi -- October 2, 2022
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that mere religious attendance and fellowship are insufficient for eternal life; true life comes from a personal, intimate relationship with God. He draws parallels from scripture, noting that prophets like Elisha were privy to God's direct word through their closeness to Him. The central message is a passionate call to long for and desire God's direct voice, urging listeners to move beyond a merely 'religious' life to one of deep, personal knowing of God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The danger of going with the tideAttending church regularly, fellowshipping, and hearing the word can give a false sense of spiritual security, much like a fish being carried downstream without needing its own energy.
Having a form of godliness without powerIt is possible to be familiar with the Bible and attend conferences while completely lacking a personal, daily walk with the Lord.
Longing to know God personallyScripture highlights the blessing of those who long for God, desiring an intimate relationship where He speaks directly to our specific circumstances just as He did with prophets like Elisha.Isaiah 30:18
Seeing what the Father is doingJesus operated out of total dependence, doing only what He saw the Father doing because the Father loved and showed Him everything.John 5:19
Do not ask God to stay at a distanceJust as the Israelites asked Moses to speak to them instead of God because they feared death, we grieve God's heart when we prefer secondary communication over hearing His voice directly.Exodus 20:19
Eternal life is knowing GodThe testimony of John in both his gospel and his epistles confirms that knowing the true God and Jesus Christ is eternal life.1 John 5:20
A fresh understanding of First Peter 2:2While this verse is often applied exclusively to new converts, God's word calls all believers—even those walking with Him for years—to desire the sincere milk of the word.1 Peter 2:2
Coming to Scripture in total humilityWhen opening the Bible, believers must set aside what they know and approach God as an ignorant child asking for direct revelation and understanding.
Knowing scriptures is not knowing GodAccumulating biblical knowledge is not the same as knowing the Lord intimately, and true spiritual growth comes from continual grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
