Fellowship with God & The Blessing of Having Faith — Alan Thomas & David Lane — August 6, 2024
http://rlcf.church River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that drawing near to God through consistent fellowship is more important than seeking out a single, big life change. The speaker draws parallels from scripture (Isaiah 30) and modern life (cable cars) to illustrate that maintaining a faithful grip on fellowship allows God to guide one through any turn or difficulty. This obedience to draw near results in purification and God's leading.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The trap of looking for big lifestyle changes to restore nearnessAfter years of being a believer, feeling distant from God often leads to searching for a major missing puzzle piece or a big task to perform to regain closeness.
God's call to simple fellowshipThe Lord is not looking for a great feat, but rather faithfulness in seeking and holding on to fellowship with Him as a precious gift.
Looking to Isaiah for guidance in times of privationEven when experiencing a lack of closeness or times of hardship, God promises that the teacher will no longer hide and will direct our steps.Isaiah 30:19
The San Francisco cable car analogyCable cars have no internal motor and rely completely on a gripman engaging a continuously moving cable under the streets to move forward.
Fellowship with God as holding the cableFellowship with God acts like that firm grip, making it impossible to miss His will or take a wrong turn when we listen for His voice.
Drawing near to God according to JamesObeying the command to draw near to God results in Him drawing near to us and naturally brings purification into our lives.
Mary's faith and the blessing of beliefReflecting on Mary, who was called blessed because she believed the fulfillment of what the Lord told her would happen through the Holy Spirit.
Blessed right now by believingWhile future fulfillment is certain, there is an immediate blessing in believing what Jesus has said right now and receiving the life of the Spirit.
The wonder of God revealing His thoughts to usConsidering the vastness of the universe, it is a tremendous blessing that the God of creation chooses to reveal His thoughts and impart faith to us.
