Yet There is One Ray of Hope -- Ajay Chakravarthy -- March 13, 2022
http://rlcf.church/media/sermons/yet-there-is-one-ray-of-hope River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The central message is that even in times of deep discouragement and hopelessness, there remains a 'ray of hope,' exemplified by Lamentations 3:21-22. The speaker emphasizes the need to pay close attention when God speaks, warning against hardening one's heart. He illustrates this with personal anecdotes and biblical examples, such as the Prodigal Son and Peter's denial, all pointing to God's persistent invitation to return.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Yet there is one ray of hopeIn the midst of discouragement, distress, and hopelessness, there is one small ray of hope found in Lamentations.
Do not ignore him who is speakingJust as airline passengers must pay attention to safety instructions, we must pay attention when God speaks and not harden our hearts.
Finding hope like the prodigal sonWhen the prodigal son came to the end of himself, he found a ray of hope and returned to a father who was eagerly watching and waiting for him.Luke 15:11
Jesus prays for PeterJesus prayed that Peter's faith would not fail and that when he turned back, he would remember there is an open way to return.Luke 22:31
The story of John Harper on the TitanicJohn Harper gave his life jacket to others and spent his final moments in the freezing water urging people to call upon the Lord to be saved.
What will a man give in exchange for his soul?No human can redeem another person because the redemption of the soul is costly, and a man can gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul.Psalm 49:7
The first cup: A dirty cup representing an outward sinnerThe speaker shares how he recognized at a young age that he was a slave to sin, but chose to set matters right and confess his sins to the Lord.
The second cup: A good outward testimony with an unyielding heartLike Saul before meeting Christ on the road to Damascus, a person can have a blameless religious testimony before men while secretly living for themselves.
The third cup: Inner scales falling offThe third cup represents Saul after Christ opened his eyes to see the hidden sin and coveting inside his heart.
Tax collectors entering the kingdom before the self-righteousJesus taught that tax collectors and open sinners often enter the kingdom of God before those whose cups are clean only on the outside.Matthew 21:28
The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collectorThe tax collector went home justified because he was honest about his sin, unlike the Pharisee who saw no need for repentance.
Being honest with GodGod can save anyone who has the humility and brokenness to be completely honest about their true condition on the inside.
