The God of All Encouragement: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - November 3, 2013
http://rlcfchurch.org/the-god-of-all-encouragement River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker argues that while the preaching of the cross is vital, many Christians mistake worldly or emotional happiness for true joy. He distinguishes between this fleeting, imitative joy and the deep, sustaining joy of the Lord, which he asserts is the source of true strength. Drawing from Nehemiah 8:10, he emphasizes that this divine joy empowers believers to remain strong even amidst trials and difficulties.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Is there a false pursuit of joy in Christendom?Many believers search for an emotional, effervescent happiness modeled after worldly excitement rather than the genuine fruit of the Holy Spirit.
The joy of the Lord as our strengthNehemiah 8:10 reveals that the joy of the Lord acts as a deep inner strength that sustains us through trials and depleted circumstances.Nehemiah 8:10
The oil of gladness upon the King's daughterPsalm 45 shows that true deep-seated joy is a gift from God, poured out like oil upon those who follow Christ's example of loving righteousness and hating iniquity.Psalm 45:13
Blessed are those who mournIn Matthew 5:4, Jesus declares that those who mourn will be comforted by the Holy Spirit with real inner strength rather than superficial sympathy.
Jesus mourned to be saved from sinHebrews 5 shows that Jesus offered up prayers and loud crying in the days of His flesh, showing us the path of desperation and godly fear.
David's example of confession and repentanceDavid learned through deep grief and unhidden confession that acknowledging sin brings true restoration and freedom from its control.
Mourning over any break of fellowship with the FatherJesus valued His eternal fellowship with the Father so intensely that He grieved deeply over anything that threatened it, teaching us not to tolerate sin or pride for even a moment.
