Biblical Justice Series – Part 2
PPT Biblical Justice Series – Part 2
“The LORD is a God of Mishpat”
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
Sunday, January 3, 2021
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
Righteousness and Justice
Psalm 89:13-15
You have a mighty arm; Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face.
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
The word Justice = Misphat
וּ֭מִשְׁפָּט Strongs Hebrew 4941: judgment, justice, ordinance, act of deciding a case, place, court, seat of judgment, process, procedure, litigation case, cause (presented for judgment), sentence, decision (of judgment), execution (of judgment), time (of judgment) right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) privilege, due (legal) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Keep Praying and Never Give UP!
Luke 18:1-8 The parable of the persistent widow and the unjust judge “that they should always pray and never give up” (NLT).
Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”
Word of the Lord 2021
Apostle, Dr. Janet Cook
River of Life Community Church
2626 Prairie Street
Elkhart, Indiana 46517
The word we are hearing for 2021 is Justice. Justice and righteousness emanate from the nature and character of God. The Hebrew word for Justice is Misphat, and it is most often used to refer to restorative justice. It means to “make it right” for the person who has been wronged. I think of it as restoring a person to a place of peace.
The focus and direction the Lord has given us regarding justice is found in Micah 6:8 “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?”
In the midst of a nation full of chaos God has given us clear direction. We have our marching orders to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God. We hear the Spirit of the Lord say that walking in humility with God will open doors of opportunity.
The Lord reminded us that we are called to reach out to those who are down-and-out. When a living soul is being taken advantage of, we are to do more than talk about it. God has called us to active duty.
The Lord is inviting us to walk humbly with Him and join Him in what He is doing. He has anointed us to bring healing and restoration to weary souls. We show the Lord’s justice by pulling them up to a higher place in their natural and spiritual circumstances.
The Lord has assigned His Church, the Ecclesia, to establish Kingdom principles in communities that will demolish oppressive systems and structures. There are unjust works going on all around us and God is exposing them. We will see the justice of the Lord God Almighty demonstrated in our nation.
We decree according to Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.”
(Dr. Janet Cook)
Gods Heart Concerning You
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
Kingdom assignment vs Personal assignment
Romans 12:19 “Beloved, don’t be obsessed with taking revenge, but leave that to God’s righteous justice. For the Scriptures say: “If you don’t take justice in your own hands, I will release justice for you,” says the Lord. (TPT)
We Execute God’s Written Judgment – It is our HONOR
Psalm 149:6-9
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,
And a two-edged sword in their hand,
To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples;
To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;
To execute on them the written judgment—This honor have all His saints.
Praise the LORD!
Biblical Justice Series “The LORD is a God of Mishpat”
PPT Biblical Justice Series
“The LORD is a God of Mishpat”
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
Sunday, January 3, 2021
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
Justice and righteousness emanate from the nature and character of God.
Throughout the Bible it is presented that the people of God are called to abide in the character of justice and righteousness.
The word Justice = Misphat and is most often used to refer to restorative justice.
Genesis 18:19 “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”
- In the Bible, righteousness refers to a state of moral good in which you treat those around you with decency and fairness, recognizing that all of them are made in the image of God just like you.
- Restorative justice, in which those who are unrightfully hurt or wronged are restored and given back what was taken from them.
Isaiah 1:17 “Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless; defend the orphan, plead for the widow”
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good. Work for justice.
Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless.
Go to bat for the defenseless. (MSG)
What will you bring to the Lord?
Micah 6:6
“With what shall I come before the LORD,
And bow myself before the High God?
Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,
With calves a year old?”
- When a man comes before the Lord and bows down before Him, there is an expectation from God.
What will please the Lord?
Micah 6:7
“Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
Ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
What does the Lord require?
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Pure and Undefiled Religion
James 1:27 “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”
The Foundation of God’s Throne
Psalm 89:14-15 “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.”
God is Love
PPT “God is Love”
Advent – Week 4
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
December 20, 2020
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
A New Commandment
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- A new commandment – this is not a suggestion
- By this all will know you are My disciples
Love is a decision
Psalm 18:1 “I will love You, O LORD, my strength.”
- Have you made that decision?
- This love is from your inner most being
Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,
Searching all the inner depths of his heart.
Corporate Love
1 John 4:7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
- “Let us” indicates a corporate decision
- Everyone who loves is born of God
Fervently Love One Another
1 Peter 1:22-23 “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,”
- What purifies your soul?
- Fervent – G1618 – Intently, without ceasing
- “see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” (KJV)
The Perfect and Royal Law
James 1:25 “But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”
2:8 “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well;”
- The Perfect Law of Liberty – The person who is totally free is the person that loves.
- The Royal Law of the Scripture
Jesus was moved with compassion
Mark 1:40-42 “Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.”
- Compassion – G4697 – to have the bowels yearn, feel sympathy, to pity
John 7:38 “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
The Same Love
Philippians 2:1-4 “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
- Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit
- Look out for the interest of others
- What is motivating you?
The Love of God is Never Ending
Jeremiah 31:3 “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.”
The Source of All Joy
PPT The Source of All Joy
Advent Week Three
December 13, 2020
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
The Source of Joy
Luke 1:41-45 “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!’” (Emphasis added.)
Joy – G21 –to leap, especially for joy, be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly).
That Your Joy May Be Full
John 15:11-13 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”
- Biblical Joy is relational
You are My Friends
John 15:14-17 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
- “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and your fruit should remain.”
Face to Face
2 John 1:12 “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”
Churches that Heal Pt.5
PPT Churches that Heal Series Part 5
“Becoming an Adult”
Sunday, December 6, 2020
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
Spiritual Immaturity
Hebrews 5:12-14 “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Dr. Henry Cloud’s Recap: Three steps to becoming an adult:
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
- Learn from your failures.
- Give others the opportunities to prove their expertise.
- Stop Comparing Yourself
Paul’s Apostolic Mandate
2 Corinthians 10:12 “Of course, we wouldn’t dare to put ourselves in the same class or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. They compare themselves to one another and make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and then they judge themselves by their own standards. What self-delusion!”
Jeremiah 1:5 ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
- Learn from your failures
Failure – the fact of someone or something not succeeding – Cambridge Dictionary
Failure often involves sin. And sin must be confessed.
Confession of Sins
Proverbs 28:13 “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
- Give others the opportunities to prove their expertise.
Proverbs 22:29 “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before officials of low rank.” (NIV)
Train Up a Child
Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6 “Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way that they should go,
and the values they’ve learned from you will be with them for life.” (TPT)
Proper Correction
Proverbs 22:15 “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.”
Proverbs 23:13-14 “Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell.” (NKJV)
Proverbs 23:13-14 “Don’t be afraid to correct your young ones; a spanking won’t kill them.
A good spanking, in fact, might save them from something worse than death.” (MSG)
Proverbs 23:13-14 “Don’t withhold appropriate discipline from your child. Go ahead and punish him when he needs it. Don’t worry—it won’t kill him! A good spanking could be the very thing
that teaches him a lifelong lesson!” (TPT)
God Disciplines Those He Loves
Hebrews 12:5-6 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
“My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
Maturity
1 Cor 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke about childish matters, for I saw things like a child and reasoned like a child. But the day came when I matured, and I set aside my childish ways.”
Philippians 3:12-14 Pressing Toward the Goal
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:15-16 As Many As Are Mature
“Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Churches that Heal Pt.4
Processing Pain
Churches that Heal Series Part 4
Sunday, November 29, 2020
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJ
In this session Dr Cloud walks us through the unrealistic standards we put on ourselves and how we sort out the good and the bad through finding a place of acceptance, opening up, and using the standard as a guide.
Dr. Henry asks these questions
- Which of these do you consider yourself to be more of? An Idealist or a Realist
- Are you more likely to deny the existence of bad or to deny the existence of good?
Jesus said this in regard to reality…
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Tribulation – G2347 = pressure, afflicted or affliction, anguish, burdened, persecution, trouble.
How a person handles “tribulation” is taught or modeled in their family of origin.
- What did you learn about failure and forgiveness in your family of origin?
Everything is Affected by Missing the Mark
Romans 3:23 – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
Sin – from the root word G264 = to miss the mark, to err, to sin:-for your faults, offend, trespass.
Teaching on Forbearance
In my years of counseling and spiritually mentoring others I have found that this teaching has been neglected. It is the key to having healthy relationships and serves as a building block in our relationship structure. Dr. Janet Cook
Ephesians 4:1-3 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (KJV)
G430 – Forbearance means “to bear with” or “to endure” or “to put up with” or “to suffer”.
Forbearing with One Another
Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
- Dr Henry talked about the “judging gap”
God’s Forbearance
Romans 2:3-4 “And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
Transformed Relationships
Romans 12:9-10 “Let the inner movement of your heart always be to love one another, and never play the role of an actor wearing a mask. Despise evil and embrace everything that is good and virtuous. Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another.” (TPT)
- Henry asked, according to Romans 12:9 “How are we to process both the good and bad in the world?”
Freedom from Condemnation for Those Who Are in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1-2 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
- Condemnation – G2632 = to judge against, sentence, condemn, to damn.
Dr. Cloud gives three steps to process pain:
- Find a place of safety and acceptance.
- Begin to open up and look inside.
- Only then can the standard of the law become the guide.
Forgiveness is the Key to Freedom
Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
- Forgiving those who have trespassed into your life releases you from the control of your abuser.
Dr Henry “We are both good and bad. The people around us are good and bad. One of our tasks is to accept and love each other in spite of our failures and gently correct each other toward a goal of love. We do this through confession, repentance, and forgiveness.
Forbearing and Forgiving
Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”
Churches that heal Pt. 3
Boundaries Session 3
Churches that Heal Series
Sunday, November 22, 2020
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
Boundaries are property lines that define:
- What you own
- What you control
- What you are responsible for
- How you are free to use it
KJV Dictionary Definition: trespass
- Literally, to pass beyond; to pass over the boundary line of another’s land; to enter unlawfully upon the land of another.
- To commit any offense or to do any act that injures or annoys another; to violate any rule of rectitude to the injury of another.
- In a moral sense, to transgress voluntarily any divine law or command; to violate any known rule of duty.
- To intrude; to go too far; to put to inconvenience by demand or importunity; as, to trespass upon the time or patience of another.
TRES’PASSER, n. One who commits a trespass; one who enters upon another’s land or violates his rights. A transgressor of the moral law; an offender; a sinner.
We Were Dead in Transgressions
Ephesians 2:4-5 “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved.” (NIV)
The Biblical Way to Address Boundary Busters
Matthew 18:15-17 “Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector
- “What you are doing is affecting me and I want you to take responsibility for that.”
- Set a limit with the person.
- The limit should contain the problem and hold them responsible for dealing with it themselves.
Dr Henry Cloud: “In every situation in the Bible that shows someone dealing with conflict, they had to have the faith to push through it. You can keep doing what you’re doing expecting different results or experience temporary pain to get to where you want to be.”
- Grace = Be loving and patient and forgiving
- Truth = “speak the truth in love” – that is not okay – your behavior or decisions are affecting me.
Proverbs 19:19 “Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you’ll only make it worse.” (MSG)
“A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty; rescue them, and you will have to do it again.” (NIV)
Live Your Life on Purpose
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So, let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
- Purpose = Chose for yourself
- In your heart = thoughts or feelings (mind)
- Grudgingly or of necessity = without feeling resentful or pressured or obligated
2 Corinthians 9:9 “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”
- Dr Henry asked: What are you funding? Future pain or life
Dr. Henry Recap: Dealing with Demands on Time and Energy
- Saying no to dysfunction, non-performance, and divisiveness in your work.
- Saying no to overextending your role so that others can fulfill their roles.
- Saying no to overextending your time and energy and taking away from home and family.
Time to Sit at Jesus Feet
Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.””
- Set a limit on work and personal activities and set at Jesus feet.
- Your relationship time with God and others will live forever.
Examples of Setting Boundaries in the Bible
Choose Your Master
Luke 16:13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Give a Clear Answer
Matthew 5:37 “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
Prioritize Prayer Time
Matthew 6:6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
Honor God
John 5:44 “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?”
Keep Your Word
Matthew 21:28-31 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?”
They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them,
Churches that Heal Pt.2
Relational Connection
Part 2 – Churches That Heal
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
Last week we learned about 3 essential ingredients Grace, Truth and Time.
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
- Grace is God’s unmerited favor towards him people. Grace is something we have not earned and do not deserve.
- Truth describes how things really are. Jesus said his word is truth.
- Dr Henry Cloud says: Truth is the skeleton life hangs upon; it adds shape to everything in the universe. God’s truth leads us to what is real, to what is accurate. Just as our DNA contains the form that our physical life will take, God’s truth contains the form that our soul and spirit should take. Cloud, Henry. Changes That Heal: The Four Shifts That Make Everything Better…And That Everyone Can Do . Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
In the parable of the barren fig tree in Luke 13:6-9
“A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”
WHAT IS BONDING? Bonding is the ability to establish an emotional attachment to another person. It’s the ability to relate to another on the deepest level. When two people have a bond with each other, they share their deepest thoughts, dreams, and feelings with each other with no fear that they will be rejected by the other person. Cloud, Henry. Changes That Heal: The Four Shifts That Make Everything Better…And That Everyone Can Do . Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
According to Dr Cloud, our foundation as human beings should be bonding to others. Babies growing up without connection are malnourished physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The scripture emphasizes the importance of bonding:
Psalm 22:9 “But You are He who took Me out of the womb;
You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts.”
- An infant learns to trust
- Love bonds are developed
Loving God and Loving Others
Matthew 22:36-40
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
- Everything in the law hinges on loving God and loving others.
- To become mature and responsible requires us to bond with others.
Love bonds and Fear Bonds
“Based upon our experiences We will develop love bonds or we can develop fear bonds. The fear bonds and love bonds we experience during our formative years determine the way that we motivate ourselves.
When we use fear we threaten ourselves with what will happen if we do not get to work on time, do not lose weight. Do not save money, or if we get our spouse mad. We think about things that could go wrong. We worry and feel guilty. We run from shame and blame others. We become paralyzed. We operate way under our potential.
Love bonds on the other hand, motivate us to remain faithful under pressure, to help others to be all they were created to be, to be willing to endure pain in order to be close to those we love, and to tell the truth even when it hurts. We think about how God sees others. We are not controlled by fear because we know there is always something more important that demands our attention and devotion.” The Life Model, Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You; Shepherd’s House, Inc., Van Nuys, CA 91406, 1999, p. 16
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.”
Story from Changes That Heal, How to Understand Your Past to Ensure a Healthier Future; Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1990, p.46.
Who are you talking to? Are you willing to be vulnerable and share?
Open Up Your Heart
2 Corinthians 6:11-13
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children —open wide your hearts also.
Closing Prayer
Ephesians 3:16-19
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Grace Truth Time
Church that Heal Series – Session 1
Grace + Truth + Time
Sunday, November 8, 2020
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
The Heartbeat of River of Life is to provide a place of refuge for all people to meet with Jesus and receive healing for their body, soul and spirit as their hope is restored and their strength is renewed by sharing the Love of God through His Word.
Luke 13:6-9
He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”
(Play Dr Henry – Session 1)
Grace + Truth + Time
Dig around, Fertilize, and Give it Time
Luke 13:6-9 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”
Jesus Full of Grace and Truth
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
“Grace is something you can never get but only be given. There’s no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about any more than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks or bring about your own birth.” Frederick Buechner
“Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon.”
John Piper
G5485 charis (χάρις), “grace,” indicating favor on the part of the giver, “thanks” on the part of the receiver, is rendered “acceptable.”
By Grace You Are Saved Through Faith
Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
We Need Grace and We Need God’s Truth
John 17:15-17,19 “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (19) And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”
- Sanctify – to make holy,
- Vines Dictionary – Sanctify – G37 The separation of the believer from the world in his behavior— by the Father through the Word (John 17:17, 19).
- Sanctifying grace – The way we receive grace is through God’s truth, the Holy Scripture, the word of truth. The prayer of Jesus is for his disciples to be kept from evil and made holy.
- “Sanctified by the truth”
To Change Your Life – Abide in the Word
John 15:3-4 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
- We are saved by grace and sanctified by Truth – Which is God’s Word.
John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Grace + Truth + Time
We Grow Up
Ephesians 4:15-16 “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”
1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Transformation
Romans 12:1-3 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
What must I do to be saved?
“What must I do to be saved?”
PPT Water Baptism
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
Jesus Baptized
Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus Commanded
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
What shall we do?
Acts 2:36-37 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
Repent and be Baptized
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Received his word and were Baptized
Acts 2:40-42 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers
Gentiles Received the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-46 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.
Peter Commanded Them to be Baptized
Acts 10:47-48 Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.