Fall in Love with the Word Part 3
Fall in Love with the Word of God Part 3
PPT “Fight the Good Fight!”
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
Be Watchful in All Things
2 Timothy 4:5
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
- Be Watchful
- Endure Afflictions
- Do the Work of an Evangelist
- Fulfill Your Ministry
Paul’s Farewell to Timothy
2 Timothy 4:6
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.”
- Paul’s life was poured out like a drink offering to God.
- Departure – analusis – G359 – an unloosing
- Laying down the burden in order to rest
2 Timothy 4:7
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
- Fight – agnon – Paul had done his best
- Finished the race – Paul completed his course
- Kept the faith – Paul never lost confidence or hope in the Lord.
2 Timothy 4:8
“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
- Paul would receive his reward from the righteous Judge.
- To Timothy and all loyal believers, whatever discouragement or persecution we may face we know that our reward is with Christ in eternity.
God is a Shelter and a Strong Tower
Psalm 61:2-4
“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.”
I hear the Lord say that He is our true shelter and He is our safe place. Shelter in Him!
“Shelter-in-place” means to take immediate shelter where you are—at home, work, school, or in between. It may also mean “seal the room;” (CDC)
Shelter in Place
I hear the Spirit of the Lord say to the church you are my beloved. I am with you always. Draw close to me and I will keep you from the snare of the enemy.
(Over the last few months, I have heard the phrase “shelter in place” several times on the news.)
I hear the Lord say to the church that we are sheltered safely in him when we abide in His Word.
How to Shelter in Place
Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
How to Shelter in Place
The Hebrew word “Shelter” means “A place to hide from you enemies”
The Hebrew word “Refuge” means, “A place to run to for safety.”
The Hebrew word “Fortress” means “The one who keeps me”
The Lord is my Protector
Psalm 91:1
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
- Dwells = H3427 – To sit down, to remain, to inhabit
- Rest = H3885 – to stop, to stay permanently, to remain, to dwell, to abide
- The Psalmist found in God a hiding place…a safe place… a resting place…from the trials…troubles…temptations… & terror of this world.
John 15:1-4
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 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.”
John 15:5-6
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”
John 15:7-8
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Fall in Love with the Word of God Part 2 – Preach the Word
Fall in Love with the Word of God Part 2
“Preach the Word!”
Sunday, October 18, 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 Word of God
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
A Solemn Charge
2 Timothy 4:1-2
“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season.
Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
- One day you will stand before the living God to give an account of your life.
- Take your life seriously, take the Word of God seriously.
- Be ready at all times
- Convince, Rebuke, Exhort – with the Word of God
- Be Patient and Teach
From the Truth to Fables
2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables.”
- They will find teachers who will tell them what they want to hear, not what they need to hear.
- They will turn away from God’s truth to embrace what feels good.
Be Watchful in All Things
2 Timothy 4:5
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
- Be Watchful
- Endure Afflictions
- Do the Work of an Evangelist
- Fulfill Your Ministry
Shelter in Place
I hear the Spirit of the Lord say to the church you are my beloved. I am with you always. Draw close to me and I will keep you from the snare of the enemy.
(Over the last few months, I have heard the phrase “shelter in place” several times on the news.)
I hear the Lord say to the church that we are sheltered safely in him.
Psalm 61:2-4
“From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.”
I hear the Lord say that He is our true shelter and He is our safe place. Shelter in Him!
“Shelter-in-place” means to take immediate shelter where you are—at home, work, school, or in between. It may also mean “seal the room;” (CDC)
How to Shelter in Place
Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
How to Shelter in Place
The Hebrew word “Shelter” means “A place to hide from you enemies”
The Hebrew word “Refuge” means, “A place to run to for safety.”
The Hebrew word “Fortress” means “The one who keeps me”
The Lord is my Protector
Psalm 91:1
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
- Dwells = H3427 – To sit down, to remain, to inhabit
- Rest = H3885 – to stop, to stay permanently, to remain, to dwell, to abide
- The Psalmist found in God a hiding place…a safe place… a resting place…from the trials…troubles…temptations… & terror of this world.
John 15:7
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”
Fall in Love with the Word of God
PPT “Fall in Love with the Word of God”
Sunday, October 11, 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
Psalm 119:97
“Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Psalm 119:114
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word.”
You Must Continue…
2 Timothy 3:14-17
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)
2 Timothy 3:14-17
- But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,
- knowing from whom you learned it and how
- from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- All Scripture is breathed out by God and
- profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
- that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)
2 Timothy 3:14-17
- But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed,
- CONTINUE!! Timothy
- Timothy learned and believed the sacred writings.
- 2. knowing from whom you learned it and how
- 2 Timothy 1:5 “when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”
- First reason to Continue: You know the character of those who taught you. Don’t abandon the truth someone has shown you that is faithful, has integrity and loves you. Be slow to walk away from what you have learned.
- from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
- Second reason to continue: The scripture gave Timothy wisdom that led him to faith in Christ Jesus and he found salvation.
- All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable
- Third Reason to continue: The scripture has an amazing affect. It is inspired by God and it is profitable for Teaching
- 5. for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that
Teaching the word of God does these three things:
- Reproof – We need to know when we are headed in the wrong direction.
- Correction – We need to be corrected and turned around so we can be equipped for every good work.
- Training – We need to be pointed in the right direction and trained in the ways of righteousness
- the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)
The word of God completely equips us to for every good work. The works of Faith
Another Way to Look at this passage.
- Continue in the Scriptures it has amazing affect and power
- Salvation – Eph 2:8 “have been saved”; 1 Cor. 1:18 “are being saved”; Romans 10:9 “you will be saved”
- Good Works flows from faith that gives us salvation
- Faith in Christ equips us for every good work
- Teaching that produces
- Inspired Bible
This is why we need to fall in love with the word.
Once For All
“Once For All”
Sunday, September 27, 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 Atonement
Old Testament- Day of Atonement provided only a covering of sin
Hebrews 10:3-4 “But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.”
The Bible gives the diagnosis of what is wrong with the human problem: It is sin
The Bible gives the cure (remedy): Which is Atonement
New Testament – Central issue is taking away sin
- Jesus Offered Himself Once for All
Hebrews 7:27 “Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.” (NIV)
Atonement is about what God did.
He built a bridge by the Shed Blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
Lev 17:11 “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”
Hebrews 9:22 “And according to the law almost all things are [purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”
Atonement brings the One True Living God and fallen man together.
“At-One-Ment”.
At-One-Ment is the reconnecting and strengthening of our relationship with the Almighty, and therefore the reconciliation of the Almighty with us.
Yom Kippur begins this evening through Monday evening
Yom Kippur was the Old Testament Hebrews opportunity to reunite with the Almighty God.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is our opportunity to unite with God.
Yom Kippur can be summarized into one word, Repentance (Teshuva) meaning “To Return”.
“To Return” to “At-One-Ment” with God.
Atonement under the New Covenant comes, if you will: repentance.
Acts 17:29-30 “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:”
On Yom Kippur the Hebrews read the Book of Jonah.
The lesson is that God accepts repentance, just as He did with the people of Ninveh.
Jonah 3:5 “…the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.”
- Putting away sin
Hebrews 9:28 “Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many…”
Jesus offered Himself through the eternal Spirit to God the Father
Hebrews 9:13-14 “For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Hebrews 9:28 “So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”
- Preach Christ crucified
1 Corinthians 1:22-25 “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
- The weakness of God is stronger than men
- The foolishness of God is wiser than men
One complete, all-sufficient sacrifice
Hebrews 10:14 “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Perfect, complete, forever”
- Appropriation is progressive (continuing present tense)
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Stronger Together
“Stronger Together”
Back to Church Sunday
Senior Pastor, Dr. Janet Cook
September 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
We Are Stronger Together
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
- Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider Him as present in our midst.
The Power of the Other
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
- “A rope that is woven of three strings is not quickly broken.”
- Stronger in Christ
The Apostle Paul was thanking the people who had helped him in his need.
Philippians 4:11b-14 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” NIV
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV).
Jesus is Our Source of Life and Strength
John 15:5-8 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[b] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
- The vine is the life source of the branches and the fruit.
- This is the strength we draw upon to live this life and face its challenges and transcend our human frailty to be the people God is calling us to be.
- Stronger in Weakness
2 Corinthians 12:9-11 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
- Jesus says, “I’ve got this. Abide in me. Live in me. You’re weak, and it’s OK because I’m strong. Your weakness gives more room for my strength to shine.”
- Stronger Together
When we are together Christ magnifies His strength exponentially as we live out His love as the body of Christ.
Romans 12:4-6 says it like this: “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;”
- Each of us is a single part, woven together like the rope into a much stronger unit to support each other and function as the hands and feet of Christ on earth.
- Let’s continue pursuing togetherness in God’s love.
- Let’s lean in together to deeper relationships and support each other.
Stronger in Christ – Stronger in Weakness – Stronger Together
A Samaritan Woman
Fishers of Men Pt. 3
“A Samaritan Woman”
Sunday, September 13, 2020
Pastor Cheryl McIntosh
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
“Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples then John (thought Jesus Himself did not baptize but his disciples), He left Judea and departed again to Galilee. But he needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”
A Cup of Living Water
John 4:14
“But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
A Whitened Harvest
John 4:34-35
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!
John 4:42
Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”
Demonstrating God’s Heart
Fishers of Men Pt. 2
“Demonstrating God’s Heart”
Sunday, September 6, 2020
Elder Sylvia Garza
©2020 Praysers Ministries, Inc. d.b.a. River of Life Community Church
Note: Unless otherwise indicated all scriptures are taken from the NKJV
Matthew 9:36
“When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.”
Matthew 15:32
“Jesus called his disciples to Him, and said, I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with me now three days and have nothing to eat, and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.”
Mark 5:25-34
“Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and, was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said, if only I may touch his clothes, I shall be made well. Immediately the fountain of her blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that power had gone out of him, turned around in the crowd and said, WHO TOUCHED MY Clothes? But His disciples said to Him, You see the multitude thronging you, and you say, WHO TOUCHED ME? And He looked around to see her who done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before him and told him the whole truth, He said to her, daughter your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction”
And HE (JESUS) said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creation.
Fishers of Men
“Fishers of Men”
Sunday, August 30, 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
Matthew 4:17-20 “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him.”
- The Invitation
John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
- The Assignment
Acts 1:8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
- The Commitment
Luke 9:23-24 “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.”
God’s Lovingkindness
(Derek Prince)God’s Lovingkindness
Sunday, August 23, 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
Psalm 143:8
“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.”
- The ancient Hebrew word here translated lovingkindness is hesed – mercy, kindness, and love.
- This is a good prayer to pray.
Jesus said, “You shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16).
Nine forms of Spiritual Fruit
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Love—the primary form of fruit
Joy is love rejoicing.
Peace is love resting.
Longsuffering is love forbearing.
Kindness is love serving others.
Goodness is love seeking the best for others.
Faithfulness is love keeping its promises.
Gentleness is love ministering to the hurts of others.
Self-control is love in control. (Derek Prince)
Luke 6:27-31
But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Gal 6:7-10
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Helping the poor
Proverbs 19:17
“He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what he has given.”
Ephesians 4:30-32
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Titus 3:3-7
“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (ESV)
The work of the Spirit is to make us more like Christ for His glory, not for the praise of men.
It’s Your Choice!
PPT – IT’S YOUR CHOICE!
Sunday, August 16, 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
Life is Full of Choices
It’s Your Choice!
Life and Good or Death and Evil
Deuteronomy 30:15-16
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.”
Life and Death or Blessing and Cursing
Deuteronomy 30:19
“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;”
Choose for Yourself Whom You Will Serve
Joshua 24:14-15
“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- Fear the Lord and Serve Him Faithfully
- Challenged to Make a Choice
- Everyone has to make the choice of whom they will serve.
1 Kings 18:21
“And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”
You Cannot Serve Two Masters
Matthew 6:24
“No one 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.”
(MSG) “You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both.”
What are you worried about?
Matthew 6:31-34
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
So the question is what will you choose?
- Are you going to choose the gods of materialism?
- Are you going to choose to serve yourself?
Choose God Every Day!
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
Acts 2:38-39
“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
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.”
Nothing Can Separate You From God’s Love
Romans 8:37-39
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.