THE GOSPEL OF RADIOHEAD

  This is some great insight (bellow) by a worship leader of a church pertaining to secular music. Give it a read and ask yourself about the music you listen to. It is important to know what kind of band you are supporting with your money and your mind. Really pay attention to the lyrics and see what they are all about.

Have it your way or Have it His Way

Isaiah 4:20-21 (NKJV)

"Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness. Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"


  Today, anyone almost at anytime, can pull up to a fast food joint and get whatever they want. They could either have chicken or beef, cheese no cheese, fries or fruit, super sized, regular size or a kids size. The options truly are endless, and when it comes down to it we can basically have it our way. We call the shots.

From the Heart of Spurgeon. A Daily Devotional.

"Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come. For Thy servants rake pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof."
Psalm 102:13, 14
A selfish man in trouble is exceedingly hard to comfort, because the springs of his comfort entirely within himself, and when he is sad all his springs are dry. But a large-hearted man full of Christian philanthropy, has other springs from which to supply himself with comfort beside those which lie within. He can go to his God first of all, and there find abundant help; and he can discover arguments for consolation in things relating to the world at large, to his country, and, above all, to the church. David in this Psalm was exceedingly sorrowful; he wrote, "I am like an owl of the desert, I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top." The only way in which he could comfort himself, was in the reflection that God would arise, and have mercy upon Zion: though he was sad, yet Zion should prosper; however low his own estate, yet Zion should arise. Christian man! learn to comfort thyself in God's gracious dealing towards the church. That which is so dear to thy Master, should it not be dear above all else to thee? What though thy way be dark, canst thou not gladden thine heart with the triumphs of His cross and the spread of His truth? Our own personal troubles are forgotten while we look, not only upon what God has done, and is doing for Zion, but on the glorious things He will yet do for His church. Try this receipt, O believer, whenever thou art sad of heart and in heaviness of spirit: forget thyself and thy little concerns, and seek the welfare and prosperity of Zion. When thou bendest thy knee in prayer to God, limit not thy petition to the narrow circle of thine own life, tried though it be, but send out thy longing prayers for the church's prosperity, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem," and thine own soul shall be refreshed.


Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Grace and Works

There Is No Argument Here

   Some people stumble at the book of James because they were falsely taught that James was teaching salvation by works, unlike Paul who taught salvation, by grace, through faith.   

   The issue in James Chapter 2 verses 14-26 is the heart of a man, how can someone have a God filled heart and turn away from a brother in need, I.E. true sign of conversion is that a man being full of God is always available to help his brother or sister in need, not because it puts him or her in better favor in Gods economy. Out of an abundance of love towards God good works will follow. Someone could work forever with the thought it would make God love them more or the reverse saying the opposite but the proof of salvation and a God centered life is enjoying and delighting in God and “loving thy neighbor as thy self.” The rest will fall in line. 

   Paul taught the vehicle in which we are saved and James is providing the evidence of a true believer. James and Paul are both in unison with the Holy Spirit, falling in line with what Christ said in Mathew Chapter 7 verse 15-23, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?  And in thy name have cast out devils?  And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” So there is no argument here. Let us always be a tree that brings forth good fruit in season and out and always working out our salvation with fear and trembling giving glory to God.  towards God, good works follow. Someone could work forever with the thought it would make God love them better or the reverse saying the opposite but the proof of salvation and a God centered life is enjoying and delighting in God and "Loving thy neighbor as thy self" the rest will fall in line.

By: Anonymous 


Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
C.Sortini

From the Heart of Spurgeon. A Devotional.

"When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me."
                                                               Psalm 56:9
   
     It is impossible for any human speech to express the full meaning of this delightful phrase, "God is for me." He was "for us" before the worlds were made; He was "for us," or He would not have given His well-beloved son; He was "for us" when He smote the Only-begotten, and laid the full weight of His wrath upon Him--He was "for us," though He was against Him; He was "for us," when we were ruined in the fall--He loved us notwithstanding all; He was "for us," when we were rebels against Him, and with a high hand were bidding Him defiance; He was "for us," or He would not have brought us humbly to seek His face. He has been "for us" in many struggles; we have been summoned to encounter hosts of dangers; we have been assailed by temptations from without and within--how could we have remained unharmed to this hour if He had not been "for us"? He is "for us," with all the infinity of His being; with all the omnipotence of His love; with all the infallibility of His wisdom; arrayed in all His divine attributes, He is "for us,"--eternally and immutably "for us"; "for us" when yon blue skies shall be rolled up like a worn out vesture; "for us" throughout eternity. And because He is "for us," the voice of prayer will always ensure His help. "When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies be turned back." This is no uncertain hope, but a well grounded assurance--"this I know." I will direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up for the answer, assured that it will come, and that mine enemies shall be defeated, "for God is for me." O believer, how happy art thou with the King of kings on thy side! How safe with such a Protector! How sure thy cause pleaded by such an Advocate! If God be for thee, who can be against thee?


By: C.H. Spurgeon

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

C.Sortini

Twilight

 Everyone is crazy about the new Twilight. I think if we took a poll of the youth group almost 100% probably went to go see the movie and I bet if we asked some of their parents they would confirm they went to. Who could blame them it is such an epic love story, with giant man puppies and sweet cuddly vampires.

  Although the movie does have such an epic love story and super fictional beings, it does address some real, everyday, life issues as well. Over the next few days I want to ask you what you think about a couple real life issues in the movie, and how the characters handled it.

So keep an eye out and Comment Back on the Facebook page!

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Youth Pastor, Chris Sortini

Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3:7-8 (ESV)
" Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

One thing that is easy in this life, is to not trust anybody and to only trust yourself. Although sometimes you might be justified to not trust a particular person because of some past event, have you ever asked yourself why you so confidently trust your own self?

In Proverbs, King Solomon by way of the Holy Spirit warns us that we should not be wise in our own eyes and instead fear the Lord. You see we tend to, when faced with opportunity or trial, lean on our own understanding and comprehension of the situation. We ask ourselves what would be the best decision to make. Now I understand how easy it is to do this. I mean if anybody is going to make a decision for me, that would be best for me and my life, it would be me! But is this right? It is true that God gave us a mind of our own and the ability to think on our own but was it to be self reliant and independent. I think if we were honest with ourselves we would say that most of the decisions we made on our own did not really work out in the greatest way possible. God wants us, like it says in Proverbs, to not be wise in our own eyes or self but Fear the Lord. To unpack that verse, God is saying we should be knowledgeable of who we serve and worship or who He is and who we are. He is the almighty Counselor and creator of the universe. He holds our lives in His hand. Knowing who He is should in return create a "Fear" or awe in your soul (that is if you truly believe it in your heart). That awe is what Proverbs says is the beginning of all wisdom. Knowing who He is and who we are don't you think it is much wiser to lean on his understanding, his aid and support ?
The world teaches that we should all be self confident in the decisions we make and who we are and that self confidence is king. But when we see the fruits of this model of life all we see is, people in debt a country in debt, fatherless/motherless children and leaderless families. If we want to continue to have these results in our lives than all you have to do is continue in the direction of the world. If you are one who fills called to a higher standard then do what God says. "Be not wise in your eyes" trust in God, being entirely confident in who He is and not who you are. As Proverbs goes on to say this will remove you far from death and evil and will "bring refreshment to your bones." If you like Jesus trust in the Father instead of your self you will be truly refreshed at rest and renewed. This is the beginning of Knowledge and the end of sin. Get your eyes removed from the idol of self and towards the Heavens.

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Pastor Chris
Youth Pastor of RiverWalk Fellowship

R Thing

Hey guys,

Don’t forget June 25^th we have our “R thing” event.  For those of you who did not know “R thing” is a special service that we have been doing routinely once a month. This special service is held in the main sanctuary. This service is simply from an overflow of the youth’s heart and a cry for more of God.  It is a service geared towards the youth and for the youth of R3. We will be approaching relevant challenges to the young people of this generation through the lenses of scripture.  This service is simply from an overflow of the youth’s heart and a cry for more of God.  

So do not forget, it is June 25^th at 7:00 PM, everyone is invited, young and old. Please make it out and bring a friend.  Continue to keep the youth of  RiverWalk Fellowship in your prayers. We wish that God would use us in a mighty way.  

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Film and Theology

Recently I have been following this ministry called "Cinemagogue". Cinemagogue is a Biblical critique or review of cinematic movies through the lenses of biblical theology. I definitely think it is worth sharing. Bellow is one of his most recent critiques on Iron Man 2 check it out.

 


If you would like to see anymore of movie reviews you can check it out at http://cinemagogue.com/


 Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.

Morning Devotional

We have been discussing off and on for several months good ways to start our day as Christians. So I thought that I may share with you a morning devotional that I will be be doing. I pray it is a great aid in giving your day a foundation to serve Christ.

                                     Daily Devotional, A calling to be in submission to His will

Father I pray that:

• My will be in submission to your will.
• My body be brought into subjection to Your will so that I may stand daily and not be overtaken by sin.(a)
• That I may not run in uncertainty but in confidence in your Son and in compliance with your will.(b)
• Father teach me to do this by living an exemplary life according to the 6 principles found in 1Tim.(c)
• Father teach me to do this by focusing on the 16 qualifications of a Leader found in 1 Tim. 3:1-7.(d)
• Father God cause me to take heed to these principles and doctrines, giving myself over to them entirely.(d)

Father this I pray, that my life brings glory to the name of Jesus, so that I am not disqualified but rather qualified to be a leader and child of God.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV)
(a)V.12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.V.13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NKJV)
(b)V.26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. V.27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1 Timothy 4:12-16 (NKJV)
(c)V.12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. V.13 Till I come; give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. V.14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. V. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. V. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Lead by example in:
1. Word
2. Conduct
3. Love
4. Spirit
5. In Faith
6. In Purity

16 Qualifications for a Leader to have.

(d) 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (NKJV)
1. Be Blameless
2. Be Temperate
3. Be Sober-minded
4. Be Hospitable
5. Be Gentle
6. Be of Good Behavior
7. Not given to wine
8. Not violent
9. Not greedy for money
10. Not Quarrelsome
11. Not covetous
12. Not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride
13. Able to teach
14. One who rules his house well
15. The husband of one wife
16. Have a good Testimony

Our Father who is in heaven holy is your name. I pray Lord Your will be done in this world and in my life. I pray Father that I am not filled with pride but I realize every breath taken is a gift from You. I thank You Father that You have not left me to face these trials and temptations on my own but that You have provided the strength to bare them and the escape from them. Lord forgive me of my sins and wash me clean of my inequities. Bring my stubborn heart into submission and into the subjection of Your will, so I am not disqualified from Your reward and inheritance. Finally God I pray You cause in me fruits of a leader as mentioned in Your holy word. In Your sons precious name I pray. Amen

Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.