Rivertown Church Podcast

Join us as Pastor Dennis Lacy explores 1 Corinthians 13. Here, we discuss the three Greek words used in the Bible for love: storge, philos, and agape. From there, Pastor Dennis goes into the characteristics of true agape love.

Join us as we learn about stepping out of our comfort zone in our relationship with Christ with guest speaker Andrew Chalmers!

Nothing Matters More Than Knowing God's Purpose For Your Life And Nothing Can Compensate For Not Knowing It.”  - Rick Warren. Elijah knew what his calling was, but yet he was depressed about it - Why?    Because...  The ultimate purpose in life is not what we do, but who we are doing it for.  Elijah wanted to bring glory to himself.  estminster Shorter Catechism:Q: What is the chief end of man? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.“Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory.”  Isaiah 43:7“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”  1 Corinthians 10:31To Glorify God means to Magnify Him like a telescope magnifies an object in space and brings it closer.The reason God looks small is because I'm so far away.  Magnifying God doesn't make Him bigger than He is.  Magnifying God REVEALS how much bigger He is. If I have a Big God then I have Small Problems.  But, if I have a Small God then I have Big Problems. When I magnify God I make Him bigger to the people around me.  When I magnify God I make Him bigger to myself. But, When I magnify God I make myself smaller... and I don't like that. Releasing Wrong Responsibility Reveals God's Glory. I Can't Glorify God And Try To Do His Job.  I Try To Do God's Job When I Take Over The Responsibility Of Someone Who Is Falling Down On Their Job.  When I Am doing Someone Else's Job Then I Am Living Their Life And Am Unable To Do My Job And Live My Life.  So, What IS Your Job?"GOOD TO GREAT"1. Economic2. Passion. 3. What can you do better than anyone else.  THREE CIRCLES OF GOD'S GLORY: 1. Stewardship 2. Passion3. Revelation.Elijah 8 Miracles    -    Elisha 16 Miracles     2 Kings- Hazael king over Aram; and Jehu king over IsraelWhat Wrong Responsibility Do I Have?  In What Way Am I Attempting To Do God's Job or Someone Else's Job?  

Elijah Got Back Up Through Releasing Responsibility To God. 1 Kings 19:9-18 (NASB77)    Then he came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10And he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine altars and killed Thy prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” 11So He said, “Go forth, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. 13And it came about when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14Then he said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, torn down Thine altars and killed Thy prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”     15And the LORD said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; 16and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place. 17“And it shall come about, the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall put to death. 18“Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

RUTH GOT BACK UP THROUGH LOYALTYRuth 1:14-18 (NASB77)And they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” 16But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17“Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” 18When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.Ruth 2:8-12 (NASB77)Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my maids. 9“Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.”10Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11And Boaz answered and said to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. 12“May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”Ruth 3:10, 11, 18 (NASB77)Then he said, “May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich. 11“And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. 18Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.”Ruth 4:9, 10, 13-17 (NASB77)Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. 10“Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased may not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place; you are witnesses today.” 13So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went in to her. And the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son. 14Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the LORD who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel. 15“May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”16Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her lap, and became his nurse. 17And the neighbor women gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi!” So they named him Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David.Loyalty Is The Refusal To Better My Situation By Leaving Behind The People Who Have Blessed Me.  Loyalty Is The Willingness To Be Changed By God Into The Person Who Can Change The Situation. 

If Jesus is in the boat, you are never going down.Mark 4:36-39,"Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!"

“FREE ...with a clear conscience.Romans 12:9, 14, 17, 18 (NASB)9Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. 17Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18If possible, so far as it depends on you,be at peace with all men.Romans 12:9-13 (NIV)9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.WHAT IS A CLEAR CONSCIENCE? A Clear Conscience is the ability to say:“There is no one that I have ever wronged, offended, or hurt in any way that I have not gone backand attempted to make right with God and with them.”THE EXCUSES: “The skin of a reason wrapped around a lie!”“It happened a long time ago.”“They have moved away.”“It’s such a small thing.”“Things have gotten better.”“It will cost me money.”“I’ll do it later.”“The other person wasmostly wrong.”“They’re not Christians.”“I was right and they were wrong.”“It happened before I was saved.”HOW DOES A UNCLEAR CONSCIENCE AFFECT ME?No Power In Witnessing. (I Peter 3:15-16)Active At Church, But Neglecting Other Spiritual Matters. (Matt. 7:21-23)Nervousness. (Proverbs 10:24)Always On The Defensive. (Proverbs 21:2)Anxiety, Tension, Guilt, And Frustration. (Matthew 18:34, 35)Inability To Make Wise Decisions In Light Of Our Ultimate Goal. (I Tim. 1:5)Fear. (Proverbs 28:1)Unable To Concentrate. (Psalms 38:14; James 1:9)Small Circle Of Friends. (Proverbs 18:4)Depression And Fatigue. (Proverbs 20:27, Psalms 32:1-4)Judgmental Attitude. (Romans 2:1-3; Matthew 7:1-5)Self-Condemnation. (Proverbs 8:36; Proverbs 11:9)No Joy. (II Corinthians 6:3-10)IV. THE BIBLICAL PATTERNMatthew 5 23“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.The scope of your confession should be as large but only as large as the transgression.Do NOT apologize or say “I’m sorry,” SAY, “Will you please forgive me?”Put the hardest person on your list FIRST.Keep Short Sin Accounts.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23-24 (MSG) “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. 25-26“Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won’t get out without a stiff fine.

God does not have a permissive will. grace is the provisional place we stand in.

Philippians 3:10-14 KJV200010That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if indeed I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.To be completely consumed… William BordenSix Words...No Reserves: “I Press On” ― Dioko No Retreats: “The Mark” ― Skopon No Regrets:  “The Prize Of The Upward Calling” ― Brabeon  /  Kleseos “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” ― Socrates“Get on fire for God and men will come and see you burn.” ― John Wesley“We need an outbreak of holy heartburn, when hearers shall be doers, when congregations shall go out from meetings to do things for God.” ― Vance HavnerGive me the love that leads the way, The faith that nothing can dismay, The hope no disappointments tire, The passion that will burn like fire.Let me not sink to be a clod; Make me thy fuel, Flame of God. ― Amy Carmichael

I Can Put Up With A Lot If I Have A Word From The Lord.Luke 1:26-56 (NASB)Logos: General Biblical Word Of GodRhema: The word the Holy Spirit quickens to a specific person for a specific situation.WHY YOU NEED A WORD FROM THE LORD:1. THE WORD OF THE LORD WILL STRENGTHEN YOU“But He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP2. THE WORD OF THE LORD COMES TO RELEASE PROMISE AND ENCOURAGEMENTPsalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.Psalm 21:2 – “You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips.3. THE WORD OF THE LORD COMES TO GIVE DIRECTION"Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 2 Chronicles 20:124. THE WORD OF THE LORD COMES TO DISCIPLINE OR REBUKE"and you have forgotten the divine word of encouragement which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not make light of the discipline of the Lord, And do not lose heart and give up when you are corrected by Him;  6For the Lord disciplines and corrects those whom He loves, And He punishes every son whom He receives and welcomes [to His heart].”  Hebrews 12:5-6 AMP5. THE WORD OF THE LORD HELPS BUILD YOUR FAITH“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:176. THE WORD OF THE LORD GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO SUCCEED"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8 7. THE WORD OF THE LORD KEEPS YOU FOCUSED AND FLOURISHING"The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]." Psalm 92:12 "For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that Day. " 1 Timothy 1:12"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." 2 Corinthians 1:20-21

5 Ways to Show God's Love:1.) Listening2.) Showing Generosity3.) Encouragement4.) Acts of Kindness5.) Praying

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Request.Casual Friends Are The Result Of Circumstances.    Close Friends Are The Result Of Choices.  The righteous choose their friends carefully.  Proverbs 12:26 (NIV) F.R.I.E.N.D.S.  1 Corinthians 13(F)ight for you. Does Not Delight In Evil. Rejoices In Truth. vs. 5, 6(R)espect you. Does Not Envy.  Does Not Boast.Is Not Proud.   Is Not Rude.   Is Not Selfish.Is Not Easily Angered. Keeps No Of Record Of Wrongs. vs. 4-5(I)nvolve you. "Learn the international language of a smile. If you don't know what to do or don't know what to say, the least you can do is smile.""Ask yourself seriously, 'Would You Want You As A Friend?'""Negative people have negative attitudes that repel people. Positive people have positive attitudes that attract people."(E)ncourage you. Love Is Patient.  Love Is Kind.  vs. 4(N)EED YOU. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:  ‘What? You too! I Thought I was the only one’” - C.S. Lewis(D)ESERVE YOU. Always Protects. Always Trusts. Always Hopes. Always Perseveres. vs. 7(S)AVE YOU.Love Never Fails.  vs. 8      “Expressionless love is not love”     (story guy falls in hole, Dr, Rabbi)Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  John 15:13REMEMBER THAT PEOPLE CAN CHANGE! - The Story Of The Formerly Demon-Possessed Friend: Luke 8:26-39 

Give Up!“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬God brought HIMSELF TO ME so He could bring ME TO HIMSELF. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:32‬ ‭NIV‬‬Jesus became LIKE ME so I could become LIKE HIM. “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:5-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬Jesus GAVE UP everything so I could GAIN everything. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬So what should be my response? - GIVE UP!“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.”‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Salvation is FREE but it will COST ME everything. “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.”‭‭Luke‬ ‭14:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬Giving up is not all about what I have to LOSE but is all about what I stand to GAIN. “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬Give up sadness to take up joy. Give up hopelessness to take up hope. Give up despair to take up praise. Give up heartache to take up comfort. Give up captivity to take up freedom. Give up your labels to take up your identity. Give up your dreams to take up your destiny. Give up our fears to take up faith. Give up your weaknesses to take up His strength. Give up your worries to take up His peace. Give up your problems to take up your purpose. Give up the lies to take up the Truth. Give up death to take up life.

LIES, LIES… All LIES!Famous Lies… Get Free This Morning…  Lies Are Like Chains…  (CHAINS)                       Satan is A Liar and the father of Lies!  John 8:44Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.  Romans 8:1-4Lie # 1 - A true Christ-Follower Would Have Never Done That.    Lie # 2 - A Holy God Will Never Forgive Sin Like Mine (Yours)Lie # 3 - Your Family and Friends will Never Love Or Respect You Again When They Find Out What You’ve Done.   Lie # 4 - Your Church Will Never Open Its Arms To You Again.  Lie # 5 - You’ll Never Be Eligible To Be Used By God Again.   “If any area of my life is not glistening with hope, then I am believing a lie. That area of my life has become a stronghold of the enemy.” Romans 15:13 ISVNow may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you believe, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Hope is the confident, joyful expectation that GOOD IS COMING.DO YOU BELIEVE IN HOPE?Is There CONSISTENT, TANGIBLE EVIDENCE in my WORDS, ACTIONS, and ATTITUDES that I TRULY BELIEVE... 1. There Is Always A Solution. Mat. 7:7-82. I Will Always Know What To Do. James. 1:5-8,123. I will Thrive No Matter What Happens. Phil. 4:11-134. I Will Always Have The Resources I Need To Do What Needs To Be Done. Phil.  4:195. My Mistakes Will Always Be Turned To Good. Rom. 8:28There are no hopeless circumstances, only hopeless people.Once someone gets true hope, their circumstances cannot stay the same.BELIEVE IN HOPE!  That It Matters.  Will Make A Difference.  Is The Right Direction. Every Road Without The Signpost Of Hope Leads To A Lie.

Five Ways God Speaks To Us"The hand of our God is on all those who seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all those who forsake him."Ezra 8:22“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.  1 Peter 5:6-71. The Bible.  Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 2. Impressions From God’s Holy Spirit. John 5:19 3. Circumstances:  Opened And Closed Doors.  Matthew 13:57, 584. Research And Reason.  John 9:3-4 5. Wise Counsel: Mature Christian Friends And My Spiritual Authorities.  Luke 7:8, 9---------------------------1. The Bible.“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12b"It is written..."  Matthew 4:4, 7, 10---------------------------2. Impressions From God’s Holy Spirit.“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." John 5:19 (NASB)“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me." John 5:30 (NASB)------------------------------------------------------3. Circumstances: Opened And Closed Doors.And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household." Matthew 13:57And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:58 (NASB)---------------------------------------------------------4. Research And Reason.Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work." John 9:3-4 (NASB)----------------------------------5. Wise Counsel: Mature Christian Friends And My Spiritual Authorities.For I also am a man placed under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it." Luke 7:8Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled at him, and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, "I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith." Luke 7:9 (NASB)

“Love Handles” Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.   Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2 I. Love them enough to bring up the problem personally and privately.“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confess it, you have won that person back.  Matthew 18:15 NLT II. Love them enough to get help.But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:16 NLTIII. Love them enough to broaden the circle of intervention.If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.  Matthew 18:17 NLTWhat is Gossip?Sharing information that causes pain is called Gossip.  Sharing information that heals pain is called Ministry.How do I know if it’s Gossip?You can know it’s gossip if you haven’t spoken to the person who caused the problem.You can know it’s gossip if the person you are talking to is not related to the problem.You can know it’s gossip if you can’t give names and only speak in vague generalities.You can know it’s gossip if you are making judgments about another person?Fact: If someone Gossips TO YOU, They will also Gossip ABOUT YOU.What do I do if someone gossips to me? Stop Them Abruptly – Confront Them Lovingly – Take Them To The Person.Why do people Gossip? Low Self Esteem – Pride – Fear.You will never be Free from Gossip until you are willing to risk losing a friend who gossips.IV. Love them enough to never give up on them.18“I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.  19 “I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.  20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:18-20 NLT

Luke 18:1-5, 2 Kings 18:45, 2 Corinthians 1:10  “The emerging picture from such studies is that 10,000 hours of practice is required to achieve a level of mastery associated with being a world class expert in anything”- Neurologist Daniel Levitin   Is Prayer Any Different?  The Bigger The Dream, The Harder You Will Have To Pray. LUKE 18:1-7 (NASB)Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect any person. Now there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect any person, yet because this widow is bothering me, I will give her justice; otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge said; now, will God not bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long for them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”Knocking Until Your Knuckles Are Raw. Crying Out Until Your Voice Is Lost.Pleading Until Your Tears Run Dry. Praying Hard Is Praying Through. IF YOU PRAY THROUGH, GOD WILL COME THROUGH.    Praying Hard Is Going Twelve Rounds With God. Praying Hard Is Blood, Sweat, And Tears. Praying Hard Is Praying Like It Depends On God and Working Like It Depends On You! Praying Hard Means You’re Humble And Willing To Change. There Comes A Moment When You Throw Caution To The Wind, Cancel All Your Other Plans, And Draw A Line In The Sand.  STOP, DROP, AND PRAY!   The Judge Knew That There Was No Quit In The Persistent Widow. Does THE JUDGE Know That About You? The Only Question Is… How Desperate Are You?Bold Prayers Are Uncivilized Prayers. 1. Mary crashed a party 2. Nicodemus Climbed A Tree 3. The Four Friends Raised The Roof And Lowered Their Friend To Jesus.God Is Still Honoring Uncivilized Desperadoes Who Crash Parties And Climb Trees! Be Hard Charging, Hard Praying, Uncivilized And Bold! The Story of Elijah The Circle Maker - 1 Kings 18:41-46 (Ref)Now Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of the roar of a heavy shower.” So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth and put his face between his knees. He said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go back” seven times. It came about at the seventh time, that he said, “Behold, a cloud as small as a man’s hand is coming up from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, so that the heavy shower does not stop you.’” In a little while the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy shower. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. Then the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he girded up his loins and outran Ahab to Jezreel.HOLD ON TO HIS PROMISE.Pray Circles Around Bible Promises - There Are Over 3,000!God Said It, I’ve Circled it, That Settles It.The Only Way You Can Fail Is If You Stop Praying.Our Lack Of Persistence Is Often Just A Lack Of Prayer Material.“Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses” Joshua 1:3

Six Things That Send Us To The CrossAnd He was saying to them all, " If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23 (NASB)I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (KJV)1. EXPECTATIONMatthew 26:33-34 Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." 34"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." (NIV) 2. TEMPTATIONLuke 22:40-42 When He arrived at the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray,42 "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." (NASB)3. IRRITATIONLuke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (NASB)4. HUMILIATIONMatt 27:28-30 They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 They spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. (NASB) 5. DEVASTATIONMatthew 27:46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" (NASB)6. TRANSFORMATIONLuke 23:46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last. (NASB)*If you decided to follow Christ while listening to this podcast, please visit www.rivertownchurch.com and fill out the "Contact Us" form to tell us about your decision!

SAMSON.  The Story Of Samson Judges 13-16 God's greatest work in your life is still ahead of you!  His next step for you is already beginning.  His solution is already in your hand.  Judges 15:2-5 (NLT) “I truly thought you must hate her,” her father explained, “so I gave her in marriage to your best man. But look, her younger sister is even more beautiful than she is. Marry her instead.”  3Samson said, “This time I cannot be blamed for everything I am going to do to you Philistines.” 4Then he went out and caught 300 foxes. He tied their tails together in pairs, and he fastened a torch to each pair of tails. 5Then he lit the torches and let the foxes run through the grain fields of the Philistines. He burned all their grain to the ground, including the sheaves and the uncut grain. He also destroyed their vineyards and olive groves.Judges 15:14-17 (NLT) As Samson arrived at Lehi, the Philistines came shouting in triumph. But the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson, and he snapped the ropes on his arms as if they were burnt strands of flax, and they fell from his wrists. 15Then he found the jawbone of a recently killed donkey. He picked it up and killed 1,000 Philistines with it. 16Then Samson said, "With the jawbone of a donkey, I've piled them in heaps!  With the jawbone of a donkey, I've killed a thousand men!"  17When he finished his boasting, he threw away the jawbone; and the place was named Jawbone Hill. Judges 16:28-30 (NLT) Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes.” 29Then Samson put his hands on the two center pillars that held up the temple. Pushing against them with both hands, 30he prayed, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And the temple crashed down on the Philistine rulers and all the people. So he killed more people when he died than he had during his entire lifetime.SAMSON PRINCIPLE:STOP WAITING FOR WHAT YOU WANT AND START WORKING WITH WHAT YOU HAVE!You're not waiting on God to act, He's waiting on you to start.Don't let what you can't do keep you from what you can do.  If you do what you can with what you have where you are, God will increase what you have and he won't leave you where you are!

“There is no neutral ground in the universe. Every square inch, every split second is claimed by God, and counterclaimed by Satan.” C.S. Lewis Book - Strategy of Satan by Warren WiersbeSatan is the deceiver who attacks your mind with lies.Satan is the accuser who attacks your heart with accusations.Satan is the destroyer who attacks your will with pride.“… He [the devil] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44HOW DID THE DEVIL LIE TO EVE?THE DECEIVER QUESTIONED GOD’S WORD.… He [the serpent] said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” Genesis 3:2When you start to question the goodness of God, it’s easier to disobey the will of God.THE DECEIVER TWISTED GOD’S WORD.“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5… the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword … Hebrews 4:12Turn rocks into bread—Written—Man shall not live  on bread alone.Throw yourself down—Written—Do not put Lord to test.Bow down worship—Away—Written—Worship Lord God. Matt 4GOD'S WORD IS OUR SWORD TO FIGHT WITH!Ps 119:11 (I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin.)Before the word comes from your mouth, It must be hidden in your heart.VERSES FOR.... When you are discouraged. Psalm. 42:11Why am I so downcast oh my soul—I put my hope in God. Ps. 42:11When your Family is under attack. Isaiah 54:17, Joshua 24:15No weapon formed against us will prosper. Isaiah 54:17As for me and my house. Joshua 24:15When you don’t know if I can make it another day. Galatians 6:9, Philippians 4:13Not grow weary in doing good, for in due time you will reap if you do not lose heart.  Galatians 6:9I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13When the diagnosis is not good. Matthew 19:26, Isaiah 53:5Believe with all my heart—all things are possible with God.  Matt 19:26By His stripes, we are Healed. Isaiah 53:5Not sure what to do. Proverbs 3:5-6Trust in the Lord with all my heart, Lean not on my own understanding.  Proverbs 3:5-6After what you did… Romans 8:1There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Romans 8:1Relationship in trouble. 1 Corinthians 13Love is patient… 1 Corinthians 13His [Jesus’] head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance. Revelations 1:14-16 NLT