River Oaks Church: Live - Connect - Engage

To truly CONNECT, a disciple of Jesus must live out an authenticity that is counter-cultural. The connection that we refer to includes an openness to the input of others and their discernment, an authenticity based on our willingness to be our “true self” in the relationship and finally a genuine love for one each other that comes from a deep awareness of how loved we are by God himsel f.  We were made for connection! God created us in His image. An image that includes a constant connection (Father, Son, Spirit). Search the web for "more connected than ever" and you will find pages and pages of articles explaining how our "connectedness" of today is actually leading to more loneliness than ever. After looking at Jesus' words about Pharisees and whitewashed tombs on Sunday, I discussed the need for each of us to: Spend time on the inside. Tone down the "outside". It seems to me that one of the great lacks of the church today is...

Discovering and engaging in the God-given purposes for your life. This includes understanding gifts, understanding passions, recognizing needs, and engaging in ministry purposefully based on these foundations.  So, how does James 4:11-12 inform us as it relates to engaging the world? As followers of Jesus, we have a clear mandate - Love God, Love Others! Let's read James 4:11-12 again. 11 Do not criticize one another, my brothers and sisters. If you criticize fellow-Christians or judge them, you criticize the Law and judge it. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. 12God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?  Carey Nieuwhof recently posted the following recently: And that about sums it up. Let's take a close look at our own attitudes and ask God to show us where we need His grace to love more freely and extend grace more fully. His lo...

To truly CONNECT, a disciple of Jesus must live out an authenticity that is counter-cultural. The connection that we refer to includes an openness to the input of others and their discernment, an authenticity based on our willingness to be our “true self” in the relationship and finally a genuine love for one each other that comes from a deep awareness of how loved we are by God himself.  Reflecting on Sunday's Message: Referring back to the main text (James 4:11-12) from Pastor Tim Martin's message this weekend, we find keys which are helpful to become "Authentic Connectors": 11 Do not criticize one another, my brothers and sisters. If you criticize fellow-Christians or judge them, you criticize the Law and judge it. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. 12God is the only lawgiver and judge. He alone can save and destroy. Who do you think you are, to judge someone else?  Last evening I had a great ...

What's Happening at the River? Race Reports: Sunday and Wednesday This coming Sunday morning, Elyssa Ranck and Jessica Torres will share a brief report on their recent adventures with the World Race. Everyone is welcome to join them again on Wednesday evening for a more in-depth report from each. We will meet at River Oaks at 7:00 PM and refreshments will be provided. Let's Have a Picnic! September 30 Woohoo! Get ready for a picnic on September 30 from 5-9 pm.  We will be meeting at Shelter #3 in Oakdale Park in Bridgewater. More details coming next weekend. Men's Campout: October 26-28 All men over age 13 are welcome. If interested, sign-up this morning! There are cabin bunks available as well as tent sites. Expenses will be shared equally. In the spirit of the upcoming "Explore God" series, consider inviting a non-church friend to join us. Contact Norm Mailhot with questions. Summer Shifts and Fall Arrival Early this su...