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 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 ...

LIVE IN JESUS FULLY - James 4:11-12 One of the characteristics of a mature follower of Jesus is that he/she is regularly praying for others. Caring for, and looking out for others, loving them as we love ourselves is the second of the "greatest commandments" mentioned by Jesus. And, as we pray, we want our prayers to be a blessing and to make a difference! Praying for others, however, may not be effective in many cases. What do I mean by that? The Bible is clear that our attitudes and awareness has much to do with our productive prayer life. In other words, how am I viewing the one for whom I am praying? Have I turned to judgment? Am I judging where only God truly has the right to decide? On Sunday, Pastor Tim Martin turned our attention to James 4:11-12: 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...