The First

Disciples – Part 3 —  The believers of

the early New Testament Church were devoted to teaching, fellowship, and

prayer. They understood their identity as Children of God and lived as new

creatures with new lives and power. If we want to experience true spiritual

growth and freedom, we need to understand what it means to be a disciple and

how the Holy Spirit leads the discipleship process. The Church must be reminded

of its identity in Christ and it’s necessary response to that identity. We have

drifted far from these things in the modern church, but it is never too late to

find God’s heart to lead us back to His best.

Bloom: Teen Challenge introduced themselves to River of Life and shared testimonies and stories of freedom as the shared how Jesus is touching the lives of young girls in need of knowing who He created them to be.

The First

Disciples  —  The believers of the early New Testament

Church were devoted to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. They had a sense of

overwhelming awe at miracles, signs, and wonders. They were generous and loved

by the community, and many came to Christ as a result. If we want to experience

true spiritual growth and freedom, we need to understand what it means to be a

disciple and how the Holy Spirit leads the discipleship process. The Church

must be reminded of its identity in Christ and its necessary response to that

identity. We have drifted far from these things in the modern church, but it is

never too late to find God’s heart to lead us back to His best.

Wrapped Up  —  Featuring Christmas dramatic presentation “Wrapped Up”. Jesus is the gift to the world, and the world doesn’t recognize what is truly available in Him. He is so good to us. He is a guide, a healer, and a counselor. There is no limit to the wholeness He brings. He puts us together, giving us everything we need to live freely and please Him.

God’s plans are intended to be fulfilled at the proper time.  Sometimes we question His plans because they seem strange or “out of the box.”  God is ok with us questioning or asking for confirmation, but remember that He is teaching us the blessing of dependence and intimacy with Him.  When we are close to God, we can hear more clearly.

God’s Heart and God’s Words. Our Heart and Our Words.  —  The Lord can seem like a contrarian at times, but His creativity establishes the blessing of dependence on Him and intimacy with Him. As we understand His heart, we learn to accept His love and to be empowered. Such empowerment is given to us by God for the ultimate purpose of drawing people closer in relationship to Himself and to others. There are many opportunities to speak against God’s purposes because they do not make sense or seem possible; but we must learn to surrender our negativity so we do not miss out on the breakthrough He is creating.

Content and

Generous – As citizens of heaven, we are to desire the things of heaven to be

brought to the earth. This mentality should affect our conduct, thoughts,

prayers, priorities, and decisions. Seasons of need are an invitation to come

and experience the inner contentment of Jesus through intimacy with Him. During

these seasons of need, we have a clear opportunity to pursue cravings and

comfort in the things of the flesh or in the Holy Spirit. Even when we feel

uncomfortable, trapped, frustrated, and anxious, we can find the means to be be

secure and content, as Christ is the source of our strength desires to make us

content. Even in need we can be generous. God is pleased and stirred when His

children see the heavenly economy as their reality, not simply the earthly

economy as their limit

Citizens of Heaven – Part 3  –  This section is Paul’s final thoughts for helping the Philippian Church focus on the most important areas of their faith. I can think of many other important concepts that Paul could have chosen to mention. However, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to leave the Church with the following list, which captures the heart of everyday life and service to God and others. So much victory happens when we give attention to these priorities:

Work through disagreements quickly: Paul calls

out two ministers in the Church who were living in a long-term disagreement or standoff.

He tells them to settle it.Make joy a priorityBe so unselfish that others recognize  itPray about everythingFix your thoughts on His thingsLearn to be contentStand out in your generosity

Citizens of Heaven – Part II  –  This

section is Paul’s final thoughts for helping the Philippian Church focus on the

most important areas of their faith. I can think of many other important

concepts that Paul could have chosen to mention. However, he was inspired by

the Holy Spirit to leave the Church with the following list, which captures the

heart of everyday life and service to God and others. So much victory happens

when we give attention to these priorities:

Work through disagreements quickly: Paul calls

out two ministers in the Church who were living in a long-term disagreement or standoff.

He tells them to settle it.Make joy a priorityBe so unselfish that others recognize  itPray about everythingFix your thoughts on His thingsLearn to be contentStand out in your generosity

Celia Santos visits River of Life to provide an update of what God is doing in Malawi and Mozambique.