River of Life Church Long Prairie (Audio)

Last week we kicked off our series, "This is Us." This series talks about what we feel like this community, this church is all about. How do we want our church described? This week we take a look at the statement, "Our community contagiously pursues Jesus with everything we have." What does that mean and what does that look like? Is the way we live our lives so different, that the people around us take notice and want the same?

Kicking off a new series, "This is Us." We want to talk about what we feel like this community, this church is all about. How do we want our church described? Over the next few weeks we will go over statements of what we want our church to look like and what it takes to be a part of it. This week we talk about how we authentically share our lives with one another.

We conclude the book of Ephesians, looking at what is a well known passage, the armor of God. A lot of us grew up with the thought of going into battle for God. But how does this go with the theme that Paul has had throughout the letter? What did Paul mean when he said to put on the armor of God?

Continuing our study in Ephesians, we look at 3 chapters of Paul's letter. After the first half of Ephesians lays down the foundational of beliefs, the second half is how we are to practically live it out. We see that it's much more than rules to follow. It's how we treat those around us and if we are living in a way understanding that every moment is significant.

We continue in Paul's letter of Ephesians. The first 3 chapters Paul was laying down the foundation of God's rescue plan, to bring creation back into relationship with him through Jesus. A plan that brings all people, and nations together, but with diversity comes difficulty. Paul in chapter 4 begins by giving some instructions on how to do that, and what it should look like. A challenge not only to the first readers of the letter, but a challenge for all of us who call ourselves a follower of Jesus.

This week we take a look at Ephesians 3. Pastor Josiah walks us through the entire chapter. Helping us to understand how this letter was received by both Jew's and Gentiles and how we can relate, and how our vision on who can be a part of God's family needs to change.

This week as we look at Ephesians 2, Pastor Josiah walks us through ten verses and practically shows us how we can engage and understand scripture better. What are the themes and what is Paul trying to help us understand and how does that change how we live?

This week we have the opportunity to hear from Pastor Tyler Kinser. Pastor Tyler is the location pastor for our next ROL location in St. Joseph. He will share his vision for the upcoming location and the steps that are needed to launch. He also shares with us a powerful message entitled, "Steps & Stories." We all have had times in our lives where we have gotten frustrated with God for not doing what we think He should do. Pastor Tyler walks us through a couple of biblical stories found in Joshua, and shares how our lives are like stories. Filled with tension, conflict and unknowns. God is the author of our story, He doesn't see just the moments like we do, He sees the whole story. How do we respond, as we wait for Him to show us what is next?

It can be difficult to praise and thank God when life gets hard, when you face the unthinkable, or when you feel alone. However, choosing to praise God in our pain does not mean we forget what is happening around us. It means we are choosing to remember who God is and that he is worthy of our praise in the middle of it all!

We continue this week in Ephesians 1, looking at the letter that Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus. This week Pastor Josiah walks us through verses 15-23. Paul in these verses has something for everyone. Whether you are new to the church or have been a part of church for a long time. What Paul writes not only challenges us but encourages us as we pursue God.