Welcome to River Of Life Community Church

13 May 2012 – Mother’s Day

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:29:20 +0000

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Tim 1:5).
Our God is a generational God. He is the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob” (Ex 3:15). He is also the God of Lois, Eunice and Timothy. No one can underestimate the vital role of a godly grandmother and a godly mother in moulding Timothy to be a man of God. Timothy was doubly blessed to be nurtured and taught by a godly mother and a godly grandmother. Timothy grew to become a great blessing in God’s Kingdom and the world.
What kind of children are we contributing to God’s Kingdom and the world today? James Dobson once made the humorous observation: “if moma ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy.” Though it has a negative connotation, it carries an important principle: A mother makes an impact in the home. She sets the moral and spiritual temperature of her family by her presence, teaching and example. Godly mothers can change the society for good. I pray that mothers (and fathers) will have that sincere faith and will seek God’s wisdom to raise Godly sons and daughters for this generation.

6 May 2012 – Challenging Issues (Kissing Dating Goodbye)

admin — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:49:56 +0000

The book, “I kissed dating goodbye” by Joshua Harris is not about “dos and don’ts” in dating. It has excellent guidelines in living a life that pleases God, including boy/girl or male/female relationships. Joshua Harris wrote about what it means to follow Jesus in all aspects of relationships (whether they be romantic or just any ordinary social relationships). Such relationships may lead some into marriage (tying your knots), others through marriage (not tying knots) or out of marriage (untying your knots/divorces). However and whatever relationships we are in, let’s “love one another” as Christ has loved us. Joshua said, “Every relationship for a Christian is an opportunity to love another person as God has loved us”. This principle is reiterated by the 59 verses on “one another” in the New Testament. Out of these 59 “one another” verses, 16 have the word “love” in them. The Gospel of John has 5 verses (John 13:34, 35; 15:12, 17) and the Epistles of John have 6 verses (1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12 & 2John v5). The other verses on “love one another” are by Paul (Romans 13:8; 1 Thess 4:9) and Peter (1 Peter 3:8; 4:8; 5:14). Love is expressed in various ways like “wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14); “stop passing judgement on one another” (Rom 14:13); “accept one another” (Rom 15:7); “serve one another in love” (Gal 5:13); “encourage one another” (Heb 10:25) and the list goes on. We have a life time to learn “love” the Jesus way and live this kind of “love life” beginning in our homes and spiritual family (church). The greatest is “love” and by this “love, all men will know you are My disciples” said Jesus (John 13:35).

29 April 2012 – Counting the Cost to Follow Christ (Open Sunday)

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:42:31 +0000

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For by grace you have been saved through faith. But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (John 1:16; Eph 2:8; James 4:6 ESV).
This phrase “grace upon grace” is very profound. Grace is from the Triune God for the Bible repeatedly mentions “grace and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” in Paul’s letters (eg. Rom 1:7; 1 Cor 1:3). The Holy Spirit is also called as the “Spirit of grace” in Hebrews 10:29. It is through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that we are given the “grace gifts” for life and ministry (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12, 14, Ephesians 4). We need “grace upon grace” to be God’s ministers in our homes, offices, churches and the hurting world. First, we need the grace for pardon. Without this grace for pardon none is saved (born-again). With this grace for pardon, we are being delivered from our sins. Next, we need “grace for power” to resist the Devil in our daily lives. This grace also enables us to have His divine power to be His witnesses wherever we are. As we draw near to God, He draws near to us and in His grace and power we live, give, serve His Kingdom and overcome the world, the flesh, the Enemy. Let’s enjoy “grace upon grace” daily.

22 April 2012 – Counting the Cost to Follow Christ (According to Paul)

admin — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:16:18 +0000

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (Phil 1:21; 3:7 KJV).
I believe that Paul is the ideal example of one who not only counted but also paid the cost in following Jesus. His life and ministry clearly demonstrates his passion in putting God first in his life. Throughout Christendom, many show that following Christ even unto martyrdom is possible and pleasurable. The above verse clearly indicates Paul’s philosophy in life: that of living and dying for Christ. Paul viewed earthly gains as rubbish as compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, his Lord (Phil 3:8). No one regrets throwing garbage away. If Paul viewed earthly gains as rubbish, then why do we treasure the “earthly garbage”. Paul chose to hold on tightly to Christ and things that are spiritual. He refused to let go of Christ and the things associated with Christ, including the Cross. Paul embraced the “Old Rugged Cross” and he was determined to know nothing except Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). At the end of his life, Paul wrote “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” and he was certain that “a crown of righteousness” was awaiting him (2 Tim 4:7-8). Is the crown of righteousness awaiting you?

15 April 2012 – Counting the Cost to Follow Christ (According to Peter)

admin — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 05:27:24 +0000

“He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59,62)
These are some hard sayings of Jesus for all who are considering following Jesus. Jesus is not interested in getting more followers but He is looking for disciples. He demands absolute commitment from those who follow Him. He is not interested in our conditions for service. These conditions could be “God, I will serve You, but… or “God, I will serve You when…” or “God, I will serve You if…” (Luke 9). He was displeased with one potential disciple who wanted to put aside following Jesus but to bury his father first. Jesus saw the condition in his heart. It seemed like a legitimate request. Obviously, the man’s father wasn’t dead yet. If his father would have just died, he wouldn’t be out in the streets where Jesus was. He would still be in his father’s house awaiting his share of his father’s inheritance. Thus, Jesus was not being insensitive when He replied, “Allow the dead to bury the dead” (v60). Jesus was stating a simple truth that is still valid today: You have the choice to follow God’s way or the world’s way. It’s God’s will be done or your will be done.

8 April 2012 – Counting the Cost to follow Christ (According to Luke)

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:50:04 +0000

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth (Mk 10:21-22).
Many of us say that it is costly to follow Christ. Actually, it is equally costly not to follow Christ. The rich young ruler chose not to follow Christ. In the end, he not only lost everything but he also lost his salvation. Jesus demands all or nothing – “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, follow Me.” To those who are not willing to pay the price for following Jesus like the rich young ruler gain instant gratification in the world but they will live to regret it in the future.
The disciples followed Jesus and they gladly said, “Look, we have left everything and followed you” (v28). To those who follow Jesus, He promises future rewards – they will receive 100 times more in the age to come. Mark, the author of this Gospel, almost failed to follow the Lord to the end. He left halfway and Paul refused to take him on his second missionary journey. Barnabas, however, gave him a second chance and Mark later proved faithful (Acts 15:36ff). We have been given many chances. Let’s repent and wilfully choose to follow Jesus all the way till we meet Him face to face.

1 April 2012 – Counting the Cost to follow Christ (According to Matthew)

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:48:40 +0000

“A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table…Why this waste?…This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor” (Matt 26:7-9).
Besides the 12 apostles, many women (some named and some unnamed) paid a high price to follow Jesus. The disciple named Matthew wrote about a woman who lavishly poured very expensive perfume on Jesus before He went to the Cross. To those who were watching (unbelievers and nominal followers), this act of hers seems to be a “waste”. Judas was bold enough to protest this act of hers. But Jesus approved of this woman’s act of sacrifice and devotion. That jar of expensive perfume could have been her life savings. It could have been saved for her wedding but she ‘wasted’ it on Jesus. Was that a waste? Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation by His death on the Cross of Calvary. He ‘wasted’ His life on us (undeserving sinners) by His death on the Cross for the punishment for our sins. Think of it – each life is a “waste”. It depends on who you choose to waste it on – yourself, others, the nation, a noble cause or for God! This woman chose to ‘waste’ her utmost for the Highest. Are you prepared to do the same?

25 March 2012 – Money Matters (Mission & Money)

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:45:42 +0000

“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14).
The above and many other verses teach believers that fulltime Christian workers, pastors and missionaries must be supported by the Church. Those who proclaim the Gospel ought to get their living by the Gospel. The ministry of Jesus was funded by those who heard Him (Luke 8:1-3) and He taught His disciples that they should be supported by those they ministered to (Matthew 10:5-15). The apostle Paul was grateful for the financial support rendered to him (Phil 4:10-20). Tent-making was Paul’s second best option. John encouraged his friend to support a band of missionaries in 3 John 5-8. In the Levitical teaching, the Levites (ministers) received their support from the other eleven tribes (Numbers 18:21-24).
This teaching concerning the financial support for the fulltime workers of the Gospel indicates the importance of partnership in Missions. It is a “Triune Partnership” (the proclaimers, the providers and pray-ers). Missions is like a “three-legged stool” and if one leg is missing, Missions is ineffective. God considers those who financially support Missions as “partners” or “co-workers” with the Truth. God calls some to be “goers”, others to be givers and all to be pray-ers” in Missions. This “Triune-Partnership” in Missions must continue as we serve the Triune God.

18 March 2012 – Money Matters (Early Church & Money)

admin — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:44:30 +0000

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” (Acts 3:6).
The early believers in the Book of Acts did not consider their wealth (possessions, money, land) as their own. They considered themselves stewards of all that God had entrusted to them so they had no problem in sharing what they have with those in need. In fact, they “had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need” (Acts 2:44-45). One great example of selfless giving was Barnabas who sold his land and gave all the proceeds to the Church. They enjoyed a lifestyle of true generosity, fellowship and love! Paul told us that the Macedonian churches were great and generous givers for inspite of their “severe trial and extreme poverty” (2 Cor 8:2ff) they gave for the relief work in Jerusalem. The amount must be quite substantial as they needed others to accompany Paul and Titus to carry the offering. When Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have”, he might have implied that they had given their wealth to the Church that they had nothing to give to the crippled beggar. What they did have was more powerful than money. In the Name of Jesus of Nazareth, the lame man was instantly healed! There is authority and power in the Name of Jesus! Today, churches and Christians have no lack of money, resources, etc but we lack the power to say, “In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”

11 March 2012 – Money Matters (Jesus & Money)

admin — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 03:23:43 +0000

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Luke 16:13).
It is not wrong to say that we are all “money-minded”. Whether you are rich, poor, young or old, we all talk about money, use money, want money, save money and want our money to grow. We even have a plant named “money plant” and how we wish that money can grow on trees. As for God, money is His least problem. His chief problem is man, especially sinful man, who abuses and misuses His gifts. Many things can be bought with money and so man has even attempted to gain the ‘whole world’ at the expense of his soul. Both God and Satan want you. God uses money to bless us while Satan uses money to ensnare and trap us. Possessing possessions (including money) is not wrong but when they possess us, we become enslaved and we are of no Kingdom use. While on earth, our Lord Jesus quoted money, possessions, wealth, riches in many of His parables, He warns us in Luke 12 not to be like the “rich fool”. We are reminded to be good stewards “laying up treasures in heaven” (Matt 6:20). Jesus, in Luke 16, equates “worldly wealth” as “very little” and says if we fail to be trustworthy in “very little” we cannot be trusted with “much” (true riches). He emphasizes that we cannot “serve two masters”. We cannot be devoted to “both God and Money”. Who then is your Master?