River Of Life Church - Jesus Is The Center Of Our Belief

Who Is My Family In Christ?

Thoughts from the Paster regarding Today’s Message
Christianity blended with man’s ideas of religion has caused many problems over the centuries.  Religious leaders have even sentenced other believers to death simply because of a different interpretation of a scripture.  It got so bad that for many years, the Christian religious leaders banned some of the words that Jesus spoke, under penalty of death or prison, because the words did not fit the particular doctrine they were promoting.  I thank God Christianity today has left those days behind!
Unfortunately, today there are over 200 different denominations of Christianity in the U.S. (according to Wikipedia). Can you imagine a lost soul looking for answers and wondering, “Who do I go to that has the correct truth?”
This is bad enough, but denominations (non-denominations included) can easily cause disunity in the Christian Body of Christ that we are called to be.  We find ourselves asking the question of those attending other denominations and churches, “Are they my brothers and sisters?” and “How do I know who my brother or sister  really is?” 
Today, I will give some foundational scriptures that can begin to help you answer these questions.
Today’s Scriptures:  Matthew 12:22-30, 48-50, Mark 9:38-41, John 13:34-35, 1 Corinthians 1:10-14, 5:11, Romans 12:5, Galatians 3:28, 1 Peter 3:8, 1John 3:14, 4:7,12,20, 2 John 1:5-10
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

Your Prayers: Heartfelt or Routine

Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

Who Owns Your Temple?

Who Owns Your Temple?
Scriptures: Matthew 21:12-14, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, 1 Peter 2:4-5, 1 Corinthians 3:9-18
Jesus makes a clear picture of what a temple dedicated to God should be and what should be occurring in it….and what should not be occurring.
The apostles Paul and Peter make it clear that we who declare Jesus is our King, the Anointed One (The Christ), and we are His Followers…that we are now the Temple that the Spirit of God will inhabit.
If we say we are His, and we are saved through Christ, it is clear we are now claiming God can build, design, and direct the Temple that will be built on the property of our life.
We must ask ourselves daily:
· Who will I follow in the building of my life today? Me, the world, of God…
· If we choose God, then we need to ask Him in prayer and sensitivity to His Spirit and the Word of God that is buried in our heart how we are to build that day.
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

Humble To Show His Power

As members of the Kingdom of God (the Church, the Body of Christ, His Bride), we have given our lives over to God and been born again in Him.  Born again into His Kingdom and given our lives over to Him to guide us as servants and soldiers, available to do His Will in the way we live, trusting Him fully to do what He asks, when He asks, and how He asks. 
Unfortunately, we often find ourselves discounting God’s leadings and justifying why we cannot fulfill what He asks of us, without realizing the subtle position we are placing ourselves in... we are becoming in charge and not God.
Justifying our tiredness and laziness not to do what HE asks.
His timing to do what HE asks is not good.
My situation won’t allow me to do what HE asks.
I am physically or mentally unable to do what He asks.
I will be using the examples of Moses and Paul today as I focus on situations and handicaps that cannot stop God’s will for us as His servant and soldier.  God Bless, Pastor John
Scriptures:  Malachi 3:18, John 12:26, Luke 16:13, Acts 21:13-15, Exodus 3:11–4:12, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Galatians 4:13-15, 6:11, Romans 16:22, Proverbs 22:13 & 26:13, James 2:18
Key Verse: 2Corinthians 12:9 NKJV  And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
 
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

What Makes The Gate Narrow?

Jesus Christ - Example of Life
When Jesus makes our souls alive, then the one thing we have to do is to try to be like Jesus. A little girl went to a writing school. When she saw the copy set before her, she said: "I can never write like that." But she took up her pen and put it timidly on the paper. "I can but try," she said. "I'll do the best I can." She wrote half a page. The letters were crooked. She feared to have the teacher look at her book. But when the teacher came, he looked and smiled. "I see you are trying, my little girl," he said kindly, "and that is all I expect." She took courage. Again and again, she studied the beautiful copy. She wrote very carefully, but the letters straggled here, were crowded there, and some of them seemed to look every way. She trembled when she heard the step of the teacher. "I'm afraid you'll find fault with me," she said. "I do not find fault with you," said the teacher, "because you are only a beginner. Keep on trying. In this way, you will do better every day, and soon get to be an excellent writer."
And this is the way we are to try to be like Jesus. But when we read about Jesus, and learn how holy, and good, and perfect He was, we must not be discouraged if we do not become like Him at once. But, if we keep on trying, and ask God to help us we shall "learn of Him to be meek and lowly in heart" (see Matt. 11:29); and we shall become daily more and more like Him.
-Pastor John
 
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

What Are You Hoping For?

Thought: Drive or Drought
When you lose hope of doing better, you lose everything that makes life worth living. A great artist was once asked, "What's the best picture you've ever painted?" "The next one," he replied confidently.
But another artist was heard to lament, "Too bad I failed," though he was at the very height of his glory. "Why do you say that?" asked a friend of his in astonishment. "Because I've lost any hope of improvement," he said. He was right; the person who has stopped hoping has truly failed. ~ Anonymous
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

Blind Spot

Thoughts on the message from Pastor John: 
Scripture: Matthew 7:3, 25:33-46, Hebrews 2:1, Ezekiel 33:31
One of the news sources I use at times is called Ground News.  They offer articles from both left- and right-leaning news sources and rate them on how far each is from the center.  The one rating I find most interesting is their “Blind Spot”, in which they identify a news item that is left out of one side or the other, as if it has never been seen.
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we have been given the truth in the scriptures, the Holy Spirit for guidance, teaching, and power, and Jesus Christ as our head and our example. With all this, our individual will, opinions, emotions, and previous teachings can find their way into our lives and result in “Blind Spots” regarding living out the teachings of Jesus.
Today's message identifies several common “Blind Spots” we can find ourselves possessing and how to see through them and not open the door to offending and even hurting others.
Pastor John
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

Protecting Your Household

Thoughts on Today’s Message from the Pastor
Scripture: 2 Timothy:1-7, Ephesians 5:25-21, Psalms 91:1-2 & 127:1, Isaiah 54:17, Hebrews 11:7
This week’s message focuses on our role as leaders in our families and households, and on protecting our family and loved ones by living in the will of God and following a life in Jesus Christ.  Living a “Christ-like” life and not allowing sin to enter through you is a critical piece of creating a Godly household.  A household where the wisdom and power of God are allowed to best protect the ones you love.
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

Tested

Pastor John Napoli speaks about the Old Testiment story of Balaam. He uses Numbers 22:1-41.
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com

Being A Man Of God

Thoughts on Today’s Message From the Pastor
Scripture: Psalm 112: 1-10
Most of us, if not all of us, have had conversations with someone who was affected by a less-than-loving father or mother, and the hurt that it brings throughout a person's life.  We have also had conversations with others who shared how loving and caring their mother and father were and how they were blessed because of it.  These point out how people's actions towards those close to them can have a powerful, long-term effect.
The way my father, mother, uncles, aunts, and grandparents interacted with me made them some of the strongest influencers and examples I have had in my life. I can share how what they said and did had a strong impact on what I have grown to believe and live.  I know you can do the same, good and bad, but they did leave an impression.
This leads me to the real question I need to ask myself.  How is my life, who I am, what I believe, how I live and act, affecting those I love and care about?  I am a vessel of God’s love and wisdom.  Do I allow it to flow through me to help strengthen others?  What is the example people see in the life I live?
Psalm 112 lays out several wonderful points on how a man and woman of God should be.  I strive to improve at incorporating these principles into my life as I continue to walk with my Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Pastor John Napoli is the pastor of River Of Life Church located in Cloquet, MN. We are a non-denominational church that believes the Bible is the living word of God and all sermons are based on that truth. Pastor John does not share his sermons without thoroughly praying and studying out that they align with what the written Word of God says. For more information check out www.rolcloquet.com