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River Church Sermon 06/05/2011 The First Disciples – Part 4

River Church — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 14:48:51 +0000

This installment of the sermon series ‘Follow’ is about Nathaniel, an honest skeptic. In this sermon Dave covers five observations:

Observation 1 – Philip led his friends to Jesus.

In this time the gospel was spread through one person talking to another person. There were no websites, videos, newspapers, or other impersonal communication techniques.

Observation 2 – Nathaniel nearly missed Jesus.

Nathaniel’s attitude almost made him miss out on Jesus. He held a prejudice against people from Nazareth (i.e. he asks ‘can any good thing come out of Nazareth’). Prejudice can stop the gospel from coming to a person. It can also hinder God’s work in our lives. Ask yourself: “are there ways God is planning is planning to change my life that, because of my biases towards the people he sends, I resist being enriched by them?”

Observation 3 – Philip did his part, Jesus did the rest.

Philip simply said ‘come and see’. There is a place for persistent effort to bring someone to Jesus, but we must not forget that Jesus is far more capable of leading people to himself than we are. You do everything you know to do for your friend then pray for the part that Jesus does.

Observation 4 – Jesus applauded this man’s heart.

Jesus was simply saying ‘despite your flaws at least you’re true and not two-faced’.

Observations 5 – Christ’s glory captured this man’s heart.

http://ia600603.us.archive.org/20/items/RiverChurchSermon06052011/06.05.2011.m4v

River Church Sermon 05/29/2011 The First Disciples – Part 3

River Church — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:36:42 +0000

This installment in the series of sermons entitled “Follow” is about Philip. In this sermon, Dave makes three observations about Philip and then gives an in-depth look at the topic of following Jesus.

Observation 1 -Philip is a regular guy.

Observation 2 – Jesus wanted Philip.

Observation 3 – Philip followed Jesus.

What did following Jesus look like?

A growing realization of who Jesus is. Philip knew Jesus was different from other teachers.
A hunger to know Christ as fully as possible. Philip spent a significant amount of time with Jesus and joined a small company of men who were following him.
Getting involved in what Jesus is doing. In the ancient world disciples gathered around a teacher and followed on a teaching circuit.
Taking on the character of Christ. While on the circuit, disciples would become like their teacher. As this happened, Jesus gave authority to his disciples to act as his representatives.
How does this work today? We gather in groups to study and learn. We practice obedience, tithing, and communion. There are corporate aspects that are essential to the Christian walk. Jesus always taught in the context of a group. The key point of all of this is that Philip followed Jesus and learned as he went.

http://ia600606.us.archive.org/12/items/RiverChurchSermon05292011/05.29.2011.m4v

River Church Sermon 05/22/2011 Healing Broken Relationships

River Church — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 03:09:25 +0000

David Cottle continues a two-part series on the book of Philemon.

http://ia600604.us.archive.org/4/items/RiverChurchSermon05222011/05.22.2011.m4v

River Church Sermon 05/08/2011 The First Disciples – Part 2

River Church — Sat, 14 May 2011 19:48:55 +0000

Quiet Andrew

Jesus gathered both extroverts and introverts to lead His church. Andrew was probably an introvert and when he chose to follow Jesus, Andrew’s personality did not change. Andrew was very effective at leading people to Christ.

While you are watching this, think about “Who or what is Jesus making me?”, “Am I following that?”, “What am I doing to lead people to Christ?”

http://ia700604.us.archive.org/15/items/RiverChurchSermon05082011/05.08.2011.m4v

River Church Sermon 05/01/2011 The First Disciples – Part 1

River Church — Mon, 09 May 2011 02:57:54 +0000

Dave Edwards continues his series of sermons entitled ‘Follow’. This sermon is about Jesus’ first disciples. The text is John 1:35-42.

God Sends a Witness – (John 1:6-8) God sends a witness when he is moving. The message of Christ is conveyed normally by one person talking to another person. The following are characteristics of a good witness:

lives in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
give evidence of a genuine encounter of Christ.
consistent to pray for the people that God brings into your life.
position yourself to be engaged with people.
share your testimony and the word of God with those He brings you into contact with.

They Simply Follow Jesus – (John 1:35-37) In the 1st century disciples simply follow the teacher. Later as they learned more, they became conformed to His instruction. They put themselves under His word.

The Christian life isn’t about following rules, it is about a personal relationship with the risen savior. We need to know the Word. The Word explains what he wants done, but it is the Spirit prompts and guides us.

You come away from Jesus changed – (John 1:38-39) Resolve to get to know Jesus as much as possible. You need to spend time alone with him. As you do that you are changed. Here are some tips:

a prayer ‘lord open my eyes to see you more clearly’
develop a habit of daily time of reading and reflecting on your bible, anticipating Jesus to teach you.
join a small group who meets for bible study and prayer, anticipating Jesus will teach you.
attend Celebration weekly, watching for Jesus to teach you.
anticipate Jesus stirring your heart.

http://ia600606.us.archive.org/34/items/RiverChurchSermon05012011/05.01.2011.m4v

River Church Sermon 04/24/2011

River Church — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:14:25 +0000

River Church sermon for Easter Sunday. Dave Edwards talks about the Resurrection.

http://ia600602.us.archive.org/2/items/RiverChurchSermon04.24.2011/04.24.2011.m4v

River Church Sermon 04/17/2011

River Church — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:42:07 +0000

Dave Edwards continues his sermon series over the life and ministry of Christ with this installment covering the kingdom of heaven.

http://ia600606.us.archive.org/17/items/RiverChurchSermon04172011/04.17.2011.m4v

River Church Sermon 11/14/2010

River Church — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:39:30 +0000

Dick Jaques talks about ‘The Power of What Defines Us’.

http://ia700200.us.archive.org/19/items/RiverChurchSermon11142010/11.14.2010.m4v

River Church Sermon 11/07/2011

River Church — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:37:43 +0000

This is the fourth installment of a multi-part series entitled Whitewater. Dave talks about compassionately serving the community.

http://ia700202.us.archive.org/3/items/RiverChurchSermon11072010/11.07.2010FullSermon.m4v

River Church Sermon 10/31/2010

River Church — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:36:05 +0000

The third part in a sermon series entitled “Whitewater” by Dave Edwards. This installment covers sharing one’s faith with others. Dave Edwards is the pastor of River Church in Norman, OK.

http://ia600108.us.archive.org/10/items/RiverChurchSermon_10.31.2010/10.31.2010.m4v