My righteousness vs. His righteousness, Man's Glory vs. the Lord's Glory. 1/8/23

Weekly Memory Verse: " Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 6:1

Sermon Scripture Reading: John 12:36-43

This Sunday we will be back to normal schedule: Worship - 9:00 with SS following

-THIS SUNDAY'S SERMON- Genuine worship from the heart

Dear River Family,

As we seek the Lord Jesus Christ and follow Him, may our hearts be filled with joy throughout the year of 2023!!! Please be praying for the elders and The River Family as the elders seek the Lord and His vision for The River Family. We want to hear from Him and follow Him as we love and lead The River Family.

This Sunday, Lord willing, we will continue in the sermon on the mount. Read Matthew 6:1-18. As you read this passage, many questions may come up in your mind. One for me is, how does this instruction from Jesus coincide with His instruction in Matthew 5:14-16. Now we know Jesus does not contradict Himself; so, how do these fit together?

In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus gives us three examples of how one might might practice his righteousness before others (giving to the needy, praying, and fasting). He warns us not to be like the hypocrites and then instructs us in the correct how to (give to the needy, how to pray, and how to fast). Take time and identify everything you can find that is similar in the three examples.

I am looking forward to worshipping the Lord Jesus Christ with you this Sunday.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.

Grace and Peace,

Eric