WHAT S YOUR NEXT STEP?

Transcription

1 WHAT S YOUR NEXT STEP?

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3 Welcome to River Run River Run Church is simply a group of people who are passionate about family, community and loving God. We are a place to call home and a place to get help, healing and hope. Our messages and ministries are all about being real, relevant and relational. It is our mission to help you and our community to connect with Christ and one another. And we envision the day when every man, woman and child in East Orlando experiences the message of love that can only be found in Jesus Christ. Whether you are new to church or a long time believer, we are here to help you take the next steps in your journey of faith. Salvation Taking the step of faith to follow Jesus Christ is the greatest step you will ever take. It s the one action that will allow you to experience new opportunities and gain a new perspective on life and what God has in store for you. That eternal life begins the moment you decide to step over the line of faith. But that is only the beginning. This is the first step, but what happens next? For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 This book will give you an idea of what your next steps are. You will learn from reading the Bible what God s Word says about each move. You may still have questions about your decision. You may even have doubts and that s okay! It is important not to let those questions or feelings of doubt stop you from moving forward. riverrun.church

4 Understanding your DECISION TO FOLLOW CHRIST MAN GOD MAN GOD SIN GOD LOVES YOU and has a plan for your life. YOUR SIN CAUSES A COSMIC CHASM between you and God. MAN GOD MAN GOD GOD SENT JESUS CHRIST to die on the cross. IT S YOUR CHOICE to receive this gift or not. CHURCH REAL RELEVANT RELATIONAL

5 Baptism Simply put, Baptism is an outward display and celebration of your inward decision to trust and follow Christ with your eternity. It allows a Christ follower to communicate to the world their heart-felt commitment to Christ. In Scripture we see that people were Baptized after they made a decision to follow Christ and Baptized by immersion; which is symbolic of the fact that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and walked out of the grave, alive, so each of us can have eternal life. And this is the pattern we follow at River Run Church. Baptism is an act of obedience, a step of acknowledgment that you are committing to follow Him down a new path. If you ve made the decision to follow Jesus, Baptism is the next step in your spiritual journey. You will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be Baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name. Acts Connecting to River Run Our Online Community The River Run online community is an intricate part of the communication and connecting process here at River Run Church, and is the best way to keep up with all of our latest events and announcements. Signing up is quick and easy! Simply visit riverrun.church and click the sign up button located under the login menu. Once you are a member of our online community you will have access to view the church calendar, sign up for groups, RSVP to upcoming events, search and connect with other members, give online and more! (Continued) riverrun.church

6 Neighborhoods At River Run, we connect communities to Christ and one another, primarily where we live in our neighborhoods. We believe God has designed us for community and that we have been called together to reach every man, woman and child in our community with the love and message of Jesus Christ. Neighborhood Gatherings consist of River Runners who live near each other and gather together once a month to pray for our neighbors. We share a meal as we exchange stories and listen to our challenges and victories. We look to God s word for guidance as we learn to love and serve our neighbors together. Neighborhood Groups gather together weekly for encouragement and to equip us to pursue Christ and Christ-likeness. We pray, study the Bible, care for one another s needs, connect and grow more like Christ together. To join a group or gathering, login to the online community and click groups. Enter the term neighborhoods in the search box and select a group nearest you. For more information, please contact the front office at Getting connected through the online community and Neighborhoods are your next steps. CHURCH REAL RELEVANT RELATIONAL

7 Membership What is Membership? When you step over the line of faith and chose to follow Jesus, you become part of a movement. But this movement, Christianity, is not a solo sport. Each week, when we gather together as a church, we come to worship God, discover his plan for our lives and learn how to live out his priorities. There is a big difference between attending a church and being a member. An attendee watches but a member partners with others to fulfill God s purposes. When we partner together in unity, and with one mind, many lives are impacted and changed forever. It s God s plan for the church to be the hope of the world! As you continue your walk in faith, membership is your next step to connect you with serving opportunities and equip you to further your walk with Christ while helping others. Because we learn from those who first stepped out to follow Christ, the local church is crucial to our growth and experience of the abundant life Christ has in store for us. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 riverrun.church

8 Serving Most of us want to make a difference; we want to leave our footprint on the world. And God has gifted each of us with a particular set of skills to do just that - through the local church. As a Christ follower, one of the most powerful lessons you can put into action is serving in the church. It s about stepping outside of your comfort level and stepping up to serve others. Jesus himself said that he did not come to be served, but to serve others. When you volunteer your time and talent, you will take the next step and discover the key to unlocking a life of influence and change. Read these words from the Bible. And take the next step of serving at River Run. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 Giving Money represents so much of who we are and what we do. What we do with our money tells others who we are and what we do. When we tithe, we acknowledge the fact that God is in control of our lives. In the Bible, God challenges us to bring 10 percent of all we make back to him through the local church. This concept is known as tithing. It s not because God needs your money. It s because he knows that when you get an accurate handle on money, money will not handle you. And when you take this next step, you ll find yourself in a place of blessing and abundance. CHURCH REAL RELEVANT RELATIONAL

9 Living a Life of Worship Worship is one of those words that many people think is just a churchy word. But the truth is we all worship. Everyone has something they focus on, respond to and celebrate. Whether you are a new believer just beginning your walk in faith or a long time follower of Christ, it is vital that you continue to worship. Worship isn t something that only happens once a week in a church building. It is a 24/7 deal. It s what happens when you are at work, at the store, in the gym or driving alone in your car. And from Bible study to praying, from Sunday service at church to journaling at home, worship is your next step that will deepen and strengthen your relationship with Jesus as you continue your walk with him. Worship the Lord in splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth! Psalms 96:9 riverrun.church

10 31 Day Reading Plan ON THE LIFE OF JESUS Day 01 Day 02 Day 03 Day 04 Birth At the Temple Baptism Temptations Luke 2:1-21 Luke 2:41-52 Matt. 3:13-17 Luke 4:1-13 Day 09 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Vineyard Laborers Marriage Feast Christ s Return Sowing Parables Matt. 20:1-16 Matt. 22:1-14 Matt. 24:1-25 Mark 4:1-34 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 New Birth Holy Spirit Good Shepherd Vine and Branches John:3:1-21 John 14:16-31, 16:5-15 John 10 John 15 Day 25 Day 26 Day 27 Day 28 Prayers of Jesus Trials Crucifixion Resurrection John 17 Luke 22:47-23:25 Luke 23:26-56 Luke 24:1-12 CHURCH REAL RELEVANT RELATIONAL

11 Day 05 Day 06 Day 07 Day 08 First Miracle Sermon on the Mount Instructions Cost of Discipleship John 2:1-12 Matt. 5-7 Matt. 12:16-42 Matt. 16:24-28 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Good Samaritan Prayer Lost Parables Stewardship Luke 10:25-37 Luke 11:1-13 Luke 15:1-32 Luke 16:1-18 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Lazarus Triumphal Entry Last Supper Washing Feet John 11 Mark 11:1-11 Matt. 26:17-35 John 13:5-29 Day 29 Day 30 Day 31 Road to Emmaus Great Commission Ascension Luke 24:13-35 Matt. 28:16-20 Acts 1:1-11 riverrun.church

12 More questions? If you have more specific questions or are ready to take the next steps as a Christian and member of River Run, please contact the front office at or connect with us online riverrun.church riverrun.church Facebook.com/riverruncc Phone: River Run Point Drive Chuluota, FL 32766