Hearing God Before Speaking | January 4th, 2026 | River of God | Pastor Donald GrayIn this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray leads us into a deeper understanding of who God is and how He speaks, grounding the teaching in the sacred name of God—He–Vav–He–Yod (יהוה)—alongside James 1:19 and 1 Corinthians 2.The Hebrew name יהוה reveals more than a title; it reveals God’s nature and nearness. Often read from right to left, it points to the Eternal One who was, who is, and who is to come—the self-existent God who reveals Himself, not through human force or noise, but through His Spirit.Pastor Donald connects this to James 1:19:“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”Before God speaks through us, He speaks to us. Spiritual maturity begins not with reaction, emotion, or intellect—but with listening. A hurried mouth often reveals an unsubmitted heart, but a listening spirit creates room for God’s wisdom to be revealed.Turning to 1 Corinthians 2, Paul reminds us that the things of God are not grasped by natural thinking. God’s wisdom is revealed by the Spirit, not discovered through debate, volume, or human reasoning. The same God who revealed Himself as יהוה continues to reveal Himself today—by His Spirit—to those who are willing to be still, attentive, and obedient.Pastor Donald emphasizes that hearing God requires alignment:Alignment of the heart, not just the mindAlignment of timing, not urgencyAlignment of posture, choosing humility over controlThere is a difference between speaking about God and speaking from God. The first can come from knowledge; the second only comes from revelation.This message reminds us:God reveals Himself before He reveals instructionsSpiritual wisdom begins with listening, not reactingThe Spirit speaks where humility makes roomTo walk in the mind of Christ, we must first submit our voice to HisIf you’ve been waiting for clarity, direction, or confirmation, this message is an invitation to slow down and listen. The Eternal God—יהוה—is not distant. He is present, speaking, and revealing Himself to those who are willing to hear before they speak.📖 Scripture Covered:James 1:191 Corinthians 2Exodus 3:14 (contextual reference to יהוה)🙌 Like, Share & SubscribeDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and sermons.🔔 Tap the bell icon to stay updated with new messages.📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel:River of God Channel🌐 Stay Connected:Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/ioxFB2Website: https://rogcc.com📍 Join us in person:River of God Christian Center110 Wolcott St, Brooklyn, NY 11231(Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY)🎯 Relevant Hashtags:#James119 #1Corinthians2 #YHWH #HearingGod #HolySpirit #WisdomFromAbove #MindOfChrist #BibleTeaching #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray

Knowing Nothing Except Christ | December 28th, 2025 | River of God | Pastor Donald GrayIn this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray leads us into 1 Corinthians 2:2–16, where the Apostle Paul makes a bold declaration: “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”Paul reminds us that the power of the gospel does not come from impressive words, clever arguments, or human wisdom—but from the Spirit of God revealing the truth of Christ to the heart.Speaking to a culture obsessed with knowledge, status, and philosophy, Paul shifts the focus entirely. Faith, he explains, is not built on human reasoning but on God’s power. What God has prepared for those who love Him cannot be discovered by intellect alone—it must be revealed by the Holy Spirit.Pastor Donald emphasizes that there are two ways of seeing:One through natural understandingOne through spiritual discernmentThe natural mind cannot grasp the things of God, but the spiritual mind—shaped and led by the Spirit—can perceive God’s wisdom, purpose, and truth. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are given access to what was once hidden, including “the mind of Christ.”This message reminds us:The foundation of our faith is Christ crucified, not human wisdomGod’s truth is revealed by the Spirit, not discovered by effortSpiritual maturity comes from discernment, not informationBelievers are invited to think, see, and live with the mind of ChristIf you’ve ever felt pressured to “figure God out” or prove your faith through knowledge alone, be encouraged. God is not asking for brilliance—He’s offering revelation. When we rely on the Spirit, we don’t just learn about God—we begin to understand His heart.📖 Scripture Covered:1 Corinthians 2:2–16🙌 Like, Share & SubscribeDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and sermons.🔔 Tap the bell icon to stay updated with new messages.📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel:River of God Channel🌐 Stay Connected:Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/ioxFB2Website: https://rogcc.com📍 Join us in person:River of God Christian Center110 Wolcott St, Brooklyn, NY 11231(Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY)🎯 Relevant Hashtags:#1Corinthians #ChristCrucified #WisdomOfGod #HolySpirit #MindOfChrist #BibleTeaching #Sermon #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray

A Savior Is Born | December 21st, 2025 | River of God | Pastor Donald GrayIn this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray takes us into Luke 2:4–12, the moment heaven breaks into ordinary life with an extraordinary announcement. In a quiet town, to humble shepherds, God reveals the greatest news the world has ever known: a Savior has been born.Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem under pressure, uncertainty, and exhaustion—no palace, no fanfare, no comfort. Yet it is in this place of obscurity that God fulfills His promise. The birth of Jesus reminds us that God often works through humble beginnings and unlikely settings to bring about eternal change.Pastor Donald emphasizes that the angel’s message is not just historical—it is deeply personal. “Do not be afraid… I bring you good news of great joy for all people.” This declaration speaks to fear, uncertainty, and waiting. Jesus did not arrive to the powerful first, but to shepherds—ordinary people living ordinary lives—showing us that God’s salvation is accessible, personal, and for everyone.This message reminds us:God enters our world in unexpected ways.Good news often arrives in quiet moments, not grand ones.Jesus came not to intimidate, but to bring joy, peace, and hope.If you feel overlooked, uncertain, or in a season that seems small or insignificant, be encouraged. The same God who announced salvation in a field to shepherds still meets people right where they are. Heaven still speaks. Hope is still alive. And Jesus is still the answer.📖 Scripture Covered:Luke 2:4–12🙌 Like, Share & SubscribeDon’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and sermons.🔔 Tap the bell icon to stay updated with new messages.📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel:River of God Channel🌐 Stay Connected:Newsletter: https://eepurl.com/ioxFB2Website: https://rogcc.com📍 Join us in person:River of God Christian Center110 Wolcott St, Brooklyn, NY 11231(Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY)🎯 Relevant Hashtags:#Luke2 #BirthOfJesus #GoodNewsOfGreatJoy #FearNot #HopeHasCome #ChristmasMessage #BibleTeaching #Sermon #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray