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

In this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray takes us into the opening chapter of the book of Ruth—a powerful story of loss, decision, and faithful commitment. Ruth 1 reminds us that life can shift suddenly: famine, grief, and uncertainty can leave us feeling uprooted and empty. Naomi experiences deep loss, returning home not as she left, but changed by hardship. Yet in the middle of despair, God is quietly setting the stage for redemption.Through Ruth’s unwavering loyalty to Naomi, we see a defining moment of faith. Ruth refuses the easy path and chooses covenant over comfort, declaring, “Where you go, I will go. Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” This is not just devotion—it is a spiritual turning point. Ruth’s choice becomes the doorway through which God begins a new story.Pastor Donald emphasizes that Ruth 1 is about more than loss—it’s about what we do after loss. Sometimes God allows seasons of emptiness to reposition us for purpose. Sometimes returning feels like failure, but God uses returns to begin restorations. And sometimes one faithful decision in the middle of pain can unlock a future we cannot yet see.This message reminds us:Loss does not mean God has left you.Loyalty in hard seasons reveals deep faith.One obedient choice can change generations.Be encouraged if you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure of what’s next. Like Ruth, trust God with your next step. Even when the road feels uncertain, God is already writing a greater story.📖 Scripture Covered:Ruth 1🙌 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:#BookOfRuth #Ruth1 #FromLossToLoyalty #FaithfulChoices #GodsRedemption #BiblicalTruth #Sermon #BibleTeaching #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray

Re-digging the Wells December 7th, 2025 | River of God | Pastor Donald GrayIn this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray leads us into a powerful story of perseverance, restoration, and divine provision. Drawing from Genesis 26:18–22, we watch Isaac return to the wells his father Abraham had dug—wells that the enemy had stopped up, wells that represented inheritance, blessing, and identity. Instead of giving up, Isaac re-dug those wells and found new ones, declaring through his actions: “I will not live off someone else’s definition of lack. God has a place of room and blessing for me.”Pastor Donald then connects this to John 4:4–14, where Jesus meets a woman at Jacob’s well and reveals a deeper truth: there are physical wells we draw from, but there is also a living well—a source of spiritual water that never runs dry. Jesus invites us to receive water that heals the heart, quenches the soul, and restores the places in us that have been buried, blocked, or ignored.By the time the disciples return in John 4:27, we see a woman transformed—no longer hiding, no longer empty, but overflowing with the living water that only Jesus gives.This message reminds us:When life tries to bury your blessing, God calls you to dig again.When people try to limit you, God will make room for you.When your strength feels dry, Jesus offers water that will never run out.Be encouraged to return to the wells in your life—your faith, your calling, your identity—and let God reopen them. And be strengthened by the promise of Jesus, who meets you right where you are and fills you with living water.📖 Scriptures Covered:Genesis 26:18–22John 4:4–14John 4:27🙌 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:#ReDiggingTheWells #Genesis26 #John4 #LivingWater #GodWillMakeRoom #SpiritualRestoration #JesusOurSource #BibleTeaching #Sermon #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray

He Will Swaddle Me November 30th, 2025 | River of God | Pastor Donald GrayIn this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray takes us back to the manger scene in Luke 2 and reveals a powerful truth often overlooked: the same God who wrapped Himself in human flesh is the God who wraps you in His care today.From Luke 2:7–14, Pastor Donald shows how the humility of Christ’s birth—laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths—speaks to a Savior who comes close to our vulnerability. Just as a newborn is wrapped tightly for warmth, safety, and stability, God desires to surround His children with His peace, His presence, and His protection.Connecting this to Psalm 23:3–5, we discover the Shepherd who restores our soul, leads us into stillness, and prepares a table for us even in the presence of our enemies. The same God who swaddled Himself in humanity is the Shepherd who swaddles our hearts with comfort, guidance, and strength.This message invites us to bring our unrest, our anxieties, and our unsteady places to the One who gently gathers us, holds us, and reassures us:“I will keep you, I will steady you, and I will surround you with My love.”Be encouraged to rest in the arms of the One who came low so we could be lifted high, and who continues to wrap us in His mercy every single day.📖 Scriptures Covered:Luke 2:7–14Psalm 23:3–5🙌 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: 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:#HeWillSwaddleMe #Luke2 #Psalm23 #PeaceOfGod #Restoration #GoodShepherd #ChristOurComfort #JesusSaves #ChristmasSeason #BibleTeaching #Sermon #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray

Reasons You're MISSING OUT on God's BlessingsNovember 23rd, 2025 | River of God | Pastor Donald GrayIn this week’s message, Pastor Donald Gray unpacks the deep, healing power of forgiveness through the lens of Scripture and the symbolism of bread. Just as bread sustains our physical bodies, forgiveness sustains our spiritual lives—shaping our hearts, restoring relationships, and aligning us with the character of Christ.Drawing from Matthew 18:21–22, Pastor Donald explores Jesus’ radical call to forgive “seventy times seven”—a forgiveness that isn’t counted, but cultivated. He then connects Matthew 6:21–22, revealing how the condition of our hearts affects everything we see and do.From 1 Corinthians 11:24–25, we’re reminded that Jesus broke the bread and offered His body as the ultimate act of forgiveness, inviting us to walk in the same grace toward others. And through John 6:35–41, we see Jesus as the Bread of Life—the One who satisfies our deepest hunger for mercy, reconciliation, and renewal.This message challenges us to examine the places where we hold back forgiveness, and invites us to receive the daily “bread” of God’s grace so we can extend that same grace to others.Be encouraged to let God soften your heart, heal old wounds, and reshape your perspective as you feed on His Word and walk in His forgiveness.📖 Scriptures Covered:Matthew 18:21–22Matthew 6:21–221 Corinthians 11:24–25John 6:35–41🙌 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and sermons.🔔 Click the bell icon to stay updated with new messages.📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel:River of God Channel🌐 Stay Connected:Newsletter: 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:#BreadOfForgiveness #Matthew18 #Matthew6 #1Corinthians11 #John6 #Forgiveness #BreadOfLife #GraceAndMercy #BibleTeaching #Sermon #RiverOfGod #PastorDonaldGray

The Cost of Obedience November 16th, 2025 | River of God | Sis SharonIn this powerful message, Sis Sharon teaches on what it truly means to walk in obedience to God — not partial obedience, not delayed obedience, but full surrender to His voice. Drawing from 1 Samuel 15:1–23, she unpacks the story of King Saul, who chose preference over obedience and paid the price for it. Even when Saul believed he was doing “mostly” what God asked, the Lord revealed that obedience is better than sacrifice and that rebellion opens the door to spiritual downfall.Sis Sharon then connects this lesson to the calling of the first disciples in Luke 5:1–11. Peter, exhausted and empty-handed after a night of failure, chose to obey Jesus’ instruction to launch out into the deep one more time. That moment of obedience unlocked a miraculous catch and a life-changing calling. Where Saul resisted God’s Word, Peter submitted — and heaven responded.This message challenges every believer to examine the places where we negotiate with God, delay His instructions, or cling to our own understanding. True obedience positions us for clarity, breakthrough, and purpose. When God speaks, our response determines the harvest that follows.📖 Scriptures Covered:1 Samuel 15:1–23Luke 5:1–11🙌 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and sermons.🔔 Click the bell icon to stay updated with new messages.📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel:River of God Channel🌐 Stay Connected:Newsletter: 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#TheCostOfObedience #1Samuel15 #Luke5 #ObedienceToGod #BiblicalObedience #FaithMessage #ChristianTeaching #BibleStudy #Sermon2025 #RiverOfGod #SisSharon #LaunchIntoTheDeep #ObedienceOverSacrifice #ChristianLiving #HolySpiritTeaching