The Rivers of God - Pastor Craig Winnington

• 09/05/2019
• SLC Stuart Price

 

 

 

 

    When the Word of God refers to ‘rivers’ it is symbolic of the flow of the

    Spirit of God. The Bible begins with reference to rivers in Genesis 2:10

    which states that a “river went out from Eden to water the garden….and

    became four river heads.” In Revelation 22:1 the Word states “A pure river

    of water of life, clear as crystal proceeding from the throne of God and

    the Lamb.” The Bible starts and ends with a river.

 

    In Acts 2:17 God says that “I will pour out of my Spirit on ALL flesh.” And

    again in John7:37-39 Jesus says “If anyone thirsts let him come to me and

    drink ….out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” Notice the

    sequence – THIRST – DRINK – RIVERS. A drink turns into a river. V38 - “Out

    of his heart (or innermost being)”, literally means the “rivers will flow

    from the throne within”

 

    In Ezekiel 47:1 we read that the water flowed from “under the threshold”

    which speaks of humility ie ‘having a modest view of one's importance’ -

    Pride will slow the flow of the Spirit. In v3-7 the depth of the waters was

    measured – ankles, knees, loins, water to swim in. In v9 it says that

    “...and everything will live wherever the river goes!”

 

    Two questions – 1. How thirsty are you for the rivers of the Spirit?

 

    2. How deep is the river of God in your life?

 

    We will only be satisfied with what we are thirsty for and we will always

    remain in the ‘shallows’ of the Christian life if we don’t move forward in

    a disciplined lifestyle pursuing the depths of His Spirit. “The blessings

    of God are on the other side of comfortable” It may be worth remembering!

 

    Acts 3 records the story of the lame man who was laid daily at the temple

    gate called Beautiful. This man was over 40yrs old (Acts 4:22), Lame from

    his mother's womb, and spent most of his life begging. Many Christians

    today are spiritually ‘lame,’ depending on others for their ‘spiritual

    existence’, just going to ‘church on Sunday’ and looking at the gate

    ‘Beautiful’ (ie Jesus) but nothing changes in their life – no ‘thirsting’

    after God, no ‘walking’ in the Spirit, no spiritual motivation ...just

    existing.

 

    When Peter and John came on the scene the lame man's life was changed.

    Peter said “Such as I have I give you….. IN THE NAME OF JESUS – RISE UP AND

    WALK!” v7-8 “Immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength – so he

    leaping up – STOOD, WALKED, and ENTERED the temple”. Get the picture –

    ankles, knees, loins, waters to swim in. What did Peter and John have? -

    Rivers of the Spirit of God flowing from their ‘throne’ within. They

    impacted their society with what they had. Go to the throne and not the

    phone! If we are to impact our society and believe for an increase of souls

    and miracles in our church, maybe there needs to be an even greater hunger

    and thirst for the Rivers of Gods Spirit ‘flowing from the throne of our

    hearts.

 

    Have a wonderful week

 

    Pastor Stuart & Colleen