Making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ

River Reach News 7/21

Dear River Reach Family,

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days. Genesis 21:33-34

Wouldn’t it be nice if everything in life came easy?  Our flesh longs for the easy path and it wants to enjoy that ease right now!  Businesses have found the value of marketing products and services that make life easier and faster (ie. Amazon).  We can learn from Abraham’s life that God is not motivated to accommodate the desires of our flesh.  The Lord designed for Abraham and Sarah to wait over 70 years to have a baby!  The Lord promised them a land, yet they lived in tents as foreigners in the land and moved over 8 recorded times within their first 25 years within the land.  I can handle a tent for about 1-2 nights in moderate climate, but 25 years isn’t even within the bounds of comprehension!  In our passage this week, Abraham and Sarah continue to wait on the Lord in faith to receive the promised land (Hebrews 11:9-10).  In God’s plan He often asks us to persevere in uncomfortable situations.  Do you allow a little discomfort or inconvenience to send you in pursuit of an easier path?  Faith continues to persevere in obedience through dependence on God’s grace.

Sermon: “Persevering Faith” Genesis 21:22-34

Vacation Bible School starts next Sunday evening 7/30 @ 6:30pm!

The weather is forecasting a deep freeze for Jacksonville beginning next Sunday evening!  Vacation Bible School is one of the most exciting weeks at River Reach Baptist Church!  Please be praying that God will use our efforts together as a church to strengthen our faith and to reach children with the gospel.  VBS runs from Sunday night, July 30th through Wednesday evening, August 2.  On Wednesday evening we will be trying a unique outreach to the families of the children who have come.

Please invite any child you know from age 4 through 8th grade.  They will thoroughly enjoy each night as well as hear the gospel and biblical truth.

VBS Events:

  • Wednesday 7/26 – 6:30pm – VBS Prayer Meeting
  • Friday 7/28 – 7:00pm – VBS Decorating
  • Saturday 7/29 – 10:00am VBS Flyer Distribution
  • VBS – August 3-July2

Discipleship Groups continue this Sunday evening

The Lord answered prayers and provided a good turnout and profitable time last Sunday evening.  I appreciated the discussion and was blessed and challenged through our time together.  Even if you weren’t able to make it out last week, it will be worth your time to join us this Sunday evening at 6:00.

Assignments for Sunday 7/16:

We will have additional books available this Sunday morning if you need one.

Men: Read Chapter 3 in “Don’t Waste Your Life” by John Piper.

Women: Read Ch. 2 in The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship by Jonathan Holmes.

Prayer Requests:

  • VBS preparation and people to come
  • VBS workers to be healthy and empowered by the Spirit as they serve
  • Gospel opportunities
  • Our nation and leaders

Upcoming Events:

  • Sunday 7/23 – 9:25 am – Regular Sunday Classes (Adult, New Members, and children)
    • 10:30am – Morning Worship
    • 6:00pm – Sunday Evening Discipleship Groups begin
  • Wednesday 7/26 – 6:30pm – VBS Prayer Meeting
  • Friday 7/28 – 7:00pm – VBS Decorating
  • Saturday 7/29 – 10:00am VBS Flyer Distribution
  • VBS – August 3-July2

Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord!
Matthew Rowley
Pastor

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