Making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ

Refresh Conference 2018

Dear River Reach Family,

Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:21-24

I was recently watching an auto auction where a bidder purchased a car that he thought would make him money.  He failed to notice that the car frame was almost completely rusted out.  His only option was to sell it at a loss to the scrap yard.  Decay is a fundamental reality in our fallen world.  Decay affects every aspect of life.  Even parked cars can rust out.  I’m sure you’ve noticed how much work it takes just to keep things maintained!  Forward progress in both the physical and spiritual realms demands incredible effort and energy.  The Holy Spirit is keenly aware of our natural propensity to sin (Galatians 5:16-21).  Even after salvation we naturally revert to walking in the flesh and sin.  Cut yourself off from the Word of God it wont’ be long before you are spiritually powerless and a slave to sin! Thankfully the power of the Spirit who lives in us is infinitely stronger than the flesh.  Spiritual renewal is required to grow in the Lord.  Ephesians 4:21-24 outlines the three essential elements of spiritual renewal: repent and remove areas of known sin (Ephesians 4:22); renew your minds in the truth of God’s Word (Ephesians 4:23); commit to holy living (Ephesians 4:24).  The Word of God is essential in this renewal process.  It identifies the sin, teaches us what is right, and helps us to do right (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Our Refresh Conference provides a wonderful opportunity to saturate ourselves in the Word of God.  I am praying that God will give us a hunger and thirst for His Word that drives us to His Word this week.  I’m excited about what God will do in our hearts and our church!  I need this!

The Gleisers

We are delighted to have Andy Gleiser and his team minister the Word of God to us this week!  Andy loves God’s Word and has a burden to communicate and apply God’s Word to our lives.

Gospel Focus on Sunday Morning

We have asked Andy to focus on the Gospel for our Sunday morning service.  The Gospel has the power to transform lives! (Romans 1:16).  Sunday morning would be a tremendous time to invite those you love to join us.  If your guest receives Christ, they will be forever grateful that you invited them!

Prayer Requests: 

Have you been praying for one another this week?  We have already seen God answer several requests!  Keep persevering in prayer (1 Thessalonians 1:2).

  • The Lord to refresh our hearts through His Word during the Refresh conference
  • Our missionaries as they serve the Lord around the world
  • Our nation and leaders

Upcoming Events:

  • Saturday 2/3 – 5-7pm Teen Activity with Andy Gleiser
  • Sunday 2/4 – 9:25am – First Refresh Session
  • Feb. 5-8 – Monday-Thursday – 6:30pm – Refresh Conference with Andy Gleiser
  • Sunday 2/11 – 6:00pm Foundations Class begins

Blessed to be your Pastor!
Matthew Rowley

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