Making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ

VBS / River Reach News 7/28

Dear River Reach Family,

Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2

Is there anything in your life that is so important to you that you would not give it up if God asked?  We place a value on everything in our lives.  How we hold our possessions, comfort, relationships, status, desires, hobbies, etc. reveal our priorities and therefore our level of devotion to God.  God deserves first place (Romans 11:36).  Anything in this life can become more important to us than God.  We know our priorities are misplaced when we choose to honor or cherish any of these things or anyone more than God.  Sports, vehicles, houses, work, movies, money, video games, sleep, relatives, children are all from God, but are also used of God to test our faith.  How does God uses these to test our faith?  Faith trusts God to always do what is best.  When God asks us to demote our devotion to any of these things relative to our devotion to God, faith responds, “Gladly!”  God will richly reward all who honor Him first (Mark 10:28-31).  Faith understands that the best way to enjoy money, vehicles, relationships, sleep, work is by first honoring God.  In our passage for this Sunday, God is going to give Abraham the biggest test of his life.  He will ask him to give up his single greatest treasure in an act of worship to God.  God asks Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac on an altar!  What would you do?  What will Abraham do?  What would faith do?

Sermon: “The Extreme Test of Faith” Genesis 22:1-19

Vacation Bible School starts this 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.

You may pre-register children here or simply bring them on Sunday evening.

VBS Events:

  • Friday 7/28 – 7:00pm – VBS Decorating
  • Saturday 7/29 – 10:00am VBS Flyer Distribution
  • VBS – July 30 – August 2 – 6:30-8:30pm
    • Wednesday – 6:30pm – Family Fun Night!

No Discipleship Groups this Sunday evening

Due to VBS we will resume our groups on Sunday evening 8/6

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:

  • Friday 7/28 – 7:00pm – VBS Decorating
  • Saturday 7/29 – 10:00am VBS Flyer Distribution
  • Sunday 7/30 – 9:25 am – Regular Sunday Classes (Adult, New Members, and children)
    • 10:30am – Morning Worship
  • VBS – July 30 – August 2

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

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