Dear River Reach Family,
Knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Has fear of the unknown ever kept you from attempting something new? Recently I’ve been reminded again of all the risks entrepreneurs face when they try to start a new business. There are so many unknowns! So many things could go wrong! People could rip you off and steal from you, and the list could go on and on. Sure business has its difficulties, but God has called each of us to attempt something that is far more complex and uncertain than attempting to start a new business. Our Father commissions us to get involved in the lives of others to make disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). I don’t know a single believer who isn’t intimidated by the magnitude of this task. Due to the difficulty, many believers never try. Others try and quit. Take heart! Our passage this week reminds us of a truth that turns our focus away from our own weaknesses and the complexity of the task and arms us with absolute confidence in our God given mission. Success is not resting on our shoulders but on the unwavering sovereignty of God!
Sunday Sermon: “Rejoicing in Assured Success” – 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7
Praise God for a Refreshing Refresh Conference!
I have no doubt that your hearts were encouraged and strengthened through God’s Word in each session you attended. Isn’t the Word of God powerful! This week was such an encouragement to my heart as I was reminded of basic essential truths that are mine in Christ. I rejoice at the great things God did in your hearts as well this week!
I know some of you were struggling with sickness or unable to attend for other reasons. The recordings of the Monday-Thursday sessions are available here.
Adult Sunday Class: “Money: Showing Off God’s Goodness through Stewardship”
Brian will continue this helpful and practical series on finances in our Adult Sunday Class at 9:25am.
Topic for this Sunday: “The Economics of Tomorrow: Debt and Saving”
Introduction to Foundations Class this Sunday @ 6:00pm
It is my desire to develop a disciple-making culture that reflects the New Testament pattern in our church. If God is giving you a burden to invest in the lives of others for the glory God, then I encourage you to join us starting this Sunday evening at 6:00pm. This week I will be sharing my vision for what God can do through us to make disciples of Jesus Christ. I will also introduce a new foundations class that is designed to start the process of equipping you to become a disciple-maker. I am praying that God will develop within us a heart of love for Christ and others that will transform our church into a greenhouse for spiritual growth. This class will be practical instruction on how to put into practice what we are learning in 1 Thessalonians.
Prayer Requests:
- Fruit to remain from the ministry of God’s Word in the Refresh Conference
- Marsell and the crew of the USS Iwo Jima that departed for a six month deployment this week.
- Those who are fighting sickness to recover strength
- Gospel opportunities
- Our missionaries as they serve the Lord around the world
- Our nation and leaders
Upcoming Events:
- Sunday 2/11 – 9:25 – Sunday Classes (Money Series)
- 10:30 – Morning Worship (One Life to a Life for Life – 1 Thessalonians)
- 6:00 – Introduction to Foundations Class
- Wednesday 2/14 – 6:30pm – Prayer Service and Bible Study (Triumphing in Trying Times – 1 Peter)
- Friday 2/16 – 6:30pm – Ft. Caroline Outreach
Blessed to be your Pastor!
Matthew Rowley
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