Making reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ

The Perspective of Praise 11/16

Dear River Reach Family,

Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the LORD; and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 The people therefore cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD and the fire died out. 3 So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them.” Numbers 11:1-3

In the history of the world, has any society ever enjoyed more blessing, prosperity, and bounty than us?  We are living at the pinnacle of technological advancements and creature comforts!  We have climate controlled homes and smartphones in our pockets.  Through the internet we have direct access to almost any information we need.  We enjoy freedom and opportunity unparalleled in history!  Within the reach of a button click we have over 600 million items available for purchase and delivery to our door (many within 2 days!).  In the spiritual realm we have direct access to God and peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ.  We have unfailing promises of God’s love, mercy, grace, and faithfulness to us.  We have unhindered access in God’s Word to everything we need for life and godliness! (2 Peter 1:3)

With such incredible blessing, one would assume that praise, gratitude, joy, and peace would be the corresponding buzz of our beehive!  Is that the case?  Sadly for our society and even many Christians, reality couldn’t be much further afield from God’s design of gratitude.  We are not the first to suffer from the grip of grumbling.  This Sunday we will examine the nation of Israel’s proclivity to pouting and find the grace to gain a perspective of praise.

Sunday Sermon: “The Perspective of Praise – Exodus 15:1-27

Lord’s Supper Observance following the morning service

 

After meditating on God’s blessings to us in the morning message we will conclude with a meditation on the greatest blessing we enjoy in Christ: redemption through His blood! (Ephesians 1:7)  I encourage you to take time to examine your own hearts for sin that needs to be confessed and forgiving through the forgiveness that is in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:27-32).

Thanksgiving Praise Service this Tuesday @ 6:00pm

On Tuesday evening we will dedicate time to thanking and praising God for His mercy and grace to us.  Starting at 6:00 (not 6:30 as usual) we will have meal together.  Following dinner we will give an opportunity for you to share how the Lord has blessed you this year.  It is important to take time to count our blessings and remind ourselves of the Lord’s loving kindness (Psalm 136:1).

If you are able to bring food, you may sign up here.

“The Walk Class” this Sunday evening @ 6:00pm

Assignment: Complete Chapter 3: “A Balanced Walk” in The Walk booklet.  This week we continue our discussion of how to live in the world but not be of the world.  Be prepared to discuss what you learned!

Prayer Requests:

  • Susan’s health and doctors appointments
  • Two men in our church at sea serving our nation and their families
  • Someone that the Lord can use you to lead to Christ
  • Someone that the Lord can use you to lead to follow Christ
  • Peace in our nation and around the world
  • Our missionaries as they serve the Lord around the world

Upcoming Events:

  • Friday 11/16 – 6:00pm – Ladies Night Out (Ikea)
  • Sunday 11/18- 9:25am – Sunday Classes (Adult and Children’s classes)
    • 10:30am – Morning Worship: Thanksgiving Message
    • 11:40am – Lord’s Supper Observance
    • 6:00pm – The Walk Class
  • Tuesday 11/20 – 6:00pm – Thanksgiving Praise Service
    • No Wednesday Evening Bible Study
  • Thursday 11/22 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessed to be your Pastor!
Matthew Rowley

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