Dear River Reach Family,

‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; ³ and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. ⁴ ‘But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 

Revelation 2:2-4

Three weeks ago Brianne, Titus, and I had a check up with our dentist. I can’t say that my heart rejoices when I see the dentist appointment reminder pop up on my calendar. The dental hygienist is very kind, but it is her job to examine and evaluate our current dental health and give us admonition and encouragement regarding our personal dental care routines. We all want to have our teeth when we are older and we would prefer to not have to go under the dentists drill. Dental health like spiritual health requires periodic examination, admonition, and encouragement. No one knows us better than our Lord! He knows our true spiritual health both individually and collectively as one of His local churches. In Christ’s first of seven spiritual evaluations He jumps right through all of our external actions and doctrinal positions to address our hearts. Christ cares most about what we love because our hearts drive our actions. Apathy toward the Lord ruins our ability to honor Him. Thankfully Christ has the solution to tune our distracted hearts!

Sermon: “Resurrection = Proven Truth” – Revelation 1:17-19

Praise the Lord for a wonderful celebration of Christ’s Resurrection!

What a blessing it was to rejoice in our Lord’s triumph over death and vindication of His authenticity last Sunday morning! Jen and I enjoyed the fellowship and seeing each person use their spiritual gift to bless others!

Prayer Requests:

• Praise: The Kings arrived safely in the US!
• Susan’s health
• God’s grace to help us fulfill our mission to make reproducing disciples of Jesus Christ
• Opportunities to share Christ in these uncertain times
• Spiritual growth and strength for each one in our church
• Our missionaries to be encouraged in the Lord
• Our nation to repent and turn to God
• Someone that the Lord can use you to lead to Christ
• Someone that the Lord can use you to lead to follow Christ

Blessed to be your Pastor!
Matthew Rowley