Dear River Reach Family,

And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

Revelation 5:9-10

The unbelieving masses of people on the broad road leading to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14) have suppressed the truth of God’s existence proclaimed in God’s creation and refuse to acknowledge their accountability to God (Romans 1:18-22). Those who fill this earth proclaim themselves as the ultimate authority accountable to no one but their own desires. In effect, they have declared themselves to be god. Man’s rebellion initiated a power conflict between themselves and God their Creator. Except for a few notable occasions, man has assumed ultimate authority and God has not prevented his assumptions. But someday the sham will be exposed and God will vindicate His authority by judging the wicked. In Revelation 4-5, John records the inspired revelation of the heavenly scene of God’s throne room seeking someone worthy to unleash God’s decreed judgment against those rebels who dwell on the earth (Revelation 3:10). Who could dare assume such authority to unleash judgment on sinners? Only One person is qualified to judge unrepentant sinners. His prior love and self-sacrifice for those same sinners perfectly reconciles God’s love and justice. This Sunday we will join with the court of heaven in proclaiming the worthiness of the Lamb of God to be the Judge of God! When we see God’s love precede His justice, we can only join in praising the worthiness of Jesus Christ to judge sinners. We rejoice that Jesus offers full pardon and reconciliation to all who will receive His mercy!

Sermon: “The Just Judge of All the Earth” – Revelation 5:1-14

Adult Sunday Bible Study on the life of Hagar this Sunday at 9:25am!

Since our regular adult teacher, Brain, is out of town this weekend, I am excited to use the Sunday School hour to conduct a group Bible Study with the adults on the life of Hagar. This will be an informal time of Bible Study as we work through the biblical texts of Genesis 16 and 21. I have already been greatly blessed by the truth God presents to us through His interaction with this Egyptian slave who finds herself in extremely difficult and trying life circumstances. God’s love and compassion shines through and will be a tremendous blessing to us. I encourage all adults to join us for this Bible study this Sunday at 9:25am! I also encourage you to read through Genesis 16 and 21 ahead of time to get your mind thinking. May the Lord give us a wonderful time together. Those on Zoom will be able to observe and hopefully interact with the discussion as well!

Prayer Requests:

• Shawn’s safety in returning soon
• 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