Dear River Reach Family,

And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 

Revelation 13:14

As citizens of the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord has chosen to dispatch us to live as His representatives in the foreign land of this world. We live in this world, but our hearts, priorities, and devotion lie in another realm (Hebrews 11:13-16). We are not of this world (John 17:14-16). While living in this world it is natural to put down roots and grow accustomed to a comfortable life. We often assume that we will be able to love Jesus and live comfortably as aliens in the foreign kingdom of this world (Rev. 11:15). But because of the pervasive conflict between the kingdom of this world and the kingdom of God, we must expect hostility from the natural citizens of this world. In our passage for Sunday, John receives a vision of the future rise of Satan’s false prophet who will unite the unbelievers of this world to worship Satan and vehemently oppose all citizens of the kingdom of God. His mesmerizing charm and influence will lead the world to absolute intolerance and murder of all who will not fit within the boundaries of Satan’s anti-God ideology. The Lord sends us this vision through John to help us understand what to expect from Satan’s influence in our world even today. From His throne in heaven, God allows the godless to be swayed to oppose and assault His own at times with crushing societal and governmental authority. Even in such times of severe oppression, God is still on His throne and His lovingkindness and purposes still reign over all. May we trust our Lord even when Satan wields the sword of deceptive sway against us.

Sermon: “When Satan Sways our World” Revelation 13:11-18

Small Group Adult Bible Study this Sunday at 9:25

It is my desire that as a group we will find the joy together of uncovering the truth of God’s Word and applying it to our lives. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss God’s Word with you!

Passage to Read: Mark 4:35-41

Prayer Requests:

• Bob’s strength and encouragement
• 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