River of Life - Cold Spring https://riveroflifeag.org podcasts@subsplash.com Hear great messages from Pastor Denny Curran from River of Life Church in Cold Spring, MN. To learn more about the church please visit riveroflifeag.org. Hear great messages from Pastor Denny Curran from River of Life Church in Cold Spring, MN. To learn more about the church please visit riveroflifeag.org. en © 2026 River of Life Church no Caden St. John Caden St. John <p>We are living in some very trying times! When it comes to multitasking, we can find ourselves prioritizing out the things that matter, and making the thing that do not paramount. However, are we preparing the church for when Christ comes to receive His bride? This message is a hard look at where we are, and what we consider to be important. We hope this gives perspective on how to reframe our perspective of what is MOST important!</p> <p>We are living in some very trying times! When it comes to multitasking, we can find ourselves prioritizing out the things that matter, and making the thing that do not paramount. However, are we preparing the church for when Christ comes to receive His bride? This message is a hard look at where we are, and what we consider to be important. We hope this gives perspective on how to reframe our perspective of what is MOST important!</p> We are living in some very trying times! When it comes to multitasking, we can find ourselves prioritizing out the things that matter, and making the thing that do not paramount. However, are we preparing the church for when Christ comes to receive His bride? This message is a hard look at where we are, and what we consider to be important. We hope this gives perspective on how to reframe our perspective of what is MOST important!

]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2420 1 722bf62c23c228934293d2325675b4ea no Pt. 1 <p>A big challenge we have in this life is knowing who or what to follow. Next, HOW should we follow? Christ had many followers... until his teachings were either too hard or too offensive. The message of Christ isn't easy, especially in a world that demands comforts and rights. Can you follow Jesus if it means taking up your cross and dying to yourself? Find out how to live your life in Christ effectively with this message!</p> <p>A big challenge we have in this life is knowing who or what to follow. Next, HOW should we follow? Christ had many followers... until his teachings were either too hard or too offensive. The message of Christ isn't easy, especially in a world that demands comforts and rights. Can you follow Jesus if it means taking up your cross and dying to yourself? Find out how to live your life in Christ effectively with this message!</p> A big challenge we have in this life is knowing who or what to follow. Next, HOW should we follow? Christ had many followers... until his teachings were either too hard or too offensive. The message of Christ isn't easy, especially in a world that demands comforts and rights. Can you follow Jesus if it means taking up your cross and dying to yourself? Find out how to live your life in Christ effectively with this message!

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2306 2 1a1885c9b2cb0d7f866973a3059b025b no Protect The House Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Home is where we lay our head, and our full attention to keep safe. Often we are putting up barriers and ways to maintain our security, and rightly so considering the world we live in. It is easy to assume we are safe, but what little leaks and broken windows still remain as we live in what the world wants us to believe is security, and slowly becomes a false sense of security? it's time to reevaluate our home protection... not physically, but spiritually.</p> <p>Home is where we lay our head, and our full attention to keep safe. Often we are putting up barriers and ways to maintain our security, and rightly so considering the world we live in. It is easy to assume we are safe, but what little leaks and broken windows still remain as we live in what the world wants us to believe is security, and slowly becomes a false sense of security? it's time to reevaluate our home protection... not physically, but spiritually.</p> Home is where we lay our head, and our full attention to keep safe. Often we are putting up barriers and ways to maintain our security, and rightly so considering the world we live in. It is easy to assume we are safe, but what little leaks and broken windows still remain as we live in what the world wants us to believe is security, and slowly becomes a false sense of security? it's time to reevaluate our home protection... not physically, but spiritually.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2360 3 7be7e88fdb064384fe5fc5cc7d7d17db no Fight for Formation Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>It's not a matter of "if" we will have difficult seasons, but "when." And it's not a matter of when we will be ready, but how we will be ready. We live in a very broken world, and it is important to us as humans to find a place that, not only can we survive in, but thrive. Our time is so valuable, and how we spend it is just as important how we steward everything else. But when loss comes, it's easy to take our eyes off of faith, and onto control. If you are in this season right now, then this message is for you!</p> <p>It's not a matter of "if" we will have difficult seasons, but "when." And it's not a matter of when we will be ready, but how we will be ready. We live in a very broken world, and it is important to us as humans to find a place that, not only can we survive in, but thrive. Our time is so valuable, and how we spend it is just as important how we steward everything else. But when loss comes, it's easy to take our eyes off of faith, and onto control. If you are in this season right now, then this message is for you!</p> It's not a matter of "if" we will have difficult seasons, but "when." And it's not a matter of when we will be ready, but how we will be ready. We live in a very broken world, and it is important to us as humans to find a place that, not only can we survive in, but thrive. Our time is so valuable, and how we spend it is just as important how we steward everything else. But when loss comes, it's easy to take our eyes off of faith, and onto control. If you are in this season right now, then this message is for you!

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3251 4 ff080f701ab1760a9d82798d20744159 no Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are finishing up a quick sermon series called "Lies of a Love Song." We all enjoy the anthems of love, and often we see and hear them used in some of the biggest moments of life. But there often can be a negative attachment to the songs we hear, and this is caused not by the song, but the hurts that we experience in this life. One of the hardest actions we can do for others isn't to love them... but to forgive. We hope this message gives you tools to overcome the hardest act of love we can do...</p> <p>We are finishing up a quick sermon series called "Lies of a Love Song." We all enjoy the anthems of love, and often we see and hear them used in some of the biggest moments of life. But there often can be a negative attachment to the songs we hear, and this is caused not by the song, but the hurts that we experience in this life. One of the hardest actions we can do for others isn't to love them... but to forgive. We hope this message gives you tools to overcome the hardest act of love we can do...</p> We are finishing up a quick sermon series called "Lies of a Love Song." We all enjoy the anthems of love, and often we see and hear them used in some of the biggest moments of life. But there often can be a negative attachment to the songs we hear, and this is caused not by the song, but the hurts that we experience in this life. One of the hardest actions we can do for others isn't to love them... but to forgive. We hope this message gives you tools to overcome the hardest act of love we can do...

]]> Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2370 5 4821e75dbf9916812c21401c7f061b2c no Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Love is in the air! Or...at least that is what we are told during the month of February. Valentine's Day is a time when we show just how much we love others, but it can also be a routine of actions we've done for many years without much intention. With divorce rates higher than they've ever been, how can culture maintain a day specifically meant to celebrate love. Perhaps it's time to consider what lies we've been hearing around us, and choose to tune in to what is true. </p> <p>Love is in the air! Or...at least that is what we are told during the month of February. Valentine's Day is a time when we show just how much we love others, but it can also be a routine of actions we've done for many years without much intention. With divorce rates higher than they've ever been, how can culture maintain a day specifically meant to celebrate love. Perhaps it's time to consider what lies we've been hearing around us, and choose to tune in to what is true. </p> Love is in the air! Or...at least that is what we are told during the month of February. Valentine's Day is a time when we show just how much we love others, but it can also be a routine of actions we've done for many years without much intention. With divorce rates higher than they've ever been, how can culture maintain a day specifically meant to celebrate love. Perhaps it's time to consider what lies we've been hearing around us, and choose to tune in to what is true.

]]> Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2762 6 0b97092083515f282b0f544f3d403b30 no GO Pastor Denny Curran <p>We love being the body of Christ. It is led by the Creator of the universe, the One who knows our innermost being. However, it can be easy to assume that we only have a single role, rather than to accept that perhaps we can operate in roles that either we never imagined...or even ever wanted to. But serving the church is such a selfless act, and the more you do it, the more you see how God is actually your strength. We hope this message encourages you to serve more His church, and ultimately, the world around you.</p> <p>We love being the body of Christ. It is led by the Creator of the universe, the One who knows our innermost being. However, it can be easy to assume that we only have a single role, rather than to accept that perhaps we can operate in roles that either we never imagined...or even ever wanted to. But serving the church is such a selfless act, and the more you do it, the more you see how God is actually your strength. We hope this message encourages you to serve more His church, and ultimately, the world around you.</p> We love being the body of Christ. It is led by the Creator of the universe, the One who knows our innermost being. However, it can be easy to assume that we only have a single role, rather than to accept that perhaps we can operate in roles that either we never imagined...or even ever wanted to. But serving the church is such a selfless act, and the more you do it, the more you see how God is actually your strength. We hope this message encourages you to serve more His church, and ultimately, the world around you.

]]> Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2279 7 37f8c31c0d35c27d6433da051a0fc1d5 no Willie Robertson Willie Robertson <p>We were very honored to have Willie Robertson, one of the stars of the show Duck Dynasty, speak to our community this past weekend! He shared some amazing stories of family, business, and ultimately what has changed his life, Jesus Christ. Listen to his story, as well as his challenge!</p> <p>We were very honored to have Willie Robertson, one of the stars of the show Duck Dynasty, speak to our community this past weekend! He shared some amazing stories of family, business, and ultimately what has changed his life, Jesus Christ. Listen to his story, as well as his challenge!</p> We were very honored to have Willie Robertson, one of the stars of the show Duck Dynasty, speak to our community this past weekend! He shared some amazing stories of family, business, and ultimately what has changed his life, Jesus Christ. Listen to his story, as well as his challenge!

]]> Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000 3065 8 f3aac4507d88592d2bfbb0dd1487075d no Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Praying is the greatest thing we can do to come against darkness, empty fear, and release control. Prayer is a two-way conversation, even if words aren't involved. intimacy with the Lord is a beautiful reality that we often choose to live outside of; when we choose to live in our reality, we will always fall short. How is your intimacy with the Lord?</p> <p>Praying is the greatest thing we can do to come against darkness, empty fear, and release control. Prayer is a two-way conversation, even if words aren't involved. intimacy with the Lord is a beautiful reality that we often choose to live outside of; when we choose to live in our reality, we will always fall short. How is your intimacy with the Lord?</p> Praying is the greatest thing we can do to come against darkness, empty fear, and release control. Prayer is a two-way conversation, even if words aren't involved. intimacy with the Lord is a beautiful reality that we often choose to live outside of; when we choose to live in our reality, we will always fall short. How is your intimacy with the Lord?

]]> Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2654 9 8e77877e4797cd122451afb9ef6ed2cb no Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are launching a new series on the need for prayer... but not the ways we expect to. Needing to pray isn't going through a list of needs and grievances before God, it's asking Him to come into your every day life and to change the way you are by the work of the Holy Spirit. If we only ever talk to God with needs, we miss the whole point of a beautiful relationship with our Creator, one that He has yearned to establish with His creation.</p> <p>We are launching a new series on the need for prayer... but not the ways we expect to. Needing to pray isn't going through a list of needs and grievances before God, it's asking Him to come into your every day life and to change the way you are by the work of the Holy Spirit. If we only ever talk to God with needs, we miss the whole point of a beautiful relationship with our Creator, one that He has yearned to establish with His creation.</p> We are launching a new series on the need for prayer... but not the ways we expect to. Needing to pray isn't going through a list of needs and grievances before God, it's asking Him to come into your every day life and to change the way you are by the work of the Holy Spirit. If we only ever talk to God with needs, we miss the whole point of a beautiful relationship with our Creator, one that He has yearned to establish with His creation.

]]> Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2298 10 0df972dd8e4952d5e4c1e62d210f2141 no Kendall Alfaro <p>We are joined by Kendall Alfaro this weekend as we kick off the first Sunday of 2026! Aside from being a gifted and relatable speaker, he also is the National Speed The Light Director, and organization that exists to spread the name of Jesus to unreached areas. This Sunday, Kendall spoke on how we can often live life distracted. Whether it is through our phones, work, or even family, it's important we tune out to the things that aren't as important as our relationship with Jesus. Thanks for joining us!</p> <p>We are joined by Kendall Alfaro this weekend as we kick off the first Sunday of 2026! Aside from being a gifted and relatable speaker, he also is the National Speed The Light Director, and organization that exists to spread the name of Jesus to unreached areas. This Sunday, Kendall spoke on how we can often live life distracted. Whether it is through our phones, work, or even family, it's important we tune out to the things that aren't as important as our relationship with Jesus. Thanks for joining us!</p> We are joined by Kendall Alfaro this weekend as we kick off the first Sunday of 2026! Aside from being a gifted and relatable speaker, he also is the National Speed The Light Director, and organization that exists to spread the name of Jesus to unreached areas. This Sunday, Kendall spoke on how we can often live life distracted. Whether it is through our phones, work, or even family, it's important we tune out to the things that aren't as important as our relationship with Jesus. Thanks for joining us!

]]> Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000 2923 11 256fff73cda0949874eca26b1a3cd76f no Looking Back + Moving Forward Pastor Kirby St. John <p>As 2025 comes to an end, we give thanks to God for all of the amazing ways we have been a vessel for His glory... but this is also just the beginning of something incredible. We look ahead not because we want to rid ourselves of what has been, but out of obedience to a God who has proven Himself to be faithful. Thanks for joining us for 2025, and join us again as we look to the great things in 2026!</p> <p>As 2025 comes to an end, we give thanks to God for all of the amazing ways we have been a vessel for His glory... but this is also just the beginning of something incredible. We look ahead not because we want to rid ourselves of what has been, but out of obedience to a God who has proven Himself to be faithful. Thanks for joining us for 2025, and join us again as we look to the great things in 2026!</p> As 2025 comes to an end, we give thanks to God for all of the amazing ways we have been a vessel for His glory... but this is also just the beginning of something incredible. We look ahead not because we want to rid ourselves of what has been, but out of obedience to a God who has proven Himself to be faithful. Thanks for joining us for 2025, and join us again as we look to the great things in 2026!

]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2892 12 72c4f4e6969026ffcd4589b444d25512 no Prince of Peace Pastor Kirby St. John <p>As we land on the last name for the Messiah that was prophesied to come, Prince of Peace is something many of us may have heard at some point in this season. But can many say they LIVE in peace? If He is the prince of peace, what does that mean for us who are trying to find peace. Can it be found if it is a person? We hope this message encourages you to put your trust in the one who IS peace, and doesn't just bring peace.</p> <p>As we land on the last name for the Messiah that was prophesied to come, Prince of Peace is something many of us may have heard at some point in this season. But can many say they LIVE in peace? If He is the prince of peace, what does that mean for us who are trying to find peace. Can it be found if it is a person? We hope this message encourages you to put your trust in the one who IS peace, and doesn't just bring peace.</p> As we land on the last name for the Messiah that was prophesied to come, Prince of Peace is something many of us may have heard at some point in this season. But can many say they LIVE in peace? If He is the prince of peace, what does that mean for us who are trying to find peace. Can it be found if it is a person? We hope this message encourages you to put your trust in the one who IS peace, and doesn't just bring peace.

]]> Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2437 13 f2422f8c22c4d6521810473b931fcd65 no Everlasting Father Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are continuing our series on the names given to the coming Messiah as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. We landed on Everlasting Father... and a message that is an interesting study on what this means. Jesus is the son of God, so how could he also be named the Everlasting Father? The supposed dichotomy is looked into specifically, but also, what does it mean for God to be a father? A Father eternally at that? We hope you enjoy this teaching this week!</p> <p>We are continuing our series on the names given to the coming Messiah as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. We landed on Everlasting Father... and a message that is an interesting study on what this means. Jesus is the son of God, so how could he also be named the Everlasting Father? The supposed dichotomy is looked into specifically, but also, what does it mean for God to be a father? A Father eternally at that? We hope you enjoy this teaching this week!</p> We are continuing our series on the names given to the coming Messiah as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. We landed on Everlasting Father... and a message that is an interesting study on what this means. Jesus is the son of God, so how could he also be named the Everlasting Father? The supposed dichotomy is looked into specifically, but also, what does it mean for God to be a father? A Father eternally at that? We hope you enjoy this teaching this week!

]]> Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2236 14 2bcd79d5aa6a009bc9e563632421b2ae no Mighty God Pastor Kirby St. John, Pastor Mark Eskew <p>We have a special treat this past weekend! As we continue our series on Isaiah 9:6, we had some special guests join us for an amazing presentation. Our kids ministry works tirelessly every year to deliver the Gospel in unique and creative ways though the Kids Christmas Musical, and this year did not disappoint. At the end, Pastor Kirby gave a teaching on how God is our Mighty God, and how we can live life with this reality at the forefront. We hope you enjoy this week's podcast!</p> <p>We have a special treat this past weekend! As we continue our series on Isaiah 9:6, we had some special guests join us for an amazing presentation. Our kids ministry works tirelessly every year to deliver the Gospel in unique and creative ways though the Kids Christmas Musical, and this year did not disappoint. At the end, Pastor Kirby gave a teaching on how God is our Mighty God, and how we can live life with this reality at the forefront. We hope you enjoy this week's podcast!</p> We have a special treat this past weekend! As we continue our series on Isaiah 9:6, we had some special guests join us for an amazing presentation. Our kids ministry works tirelessly every year to deliver the Gospel in unique and creative ways though the Kids Christmas Musical, and this year did not disappoint. At the end, Pastor Kirby gave a teaching on how God is our Mighty God, and how we can live life with this reality at the forefront. We hope you enjoy this week's podcast!

]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000 4188 15 8a00994d837be7e60f6f8730df6e148a no Wonderful Counselor Pastor Kirby St. John <p>As we begin the Christmas season, it's important for us to recognize the LORD of this season. Christ Jesus' birth is the turning point in history where man began to understand what hope and joy to its fullness could look like in this life. But we often make the same mistake Martha made when Jesus asked her who he was... She was waiting for the promise, not realizing the promise was right in front of her, sharing the same air and feeling the same emotions. To be understood is a gift that is too often withheld, and thus we discover how Christ showcased His glory; He is our Wonderful Counselor. Join us as we explore how Jesus embodies Isaiah 9:6 to the fullest!</p> <p>As we begin the Christmas season, it's important for us to recognize the LORD of this season. Christ Jesus' birth is the turning point in history where man began to understand what hope and joy to its fullness could look like in this life. But we often make the same mistake Martha made when Jesus asked her who he was... She was waiting for the promise, not realizing the promise was right in front of her, sharing the same air and feeling the same emotions. To be understood is a gift that is too often withheld, and thus we discover how Christ showcased His glory; He is our Wonderful Counselor. Join us as we explore how Jesus embodies Isaiah 9:6 to the fullest!</p> As we begin the Christmas season, it's important for us to recognize the LORD of this season. Christ Jesus' birth is the turning point in history where man began to understand what hope and joy to its fullness could look like in this life. But we often make the same mistake Martha made when Jesus asked her who he was... She was waiting for the promise, not realizing the promise was right in front of her, sharing the same air and feeling the same emotions. To be understood is a gift that is too often withheld, and thus we discover how Christ showcased His glory; He is our Wonderful Counselor. Join us as we explore how Jesus embodies Isaiah 9:6 to the fullest!

]]> Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2375 16 ae3a021e30f8b92fdc879efba7cd0836 no The Battle Within - Pt. 9 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Give thanks... in all things. Give thanks... even when it is tough. Give thanks... when you are in want. Giving thanks in this way becomes less about a reaction and more of a response; it is a choice we make, not a circumstance of the season. Our hope is that this message increases your reason to give thanks, not because of what you have, but because of how God has been so present in your life. We can give thanks in all things because He continues to reveal Himself. We hope you make this your prayer daily!</p> <p>Give thanks... in all things. Give thanks... even when it is tough. Give thanks... when you are in want. Giving thanks in this way becomes less about a reaction and more of a response; it is a choice we make, not a circumstance of the season. Our hope is that this message increases your reason to give thanks, not because of what you have, but because of how God has been so present in your life. We can give thanks in all things because He continues to reveal Himself. We hope you make this your prayer daily!</p> Give thanks... in all things. Give thanks... even when it is tough. Give thanks... when you are in want. Giving thanks in this way becomes less about a reaction and more of a response; it is a choice we make, not a circumstance of the season. Our hope is that this message increases your reason to give thanks, not because of what you have, but because of how God has been so present in your life. We can give thanks in all things because He continues to reveal Himself. We hope you make this your prayer daily!

]]> Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2387 17 7101d74961ea6c20cc9cefda09ca5682 no Project Rescue Pastor Kirby St. John <p>This past Sunday we had the honor of hosting Project Rescue, and organization that focuses on empowering survivors of sexual slavery and restoring hope. We heard the heart of these amazing people, how their amazing story led them to this point, and what they are doing to help those in need. We hope you are encouraged and challenged on how we can, together, make a greater impact in our world!</p> <p>This past Sunday we had the honor of hosting Project Rescue, and organization that focuses on empowering survivors of sexual slavery and restoring hope. We heard the heart of these amazing people, how their amazing story led them to this point, and what they are doing to help those in need. We hope you are encouraged and challenged on how we can, together, make a greater impact in our world!</p> This past Sunday we had the honor of hosting Project Rescue, and organization that focuses on empowering survivors of sexual slavery and restoring hope. We heard the heart of these amazing people, how their amazing story led them to this point, and what they are doing to help those in need. We hope you are encouraged and challenged on how we can, together, make a greater impact in our world!

]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2693 18 304211cba45bde132741852fbbe5b177 no The Battle Within - Pt. 8 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>This life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, lefts and rights. We can be the cause of these changes, and we can be along for the ride, either intentionally or otherwise. Whether or not we are the reason for our circumstance, there is a response we all will have eventually, and that is our attitude. An attitude that is positive continues to view life from a stand point that circumstances do not make the whole of who we are...but perspective has power. If we are negative, we can find ourselves in a prison that we hold the key to, but often times we stay in this prison to let others know that someone has to serve the injustice done against us. We hope this message this week helps you to overcome negativity, not just for yourself, but for others around you.</p> <p>This life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, lefts and rights. We can be the cause of these changes, and we can be along for the ride, either intentionally or otherwise. Whether or not we are the reason for our circumstance, there is a response we all will have eventually, and that is our attitude. An attitude that is positive continues to view life from a stand point that circumstances do not make the whole of who we are...but perspective has power. If we are negative, we can find ourselves in a prison that we hold the key to, but often times we stay in this prison to let others know that someone has to serve the injustice done against us. We hope this message this week helps you to overcome negativity, not just for yourself, but for others around you.</p> This life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, lefts and rights. We can be the cause of these changes, and we can be along for the ride, either intentionally or otherwise. Whether or not we are the reason for our circumstance, there is a response we all will have eventually, and that is our attitude. An attitude that is positive continues to view life from a stand point that circumstances do not make the whole of who we are...but perspective has power. If we are negative, we can find ourselves in a prison that we hold the key to, but often times we stay in this prison to let others know that someone has to serve the injustice done against us. We hope this message this week helps you to overcome negativity, not just for yourself, but for others around you.

]]> Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2293 19 100b723dffe118bda151296c833977b1 no The Battle Within - Pt. 7 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>This message may be a little difficult to listen to... because we are talking about letting go of control. Control is often the antithesis to the ministry that God wants to do. A massive, all knowing, all encompassing God should be able to handle this world and universe, and yet we place the weight of all of this upon our shoulders. This isn't what we were meant to do! We hope this message gives you the tools to let go of the things that are heavy, and instead to take on the burden that Christ meant for us... to be His image.</p> <p>This message may be a little difficult to listen to... because we are talking about letting go of control. Control is often the antithesis to the ministry that God wants to do. A massive, all knowing, all encompassing God should be able to handle this world and universe, and yet we place the weight of all of this upon our shoulders. This isn't what we were meant to do! We hope this message gives you the tools to let go of the things that are heavy, and instead to take on the burden that Christ meant for us... to be His image.</p> This message may be a little difficult to listen to... because we are talking about letting go of control. Control is often the antithesis to the ministry that God wants to do. A massive, all knowing, all encompassing God should be able to handle this world and universe, and yet we place the weight of all of this upon our shoulders. This isn't what we were meant to do! We hope this message gives you the tools to let go of the things that are heavy, and instead to take on the burden that Christ meant for us... to be His image.

]]> Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2378 20 007b9f511d4fedd8fdabf7e613aef152 no The Battle Within - Pt. 6 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are getting close to the end of the Battle Within series, and each theme represents real but often misunderstood emotions we face in this life. Perhaps the most misunderstood of all is disappointment; often times, we are disappointed without quite understanding why ourselves. The reality of this life is we often go into dreams and goal with a heartfelt conviction, hoping for the best, but what should we do an how should we respond when what we thought was going to happen... doesn't? Hopefully this message can encourage you to dive deeper into His Word and see how we can develop healthy expectations!</p> <p>We are getting close to the end of the Battle Within series, and each theme represents real but often misunderstood emotions we face in this life. Perhaps the most misunderstood of all is disappointment; often times, we are disappointed without quite understanding why ourselves. The reality of this life is we often go into dreams and goal with a heartfelt conviction, hoping for the best, but what should we do an how should we respond when what we thought was going to happen... doesn't? Hopefully this message can encourage you to dive deeper into His Word and see how we can develop healthy expectations!</p> We are getting close to the end of the Battle Within series, and each theme represents real but often misunderstood emotions we face in this life. Perhaps the most misunderstood of all is disappointment; often times, we are disappointed without quite understanding why ourselves. The reality of this life is we often go into dreams and goal with a heartfelt conviction, hoping for the best, but what should we do an how should we respond when what we thought was going to happen... doesn't? Hopefully this message can encourage you to dive deeper into His Word and see how we can develop healthy expectations!

]]> Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2480 21 414b5f4f10f2055e56528c1e39a4efce no The Battle Within - Pt. 5 Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>Sunday was a big day in history for River of Life Church! Find out more why: <a href="https://riveroflifeag.org/albany-campus" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org/albany-campus</a></p><p><br></p><p>This week we are addressing a great battle than many aren't quire sure how to prepare for: fear. Fear is the greatest enemy of our faith, because fear's success is dependent on the lack of our abilities. As we face the biggest challenges in life, perhaps the first thought we have could be "am I ready for this?" or "what happens if this is the consequence?" or "what if I fail?"</p><p><br></p><p>We hope this message encourages you to take the proverbial plunge... knowing that your Father in Heaven is ready to help you.</p> <p>Sunday was a big day in history for River of Life Church! Find out more why: <a href="https://riveroflifeag.org/albany-campus" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org/albany-campus</a></p><p><br></p><p>This week we are addressing a great battle than many aren't quire sure how to prepare for: fear. Fear is the greatest enemy of our faith, because fear's success is dependent on the lack of our abilities. As we face the biggest challenges in life, perhaps the first thought we have could be "am I ready for this?" or "what happens if this is the consequence?" or "what if I fail?"</p><p><br></p><p>We hope this message encourages you to take the proverbial plunge... knowing that your Father in Heaven is ready to help you.</p> Sunday was a big day in history for River of Life Church! Find out more why: https://riveroflifeag.org/albany-campus


This week we are addressing a great battle than many aren't quire sure how to prepare for: fear. Fear is the greatest enemy of our faith, because fear's success is dependent on the lack of our abilities. As we face the biggest challenges in life, perhaps the first thought we have could be "am I ready for this?" or "what happens if this is the consequence?" or "what if I fail?"


We hope this message encourages you to take the proverbial plunge... knowing that your Father in Heaven is ready to help you.

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2193 22 bdcc6c9389a2eec6a338d7f9549127d4 no The Battle Within - Pt. 4 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Knowing who you are is a greatly affected by your ethics and convictions. Our morals are often what keep us centered and established, but what happens when we go against these very things? What happens when we keep going against what we believe to be true? Shame is a prison than can be a life sentence; however, what if there was an option to receive an appeal? Tune in to this week's message to understand how this can become your reality.</p> <p>Knowing who you are is a greatly affected by your ethics and convictions. Our morals are often what keep us centered and established, but what happens when we go against these very things? What happens when we keep going against what we believe to be true? Shame is a prison than can be a life sentence; however, what if there was an option to receive an appeal? Tune in to this week's message to understand how this can become your reality.</p> Knowing who you are is a greatly affected by your ethics and convictions. Our morals are often what keep us centered and established, but what happens when we go against these very things? What happens when we keep going against what we believe to be true? Shame is a prison than can be a life sentence; however, what if there was an option to receive an appeal? Tune in to this week's message to understand how this can become your reality.

]]> Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1567 23 f85578efc325ccaee54a2896916ec673 no The Battle Within - Pt. 3 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>One of the hardest battles we can ever face are the internal consequences of actions; whether of our own doing, or done to us. The reality is that letting go of past pain is one of the toughest battles we can face, and to try and forget is never formulaic. Perhaps we may never forget, but can we heal from the past? Are we ever able to truly walk in a new way with our past hanging on our back? We hope this message can give you the tools you need!</p> <p>One of the hardest battles we can ever face are the internal consequences of actions; whether of our own doing, or done to us. The reality is that letting go of past pain is one of the toughest battles we can face, and to try and forget is never formulaic. Perhaps we may never forget, but can we heal from the past? Are we ever able to truly walk in a new way with our past hanging on our back? We hope this message can give you the tools you need!</p> One of the hardest battles we can ever face are the internal consequences of actions; whether of our own doing, or done to us. The reality is that letting go of past pain is one of the toughest battles we can face, and to try and forget is never formulaic. Perhaps we may never forget, but can we heal from the past? Are we ever able to truly walk in a new way with our past hanging on our back? We hope this message can give you the tools you need!

]]> Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2470 24 8720d695d9043f8a1e826204ebbe3734 no The Battle Within - Pt. 1 <p>Let's talk about anger... a phrase you rarely ever hear spoken gently on. Anger is one of the greatest emotions we have: it can lead us to act, but it can also lead us to hurt. Scripture says to not sin in your anger... but it doesn't say not to be angry. So how do we be angry and yet be gentle? This can be a struggle, but it starts with the example of Jesus. We hope this helps you to know how to battle well!</p> <p>Let's talk about anger... a phrase you rarely ever hear spoken gently on. Anger is one of the greatest emotions we have: it can lead us to act, but it can also lead us to hurt. Scripture says to not sin in your anger... but it doesn't say not to be angry. So how do we be angry and yet be gentle? This can be a struggle, but it starts with the example of Jesus. We hope this helps you to know how to battle well!</p> Let's talk about anger... a phrase you rarely ever hear spoken gently on. Anger is one of the greatest emotions we have: it can lead us to act, but it can also lead us to hurt. Scripture says to not sin in your anger... but it doesn't say not to be angry. So how do we be angry and yet be gentle? This can be a struggle, but it starts with the example of Jesus. We hope this helps you to know how to battle well!

]]> Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2198 25 cad8281576c7ce32585a49ba91674319 no Game Day - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Change in our world is often prompted by response to the forces around us. We change because we have to, not because we want to. And sometimes this change is great, but often it is uncomfortable, uncertain, and can induce fear. But what if we could anticipate change, ready ourselves, and grow into it? By the Spirit of God... this is possible. We hope this message prepares you to appreciate change, and seek to ask, "what can I do to make this effective?"</p> <p>Change in our world is often prompted by response to the forces around us. We change because we have to, not because we want to. And sometimes this change is great, but often it is uncomfortable, uncertain, and can induce fear. But what if we could anticipate change, ready ourselves, and grow into it? By the Spirit of God... this is possible. We hope this message prepares you to appreciate change, and seek to ask, "what can I do to make this effective?"</p> Change in our world is often prompted by response to the forces around us. We change because we have to, not because we want to. And sometimes this change is great, but often it is uncomfortable, uncertain, and can induce fear. But what if we could anticipate change, ready ourselves, and grow into it? By the Spirit of God... this is possible. We hope this message prepares you to appreciate change, and seek to ask, "what can I do to make this effective?"

]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2342 26 6e7da2801dde25687dadcc2b083b9e69 no Game Day - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>This weekends podcast is a short reflection on how we should be prepared in all ways to share the Gospel. The one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy is after us, but we can give him the tools and the advances to use against us. If we aren't careful of our play calls and remaining patient, we can allow things into our lives that will cause us to live scrambled lives instead of prepared and practiced lives. We hope you enjoy this message!</p> <p>This weekends podcast is a short reflection on how we should be prepared in all ways to share the Gospel. The one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy is after us, but we can give him the tools and the advances to use against us. If we aren't careful of our play calls and remaining patient, we can allow things into our lives that will cause us to live scrambled lives instead of prepared and practiced lives. We hope you enjoy this message!</p> This weekends podcast is a short reflection on how we should be prepared in all ways to share the Gospel. The one who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy is after us, but we can give him the tools and the advances to use against us. If we aren't careful of our play calls and remaining patient, we can allow things into our lives that will cause us to live scrambled lives instead of prepared and practiced lives. We hope you enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1192 27 8bf1611e8fcb05c0064396b420791a8f no James 5 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>The irony of trying to find happiness in this life is that it is never fulfilling. It's something we invest for, work for, and sacrifice for, but it is ultimately a feeling, as much as sorrow and fear is. These reactionary emotions often become leaders of our lives, whereas Jesus calls us to a greater lifestyle: that of sacrifice. While sacrifice can emit emotions, it isn't dependent on it. And sacrifice can produce more in this life to ready us for eternity than trying to be "happy." We hope this message helps you to choose what is eternal.</p> <p>The irony of trying to find happiness in this life is that it is never fulfilling. It's something we invest for, work for, and sacrifice for, but it is ultimately a feeling, as much as sorrow and fear is. These reactionary emotions often become leaders of our lives, whereas Jesus calls us to a greater lifestyle: that of sacrifice. While sacrifice can emit emotions, it isn't dependent on it. And sacrifice can produce more in this life to ready us for eternity than trying to be "happy." We hope this message helps you to choose what is eternal.</p> The irony of trying to find happiness in this life is that it is never fulfilling. It's something we invest for, work for, and sacrifice for, but it is ultimately a feeling, as much as sorrow and fear is. These reactionary emotions often become leaders of our lives, whereas Jesus calls us to a greater lifestyle: that of sacrifice. While sacrifice can emit emotions, it isn't dependent on it. And sacrifice can produce more in this life to ready us for eternity than trying to be "happy." We hope this message helps you to choose what is eternal.

]]> Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2521 28 660fae301754edd46d20d9610f6f7ca5 no James 4 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>It is easy to live our life in the world WITH the world, verses life in the world IN the world. The difference is this: Who is your lord? Is it Jesus? Is it work? Is it a relationship? To build our kingdom here on earth may last for a while, but it will inevitably fail and fade. How can we work to build alongside God for the Kingdom here ON earth?</p> <p>It is easy to live our life in the world WITH the world, verses life in the world IN the world. The difference is this: Who is your lord? Is it Jesus? Is it work? Is it a relationship? To build our kingdom here on earth may last for a while, but it will inevitably fail and fade. How can we work to build alongside God for the Kingdom here ON earth?</p> It is easy to live our life in the world WITH the world, verses life in the world IN the world. The difference is this: Who is your lord? Is it Jesus? Is it work? Is it a relationship? To build our kingdom here on earth may last for a while, but it will inevitably fail and fade. How can we work to build alongside God for the Kingdom here ON earth?

]]> Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 1970 29 10df6172fa764503aea83af81fbf8287 no Kid's Sunday Pastor Kaleb Eskew <p>What does it looks like to achieve greatness in life? Is it about acclaim? Is it about wealth? Is it about security? Often we find that to achieve greatness requires sacrifice... but what are we sacrificing? Are we sacrificing the wrong things to achieve the wrong goals? Where is your vision leading you, and what are you sacrificing in the process to achieve it? Want to know how to achieve it greatness?... check out this message!</p> <p>What does it looks like to achieve greatness in life? Is it about acclaim? Is it about wealth? Is it about security? Often we find that to achieve greatness requires sacrifice... but what are we sacrificing? Are we sacrificing the wrong things to achieve the wrong goals? Where is your vision leading you, and what are you sacrificing in the process to achieve it? Want to know how to achieve it greatness?... check out this message!</p> What does it looks like to achieve greatness in life? Is it about acclaim? Is it about wealth? Is it about security? Often we find that to achieve greatness requires sacrifice... but what are we sacrificing? Are we sacrificing the wrong things to achieve the wrong goals? Where is your vision leading you, and what are you sacrificing in the process to achieve it? Want to know how to achieve it greatness?... check out this message!

]]> Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2754 30 444dae9941a98b134343bbb7359e8a1b no Faith In The Fire - James 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are continuing our series on James, venturing into what it looks like to not just talk the talk, but truly walk the walk. Our lives in Christ are NOT made possible by our works, however, our works flow from the life we live in Christ. We can tell if someone has been so deeply affected by Christ by the way they mirror Christ. Our challenge for you: how are you mirroring Christ?</p> <p>We are continuing our series on James, venturing into what it looks like to not just talk the talk, but truly walk the walk. Our lives in Christ are NOT made possible by our works, however, our works flow from the life we live in Christ. We can tell if someone has been so deeply affected by Christ by the way they mirror Christ. Our challenge for you: how are you mirroring Christ?</p> We are continuing our series on James, venturing into what it looks like to not just talk the talk, but truly walk the walk. Our lives in Christ are NOT made possible by our works, however, our works flow from the life we live in Christ. We can tell if someone has been so deeply affected by Christ by the way they mirror Christ. Our challenge for you: how are you mirroring Christ?

]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2305 31 78eeb705df5bad63c20cb4ee62f99db6 no Faith In The Fire - James 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>The book of James in the Bible is from the heart of one of Jesus' disciples; His very own half-brother, James. His words are from a perspective of Christian living that is relevant even to this day. How we act, our conduct, and approach is so critical as followers of Jesus. Let's be encouraged to live out our call in a way that brings others to Christ, and not away!</p> <p>The book of James in the Bible is from the heart of one of Jesus' disciples; His very own half-brother, James. His words are from a perspective of Christian living that is relevant even to this day. How we act, our conduct, and approach is so critical as followers of Jesus. Let's be encouraged to live out our call in a way that brings others to Christ, and not away!</p> The book of James in the Bible is from the heart of one of Jesus' disciples; His very own half-brother, James. His words are from a perspective of Christian living that is relevant even to this day. How we act, our conduct, and approach is so critical as followers of Jesus. Let's be encouraged to live out our call in a way that brings others to Christ, and not away!

]]> Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2201 32 380c70a6ee18002c762073b4f1bd137c no Gabriel Zamora <p>The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the most impactful and controversial events in history. The implications of such an act make Jesus and the disciples liars, or Jesus is truly God. It cannot be anything in-between. The power of the resurrection testimony has established the modern world as we know it, and to deny its credibility is a presumptuous task; we have more history of Jesus Christ than we do Julius Caesar. We hope this message by guest speaker Gabriel Zamora challenges but also encourages you to know that Jesus is the One True God, and there is plenty of evidence to confirm it!</p> <p>The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the most impactful and controversial events in history. The implications of such an act make Jesus and the disciples liars, or Jesus is truly God. It cannot be anything in-between. The power of the resurrection testimony has established the modern world as we know it, and to deny its credibility is a presumptuous task; we have more history of Jesus Christ than we do Julius Caesar. We hope this message by guest speaker Gabriel Zamora challenges but also encourages you to know that Jesus is the One True God, and there is plenty of evidence to confirm it!</p> The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is one of the most impactful and controversial events in history. The implications of such an act make Jesus and the disciples liars, or Jesus is truly God. It cannot be anything in-between. The power of the resurrection testimony has established the modern world as we know it, and to deny its credibility is a presumptuous task; we have more history of Jesus Christ than we do Julius Caesar. We hope this message by guest speaker Gabriel Zamora challenges but also encourages you to know that Jesus is the One True God, and there is plenty of evidence to confirm it!

]]> Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3190 33 edbf100a28c6a09ec1678470737cdc83 no Out of Character - Pt. 7 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>When others talk about hearing God, we are quick to assume there is a character trait that can simply be described as... crazy. This must be how those around Noah, the man who built the ark, must have felt. But the greatest miracle of this whole story lies not in the extreme weather events... but how this man obeyed God and did what he was told. Despite the pressure from those around, and extended building time frame, and even the unknown of survival, he acted counter-culturally and saved our lineage. Sometimes us acting out fo character to the culture around us is of greater effect than the words we speak. How can you challenge yourself to live differently and obey God above all distractions? </p> <p>When others talk about hearing God, we are quick to assume there is a character trait that can simply be described as... crazy. This must be how those around Noah, the man who built the ark, must have felt. But the greatest miracle of this whole story lies not in the extreme weather events... but how this man obeyed God and did what he was told. Despite the pressure from those around, and extended building time frame, and even the unknown of survival, he acted counter-culturally and saved our lineage. Sometimes us acting out fo character to the culture around us is of greater effect than the words we speak. How can you challenge yourself to live differently and obey God above all distractions? </p> When others talk about hearing God, we are quick to assume there is a character trait that can simply be described as... crazy. This must be how those around Noah, the man who built the ark, must have felt. But the greatest miracle of this whole story lies not in the extreme weather events... but how this man obeyed God and did what he was told. Despite the pressure from those around, and extended building time frame, and even the unknown of survival, he acted counter-culturally and saved our lineage. Sometimes us acting out fo character to the culture around us is of greater effect than the words we speak. How can you challenge yourself to live differently and obey God above all distractions?

]]> Sun, 06 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2123 34 544adad65cbf7618f2ac25b944b7f0f7 no Free Indeed - Pt. 1 Pastor Steve Maxwell <p>To live free is not just a position politically, but a state of mind many are seeking. To be free is not something we should have to fight for, yet history has taught us otherwise. Christ tells us that being free is not overcoming our oppressors... it's receiving Him completely. But the challenge is not going back to our life of bondage... because for so many, it's what we know. We hope you can find freedom in Christ!</p> <p>To live free is not just a position politically, but a state of mind many are seeking. To be free is not something we should have to fight for, yet history has taught us otherwise. Christ tells us that being free is not overcoming our oppressors... it's receiving Him completely. But the challenge is not going back to our life of bondage... because for so many, it's what we know. We hope you can find freedom in Christ!</p> To live free is not just a position politically, but a state of mind many are seeking. To be free is not something we should have to fight for, yet history has taught us otherwise. Christ tells us that being free is not overcoming our oppressors... it's receiving Him completely. But the challenge is not going back to our life of bondage... because for so many, it's what we know. We hope you can find freedom in Christ!

]]> Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2287 35 3725fb9831f68c25a1690e23eb42f8e2 no Out of Character - Pt. 6 <p>We are still navigating what it looks like to take on the character of God in spite of our own failing character. It can seem impossible to consider Jesus as fully God, fully human, but when we do so, we find the character of Christ is not something that is impossible to reflect. However, in order to do so, we need to remain in Him, in order to be the light to the world He has called us to. He laid out the perfect foundation for how to enjoy relationship with God, our Heavenly Father; we must choose to follow Him.</p> <p>We are still navigating what it looks like to take on the character of God in spite of our own failing character. It can seem impossible to consider Jesus as fully God, fully human, but when we do so, we find the character of Christ is not something that is impossible to reflect. However, in order to do so, we need to remain in Him, in order to be the light to the world He has called us to. He laid out the perfect foundation for how to enjoy relationship with God, our Heavenly Father; we must choose to follow Him.</p> We are still navigating what it looks like to take on the character of God in spite of our own failing character. It can seem impossible to consider Jesus as fully God, fully human, but when we do so, we find the character of Christ is not something that is impossible to reflect. However, in order to do so, we need to remain in Him, in order to be the light to the world He has called us to. He laid out the perfect foundation for how to enjoy relationship with God, our Heavenly Father; we must choose to follow Him.

]]> Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2450 36 c4655a1f895f773a05d4a8935148fd36 no Father's Day - Pt. 5 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>The story of Paul is a unique story; he literally changes names to become one of the greatest voices in Christian history. However, his journey to what God eventually calls him to is anything bout ideal; he is on the opposite side of Christ Jesus, thinking he is doing what he is supposed to be doing for the sake of God. Sometimes being out of character means that aren't quite sure what it means to be our true selves, those who are found in Christ Jesus and have repented of our old behavior. Fortunately, His kindness is what leads us to repentance. And repentance is what leads us to a life of wholeness in Jesus. Thanks for joining us for this weekend's message.</p> <p>The story of Paul is a unique story; he literally changes names to become one of the greatest voices in Christian history. However, his journey to what God eventually calls him to is anything bout ideal; he is on the opposite side of Christ Jesus, thinking he is doing what he is supposed to be doing for the sake of God. Sometimes being out of character means that aren't quite sure what it means to be our true selves, those who are found in Christ Jesus and have repented of our old behavior. Fortunately, His kindness is what leads us to repentance. And repentance is what leads us to a life of wholeness in Jesus. Thanks for joining us for this weekend's message.</p> The story of Paul is a unique story; he literally changes names to become one of the greatest voices in Christian history. However, his journey to what God eventually calls him to is anything bout ideal; he is on the opposite side of Christ Jesus, thinking he is doing what he is supposed to be doing for the sake of God. Sometimes being out of character means that aren't quite sure what it means to be our true selves, those who are found in Christ Jesus and have repented of our old behavior. Fortunately, His kindness is what leads us to repentance. And repentance is what leads us to a life of wholeness in Jesus. Thanks for joining us for this weekend's message.

]]> Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2230 37 c5203ad00bbb640286f07eb427cc1ab8 no Out of Character - Pt. 4 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>When reading the Word of God, there are often stories and characters that seem to be unbelievable. In the case of the Israelites and Balaam, there is a talking donkey that really turns out to be more than just a weird story... it's actually a promise of Who was to come. The truth of God's Word is that Jesus is our only hope, and the unlikely of characters found themselves pointing to Him generations before in the midst of what seemed like no hope. We hope you enjoy this week's message, and are hoping this challenges you to think, "am I going against or joining alongside God in His story?"</p> <p>When reading the Word of God, there are often stories and characters that seem to be unbelievable. In the case of the Israelites and Balaam, there is a talking donkey that really turns out to be more than just a weird story... it's actually a promise of Who was to come. The truth of God's Word is that Jesus is our only hope, and the unlikely of characters found themselves pointing to Him generations before in the midst of what seemed like no hope. We hope you enjoy this week's message, and are hoping this challenges you to think, "am I going against or joining alongside God in His story?"</p> When reading the Word of God, there are often stories and characters that seem to be unbelievable. In the case of the Israelites and Balaam, there is a talking donkey that really turns out to be more than just a weird story... it's actually a promise of Who was to come. The truth of God's Word is that Jesus is our only hope, and the unlikely of characters found themselves pointing to Him generations before in the midst of what seemed like no hope. We hope you enjoy this week's message, and are hoping this challenges you to think, "am I going against or joining alongside God in His story?"

]]> Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2153 38 7bcaca5f3e7567c95431b477f6de43c0 no Out of Character - Pt. 3 Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>Our character has a greater influence than our actions. We all want to show others we are virtuous, but if we can't back this up with our everyday interactions, it only takes one moment for it all to fall down. Especially when we are stressed, tired, or overwhelmed. How can we remedy this? We hope this message helps to bring clarity.</p> <p>Our character has a greater influence than our actions. We all want to show others we are virtuous, but if we can't back this up with our everyday interactions, it only takes one moment for it all to fall down. Especially when we are stressed, tired, or overwhelmed. How can we remedy this? We hope this message helps to bring clarity.</p> Our character has a greater influence than our actions. We all want to show others we are virtuous, but if we can't back this up with our everyday interactions, it only takes one moment for it all to fall down. Especially when we are stressed, tired, or overwhelmed. How can we remedy this? We hope this message helps to bring clarity.

]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2491 39 5588b36978babcb7a106c6667fe340a3 no Out of Character - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are entering into the second week of our series, Out of Character. David was a known as a man after God's own heart... who also failed. His character comes into question when we read the honest accounts of his life, but what made him wear the title so effectively? The heart of God. We hope this message encourages you to seek the heart of God daily!</p> <p>We are entering into the second week of our series, Out of Character. David was a known as a man after God's own heart... who also failed. His character comes into question when we read the honest accounts of his life, but what made him wear the title so effectively? The heart of God. We hope this message encourages you to seek the heart of God daily!</p> We are entering into the second week of our series, Out of Character. David was a known as a man after God's own heart... who also failed. His character comes into question when we read the honest accounts of his life, but what made him wear the title so effectively? The heart of God. We hope this message encourages you to seek the heart of God daily!

]]> Sun, 25 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2563 40 84789be78c6868a33a532b069a311d8d no Out of Character - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are jumping into a new series talking about the humanity of many of the Bible's characters we read throughout the narrative of Scripture. The Bible was written with the purpose of connecting us to what to do, and what not to do. It wasn't written as a rule book, but as a testament of the goodness and faithfulness of God. However, we often act OUT of character against God due to the humanity we face every day. We hope you gain some wisdom and insight in this weekend's teaching.</p> <p>We are jumping into a new series talking about the humanity of many of the Bible's characters we read throughout the narrative of Scripture. The Bible was written with the purpose of connecting us to what to do, and what not to do. It wasn't written as a rule book, but as a testament of the goodness and faithfulness of God. However, we often act OUT of character against God due to the humanity we face every day. We hope you gain some wisdom and insight in this weekend's teaching.</p> We are jumping into a new series talking about the humanity of many of the Bible's characters we read throughout the narrative of Scripture. The Bible was written with the purpose of connecting us to what to do, and what not to do. It wasn't written as a rule book, but as a testament of the goodness and faithfulness of God. However, we often act OUT of character against God due to the humanity we face every day. We hope you gain some wisdom and insight in this weekend's teaching.

]]> Sun, 18 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2647 41 17543b33b3a101b9a3de3b7174598232 no The Tension of Redemption Joe Anderson <p>We are joined by special guest Joe Anderson from Surrender Ministries! He has an amazing story of redemption from afflictions, addictions, marital struggles, and many more. His story reminds us that life can be chaotic, but life it doesn't have to be lived in chaos. God is still on the throne, and if we can allow Him to use our stories, He can make something of it that is greater than we could ever dream! We hope you enjoy this amazing story.</p> <p>We are joined by special guest Joe Anderson from Surrender Ministries! He has an amazing story of redemption from afflictions, addictions, marital struggles, and many more. His story reminds us that life can be chaotic, but life it doesn't have to be lived in chaos. God is still on the throne, and if we can allow Him to use our stories, He can make something of it that is greater than we could ever dream! We hope you enjoy this amazing story.</p> We are joined by special guest Joe Anderson from Surrender Ministries! He has an amazing story of redemption from afflictions, addictions, marital struggles, and many more. His story reminds us that life can be chaotic, but life it doesn't have to be lived in chaos. God is still on the throne, and if we can allow Him to use our stories, He can make something of it that is greater than we could ever dream! We hope you enjoy this amazing story.

]]> Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3267 42 9552e8049094b54df09f77d60749fdae no Easter 2025 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are celebrating our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Hope of the nations, our King, and our Shepherd. Along with our celebration, we are exploring how Christ's love and death/resurrection can affect us. Our stories are what make His name known...but it's not always easy sharing them. Scripture says that we overcome the enemy by "the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony." (Revelation 12:11) So we shouldn't hide our weakness, but make them know to proclaim the profound love of our savior. If you are in need of a reminder of His faithfulness, we can't wait to show you this week's service!</p> <p>We are celebrating our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Hope of the nations, our King, and our Shepherd. Along with our celebration, we are exploring how Christ's love and death/resurrection can affect us. Our stories are what make His name known...but it's not always easy sharing them. Scripture says that we overcome the enemy by "the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony." (Revelation 12:11) So we shouldn't hide our weakness, but make them know to proclaim the profound love of our savior. If you are in need of a reminder of His faithfulness, we can't wait to show you this week's service!</p> We are celebrating our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the Hope of the nations, our King, and our Shepherd. Along with our celebration, we are exploring how Christ's love and death/resurrection can affect us. Our stories are what make His name known...but it's not always easy sharing them. Scripture says that we overcome the enemy by "the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony." (Revelation 12:11) So we shouldn't hide our weakness, but make them know to proclaim the profound love of our savior. If you are in need of a reminder of His faithfulness, we can't wait to show you this week's service!

]]> Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3765 43 672f269ddee86aa8a57965693840912d no One Day We Will Get It Right Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are preparing our hearts for Holy Week with a message on Palm Sunday. Pastor Kirby related the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey to the same way we view Jesus. Often times, we want to view our relationship and perspective of Jesus from the culture and experiences we have had. But what if we looked at Him the way He has been trying to speak to us?</p> <p>We are preparing our hearts for Holy Week with a message on Palm Sunday. Pastor Kirby related the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey to the same way we view Jesus. Often times, we want to view our relationship and perspective of Jesus from the culture and experiences we have had. But what if we looked at Him the way He has been trying to speak to us?</p> We are preparing our hearts for Holy Week with a message on Palm Sunday. Pastor Kirby related the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey to the same way we view Jesus. Often times, we want to view our relationship and perspective of Jesus from the culture and experiences we have had. But what if we looked at Him the way He has been trying to speak to us?

]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2377 44 6ecddb089ef403e0b121b4692f1e5012 no If You Can - Pt. 3 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are taking a look into our experience as we navigate the ripple-effects of last week. We sought the Lord as a church last week for healings, deliverances, and miracles. While we have some amazing testimonies of some of these events, but the greater purpose in all of this isn't to enhance our comfortable way of living... but to give us an eternal perspective. Even when the answer isn't what we want, God still hears us. </p> <p>We are taking a look into our experience as we navigate the ripple-effects of last week. We sought the Lord as a church last week for healings, deliverances, and miracles. While we have some amazing testimonies of some of these events, but the greater purpose in all of this isn't to enhance our comfortable way of living... but to give us an eternal perspective. Even when the answer isn't what we want, God still hears us. </p> We are taking a look into our experience as we navigate the ripple-effects of last week. We sought the Lord as a church last week for healings, deliverances, and miracles. While we have some amazing testimonies of some of these events, but the greater purpose in all of this isn't to enhance our comfortable way of living... but to give us an eternal perspective. Even when the answer isn't what we want, God still hears us.

]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2378 45 bcbde9563855f11322ce94a95819a213 no If You Can - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>There is a shift in our services when we come expecting God to do something. And it's not like He is only moving when we are ready...we are able to receive more when we are hungry. To be desperate is a tough place to be, but to know who or what to run to makes all the difference. This Sunday, we sought the Lord together as a church family for His hand to move in our life. But what if we lived life like this EVERY day? We hope this special message encourages you!</p> <p>There is a shift in our services when we come expecting God to do something. And it's not like He is only moving when we are ready...we are able to receive more when we are hungry. To be desperate is a tough place to be, but to know who or what to run to makes all the difference. This Sunday, we sought the Lord together as a church family for His hand to move in our life. But what if we lived life like this EVERY day? We hope this special message encourages you!</p> There is a shift in our services when we come expecting God to do something. And it's not like He is only moving when we are ready...we are able to receive more when we are hungry. To be desperate is a tough place to be, but to know who or what to run to makes all the difference. This Sunday, we sought the Lord together as a church family for His hand to move in our life. But what if we lived life like this EVERY day? We hope this special message encourages you!

]]> Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2762 46 ba91b305caaf5253fd6f889b2392b81d no If You Can - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are starting a new series as we head into the Easter season with a thought, "If you can..." If you can, I could be healed, Lord. If you can, I can be delivered. The nemesis to this sentence... "if." We don't want to admit it, but it's incredible difficult to think of God actually walking with us, and, perhaps, maybe even moving in our situations. We hope this message encourages you to look past the "if" of God's capabilities.</p> <p>We are starting a new series as we head into the Easter season with a thought, "If you can..." If you can, I could be healed, Lord. If you can, I can be delivered. The nemesis to this sentence... "if." We don't want to admit it, but it's incredible difficult to think of God actually walking with us, and, perhaps, maybe even moving in our situations. We hope this message encourages you to look past the "if" of God's capabilities.</p> We are starting a new series as we head into the Easter season with a thought, "If you can..." If you can, I could be healed, Lord. If you can, I can be delivered. The nemesis to this sentence... "if." We don't want to admit it, but it's incredible difficult to think of God actually walking with us, and, perhaps, maybe even moving in our situations. We hope this message encourages you to look past the "if" of God's capabilities.

]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2407 47 2ee328f2f70e6634d2a3614aad522a70 no Christina Girma-Hanfere <p>We have a special guest Christina Girma-Hanfere sharing a passionate and relevant message. Where we are planted, who we are allowing to nurture us, and how we are fruitful. We hope this message challenges but also encourages your walk with the Lord!</p> <p>We have a special guest Christina Girma-Hanfere sharing a passionate and relevant message. Where we are planted, who we are allowing to nurture us, and how we are fruitful. We hope this message challenges but also encourages your walk with the Lord!</p> We have a special guest Christina Girma-Hanfere sharing a passionate and relevant message. Where we are planted, who we are allowing to nurture us, and how we are fruitful. We hope this message challenges but also encourages your walk with the Lord!

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2399 48 304918fed4ccb877c176c30a8461795b no It's Complicated - Kyle Curran Pastor Kyle Curran <p>Our relationship with God can sometimes... be complicated. It's hard to sometimes really know what it is He is calling us to, and if we're honest, it's because we don't know if that's what we want as well. The still, small voice of the Spirit is powerful to lead us into truth if we allow Him to, but it's also a life of surrender that makes this voice not louder, but the most important. Here what Kyle has to share with us!</p> <p>Our relationship with God can sometimes... be complicated. It's hard to sometimes really know what it is He is calling us to, and if we're honest, it's because we don't know if that's what we want as well. The still, small voice of the Spirit is powerful to lead us into truth if we allow Him to, but it's also a life of surrender that makes this voice not louder, but the most important. Here what Kyle has to share with us!</p> Our relationship with God can sometimes... be complicated. It's hard to sometimes really know what it is He is calling us to, and if we're honest, it's because we don't know if that's what we want as well. The still, small voice of the Spirit is powerful to lead us into truth if we allow Him to, but it's also a life of surrender that makes this voice not louder, but the most important. Here what Kyle has to share with us!

]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2897 49 e455d9fcb4396e94f78dbf948553cc25 no It's Complicated - Pt. 3 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are navigating relationships in our current series, It's Complicated. This Sunday, it's less about current relationships, and more about how to ready ourselves for relationships. Whether you are single, or in a relationship, what makes a relationship work well is the preparation before we ever enter into one. We hope this message gives you some practical, biblical tools to know how to love others well!</p> <p>We are navigating relationships in our current series, It's Complicated. This Sunday, it's less about current relationships, and more about how to ready ourselves for relationships. Whether you are single, or in a relationship, what makes a relationship work well is the preparation before we ever enter into one. We hope this message gives you some practical, biblical tools to know how to love others well!</p> We are navigating relationships in our current series, It's Complicated. This Sunday, it's less about current relationships, and more about how to ready ourselves for relationships. Whether you are single, or in a relationship, what makes a relationship work well is the preparation before we ever enter into one. We hope this message gives you some practical, biblical tools to know how to love others well!

]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2459 50 87d0d4421a5607db4f1db0c8899ad986 no It's Complicated - Pt. 2 <p>Marriages can be tough. Let's just say it. When you make a commitment to choose to live and love one person for the rest of your life, there are a lot of benefits, but if we're not careful, these can become more nuisances when we are distant from each other. How do we stay away from simply living as roommates to partners in this life? Pray, Play, and Lay, and this will lead to a marriage that Stays. Enjoy this educational message and how scripture makes it a point to do these three things!</p> <p>Marriages can be tough. Let's just say it. When you make a commitment to choose to live and love one person for the rest of your life, there are a lot of benefits, but if we're not careful, these can become more nuisances when we are distant from each other. How do we stay away from simply living as roommates to partners in this life? Pray, Play, and Lay, and this will lead to a marriage that Stays. Enjoy this educational message and how scripture makes it a point to do these three things!</p> Marriages can be tough. Let's just say it. When you make a commitment to choose to live and love one person for the rest of your life, there are a lot of benefits, but if we're not careful, these can become more nuisances when we are distant from each other. How do we stay away from simply living as roommates to partners in this life? Pray, Play, and Lay, and this will lead to a marriage that Stays. Enjoy this educational message and how scripture makes it a point to do these three things!

]]> Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2513 51 8091c13a6ae2fb45b281f9f51bc620ba no It's Complicated - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are heading into a new series that is focused on one of the most effective ways to find success: relational maturity. Often times relationships are seen as a means to an end, while at times it can be a hindrance in finding fulfillment in life. Life would be easier... if people weren't involved. We are digging in to how to have effective relationships in all areas, this week specifically with romantic and spousal relationships. Stay tuned for the upcoming messages and learn how to do them the right way...the way God intended.</p> <p>We are heading into a new series that is focused on one of the most effective ways to find success: relational maturity. Often times relationships are seen as a means to an end, while at times it can be a hindrance in finding fulfillment in life. Life would be easier... if people weren't involved. We are digging in to how to have effective relationships in all areas, this week specifically with romantic and spousal relationships. Stay tuned for the upcoming messages and learn how to do them the right way...the way God intended.</p> We are heading into a new series that is focused on one of the most effective ways to find success: relational maturity. Often times relationships are seen as a means to an end, while at times it can be a hindrance in finding fulfillment in life. Life would be easier... if people weren't involved. We are digging in to how to have effective relationships in all areas, this week specifically with romantic and spousal relationships. Stay tuned for the upcoming messages and learn how to do them the right way...the way God intended.

]]> Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2611 52 89fffc72851a77d43c1ae38431f67119 no This Is Truth - Pt. 3 <p>We are joined this week with guest speaker John Bongiorno, an amazing former business man who felt a call into serving the world on a larger scale. As president of World Serve International, they exist to provide water in some of the most needed places around the world, while also sharing the hope of Christ. His call to ministry is so unique, showing us that traditional ministry isn't exclusive to the church! We hope you enjoy this message, and what God has is in store for our world.</p> <p>We are joined this week with guest speaker John Bongiorno, an amazing former business man who felt a call into serving the world on a larger scale. As president of World Serve International, they exist to provide water in some of the most needed places around the world, while also sharing the hope of Christ. His call to ministry is so unique, showing us that traditional ministry isn't exclusive to the church! We hope you enjoy this message, and what God has is in store for our world.</p> We are joined this week with guest speaker John Bongiorno, an amazing former business man who felt a call into serving the world on a larger scale. As president of World Serve International, they exist to provide water in some of the most needed places around the world, while also sharing the hope of Christ. His call to ministry is so unique, showing us that traditional ministry isn't exclusive to the church! We hope you enjoy this message, and what God has is in store for our world.

]]> Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2352 53 0ad8462302aecd5c60d5aa158cb024c1 no This Is Truth - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Reading Scripture can be so daunting for so many. How do you read a text that has rich history and is also an ancient text? Those who have been around it have been told it can "answer every question," but how? Perspective and practice will help give us the tools to approach God's word, and often times, the example of others is how we can best build upon. Listen to our guests this week and see how you fit in!</p> <p>Reading Scripture can be so daunting for so many. How do you read a text that has rich history and is also an ancient text? Those who have been around it have been told it can "answer every question," but how? Perspective and practice will help give us the tools to approach God's word, and often times, the example of others is how we can best build upon. Listen to our guests this week and see how you fit in!</p> Reading Scripture can be so daunting for so many. How do you read a text that has rich history and is also an ancient text? Those who have been around it have been told it can "answer every question," but how? Perspective and practice will help give us the tools to approach God's word, and often times, the example of others is how we can best build upon. Listen to our guests this week and see how you fit in!

]]> Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2451 54 921d65d618c3471cff8ef2e7a1da3897 no This Is Truth - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>One of the greatest gifts God has ever given to us is His word. The richness that is found in its wisdom, honesty, and never-changing nature has allowed it maintain relevance in our lives and successes/trials...if we are reading it. However, often times, we don't even know where to begin. If this is you, we want to encourage you dive in with us as we learn more about this alive and active tool God has given us.</p> <p>One of the greatest gifts God has ever given to us is His word. The richness that is found in its wisdom, honesty, and never-changing nature has allowed it maintain relevance in our lives and successes/trials...if we are reading it. However, often times, we don't even know where to begin. If this is you, we want to encourage you dive in with us as we learn more about this alive and active tool God has given us.</p> One of the greatest gifts God has ever given to us is His word. The richness that is found in its wisdom, honesty, and never-changing nature has allowed it maintain relevance in our lives and successes/trials...if we are reading it. However, often times, we don't even know where to begin. If this is you, we want to encourage you dive in with us as we learn more about this alive and active tool God has given us.

]]> Sun, 12 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 2709 55 9dc2745d62be74fd386e025caf62a4ea no First Week <p>We are kicking off the new year with a very special guest. As we are starting this year with an emphasis on prayer, we are in a series for the week called First Week; what if we gave God the first week of the year as a church, and seek what He has this year! Jonathan Rivera from SEU traveled from his warm climate to speak a special message on the need for prayer...and how to pray. We hope this message inspires you to give God your firsts.</p> <p>We are kicking off the new year with a very special guest. As we are starting this year with an emphasis on prayer, we are in a series for the week called First Week; what if we gave God the first week of the year as a church, and seek what He has this year! Jonathan Rivera from SEU traveled from his warm climate to speak a special message on the need for prayer...and how to pray. We hope this message inspires you to give God your firsts.</p> We are kicking off the new year with a very special guest. As we are starting this year with an emphasis on prayer, we are in a series for the week called First Week; what if we gave God the first week of the year as a church, and seek what He has this year! Jonathan Rivera from SEU traveled from his warm climate to speak a special message on the need for prayer...and how to pray. We hope this message inspires you to give God your firsts.

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3432 56 27ec1644a804d248c4d738c25ed89591 no Wonder - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>The wonder of the Christmas season is not lost on us. It's everywhere, and it is often so overwhelming! What happens when we let Christmas get in the way of Jesus? Has that question ever crossed your mind in this season? We hope this message causes you to "wonder" what if we made Christ paramount; how would that change your feel of the Christmas Season?</p> <p>The wonder of the Christmas season is not lost on us. It's everywhere, and it is often so overwhelming! What happens when we let Christmas get in the way of Jesus? Has that question ever crossed your mind in this season? We hope this message causes you to "wonder" what if we made Christ paramount; how would that change your feel of the Christmas Season?</p> The wonder of the Christmas season is not lost on us. It's everywhere, and it is often so overwhelming! What happens when we let Christmas get in the way of Jesus? Has that question ever crossed your mind in this season? We hope this message causes you to "wonder" what if we made Christ paramount; how would that change your feel of the Christmas Season?

]]> Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2433 57 fe42354b67132bfb3dc392c676974ee0 no The Loaned Manger Pastor Kirby St. John, Pastor Mark Eskew <p>We are taking a break from our normal services to give you an excellent performance from our River Kids ministry! We are passionate about the next generation, and to equip our kids to be in a space where they can proclaim the goodness and love of Jesus in their talents, what a blessing to receive from them! We hope you enjoy this program!</p> <p>We are taking a break from our normal services to give you an excellent performance from our River Kids ministry! We are passionate about the next generation, and to equip our kids to be in a space where they can proclaim the goodness and love of Jesus in their talents, what a blessing to receive from them! We hope you enjoy this program!</p> We are taking a break from our normal services to give you an excellent performance from our River Kids ministry! We are passionate about the next generation, and to equip our kids to be in a space where they can proclaim the goodness and love of Jesus in their talents, what a blessing to receive from them! We hope you enjoy this program!

]]> Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 3281 58 716d2a023688d01bfe09988b7914295a no Wonder - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>The season os Christmas leads us into wonder; as kids, we always wondered what Christmas Day would bring. In life, we wonder what we will become, who we will marry, etc. But wonder can remind us of what we don't have. Can we still live in wonder when we are wondering how we will make year-end financial goals, family issues, and whatever else life can bring that seems to be there to tear us down. We hope you enjoy this message!</p> <p>The season os Christmas leads us into wonder; as kids, we always wondered what Christmas Day would bring. In life, we wonder what we will become, who we will marry, etc. But wonder can remind us of what we don't have. Can we still live in wonder when we are wondering how we will make year-end financial goals, family issues, and whatever else life can bring that seems to be there to tear us down. We hope you enjoy this message!</p> The season os Christmas leads us into wonder; as kids, we always wondered what Christmas Day would bring. In life, we wonder what we will become, who we will marry, etc. But wonder can remind us of what we don't have. Can we still live in wonder when we are wondering how we will make year-end financial goals, family issues, and whatever else life can bring that seems to be there to tear us down. We hope you enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2019 59 2924fc1cdc2fe6f3171212eebd11d51d no The Expanding Kingdom <p>We have a special guest joining us this week! Paul Hurckman is involved with a beautiful organization called Venture, an organization that offers relief refugees fleeing violence, combats human trafficking, oppression & extreme poverty, and brings the hope of the gospel to unsafe, unreached, and under-resourced areas. Paul shares the ways that we as Christians can join alongside of those in other areas of the world to be a part of this amazing opportunity.</p> <p>We have a special guest joining us this week! Paul Hurckman is involved with a beautiful organization called Venture, an organization that offers relief refugees fleeing violence, combats human trafficking, oppression & extreme poverty, and brings the hope of the gospel to unsafe, unreached, and under-resourced areas. Paul shares the ways that we as Christians can join alongside of those in other areas of the world to be a part of this amazing opportunity.</p> We have a special guest joining us this week! Paul Hurckman is involved with a beautiful organization called Venture, an organization that offers relief refugees fleeing violence, combats human trafficking, oppression & extreme poverty, and brings the hope of the gospel to unsafe, unreached, and under-resourced areas. Paul shares the ways that we as Christians can join alongside of those in other areas of the world to be a part of this amazing opportunity.

]]> Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 3123 60 e5c5b5f4599da1423efef0ff297199b6 no Giving Thanks - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>It's not impossible to live a life of being grateful. We often find ourselves in awe of the many amenities and luxuries we have in this world. However, can we be thankful enough to give it all back to the One who gave it to us? In this series, we are going through the idea of not only being grateful, but choosing to be grateful when in every season. We hope you enjoy the start of this series!</p> <p>It's not impossible to live a life of being grateful. We often find ourselves in awe of the many amenities and luxuries we have in this world. However, can we be thankful enough to give it all back to the One who gave it to us? In this series, we are going through the idea of not only being grateful, but choosing to be grateful when in every season. We hope you enjoy the start of this series!</p> It's not impossible to live a life of being grateful. We often find ourselves in awe of the many amenities and luxuries we have in this world. However, can we be thankful enough to give it all back to the One who gave it to us? In this series, we are going through the idea of not only being grateful, but choosing to be grateful when in every season. We hope you enjoy the start of this series!

]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2382 61 63579f8e864665a8f4871666362ec027 no Give God A Chance - Pt. 5 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are finishing up our last message in this series, Giving God a Chance. We are focusing on the idea of giving God a chance... in our families. Often times, we can easily give God a chance in the things that are within our own lives or the areas of our control, but what about the important things that have been given to us to steward? We can become more effective together when we surrender everything completely. Thanks for watching!</p> <p>We are finishing up our last message in this series, Giving God a Chance. We are focusing on the idea of giving God a chance... in our families. Often times, we can easily give God a chance in the things that are within our own lives or the areas of our control, but what about the important things that have been given to us to steward? We can become more effective together when we surrender everything completely. Thanks for watching!</p> We are finishing up our last message in this series, Giving God a Chance. We are focusing on the idea of giving God a chance... in our families. Often times, we can easily give God a chance in the things that are within our own lives or the areas of our control, but what about the important things that have been given to us to steward? We can become more effective together when we surrender everything completely. Thanks for watching!

]]> Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2200 62 dd91c2203abe5a4c88e538b47c6f2992 no Give God A Chance - Pt. 4 Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>We are so excited to have you joining us this weekend for an amazing service! There is so much for us to be excited for in this life, but we are often quick to submit to the ease and comforts of life... and the routine of prayer. Especially when it comes to asking God. He commands us to ask in earnest, and to be persistent. It's often times coming to God with a big "ask" that leads us to see how greatly He can move! We hope you enjoy this message!</p> <p>We are so excited to have you joining us this weekend for an amazing service! There is so much for us to be excited for in this life, but we are often quick to submit to the ease and comforts of life... and the routine of prayer. Especially when it comes to asking God. He commands us to ask in earnest, and to be persistent. It's often times coming to God with a big "ask" that leads us to see how greatly He can move! We hope you enjoy this message!</p> We are so excited to have you joining us this weekend for an amazing service! There is so much for us to be excited for in this life, but we are often quick to submit to the ease and comforts of life... and the routine of prayer. Especially when it comes to asking God. He commands us to ask in earnest, and to be persistent. It's often times coming to God with a big "ask" that leads us to see how greatly He can move! We hope you enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2659 63 635fd461573bdd8407de998214e9c761 no Give God A Chance - Pt. 3 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We as a christian community believe that God is up to something amazing. Especially when it comes to how He is leading us. But often times, our "but" gets in the way. We often use our "buts" as an excuse for the greater purpose that God is leading us to. So let's begin to step our in faith, and learn how we can get our "but" out of the way!</p> <p>We as a christian community believe that God is up to something amazing. Especially when it comes to how He is leading us. But often times, our "but" gets in the way. We often use our "buts" as an excuse for the greater purpose that God is leading us to. So let's begin to step our in faith, and learn how we can get our "but" out of the way!</p> We as a christian community believe that God is up to something amazing. Especially when it comes to how He is leading us. But often times, our "but" gets in the way. We often use our "buts" as an excuse for the greater purpose that God is leading us to. So let's begin to step our in faith, and learn how we can get our "but" out of the way!

]]> Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2329 64 f88a40e3c7125d2ec26d0c2e0589b4b8 no Give God A Chance - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>This week our greatest act is found in Christ's greatest command: to love the Lord with ALL we are, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. But without Christ as our foundation, it is difficult to step out in faith and lead others to give God a chance. We hope this message challenges you to be the light our world so desperately needs!</p> <p>This week our greatest act is found in Christ's greatest command: to love the Lord with ALL we are, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. But without Christ as our foundation, it is difficult to step out in faith and lead others to give God a chance. We hope this message challenges you to be the light our world so desperately needs!</p> This week our greatest act is found in Christ's greatest command: to love the Lord with ALL we are, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. But without Christ as our foundation, it is difficult to step out in faith and lead others to give God a chance. We hope this message challenges you to be the light our world so desperately needs!

]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2147 65 6edead38df08ceeb01f1c9cbc15b6c37 no Give God A Chance - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are jumping into a cool series: something simple, something critical. Can we give God a chance? We are quick to jump to conclusions, but God who created all things is not a God bound to time; He is good, and if it's not good, He is not done yet. We hope this message encourages you to seek more of Him!</p> <p>We are jumping into a cool series: something simple, something critical. Can we give God a chance? We are quick to jump to conclusions, but God who created all things is not a God bound to time; He is good, and if it's not good, He is not done yet. We hope this message encourages you to seek more of Him!</p> We are jumping into a cool series: something simple, something critical. Can we give God a chance? We are quick to jump to conclusions, but God who created all things is not a God bound to time; He is good, and if it's not good, He is not done yet. We hope this message encourages you to seek more of Him!

]]> Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2050 66 2d62ada1fbb924d22a409baea79c509e no Influence - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are kicking off a series this weekend following our previous series: Game Day. Now that we know how to be winners, how can we also be solid and quality influencers? How we live our life will be a greater attraction to others verses how we perform. Let's live the way we talk! Thanks for joining. </p> <p>We are kicking off a series this weekend following our previous series: Game Day. Now that we know how to be winners, how can we also be solid and quality influencers? How we live our life will be a greater attraction to others verses how we perform. Let's live the way we talk! Thanks for joining. </p> We are kicking off a series this weekend following our previous series: Game Day. Now that we know how to be winners, how can we also be solid and quality influencers? How we live our life will be a greater attraction to others verses how we perform. Let's live the way we talk! Thanks for joining.

]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2057 67 c557c4ed15dcbf1600d46785a4964631 no Game Day - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Pastor Kirby is finishing up this series from a couple weeks back on ways to be a winner in this life. Lots of hard but necessary truth is needed in order to live the life that Christ has called us to. Being a winner for the Kingdom of God often means that we have to put our desires aside and really set our focus on the long game, but God's grace is more than sufficient! Enjoy this week's message!</p> <p>Pastor Kirby is finishing up this series from a couple weeks back on ways to be a winner in this life. Lots of hard but necessary truth is needed in order to live the life that Christ has called us to. Being a winner for the Kingdom of God often means that we have to put our desires aside and really set our focus on the long game, but God's grace is more than sufficient! Enjoy this week's message!</p> Pastor Kirby is finishing up this series from a couple weeks back on ways to be a winner in this life. Lots of hard but necessary truth is needed in order to live the life that Christ has called us to. Being a winner for the Kingdom of God often means that we have to put our desires aside and really set our focus on the long game, but God's grace is more than sufficient! Enjoy this week's message!

]]> Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2608 68 82101334e28841681b44d9cc995c49f5 no Guest Speaker Peter Reeves <p>We are joined by guest speaker Peter Reeves who gave a very poignant and relevant message on the "temperature" of our homes. We aren't often in control of the situations that happen around us, but how we handle our home is completely up to us. We should never forget that setting the temperature also involves trusting in God's Spirit to lead us. Enjoy this weekend's message!</p> <p>We are joined by guest speaker Peter Reeves who gave a very poignant and relevant message on the "temperature" of our homes. We aren't often in control of the situations that happen around us, but how we handle our home is completely up to us. We should never forget that setting the temperature also involves trusting in God's Spirit to lead us. Enjoy this weekend's message!</p> We are joined by guest speaker Peter Reeves who gave a very poignant and relevant message on the "temperature" of our homes. We aren't often in control of the situations that happen around us, but how we handle our home is completely up to us. We should never forget that setting the temperature also involves trusting in God's Spirit to lead us. Enjoy this weekend's message!

]]> Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2776 69 5e5cae8ea46d85bde7a4d5b23412d9fd no Don't Forget Pastor Denny Curran <p>Pastor Denny (former Lead Pastor) is back on the platform and using his story to lead us to remember who God is, and how His love is sufficient for us. We celebrated his and Cheryl's time in ministry that evening, and his message prepped us to understand how effective a life given to Jesus can have a massive impact. We hope you are encouraged by this message!</p> <p>Pastor Denny (former Lead Pastor) is back on the platform and using his story to lead us to remember who God is, and how His love is sufficient for us. We celebrated his and Cheryl's time in ministry that evening, and his message prepped us to understand how effective a life given to Jesus can have a massive impact. We hope you are encouraged by this message!</p> Pastor Denny (former Lead Pastor) is back on the platform and using his story to lead us to remember who God is, and how His love is sufficient for us. We celebrated his and Cheryl's time in ministry that evening, and his message prepped us to understand how effective a life given to Jesus can have a massive impact. We hope you are encouraged by this message!

]]> Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2954 70 8996e2d815c2ed692f5100bc4da3dc60 no Game Day Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Fall is here, the season of football, routine, school, and everything else is here. With that, how easy it is for us to forget how to live like winners. The bible gives us insight on how to live a life as a victor, but there is one who is trying to sabotage those plays...ourselves. If we aren't careful, we can be our own opponent! Check out what Pastor Kirby has to say about living like a winner.</p> <p>Fall is here, the season of football, routine, school, and everything else is here. With that, how easy it is for us to forget how to live like winners. The bible gives us insight on how to live a life as a victor, but there is one who is trying to sabotage those plays...ourselves. If we aren't careful, we can be our own opponent! Check out what Pastor Kirby has to say about living like a winner.</p> Fall is here, the season of football, routine, school, and everything else is here. With that, how easy it is for us to forget how to live like winners. The bible gives us insight on how to live a life as a victor, but there is one who is trying to sabotage those plays...ourselves. If we aren't careful, we can be our own opponent! Check out what Pastor Kirby has to say about living like a winner.

]]> Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 1928 71 39c851b18b55c893057baffb71cb6ff6 no How Do I Forgive? Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are continuing in our "questions" series and talking about some tough subjects. But rather than simply aligning ourselves with defeated and discouraged mindsets, what if we approached the subject head on as a question? Forgiveness is not a natural, beneficial response, but it can change the world! See how you can learn how to forgive!</p> <p>We are continuing in our "questions" series and talking about some tough subjects. But rather than simply aligning ourselves with defeated and discouraged mindsets, what if we approached the subject head on as a question? Forgiveness is not a natural, beneficial response, but it can change the world! See how you can learn how to forgive!</p> We are continuing in our "questions" series and talking about some tough subjects. But rather than simply aligning ourselves with defeated and discouraged mindsets, what if we approached the subject head on as a question? Forgiveness is not a natural, beneficial response, but it can change the world! See how you can learn how to forgive!

]]> Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2419 72 32f95b953516bf27946b6968d467c1a5 no How Do I Handle My Anger? Pastor Kirby St. John <p>This message has a poignant purpose: How do I handle my anger? When should I be angry? Should I be angry? We hope this message gets right to the point and lead you to understand how great our emotions can, or can't, be.</p> <p>This message has a poignant purpose: How do I handle my anger? When should I be angry? Should I be angry? We hope this message gets right to the point and lead you to understand how great our emotions can, or can't, be.</p> This message has a poignant purpose: How do I handle my anger? When should I be angry? Should I be angry? We hope this message gets right to the point and lead you to understand how great our emotions can, or can't, be.

]]> Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2367 73 7f52f4a95fce9272e9f38de6b82b2f6a no Where Are You Going? - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are jumping into a two-part series about the directions we all find ourselves walking in, physically, spiritually, and even eternally. It is is critical to keep heading in the direction we feel God is leading us, but where we are currently can make or break that journey's success. Thank you for joining!</p> <p>We are jumping into a two-part series about the directions we all find ourselves walking in, physically, spiritually, and even eternally. It is is critical to keep heading in the direction we feel God is leading us, but where we are currently can make or break that journey's success. Thank you for joining!</p> We are jumping into a two-part series about the directions we all find ourselves walking in, physically, spiritually, and even eternally. It is is critical to keep heading in the direction we feel God is leading us, but where we are currently can make or break that journey's success. Thank you for joining!

]]> Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2713 74 09096d33a386d6eeb8c4bc721c57929a no The Size of a Mustard Seed Derrick & Ashley Benoit <p>We are joined this week for a special update. Pastor Derrick and Ashley have taken this Sunday to update the church on their story of their current affliction and how they have witnessed God's faithfulness in a whole new way! We hope this message inspires you to consider the quality, not the quantity, of your faith, and in who you are placing your trust!</p> <p>We are joined this week for a special update. Pastor Derrick and Ashley have taken this Sunday to update the church on their story of their current affliction and how they have witnessed God's faithfulness in a whole new way! We hope this message inspires you to consider the quality, not the quantity, of your faith, and in who you are placing your trust!</p> We are joined this week for a special update. Pastor Derrick and Ashley have taken this Sunday to update the church on their story of their current affliction and how they have witnessed God's faithfulness in a whole new way! We hope this message inspires you to consider the quality, not the quantity, of your faith, and in who you are placing your trust!

]]> Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000 3173 75 9bd14869ce6e39c7097734476a095c88 no Good Soil <p>We are keeping in line with our series on the parables of Jesus, and Pastor Gabe, one of our Connections Pastors, is leading through Matthew 13 and who are as believers PLANTED in Christ. We hope this message encourages you and helps you to consider what type of soil your faith has been planted in.</p> <p>We are keeping in line with our series on the parables of Jesus, and Pastor Gabe, one of our Connections Pastors, is leading through Matthew 13 and who are as believers PLANTED in Christ. We hope this message encourages you and helps you to consider what type of soil your faith has been planted in.</p> We are keeping in line with our series on the parables of Jesus, and Pastor Gabe, one of our Connections Pastors, is leading through Matthew 13 and who are as believers PLANTED in Christ. We hope this message encourages you and helps you to consider what type of soil your faith has been planted in.

]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2239 76 a95c7ec517f4b7f7a8f13232880bff2d no Lessons From The Ladies Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>This week we are given the message from Pastor Dillon, director of Heartland Ministry and College based out of River of Life Church. He is sharing the impeccable nature of God through the many amazing stories of some women from the Bible. When disappointment and failure happen in life, it can be a confusing time for a Christian who is often told to keep their head high. However, we learn that defeat is not the end. Enjoy this message today!</p> <p>This week we are given the message from Pastor Dillon, director of Heartland Ministry and College based out of River of Life Church. He is sharing the impeccable nature of God through the many amazing stories of some women from the Bible. When disappointment and failure happen in life, it can be a confusing time for a Christian who is often told to keep their head high. However, we learn that defeat is not the end. Enjoy this message today!</p> This week we are given the message from Pastor Dillon, director of Heartland Ministry and College based out of River of Life Church. He is sharing the impeccable nature of God through the many amazing stories of some women from the Bible. When disappointment and failure happen in life, it can be a confusing time for a Christian who is often told to keep their head high. However, we learn that defeat is not the end. Enjoy this message today!

]]> Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2947 77 780f302f893fc90bd58a836115cdf0be no Blueprints - Pt. 4 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are ending our Blueprints with a challenge: how are we laying the blueprints for living for Christ for our world? Are we helping or hurting our world by the way we live? Tune in for a great and challenging message!</p> <p>We are ending our Blueprints with a challenge: how are we laying the blueprints for living for Christ for our world? Are we helping or hurting our world by the way we live? Tune in for a great and challenging message!</p> We are ending our Blueprints with a challenge: how are we laying the blueprints for living for Christ for our world? Are we helping or hurting our world by the way we live? Tune in for a great and challenging message!

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2102 78 c8a147959bbceaa7748d31daf8bb1b9a no Blueprints - Passing the Baton Pastor Denny Curran, Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are in week 2 of our new series, Blueprints. This week, we are passing the baton... both metaphorically, and literally. Retired Lead Pastor Denny Curran took some time to speak on the importance on laying the framework for his family of why faith is so important, and how Jesus was and continues to be the cornerstone of the legacy that has been built at River of Life. Pastor Kirby is then given the baton to carry on the legacy at River of Life, while also sharing his next steps as well.</p> <p>We are in week 2 of our new series, Blueprints. This week, we are passing the baton... both metaphorically, and literally. Retired Lead Pastor Denny Curran took some time to speak on the importance on laying the framework for his family of why faith is so important, and how Jesus was and continues to be the cornerstone of the legacy that has been built at River of Life. Pastor Kirby is then given the baton to carry on the legacy at River of Life, while also sharing his next steps as well.</p> We are in week 2 of our new series, Blueprints. This week, we are passing the baton... both metaphorically, and literally. Retired Lead Pastor Denny Curran took some time to speak on the importance on laying the framework for his family of why faith is so important, and how Jesus was and continues to be the cornerstone of the legacy that has been built at River of Life. Pastor Kirby is then given the baton to carry on the legacy at River of Life, while also sharing his next steps as well.

]]> Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2608 79 e39cc7dab2ca745c0f793f6a913882ad no Blueprints - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are jumping into a new series this month all about how to LIVE a better, more fulfilling life. Often times, when we are given blueprints, they are made with the intention for a lasting building. But what if the foundation you are building on is soft, and not solid? Listen to this intriguing podcast on how to build CORRECTLY. Your life will depend on it!</p> <p>We are jumping into a new series this month all about how to LIVE a better, more fulfilling life. Often times, when we are given blueprints, they are made with the intention for a lasting building. But what if the foundation you are building on is soft, and not solid? Listen to this intriguing podcast on how to build CORRECTLY. Your life will depend on it!</p> We are jumping into a new series this month all about how to LIVE a better, more fulfilling life. Often times, when we are given blueprints, they are made with the intention for a lasting building. But what if the foundation you are building on is soft, and not solid? Listen to this intriguing podcast on how to build CORRECTLY. Your life will depend on it!

]]> Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2008 80 0499b8964af2d57f0fba3d128b136f5a no Then He Said Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are in a unique and pioneering age at River of Life. Our Pastor, Denny Curran, has faithfully led the church for almost 30 years. He brought along Kirby St. John many years ago as a youth pastor, and they both worked together to spread the gospel of Jesus to our community and surrounding areas. Kirby would eventually go on to lead the state youth ministry as our District Youth Director. It is fitting that Kirby would take on the mantle of lead pastor of River of Life as Denny retires and focuses his attention on other ministry. Listen to Kirby's heart as he shares his passion and focus for the next generation of believers, and how he will lead our congregation to continue to Know, Grow, and Show Jesus!</p> <p>We are in a unique and pioneering age at River of Life. Our Pastor, Denny Curran, has faithfully led the church for almost 30 years. He brought along Kirby St. John many years ago as a youth pastor, and they both worked together to spread the gospel of Jesus to our community and surrounding areas. Kirby would eventually go on to lead the state youth ministry as our District Youth Director. It is fitting that Kirby would take on the mantle of lead pastor of River of Life as Denny retires and focuses his attention on other ministry. Listen to Kirby's heart as he shares his passion and focus for the next generation of believers, and how he will lead our congregation to continue to Know, Grow, and Show Jesus!</p> We are in a unique and pioneering age at River of Life. Our Pastor, Denny Curran, has faithfully led the church for almost 30 years. He brought along Kirby St. John many years ago as a youth pastor, and they both worked together to spread the gospel of Jesus to our community and surrounding areas. Kirby would eventually go on to lead the state youth ministry as our District Youth Director. It is fitting that Kirby would take on the mantle of lead pastor of River of Life as Denny retires and focuses his attention on other ministry. Listen to Kirby's heart as he shares his passion and focus for the next generation of believers, and how he will lead our congregation to continue to Know, Grow, and Show Jesus!

]]> Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2065 81 4a22edc4607aaff0578610e3b67e544b no Holy Spirit Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are in the last week of Denny sharing his favorite topics. As we are readying the next season of our church, Denny is sharing his final thoughts with the church as lead pastor. This weekend, he shared one of his most passionate, heartfelt messages. The Holy Spirit is often seen as a denominational, uncomfortable topic that many have either veered away from or has motivated primarily the ministries of others. In Denny's eyes, he's not as much concerned with the these things as he is in the desire he wants our church to have for more of God's Spirit. We are witnessing history at River of Life as we watch the transition of leadership unfold; ultimately, the one who is leading the way is the Holy Spirit. Enjoy this message!</p> <p>We are in the last week of Denny sharing his favorite topics. As we are readying the next season of our church, Denny is sharing his final thoughts with the church as lead pastor. This weekend, he shared one of his most passionate, heartfelt messages. The Holy Spirit is often seen as a denominational, uncomfortable topic that many have either veered away from or has motivated primarily the ministries of others. In Denny's eyes, he's not as much concerned with the these things as he is in the desire he wants our church to have for more of God's Spirit. We are witnessing history at River of Life as we watch the transition of leadership unfold; ultimately, the one who is leading the way is the Holy Spirit. Enjoy this message!</p> We are in the last week of Denny sharing his favorite topics. As we are readying the next season of our church, Denny is sharing his final thoughts with the church as lead pastor. This weekend, he shared one of his most passionate, heartfelt messages. The Holy Spirit is often seen as a denominational, uncomfortable topic that many have either veered away from or has motivated primarily the ministries of others. In Denny's eyes, he's not as much concerned with the these things as he is in the desire he wants our church to have for more of God's Spirit. We are witnessing history at River of Life as we watch the transition of leadership unfold; ultimately, the one who is leading the way is the Holy Spirit. Enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 26 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2664 82 b0c1acb9bf2a35fea868370930edb5cb no Healing Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are gearing up for the next couple of weeks as Denny shares his favorite topics. As we are readying the next season of our church, Denny is sharing his final thoughts with the church as lead pastor. This weekend, he shared one of his favorite topics, healing. Healing is not a way that God rewards good behavior, but it is an expression of His heart for us, and a glimpse into what life without sin can look like. But we are vessels, and are proposed as believers to be the vessels he uses, not the ones to receive the glory! We hope you enjoy this message!</p> <p>We are gearing up for the next couple of weeks as Denny shares his favorite topics. As we are readying the next season of our church, Denny is sharing his final thoughts with the church as lead pastor. This weekend, he shared one of his favorite topics, healing. Healing is not a way that God rewards good behavior, but it is an expression of His heart for us, and a glimpse into what life without sin can look like. But we are vessels, and are proposed as believers to be the vessels he uses, not the ones to receive the glory! We hope you enjoy this message!</p> We are gearing up for the next couple of weeks as Denny shares his favorite topics. As we are readying the next season of our church, Denny is sharing his final thoughts with the church as lead pastor. This weekend, he shared one of his favorite topics, healing. Healing is not a way that God rewards good behavior, but it is an expression of His heart for us, and a glimpse into what life without sin can look like. But we are vessels, and are proposed as believers to be the vessels he uses, not the ones to receive the glory! We hope you enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 19 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2883 83 8a243bdc05cda19eca7ab7d47783c25d no Mother's Day Pastor Denny Curran <p>We have a special service! As we celebrate Mother's Day, we have a guest speaker: Cheryl Curran, Pastor Denny's wife! We heard how amazing a life lived for the Lord can be, the purpose we have to serve our families, and ultimately, how we and continue or start the legacy of faith in the family. Enjoy this message!</p> <p>We have a special service! As we celebrate Mother's Day, we have a guest speaker: Cheryl Curran, Pastor Denny's wife! We heard how amazing a life lived for the Lord can be, the purpose we have to serve our families, and ultimately, how we and continue or start the legacy of faith in the family. Enjoy this message!</p> We have a special service! As we celebrate Mother's Day, we have a guest speaker: Cheryl Curran, Pastor Denny's wife! We heard how amazing a life lived for the Lord can be, the purpose we have to serve our families, and ultimately, how we and continue or start the legacy of faith in the family. Enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2790 84 e5724aca5b082a5e56f8cb0cbfbc5e32 no First Fruits Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are continuing to hear from Denny and his "favorites": topics he's been spending almost 40 years of ministry developing and teaching that has brought the greatest life change to many! Priorities are hard for us to establish, especially in a culture that is ever changing. If you need a guide, take a listen to this message, and see where you stand on your priorities!</p> <p>We are continuing to hear from Denny and his "favorites": topics he's been spending almost 40 years of ministry developing and teaching that has brought the greatest life change to many! Priorities are hard for us to establish, especially in a culture that is ever changing. If you need a guide, take a listen to this message, and see where you stand on your priorities!</p> We are continuing to hear from Denny and his "favorites": topics he's been spending almost 40 years of ministry developing and teaching that has brought the greatest life change to many! Priorities are hard for us to establish, especially in a culture that is ever changing. If you need a guide, take a listen to this message, and see where you stand on your priorities!

]]> Sun, 05 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2396 85 fa89d5214d0321c915f13daa96d22c2f no Marriage Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week, Denny dives into the wonder of marriage, God's intention, and who are in Christ and how we are meant to love others. Married or not, these tenets of relationship apply to every area and conversation!</p> <p>This week, Denny dives into the wonder of marriage, God's intention, and who are in Christ and how we are meant to love others. Married or not, these tenets of relationship apply to every area and conversation!</p> This week, Denny dives into the wonder of marriage, God's intention, and who are in Christ and how we are meant to love others. Married or not, these tenets of relationship apply to every area and conversation!

]]> Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2677 86 4b4950fe17fcd2ad9ca3cfaf85cf1294 no Great Crowd of Witnesses - Pt. 3 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are heading into week three of our missions series, and we are joined by special guest speaker Jody Dyess. He represents FREE International, an organization that seeks to free young men and women from modern day slavery. His message is inspiring, and ultimately convicting, as he talks about his experiences, and the call that we all have to move and act as a church. We hope you enjoy this message!</p> <p>We are heading into week three of our missions series, and we are joined by special guest speaker Jody Dyess. He represents FREE International, an organization that seeks to free young men and women from modern day slavery. His message is inspiring, and ultimately convicting, as he talks about his experiences, and the call that we all have to move and act as a church. We hope you enjoy this message!</p> We are heading into week three of our missions series, and we are joined by special guest speaker Jody Dyess. He represents FREE International, an organization that seeks to free young men and women from modern day slavery. His message is inspiring, and ultimately convicting, as he talks about his experiences, and the call that we all have to move and act as a church. We hope you enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 3434 87 79595dc82f028fc3e6971d70c1714b6e no Great Crowd of Witnesses - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are in week two of our series on missions, especially the impact we have for heaven and WITH heaven. We are joined by Kirby St. John, our District Youth Director, and one of the leading supporters and pioneers for Speed the Light, an organization that works to supply missionaries with the tools needed to build water wells for countries in need. Enjoy this powerful message, and be encouraged for all that God is doing!</p> <p>We are in week two of our series on missions, especially the impact we have for heaven and WITH heaven. We are joined by Kirby St. John, our District Youth Director, and one of the leading supporters and pioneers for Speed the Light, an organization that works to supply missionaries with the tools needed to build water wells for countries in need. Enjoy this powerful message, and be encouraged for all that God is doing!</p> We are in week two of our series on missions, especially the impact we have for heaven and WITH heaven. We are joined by Kirby St. John, our District Youth Director, and one of the leading supporters and pioneers for Speed the Light, an organization that works to supply missionaries with the tools needed to build water wells for countries in need. Enjoy this powerful message, and be encouraged for all that God is doing!

]]> Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2344 88 da24240cf27c8ad0f477a894437c9669 no Great Crowd of Witnesses - Pt. 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are stepping into our missions month with a message that is difficult to walk through at times. Faith inspires hope, commitment, and ultimately, a radical way of thinking. But hope also requires us to give up of our control, and trust that the Lord is continuing a work in each of us to stir our faith and to increase it! We hope you enjoy this weeks message!</p> <p>We are stepping into our missions month with a message that is difficult to walk through at times. Faith inspires hope, commitment, and ultimately, a radical way of thinking. But hope also requires us to give up of our control, and trust that the Lord is continuing a work in each of us to stir our faith and to increase it! We hope you enjoy this weeks message!</p> We are stepping into our missions month with a message that is difficult to walk through at times. Faith inspires hope, commitment, and ultimately, a radical way of thinking. But hope also requires us to give up of our control, and trust that the Lord is continuing a work in each of us to stir our faith and to increase it! We hope you enjoy this weeks message!

]]> Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2621 89 7ff1874df3fd91dcd412878ea26697c0 no Vision Sunday Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are taking a break from our series and instead setting our focus on what is ahead: the future of River of Life Church. Pastor Denny is looking ahead to the great things in store for River of Life by remembering the great things God has done in the past. But we don't look to the past for inspiration, but give thanks and praise, and to stir our faith for what God has in store! Enjoy this weekends message.</p> <p>We are taking a break from our series and instead setting our focus on what is ahead: the future of River of Life Church. Pastor Denny is looking ahead to the great things in store for River of Life by remembering the great things God has done in the past. But we don't look to the past for inspiration, but give thanks and praise, and to stir our faith for what God has in store! Enjoy this weekends message.</p> We are taking a break from our series and instead setting our focus on what is ahead: the future of River of Life Church. Pastor Denny is looking ahead to the great things in store for River of Life by remembering the great things God has done in the past. But we don't look to the past for inspiration, but give thanks and praise, and to stir our faith for what God has in store! Enjoy this weekends message.

]]> Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2839 90 fa22e2727d7cd420ef80252820852930 no Altars - Pt. 2 Pastor Kyle Curran <p>We are finishing up our series on altars; creating moments to experience the power and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. This week Kyle is sharing on the ways we hold tightly to our lives and all that is in it, and how this will only lead to destruction. Once we surrender, we open up a life of abundance found in Christ.</p> <p>We are finishing up our series on altars; creating moments to experience the power and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. This week Kyle is sharing on the ways we hold tightly to our lives and all that is in it, and how this will only lead to destruction. Once we surrender, we open up a life of abundance found in Christ.</p> We are finishing up our series on altars; creating moments to experience the power and intimacy with the Holy Spirit. This week Kyle is sharing on the ways we hold tightly to our lives and all that is in it, and how this will only lead to destruction. Once we surrender, we open up a life of abundance found in Christ.

]]> Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2805 91 ee40e3d015e199f399781f47cb43b8ad no Special Guest Speaker: Matt McPherson Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week we have a special guest. Matt McPherson (Matthews Archery, McPherson Guitars). Pastor Denny and him sit together and discuss his life, his success in business, and ultimately, what he attributes all of this to: His faith in Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy their conversation!</p> <p>This week we have a special guest. Matt McPherson (Matthews Archery, McPherson Guitars). Pastor Denny and him sit together and discuss his life, his success in business, and ultimately, what he attributes all of this to: His faith in Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy their conversation!</p> This week we have a special guest. Matt McPherson (Matthews Archery, McPherson Guitars). Pastor Denny and him sit together and discuss his life, his success in business, and ultimately, what he attributes all of this to: His faith in Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy their conversation!

]]> Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 2376 92 467068bb2792772f5b96144e8fcc39cc no Altars - Pt. 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are excited to kick off this year with our new series on altars. The Spirit of God is often missed, not because He isn't talked about, but because we limit His capabilities and restorative grace in our life. Jesus said He will send a helper after he ascends the earth, and the Holy Spirit allows us to live the life that Jesus talks about. Enjoy our first week!</p> <p>We are excited to kick off this year with our new series on altars. The Spirit of God is often missed, not because He isn't talked about, but because we limit His capabilities and restorative grace in our life. Jesus said He will send a helper after he ascends the earth, and the Holy Spirit allows us to live the life that Jesus talks about. Enjoy our first week!</p> We are excited to kick off this year with our new series on altars. The Spirit of God is often missed, not because He isn't talked about, but because we limit His capabilities and restorative grace in our life. Jesus said He will send a helper after he ascends the earth, and the Holy Spirit allows us to live the life that Jesus talks about. Enjoy our first week!

]]> Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 3276 93 56858767e60c8ec2879ca4f390d51913 no Guest Speaker Jacques Von Bommel <p>We have a special guest with us this weekend: Jacques Von Bommel. Jacques hails in South Africa and has a ministry that is focused on reaching the next generation. His heart is to see his nation know the Lord, and his many areas of influence are shadowed by his humility and heart for the lost. We hope you enjoy his message!</p> <p>We have a special guest with us this weekend: Jacques Von Bommel. Jacques hails in South Africa and has a ministry that is focused on reaching the next generation. His heart is to see his nation know the Lord, and his many areas of influence are shadowed by his humility and heart for the lost. We hope you enjoy his message!</p> We have a special guest with us this weekend: Jacques Von Bommel. Jacques hails in South Africa and has a ministry that is focused on reaching the next generation. His heart is to see his nation know the Lord, and his many areas of influence are shadowed by his humility and heart for the lost. We hope you enjoy his message!

]]> Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000 3276 94 235d61f7319ea4a031531b7580447443 no The Gift - Pt. 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are on week two of our Christmas season, The Gift. The gift of life is life in Jesus, but also recognizing the gift isn't earned. Our gift from Jesus brings life, but we often don't receive the gift with open and ready hearts. Pastor Denny walks us through this process, and the hope we have in Christ!</p> <p>We are on week two of our Christmas season, The Gift. The gift of life is life in Jesus, but also recognizing the gift isn't earned. Our gift from Jesus brings life, but we often don't receive the gift with open and ready hearts. Pastor Denny walks us through this process, and the hope we have in Christ!</p> We are on week two of our Christmas season, The Gift. The gift of life is life in Jesus, but also recognizing the gift isn't earned. Our gift from Jesus brings life, but we often don't receive the gift with open and ready hearts. Pastor Denny walks us through this process, and the hope we have in Christ!

]]> Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2362 95 0dad6f08ca900e640efd2e5cf26a8442 no The Gift - Pt. 1 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>We are launching our Christmas series this week on a relevant topic: gifts. But not the gifts that we are used to receiving. Our ultimate gift from God isn't tangible things, but things that feed and fuel the spirit. We are glad to have you join us this week as guest Pastor Kirby St. John kicks us off!</p> <p>We are launching our Christmas series this week on a relevant topic: gifts. But not the gifts that we are used to receiving. Our ultimate gift from God isn't tangible things, but things that feed and fuel the spirit. We are glad to have you join us this week as guest Pastor Kirby St. John kicks us off!</p> We are launching our Christmas series this week on a relevant topic: gifts. But not the gifts that we are used to receiving. Our ultimate gift from God isn't tangible things, but things that feed and fuel the spirit. We are glad to have you join us this week as guest Pastor Kirby St. John kicks us off!

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2789 96 d9436fdacca721d93b46365f236486ff no The Christmas Express <p>We are taking a break from our typical Sunday morning experience and allowing the kids to minister! They have spent months putting together a program that will amaze, inspire, and lead you to the heart of God. We hope you enjoy this presentation! </p> <p>We are taking a break from our typical Sunday morning experience and allowing the kids to minister! They have spent months putting together a program that will amaze, inspire, and lead you to the heart of God. We hope you enjoy this presentation! </p> We are taking a break from our typical Sunday morning experience and allowing the kids to minister! They have spent months putting together a program that will amaze, inspire, and lead you to the heart of God. We hope you enjoy this presentation!

]]> Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000 3696 97 ffb4e1f2cf269d89beb878719b9ec584 no First Hand Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>This week, we are breaking from our series and listening to a message on faith. Specifically, OWNING your faith. Many of us come from traditions or cultural experiences when it comes to faith, but God has made it clear in His word it isn't about what we do, but who we are, and specifically, who we are in Christ. </p> <p>This week, we are breaking from our series and listening to a message on faith. Specifically, OWNING your faith. Many of us come from traditions or cultural experiences when it comes to faith, but God has made it clear in His word it isn't about what we do, but who we are, and specifically, who we are in Christ. </p> This week, we are breaking from our series and listening to a message on faith. Specifically, OWNING your faith. Many of us come from traditions or cultural experiences when it comes to faith, but God has made it clear in His word it isn't about what we do, but who we are, and specifically, who we are in Christ.

]]> Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2722 98 36c9f40f8f06aa209df46b71d20b93a1 no Battle Fatigue - Pt. 3 Pastor Denny Curran <p>Our purpose in Christ is to make disciples of all nations, and God has created us with a unique purpose with various different ways to live this out. For some of us, this includes how we run our business and ultimately the dreams and ambitions God has laid on our hearts! The enemy isn't unaware of this, however, and it is important we don't grow weary in doing good, and the good God has called us to through our business. Listen and be encouraged to trust in God with everything He has blessed you with!</p> <p>Our purpose in Christ is to make disciples of all nations, and God has created us with a unique purpose with various different ways to live this out. For some of us, this includes how we run our business and ultimately the dreams and ambitions God has laid on our hearts! The enemy isn't unaware of this, however, and it is important we don't grow weary in doing good, and the good God has called us to through our business. Listen and be encouraged to trust in God with everything He has blessed you with!</p> Our purpose in Christ is to make disciples of all nations, and God has created us with a unique purpose with various different ways to live this out. For some of us, this includes how we run our business and ultimately the dreams and ambitions God has laid on our hearts! The enemy isn't unaware of this, however, and it is important we don't grow weary in doing good, and the good God has called us to through our business. Listen and be encouraged to trust in God with everything He has blessed you with!

]]> Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2346 99 4029c9b59bac4043be4fb8bc3ebf3f9d no Battle Fatigue - Pt. 2 Pastor Kyle Curran <p>We are in week two of our series Battle Fatigue, and the purpose God has for each us in this battle against the forces of darkness. This week, we have our youth pastor Kyle speaking about the brokenness in our world, and the impact that we can make if we are willing to step up on their behalf. STL is a great organization that seeks to help this who are without clean water, while also establishing home bases for churches to reach their community. Enjoy this message!</p> <p>We are in week two of our series Battle Fatigue, and the purpose God has for each us in this battle against the forces of darkness. This week, we have our youth pastor Kyle speaking about the brokenness in our world, and the impact that we can make if we are willing to step up on their behalf. STL is a great organization that seeks to help this who are without clean water, while also establishing home bases for churches to reach their community. Enjoy this message!</p> We are in week two of our series Battle Fatigue, and the purpose God has for each us in this battle against the forces of darkness. This week, we have our youth pastor Kyle speaking about the brokenness in our world, and the impact that we can make if we are willing to step up on their behalf. STL is a great organization that seeks to help this who are without clean water, while also establishing home bases for churches to reach their community. Enjoy this message!

]]> Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2346 100 dfa23f076cbfb1158578da0275bfdc96 no Battle Fatigue - Pt. 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are jumping into a new series about staying on the OFFENSIVE when often times it feels you are on the DEFENSIVE. The enemy desires to steal, kill, and destroy, but often times it's through our time and through exhaustion. We find strength in the Lord, the Word of God, and His promises. Let's join together and encourage one another in faith!</p> <p>We are jumping into a new series about staying on the OFFENSIVE when often times it feels you are on the DEFENSIVE. The enemy desires to steal, kill, and destroy, but often times it's through our time and through exhaustion. We find strength in the Lord, the Word of God, and His promises. Let's join together and encourage one another in faith!</p> We are jumping into a new series about staying on the OFFENSIVE when often times it feels you are on the DEFENSIVE. The enemy desires to steal, kill, and destroy, but often times it's through our time and through exhaustion. We find strength in the Lord, the Word of God, and His promises. Let's join together and encourage one another in faith!

]]> Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2518 101 53bca106c000352f9f6d9fbeeeaf9fa4 no Don't Take Rides From Strangers - Pt. 4 Pastor Denny Curran <p>Thanks for doing us again! Addiction is no stranger to many of us. And those who are addicted often brush aside the true nature of their dependency. However, there is FREEDOM in Christ, if we are willing to surrender everything we are to Him. It's as easy as confessing our sin, asking forgiveness, and making Him the only One you will follow. Join us this week to find ways to overcome addiction!</p> <p>Thanks for doing us again! Addiction is no stranger to many of us. And those who are addicted often brush aside the true nature of their dependency. However, there is FREEDOM in Christ, if we are willing to surrender everything we are to Him. It's as easy as confessing our sin, asking forgiveness, and making Him the only One you will follow. Join us this week to find ways to overcome addiction!</p> Thanks for doing us again! Addiction is no stranger to many of us. And those who are addicted often brush aside the true nature of their dependency. However, there is FREEDOM in Christ, if we are willing to surrender everything we are to Him. It's as easy as confessing our sin, asking forgiveness, and making Him the only One you will follow. Join us this week to find ways to overcome addiction!

]]> Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2274 102 c78197ced8d5f6d043bde7f5a445601c no Don't Take Rides From Strangers - Pt. 2 Pastor Kirby St. John <p>Our second week of our new series is up! This week, Pastor Kirby St. John, Minnesota AG District Youth Director, is visiting and sharing his heart. Learning to understand the ploys of the enemy will always bring clarity, but knowledge is not enough if you aren't aware of the truth. The Word of God is effective in destroying the tactics of the enemy, but we need to constantly consume His word. John 6 speaks of the importance of feasting on the Bread of Life, and allowing our spirits to be filled more so than the needs of the flesh. </p> <p>Our second week of our new series is up! This week, Pastor Kirby St. John, Minnesota AG District Youth Director, is visiting and sharing his heart. Learning to understand the ploys of the enemy will always bring clarity, but knowledge is not enough if you aren't aware of the truth. The Word of God is effective in destroying the tactics of the enemy, but we need to constantly consume His word. John 6 speaks of the importance of feasting on the Bread of Life, and allowing our spirits to be filled more so than the needs of the flesh. </p> Our second week of our new series is up! This week, Pastor Kirby St. John, Minnesota AG District Youth Director, is visiting and sharing his heart. Learning to understand the ploys of the enemy will always bring clarity, but knowledge is not enough if you aren't aware of the truth. The Word of God is effective in destroying the tactics of the enemy, but we need to constantly consume His word. John 6 speaks of the importance of feasting on the Bread of Life, and allowing our spirits to be filled more so than the needs of the flesh.

]]> Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2481 103 7f756b547c95ac1f16d82253e43b0c10 no Don't Take Rides From Strangers - Pt. 1 <p>The enemy of our souls constantly barrages us with things to fear, doubt, and divide us from the good and perfect will God has for us. When we are able to know who our TRUE friends are and what TRUE community looks like, it will be much more difficult to trust the enemy. Enjoy week one of our series!</p> <p>The enemy of our souls constantly barrages us with things to fear, doubt, and divide us from the good and perfect will God has for us. When we are able to know who our TRUE friends are and what TRUE community looks like, it will be much more difficult to trust the enemy. Enjoy week one of our series!</p> The enemy of our souls constantly barrages us with things to fear, doubt, and divide us from the good and perfect will God has for us. When we are able to know who our TRUE friends are and what TRUE community looks like, it will be much more difficult to trust the enemy. Enjoy week one of our series!

]]> Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2574 104 164ec2a37b36620ed284af0c6779274e no Do You Know Who You're Talking To? Reggie Dabbs <p>We have special guest Reggie Dabbs sharing a message of redemption and connection with Jesus. His immense talent was powerful on stage, and we were blessed to share with our church community his testimony, and ultimately, his purpose he found in Jesus!</p> <p>We have special guest Reggie Dabbs sharing a message of redemption and connection with Jesus. His immense talent was powerful on stage, and we were blessed to share with our church community his testimony, and ultimately, his purpose he found in Jesus!</p> We have special guest Reggie Dabbs sharing a message of redemption and connection with Jesus. His immense talent was powerful on stage, and we were blessed to share with our church community his testimony, and ultimately, his purpose he found in Jesus!

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2650 105 eeeb3225feb80e7a7db7796f57927bcb no The Golden Hour Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are jumping into our new series this week, and the course went a little different than we had planned! Pastor Denny felt a pressing to talk about healings, and this was confirmed throughout the service multiple times. We believe our God is active in this way, and we came and agreed as a church. We hope this message inspires you to seek more of the Gospel and the heart of Jesus!</p> <p>We are jumping into our new series this week, and the course went a little different than we had planned! Pastor Denny felt a pressing to talk about healings, and this was confirmed throughout the service multiple times. We believe our God is active in this way, and we came and agreed as a church. We hope this message inspires you to seek more of the Gospel and the heart of Jesus!</p> We are jumping into our new series this week, and the course went a little different than we had planned! Pastor Denny felt a pressing to talk about healings, and this was confirmed throughout the service multiple times. We believe our God is active in this way, and we came and agreed as a church. We hope this message inspires you to seek more of the Gospel and the heart of Jesus!

]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2199 106 96c736f05d31b926061f6b9294b91e93 no More Like Jesus Caden St. John, Kienna St. John <p>We have some special guests this weekend! Caden and Kienna St. John, both kids of our District Youth Director, bring their talents together to show the passion and purpose God has for our next generation, and the ways He is leading us into His Truth. We hope you enjoy this service just as much as we did!</p> <p>We have some special guests this weekend! Caden and Kienna St. John, both kids of our District Youth Director, bring their talents together to show the passion and purpose God has for our next generation, and the ways He is leading us into His Truth. We hope you enjoy this service just as much as we did!</p> We have some special guests this weekend! Caden and Kienna St. John, both kids of our District Youth Director, bring their talents together to show the passion and purpose God has for our next generation, and the ways He is leading us into His Truth. We hope you enjoy this service just as much as we did!

]]> Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2015 107 f5132bf164ba7457547eaa10a575d563 no Priorities - Pt. 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week, we are diving into one of God's greatest gifts to humanity... sex.</p><p><br></p><p>Its unique and intentional purpose is so often misconstrued and defeating, and our culture's view of it has often diluted it to being something that is casual. God details His great plan for it in His word, and Pastor Denny is taking this issue head on to bring light to the truth of this gift!</p><p><br></p><p>Disclaimer: all of our services are family friendly, but we do offer kids services to meet their age in person and online. In this instance, this message might not be for every age group.</p> <p>This week, we are diving into one of God's greatest gifts to humanity... sex.</p><p><br></p><p>Its unique and intentional purpose is so often misconstrued and defeating, and our culture's view of it has often diluted it to being something that is casual. God details His great plan for it in His word, and Pastor Denny is taking this issue head on to bring light to the truth of this gift!</p><p><br></p><p>Disclaimer: all of our services are family friendly, but we do offer kids services to meet their age in person and online. In this instance, this message might not be for every age group.</p> This week, we are diving into one of God's greatest gifts to humanity... sex.


Its unique and intentional purpose is so often misconstrued and defeating, and our culture's view of it has often diluted it to being something that is casual. God details His great plan for it in His word, and Pastor Denny is taking this issue head on to bring light to the truth of this gift!


Disclaimer: all of our services are family friendly, but we do offer kids services to meet their age in person and online. In this instance, this message might not be for every age group.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2953 108 cf5fd8a6a6a2cd87b7d1b263dc4ee4e3 no Priorities - Pt. 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are gearing up for the beginning of the fall, and with it, our passion to pursue what a healthy marriage looks like. Pastor Denny details the priorities of what is needed for a healthy marriage, but also, Who is paramount as the center. Enjoy part one of this message.</p> <p>We are gearing up for the beginning of the fall, and with it, our passion to pursue what a healthy marriage looks like. Pastor Denny details the priorities of what is needed for a healthy marriage, but also, Who is paramount as the center. Enjoy part one of this message.</p> We are gearing up for the beginning of the fall, and with it, our passion to pursue what a healthy marriage looks like. Pastor Denny details the priorities of what is needed for a healthy marriage, but also, Who is paramount as the center. Enjoy part one of this message.

]]> Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2590 109 56a267a317b84ba4281557116669601d no Praying Like Saints - Pt. 4 Pastor Denny Curran <p>Pastor Denny explores our strength and ferocity we need to have when we pray. Our lifestyles will often tell how we view and respect God, and ultimately how we see His strength and the power of His name. We hope this message encourages to come before the Lord with boldness and seek His face.</p> <p>Pastor Denny explores our strength and ferocity we need to have when we pray. Our lifestyles will often tell how we view and respect God, and ultimately how we see His strength and the power of His name. We hope this message encourages to come before the Lord with boldness and seek His face.</p> Pastor Denny explores our strength and ferocity we need to have when we pray. Our lifestyles will often tell how we view and respect God, and ultimately how we see His strength and the power of His name. We hope this message encourages to come before the Lord with boldness and seek His face.

]]> Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2804 110 4926f3153147021b5a4bf5b7ecc50ac2 no Praying Like Saints - Pt. 3 Pastor Denny Curran <p>Finishing off week 3, Pastor Denny dives into the passion we need to have when praying. To come body before God and His throne is not to be something to shy away from, but to approach humbly and seek His Kingdom come. If you've been blessed by this message, make sure to fill out a connect card and let us know how we can be praying!</p> <p>Finishing off week 3, Pastor Denny dives into the passion we need to have when praying. To come body before God and His throne is not to be something to shy away from, but to approach humbly and seek His Kingdom come. If you've been blessed by this message, make sure to fill out a connect card and let us know how we can be praying!</p> Finishing off week 3, Pastor Denny dives into the passion we need to have when praying. To come body before God and His throne is not to be something to shy away from, but to approach humbly and seek His Kingdom come. If you've been blessed by this message, make sure to fill out a connect card and let us know how we can be praying!

]]> Sun, 23 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2452 111 ab7390737e8eb1d146c5b5cdfdf72722 no Praying Like Saints - Pt. 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are in week 2 of our new series, Praying Like Saints. the Bible shows us examples of how Jesus taught the disciples to view God, and especially how to pray. We should look to His examples a way of engaging with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for doing us.</p> <p>We are in week 2 of our new series, Praying Like Saints. the Bible shows us examples of how Jesus taught the disciples to view God, and especially how to pray. We should look to His examples a way of engaging with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for doing us.</p> We are in week 2 of our new series, Praying Like Saints. the Bible shows us examples of how Jesus taught the disciples to view God, and especially how to pray. We should look to His examples a way of engaging with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for doing us.

]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2427 112 f389c5417ba7cfc35d7fe5d7350c94df no Praying Like Saints - Pt. 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are jumping into a new series this July from the heart of our pastor. It is easy for us to get caught up in the mindset that others can lead our spiritual lives, but Jesus made mention many times His desire for us to know the Father as He knows Him! Looking forward to having you join us this week.</p> <p>We are jumping into a new series this July from the heart of our pastor. It is easy for us to get caught up in the mindset that others can lead our spiritual lives, but Jesus made mention many times His desire for us to know the Father as He knows Him! Looking forward to having you join us this week.</p> We are jumping into a new series this July from the heart of our pastor. It is easy for us to get caught up in the mindset that others can lead our spiritual lives, but Jesus made mention many times His desire for us to know the Father as He knows Him! Looking forward to having you join us this week.

]]> Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2394 113 b0d2017860eedfb5104a9960535233b1 no Under God Pastor Derrick Benoit <p>Thanks for watching us online!</p><p><br></p><p>This weekend, we are diving into the foundation of our nation for a special independence day message. Ultimately, this timely message isn't focused on the success and failures of our nation, but the desperate need for prayer, and how this relates to being a nation under God!</p> <p>Thanks for watching us online!</p><p><br></p><p>This weekend, we are diving into the foundation of our nation for a special independence day message. Ultimately, this timely message isn't focused on the success and failures of our nation, but the desperate need for prayer, and how this relates to being a nation under God!</p> Thanks for watching us online!


This weekend, we are diving into the foundation of our nation for a special independence day message. Ultimately, this timely message isn't focused on the success and failures of our nation, but the desperate need for prayer, and how this relates to being a nation under God!

]]> Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 1939 114 3ee8c107fa97a48a2657768fe9b90b5a no HEROES - David Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. "A man after God's own heart," David was known for being a broken man who constantly sought the heart of God. His story of triumph through God's strength is an example of passion and trust in the name of Jesus!</p> <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. "A man after God's own heart," David was known for being a broken man who constantly sought the heart of God. His story of triumph through God's strength is an example of passion and trust in the name of Jesus!</p> Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. "A man after God's own heart," David was known for being a broken man who constantly sought the heart of God. His story of triumph through God's strength is an example of passion and trust in the name of Jesus!

]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2958 115 ce703132bfb3ff6bcc3a9c6ad9b78a31 no HEROES - Father's Day Pastor Denny Curran <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. This Sunday, we celebrate the men who have become the spiritual leaders and examples in our lives of God's love, strength, compassion, and commitment. We are glad to have you here!</p> <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. This Sunday, we celebrate the men who have become the spiritual leaders and examples in our lives of God's love, strength, compassion, and commitment. We are glad to have you here!</p> Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. This Sunday, we celebrate the men who have become the spiritual leaders and examples in our lives of God's love, strength, compassion, and commitment. We are glad to have you here!

]]> Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2591 116 b9375ea96e36fac5f65e23931d0b7118 no HEROES - Kids Sunday Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. This Sunday, our kids ministry is taking over and showing us how we meet our next generation where they are, and how God is specifically speaking through His word to this generation. </p> <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. This Sunday, our kids ministry is taking over and showing us how we meet our next generation where they are, and how God is specifically speaking through His word to this generation. </p> Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. This Sunday, our kids ministry is taking over and showing us how we meet our next generation where they are, and how God is specifically speaking through His word to this generation.

]]> Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2410 117 46247f16f410147365cfb3b8015c428e no HEROES - Joseph Pastor Kyle Curran <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. These stories are full of triumph, failure, and ultimately repentance, and our hope is that you'd be encouraged as well to learn from both the positive and negative outcomes to see how good God really is. </p> <p>Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. These stories are full of triumph, failure, and ultimately repentance, and our hope is that you'd be encouraged as well to learn from both the positive and negative outcomes to see how good God really is. </p> Starting in June, we are jumping into our favorite stories of the Bible, and the individuals who continue to remind us of our unfailing, never-changing God. These stories are full of triumph, failure, and ultimately repentance, and our hope is that you'd be encouraged as well to learn from both the positive and negative outcomes to see how good God really is.

]]> Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 3016 118 4b63da09cb02e74d9b6352a8eb8bc018 no Ready Or Not - Pt. 4 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Culture around us can often be deceived into believing the lies as truth, the false as reality, and what isn't meant for humanity as its purpose. We are exploring who God called us to be, and who's we are called to live for!</p> <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Culture around us can often be deceived into believing the lies as truth, the false as reality, and what isn't meant for humanity as its purpose. We are exploring who God called us to be, and who's we are called to live for!</p> We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Culture around us can often be deceived into believing the lies as truth, the false as reality, and what isn't meant for humanity as its purpose. We are exploring who God called us to be, and who's we are called to live for!

]]> Sun, 28 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2154 119 424b075d47779aa0c80e2e0cf48f2f86 no Mother's Day 2023 Pastor Denny Curran <p>This message is in honor of all the women in our lives who have supported, cared, and led us to the heart of Jesus through their many selfless acts, fervent prayers, and constant love. We see how mothers have been integral in the Bible, and how ultimately, the Love of the Father is witnessed in part by such amazing, God-fearing women.</p><p><br></p><p>This is our last Sunday morning service.... in the (old) sanctuary! We'll be presenting the message of the Gospel in our brand new facility, so make sure to tune in!</p> <p>This message is in honor of all the women in our lives who have supported, cared, and led us to the heart of Jesus through their many selfless acts, fervent prayers, and constant love. We see how mothers have been integral in the Bible, and how ultimately, the Love of the Father is witnessed in part by such amazing, God-fearing women.</p><p><br></p><p>This is our last Sunday morning service.... in the (old) sanctuary! We'll be presenting the message of the Gospel in our brand new facility, so make sure to tune in!</p> This message is in honor of all the women in our lives who have supported, cared, and led us to the heart of Jesus through their many selfless acts, fervent prayers, and constant love. We see how mothers have been integral in the Bible, and how ultimately, the Love of the Father is witnessed in part by such amazing, God-fearing women.


This is our last Sunday morning service.... in the (old) sanctuary! We'll be presenting the message of the Gospel in our brand new facility, so make sure to tune in!

]]> Sun, 14 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2390 120 2a8c32dca5702b0f168098443e1ab0d9 no Missions Experience <p>We have had another exciting, successful missions experience with great speakers, great resources, and a call to be a light to our world! Enjoy this inspiring message on how God is working in our world!</p> <p>We have had another exciting, successful missions experience with great speakers, great resources, and a call to be a light to our world! Enjoy this inspiring message on how God is working in our world!</p> We have had another exciting, successful missions experience with great speakers, great resources, and a call to be a light to our world! Enjoy this inspiring message on how God is working in our world!

]]> Sun, 07 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2572 121 bfffaf3ed28d39f69b5f1a5f4d3e0a7f no Ready or Not - Pt. 3 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Culture around us can often be deceived into believing the lies as truth, the false as reality, and what isn't meant for humanity as its purpose. We are exploring who God called us to be, and who's we are called to live for!</p> <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Culture around us can often be deceived into believing the lies as truth, the false as reality, and what isn't meant for humanity as its purpose. We are exploring who God called us to be, and who's we are called to live for!</p> We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Culture around us can often be deceived into believing the lies as truth, the false as reality, and what isn't meant for humanity as its purpose. We are exploring who God called us to be, and who's we are called to live for!

]]> Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2368 122 51bf531a35f6bba9b7e89173c6309e62 no Ready or Not - Pt. 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Signs and wonders are part of the experience of a Christian, to be used for the Glory of God and His growing Kingdom!</p> <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Signs and wonders are part of the experience of a Christian, to be used for the Glory of God and His growing Kingdom!</p> We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. Signs and wonders are part of the experience of a Christian, to be used for the Glory of God and His growing Kingdom!

]]> Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2488 123 977009c320517e60c975f171fb35f23a no Ready or Not - Pt. 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. We are not called to fear, but to prayer, and God's word has established His glory until the end of times!</p> <p>We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. We are not called to fear, but to prayer, and God's word has established His glory until the end of times!</p> We are entering into a new season here at River of Life, and with that, a new series as well. Join us weekly as we understand together what the future holds and how God is continuing to prove Himself to be faithful, in control, and vocal. We are not called to fear, but to prayer, and God's word has established His glory until the end of times!

]]> Sun, 16 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2526 124 5fc0e0c0e2a0e71c3a31cc9d1abfaa0f no Stay In The Fight - Pt. 3 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!</p> <p>We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!</p> We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!

]]> Sun, 26 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2599 125 5e846735ce165613ef2a6e4ac62e777e no Stay In The Fight - Pt. 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!</p> <p>We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!</p> We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!

]]> Sun, 19 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2119 126 daaf6dd13f35cb2d6e8d4d44223c8288 no Stay In The Fight - Pt. 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!</p> <p>We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!</p> We are exciting to jump into a new series! Our lives are full of directions, and how we choose which direction to follow. We are often on the right path, but easily find our lives taking a different course due to struggles, temptations, old habits, and anything else that can deter us. Even so, what is most important when we take the wrong turn is to remain true to getting back on track and continuing the journey God has laid before us. Let us know how we can be praying for you!

]]> Sun, 12 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2044 127 8debd05bb76b3c7566e5cc38dafa99e6 no Core Values: Missions Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us as we continue our series on our CORE values. Pastor Denny speaks on reaching the generations and the nations through missions givings, and how our focusing on developing the nationals will have a greater impact than any dollar could ever give. </p> <p>Join us as we continue our series on our CORE values. Pastor Denny speaks on reaching the generations and the nations through missions givings, and how our focusing on developing the nationals will have a greater impact than any dollar could ever give. </p> Join us as we continue our series on our CORE values. Pastor Denny speaks on reaching the generations and the nations through missions givings, and how our focusing on developing the nationals will have a greater impact than any dollar could ever give.

]]> Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2792 128 ae202b7bececf1ff3e71d433db87aa45 no Core Values: Worship Pastor Derrick Benoit <p>Join us as we continue our series on our CORE values. Pastor Derrick speaks on the significance of worship as individuals and as a community, and how it is our responsibility to share where truth worth is to be focused. </p> <p>Join us as we continue our series on our CORE values. Pastor Derrick speaks on the significance of worship as individuals and as a community, and how it is our responsibility to share where truth worth is to be focused. </p> Join us as we continue our series on our CORE values. Pastor Derrick speaks on the significance of worship as individuals and as a community, and how it is our responsibility to share where truth worth is to be focused.

]]> Sun, 26 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2267 129 a284f1bb562c920215f23e7be69734b8 no Core Values: Prayer Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us as we continue in our series on CORE values. Prayer is paramount at River of Life, and we are privileged and called to have an active prayer life, and to continually pray as a community for those who still need to know Jesus.</p> <p>Join us as we continue in our series on CORE values. Prayer is paramount at River of Life, and we are privileged and called to have an active prayer life, and to continually pray as a community for those who still need to know Jesus.</p> Join us as we continue in our series on CORE values. Prayer is paramount at River of Life, and we are privileged and called to have an active prayer life, and to continually pray as a community for those who still need to know Jesus.

]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2909 130 eb80cd79e48d5049bb986355310e1b3c no Core Values: Discipleship Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us as we begin a new series on what leads us in our vision for River of Life: our Core Values. This week, Pastor Denny helps us to examine the power of discipleship and how this can affect our life, our relationships, and ultimately our purpose in Jesus. Our focus is always to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and SHOW Christ to our world, and our Core Values help lead that vision.</p> <p>Join us as we begin a new series on what leads us in our vision for River of Life: our Core Values. This week, Pastor Denny helps us to examine the power of discipleship and how this can affect our life, our relationships, and ultimately our purpose in Jesus. Our focus is always to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and SHOW Christ to our world, and our Core Values help lead that vision.</p> Join us as we begin a new series on what leads us in our vision for River of Life: our Core Values. This week, Pastor Denny helps us to examine the power of discipleship and how this can affect our life, our relationships, and ultimately our purpose in Jesus. Our focus is always to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and SHOW Christ to our world, and our Core Values help lead that vision.

]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2350 131 ac391ebb56512b89ed4e808e45dffed5 no Core Values: Families Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us as we begin a new series on what leads us in our vision for River of Life: our Core Values. This week, Pastor Denny emphasizes the heart behind reaching the next generation, and the value we place in discipling families all the way from infants to adults. Our focus is always to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and SHOW Christ to our world, and our Core Values help lead that vision.</p> <p>Join us as we begin a new series on what leads us in our vision for River of Life: our Core Values. This week, Pastor Denny emphasizes the heart behind reaching the next generation, and the value we place in discipling families all the way from infants to adults. Our focus is always to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and SHOW Christ to our world, and our Core Values help lead that vision.</p> Join us as we begin a new series on what leads us in our vision for River of Life: our Core Values. This week, Pastor Denny emphasizes the heart behind reaching the next generation, and the value we place in discipling families all the way from infants to adults. Our focus is always to KNOW Christ, GROW in Christ, and SHOW Christ to our world, and our Core Values help lead that vision.

]]> Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2775 132 34d505b0c5f740a85fc87b41904a0058 no Special Guest Sam Timm Artist Sam Timm <p>Artist Sam Timm shares an amazing story of God's faithfulness. Hear how God has used his nature art to declare the Glory of God and His goodness!</p> <p>Artist Sam Timm shares an amazing story of God's faithfulness. Hear how God has used his nature art to declare the Glory of God and His goodness!</p> Artist Sam Timm shares an amazing story of God's faithfulness. Hear how God has used his nature art to declare the Glory of God and His goodness!

]]> Sun, 29 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2449 133 3bd4d3714e3cf917b99eccdd4afcf183 no The Best Distraction Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>Join us as Pastor Dillon (Heartland MC) emphasizes the desire to be distracted not by the things of this world, but to choose to be distracted by what God's plan is for our world.</p> <p>Join us as Pastor Dillon (Heartland MC) emphasizes the desire to be distracted not by the things of this world, but to choose to be distracted by what God's plan is for our world.</p> Join us as Pastor Dillon (Heartland MC) emphasizes the desire to be distracted not by the things of this world, but to choose to be distracted by what God's plan is for our world.

]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2420 134 60f9629f1b63f4b04165aec5bdbbb006 no Vision Week PT 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us as Pastor Denny finishes the series on our Church's vision and core values.</p> <p>Join us as Pastor Denny finishes the series on our Church's vision and core values.</p> Join us as Pastor Denny finishes the series on our Church's vision and core values.

]]> Sun, 15 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2399 135 9e712263599a6d9f2281ace17cf3bc67 no Vision Week PT 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us over the next two weeks as Pastor Denny talks about the vision and core values of River of Life.</p> <p>Join us over the next two weeks as Pastor Denny talks about the vision and core values of River of Life.</p> Join us over the next two weeks as Pastor Denny talks about the vision and core values of River of Life.

]]> Sun, 08 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000 2498 136 acbf0f1b79371f145ee90093abd99dd5 no Singing the Blues to Singing His Praise Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us for final week of Singing the Blues as Pastor Denny talks about how to combat depression and anxiety through our worship and relationship with Christ. </p> <p>Join us for final week of Singing the Blues as Pastor Denny talks about how to combat depression and anxiety through our worship and relationship with Christ. </p> Join us for final week of Singing the Blues as Pastor Denny talks about how to combat depression and anxiety through our worship and relationship with Christ.

]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2661 137 973bea5082c11f9bea72774ffae9f7a8 no Singing the Blues - Joy Pastor Denny Curran <p>Thanks for tuning in for another week of Singing the Blues! This week, Pastor Denny is sharing on the best medication for the "blues." </p> <p>Thanks for tuning in for another week of Singing the Blues! This week, Pastor Denny is sharing on the best medication for the "blues." </p> Thanks for tuning in for another week of Singing the Blues! This week, Pastor Denny is sharing on the best medication for the "blues."

]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2815 138 4e8c7090be837b8fe5c6affa39388d22 no A Christmas Yarn - River Kids Christmas Musical <p>Join us in watching this year's River Kids Musical, A Christmas Yarn!</p> <p>Join us in watching this year's River Kids Musical, A Christmas Yarn!</p> Join us in watching this year's River Kids Musical, A Christmas Yarn!

]]> Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2734 139 ca3196a2db377692df29ed48ba8c4140 no Answering Questions on Mental Health with Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Terry Skaggs Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week,  Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Terry Skaggs, joined us to answer questions on mental health. If you have any more questions or are needing help, please reach out to <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">office@riveroflifeag.org.</a></p> <p>This week,  Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Terry Skaggs, joined us to answer questions on mental health. If you have any more questions or are needing help, please reach out to <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">office@riveroflifeag.org.</a></p> This week,  Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Terry Skaggs, joined us to answer questions on mental health. If you have any more questions or are needing help, please reach out to office@riveroflifeag.org.

]]> Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2775 140 e9bef54dad1d3219fea272ebd8397e78 no Thought You Should Know Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>Join us this week as Pastor Dillon shares about Elijah and his battle with anxiety in our current series, Out of the Blues. </p> <p>Join us this week as Pastor Dillon shares about Elijah and his battle with anxiety in our current series, Out of the Blues. </p> Join us this week as Pastor Dillon shares about Elijah and his battle with anxiety in our current series, Out of the Blues.

]]> Sun, 27 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2342 141 426f2ccb6bfbb120bb38fad30c9684a6 no Two is Better Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week, Pastor Denny shares about the importance of relationships and community for our mental health. Tune in for another week of Out of the Blues.</p> <p>This week, Pastor Denny shares about the importance of relationships and community for our mental health. Tune in for another week of Out of the Blues.</p> This week, Pastor Denny shares about the importance of relationships and community for our mental health. Tune in for another week of Out of the Blues.

]]> Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2254 142 0f4b53f638962b79534eee91ddfab1d5 no Disrupt the Traditional Pastor Kyle Curran <p>Thanks for joining us this week for Speed the Light Sunday! Pastor Kyle is sharing his heart and passion for Speed the Light his message on disrupting the traditional. If you feel compelled to give to STL, please visit the link below. </p> <p>Thanks for joining us this week for Speed the Light Sunday! Pastor Kyle is sharing his heart and passion for Speed the Light his message on disrupting the traditional. If you feel compelled to give to STL, please visit the link below. </p> Thanks for joining us this week for Speed the Light Sunday! Pastor Kyle is sharing his heart and passion for Speed the Light his message on disrupting the traditional. If you feel compelled to give to STL, please visit the link below.

]]> Sun, 13 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2807 143 e4392f748fb9fc4a66fd03a52218058d no Singing the Blues (Week 2) Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us for week 2 of Singing the Blues, a series on Mental Health, with a message from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> <p>Join us for week 2 of Singing the Blues, a series on Mental Health, with a message from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> Join us for week 2 of Singing the Blues, a series on Mental Health, with a message from Pastor Denny Curran.

]]> Sun, 06 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2157 144 2939ff0d5b625029ff3e1788e05ed95c no Singing the Blues Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us for week 1 of Singing the Blues, a series on Mental Health, with a word from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> <p>Join us for week 1 of Singing the Blues, a series on Mental Health, with a word from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> Join us for week 1 of Singing the Blues, a series on Mental Health, with a word from Pastor Denny Curran.

]]> Sun, 30 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1994 145 f460c87da1c4dea4575f9c35b0091f1f no Mentorship - Grow With Guidance Brynn Sauer <p>Enjoy a word from our Brynn Sauer, our Heartland Academic & Admissions Liaison, as she shares a message on the importance of mentorship and growing with guidance of others.</p> <p>Enjoy a word from our Brynn Sauer, our Heartland Academic & Admissions Liaison, as she shares a message on the importance of mentorship and growing with guidance of others.</p> Enjoy a word from our Brynn Sauer, our Heartland Academic & Admissions Liaison, as she shares a message on the importance of mentorship and growing with guidance of others.

]]> Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1949 146 e15e3929ff442bf7054972bfd6d5905f no Powerful Prayers <p>Join us this week as we hear a message focused on the importance of Power Filled Prayers from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> <p>Join us this week as we hear a message focused on the importance of Power Filled Prayers from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> Join us this week as we hear a message focused on the importance of Power Filled Prayers from Pastor Denny Curran.

]]> Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2244 147 d63239ba4cde2543167406e5dc8e1abb no Randy Ruiz - Wednesday Night with Water Baptisms Wednesday Night Pastor Randy Ruiz <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.</p> <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.</p> Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2918 148 ce252f47942b4d4331801783eb415f70 no Randy Ruiz - Tuesday Night Tuesday Night <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.</p> <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.</p> Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.

]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 3738 149 3ff32af6ad746bdfe7a82e1a22ae4798 no Randy Ruiz - Monday Night Monday Night Pastor Randy Ruiz <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.</p> <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.</p> Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.

]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 3745 150 af1b3747be3622fd83a3c5bcf371b1fa no Randy Ruiz - Sunday Morning Sunday Morning Pastor Randy Ruiz <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.</p> <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.</p> Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

]]> Sun, 09 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 3032 151 884e88d1cdcd2dba161920382ae18900 no Randy Ruiz - Sunday Night Sunday Night Pastor Randy Ruiz <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.</p> <p>Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.</p> Join us for a message from Pastor and Evangelist Randy Ruiz as he teaches a message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Due to the privacy of those attending the service, we will only be sharing the message portion of the evening.

]]> Sun, 09 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2829 152 325cb3b20636ebd46a4450a2d72b0604 no A Power Filled Life Pastor Denny Curran <p>"You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." - James 4:2 (NIV)<br><br>100% of your un-prayed prayers go on answered.<br><br>"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” - Luke 11:1 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Powerful Prayer is the source of a power filled life. <br><br>- A Certain Place<br><br>"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened [22] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:21-22 (NIV)<br><br>- Heaven Was Opened!<br><br>"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. [13] When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:" - Luke 6:12-13 (NIV)<br><br>- As the crowds got larger and larger Jesus prayed more and more.<br><br>"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. [16] But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." - Luke 5:15-16 (NIV)<br><br>**If you want people to see who Christ is, pray they see him in your life.<br><br>"Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” - Luke 9:18 (NIV)<br><br><br>“Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer <br><br>"As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning." - Luke 9:29 (NIV)<br><br>- As he prayed the glory on the inside became the glory on the outside.<br><br>**Giving yourself to prayer is the key to our power filled life.<br> <br>"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." - Mark 1:35 (NIV)<br><br><br>2.) Powerful prayer is based on our relationship with God as our Father.<br><br>"He said to them, “When you pray, say: <br>“‘Father,<br>hallowed be your name, <br>your kingdom come." - Luke 11:2 (NIV)<br><br>“This, then, is how you should pray: <br>“‘Our Father in heaven, <br>hallowed be your name," - Matthew 6:9 (NIV)<br><br>[23] “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. [24] “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." - John 16:23-24 (NKJV)<br><br>"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." - Romans 8:15-17 (NKJV)<br><br>"He said to them, “When you pray, say: <br>“‘Father,<br>hallowed be your name, <br>your kingdom come." - Luke 11:2 (NIV)<br><br>“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” - Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Powerful prayer is the key to seeing God‘s will done.</p> <p>"You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." - James 4:2 (NIV)<br><br>100% of your un-prayed prayers go on answered.<br><br>"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” - Luke 11:1 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Powerful Prayer is the source of a power filled life. <br><br>- A Certain Place<br><br>"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened [22] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:21-22 (NIV)<br><br>- Heaven Was Opened!<br><br>"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. [13] When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:" - Luke 6:12-13 (NIV)<br><br>- As the crowds got larger and larger Jesus prayed more and more.<br><br>"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. [16] But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." - Luke 5:15-16 (NIV)<br><br>**If you want people to see who Christ is, pray they see him in your life.<br><br>"Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” - Luke 9:18 (NIV)<br><br><br>“Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer <br><br>"As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning." - Luke 9:29 (NIV)<br><br>- As he prayed the glory on the inside became the glory on the outside.<br><br>**Giving yourself to prayer is the key to our power filled life.<br> <br>"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." - Mark 1:35 (NIV)<br><br><br>2.) Powerful prayer is based on our relationship with God as our Father.<br><br>"He said to them, “When you pray, say: <br>“‘Father,<br>hallowed be your name, <br>your kingdom come." - Luke 11:2 (NIV)<br><br>“This, then, is how you should pray: <br>“‘Our Father in heaven, <br>hallowed be your name," - Matthew 6:9 (NIV)<br><br>[23] “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. [24] “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." - John 16:23-24 (NKJV)<br><br>"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." - Romans 8:15-17 (NKJV)<br><br>"He said to them, “When you pray, say: <br>“‘Father,<br>hallowed be your name, <br>your kingdom come." - Luke 11:2 (NIV)<br><br>“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” - Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Powerful prayer is the key to seeing God‘s will done.</p> "You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God." - James 4:2 (NIV)

100% of your un-prayed prayers go on answered.

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” - Luke 11:1 (NIV)

1.) Powerful Prayer is the source of a power filled life.

- A Certain Place

"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened [22] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:21-22 (NIV)

- Heaven Was Opened!

"One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. [13] When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:" - Luke 6:12-13 (NIV)

- As the crowds got larger and larger Jesus prayed more and more.

"Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. [16] But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." - Luke 5:15-16 (NIV)

**If you want people to see who Christ is, pray they see him in your life.

"Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” - Luke 9:18 (NIV)


“Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning." - Luke 9:29 (NIV)

- As he prayed the glory on the inside became the glory on the outside.

**Giving yourself to prayer is the key to our power filled life.

"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed." - Mark 1:35 (NIV)


2.) Powerful prayer is based on our relationship with God as our Father.

"He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come." - Luke 11:2 (NIV)

“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name," - Matthew 6:9 (NIV)

[23] “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. [24] “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." - John 16:23-24 (NKJV)

"For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” [16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." - Romans 8:15-17 (NKJV)

"He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come." - Luke 11:2 (NIV)

“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? [12] Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” - Luke 11:11-13 (NIV)

3.) Powerful prayer is the key to seeing God‘s will done.

]]> Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2512 153 d33b01fb138a5f3ff7436060ace453d3 no Apple Doesn't Fall Far Pastor Kyle Curran <p>Have you ever heard the saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"? Join us as we learn how to be like God and bear fruit like he has asked us to do.</p> <p>Have you ever heard the saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"? Join us as we learn how to be like God and bear fruit like he has asked us to do.</p> Have you ever heard the saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"? Join us as we learn how to be like God and bear fruit like he has asked us to do.

]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2844 154 1bf3e47c7497fa2052419d5e2aac119b no Blessed are the Persecuted Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us as Pastor Denny shares about the blessing that comes even in the midst of persecution.</p> <p>Join us as Pastor Denny shares about the blessing that comes even in the midst of persecution.</p> Join us as Pastor Denny shares about the blessing that comes even in the midst of persecution.

]]> Sun, 11 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2681 155 737444182ac0495634bb4ab849952acb no Blessed are the Peacemakers Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us as Pastor Denny invites us to live a life of Peacemaking and what that means in everyday life.</p> <p>Join us as Pastor Denny invites us to live a life of Peacemaking and what that means in everyday life.</p> Join us as Pastor Denny invites us to live a life of Peacemaking and what that means in everyday life.

]]> Sun, 04 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2813 156 8b1a699b0fa777d3f138bd63645e41fd no The Pure at Heart Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join Us as Pastor Denny shares about The Beatitudes - Blessed are the Pure of Heart and how we can live a life blessed by God.</p> <p>Join Us as Pastor Denny shares about The Beatitudes - Blessed are the Pure of Heart and how we can live a life blessed by God.</p> Join Us as Pastor Denny shares about The Beatitudes - Blessed are the Pure of Heart and how we can live a life blessed by God.

]]> Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1966 157 7c56b8bec2c1fa04becc6779254cc629 no Keep Following Your Dreams <p>Join us as special guest speaker Ray Howell shares his story and how to continue to chase your dreams</p> <p>Join us as special guest speaker Ray Howell shares his story and how to continue to chase your dreams</p> Join us as special guest speaker Ray Howell shares his story and how to continue to chase your dreams

]]> Sun, 21 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2285 158 85470815269ec7958d9947622f89d5eb no Your Purpose, Potential, Process Message Pastor Gabe Thomas <p>Follow the Journey of the Apostle Peter as we discover our Purpose, Potential, and Process it takes to reach both.</p> <p>Follow the Journey of the Apostle Peter as we discover our Purpose, Potential, and Process it takes to reach both.</p> Follow the Journey of the Apostle Peter as we discover our Purpose, Potential, and Process it takes to reach both.

]]> Sun, 14 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2009 159 93b5b0f7702e035904b8f9c663688955 no Those Who Are Merciful Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 (NIV)<br><br>2 Ways You Can Be Merciful - <br><br>1.) Remind ourselves how merciful God is to us.<br><br>“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” - Mathew 6:12 (NIV)<br><br>“But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:4-5 (GNT)<br><br>2.) Remember, we will all face God one day. <br><br>“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” - 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)<br><br>“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” - Matthew 6:14 - 15 (NIV)<br><br>Let’s stand before God having loved too much than having judged too harshly.<br><br>“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8 (NIV)<br><br>“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” - 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (NIV)</p> <p>"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 (NIV)<br><br>2 Ways You Can Be Merciful - <br><br>1.) Remind ourselves how merciful God is to us.<br><br>“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” - Mathew 6:12 (NIV)<br><br>“But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:4-5 (GNT)<br><br>2.) Remember, we will all face God one day. <br><br>“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” - 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)<br><br>“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” - Matthew 6:14 - 15 (NIV)<br><br>Let’s stand before God having loved too much than having judged too harshly.<br><br>“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8 (NIV)<br><br>“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” - 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (NIV)</p> "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 (NIV)

2 Ways You Can Be Merciful -

1.) Remind ourselves how merciful God is to us.

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” - Mathew 6:12 (NIV)

“But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:4-5 (GNT)

2.) Remember, we will all face God one day.

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” - 2 Timothy 4:3 (NLT)

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” - Matthew 6:14 - 15 (NIV)

Let’s stand before God having loved too much than having judged too harshly.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” - Micah 6:8 (NIV)

“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” - 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 07 Aug 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2682 160 7f1484d401bd04d6c82e3574de259d26 no Those Who Hunger & Thirst Week 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>“The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (MSG)<br><br>…“fear God and do what He says. That’s it!”..<br><br>“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” - Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)<br><br>A. What keeps you from living hungry for God<br><br>1.) We fill up on the wrong things. <br><br>“He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” - Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)<br><br>“The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty, come and <a href="http://drink.Those" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">drink.Those</a> of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.” - Isaiah 55:1-2 (NCV)<br><br>2.) We’ve never experienced the goodness of God.<br><br>“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” - Psalm 34:8 (NIV) <br><br>We say everyone do something, not someone do everything. <br><br>“You may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:18 - 19 (NIV)<br><br>B. How to Pursue Righteousness.<br><br>How can I experience this? Pursue. <br><br>Righteousness = right standing with God<br><br>“The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself—that it begins and ends with faith. As the Scripture says, “But those who are right with God will live by faith.” - Romans 1:17 (NCV)<br><br>"For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,” - Romans 3:25 (NLT)<br><br>A.) Pursue - Go after with passion!<br><br>“And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” - Romans 5:9-11 (NLT)<br><br>Being right is through a relationship with God. <br><br>2. Right living on earth<br><br>"King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done." -1 Kings 11:1-6 (NIV)<br><br>“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)<br><br>“But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (MSG)<br><br>FEAR GOD. Do what He says. That’s it!<br><br>"In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death." -Proverbs 12:28 (NKJV)<br><br>“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” - John 4:26 (MSG)</p> <p>“The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (MSG)<br><br>…“fear God and do what He says. That’s it!”..<br><br>“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” - Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)<br><br>A. What keeps you from living hungry for God<br><br>1.) We fill up on the wrong things. <br><br>“He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” - Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)<br><br>“The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty, come and <a href="http://drink.Those" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">drink.Those</a> of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.” - Isaiah 55:1-2 (NCV)<br><br>2.) We’ve never experienced the goodness of God.<br><br>“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” - Psalm 34:8 (NIV) <br><br>We say everyone do something, not someone do everything. <br><br>“You may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:18 - 19 (NIV)<br><br>B. How to Pursue Righteousness.<br><br>How can I experience this? Pursue. <br><br>Righteousness = right standing with God<br><br>“The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself—that it begins and ends with faith. As the Scripture says, “But those who are right with God will live by faith.” - Romans 1:17 (NCV)<br><br>"For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,” - Romans 3:25 (NLT)<br><br>A.) Pursue - Go after with passion!<br><br>“And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” - Romans 5:9-11 (NLT)<br><br>Being right is through a relationship with God. <br><br>2. Right living on earth<br><br>"King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done." -1 Kings 11:1-6 (NIV)<br><br>“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)<br><br>“But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (MSG)<br><br>FEAR GOD. Do what He says. That’s it!<br><br>"In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death." -Proverbs 12:28 (NKJV)<br><br>“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” - John 4:26 (MSG)</p> “The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (MSG)

…“fear God and do what He says. That’s it!”..

“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” - Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)

A. What keeps you from living hungry for God

1.) We fill up on the wrong things.

“He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” - Hebrews 11:25 (NIV)

“The Lord says, “All you who are thirsty, come and drink.Those of you who do not have money, come, buy and eat! Come buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why work for something that doesn’t really satisfy you? Listen closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.” - Isaiah 55:1-2 (NCV)

2.) We’ve never experienced the goodness of God.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” - Psalm 34:8 (NIV)

We say everyone do something, not someone do everything.

“You may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:18 - 19 (NIV)

B. How to Pursue Righteousness.

How can I experience this? Pursue.

Righteousness = right standing with God

“The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself—that it begins and ends with faith. As the Scripture says, “But those who are right with God will live by faith.” - Romans 1:17 (NCV)

"For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,” - Romans 3:25 (NLT)

A.) Pursue - Go after with passion!

“And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” - Romans 5:9-11 (NLT)

Being right is through a relationship with God.

2. Right living on earth

"King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.” Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been. He followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech the detestable god of the Ammonites. So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did not follow the LORD completely, as David his father had done." -1 Kings 11:1-6 (NIV)

“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

“But regarding anything beyond this, dear friend, go easy. There’s no end to the publishing of books, and constant study wears you out so you’re no good for anything else. The last and final word is this: Fear God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (MSG)

FEAR GOD. Do what He says. That’s it!

"In the way of righteousness is life, And in its pathway there is no death." -Proverbs 12:28 (NKJV)

“I am he,” said Jesus. “You don’t have to wait any longer or look any further.” - John 4:26 (MSG)

]]> Sun, 31 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2810 161 81e6128e922229a114df4747885a1504 no Those Who Hunger & Thirst Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." -Matthew 5:6 (NIV)<br><br>“Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they shall be completely satisfied.” - Matthew 5:6 (TLB)<br><br>“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” - Matthew 5:6 (NLV)<br><br>“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” - Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)<br><br>Join us next week to hear two things that will keep you from God.</p> <p>"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." -Matthew 5:6 (NIV)<br><br>“Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they shall be completely satisfied.” - Matthew 5:6 (TLB)<br><br>“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” - Matthew 5:6 (NLV)<br><br>“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” - Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)<br><br>Join us next week to hear two things that will keep you from God.</p> "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." -Matthew 5:6 (NIV)

“Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they shall be completely satisfied.” - Matthew 5:6 (TLB)

“Those who are hungry and thirsty to be right with God are happy, because they will be filled.” - Matthew 5:6 (NLV)

“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” - Proverbs 21:21 (NIV)

Join us next week to hear two things that will keep you from God.

]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2441 162 154dd1570c446b14dd2cd5d102fadb74 no Those Who Are Meek Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,  and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<br>Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:1-5 <br><br>"9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,<br>    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.<br><br>11 But the meek will inherit the land<br>    and enjoy peace and prosperity.<br><br>22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,<br>    but those he curses will be destroyed.<br><br>29 The righteous will inherit the land<br>    and dwell in it forever.<br><br>34 Hope in the Lord<br>    and keep his way.<br>He will exalt you to inherit the land;<br>    when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it." -PS 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34 <br><br>"Do not fret because of those who are evil<br>    or be envious of those who do wrong;" -Ps 37:1 <br><br>"3 Trust in the Lord and do good;<br>    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.<br>4 <br>Take delight in the Lord,<br>    and he will give you the desires of your heart.<br>5 <br>Commit your way to the Lord;<br>    trust in him and he will do this:<br>7 Be still before the Lord<br>    and wait patiently for him;<br>do not fret when people succeed in their ways,<br>    when they carry out their wicked schemes.<br>8 <br>Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;<br>    do not fret—it leads only to evil." - Ps 37:3,4,5,7,8<br><br>"8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,[a] about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." - 2 Cor 1:8-11<br><br>"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." -James 1:21 <br><br>1. We need meekness to receive God’s word.<br><br>"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." - Gal 6:1 <br><br>2. We need meekness to forgive & restore others <br> <br>"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," - 1 Peter 3:15<br><br>3. We need meekness to reach people with the gospel</p> <p>"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,  and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<br>Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:1-5 <br><br>"9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,<br>    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.<br><br>11 But the meek will inherit the land<br>    and enjoy peace and prosperity.<br><br>22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,<br>    but those he curses will be destroyed.<br><br>29 The righteous will inherit the land<br>    and dwell in it forever.<br><br>34 Hope in the Lord<br>    and keep his way.<br>He will exalt you to inherit the land;<br>    when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it." -PS 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34 <br><br>"Do not fret because of those who are evil<br>    or be envious of those who do wrong;" -Ps 37:1 <br><br>"3 Trust in the Lord and do good;<br>    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.<br>4 <br>Take delight in the Lord,<br>    and he will give you the desires of your heart.<br>5 <br>Commit your way to the Lord;<br>    trust in him and he will do this:<br>7 Be still before the Lord<br>    and wait patiently for him;<br>do not fret when people succeed in their ways,<br>    when they carry out their wicked schemes.<br>8 <br>Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;<br>    do not fret—it leads only to evil." - Ps 37:3,4,5,7,8<br><br>"8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,[a] about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." - 2 Cor 1:8-11<br><br>"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." -James 1:21 <br><br>1. We need meekness to receive God’s word.<br><br>"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." - Gal 6:1 <br><br>2. We need meekness to forgive & restore others <br> <br>"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," - 1 Peter 3:15<br><br>3. We need meekness to reach people with the gospel</p> "Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,  and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:1-5

"9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
    but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

11 But the meek will inherit the land
    and enjoy peace and prosperity.

22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,
    but those he curses will be destroyed.

29 The righteous will inherit the land
    and dwell in it forever.

34 Hope in the Lord
    and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
    when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it." -PS 37:9, 11, 22, 29, 34

"Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;" -Ps 37:1

"3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 
Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 
Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him and he will do this:
7 Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
    do not fret—it leads only to evil." - Ps 37:3,4,5,7,8

"8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,[a] about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." - 2 Cor 1:8-11

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." -James 1:21

1. We need meekness to receive God’s word.

"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." - Gal 6:1

2. We need meekness to forgive & restore others

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," - 1 Peter 3:15

3. We need meekness to reach people with the gospel

]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2138 163 924551c51b76ee8878b8feacba9b3506 no Those Who Mourn Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” - Matthew 5:1 - 4 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus wept over Lazarus - <br><br>“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.” - John 11:38 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus wept over Jerusalem - <br><br>“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” - Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)<br><br>The Bible never teaches us to deny our pain ---><br><br>“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.” - Psalm 119:28 (NLT)<br><br>“I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” - Psalm 6:6 (NLT)<br><br>“I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me” - Psalm 69:3 (NLT)<br><br><br>1.) It is a happiness that comes from sacrifice. <br><br>“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” - Luke 6:21 (NIV)<br><br>“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5 (NIV)<br><br>2.) It is a happiness we get when we are sorry for our sin!<br><br>“I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” - Psalm 38:18 (NIV)<br><br>“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:17 - 18 (NIV)<br>“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” -Joel 2:12 (NIV)<br><br>- If we are growing in Christ, we become sensitive to our sin.<br><br>3.) Happiness is discovered when we suffer the losses of life.<br><br>- Sorrow can be the source of some of the greatest discoveries in life. <br><br>+ It is in sorrow where we discover how solid or superficial our faith is.<br>+ It is in sorrow that we learn some of the most important lessons in life; you can’t love without suffering. <br>+ Mourning is the deeper side of loving. We mourn those we love. <br><br>“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18 (NIV)<br><br>“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 (NIV)</p> <p>“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” - Matthew 5:1 - 4 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus wept over Lazarus - <br><br>“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.” - John 11:38 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus wept over Jerusalem - <br><br>“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” - Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)<br><br>The Bible never teaches us to deny our pain ---><br><br>“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.” - Psalm 119:28 (NLT)<br><br>“I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” - Psalm 6:6 (NLT)<br><br>“I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me” - Psalm 69:3 (NLT)<br><br><br>1.) It is a happiness that comes from sacrifice. <br><br>“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” - Luke 6:21 (NIV)<br><br>“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5 (NIV)<br><br>2.) It is a happiness we get when we are sorry for our sin!<br><br>“I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” - Psalm 38:18 (NIV)<br><br>“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:17 - 18 (NIV)<br>“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” -Joel 2:12 (NIV)<br><br>- If we are growing in Christ, we become sensitive to our sin.<br><br>3.) Happiness is discovered when we suffer the losses of life.<br><br>- Sorrow can be the source of some of the greatest discoveries in life. <br><br>+ It is in sorrow where we discover how solid or superficial our faith is.<br>+ It is in sorrow that we learn some of the most important lessons in life; you can’t love without suffering. <br>+ Mourning is the deeper side of loving. We mourn those we love. <br><br>“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18 (NIV)<br><br>“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 (NIV)</p> “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” - Matthew 5:1 - 4 (NIV)

Jesus wept over Lazarus -

“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.” - John 11:38 (NIV)

Jesus wept over Jerusalem -

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” - Hebrews 5:7 (NIV)

The Bible never teaches us to deny our pain --->

“I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.” - Psalm 119:28 (NLT)

“I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” - Psalm 6:6 (NLT)

“I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me” - Psalm 69:3 (NLT)


1.) It is a happiness that comes from sacrifice.

“Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” - Luke 6:21 (NIV)

“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5 (NIV)

2.) It is a happiness we get when we are sorry for our sin!

“I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” - Psalm 38:18 (NIV)

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:17 - 18 (NIV)
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” -Joel 2:12 (NIV)

- If we are growing in Christ, we become sensitive to our sin.

3.) Happiness is discovered when we suffer the losses of life.

- Sorrow can be the source of some of the greatest discoveries in life.

+ It is in sorrow where we discover how solid or superficial our faith is.
+ It is in sorrow that we learn some of the most important lessons in life; you can’t love without suffering.
+ Mourning is the deeper side of loving. We mourn those we love.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18 (NIV)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 10 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2493 164 04da7a50ebdc2acceb79923d14dc4554 no Miracles Pastor Denny Curran <p>All around us, there is a need for prayer and miracles. As a church, we believe for the miraculous.<br><br>1.) Take a step of faith.<br><br>"For with God nothing will be impossible.” -Luke 1:37 (NKJV)<br><br>2.) Find a verse to hold onto.<br><br>"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," - Ephesians 3:10 (NKJV)<br><br>3.) Surround yourself with people who will pray and speak positively to you in times of trial.<br><br>Luke 5:18-25 (NIV)</p> <p>All around us, there is a need for prayer and miracles. As a church, we believe for the miraculous.<br><br>1.) Take a step of faith.<br><br>"For with God nothing will be impossible.” -Luke 1:37 (NKJV)<br><br>2.) Find a verse to hold onto.<br><br>"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," - Ephesians 3:10 (NKJV)<br><br>3.) Surround yourself with people who will pray and speak positively to you in times of trial.<br><br>Luke 5:18-25 (NIV)</p> All around us, there is a need for prayer and miracles. As a church, we believe for the miraculous.

1.) Take a step of faith.

"For with God nothing will be impossible.” -Luke 1:37 (NKJV)

2.) Find a verse to hold onto.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," - Ephesians 3:10 (NKJV)

3.) Surround yourself with people who will pray and speak positively to you in times of trial.

Luke 5:18-25 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 03 Jul 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2559 165 19dc68601af253a05538d8bf458e4f6d no Poor in Spirit Pastor Denny Curran <p>“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” <br>Luke 18:9 - 14 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Those who are poor in spirit recognize they are out of step with the world. <br><br>“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” - 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Those who are poor in spirit realize they are empty without God.<br><br>“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” - Revelation 3:17 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Those who are poor in spirit are compassionate.</p> <p>“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” <br>Luke 18:9 - 14 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Those who are poor in spirit recognize they are out of step with the world. <br><br>“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” - 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Those who are poor in spirit realize they are empty without God.<br><br>“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” - Revelation 3:17 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Those who are poor in spirit are compassionate.</p> “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9 - 14 (NIV)

1.) Those who are poor in spirit recognize they are out of step with the world.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” - 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

2.) Those who are poor in spirit realize they are empty without God.

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” - Revelation 3:17 (NIV)

3.) Those who are poor in spirit are compassionate.

]]> Sun, 26 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2254 166 3488f5797c6cb71266ca203d8c6d88ea no Live on the Lake Pastor Denny Curran <p>Thanks for listening to our podcast this week! We were Live on the Lake at Riverside Resort for Father's Day. Enjoy a message from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> <p>Thanks for listening to our podcast this week! We were Live on the Lake at Riverside Resort for Father's Day. Enjoy a message from Pastor Denny Curran.</p> Thanks for listening to our podcast this week! We were Live on the Lake at Riverside Resort for Father's Day. Enjoy a message from Pastor Denny Curran.

]]> Sun, 19 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1247 167 e8eb5ac96c30a6170180e1a8cc43fea5 no National Kids Day Pastor Marissa Lund, Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Thanks for listening to this week's message where we're celebrating KIDS on National Kids Day! Enjoy a message from our River Kids Team this morning.</p> <p>Thanks for listening to this week's message where we're celebrating KIDS on National Kids Day! Enjoy a message from our River Kids Team this morning.</p> Thanks for listening to this week's message where we're celebrating KIDS on National Kids Day! Enjoy a message from our River Kids Team this morning.

]]> Sun, 12 Jun 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2221 168 e40e8947b6c007ca9e0a6604030dbfe8 no Who Told You That? River YTH Highlight Sunday Pastor Kyle Curran <p>"Not to us lord, not to us, but to your name be the Glory because of your love and faithfulness." - PS 115:1 <br><br>1.) Students, if not all of us, go through our lives with so many voices speaking into our lives. These voices tell us where to go, what to do, what to believe, how to behave, and what we believe about<br>ourselves.<br><br>"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." - 1 Timothy 4:12-13 (NIV)<br><br>"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)<br><br>"But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." - Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)<br><br>"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:9-10 (NIV)</p> <p>"Not to us lord, not to us, but to your name be the Glory because of your love and faithfulness." - PS 115:1 <br><br>1.) Students, if not all of us, go through our lives with so many voices speaking into our lives. These voices tell us where to go, what to do, what to believe, how to behave, and what we believe about<br>ourselves.<br><br>"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." - 1 Timothy 4:12-13 (NIV)<br><br>"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)<br><br>"But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." - Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)<br><br>"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:9-10 (NIV)</p> "Not to us lord, not to us, but to your name be the Glory because of your love and faithfulness." - PS 115:1

1.) Students, if not all of us, go through our lives with so many voices speaking into our lives. These voices tell us where to go, what to do, what to believe, how to behave, and what we believe about
ourselves.

"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching." - 1 Timothy 4:12-13 (NIV)

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" - Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

"But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." - Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)

"I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:9-10 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 29 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2632 169 7322826b9b73c652e3fd213e1d69c447 no Firm Foundation Pastor Denny Curran <p>Dictionary definition of FAMILY - A group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. A group of people related to one another by blood or marriage.<br><br>“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24 - 27 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Jesus promises serious difficulties in all of our lives. <br><br>2.) Jesus promises total security and success to the who obey His Word!<br><br>3.) Jesus promises failure to every person and family that neglects His Word.<br><br>Why would people build on the sand?<br><br>a.) Because it’s quicker and easier <br><br>b.) Because it’s more popular <br><br>c.) Because it conforms to you (comfortable) <br><br>“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15 (NIV)<br><br>“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” - Matthew 6:24 - 32 (NIV)</p> <p>Dictionary definition of FAMILY - A group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. A group of people related to one another by blood or marriage.<br><br>“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24 - 27 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Jesus promises serious difficulties in all of our lives. <br><br>2.) Jesus promises total security and success to the who obey His Word!<br><br>3.) Jesus promises failure to every person and family that neglects His Word.<br><br>Why would people build on the sand?<br><br>a.) Because it’s quicker and easier <br><br>b.) Because it’s more popular <br><br>c.) Because it conforms to you (comfortable) <br><br>“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15 (NIV)<br><br>“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” - Matthew 6:24 - 32 (NIV)</p> Dictionary definition of FAMILY - A group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. A group of people related to one another by blood or marriage.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24 - 27 (NIV)

1.) Jesus promises serious difficulties in all of our lives.

2.) Jesus promises total security and success to the who obey His Word!

3.) Jesus promises failure to every person and family that neglects His Word.

Why would people build on the sand?

a.) Because it’s quicker and easier

b.) Because it’s more popular

c.) Because it conforms to you (comfortable)

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” - Matthew 6:24 - 32 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 22 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2715 170 49c015cc62f14f91862c0bde35ffce0c no Perceptual Problems Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>“Most of our problems are not circumstantial. Most of our problems are perceptual. Our biggest problems can be traced back to an inadequate understanding of who God is. Our problems seem really big because our God seems really small. In fact, we reduce God to the size of our biggest problem.” - A.W. Tozer<br><br>“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)<br><br>"Oh, magnify the Lord with me,<br>And let us exalt His name together." - Psalm 34:3 (NKJV)<br><br>1.) It’s usually when I’m attempting my best, that I feel attacked the most.<br><br>"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 <br><br>a.) If you do good, you’ll get weary! (Sounds very encouraging, right?)<br>b.) If you don’t give up, you will reap a harvest! (This is the encouraging part!)<br><br>2. The Enemy will always attack you where God is leading you! (The enemy is trying to take you out, but God is trying to take you there)<br><br>"19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go. 21 “And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.” -Exodus 3:19-22 <br><br>"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”<br>2 And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf." - Exodus 32:1-4<br><br>3. The enemy will always try and make your problems seem bigger than your God. <br><br>28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me! 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:28-31<br><br>Maybe you are here this morning, or watching online - and you have been to lose sight of how great God truly is. How big God truly is! <br><br>Mark Batterson said, “A change of place, plus a change of pace equals a change of perspective.”</p> <p>“Most of our problems are not circumstantial. Most of our problems are perceptual. Our biggest problems can be traced back to an inadequate understanding of who God is. Our problems seem really big because our God seems really small. In fact, we reduce God to the size of our biggest problem.” - A.W. Tozer<br><br>“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)<br><br>"Oh, magnify the Lord with me,<br>And let us exalt His name together." - Psalm 34:3 (NKJV)<br><br>1.) It’s usually when I’m attempting my best, that I feel attacked the most.<br><br>"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9 <br><br>a.) If you do good, you’ll get weary! (Sounds very encouraging, right?)<br>b.) If you don’t give up, you will reap a harvest! (This is the encouraging part!)<br><br>2. The Enemy will always attack you where God is leading you! (The enemy is trying to take you out, but God is trying to take you there)<br><br>"19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go. 21 “And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.” -Exodus 3:19-22 <br><br>"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”<br>2 And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf." - Exodus 32:1-4<br><br>3. The enemy will always try and make your problems seem bigger than your God. <br><br>28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me! 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:28-31<br><br>Maybe you are here this morning, or watching online - and you have been to lose sight of how great God truly is. How big God truly is! <br><br>Mark Batterson said, “A change of place, plus a change of pace equals a change of perspective.”</p> “Most of our problems are not circumstantial. Most of our problems are perceptual. Our biggest problems can be traced back to an inadequate understanding of who God is. Our problems seem really big because our God seems really small. In fact, we reduce God to the size of our biggest problem.” - A.W. Tozer

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

"Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together." - Psalm 34:3 (NKJV)

1.) It’s usually when I’m attempting my best, that I feel attacked the most.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9

a.) If you do good, you’ll get weary! (Sounds very encouraging, right?)
b.) If you don’t give up, you will reap a harvest! (This is the encouraging part!)

2. The Enemy will always attack you where God is leading you! (The enemy is trying to take you out, but God is trying to take you there)

"19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless a mighty hand compels him. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike the Egyptians with all the wonders that I will perform among them. After that, he will let you go. 21 “And I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward this people, so that when you leave you will not go empty-handed. 22 Every woman is to ask her neighbor and any woman living in her house for articles of silver and gold and for clothing, which you will put on your sons and daughters. And so you will plunder the Egyptians.” -Exodus 3:19-22

"Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”
2 And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf." - Exodus 32:1-4

3. The enemy will always try and make your problems seem bigger than your God.

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me! 31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:28-31

Maybe you are here this morning, or watching online - and you have been to lose sight of how great God truly is. How big God truly is!

Mark Batterson said, “A change of place, plus a change of pace equals a change of perspective.”

]]> Sun, 15 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2570 171 cd6901be63994cb4f873e21bfa40e712 no Blessed is She Mother's Day Message Cheryl Curran <p>In honor of Mother's Day, our First Lady - Cheryl Curran - takes the platform to share a timely message from Psalm 1. <br><br>“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and <a href="http://night.That" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">night.That</a> person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (NIV) - Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)</p> <p>In honor of Mother's Day, our First Lady - Cheryl Curran - takes the platform to share a timely message from Psalm 1. <br><br>“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and <a href="http://night.That" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">night.That</a> person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (NIV) - Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)</p> In honor of Mother's Day, our First Lady - Cheryl Curran - takes the platform to share a timely message from Psalm 1.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” (NIV) - Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 08 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1868 172 d452710123f82b4b70d91300afd8b16d no Where Do We Go From Here? <p>Where Do We Go from Here?<br><br>1. What is Heaven like?<br><br>A. It’s a literal city.<br><br>Revelation 21:1-2 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (NIV)<br><br>Revelation 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (NIV)<br><br>Revelation 22:1-5a - Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night.  (NIV)<br><br>1 Corinthians 2:9 – No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. (NLT)<br><br><br>B. It’s the presence of ultimate good and the absence of anything bad.<br><br>Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (NIV)<br><br>Revelation 21:23-27 - The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (NIV)<br><br><br>C. It’s an eternal place.<br><br>Revelation 21:5 - There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.<br>2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)<br><br><br>D. Our treasures are there.<br><br>Mark 6:19-21 - 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)<br><br><br>2. What will we do in heaven?<br><br>A. Be rewarded for service.<br><br>1 Corinthians 3:12-15 -  If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV)<br><br><br>B. Be reunited with loved ones.<br><br>1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV)<br><br><br><br>C. Worship our amazing God.<br><br>John 14:1-3 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. <br><br>Revelation 19:6-7 -Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!<br><br><br>3. Who is going to heaven?<br><br>Revelation 21:27 - 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.</p> <p>Where Do We Go from Here?<br><br>1. What is Heaven like?<br><br>A. It’s a literal city.<br><br>Revelation 21:1-2 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (NIV)<br><br>Revelation 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (NIV)<br><br>Revelation 22:1-5a - Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night.  (NIV)<br><br>1 Corinthians 2:9 – No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. (NLT)<br><br><br>B. It’s the presence of ultimate good and the absence of anything bad.<br><br>Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (NIV)<br><br>Revelation 21:23-27 - The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (NIV)<br><br><br>C. It’s an eternal place.<br><br>Revelation 21:5 - There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.<br>2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)<br><br><br>D. Our treasures are there.<br><br>Mark 6:19-21 - 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)<br><br><br>2. What will we do in heaven?<br><br>A. Be rewarded for service.<br><br>1 Corinthians 3:12-15 -  If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV)<br><br><br>B. Be reunited with loved ones.<br><br>1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV)<br><br><br><br>C. Worship our amazing God.<br><br>John 14:1-3 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. <br><br>Revelation 19:6-7 -Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!<br><br><br>3. Who is going to heaven?<br><br>Revelation 21:27 - 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.</p> Where Do We Go from Here?

1. What is Heaven like?

A. It’s a literal city.

Revelation 21:1-2 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. (NIV)

Revelation 21:21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. (NIV)

Revelation 22:1-5a - Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night.  (NIV)

1 Corinthians 2:9 – No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. (NLT)


B. It’s the presence of ultimate good and the absence of anything bad.

Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. (NIV)

Revelation 21:23-27 - The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (NIV)


C. It’s an eternal place.

Revelation 21:5 - There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)


D. Our treasures are there.

Mark 6:19-21 - 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV)


2. What will we do in heaven?

A. Be rewarded for service.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15 -  If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. (NIV)


B. Be reunited with loved ones.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 - For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words. (NIV)



C. Worship our amazing God.

John 14:1-3 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 

Revelation 19:6-7 -Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!


3. Who is going to heaven?

Revelation 21:27 - 27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

]]> Sun, 01 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2848 173 8cefc919eb7099cb537f912e3ccb73c4 no No Perfect Marriage Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are talking all about marriage in this series! Marriage doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. In this week's message, Pastor Denny breaks down 3 different ways that can help us to create and cultivate a healthy, beneficial marriage. <br><br>1.) A personal relationship with Christ<br><br>The closer you get to God, the closer you get to each other. <br><br>2.) Pursue on another. <br><br>“Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;<br>she shall be called ‘woman, for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” - Genesis 2:22-24 (NIV)<br><br>“I follow close behind you, protected by your strong right arm.” - Psalm 63:8 (TLB)<br><br>3.) Pray with one another. <br><br>“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” - Exodus 17:10-13 (NIV)<br><br>As long as Moses was praying, he was winning. <br><br>“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:19 - 20<br><br>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” - Ephesians 6:10 - 12, 16 - 18 (NIV)</p> <p>We are talking all about marriage in this series! Marriage doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. In this week's message, Pastor Denny breaks down 3 different ways that can help us to create and cultivate a healthy, beneficial marriage. <br><br>1.) A personal relationship with Christ<br><br>The closer you get to God, the closer you get to each other. <br><br>2.) Pursue on another. <br><br>“Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;<br>she shall be called ‘woman, for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” - Genesis 2:22-24 (NIV)<br><br>“I follow close behind you, protected by your strong right arm.” - Psalm 63:8 (TLB)<br><br>3.) Pray with one another. <br><br>“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” - Exodus 17:10-13 (NIV)<br><br>As long as Moses was praying, he was winning. <br><br>“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:19 - 20<br><br>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” - Ephesians 6:10 - 12, 16 - 18 (NIV)</p> We are talking all about marriage in this series! Marriage doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. In this week's message, Pastor Denny breaks down 3 different ways that can help us to create and cultivate a healthy, beneficial marriage.

1.) A personal relationship with Christ

The closer you get to God, the closer you get to each other.

2.) Pursue on another.

“Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman, for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” - Genesis 2:22-24 (NIV)

“I follow close behind you, protected by your strong right arm.” - Psalm 63:8 (TLB)

3.) Pray with one another.

“So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” - Exodus 17:10-13 (NIV)

As long as Moses was praying, he was winning.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” - Matthew 18:19 - 20

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” - Ephesians 6:10 - 12, 16 - 18 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 24 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2616 174 c02f89c32a22c46df3b585bdd5767aec no Failures Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are always going to fail in something. We are imperfect! We will all experience failure in life. The night Jesus was arrested, two of his best friends failed him. <br><br>This week we're breaking down how Peter failed Jesus. We're asking these questions - <br>1.) What causes personal failures in your life?<br>2.) What did Peter do right?<br>3.) How does Jesus respond to our failure?<br><br>1.) We think we are stronger than we are. <br><br>“Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.” <br>- Matthew 26:31 - 35 (NIV)<br><br>2.) We fear the disapproval of others.<br><br>“But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. (58) Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.” (69-70)” - Matthew 26:58, 69-70 (NIV)<br><br>3.) We speak without thinking.<br><br>“Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man! Immediately a rooster crowed.” - Matthew 26:71-74 (NIV)<br><br>“And so the tongue is a small part of the body yet it carries great power! Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body and is a hellish flame! It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.” - James 3:5-6 (TPT)</p> <p>We are always going to fail in something. We are imperfect! We will all experience failure in life. The night Jesus was arrested, two of his best friends failed him. <br><br>This week we're breaking down how Peter failed Jesus. We're asking these questions - <br>1.) What causes personal failures in your life?<br>2.) What did Peter do right?<br>3.) How does Jesus respond to our failure?<br><br>1.) We think we are stronger than we are. <br><br>“Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.” <br>- Matthew 26:31 - 35 (NIV)<br><br>2.) We fear the disapproval of others.<br><br>“But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. (58) Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.” (69-70)” - Matthew 26:58, 69-70 (NIV)<br><br>3.) We speak without thinking.<br><br>“Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man! Immediately a rooster crowed.” - Matthew 26:71-74 (NIV)<br><br>“And so the tongue is a small part of the body yet it carries great power! Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body and is a hellish flame! It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.” - James 3:5-6 (TPT)</p> We are always going to fail in something. We are imperfect! We will all experience failure in life. The night Jesus was arrested, two of his best friends failed him.

This week we're breaking down how Peter failed Jesus. We're asking these questions -
1.) What causes personal failures in your life?
2.) What did Peter do right?
3.) How does Jesus respond to our failure?

1.) We think we are stronger than we are.

“Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.”
- Matthew 26:31 - 35 (NIV)

2.) We fear the disapproval of others.

“But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. (58) Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.” (69-70)” - Matthew 26:58, 69-70 (NIV)

3.) We speak without thinking.

“Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man! Immediately a rooster crowed.” - Matthew 26:71-74 (NIV)

“And so the tongue is a small part of the body yet it carries great power! Just think of how a small flame can set a huge forest ablaze. And the tongue is a fire! It can be compared to the sum total of wickedness and is the most dangerous part of our human body. It corrupts the entire body and is a hellish flame! It releases a fire that can burn throughout the course of human existence.” - James 3:5-6 (TPT)

]]> Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2704 175 e731e87affca7881ea749e28e22de012 no One Moment Pastor Micah MacDonald <p>Thanks for joining us for our Missions Experience 2022! Pastor Micah MacDonald shared the importance of global and local missions and the need to GO. <br><br>1.) God's love finds you.<br><br>"Now he had to go through Samaria." - John 4:4 (NIV)<br><br>2.) God's love compels you to find others. <br><br>3.) Jesus is still meeting people at water wells today!<br><br>"Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him." - John 4:28 - 30 (NIV)</p> <p>Thanks for joining us for our Missions Experience 2022! Pastor Micah MacDonald shared the importance of global and local missions and the need to GO. <br><br>1.) God's love finds you.<br><br>"Now he had to go through Samaria." - John 4:4 (NIV)<br><br>2.) God's love compels you to find others. <br><br>3.) Jesus is still meeting people at water wells today!<br><br>"Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him." - John 4:28 - 30 (NIV)</p> Thanks for joining us for our Missions Experience 2022! Pastor Micah MacDonald shared the importance of global and local missions and the need to GO.

1.) God's love finds you.

"Now he had to go through Samaria." - John 4:4 (NIV)

2.) God's love compels you to find others.

3.) Jesus is still meeting people at water wells today!

"Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him." - John 4:28 - 30 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2803 176 5d6f43ff9318c53517bd6d4ce6f42110 no Relationship Values Pastor Denny Curran <p>Why should you talk with God?<br><br>1.) Prayer powers your faith!<br><br>“David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” - John 15:5 - 7 (NIV) <br><br><br>2.) Prayer quiets your heart.<br><br>“God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,<br> I don’t want to be king of the mountain. <br>I haven’t meddled where I have no business<br> or fantasized grandiose plans.” - Psalm 131:1 (MSG)<br><br>3.) Prayer creates contentment.<br><br>“But I have calmed and quieted myself,<br> I am like a weaned child with its mother;<br> like a weaned child I am content.” - Psalm 131:2 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Prayer does what you can’t.<br><br>“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” - Jeremiah 29:12 - 14 (NIV)</p> <p>Why should you talk with God?<br><br>1.) Prayer powers your faith!<br><br>“David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” - John 15:5 - 7 (NIV) <br><br><br>2.) Prayer quiets your heart.<br><br>“God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,<br> I don’t want to be king of the mountain. <br>I haven’t meddled where I have no business<br> or fantasized grandiose plans.” - Psalm 131:1 (MSG)<br><br>3.) Prayer creates contentment.<br><br>“But I have calmed and quieted myself,<br> I am like a weaned child with its mother;<br> like a weaned child I am content.” - Psalm 131:2 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Prayer does what you can’t.<br><br>“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” - Jeremiah 29:12 - 14 (NIV)</p> Why should you talk with God?

1.) Prayer powers your faith!

“David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” - John 15:5 - 7 (NIV)


2.) Prayer quiets your heart.

“God, I’m not trying to rule the roost,
I don’t want to be king of the mountain.
I haven’t meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.” - Psalm 131:1 (MSG)

3.) Prayer creates contentment.

“But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
 like a weaned child I am content.” - Psalm 131:2 (NIV)

4.) Prayer does what you can’t.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” - Jeremiah 29:12 - 14 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 20 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2286 177 28cf98adcf344815f318970ce261af37 no Enough of This (Part 2) Pastor Denny Curran <p>“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The <a href="http://Lord...is" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lord...is</a> in his holy temple;<br>the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.” - Psalms 11:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." - Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)<br><br>In order for relationships to work, we must let the one who designed them define them.<br><br>“There is a way that appears to be right, butin the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) <br><br>All the things that God has for you aren’t there to restrict your life. They are there to bless your life.<br><br>“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)<br><br>“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV) <br><br>1. We have a wrong understanding of forgiveness.<br><br>Real forgiveness is remembering what happened and still having God’s peace in your heart.<br><br>2.) We don’t think it’s fair.<br><br>“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. At this the servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me," he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35 (NIV) <br><br>3.) We don’t think we can do it.<br><br>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)<br><br>A.) Pray for Them<br><br>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) <br><br>“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.’ With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you—<a href="http://...Let" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...Let</a> them know that you, whose name is the Lord... that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” -Psalms 83:1-5, 18 (NIV) <br><br>B.) Bless Them<br><br>"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” - Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) <br><br>“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” - Romans 12:14 (NIV) <br><br>C.) Do Good to Them<br><br>“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:17-21 (NIV) <br><br>"If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." -2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)<br><br>"so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes." - 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT)</p> <p>“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The <a href="http://Lord...is" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lord...is</a> in his holy temple;<br>the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.” - Psalms 11:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." - Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)<br><br>In order for relationships to work, we must let the one who designed them define them.<br><br>“There is a way that appears to be right, butin the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) <br><br>All the things that God has for you aren’t there to restrict your life. They are there to bless your life.<br><br>“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)<br><br>“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV) <br><br>1. We have a wrong understanding of forgiveness.<br><br>Real forgiveness is remembering what happened and still having God’s peace in your heart.<br><br>2.) We don’t think it’s fair.<br><br>“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. At this the servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me," he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35 (NIV) <br><br>3.) We don’t think we can do it.<br><br>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)<br><br>A.) Pray for Them<br><br>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) <br><br>“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.’ With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you—<a href="http://...Let" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...Let</a> them know that you, whose name is the Lord... that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” -Psalms 83:1-5, 18 (NIV) <br><br>B.) Bless Them<br><br>"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” - Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) <br><br>“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” - Romans 12:14 (NIV) <br><br>C.) Do Good to Them<br><br>“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:17-21 (NIV) <br><br>"If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." -2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)<br><br>"so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes." - 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT)</p> “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord...is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.” - Psalms 11:3-4 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." - Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

In order for relationships to work, we must let the one who designed them define them.

“There is a way that appears to be right, butin the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

All the things that God has for you aren’t there to restrict your life. They are there to bless your life.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV)

1. We have a wrong understanding of forgiveness.

Real forgiveness is remembering what happened and still having God’s peace in your heart.

2.) We don’t think it’s fair.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. At this the servant fell on his knees before him. “Be patient with me," he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35 (NIV)

3.) We don’t think we can do it.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

A.) Pray for Them

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

“O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God. See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads. With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish. ‘Come,’ they say, ‘let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.’ With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you—...Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord... that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” -Psalms 83:1-5, 18 (NIV)

B.) Bless Them

"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” - Luke 6:27-28 (NIV)

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” - Romans 12:14 (NIV)

C.) Do Good to Them

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

"If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes." -2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)

"so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are very familiar with his evil schemes." - 2 Corinthians 2:11 (NLT)

]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2563 178 2a5ca1838214bc9fc4342da1a30370bc no Enough of This Pastor Denny Curran <p>“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The <a href="http://Lord...is" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lord...is</a> in his holy temple;<br>the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.” - Psalms 11:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." - Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)<br><br>In order for relationships to work, we must let the one who designed them define them.<br><br>“There is a way that appears to be right, butin the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) <br><br>All the things that God has for you aren’t there to restrict your life. They are there to bless your life.<br><br><br>“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)<br><br>“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV) <br><br>1. We have a wrong understanding of forgiveness.<br><br>Real forgiveness is remembering what happened and still having God’s peace in your heart.<br><br><br>2.) We don’t think it’s fair.<br><br>“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. At this the servant fell on his knees before<br>him. “Be patient with me," he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35 (NIV) <br><br>3.) We don’t think we can do it.<br><br><br>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)</p> <p>“When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The <a href="http://Lord...is" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lord...is</a> in his holy temple;<br>the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.” - Psalms 11:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." - Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)<br><br>In order for relationships to work, we must let the one who designed them define them.<br><br>“There is a way that appears to be right, butin the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV) <br><br>All the things that God has for you aren’t there to restrict your life. They are there to bless your life.<br><br><br>“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)<br><br>“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV) <br><br>1. We have a wrong understanding of forgiveness.<br><br>Real forgiveness is remembering what happened and still having God’s peace in your heart.<br><br><br>2.) We don’t think it’s fair.<br><br>“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. At this the servant fell on his knees before<br>him. “Be patient with me," he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35 (NIV) <br><br>3.) We don’t think we can do it.<br><br><br>“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)</p> “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord...is in his holy temple;
the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.” - Psalms 11:3-4 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." - Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

In order for relationships to work, we must let the one who designed them define them.

“There is a way that appears to be right, butin the end it leads to death.” - Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

All the things that God has for you aren’t there to restrict your life. They are there to bless your life.


“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - John 13:34-35 (NIV)

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:36-39 (NIV)

1. We have a wrong understanding of forgiveness.

Real forgiveness is remembering what happened and still having God’s peace in your heart.


2.) We don’t think it’s fair.

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. At this the servant fell on his knees before
him. “Be patient with me," he begged, “and I will pay back everything.” The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” - Matthew 18:21-35 (NIV)

3.) We don’t think we can do it.


“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 06 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2353 179 9d86a0a3b63dd30b119a48b3745774ec no Relationships Within the Church Pastor Denny Curran <p>“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” Romans 1:12 (NLT)<br><br>What does the church have to offer? You get five benefits when you belong to a church family!<br><br>1.) Your Identity<br><br>- When you belong to Jesus, He gives you a whole new identity. It’s who you really are and who He meant you to be, and, to Him you are perfect.<br><br>“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)<br><br>“You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God” Ephesians 2:19 (CEV)<br><br>1.) A Support System <br><br>"In Christ the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” - Ephesians 2:21-22 (NIV)<br><br>“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours” - Romans 1:12 (NLT)<br><br>“[God] made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock." - Psalm 100:3<br><br>3.) You Discover Your Unique Value<br><br>“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others” - Romans 12:4-5 (TLB)<br><br>"God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." - Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)<br><br>"Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." - Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) <br><br>4.) You Receive Protection<br><br>“God made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock” - Psalm 100:3 (GNT)<br><br>5.) You Become Productive<br><br>“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener . . . you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1, 5 NIV)<br><br>- You’ll never be as productive as God intended for you to be if you’re not connected to a church family.</p> <p>“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” Romans 1:12 (NLT)<br><br>What does the church have to offer? You get five benefits when you belong to a church family!<br><br>1.) Your Identity<br><br>- When you belong to Jesus, He gives you a whole new identity. It’s who you really are and who He meant you to be, and, to Him you are perfect.<br><br>“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)<br><br>“You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God” Ephesians 2:19 (CEV)<br><br>1.) A Support System <br><br>"In Christ the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” - Ephesians 2:21-22 (NIV)<br><br>“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours” - Romans 1:12 (NLT)<br><br>“[God] made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock." - Psalm 100:3<br><br>3.) You Discover Your Unique Value<br><br>“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others” - Romans 12:4-5 (TLB)<br><br>"God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." - Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)<br><br>"Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." - Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) <br><br>4.) You Receive Protection<br><br>“God made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock” - Psalm 100:3 (GNT)<br><br>5.) You Become Productive<br><br>“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener . . . you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1, 5 NIV)<br><br>- You’ll never be as productive as God intended for you to be if you’re not connected to a church family.</p> “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” Romans 1:12 (NLT)

What does the church have to offer? You get five benefits when you belong to a church family!

1.) Your Identity

- When you belong to Jesus, He gives you a whole new identity. It’s who you really are and who He meant you to be, and, to Him you are perfect.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

“You are citizens with everyone else who belongs to the family of God” Ephesians 2:19 (CEV)

1.) A Support System

"In Christ the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” - Ephesians 2:21-22 (NIV)

“When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours” - Romans 1:12 (NLT)

“[God] made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock." - Psalm 100:3

3.) You Discover Your Unique Value

“Just as there are many parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of it, and it takes every one of us to make it complete, for we each have different work to do. So we belong to each other, and each needs all the others” - Romans 12:4-5 (TLB)

"God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out when you have faith that God is speaking through you. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly." - Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)

"Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." - Romans 12:9-10 (NLT)

4.) You Receive Protection

“God made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, we are his flock” - Psalm 100:3 (GNT)

5.) You Become Productive

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener . . . you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:1, 5 NIV)

- You’ll never be as productive as God intended for you to be if you’re not connected to a church family.

]]> Sun, 27 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2425 180 f48f866d25f5743fee05ced71812d5c7 no Supernatural Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” - Acts 2:36-39 (NIV)<br><br>"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” -Luke 24:45-49 NIV<br><br>What happens when you’re baptized in the Holy Spirit? <br><br>1. Supernatural Witness<br><br>"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8 NIV<br><br>"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” - John 20:19 (NIV)<br><br>"Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” -Acts 4:18-20 NIV<br><br>2.) Supernatural Joy<br><br>"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)<br><br>"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 NIV<br><br>3.) Supernatural Faith<br><br>"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile," -Romans 3:22 NIV<br><br>"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16 NIV<br><br>4. Supernatural Prayer<br><br>"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." -Romans 8:27 (NIV)</p> <p>“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” - Acts 2:36-39 (NIV)<br><br>"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” -Luke 24:45-49 NIV<br><br>What happens when you’re baptized in the Holy Spirit? <br><br>1. Supernatural Witness<br><br>"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8 NIV<br><br>"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” - John 20:19 (NIV)<br><br>"Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” -Acts 4:18-20 NIV<br><br>2.) Supernatural Joy<br><br>"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)<br><br>"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 NIV<br><br>3.) Supernatural Faith<br><br>"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile," -Romans 3:22 NIV<br><br>"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16 NIV<br><br>4. Supernatural Prayer<br><br>"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." -Romans 8:27 (NIV)</p> “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” - Acts 2:36-39 (NIV)

"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” -Luke 24:45-49 NIV

What happens when you’re baptized in the Holy Spirit?

1. Supernatural Witness

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” -Acts 1:8 NIV

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” - John 20:19 (NIV)

"Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” -Acts 4:18-20 NIV

2.) Supernatural Joy

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13 NIV

3.) Supernatural Faith

"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile," -Romans 3:22 NIV

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." - James 5:16 NIV

4. Supernatural Prayer

"And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." -Romans 8:27 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 20 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2255 181 7cab2fe833f133e9ce270bbf87c74d09 no Prayer Pastor Denny Curran <p>"In the last days, God said,I will pour out my Spirit upon all <a href="http://people.Your" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">people.Your</a> sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn blood-red, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:17-21 (NLT)<br><br>“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” -2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV)<br><br>How Do We Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?<br><br>1. A Sincere Desire <br>You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” -Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV)<br><br>2. A Simple Ask<br><br>“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” -Luke 11:9-13 (NIV)<br><br>3. A Significant Sign<br><br>"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)</p> <p>"In the last days, God said,I will pour out my Spirit upon all <a href="http://people.Your" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">people.Your</a> sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn blood-red, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:17-21 (NLT)<br><br>“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” -2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV)<br><br>How Do We Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?<br><br>1. A Sincere Desire <br>You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” -Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV)<br><br>2. A Simple Ask<br><br>“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” -Luke 11:9-13 (NIV)<br><br>3. A Significant Sign<br><br>"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)</p> "In the last days, God said,I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit upon all my servants, men and women alike, and they will prophesy. And I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will turn blood-red, before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives. And anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:17-21 (NLT)

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” -2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV)

How Do We Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?

1. A Sincere Desire
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” -Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NIV)

2. A Simple Ask

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” -Luke 11:9-13 (NIV)

3. A Significant Sign

"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 13 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2249 182 096f422e00b9cf5e9442da06c783716d no Vision Weekend Pastor Denny Curran <p>We get ready for the future by.....<br><br>1.) Recognizing what God is doing<br><br>“That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. Ephesians 2:19 (MSG)<br><br>- We have not been built on the talent of a few, but on the sacrifices of many.<br><br>“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14 - 16 (NIV)<br><br>2.) By Living with Faith-Filled Expectancy<br><br>“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” - Romans 10:17 (NIV)<br><br>3.) By Doing All We Can Do Now<br><br>- Our actions will determine what we will see God do.<br><br> a.) We are getting ready for the future when we pray.<br>‘Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ - Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)<br> <br> b.) We get ready for the future when we serve.<br> <br> c.) We get ready for the future when we give.<br>“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” - Matthew 19:29 (NIV)<br> <br>4.) By Spiritually Consecrating Ourselves Today<br><br>- Consecrate: prepare, purify, dedicate, sanctify, wholly dedicate<br>- Sanctify - separate from something to be holy<br><br>“Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:5 (NIV)</p> <p>We get ready for the future by.....<br><br>1.) Recognizing what God is doing<br><br>“That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. Ephesians 2:19 (MSG)<br><br>- We have not been built on the talent of a few, but on the sacrifices of many.<br><br>“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14 - 16 (NIV)<br><br>2.) By Living with Faith-Filled Expectancy<br><br>“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” - Romans 10:17 (NIV)<br><br>3.) By Doing All We Can Do Now<br><br>- Our actions will determine what we will see God do.<br><br> a.) We are getting ready for the future when we pray.<br>‘Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ - Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)<br> <br> b.) We get ready for the future when we serve.<br> <br> c.) We get ready for the future when we give.<br>“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” - Matthew 19:29 (NIV)<br> <br>4.) By Spiritually Consecrating Ourselves Today<br><br>- Consecrate: prepare, purify, dedicate, sanctify, wholly dedicate<br>- Sanctify - separate from something to be holy<br><br>“Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:5 (NIV)</p> We get ready for the future by.....

1.) Recognizing what God is doing

“That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. Ephesians 2:19 (MSG)

- We have not been built on the talent of a few, but on the sacrifices of many.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:14 - 16 (NIV)

2.) By Living with Faith-Filled Expectancy

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” - Romans 10:17 (NIV)

3.) By Doing All We Can Do Now

- Our actions will determine what we will see God do.

a.) We are getting ready for the future when we pray.
‘Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ - Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

b.) We get ready for the future when we serve.

c.) We get ready for the future when we give.
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” - Matthew 19:29 (NIV)

4.) By Spiritually Consecrating Ourselves Today

- Consecrate: prepare, purify, dedicate, sanctify, wholly dedicate
- Sanctify - separate from something to be holy

“Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:5 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2626 183 03f3ce46f7ffb077383cac8f2a912fb9 no Baptism Pastor Denny Curran <p>1.) The Holy Spirit baptizes us in Jesus.<br><br>“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body— whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” -1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV)<br><br>2.) The disciples baptize us in water.<br><br>“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)<br><br><br>3.) Jesus baptized us in the Holy Spirit.<br><br>“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” - Matthew 3:11 (NIV)<br><br>“I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” - Mark 1:8 (NIV)<br><br>“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” - Luke 3:16 (NIV)<br><br>“And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” - John 1:33 (NIV)<br><br>Types of Baptism:<br><br><br>a.) Salvation - when we are saved, we are born again. When we are born again, we are born as children of God.<br><br>b.) Water Baptism<br><br>"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. [14] But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him." -Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV)<br><br>c.) Baptism in the Holy Spirit<br><br>"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert," -<br>Luke 4:1 (NIV)<br><br>"You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." - Acts 10:37-38 (NIV)</p> <p>1.) The Holy Spirit baptizes us in Jesus.<br><br>“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body— whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” -1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV)<br><br>2.) The disciples baptize us in water.<br><br>“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)<br><br><br>3.) Jesus baptized us in the Holy Spirit.<br><br>“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” - Matthew 3:11 (NIV)<br><br>“I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” - Mark 1:8 (NIV)<br><br>“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” - Luke 3:16 (NIV)<br><br>“And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” - John 1:33 (NIV)<br><br>Types of Baptism:<br><br><br>a.) Salvation - when we are saved, we are born again. When we are born again, we are born as children of God.<br><br>b.) Water Baptism<br><br>"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. [14] But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him." -Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV)<br><br>c.) Baptism in the Holy Spirit<br><br>"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert," -<br>Luke 4:1 (NIV)<br><br>"You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." - Acts 10:37-38 (NIV)</p> 1.) The Holy Spirit baptizes us in Jesus.

“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body— whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” -1 Corinthians 12:13 (NIV)

2.) The disciples baptize us in water.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” - Matthew 28:19 (NIV)


3.) Jesus baptized us in the Holy Spirit.

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” - Matthew 3:11 (NIV)

“I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” - Mark 1:8 (NIV)

“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” - Luke 3:16 (NIV)

“And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” - John 1:33 (NIV)

Types of Baptism:


a.) Salvation - when we are saved, we are born again. When we are born again, we are born as children of God.

b.) Water Baptism

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. [14] But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him." -Matthew 3:13-17 (NIV)

c.) Baptism in the Holy Spirit

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert," -
Luke 4:1 (NIV)

"You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him." - Acts 10:37-38 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2249 184 9d5df296210e6c9331970695cd79fb79 no Forgiveness Baptism Sunday Pastor Denny Curran <p>1. Faith (Forgiveness)<br><br>"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." -Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)<br><br>2. Family<br><br>"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me," -Exodus 20:5 (NIV)<br><br>"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments." -Exodus 20:5-6 (NIV)<br><br>3. Friends<br><br>"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." -Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)<br><br>"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>4. Fortune<br><br>“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,' he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, (tormentors) until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” -Matthew 18:30-34 (NIV)<br><br>5. Health<br><br>"Constant bitterness can make a person ill. Holding on to bitterness can affect metabolism, immune response or organ function and lead to physical disease," - James 1:25 (NIV)<br><br>"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor." -Proverbs 3:16 (NIV)<br><br>"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” -Psalms 91:15-16 (NIV)<br><br>“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." -Mark 11:23-25 (NIV)</p> <p>1. Faith (Forgiveness)<br><br>"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." -Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)<br><br>2. Family<br><br>"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me," -Exodus 20:5 (NIV)<br><br>"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments." -Exodus 20:5-6 (NIV)<br><br>3. Friends<br><br>"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." -Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)<br><br>"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>4. Fortune<br><br>“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,' he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, (tormentors) until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” -Matthew 18:30-34 (NIV)<br><br>5. Health<br><br>"Constant bitterness can make a person ill. Holding on to bitterness can affect metabolism, immune response or organ function and lead to physical disease," - James 1:25 (NIV)<br><br>"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor." -Proverbs 3:16 (NIV)<br><br>"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” -Psalms 91:15-16 (NIV)<br><br>“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." -Mark 11:23-25 (NIV)</p> 1. Faith (Forgiveness)

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." -Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)

2. Family

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me," -Exodus 20:5 (NIV)

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments." -Exodus 20:5-6 (NIV)

3. Friends

"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need." -Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! -Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

4. Fortune

“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,' he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, (tormentors) until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.” -Matthew 18:30-34 (NIV)

5. Health

"Constant bitterness can make a person ill. Holding on to bitterness can affect metabolism, immune response or organ function and lead to physical disease," - James 1:25 (NIV)

"Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor." -Proverbs 3:16 (NIV)

"He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” -Psalms 91:15-16 (NIV)

“I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." -Mark 11:23-25 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 23 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 1591 185 9784bd13fa3fdfcd9f46c052d720ce05 no Celebration Sunday Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us for Celebration Sunday as we Finish the Journey together.</p> <p>Join us for Celebration Sunday as we Finish the Journey together.</p> Join us for Celebration Sunday as we Finish the Journey together.

]]> Sun, 16 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 3682 186 928e0adb7a58a24f22ab7c91e6165ff4 no In The Spirit Pastor Denny Curran <p>“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” - Revelation 1:9-11 (NIV)<br><br>Who is He?<br>“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,” - John 14:15-16 (ESV)<br><br>3 Things About Who He Is: <br><br>1.) He is my HELPER.<br><br>3 Ways He Helps:<br><br>a.) Sin <br>b.) Of Righteousness <br>c.) Judgement <br><br>2.) He is my FRIEND.<br><br>3.) He is MY GOD. <br><br>“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.“ - John 14:16, 26 (NIV) <br><br>“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.” - John 15:26 (NIV) <br><br>“and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:22 (NIV)<br><br>“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” - Acts 5:3,4 (NIV)</p> <p>“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” - Revelation 1:9-11 (NIV)<br><br>Who is He?<br>“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,” - John 14:15-16 (ESV)<br><br>3 Things About Who He Is: <br><br>1.) He is my HELPER.<br><br>3 Ways He Helps:<br><br>a.) Sin <br>b.) Of Righteousness <br>c.) Judgement <br><br>2.) He is my FRIEND.<br><br>3.) He is MY GOD. <br><br>“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.“ - John 14:16, 26 (NIV) <br><br>“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.” - John 15:26 (NIV) <br><br>“and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:22 (NIV)<br><br>“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” - Acts 5:3,4 (NIV)</p> “I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, which said: “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea.” - Revelation 1:9-11 (NIV)

Who is He?
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,” - John 14:15-16 (ESV)

3 Things About Who He Is:

1.) He is my HELPER.

3 Ways He Helps:

a.) Sin
b.) Of Righteousness
c.) Judgement

2.) He is my FRIEND.

3.) He is MY GOD.

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.“ - John 14:16, 26 (NIV)

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.” - John 15:26 (NIV)

“and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Luke 3:22 (NIV)

“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” - Acts 5:3,4 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 09 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2753 187 1d277c199045088131ed9f7e5cf31154 no Reconcile Pastor Kyle Curran <p>To Reconcile means to restore relationship, to exist in harmony, make consistent with one another.<br><br>"17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through<br>Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” -2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NLT<br><br>2 Corinthians 6:2b “...i tell you, NOW is the time of God’s favor NOW is the day of salvation...”<br><br>"[37] On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. (If your thirsty for a greater year it's not found in the world, the world is harsh, but God is gentle.) [38] Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” -John 7:37-38 (NIV)</p> <p>To Reconcile means to restore relationship, to exist in harmony, make consistent with one another.<br><br>"17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through<br>Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” -2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NLT<br><br>2 Corinthians 6:2b “...i tell you, NOW is the time of God’s favor NOW is the day of salvation...”<br><br>"[37] On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. (If your thirsty for a greater year it's not found in the world, the world is harsh, but God is gentle.) [38] Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” -John 7:37-38 (NIV)</p> To Reconcile means to restore relationship, to exist in harmony, make consistent with one another.

"17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through
Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” -2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NLT

2 Corinthians 6:2b “...i tell you, NOW is the time of God’s favor NOW is the day of salvation...”

"[37] On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. (If your thirsty for a greater year it's not found in the world, the world is harsh, but God is gentle.) [38] Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” -John 7:37-38 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 02 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 2480 188 fd9a70aca56364fa4ccd844c89b84ec8 no When God Works Pastor Denny Curran <p>1.) God Works All Around.<br><br>“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” - Luke 1:18 (ESV)<br><br>God doesn’t always work in a way we would expect - and the Christmas story proves that. The Christmas story reminds us that God is working in a way you may not understand, <br><br>“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:20 (ESV) <br><br>His silence is not a sign of His absence. His delays are not a sign of denial. We don’t know how long it was between the time Mary told him and the angel appeared to him, but it was enough time for him to wrestle with the situation. <br><br>“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:20-21 (ESV)<br><br>2.) God Wants To Be With Us.<br><br>“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” - Matthew 1:22-23 (ESV)</p> <p>1.) God Works All Around.<br><br>“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” - Luke 1:18 (ESV)<br><br>God doesn’t always work in a way we would expect - and the Christmas story proves that. The Christmas story reminds us that God is working in a way you may not understand, <br><br>“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:20 (ESV) <br><br>His silence is not a sign of His absence. His delays are not a sign of denial. We don’t know how long it was between the time Mary told him and the angel appeared to him, but it was enough time for him to wrestle with the situation. <br><br>“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:20-21 (ESV)<br><br>2.) God Wants To Be With Us.<br><br>“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” - Matthew 1:22-23 (ESV)</p> 1.) God Works All Around.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” - Luke 1:18 (ESV)

God doesn’t always work in a way we would expect - and the Christmas story proves that. The Christmas story reminds us that God is working in a way you may not understand,

“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:20 (ESV)

His silence is not a sign of His absence. His delays are not a sign of denial. We don’t know how long it was between the time Mary told him and the angel appeared to him, but it was enough time for him to wrestle with the situation.

“But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:20-21 (ESV)

2.) God Wants To Be With Us.

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” - Matthew 1:22-23 (ESV)

]]> Sun, 26 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2342 189 b6b76c2317debeec8d4679a96aca2af4 no Christmas at River of Life <p>Thanks for watching Christmas at River of Life with us! View each individual performance on YouTube.</p> <p>Thanks for watching Christmas at River of Life with us! View each individual performance on YouTube.</p> Thanks for watching Christmas at River of Life with us! View each individual performance on YouTube.

]]> Fri, 24 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 4166 190 ce4fa11548a57775a296dd6426c94442 no When God Speaks Pastor Denny Curran <p>“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” -Matthew 1:18a (NIV)<br><br>“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:18 (ESV) <br><br>1.) God Speaks To Us.<br><br>“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20 (NIV)<br><br>The longer you wait to obey, the less sure you are that God has spoken. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes.</p> <p>“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” -Matthew 1:18a (NIV)<br><br>“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:18 (ESV) <br><br>1.) God Speaks To Us.<br><br>“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20 (NIV)<br><br>The longer you wait to obey, the less sure you are that God has spoken. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes.</p> “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” -Matthew 1:18a (NIV)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” - Matthew 1:18 (ESV)

1.) God Speaks To Us.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20 (NIV)

The longer you wait to obey, the less sure you are that God has spoken. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes.

]]> Sun, 19 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2292 191 5f8466ab22fc08a26e517ac6fd872e95 no Birth Announcement Pastor Denny Curran <p>"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger." - Luke 2:8-16 (NIV)<br><br>The greatest announcement ever - <br><br>1.) Do not be afraid.<br><br>2.) I bring you good news. <br><br>"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him." - Psalm 128:1 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Born for you today, Savior, Christ, Messiah.</p> <p>"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger." - Luke 2:8-16 (NIV)<br><br>The greatest announcement ever - <br><br>1.) Do not be afraid.<br><br>2.) I bring you good news. <br><br>"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him." - Psalm 128:1 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Born for you today, Savior, Christ, Messiah.</p> "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger." - Luke 2:8-16 (NIV)

The greatest announcement ever -

1.) Do not be afraid.

2.) I bring you good news.

"Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him." - Psalm 128:1 (NIV)

3.) Born for you today, Savior, Christ, Messiah.

]]> Sun, 12 Dec 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2470 192 63124804d565bcb81631c9f0cd067eed no Thankfulness is not a Feeling Thanksgiving Eve Service Pastor Denny Curran <p>"But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.” And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." -Jonah 2:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>1. Gratitude from deep down<br><br>Thankfulness is not dependent on what is happening around us. Thankfulness is dependent on what<br>is happening inside us.<br><br>“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise” - Psalm 100:4 (NIV)<br><br>2. He is enough<br><br>3. We can’t give feelings<br><br>"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13 (NIV)</p> <p>"But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.” And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." -Jonah 2:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>1. Gratitude from deep down<br><br>Thankfulness is not dependent on what is happening around us. Thankfulness is dependent on what<br>is happening inside us.<br><br>“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise” - Psalm 100:4 (NIV)<br><br>2. He is enough<br><br>3. We can’t give feelings<br><br>"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13 (NIV)</p> "But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.” And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land." -Jonah 2:9-10 (NIV)

1. Gratitude from deep down

Thankfulness is not dependent on what is happening around us. Thankfulness is dependent on what
is happening inside us.

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise” - Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

2. He is enough

3. We can’t give feelings

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13 (NIV)

]]> Wed, 24 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1926 193 5015e11ac4e6d45a708bdc04a9570198 no This House Pastor Denny Curran <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>"One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves. “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” -2 Kings 4:1-7 (NLT)<br><br>1.) The house is about others.<br><br>“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mark 10:45 (NIV) <br><br>2.) This house is anointed.<br><br>“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.- 2 Kings 4:2 (NLT)<br><br>3.) This house needs my house.<br><br>“And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” - 2 Kings 4:3-4 (NLT)<br><br>If you'd like to make an online pledge today, please visit <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/finishthejourney" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/finishthejourney</a>. If you'd like to make a "first fruits" offering today, visit <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/give" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/give</a> and select "building campaign."</p> <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>"One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves. “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” -2 Kings 4:1-7 (NLT)<br><br>1.) The house is about others.<br><br>“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mark 10:45 (NIV) <br><br>2.) This house is anointed.<br><br>“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.- 2 Kings 4:2 (NLT)<br><br>3.) This house needs my house.<br><br>“And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” - 2 Kings 4:3-4 (NLT)<br><br>If you'd like to make an online pledge today, please visit <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/finishthejourney" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/finishthejourney</a>. If you'd like to make a "first fruits" offering today, visit <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/give" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/give</a> and select "building campaign."</p> As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.

"One day the widow of a member of the group of prophets came to Elisha and cried out, “My husband who served you is dead, and you know how he feared the Lord. But now a creditor has come, threatening to take my two sons as slaves. “What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied. And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” So she did as she was told. Her sons kept bringing jars to her, and she filled one after another. Soon every container was full to the brim! “Bring me another jar,” she said to one of her sons. “There aren’t any more!” he told her. And then the olive oil stopped flowing. When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on what is left over.” -2 Kings 4:1-7 (NLT)

1.) The house is about others.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -Mark 10:45 (NIV)

2.) This house is anointed.

“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” “Nothing at all, except a flask of olive oil,” she replied.- 2 Kings 4:2 (NLT)

3.) This house needs my house.

“And Elisha said, “Borrow as many empty jars as you can from your friends and neighbors. Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting each one aside when it is filled.” - 2 Kings 4:3-4 (NLT)

If you'd like to make an online pledge today, please visit riveroflifeag.org/finishthejourney. If you'd like to make a "first fruits" offering today, visit riveroflifeag.org/give and select "building campaign."

]]> Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 3261 194 99a9e866955b07c0f5ad5796bdbf836a no Boots for the Journey Pastor Kyle Curran <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where to good way is, (put on your boots) and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." -Jeremiah 6:16<br><br>"Oh that I may know Christ—yes, and the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, so that I can become like him in his death," -Philippians 3:10<br><br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20</p> <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where to good way is, (put on your boots) and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." -Jeremiah 6:16<br><br>"Oh that I may know Christ—yes, and the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, so that I can become like him in his death," -Philippians 3:10<br><br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20</p> As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where to good way is, (put on your boots) and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." -Jeremiah 6:16

"Oh that I may know Christ—yes, and the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, so that I can become like him in his death," -Philippians 3:10

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20

]]> Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2895 195 dc2b1ffc5a0128a8c28eb2c24d4db6b0 no What If? <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>Who's speaking today?<br>Pastor Marissa Lund - Assistant River Kids Pastor<br>Ashley Benoit - Media & Marketing Director<br>Marissa Thomas - Connections Pastor<br>McKenzie Patterson - River YTH Admin, Heartland Director<br><br>1.) What if I step out in faith?<br><br>- Genesis 12<br><br>2.) What if I step out in obedience?<br><br>3.) What if I give?<br>- "Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving." -2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)<br><br>4.) What if I trust God with the journey?</p> <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>Who's speaking today?<br>Pastor Marissa Lund - Assistant River Kids Pastor<br>Ashley Benoit - Media & Marketing Director<br>Marissa Thomas - Connections Pastor<br>McKenzie Patterson - River YTH Admin, Heartland Director<br><br>1.) What if I step out in faith?<br><br>- Genesis 12<br><br>2.) What if I step out in obedience?<br><br>3.) What if I give?<br>- "Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving." -2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)<br><br>4.) What if I trust God with the journey?</p> As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.

Who's speaking today?
Pastor Marissa Lund - Assistant River Kids Pastor
Ashley Benoit - Media & Marketing Director
Marissa Thomas - Connections Pastor
McKenzie Patterson - River YTH Admin, Heartland Director

1.) What if I step out in faith?

- Genesis 12

2.) What if I step out in obedience?

3.) What if I give?
- "Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving." -2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT)

4.) What if I trust God with the journey?

]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2903 196 2fd6dc9078425d8c864375b6599b6e10 no Kodak Moments <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>Who’s speaking today? <br>Pastor Mark Eskew - River Kids Pastor <br>Pastor Derrick Benoit - Worship Pastor <br>Pastor Gabe Thomas - Connections Pastor <br>Pastor Dillon Patterson - Junior High River YTH Pastor, Heartland Director</p> <p>As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.<br><br>Who’s speaking today? <br>Pastor Mark Eskew - River Kids Pastor <br>Pastor Derrick Benoit - Worship Pastor <br>Pastor Gabe Thomas - Connections Pastor <br>Pastor Dillon Patterson - Junior High River YTH Pastor, Heartland Director</p> As we step into a new season of dreaming for the future of River of Life Church, we invite you on the journey with us! This month, we will be hearing from the leadership of our church and what it means to them to finish the journey.

Who’s speaking today?
Pastor Mark Eskew - River Kids Pastor
Pastor Derrick Benoit - Worship Pastor
Pastor Gabe Thomas - Connections Pastor
Pastor Dillon Patterson - Junior High River YTH Pastor, Heartland Director

]]> Sun, 31 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2579 197 fd2858379accc9d5e2f8540752953224 no Together Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Let's Go Together.<br><br>2.) Let's Give Together. <br><br>"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” -Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)<br><br>Two ways we can give:<br><br>a.) I can give based on reason.<br><br>b.) I can give based on revelation. <br><br>- What does giving do?<br><br>-Giving breaks the grip of materialism<br><br>-Giving strengthens my faith<br><br>-Giving is an investment for eternity<br><br>-Giving always blesses me in return<br><br>-Giving makes me happy<br><br>3. Let’s Glorify the Lord Together.<br><br>"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)<br><br>“The people rejoiced for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” - Proverbs 11:25<br><br>"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NIV)</p> <p>"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Let's Go Together.<br><br>2.) Let's Give Together. <br><br>"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” -Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)<br><br>Two ways we can give:<br><br>a.) I can give based on reason.<br><br>b.) I can give based on revelation. <br><br>- What does giving do?<br><br>-Giving breaks the grip of materialism<br><br>-Giving strengthens my faith<br><br>-Giving is an investment for eternity<br><br>-Giving always blesses me in return<br><br>-Giving makes me happy<br><br>3. Let’s Glorify the Lord Together.<br><br>"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)<br><br>“The people rejoiced for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” - Proverbs 11:25<br><br>"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NIV)</p> "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." - 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19 (NIV)

1.) Let's Go Together.

2.) Let's Give Together.

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” -Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)

Two ways we can give:

a.) I can give based on reason.

b.) I can give based on revelation.

- What does giving do?

-Giving breaks the grip of materialism

-Giving strengthens my faith

-Giving is an investment for eternity

-Giving always blesses me in return

-Giving makes me happy

3. Let’s Glorify the Lord Together.

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

“The people rejoiced for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.” - Proverbs 11:25

"Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 24 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2765 198 3099450c6242cf3db794666f202c4505 no See! Pastor Denny Curran <p>“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from. Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” -Joshua 5:13 - 6:5 (ESV)<br><br>- How do we sense and see what God is doing? <br><br>1.) Spiritual Vision comes when we submit to God’s purpose.<br><br>"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” - Joshua 5:14 (ESV)<br><br>2.) Spiritual Vision comes from being in God’s presence.<br><br>"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” - Joshua 5:14 (ESV)<br><br>“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Spiritual Vision comes when we believe God’s promise.<br><br>“Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” - Joshua 6:1-2 (NIV)</p> <p>“When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from. Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” -Joshua 5:13 - 6:5 (ESV)<br><br>- How do we sense and see what God is doing? <br><br>1.) Spiritual Vision comes when we submit to God’s purpose.<br><br>"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” - Joshua 5:14 (ESV)<br><br>2.) Spiritual Vision comes from being in God’s presence.<br><br>"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” - Joshua 5:14 (ESV)<br><br>“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Spiritual Vision comes when we believe God’s promise.<br><br>“Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” - Joshua 6:1-2 (NIV)</p> “When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” And the commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from. Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.” -Joshua 5:13 - 6:5 (ESV)

- How do we sense and see what God is doing?

1.) Spiritual Vision comes when we submit to God’s purpose.

"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” - Joshua 5:14 (ESV)

2.) Spiritual Vision comes from being in God’s presence.

"And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” - Joshua 5:14 (ESV)

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)

3.) Spiritual Vision comes when we believe God’s promise.

“Now the gates of Jericho were securely barred because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. Then the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men.” - Joshua 6:1-2 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 3094 199 2245336766fa29d9877bc54d1b6c4ebc no Preparing for a Miracle (Pt. 2) Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:1-5 (NIV)<br><br>- Before He does something AMONG us, He needs to do something IN us.<br><br>Consecrate yourselves today because God wants to do something TODAY so you can see him TOMORROW.<br><br>“For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NIV)<br><br>4 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Miracles:<br><br>1.) Learn to Wait on God.<br><br>“Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp.” - Joshua 3:1b - 2 (ESV)<br><br>2..) Follow His Lead.<br>“giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” -Joshua 3:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Be Consecrated.<br>“Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” - Joshua 3:5 (ESV)<br><br>We repent enough to be saved, but do we surrender enough to be transformed?<br><br>4.) Get Moving<br><br>- If you want a miracle, you need to do something!<br><br>“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.” - Joshua 3:14-17 (NIV)</p> <p>“Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:1-5 (NIV)<br><br>- Before He does something AMONG us, He needs to do something IN us.<br><br>Consecrate yourselves today because God wants to do something TODAY so you can see him TOMORROW.<br><br>“For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NIV)<br><br>4 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Miracles:<br><br>1.) Learn to Wait on God.<br><br>“Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp.” - Joshua 3:1b - 2 (ESV)<br><br>2..) Follow His Lead.<br>“giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” -Joshua 3:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Be Consecrated.<br>“Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” - Joshua 3:5 (ESV)<br><br>We repent enough to be saved, but do we surrender enough to be transformed?<br><br>4.) Get Moving<br><br>- If you want a miracle, you need to do something!<br><br>“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.” - Joshua 3:14-17 (NIV)</p> “Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:1-5 (NIV)

- Before He does something AMONG us, He needs to do something IN us.

Consecrate yourselves today because God wants to do something TODAY so you can see him TOMORROW.

“For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NIV)

4 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Miracles:

1.) Learn to Wait on God.

“Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp.” - Joshua 3:1b - 2 (ESV)

2..) Follow His Lead.
“giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” -Joshua 3:3-4 (NIV)

3.) Be Consecrated.
“Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” - Joshua 3:5 (ESV)

We repent enough to be saved, but do we surrender enough to be transformed?

4.) Get Moving

- If you want a miracle, you need to do something!

“So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.” - Joshua 3:14-17 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2554 200 7d6de85d1e2e2eb8f0145c65ffe4635b no Preparing for a Miracle Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:1-5 (NIV)<br><br>- Before He does something AMONG us, He needs to do something IN us.<br><br>Consecrate yourselves today because God wants to do something TODAY so you can see him TOMORROW.<br><br>“For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NIV)<br><br>3 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Miracles:<br><br>1.) Learn to Wait on God.<br><br>“Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp.” - Joshua 3:1b - 2 (ESV)<br><br>2.) Respond to His Leading. <br><br>3.) Follow His Lead.<br>“giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” -Joshua 3:3-4 (NIV)</p> <p>“Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:1-5 (NIV)<br><br>- Before He does something AMONG us, He needs to do something IN us.<br><br>Consecrate yourselves today because God wants to do something TODAY so you can see him TOMORROW.<br><br>“For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NIV)<br><br>3 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Miracles:<br><br>1.) Learn to Wait on God.<br><br>“Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp.” - Joshua 3:1b - 2 (ESV)<br><br>2.) Respond to His Leading. <br><br>3.) Follow His Lead.<br>“giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” -Joshua 3:3-4 (NIV)</p> “Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” - Joshua 3:1-5 (NIV)

- Before He does something AMONG us, He needs to do something IN us.

Consecrate yourselves today because God wants to do something TODAY so you can see him TOMORROW.

“For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:2b (NIV)

3 Ways to Set Yourself Up for Miracles:

1.) Learn to Wait on God.

“Then Joshua rose early in the morning and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan, he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. At the end of three days the officers went through the camp.” - Joshua 3:1b - 2 (ESV)

2.) Respond to His Leading.

3.) Follow His Lead.
“giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” -Joshua 3:3-4 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 03 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2512 201 bf0cdfaaa0d5754fd38dc1b9aaa8a258 no Get Moving (Pt 2) Pt. 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)<br><br>“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)<br><br>“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)<br><br>What do we need to do to get strong?<br><br>1.) Leave the past behind!<br><br>“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>You get strong by forgetting the past!<br><br>2.) Move toward the new territory <br><br>“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)<br><br>a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "<br><br>b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!<br><br>3.) Listen for God’s Promises<br><br>“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” - Joshua 1:3 (NIV)<br><br>When you are heading to new territory, God always encourages and inspires us with a new promise. <br><br>“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” - Isaiah 54:2 - 4 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Live the Word<br><br>“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:7 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Walk in God's Presence<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)</p> <p>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)<br><br>“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)<br><br>“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)<br><br>What do we need to do to get strong?<br><br>1.) Leave the past behind!<br><br>“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>You get strong by forgetting the past!<br><br>2.) Move toward the new territory <br><br>“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)<br><br>a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "<br><br>b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!<br><br>3.) Listen for God’s Promises<br><br>“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” - Joshua 1:3 (NIV)<br><br>When you are heading to new territory, God always encourages and inspires us with a new promise. <br><br>“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” - Isaiah 54:2 - 4 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Live the Word<br><br>“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:7 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Walk in God's Presence<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)</p> “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)

“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

What do we need to do to get strong?

1.) Leave the past behind!

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)

You get strong by forgetting the past!

2.) Move toward the new territory

“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)

a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "

b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!

3.) Listen for God’s Promises

“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” - Joshua 1:3 (NIV)

When you are heading to new territory, God always encourages and inspires us with a new promise.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” - Isaiah 54:2 - 4 (NIV)

4.) Live the Word

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:7 (NIV)

5.) Walk in God's Presence

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2476 202 56bd6d84d719e7ecef06ac2f77b77493 no Get Moving Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)<br><br>“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)<br><br>“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)<br><br>What do we need to do to get strong?<br><br>1.) Leave the past behind!<br><br>“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>You get strong by forgetting the past!<br><br>2.) Move toward the new territory <br><br>“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)<br><br>a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "<br><br>b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!<br><br>3.) Listen for God’s Promises<br><br>“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” - Joshua 1:3 (NIV)<br><br>When you are heading to new territory, God always encourages and inspires us with a new promise. <br><br>“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” - Isaiah 54:2 - 4 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Live the Word<br><br>“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:7 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Walk in God's Presence<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)</p> <p>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)<br><br>“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)<br><br>“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)<br><br>What do we need to do to get strong?<br><br>1.) Leave the past behind!<br><br>“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>You get strong by forgetting the past!<br><br>2.) Move toward the new territory <br><br>“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)<br><br>a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "<br><br>b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!<br><br>3.) Listen for God’s Promises<br><br>“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” - Joshua 1:3 (NIV)<br><br>When you are heading to new territory, God always encourages and inspires us with a new promise. <br><br>“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” - Isaiah 54:2 - 4 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Live the Word<br><br>“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:7 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Walk in God's Presence<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)</p> “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)

“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

What do we need to do to get strong?

1.) Leave the past behind!

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)

You get strong by forgetting the past!

2.) Move toward the new territory

“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)

a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "

b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!

3.) Listen for God’s Promises

“I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” - Joshua 1:3 (NIV)

When you are heading to new territory, God always encourages and inspires us with a new promise.

“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.” - Isaiah 54:2 - 4 (NIV)

4.) Live the Word

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:7 (NIV)

5.) Walk in God's Presence

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 19 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2113 203 5b6f2d75f52e5fa160ee752877eb6bf8 no A New Day Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)<br><br>“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)<br><br>“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)<br><br>What do we need to do to get strong?<br><br>1.) Leave the past behind!<br><br>“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>You get strong by forgetting the past!<br><br>1.) Move toward the new territory <br><br>“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)<br><br>a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "<br><br>b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!</p> <p>“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)<br><br>“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)<br><br>“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)<br><br>What do we need to do to get strong?<br><br>1.) Leave the past behind!<br><br>“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>You get strong by forgetting the past!<br><br>1.) Move toward the new territory <br><br>“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)<br><br>a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "<br><br>b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!</p> “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” - Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)

“Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.” - Deuteronomy 31:7 (NIV)

“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success[a] wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:6 - 7 (ESV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

What do we need to do to get strong?

1.) Leave the past behind!

“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:1-2 (NIV)

You get strong by forgetting the past!

1.) Move toward the new territory

“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.” - Joshua 1:2 (NIV)

a.) “When God is leading, you will go to a place spiritually before you experience it physically. "

b.) He never calls you to do something you can do without Him!

]]> Sun, 12 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2186 204 701fa84fc7d0ebb62d2cda10cde7daa2 no Good / Bad / God Pastor Denny Curran <p>“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)<br><br>“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” - Ephesians 5:14-16 (MSG)<br><br>In this week's message, we are reading from Luke 18. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector don’t have an action problem, they have an identity problem. The Pharisee represents legalism, while the Tax Collector represents Lawlessness.<br><br>1.) You need to know Jesus.<br><br><br>“Though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” - Philippians 3:4-7 (NIV)<br><br>“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 (NIV)<br><br>“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” - Romans 10:9 - 10 (NIV)<br><br>Remember who you are. When we know who are we, we will know what to do.<br> <br>2.) You need to grow.<br><br>"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:23 - 25<br><br>a.) We need people to help us grow!<br>b.) We need positive people in our lives.<br>c.) We need to connect with others.</p> <p>“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)<br><br>“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” - Ephesians 5:14-16 (MSG)<br><br>In this week's message, we are reading from Luke 18. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector don’t have an action problem, they have an identity problem. The Pharisee represents legalism, while the Tax Collector represents Lawlessness.<br><br>1.) You need to know Jesus.<br><br><br>“Though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” - Philippians 3:4-7 (NIV)<br><br>“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 (NIV)<br><br>“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” - Romans 10:9 - 10 (NIV)<br><br>Remember who you are. When we know who are we, we will know what to do.<br> <br>2.) You need to grow.<br><br>"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:23 - 25<br><br>a.) We need people to help us grow!<br>b.) We need positive people in our lives.<br>c.) We need to connect with others.</p> “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ. Wake up from your sleep, Climb out of your coffins; Christ will show you the light! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!” - Ephesians 5:14-16 (MSG)

In this week's message, we are reading from Luke 18. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector don’t have an action problem, they have an identity problem. The Pharisee represents legalism, while the Tax Collector represents Lawlessness.

1.) You need to know Jesus.


“Though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” - Philippians 3:4-7 (NIV)

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2: 8 - 9 (NIV)

“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” - Romans 10:9 - 10 (NIV)

Remember who you are. When we know who are we, we will know what to do.

2.) You need to grow.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:23 - 25

a.) We need people to help us grow!
b.) We need positive people in our lives.
c.) We need to connect with others.

]]> Sun, 05 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2345 205 29a224ea5f8ef097cbb8b31d26541395 no Worship Pastor Denny Curran <p>"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Praise until the prison doors open. Worship until the chains fall off.<br><br>“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” -Acts 16:16 - 40 (NIV)<br><br>Here is a list of verses you can use for any situation you may be facing - <br><br>Joy - “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16:11 (NIV)<br><br>Power - “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9<br><br>Rest - “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” -Exodus 33:14 (NIV)<br><br>Peace - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)<br><br>Guidance - “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” -Psalm 5:11 (NIV) <br><br>“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)<br><br>Confidence - “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” - Jeremiah 17:7<br><br>- Choose worship until you are free!</p> <p>"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Praise until the prison doors open. Worship until the chains fall off.<br><br>“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” -Acts 16:16 - 40 (NIV)<br><br>Here is a list of verses you can use for any situation you may be facing - <br><br>Joy - “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16:11 (NIV)<br><br>Power - “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9<br><br>Rest - “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” -Exodus 33:14 (NIV)<br><br>Peace - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)<br><br>Guidance - “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” -Psalm 5:11 (NIV) <br><br>“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)<br><br>Confidence - “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” - Jeremiah 17:7<br><br>- Choose worship until you are free!</p> "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." - 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

1.) Praise until the prison doors open. Worship until the chains fall off.

“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: “Release those men.” The jailer told Paul, “The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.” But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them. Then they left.” -Acts 16:16 - 40 (NIV)

Here is a list of verses you can use for any situation you may be facing -

Joy - “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

Power - “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

Rest - “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” -Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

Peace - “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Guidance - “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” -Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Confidence - “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” - Jeremiah 17:7

- Choose worship until you are free!

]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2660 206 97c09192d3aacf8024a6189f56bc748f no Changed Pastor Denny Curran <p>"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” -Galatians 5:1 (NIV)<br><br>Something powerful happens when we identify exactly what it is we want God to do in our life. <br><br>As we begin to identify those things and take to God there is 3 things I want you to remember: <br><br>1.) Stand on the Promise!<br>“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” - Psalm 119:9 -11 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Rely on His Power.<br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)<br><br>“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” (MSG version)<br><br>3.) Seek His Presence<br>“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” -Psalm 16:11 (NIV)<br><br>"Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)</p> <p>"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” -Galatians 5:1 (NIV)<br><br>Something powerful happens when we identify exactly what it is we want God to do in our life. <br><br>As we begin to identify those things and take to God there is 3 things I want you to remember: <br><br>1.) Stand on the Promise!<br>“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” - Psalm 119:9 -11 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Rely on His Power.<br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)<br><br>“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” (MSG version)<br><br>3.) Seek His Presence<br>“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” -Psalm 16:11 (NIV)<br><br>"Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)</p> "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” -Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Something powerful happens when we identify exactly what it is we want God to do in our life.

As we begin to identify those things and take to God there is 3 things I want you to remember:

1.) Stand on the Promise!
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” - Psalm 119:9 -11 (NIV)

2.) Rely on His Power.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

“My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” (MSG version)

3.) Seek His Presence
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” -Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

"Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2502 207 efcffe44bda921519bab6a03dc611bcd no Starts Right Here - Week 2 Pastor Derrick Benoit <p>Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” - Matthew 22:37 (NLT)<br><br>“A second is equally as important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” - Matthew 22:29 (NLT)<br><br>“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the ages.” - Matthew 28:19 - 20 (NLT)<br><br>1.) Missions starts with a heart for God.<br><br>“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” - Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)<br><br>2.) Missions starts with a new heart.<br><br>“The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!” - Deuteronomy 30:6 (NLT)<br><br>“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10 (NLT)<br><br>3.) Missions starts when we love others.</p> <p>Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” - Matthew 22:37 (NLT)<br><br>“A second is equally as important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” - Matthew 22:29 (NLT)<br><br>“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the ages.” - Matthew 28:19 - 20 (NLT)<br><br>1.) Missions starts with a heart for God.<br><br>“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” - Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)<br><br>2.) Missions starts with a new heart.<br><br>“The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!” - Deuteronomy 30:6 (NLT)<br><br>“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10 (NLT)<br><br>3.) Missions starts when we love others.</p> Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” - Matthew 22:37 (NLT)

“A second is equally as important: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” - Matthew 22:29 (NLT)

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the ages.” - Matthew 28:19 - 20 (NLT)

1.) Missions starts with a heart for God.

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” - Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

2.) Missions starts with a new heart.

“The Lord your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live!” - Deuteronomy 30:6 (NLT)

“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10 (NLT)

3.) Missions starts when we love others.

]]> Sun, 15 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2017 208 b9468dae5c49e045c1a7d0d38c026a50 no Starts Right Here Pastor Denny Curran <p>"He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." <br>-Matthew 5:45 (NIV)<br><br>“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 (NIV)<br><br>The ultimate purpose in life is to make a difference. <br><br><br>"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" -2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)<br><br>“Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt- seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)<br><br>How can we become salt and light to the world? How can we be representations of Jesus to those around us?<br><br>**Value People (Connecting)<br>Jesus valued everyone. Missions and valuing people paves the way to miracles. <br><br>“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." -Matthew 25:40 (NIV)</p> <p>"He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." <br>-Matthew 5:45 (NIV)<br><br>“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 (NIV)<br><br>The ultimate purpose in life is to make a difference. <br><br><br>"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" -2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)<br><br>“Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt- seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)<br><br>How can we become salt and light to the world? How can we be representations of Jesus to those around us?<br><br>**Value People (Connecting)<br>Jesus valued everyone. Missions and valuing people paves the way to miracles. <br><br>“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." -Matthew 25:40 (NIV)</p> "He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
-Matthew 5:45 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 (NIV)

The ultimate purpose in life is to make a difference.


"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" -2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

“Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt- seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16 (MSG)

How can we become salt and light to the world? How can we be representations of Jesus to those around us?

**Value People (Connecting)
Jesus valued everyone. Missions and valuing people paves the way to miracles.

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." -Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 08 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2508 209 f758ecdeb5e82d858b0d4f2a7cca3d11 no Missions Experience Sunday Convoy of Hope Brad Rosenberg <p>Why should we care about the poor?<br><br>Key Questions - <br>1. How many of you would like to have a relatively happy life? <br>2. How many of you would like your life to be an act of worship?<br>3. How many of you would like to keep a reasonably solid financial portfolio? <br>4. How many of you would be thankful if God listened to your cries for help?<br><br>“If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.” -Proverbs 14:21 (GNT) <br><br><br>“If you oppress (or mistreat) poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship.” -Proverbs 14:31 (GNT)<br><br>“Giving to the poor will keep you from poverty, but if you close your eyes to their needs, everyone will curse you.” -Proverbs 28:27 (CEV)<br><br>"Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." -Psalm 82:4 (ESV) <br><br>“Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped.” -Proverbs 11:25 (GNT) <br><br>**God is basically saying, if you take care of my children, I’ll take care of your children. <br><br>“If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard.” -Proverbs 21:13 (GNT) <br><br>Listening to others emphasizes their value. When you listen to someone, you are saying, “You matter to me.” <br>22,000 children a day die of dirty water or hunger related issues. The entire health budget of Ethiopia, a country of 105 million people, is equivalent to just 1% of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos fortune. 750,000,000 people around the world live on less than 1.90 a day. <br><br>“The crowd asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” -Luke 3:10-11 (NLT) <br><br>“Caring for the poor is lending to the Lord, and you will be well repaid.” -Proverbs 19:17 (CET)<br><br>So…Why should we care about the poor? <br>1. Because God cares about poor. <br>2. Because God is an advocate for the poor.<br>3. Because every person on the planet is valuable to God. <br>- Big Idea - Where someone lives should not determine whether they live or die. <br>4. Because we were poor, and God graciously gave to us. <br><br>“Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person. My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.” -I John 3:17-18 (NCV) <br><br>What is God asking you to do? God’s prompting + Obedience = The Miraculous</p> <p>Why should we care about the poor?<br><br>Key Questions - <br>1. How many of you would like to have a relatively happy life? <br>2. How many of you would like your life to be an act of worship?<br>3. How many of you would like to keep a reasonably solid financial portfolio? <br>4. How many of you would be thankful if God listened to your cries for help?<br><br>“If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.” -Proverbs 14:21 (GNT) <br><br><br>“If you oppress (or mistreat) poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship.” -Proverbs 14:31 (GNT)<br><br>“Giving to the poor will keep you from poverty, but if you close your eyes to their needs, everyone will curse you.” -Proverbs 28:27 (CEV)<br><br>"Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." -Psalm 82:4 (ESV) <br><br>“Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped.” -Proverbs 11:25 (GNT) <br><br>**God is basically saying, if you take care of my children, I’ll take care of your children. <br><br>“If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard.” -Proverbs 21:13 (GNT) <br><br>Listening to others emphasizes their value. When you listen to someone, you are saying, “You matter to me.” <br>22,000 children a day die of dirty water or hunger related issues. The entire health budget of Ethiopia, a country of 105 million people, is equivalent to just 1% of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos fortune. 750,000,000 people around the world live on less than 1.90 a day. <br><br>“The crowd asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” -Luke 3:10-11 (NLT) <br><br>“Caring for the poor is lending to the Lord, and you will be well repaid.” -Proverbs 19:17 (CET)<br><br>So…Why should we care about the poor? <br>1. Because God cares about poor. <br>2. Because God is an advocate for the poor.<br>3. Because every person on the planet is valuable to God. <br>- Big Idea - Where someone lives should not determine whether they live or die. <br>4. Because we were poor, and God graciously gave to us. <br><br>“Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person. My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.” -I John 3:17-18 (NCV) <br><br>What is God asking you to do? God’s prompting + Obedience = The Miraculous</p> Why should we care about the poor?

Key Questions -
1. How many of you would like to have a relatively happy life?
2. How many of you would like your life to be an act of worship?
3. How many of you would like to keep a reasonably solid financial portfolio?
4. How many of you would be thankful if God listened to your cries for help?

“If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.” -Proverbs 14:21 (GNT)


“If you oppress (or mistreat) poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship.” -Proverbs 14:31 (GNT)

“Giving to the poor will keep you from poverty, but if you close your eyes to their needs, everyone will curse you.” -Proverbs 28:27 (CEV)

"Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." -Psalm 82:4 (ESV)

“Be generous, and you will be prosperous. Help others, and you will be helped.” -Proverbs 11:25 (GNT)

**God is basically saying, if you take care of my children, I’ll take care of your children.

“If you refuse to listen to the cry of the poor, your own cry for help will not be heard.” -Proverbs 21:13 (GNT)

Listening to others emphasizes their value. When you listen to someone, you are saying, “You matter to me.”
22,000 children a day die of dirty water or hunger related issues. The entire health budget of Ethiopia, a country of 105 million people, is equivalent to just 1% of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos fortune. 750,000,000 people around the world live on less than 1.90 a day.

“The crowd asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” -Luke 3:10-11 (NLT)

“Caring for the poor is lending to the Lord, and you will be well repaid.” -Proverbs 19:17 (CET)

So…Why should we care about the poor?
1. Because God cares about poor.
2. Because God is an advocate for the poor.
3. Because every person on the planet is valuable to God.
- Big Idea - Where someone lives should not determine whether they live or die.
4. Because we were poor, and God graciously gave to us.

“Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person. My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.” -I John 3:17-18 (NCV)

What is God asking you to do? God’s prompting + Obedience = The Miraculous

]]> Sun, 01 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2862 210 dd95244f0a0c737c9d460a950f4b62d2 no Mid-Summer Celebration Pastor Denny Curran <p>Thanks for joining us online for our Mid-Summer Celebration! This weekend, we had the privilege in seeing many people baptized and making a public declaration of their faith in Jesus.</p> <p>Thanks for joining us online for our Mid-Summer Celebration! This weekend, we had the privilege in seeing many people baptized and making a public declaration of their faith in Jesus.</p> Thanks for joining us online for our Mid-Summer Celebration! This weekend, we had the privilege in seeing many people baptized and making a public declaration of their faith in Jesus.

]]> Sun, 25 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1235 211 e563350f811e2190df27cec92adf8939 no Miracle in the Making Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>Mark 5:21-42 (NIV)<br>"When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”<br>He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished." <br><br>Desperate Needs call for Desperate Faith!<br><br>Faith says: I believe the best possible scenario regardless of the evidence to the contrary.<br>Fear says: I believe the worst possible scenario regardless of the evidence to the contrary. <br><br>“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” -Mark 5:36<br><br>1.) What God can do for others, he can do for you. If God did it before, he can do it again.<br>2.) God often works with Divine Delays <br>3.) You need to Prophesy your Praise.</p> <p>Mark 5:21-42 (NIV)<br>"When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”<br>He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished." <br><br>Desperate Needs call for Desperate Faith!<br><br>Faith says: I believe the best possible scenario regardless of the evidence to the contrary.<br>Fear says: I believe the worst possible scenario regardless of the evidence to the contrary. <br><br>“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” -Mark 5:36<br><br>1.) What God can do for others, he can do for you. If God did it before, he can do it again.<br>2.) God often works with Divine Delays <br>3.) You need to Prophesy your Praise.</p> Mark 5:21-42 (NIV)
"When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” So Jesus went with him. A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” Overhearing[a] what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James. When they came to the home of the synagogue leader, Jesus saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly. He went in and said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”). Immediately the girl stood up and began to walk around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished."

Desperate Needs call for Desperate Faith!

Faith says: I believe the best possible scenario regardless of the evidence to the contrary.
Fear says: I believe the worst possible scenario regardless of the evidence to the contrary.

“Don’t be afraid; just believe.” -Mark 5:36

1.) What God can do for others, he can do for you. If God did it before, he can do it again.
2.) God often works with Divine Delays
3.) You need to Prophesy your Praise.

]]> Sun, 18 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2426 212 6106121cdf170d7583f26f6175679673 no Faith Through the Roof Pastor Kirby St. John <p>"One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”- Luke 5:17 - 26 (NLT)<br><br>What friends are in your corner? In this scripture, we realize that there are times in our lives where we need rely on our friend's faith to get us to Jesus. We need to surround ourselves with stretcher carriers who lead us closer to God. <br><br>God isn't asking us to do the healing. He's asking us to be a part of bringing your friends to Him so He can begin to work. <br><br>"Among Saul’s men was Ahijah the priest, who was wearing the ephod, the priestly vest. Ahijah was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord who had served at Shiloh. No one realized that Jonathan had left the Israelite camp. To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” “All right, then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.” When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified." -1 Samuel 14:3 - 15 (NLT)</p> <p>"One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”- Luke 5:17 - 26 (NLT)<br><br>What friends are in your corner? In this scripture, we realize that there are times in our lives where we need rely on our friend's faith to get us to Jesus. We need to surround ourselves with stretcher carriers who lead us closer to God. <br><br>God isn't asking us to do the healing. He's asking us to be a part of bringing your friends to Him so He can begin to work. <br><br>"Among Saul’s men was Ahijah the priest, who was wearing the ephod, the priestly vest. Ahijah was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord who had served at Shiloh. No one realized that Jonathan had left the Israelite camp. To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” “All right, then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.” When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified." -1 Samuel 14:3 - 15 (NLT)</p> "One day while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and teachers of religious law were sitting nearby. (It seemed that these men showed up from every village in all Galilee and Judea, as well as from Jerusalem.) And the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped up, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone was gripped with great wonder and awe, and they praised God, exclaiming, “We have seen amazing things today!”- Luke 5:17 - 26 (NLT)

What friends are in your corner? In this scripture, we realize that there are times in our lives where we need rely on our friend's faith to get us to Jesus. We need to surround ourselves with stretcher carriers who lead us closer to God.

God isn't asking us to do the healing. He's asking us to be a part of bringing your friends to Him so He can begin to work.

"Among Saul’s men was Ahijah the priest, who was wearing the ephod, the priestly vest. Ahijah was the son of Ichabod’s brother Ahitub, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord who had served at Shiloh. No one realized that Jonathan had left the Israelite camp. To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs that were called Bozez and Seneh. The cliff on the north was in front of Micmash, and the one on the south was in front of Geba. “Let’s go across to the outpost of those pagans,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” “Do what you think is best,” the armor bearer replied. “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide.” “All right, then,” Jonathan told him. “We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Stay where you are or we’ll kill you,’ then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up and fight,’ then we will go up. That will be the Lord’s sign that he will help us defeat them.” When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, “Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!” Then the men from the outpost shouted to Jonathan, “Come on up here, and we’ll teach you a lesson!” “Come on, climb right behind me,” Jonathan said to his armor bearer, “for the Lord will help us defeat them!” So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer killed those who came behind them. They killed some twenty men in all, and their bodies were scattered over about half an acre. Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified." -1 Samuel 14:3 - 15 (NLT)

]]> Sun, 11 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2367 213 3b92c9a59835ddcc15cfda82be1bb4e0 no Lottery Ticket Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27<br><br>Definition of Miracles:<br><br>Definition:<br>- “An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.”<br>- “It is a supernatural event that would be impossible for us to experience with our natural abilities or resources.”<br><br>"And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." -Mark 16:17-18<br><br>A miracle is a sign that God uses to point to Himself!<br><br>If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to "my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -John 15:7-8<br><br>1.) How do I receive a miracle?<br><br>a.) Appeal to His mercy.<br>*Mercy - compassion that is shown toward an offender<br><br>"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -— Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)<br><br>"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." <br>-Psalm 51:1-2 <br><br>b.) Become desperate. <br>Throughout scripture we see people who were desperate from a touch of God. They pressed in to Him because they recognized that Jesus was the only one who could bring healing and direction. In your season of desperation, we challenge you to demand His anointing on your life. Press through the crowd and your faith will heal you. <br><br>Are you desperate for Jesus to move in your life and perform a miracle?</p> <p>"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27<br><br>Definition of Miracles:<br><br>Definition:<br>- “An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.”<br>- “It is a supernatural event that would be impossible for us to experience with our natural abilities or resources.”<br><br>"And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." -Mark 16:17-18<br><br>A miracle is a sign that God uses to point to Himself!<br><br>If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to "my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -John 15:7-8<br><br>1.) How do I receive a miracle?<br><br>a.) Appeal to His mercy.<br>*Mercy - compassion that is shown toward an offender<br><br>"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -— Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)<br><br>"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." <br>-Psalm 51:1-2 <br><br>b.) Become desperate. <br>Throughout scripture we see people who were desperate from a touch of God. They pressed in to Him because they recognized that Jesus was the only one who could bring healing and direction. In your season of desperation, we challenge you to demand His anointing on your life. Press through the crowd and your faith will heal you. <br><br>Are you desperate for Jesus to move in your life and perform a miracle?</p> "Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27

Definition of Miracles:

Definition:
- “An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.”
- “It is a supernatural event that would be impossible for us to experience with our natural abilities or resources.”

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it." -Mark 16:17-18

A miracle is a sign that God uses to point to Himself!

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to "my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -John 15:7-8

1.) How do I receive a miracle?

a.) Appeal to His mercy.
*Mercy - compassion that is shown toward an offender

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -— Ephesians 2:8-10 (NIV)

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."
-Psalm 51:1-2

b.) Become desperate.
Throughout scripture we see people who were desperate from a touch of God. They pressed in to Him because they recognized that Jesus was the only one who could bring healing and direction. In your season of desperation, we challenge you to demand His anointing on your life. Press through the crowd and your faith will heal you.

Are you desperate for Jesus to move in your life and perform a miracle?

]]> Sun, 04 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2202 214 f458ae5854a375a430c8efc5614a3ab4 no Who Is This? Do You Believe in Miracles? Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Please speak to the LORD for us and ask him to help us. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is attacking Judah. Perhaps the LORD will be gracious and do a mighty miracle as he has done in the past. Perhaps he will force Nebuchadnezzar to withdraw his armies.” - Jeremiah 21:2 (NLT)<br><br>"What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?" - Deuteronomy 4:6-7 (NIV)<br><br>This week, we are beginning a new series about miracles. What is a miracle? Who are miracles for? Why do we have miracles? Do you believe that God still does miracles?<br><br>"A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all." -Psalm 34:19 (NIV)<br><br>1.) What is a miracle? <br>1st definition:<br>-a wonder; a marvel<br>-a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality.<br>“A miracle of modern science”<br>-a miracle is often the willingness to see the common in an uncommon<br>way.<br><br>2nd definition:<br>“An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers/and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.”<br><br>2.) What is your relationship to miracles?<br>We need to figure out where we stand! Some people take them or leave them, and really don’t care. Others simply don’t believe in miracles! "Things are what they are." Some believe but have never experienced one though their needs. Finally, there are those who believe and have experienced the miraculous power of Jesus. <br><br>"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." -John 16:33 (MSG)</p> <p>“Please speak to the LORD for us and ask him to help us. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is attacking Judah. Perhaps the LORD will be gracious and do a mighty miracle as he has done in the past. Perhaps he will force Nebuchadnezzar to withdraw his armies.” - Jeremiah 21:2 (NLT)<br><br>"What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?" - Deuteronomy 4:6-7 (NIV)<br><br>This week, we are beginning a new series about miracles. What is a miracle? Who are miracles for? Why do we have miracles? Do you believe that God still does miracles?<br><br>"A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all." -Psalm 34:19 (NIV)<br><br>1.) What is a miracle? <br>1st definition:<br>-a wonder; a marvel<br>-a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality.<br>“A miracle of modern science”<br>-a miracle is often the willingness to see the common in an uncommon<br>way.<br><br>2nd definition:<br>“An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers/and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.”<br><br>2.) What is your relationship to miracles?<br>We need to figure out where we stand! Some people take them or leave them, and really don’t care. Others simply don’t believe in miracles! "Things are what they are." Some believe but have never experienced one though their needs. Finally, there are those who believe and have experienced the miraculous power of Jesus. <br><br>"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." -John 16:33 (MSG)</p> “Please speak to the LORD for us and ask him to help us. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon is attacking Judah. Perhaps the LORD will be gracious and do a mighty miracle as he has done in the past. Perhaps he will force Nebuchadnezzar to withdraw his armies.” - Jeremiah 21:2 (NLT)

"What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?" - Deuteronomy 4:6-7 (NIV)

This week, we are beginning a new series about miracles. What is a miracle? Who are miracles for? Why do we have miracles? Do you believe that God still does miracles?

"A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all." -Psalm 34:19 (NIV)

1.) What is a miracle?
1st definition:
-a wonder; a marvel
-a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality.
“A miracle of modern science”
-a miracle is often the willingness to see the common in an uncommon
way.

2nd definition:
“An extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers/and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.”

2.) What is your relationship to miracles?
We need to figure out where we stand! Some people take them or leave them, and really don’t care. Others simply don’t believe in miracles! "Things are what they are." Some believe but have never experienced one though their needs. Finally, there are those who believe and have experienced the miraculous power of Jesus.

"I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." -John 16:33 (MSG)

]]> Sun, 27 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2856 215 c294ccb68d0fa286226f75e54125f42b no Father's Day Message Pastor Adam Haugen <p>Did you know 76% of men feel A LOT of pressure to provide for their family financially, and that has only been compounded by the global pandemic of this past year? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.3 million children, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. Without a father, children are: 2x's more likely to drop out of high school, 4x's more likely to live in poverty, 7x's more likely to become pregnant as a teen, more likely to face abuse and neglect, develop behavioral problems, commit crimes, abuse drugs and alcohol and go to prison (280% more likely to carry guns and deal <a href="http://drugs).(fatherhood.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">drugs).(fatherhood.org</a>)<br><br>Many of us are carrying deep wounds from our earthly father that we have transferred to our heavenly father. We might not say it this way, but we act as if God is going to behave with the same character or lack of character that we experienced from our own dad.<br><br>"Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him [intense hunger]. But no one gave him anything. “When he finally came to his senses [common sense moments], he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.’ “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began." -Luke 15:11-24 NLT<br><br>The father was waiting to bless him! God, our Father is a God of restoration!<br><br>3 Truths of This Parable:<br><br>1.) Selfishness Prevents Proximity.<br>- When we selfishly think that our life is our own, we feel entitled to blessings from God and this creates distance from God in our hearts. <br><br>2.) Proximity Promotes Trust.<br>- Trusting God is a difficult thing to do. It is a lifetime pursuit, rather than just a one-time fix. Trusting God is a daily choice. Over time, it gets easier to trust God, and as you read the Bible and you see how He is faithful.<br><br>3.) Trust Produces Obedience. <br>To simply obey is something a servant can do, and while we are all called to be servants for God, his desire is not that we simply serve, but that we experience his love, which will lead us to trust and willingly obey. <br><br>Obedience is an outward action based on an internal belief. But trust is an internal belief based on a previous outward action. <br><br>"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -1 John 15:7-8</p> <p>Did you know 76% of men feel A LOT of pressure to provide for their family financially, and that has only been compounded by the global pandemic of this past year? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.3 million children, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. Without a father, children are: 2x's more likely to drop out of high school, 4x's more likely to live in poverty, 7x's more likely to become pregnant as a teen, more likely to face abuse and neglect, develop behavioral problems, commit crimes, abuse drugs and alcohol and go to prison (280% more likely to carry guns and deal <a href="http://drugs).(fatherhood.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">drugs).(fatherhood.org</a>)<br><br>Many of us are carrying deep wounds from our earthly father that we have transferred to our heavenly father. We might not say it this way, but we act as if God is going to behave with the same character or lack of character that we experienced from our own dad.<br><br>"Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him [intense hunger]. But no one gave him anything. “When he finally came to his senses [common sense moments], he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.’ “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began." -Luke 15:11-24 NLT<br><br>The father was waiting to bless him! God, our Father is a God of restoration!<br><br>3 Truths of This Parable:<br><br>1.) Selfishness Prevents Proximity.<br>- When we selfishly think that our life is our own, we feel entitled to blessings from God and this creates distance from God in our hearts. <br><br>2.) Proximity Promotes Trust.<br>- Trusting God is a difficult thing to do. It is a lifetime pursuit, rather than just a one-time fix. Trusting God is a daily choice. Over time, it gets easier to trust God, and as you read the Bible and you see how He is faithful.<br><br>3.) Trust Produces Obedience. <br>To simply obey is something a servant can do, and while we are all called to be servants for God, his desire is not that we simply serve, but that we experience his love, which will lead us to trust and willingly obey. <br><br>Obedience is an outward action based on an internal belief. But trust is an internal belief based on a previous outward action. <br><br>"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -1 John 15:7-8</p> Did you know 76% of men feel A LOT of pressure to provide for their family financially, and that has only been compounded by the global pandemic of this past year? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 18.3 million children, 1 in 4, live without a biological, step, or adoptive father in the home. Without a father, children are: 2x's more likely to drop out of high school, 4x's more likely to live in poverty, 7x's more likely to become pregnant as a teen, more likely to face abuse and neglect, develop behavioral problems, commit crimes, abuse drugs and alcohol and go to prison (280% more likely to carry guns and deal drugs).(fatherhood.org)

Many of us are carrying deep wounds from our earthly father that we have transferred to our heavenly father. We might not say it this way, but we act as if God is going to behave with the same character or lack of character that we experienced from our own dad.

"Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him [intense hunger]. But no one gave him anything. “When he finally came to his senses [common sense moments], he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.’ “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began." -Luke 15:11-24 NLT

The father was waiting to bless him! God, our Father is a God of restoration!

3 Truths of This Parable:

1.) Selfishness Prevents Proximity.
- When we selfishly think that our life is our own, we feel entitled to blessings from God and this creates distance from God in our hearts.

2.) Proximity Promotes Trust.
- Trusting God is a difficult thing to do. It is a lifetime pursuit, rather than just a one-time fix. Trusting God is a daily choice. Over time, it gets easier to trust God, and as you read the Bible and you see how He is faithful.

3.) Trust Produces Obedience.
To simply obey is something a servant can do, and while we are all called to be servants for God, his desire is not that we simply serve, but that we experience his love, which will lead us to trust and willingly obey.

Obedience is an outward action based on an internal belief. But trust is an internal belief based on a previous outward action.

"This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." -1 John 15:7-8

]]> Sun, 20 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1921 216 0f809b6bc6b3cd0e44ba45d13ffd6b48 no Press Play Get in the Mix Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to a River Kids Sunday! This week, Pastor Mark and his Kids Team are talking about confidence and learning to see yourself the way God sees you! <br><br>In Joshua 6, we hear about a man named Joshua. Joshua was faced with a difficult situation and had to put his trust in God. Would he be confident in the goodness of the Lord?<br><br>"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13<br><br>"Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart." - Psalm 27:14<br><br>Joshua had confidence in serving the Lord and knowing that God loved him and saw him for who he was.</p> <p>Welcome to a River Kids Sunday! This week, Pastor Mark and his Kids Team are talking about confidence and learning to see yourself the way God sees you! <br><br>In Joshua 6, we hear about a man named Joshua. Joshua was faced with a difficult situation and had to put his trust in God. Would he be confident in the goodness of the Lord?<br><br>"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13<br><br>"Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart." - Psalm 27:14<br><br>Joshua had confidence in serving the Lord and knowing that God loved him and saw him for who he was.</p> Welcome to a River Kids Sunday! This week, Pastor Mark and his Kids Team are talking about confidence and learning to see yourself the way God sees you!

In Joshua 6, we hear about a man named Joshua. Joshua was faced with a difficult situation and had to put his trust in God. Would he be confident in the goodness of the Lord?

"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." - Psalm 27:13

"Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart." - Psalm 27:14

Joshua had confidence in serving the Lord and knowing that God loved him and saw him for who he was.

]]> Sun, 13 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2427 217 830a6e1c899e6db9406f95df78b33ce5 no My Anchor Holds Pastor Denny Curran <p>We were Live on the Lake this Sunday! Enjoy a message on hope from Pastor Denny preaching from Riverside Resort in Richmond, MN.</p> <p>We were Live on the Lake this Sunday! Enjoy a message on hope from Pastor Denny preaching from Riverside Resort in Richmond, MN.</p> We were Live on the Lake this Sunday! Enjoy a message on hope from Pastor Denny preaching from Riverside Resort in Richmond, MN.

]]> Sun, 30 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1075 218 dc36a82ce18d86241dbbb1307ac24121 no If I Only Had... Pastor Kyle Curran <p>"Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. "Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten." <br>- John 6:1 - 13<br><br>"If I only had…" How often have we said this? <br><br>"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever shows generously will reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” -2 Corinthians 9:6-8 <br><br>- If we don't give anything to God, He wont have anything to use. It’s only when we give to God that our resources are multiplied.<br><br>- Don’t let a lack of faith keep you from freely giving!</p> <p>"Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. "Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten." <br>- John 6:1 - 13<br><br>"If I only had…" How often have we said this? <br><br>"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever shows generously will reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” -2 Corinthians 9:6-8 <br><br>- If we don't give anything to God, He wont have anything to use. It’s only when we give to God that our resources are multiplied.<br><br>- Don’t let a lack of faith keep you from freely giving!</p> "Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. "Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten."
- John 6:1 - 13

"If I only had…" How often have we said this?

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever shows generously will reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” -2 Corinthians 9:6-8

- If we don't give anything to God, He wont have anything to use. It’s only when we give to God that our resources are multiplied.

- Don’t let a lack of faith keep you from freely giving!

]]> Sun, 23 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2335 219 e44fdf89436787ebc8265861b881d662 no Livin’ on a Prayer (Model Prayer) River Kids | River of Life Church | May 19, 2021 Pastor Mark Eskew <p>This lesson talks about how we can connect with God. It shares how we can pray at any time and that Jesus loved to pray. The story teaches that Jesus would slip away from the crowds to be alone and talk to Hs Father, God. There was one day that one of Jesus' disciples asked Him, "<a href="http://Lord...teach" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lord...teach</a> us to pray". Jesus answered His friend with a simple example. The example God showed them is the prayer found in Luke 11:2-4. It is good to memorize this prayer, but we don't have to stick with those exact words to pray right. We can take the same ideas from Jesus' prayer and make them our own, as we pray to Him. Jesus called God "Father"; we can, too. He is our perfect Father who loved us, no matter what. God deserves to be honored. God made heaven and Earth, made us in His image. We ca take time to honor God and thank Him for all He's done for us. God is our King. He is our King. He is in control; He has a good plan for our lives. God's "kingdom" means that things happen the way God planned for them to happen. We're asking God to make things in our world right, good, and true. We're asking Him to help us be part of what He's doing in the world. We can pray and ask God for the things we need-and the things other people need. Praying helps us remember that God is always there to take care of us. Jesus knew that it was important for us to talk to God when we mess up. God will always be there to forgive us and give us a fresh start. When we've experienced God's forgiveness, that helps us forgive others too. You can talk to God anytime, anywhere, about anything. Practice praying to God.</p> <p>This lesson talks about how we can connect with God. It shares how we can pray at any time and that Jesus loved to pray. The story teaches that Jesus would slip away from the crowds to be alone and talk to Hs Father, God. There was one day that one of Jesus' disciples asked Him, "<a href="http://Lord...teach" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lord...teach</a> us to pray". Jesus answered His friend with a simple example. The example God showed them is the prayer found in Luke 11:2-4. It is good to memorize this prayer, but we don't have to stick with those exact words to pray right. We can take the same ideas from Jesus' prayer and make them our own, as we pray to Him. Jesus called God "Father"; we can, too. He is our perfect Father who loved us, no matter what. God deserves to be honored. God made heaven and Earth, made us in His image. We ca take time to honor God and thank Him for all He's done for us. God is our King. He is our King. He is in control; He has a good plan for our lives. God's "kingdom" means that things happen the way God planned for them to happen. We're asking God to make things in our world right, good, and true. We're asking Him to help us be part of what He's doing in the world. We can pray and ask God for the things we need-and the things other people need. Praying helps us remember that God is always there to take care of us. Jesus knew that it was important for us to talk to God when we mess up. God will always be there to forgive us and give us a fresh start. When we've experienced God's forgiveness, that helps us forgive others too. You can talk to God anytime, anywhere, about anything. Practice praying to God.</p> This lesson talks about how we can connect with God. It shares how we can pray at any time and that Jesus loved to pray. The story teaches that Jesus would slip away from the crowds to be alone and talk to Hs Father, God. There was one day that one of Jesus' disciples asked Him, "Lord...teach us to pray". Jesus answered His friend with a simple example. The example God showed them is the prayer found in Luke 11:2-4. It is good to memorize this prayer, but we don't have to stick with those exact words to pray right. We can take the same ideas from Jesus' prayer and make them our own, as we pray to Him. Jesus called God "Father"; we can, too. He is our perfect Father who loved us, no matter what. God deserves to be honored. God made heaven and Earth, made us in His image. We ca take time to honor God and thank Him for all He's done for us. God is our King. He is our King. He is in control; He has a good plan for our lives. God's "kingdom" means that things happen the way God planned for them to happen. We're asking God to make things in our world right, good, and true. We're asking Him to help us be part of what He's doing in the world. We can pray and ask God for the things we need-and the things other people need. Praying helps us remember that God is always there to take care of us. Jesus knew that it was important for us to talk to God when we mess up. God will always be there to forgive us and give us a fresh start. When we've experienced God's forgiveness, that helps us forgive others too. You can talk to God anytime, anywhere, about anything. Practice praying to God.

]]> Wed, 19 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1553 220 a4817fdbbb4bde4c0447631d2f1cc91f no River Kids | River of Life Church | May 16, 2021 Pastor Mark Eskew Sun, 16 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1123 221 0573c113e7d65b19c7d93607f098b9d4 no The Beauty Between Pastor Dillon Patterson <p>Life. There is a beginning and and ending. In the middle - we face many unknowns. In the middle, there is beauty between. <br><br>Throughout the Bible, we read many stories of characters that were stuck in the middle of their story for a very, very, long time.<br><br>Noah spent years building the ark, before even one rain drop had fallen. Finally, God made a covenant with Noah in Genesis 9, after the rain subsided - God made a promise to Noah, that he would never destroy the earth with a flood again, and as a sign of the covenant, he gave Noah a rainbow. <br><br>God promised promised Abraham that He would lead him to a new land, that he will give Abraham this land as an inheritance, that he will give Abraham a son to call his heir, and that Abraham’s descendants will be a numerous as the stars in the sky. <br><br>"This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you." -Genesis 17:10-11 <br><br>So what was the great sign of the covenant, in which God promised he will be doing these wonderful things, that he will make you into a great nation? The sign: circumcision. Noah, had to wait for his promise, but he got a rainbow. Abraham had to wait for his promise and had to get circumcised. <br><br>Jacob worked 7 years so he could marry the woman of his dreams, Rachel. He worksed hard for 7 years, for his future in laws, only to wake up after his wedding night, to Leah, her sister. So, he worked another 7 years in order to have Rachel become his wife. <br><br>Pastor Dillon continues to list different people throughout the Bible that faced trials and challenges while they waited for the promise. <br><br>In each of these stories, the middle matters the most. The middle is where their faith was tested and proved. The middle is where they were refined. The middle is where they had to trust in God. The middle was where they built their character. The middle is where they had no idea what was going on, yet chose joy. The middle is where at lot of you are right now. You're in the middle with your health, your business, your finances, your family, and your relationships. The middle is where you find the beauty between. <br><br>Faith is taking a step when you're not sure if you are going break through or not. It's trusting the process when your heart is broken. Its believing the best is yet to come, when the worst is all you can see. <br>It’s thanking God for the promise, even when someone else gets a rainbow, and you get circumcision. <br><br>You are in the beauty between. You are in the middle of your miracle. You are in the middle of your healing.<br>You are in the middle of refinement. You are in the middle of your God Story. <br><br>The middle is where your miracle finds meaning!<br><br>"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6 <br><br>Make sure you turn to God in the midst of your middle, lean into all God has for you in this season.</p> <p>Life. There is a beginning and and ending. In the middle - we face many unknowns. In the middle, there is beauty between. <br><br>Throughout the Bible, we read many stories of characters that were stuck in the middle of their story for a very, very, long time.<br><br>Noah spent years building the ark, before even one rain drop had fallen. Finally, God made a covenant with Noah in Genesis 9, after the rain subsided - God made a promise to Noah, that he would never destroy the earth with a flood again, and as a sign of the covenant, he gave Noah a rainbow. <br><br>God promised promised Abraham that He would lead him to a new land, that he will give Abraham this land as an inheritance, that he will give Abraham a son to call his heir, and that Abraham’s descendants will be a numerous as the stars in the sky. <br><br>"This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you." -Genesis 17:10-11 <br><br>So what was the great sign of the covenant, in which God promised he will be doing these wonderful things, that he will make you into a great nation? The sign: circumcision. Noah, had to wait for his promise, but he got a rainbow. Abraham had to wait for his promise and had to get circumcised. <br><br>Jacob worked 7 years so he could marry the woman of his dreams, Rachel. He worksed hard for 7 years, for his future in laws, only to wake up after his wedding night, to Leah, her sister. So, he worked another 7 years in order to have Rachel become his wife. <br><br>Pastor Dillon continues to list different people throughout the Bible that faced trials and challenges while they waited for the promise. <br><br>In each of these stories, the middle matters the most. The middle is where their faith was tested and proved. The middle is where they were refined. The middle is where they had to trust in God. The middle was where they built their character. The middle is where they had no idea what was going on, yet chose joy. The middle is where at lot of you are right now. You're in the middle with your health, your business, your finances, your family, and your relationships. The middle is where you find the beauty between. <br><br>Faith is taking a step when you're not sure if you are going break through or not. It's trusting the process when your heart is broken. Its believing the best is yet to come, when the worst is all you can see. <br>It’s thanking God for the promise, even when someone else gets a rainbow, and you get circumcision. <br><br>You are in the beauty between. You are in the middle of your miracle. You are in the middle of your healing.<br>You are in the middle of refinement. You are in the middle of your God Story. <br><br>The middle is where your miracle finds meaning!<br><br>"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6 <br><br>Make sure you turn to God in the midst of your middle, lean into all God has for you in this season.</p> Life. There is a beginning and and ending. In the middle - we face many unknowns. In the middle, there is beauty between.

Throughout the Bible, we read many stories of characters that were stuck in the middle of their story for a very, very, long time.

Noah spent years building the ark, before even one rain drop had fallen. Finally, God made a covenant with Noah in Genesis 9, after the rain subsided - God made a promise to Noah, that he would never destroy the earth with a flood again, and as a sign of the covenant, he gave Noah a rainbow.

God promised promised Abraham that He would lead him to a new land, that he will give Abraham this land as an inheritance, that he will give Abraham a son to call his heir, and that Abraham’s descendants will be a numerous as the stars in the sky.

"This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you." -Genesis 17:10-11

So what was the great sign of the covenant, in which God promised he will be doing these wonderful things, that he will make you into a great nation? The sign: circumcision. Noah, had to wait for his promise, but he got a rainbow. Abraham had to wait for his promise and had to get circumcised.

Jacob worked 7 years so he could marry the woman of his dreams, Rachel. He worksed hard for 7 years, for his future in laws, only to wake up after his wedding night, to Leah, her sister. So, he worked another 7 years in order to have Rachel become his wife.

Pastor Dillon continues to list different people throughout the Bible that faced trials and challenges while they waited for the promise.

In each of these stories, the middle matters the most. The middle is where their faith was tested and proved. The middle is where they were refined. The middle is where they had to trust in God. The middle was where they built their character. The middle is where they had no idea what was going on, yet chose joy. The middle is where at lot of you are right now. You're in the middle with your health, your business, your finances, your family, and your relationships. The middle is where you find the beauty between.

Faith is taking a step when you're not sure if you are going break through or not. It's trusting the process when your heart is broken. Its believing the best is yet to come, when the worst is all you can see.
It’s thanking God for the promise, even when someone else gets a rainbow, and you get circumcision.

You are in the beauty between. You are in the middle of your miracle. You are in the middle of your healing.
You are in the middle of refinement. You are in the middle of your God Story.

The middle is where your miracle finds meaning!

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6

Make sure you turn to God in the midst of your middle, lean into all God has for you in this season.

]]> Sun, 16 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1691 222 7cd34ab71417d168ae2ec8ba57a013ff no River Kids | River of Life Church | May 12, 2021 Pastor Mark Eskew Wed, 12 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1514 223 fef05f129d25ea417f7c28c2603e1737 no Mother's Day Message Pastor Denny Curran <p>Fathers lead. Mothers love. Children obey. There is nothing like the power of a mom!<br><br>"<a href="http://...and" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...and</a> she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months." -Exodus 2:2 (NIV)<br><br>"Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him." -Exodus 2:9 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Mom's are super models.<br><br>- A mother is constantly modeling on the run way of life. Your kids are watching what you do, what you say, how you act, and what you think! Children will wear your attitudes, your values, and your relationships with others.<br><br>"By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s <a href="http://edict.By" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">edict.By</a> faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." -Hebrews 11:23-25 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Mom's are amazing artists.<br><br>"When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” -Exodus 2:10 (NIV)<br><br>- Mother's leave an imprint.<br><br>3.) Mom's are travel agents.<br><br>- They have the ability to direct their kids in life!<br><br>As we close this message, let us leave you with this. <br><br>1.) God is never in a hurry, he always keeps his promises. Hold onto God’s promises. They will come to pass!<br><br>2.) We should be arks of protection for our kids. Build boundaries in your children's lives.<br><br>3.) God‘s providence is always at work. Even though you don’t see it, God is working through you<br>in a powerful way.</p> <p>Fathers lead. Mothers love. Children obey. There is nothing like the power of a mom!<br><br>"<a href="http://...and" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...and</a> she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months." -Exodus 2:2 (NIV)<br><br>"Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him." -Exodus 2:9 (NIV)<br><br>1.) Mom's are super models.<br><br>- A mother is constantly modeling on the run way of life. Your kids are watching what you do, what you say, how you act, and what you think! Children will wear your attitudes, your values, and your relationships with others.<br><br>"By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s <a href="http://edict.By" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">edict.By</a> faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." -Hebrews 11:23-25 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Mom's are amazing artists.<br><br>"When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” -Exodus 2:10 (NIV)<br><br>- Mother's leave an imprint.<br><br>3.) Mom's are travel agents.<br><br>- They have the ability to direct their kids in life!<br><br>As we close this message, let us leave you with this. <br><br>1.) God is never in a hurry, he always keeps his promises. Hold onto God’s promises. They will come to pass!<br><br>2.) We should be arks of protection for our kids. Build boundaries in your children's lives.<br><br>3.) God‘s providence is always at work. Even though you don’t see it, God is working through you<br>in a powerful way.</p> Fathers lead. Mothers love. Children obey. There is nothing like the power of a mom!

"...and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him for three months." -Exodus 2:2 (NIV)

"Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you.” So the woman took the baby and nursed him." -Exodus 2:9 (NIV)

1.) Mom's are super models.

- A mother is constantly modeling on the run way of life. Your kids are watching what you do, what you say, how you act, and what you think! Children will wear your attitudes, your values, and your relationships with others.

"By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin." -Hebrews 11:23-25 (NIV)

2.) Mom's are amazing artists.

"When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh’s daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, “I drew him out of the water.” -Exodus 2:10 (NIV)

- Mother's leave an imprint.

3.) Mom's are travel agents.

- They have the ability to direct their kids in life!

As we close this message, let us leave you with this.

1.) God is never in a hurry, he always keeps his promises. Hold onto God’s promises. They will come to pass!

2.) We should be arks of protection for our kids. Build boundaries in your children's lives.

3.) God‘s providence is always at work. Even though you don’t see it, God is working through you
in a powerful way.

]]> Sun, 09 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2169 224 b78d6250ffc7d97b643bcd2f4b743dc1 no River Kids | River of Life Church | May 9, 2021 Pastor Mark Eskew Sun, 09 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1193 225 544f224b1fcd244d032e0c97b05aa727 no River Kids | River of Life Church | May 5, 2021 Pastor Mark Eskew Wed, 05 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1214 226 676cdb85372692f0a43006a4949d8dbe no Deep Things Pastor Denny Curran <p>"But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” -Exodus 4:13 NIV<br><br>"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." -Acts 17:26 NIV <br><br>Oftentimes, we judge based off our our experience of things. God wants to provide for you an experience that makes you say, "wow!" When Jesus says “follow me,“ we find out firsthand. <br><br>"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen." -Luke 19:37 NIV<br><br>..."and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick… From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." -John 6:2, 66 NIV<br><br>Is there a purpose for your life? Are you finding all the things you're searching for? The christian life is split into two parts - BC & AD. We shared of the life of Paul (Saul) and the life he lived. His salvation came as soon as he responded to his experience. In his lifetime, Paul experienced highs and all the lows, trials and suffering. Yet, in all he experienced, he concluded that Jesus was enough and everything he needed.<br><br>1.) God is all you need. <br><br>"As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20 NIV <br><br>"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9 NIV <br><br>God gave us FAITH because He knew we would face desperate times.<br><br>2.) God is all you want. <br><br>Repentance is a key part in following Jesus. Repentance is not turning away from the good stuff, it's turning towards the good stuff.<br><br>Our seasons of desperation will lead us to realize God is all we need and all we want. The obstacles we face become opportunities we experience.</p> <p>"But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” -Exodus 4:13 NIV<br><br>"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." -Acts 17:26 NIV <br><br>Oftentimes, we judge based off our our experience of things. God wants to provide for you an experience that makes you say, "wow!" When Jesus says “follow me,“ we find out firsthand. <br><br>"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen." -Luke 19:37 NIV<br><br>..."and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick… From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." -John 6:2, 66 NIV<br><br>Is there a purpose for your life? Are you finding all the things you're searching for? The christian life is split into two parts - BC & AD. We shared of the life of Paul (Saul) and the life he lived. His salvation came as soon as he responded to his experience. In his lifetime, Paul experienced highs and all the lows, trials and suffering. Yet, in all he experienced, he concluded that Jesus was enough and everything he needed.<br><br>1.) God is all you need. <br><br>"As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20 NIV <br><br>"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9 NIV <br><br>God gave us FAITH because He knew we would face desperate times.<br><br>2.) God is all you want. <br><br>Repentance is a key part in following Jesus. Repentance is not turning away from the good stuff, it's turning towards the good stuff.<br><br>Our seasons of desperation will lead us to realize God is all we need and all we want. The obstacles we face become opportunities we experience.</p> "But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” -Exodus 4:13 NIV

"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." -Acts 17:26 NIV

Oftentimes, we judge based off our our experience of things. God wants to provide for you an experience that makes you say, "wow!" When Jesus says “follow me,“ we find out firsthand.

"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen." -Luke 19:37 NIV

..."and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick… From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." -John 6:2, 66 NIV

Is there a purpose for your life? Are you finding all the things you're searching for? The christian life is split into two parts - BC & AD. We shared of the life of Paul (Saul) and the life he lived. His salvation came as soon as he responded to his experience. In his lifetime, Paul experienced highs and all the lows, trials and suffering. Yet, in all he experienced, he concluded that Jesus was enough and everything he needed.

1.) God is all you need.

"As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:20 NIV

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:6-9 NIV

God gave us FAITH because He knew we would face desperate times.

2.) God is all you want.

Repentance is a key part in following Jesus. Repentance is not turning away from the good stuff, it's turning towards the good stuff.

Our seasons of desperation will lead us to realize God is all we need and all we want. The obstacles we face become opportunities we experience.

]]> Sun, 02 May 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2443 227 b180485d6ffeaba9767619c49451d7e6 no River Kids | River of Life Church | April 28, 2021 Over and Over (Training to Win the Prize) Pastor Mark Eskew Wed, 28 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1245 228 fae93c41211d85a54a1e3993a542d07c no Come to Me Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28 (NIV)<br><br>"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." <br>-Matthew 6:33 (NIV)<br><br>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me." - Matthew 11:28-29a (NIV)<br><br>"because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” -Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)<br><br>Am I full of peace? Am I full of rest? If not, Jesus says, "Come to Me"<br><br>When we follow Christ, we will find rest.<br><br>In this passage, Jesus is saying, "if you want peace, put on my yoke." What can "putting on a yoke" do?<br>• One ox can pull 8000 pounds<br>• Two ox bridled together can pull 26,000 pounds<br><br>What does the representation of a yoke look like in relationship to our christian walk? <br><br>1.) A yoke is a learning tool.<br>- Take my yoke upon you and learn from me<br><br>2.) A yoke distributes the burden equally.<br>- For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.<br><br>3.) It's as simple as believing. <br><br>"They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” -John 6:28 (NLT)<br><br>"To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?" -John 6:28 (MSG)<br><br>"Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” -John 6:29 (NLT)</p> <p>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28 (NIV)<br><br>"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." <br>-Matthew 6:33 (NIV)<br><br>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me." - Matthew 11:28-29a (NIV)<br><br>"because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” -Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)<br><br>Am I full of peace? Am I full of rest? If not, Jesus says, "Come to Me"<br><br>When we follow Christ, we will find rest.<br><br>In this passage, Jesus is saying, "if you want peace, put on my yoke." What can "putting on a yoke" do?<br>• One ox can pull 8000 pounds<br>• Two ox bridled together can pull 26,000 pounds<br><br>What does the representation of a yoke look like in relationship to our christian walk? <br><br>1.) A yoke is a learning tool.<br>- Take my yoke upon you and learn from me<br><br>2.) A yoke distributes the burden equally.<br>- For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.<br><br>3.) It's as simple as believing. <br><br>"They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” -John 6:28 (NLT)<br><br>"To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?" -John 6:28 (MSG)<br><br>"Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” -John 6:29 (NLT)</p> "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
-Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me." - Matthew 11:28-29a (NIV)

"because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” -Luke 1:78-79 (NIV)

Am I full of peace? Am I full of rest? If not, Jesus says, "Come to Me"

When we follow Christ, we will find rest.

In this passage, Jesus is saying, "if you want peace, put on my yoke." What can "putting on a yoke" do?
• One ox can pull 8000 pounds
• Two ox bridled together can pull 26,000 pounds

What does the representation of a yoke look like in relationship to our christian walk?

1.) A yoke is a learning tool.
- Take my yoke upon you and learn from me

2.) A yoke distributes the burden equally.
- For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

3.) It's as simple as believing.

"They replied, “We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?” -John 6:28 (NLT)

"To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?" -John 6:28 (MSG)

"Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” -John 6:29 (NLT)

]]> Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2415 229 211424136d02995e9d009e91a51bb6ab no River Kids | River of Life Church | April 21, 2021 The Peacemaker (Abigail Intervenes) Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Main focus: You can show you care about others by being part of the solution.</p> <p>Main focus: You can show you care about others by being part of the solution.</p> Main focus: You can show you care about others by being part of the solution.

]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1203 230 28537e137a937d8f5313e24b6a2173d9 no The Requirement of Rest Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>We believe God created us to live in relationship with others so that we can grow in our faith, receive care in life’s ups and downs, and serve others. Connection is part of our design, but meaningful relationships aren’t always easy to find. That’s why Life Groups exist—to make these life-changing connections relevant and accessible to you.<br><br>There are things we learn from Jesus by what he taught, and other things we learn by what he did. We are simply trying to read through some of the scriptures and challenge us to understand the lessons that Jesus’ words and life were teaching. We want to see the big picture in the story.<br><br>We began this series in chapter 4, speaking on the subject of identity. How the enemy many times gives us a false identity. Last week we hit on importance of healthy relationships. So tonight we are going to read through part of Luke 6. And see what lessons Jesus has for us!<br><br>For more information, please go to <a href="https://riveroflifeag.org/lifegroups" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org/lifegroups</a>.</p> <p>We believe God created us to live in relationship with others so that we can grow in our faith, receive care in life’s ups and downs, and serve others. Connection is part of our design, but meaningful relationships aren’t always easy to find. That’s why Life Groups exist—to make these life-changing connections relevant and accessible to you.<br><br>There are things we learn from Jesus by what he taught, and other things we learn by what he did. We are simply trying to read through some of the scriptures and challenge us to understand the lessons that Jesus’ words and life were teaching. We want to see the big picture in the story.<br><br>We began this series in chapter 4, speaking on the subject of identity. How the enemy many times gives us a false identity. Last week we hit on importance of healthy relationships. So tonight we are going to read through part of Luke 6. And see what lessons Jesus has for us!<br><br>For more information, please go to <a href="https://riveroflifeag.org/lifegroups" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org/lifegroups</a>.</p> We believe God created us to live in relationship with others so that we can grow in our faith, receive care in life’s ups and downs, and serve others. Connection is part of our design, but meaningful relationships aren’t always easy to find. That’s why Life Groups exist—to make these life-changing connections relevant and accessible to you.

There are things we learn from Jesus by what he taught, and other things we learn by what he did. We are simply trying to read through some of the scriptures and challenge us to understand the lessons that Jesus’ words and life were teaching. We want to see the big picture in the story.

We began this series in chapter 4, speaking on the subject of identity. How the enemy many times gives us a false identity. Last week we hit on importance of healthy relationships. So tonight we are going to read through part of Luke 6. And see what lessons Jesus has for us!

For more information, please go to https://riveroflifeag.org/lifegroups.

]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1420 231 2d1c971e129ca4b2a645c488a5b32ef4 no Say Yes Pastor Denny Curran <p>God often speaks to people or calls them to something that doesn’t make sense. It may scare them to death because its not within their means or resources. God just say follow me and trust me.<br><br>God spoke to Abraham and drew him out of his comfort zone. When Abraham said yes, he saw God in every aspect of his life and then he began to live life to the fullest.<br><br>Moses was a murderer on the run in the wilderness. God called him out and began to reveal to him the plans and purpose He had for him. Moses argued with God about his qualifications. He put up a fight, and argued about his ability! When he finally surrendered and said yes, miracles happened. He put his faith in a God who called him and stepped out.<br><br>"Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." -Exodus 3:1 NIV <br><br>1.) Is there something I know God‘s been asking me to do?<br>2.) When’s the last time I asked God, “Is there anything you’d like me to say yes to?”<br><br>Pray life-changing prayers. What are life-changing prayers? "Lord, here is my life and all I hope and dream to be, what would you like me to do?"<br><br>Luke 5:1-11 NIV <br>"One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."<br><br>How to Say Yes:<br><br>1.) Listen<br><br>Simon said YES because he was listening.<br><br>Tips to Listen & Drawing Near to God:<br>A. Worship for five minutes<br>B. Talk to God for five minutes<br>C. Read the Bible 10 minutes<br><br>2.) Choose<br><br>Simon was given a choice.<br><br>Throughout scripture, we read many stories of people who said yes. Here’s what happened BECAUSE they said yes -<br>Abraham started a nation.<br>Moses freed a nation from slavery.<br>Joshua lead a nation into the promised land.<br>The Disciples created a nation of prophets and priests and kings, a holy nation. <br>Peter built the church.<br><br>Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV<br>“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”<br><br>Psalm 1:1-3 NIV<br>"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."<br><br>Following God doesn't always make sense. But saying yes to Him leads us to blessing, providence, fearlessness, peace, purpose, and productivity.<br><br>Ephesians 3:20 NIV <br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"</p> <p>God often speaks to people or calls them to something that doesn’t make sense. It may scare them to death because its not within their means or resources. God just say follow me and trust me.<br><br>God spoke to Abraham and drew him out of his comfort zone. When Abraham said yes, he saw God in every aspect of his life and then he began to live life to the fullest.<br><br>Moses was a murderer on the run in the wilderness. God called him out and began to reveal to him the plans and purpose He had for him. Moses argued with God about his qualifications. He put up a fight, and argued about his ability! When he finally surrendered and said yes, miracles happened. He put his faith in a God who called him and stepped out.<br><br>"Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." -Exodus 3:1 NIV <br><br>1.) Is there something I know God‘s been asking me to do?<br>2.) When’s the last time I asked God, “Is there anything you’d like me to say yes to?”<br><br>Pray life-changing prayers. What are life-changing prayers? "Lord, here is my life and all I hope and dream to be, what would you like me to do?"<br><br>Luke 5:1-11 NIV <br>"One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."<br><br>How to Say Yes:<br><br>1.) Listen<br><br>Simon said YES because he was listening.<br><br>Tips to Listen & Drawing Near to God:<br>A. Worship for five minutes<br>B. Talk to God for five minutes<br>C. Read the Bible 10 minutes<br><br>2.) Choose<br><br>Simon was given a choice.<br><br>Throughout scripture, we read many stories of people who said yes. Here’s what happened BECAUSE they said yes -<br>Abraham started a nation.<br>Moses freed a nation from slavery.<br>Joshua lead a nation into the promised land.<br>The Disciples created a nation of prophets and priests and kings, a holy nation. <br>Peter built the church.<br><br>Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV<br>“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”<br><br>Psalm 1:1-3 NIV<br>"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."<br><br>Following God doesn't always make sense. But saying yes to Him leads us to blessing, providence, fearlessness, peace, purpose, and productivity.<br><br>Ephesians 3:20 NIV <br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"</p> God often speaks to people or calls them to something that doesn’t make sense. It may scare them to death because its not within their means or resources. God just say follow me and trust me.

God spoke to Abraham and drew him out of his comfort zone. When Abraham said yes, he saw God in every aspect of his life and then he began to live life to the fullest.

Moses was a murderer on the run in the wilderness. God called him out and began to reveal to him the plans and purpose He had for him. Moses argued with God about his qualifications. He put up a fight, and argued about his ability! When he finally surrendered and said yes, miracles happened. He put his faith in a God who called him and stepped out.

"Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." -Exodus 3:1 NIV 

1.) Is there something I know God‘s been asking me to do?
2.) When’s the last time I asked God, “Is there anything you’d like me to say yes to?”

Pray life-changing prayers. What are life-changing prayers? "Lord, here is my life and all I hope and dream to be, what would you like me to do?"

Luke 5:1-11 NIV
"One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding around him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him."

How to Say Yes:

1.) Listen

Simon said YES because he was listening.

Tips to Listen & Drawing Near to God:
A. Worship for five minutes
B. Talk to God for five minutes
C. Read the Bible 10 minutes

2.) Choose

Simon was given a choice.

Throughout scripture, we read many stories of people who said yes. Here’s what happened BECAUSE they said yes -
Abraham started a nation.
Moses freed a nation from slavery.
Joshua lead a nation into the promised land.
The Disciples created a nation of prophets and priests and kings, a holy nation.
Peter built the church.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Psalm 1:1-3 NIV
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers."

Following God doesn't always make sense. But saying yes to Him leads us to blessing, providence, fearlessness, peace, purpose, and productivity.

Ephesians 3:20 NIV
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,"

]]> Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2784 232 ed0eb9004efea1ae33320e70fc884f4a no Relational Realities Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>We believe God created us to live in relationship with others so that we can grow in our faith, receive care in life’s ups and downs, and serve others. Connection is part of our design, but meaningful relationships aren’t always easy to find. That’s why Life Groups exist—to make these life-changing connections relevant and accessible to you.<br><br>Join us in this short three-week series, we will unpack and discuss a handful of Jesus teachings found in the Bible. Wednesdays at 7pm in the main sanctuary at River of Life starting April 7th, 14th, and 21st with Pastors Adam and Amber Haugen. During this series called "Life Lessons From Jesus," we will focus on Luke chapters 4-6.We are looking into how we pull life lessons out of the life of Jesus. So for these 3 weeks are challenging you to read through Luke chapters 4, 5, and 6. <br><br>There are things we learn from Jesus by what he taught, and other things we learn by what he did. We are simply trying to read through some of the scriptures and challenge us to understand the lessons that Jesus’ words and life were teaching. We want to see the big picture in the story.<br><br>During this teaching, we are going to read through Luke 5. Now, the Bible is a unique book because it is the Word of God— it is living and active— which means that there are multiple lessons that we could pull from these chapters. <br><br>Last time we looked at Luke 4 and we talked about identity; <br>How Jesus’ identity was formed from the Word of God. Tonight we are going to focus on relationships, and the first story has a bit of a tie over from chapter 4. <br><br>As Jesus is gathering his first disciples, we see a bit of an identity crisis in Simon Peter.<br>See Luke 5.</p> <p>We believe God created us to live in relationship with others so that we can grow in our faith, receive care in life’s ups and downs, and serve others. Connection is part of our design, but meaningful relationships aren’t always easy to find. That’s why Life Groups exist—to make these life-changing connections relevant and accessible to you.<br><br>Join us in this short three-week series, we will unpack and discuss a handful of Jesus teachings found in the Bible. Wednesdays at 7pm in the main sanctuary at River of Life starting April 7th, 14th, and 21st with Pastors Adam and Amber Haugen. During this series called "Life Lessons From Jesus," we will focus on Luke chapters 4-6.We are looking into how we pull life lessons out of the life of Jesus. So for these 3 weeks are challenging you to read through Luke chapters 4, 5, and 6. <br><br>There are things we learn from Jesus by what he taught, and other things we learn by what he did. We are simply trying to read through some of the scriptures and challenge us to understand the lessons that Jesus’ words and life were teaching. We want to see the big picture in the story.<br><br>During this teaching, we are going to read through Luke 5. Now, the Bible is a unique book because it is the Word of God— it is living and active— which means that there are multiple lessons that we could pull from these chapters. <br><br>Last time we looked at Luke 4 and we talked about identity; <br>How Jesus’ identity was formed from the Word of God. Tonight we are going to focus on relationships, and the first story has a bit of a tie over from chapter 4. <br><br>As Jesus is gathering his first disciples, we see a bit of an identity crisis in Simon Peter.<br>See Luke 5.</p> We believe God created us to live in relationship with others so that we can grow in our faith, receive care in life’s ups and downs, and serve others. Connection is part of our design, but meaningful relationships aren’t always easy to find. That’s why Life Groups exist—to make these life-changing connections relevant and accessible to you.

Join us in this short three-week series, we will unpack and discuss a handful of Jesus teachings found in the Bible. Wednesdays at 7pm in the main sanctuary at River of Life starting April 7th, 14th, and 21st with Pastors Adam and Amber Haugen. During this series called "Life Lessons From Jesus," we will focus on Luke chapters 4-6.We are looking into how we pull life lessons out of the life of Jesus. So for these 3 weeks are challenging you to read through Luke chapters 4, 5, and 6.

There are things we learn from Jesus by what he taught, and other things we learn by what he did. We are simply trying to read through some of the scriptures and challenge us to understand the lessons that Jesus’ words and life were teaching. We want to see the big picture in the story.

During this teaching, we are going to read through Luke 5. Now, the Bible is a unique book because it is the Word of God— it is living and active— which means that there are multiple lessons that we could pull from these chapters.

Last time we looked at Luke 4 and we talked about identity;
How Jesus’ identity was formed from the Word of God. Tonight we are going to focus on relationships, and the first story has a bit of a tie over from chapter 4.

As Jesus is gathering his first disciples, we see a bit of an identity crisis in Simon Peter.
See Luke 5.

]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1988 233 e0f4606ef27f20465be91573b49a3c10 no River Kids | River of Life Church | April 14, 2021 Give Me Peace on Earth Pastor Mark Eskew <p>If you’ve ever played on a team, then you know how important it is for everyone to work together and do their part. That’s how God made us to live—in every part of our lives. He made us to live in peace with each other.</p> <p>If you’ve ever played on a team, then you know how important it is for everyone to work together and do their part. That’s how God made us to live—in every part of our lives. He made us to live in peace with each other.</p> If you’ve ever played on a team, then you know how important it is for everyone to work together and do their part. That’s how God made us to live—in every part of our lives. He made us to live in peace with each other.

]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1145 234 2caad7af490c3662d29a5e6f2eef724d no The Obvious Does Not Obligate God Prayer & Healing Services with Randy Ruiz Guest Speaker Randy Ruiz <p>Pastor Randy Ruiz is a traveling evangelist who teaches on healing and prayer. This weekend, he joined us at River of Life Church to speak on the biblical truth of who God is and what He can do through the power of His Holy Spirit.<br><br>We serve a God of patterns. In each of the scriptures below, we see that God PASSES BY.<br><br>"And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly." -2 Kings 4:9 (NKJ)<br><br>"They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”- Luke 18:37 (ESV)<br><br>"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through." -Luke 19:1 (NIV)<br><br>"He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them," -Mark 6:48 (NIV)<br><br>"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” -John 7:37 (NIV)<br><br>There is a Biblical Truth we're experiencing today - the obvious need does not obligate God to do a miracle.<br><br>What makes the Holy Spirit stand still?<br>1.) Our desperation<br>2.) Our honesty with God<br>3.) Our faith<br><br>When you are desperate for Jesus, you are willing to do whatever it takes to catch His attention.<br><br>Luke 19:1 - 9 (NIV) Story of Zacchaeus<br><br>"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”<br><br>Zacchaeus was DESPERATE for a move of the Holy Spirit, so he did something out of the ordinary to get the attention of Jesus. <br><br>Luke 18: 35 - 43 (NIV) Story of Bartimaeus <br><br>"As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God."<br><br>Bartimaeus called out to God because he was desperate. He did something out of the ordinary to get the attention of Jesus.<br><br>How desperate are you for the presence of the Holy Spirit to pour out into your life?</p> <p>Pastor Randy Ruiz is a traveling evangelist who teaches on healing and prayer. This weekend, he joined us at River of Life Church to speak on the biblical truth of who God is and what He can do through the power of His Holy Spirit.<br><br>We serve a God of patterns. In each of the scriptures below, we see that God PASSES BY.<br><br>"And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly." -2 Kings 4:9 (NKJ)<br><br>"They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”- Luke 18:37 (ESV)<br><br>"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through." -Luke 19:1 (NIV)<br><br>"He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them," -Mark 6:48 (NIV)<br><br>"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” -John 7:37 (NIV)<br><br>There is a Biblical Truth we're experiencing today - the obvious need does not obligate God to do a miracle.<br><br>What makes the Holy Spirit stand still?<br>1.) Our desperation<br>2.) Our honesty with God<br>3.) Our faith<br><br>When you are desperate for Jesus, you are willing to do whatever it takes to catch His attention.<br><br>Luke 19:1 - 9 (NIV) Story of Zacchaeus<br><br>"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”<br><br>Zacchaeus was DESPERATE for a move of the Holy Spirit, so he did something out of the ordinary to get the attention of Jesus. <br><br>Luke 18: 35 - 43 (NIV) Story of Bartimaeus <br><br>"As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God."<br><br>Bartimaeus called out to God because he was desperate. He did something out of the ordinary to get the attention of Jesus.<br><br>How desperate are you for the presence of the Holy Spirit to pour out into your life?</p> Pastor Randy Ruiz is a traveling evangelist who teaches on healing and prayer. This weekend, he joined us at River of Life Church to speak on the biblical truth of who God is and what He can do through the power of His Holy Spirit.

We serve a God of patterns. In each of the scriptures below, we see that God PASSES BY.

"And she said to her husband, “Look now, I know that this is a holy man of God, who passes by us regularly." -2 Kings 4:9 (NKJ)

"They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”- Luke 18:37 (ESV)

"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through." -Luke 19:1 (NIV)

"He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them," -Mark 6:48 (NIV)

"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.” -John 7:37 (NIV)

There is a Biblical Truth we're experiencing today - the obvious need does not obligate God to do a miracle.

What makes the Holy Spirit stand still?
1.) Our desperation
2.) Our honesty with God
3.) Our faith

When you are desperate for Jesus, you are willing to do whatever it takes to catch His attention.

Luke 19:1 - 9 (NIV) Story of Zacchaeus

"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Zacchaeus was DESPERATE for a move of the Holy Spirit, so he did something out of the ordinary to get the attention of Jesus.

Luke 18: 35 - 43 (NIV) Story of Bartimaeus

"As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God."

Bartimaeus called out to God because he was desperate. He did something out of the ordinary to get the attention of Jesus.

How desperate are you for the presence of the Holy Spirit to pour out into your life?

]]> Sun, 11 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2106 235 d7331049407f8a884bc3673ed84fb2df no River Kids | River of Life Church | April 7, 2021 Pastor Mark Eskew Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1091 236 417ddfa3c5b34caf9e2d82423f419335 no Stolen Identity Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Our identity is one of the main lessons Jesus teaches in Luke 4 and our true, God-given identity starts when we begin our relationship with God. <br>LIFE LESSON 1: Sometimes it is God’s Spirit that leads you into the wilderness. <br>LIFE LESSON 2: If you don’t want your identity stolen by the enemy, you must know the word of God. <br>LIFE LESSON 3: Your purpose comes from God, not peoples’ expectations or opinions.</p> <p>Our identity is one of the main lessons Jesus teaches in Luke 4 and our true, God-given identity starts when we begin our relationship with God. <br>LIFE LESSON 1: Sometimes it is God’s Spirit that leads you into the wilderness. <br>LIFE LESSON 2: If you don’t want your identity stolen by the enemy, you must know the word of God. <br>LIFE LESSON 3: Your purpose comes from God, not peoples’ expectations or opinions.</p> Our identity is one of the main lessons Jesus teaches in Luke 4 and our true, God-given identity starts when we begin our relationship with God.
LIFE LESSON 1: Sometimes it is God’s Spirit that leads you into the wilderness.
LIFE LESSON 2: If you don’t want your identity stolen by the enemy, you must know the word of God.
LIFE LESSON 3: Your purpose comes from God, not peoples’ expectations or opinions.

]]> Wed, 07 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1789 237 ebc5f60b0956a5fc845cd734ff1eb0e6 no Easter at River of Life Church Pastor Denny Curran <p>Welcome to Easter at River of Life Church! Hear a message of hope, transformation, and new life told through testimony, song, and the Word of God.</p> <p>Welcome to Easter at River of Life Church! Hear a message of hope, transformation, and new life told through testimony, song, and the Word of God.</p> Welcome to Easter at River of Life Church! Hear a message of hope, transformation, and new life told through testimony, song, and the Word of God.

]]> Sun, 04 Apr 2021 10:00:00 +0000 3751 238 f3e0a006fe67e61bf00af2eaaf49ac94 no God's Design Pastor Denny Curran <p>"But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command." -1 Samuel 13:14 <br><br>"One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” -2 Samuel 11:2-5<br><br>David fell into temptation because he was in a rooftop and allowed his eyes to linger for too long. He chose lust for a moment and it cost him everything. What is your rooftop?<br><br>When Joseph faced temptation, he ran! <br><br>"She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house." -Genesis 39:12<br><br>"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." -1 Corinthians 6:18<br><br>Joseph ended up in prison, then God him blessed beyond his imagination. David ended up in prosperity and things went on as normal before Nathan the prophet brought God‘s word to him. God spared David’s life, but the disciplined king still had to live with the consequences of his sin. After David repented, God‘s presence returned to him.<br><br>"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." -Psalm 51:10-12 <br><br>Joseph story demonstrates what great blessing can come when we faithfully follow God’s word. It also set an example of how to handle persistent sexual temptation that threatens us, run!<br><br>We have a choice to make when it comes to sex - Designer Sex or Cultural Sex.<br><br>Designer Sex: <br>1. Sex is God's idea.<br>2. Human sexuality is unique.<br>3. Sex involves every aspect of our being.<br>4. Sex is sacred.<br><br>"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." -Hebrews 13:4 <br><br>"But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead." <br>-Isaiah 43:1-3<br><br>These three truths can help us through the toughest challenges in life. From temptation to deep hurt, we can cling to these things:<br><br>1. God's Plan<br><br>"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." -Romans 8:28-29<br><br>2. God's Presence<br><br>"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." -Isaiah 43:2 NIV<br><br>3. God's Protection<br><br>"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." -Isaiah 43:2 NLT <br><br>"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31</p> <p>"But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command." -1 Samuel 13:14 <br><br>"One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” -2 Samuel 11:2-5<br><br>David fell into temptation because he was in a rooftop and allowed his eyes to linger for too long. He chose lust for a moment and it cost him everything. What is your rooftop?<br><br>When Joseph faced temptation, he ran! <br><br>"She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house." -Genesis 39:12<br><br>"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." -1 Corinthians 6:18<br><br>Joseph ended up in prison, then God him blessed beyond his imagination. David ended up in prosperity and things went on as normal before Nathan the prophet brought God‘s word to him. God spared David’s life, but the disciplined king still had to live with the consequences of his sin. After David repented, God‘s presence returned to him.<br><br>"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." -Psalm 51:10-12 <br><br>Joseph story demonstrates what great blessing can come when we faithfully follow God’s word. It also set an example of how to handle persistent sexual temptation that threatens us, run!<br><br>We have a choice to make when it comes to sex - Designer Sex or Cultural Sex.<br><br>Designer Sex: <br>1. Sex is God's idea.<br>2. Human sexuality is unique.<br>3. Sex involves every aspect of our being.<br>4. Sex is sacred.<br><br>"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." -Hebrews 13:4 <br><br>"But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead." <br>-Isaiah 43:1-3<br><br>These three truths can help us through the toughest challenges in life. From temptation to deep hurt, we can cling to these things:<br><br>1. God's Plan<br><br>"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." -Romans 8:28-29<br><br>2. God's Presence<br><br>"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." -Isaiah 43:2 NIV<br><br>3. God's Protection<br><br>"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." -Isaiah 43:2 NLT <br><br>"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31</p> "But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command." -1 Samuel 13:14

"One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home. The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, “I am pregnant.” -2 Samuel 11:2-5

David fell into temptation because he was in a rooftop and allowed his eyes to linger for too long. He chose lust for a moment and it cost him everything. What is your rooftop?

When Joseph faced temptation, he ran!

"She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house." -Genesis 39:12

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." -1 Corinthians 6:18

Joseph ended up in prison, then God him blessed beyond his imagination. David ended up in prosperity and things went on as normal before Nathan the prophet brought God‘s word to him. God spared David’s life, but the disciplined king still had to live with the consequences of his sin. After David repented, God‘s presence returned to him.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." -Psalm 51:10-12

Joseph story demonstrates what great blessing can come when we faithfully follow God’s word. It also set an example of how to handle persistent sexual temptation that threatens us, run!

We have a choice to make when it comes to sex - Designer Sex or Cultural Sex.

Designer Sex:
1. Sex is God's idea.
2. Human sexuality is unique.
3. Sex involves every aspect of our being.
4. Sex is sacred.

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." -Hebrews 13:4

"But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead."
-Isaiah 43:1-3

These three truths can help us through the toughest challenges in life. From temptation to deep hurt, we can cling to these things:

1. God's Plan

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." -Romans 8:28-29

2. God's Presence

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." -Isaiah 43:2 NIV

3. God's Protection

"When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." -Isaiah 43:2 NLT

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40:31

]]> Sun, 28 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2307 239 60234b068d6e1b713dd536e623b38f30 no River Kids | River of Life Church | March 24, 2021 Can’t Hardly Wait (Esau’s Impatience) - Part 2 Pastor Mark Eskew <p>It can be tough to be patient. Such as waiting on your parent to stop working, waiting on virtual class to load, waiting for the next movie in your favorite series. What could you LOSE if you’re NOT patient?<br><br>God had promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation—and God said He would bless all people through him. God began to fulfill this promise when Abraham had a son named Isaac. When Isaac grew up, he married Rebekah. It seemed that Isaac and Rebekah couldn’t have children, but God kept His promise. Isaac prayed, God answered his prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with TWINS. Rebekah could feel the twin boys struggling inside her, and went to ask God what she should do. <br><br>The time came for Rebekah to have her babies. Esau was born first; he had a head full of red hair. Then Jacob was born—still holding onto Esau’s heel. Esau loved to roam in the wilderness. He grew up to become a skillful hunter<br>Jacob was happy to stay at home among the tents. He probably spent his days cooking.<br><br>One day, Jacob was cooking stew and baking bread. Esau came in from the open country, very hungry. Esau demanded that Jacob give him some food<br>Jacob. Back then, the oldest son had the right to be the new leader of the family when the father passed away. Jacob was telling Esau to give those rights to HIM—just for a bowl of stew. Esau wasn’t willing to wait.<br><br>Jacob made Esau promise to trade his rights if he gave him some stew. Esau promised his rights to Jacob just so he could fill his belly.<br><br>Esau had traded away the rights of a lifetime, for a meal that would last a few hours. God provides what we need, in HIS perfect timing<br>Bottom line, If you don’t wait, it could cost you.</p> <p>It can be tough to be patient. Such as waiting on your parent to stop working, waiting on virtual class to load, waiting for the next movie in your favorite series. What could you LOSE if you’re NOT patient?<br><br>God had promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation—and God said He would bless all people through him. God began to fulfill this promise when Abraham had a son named Isaac. When Isaac grew up, he married Rebekah. It seemed that Isaac and Rebekah couldn’t have children, but God kept His promise. Isaac prayed, God answered his prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with TWINS. Rebekah could feel the twin boys struggling inside her, and went to ask God what she should do. <br><br>The time came for Rebekah to have her babies. Esau was born first; he had a head full of red hair. Then Jacob was born—still holding onto Esau’s heel. Esau loved to roam in the wilderness. He grew up to become a skillful hunter<br>Jacob was happy to stay at home among the tents. He probably spent his days cooking.<br><br>One day, Jacob was cooking stew and baking bread. Esau came in from the open country, very hungry. Esau demanded that Jacob give him some food<br>Jacob. Back then, the oldest son had the right to be the new leader of the family when the father passed away. Jacob was telling Esau to give those rights to HIM—just for a bowl of stew. Esau wasn’t willing to wait.<br><br>Jacob made Esau promise to trade his rights if he gave him some stew. Esau promised his rights to Jacob just so he could fill his belly.<br><br>Esau had traded away the rights of a lifetime, for a meal that would last a few hours. God provides what we need, in HIS perfect timing<br>Bottom line, If you don’t wait, it could cost you.</p> It can be tough to be patient. Such as waiting on your parent to stop working, waiting on virtual class to load, waiting for the next movie in your favorite series. What could you LOSE if you’re NOT patient?

God had promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation—and God said He would bless all people through him. God began to fulfill this promise when Abraham had a son named Isaac. When Isaac grew up, he married Rebekah. It seemed that Isaac and Rebekah couldn’t have children, but God kept His promise. Isaac prayed, God answered his prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with TWINS. Rebekah could feel the twin boys struggling inside her, and went to ask God what she should do.

The time came for Rebekah to have her babies. Esau was born first; he had a head full of red hair. Then Jacob was born—still holding onto Esau’s heel. Esau loved to roam in the wilderness. He grew up to become a skillful hunter
Jacob was happy to stay at home among the tents. He probably spent his days cooking.

One day, Jacob was cooking stew and baking bread. Esau came in from the open country, very hungry. Esau demanded that Jacob give him some food
Jacob. Back then, the oldest son had the right to be the new leader of the family when the father passed away. Jacob was telling Esau to give those rights to HIM—just for a bowl of stew. Esau wasn’t willing to wait.

Jacob made Esau promise to trade his rights if he gave him some stew. Esau promised his rights to Jacob just so he could fill his belly.

Esau had traded away the rights of a lifetime, for a meal that would last a few hours. God provides what we need, in HIS perfect timing
Bottom line, If you don’t wait, it could cost you.

]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1216 240 d181d9b007e06946207ae8dee56fce94 no Quicksand Pastor Denny Curran <p>"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." <br>-Matthew 6:33 NIV<br><br>Oftentimes, money is a source of conflict in marriage. We focus too much on <a href="http://materialism.In" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">materialism.In</a> today's message, we are talking all about finances, stewardship, and budgeting. <br><br>Materialism: I need it, I want it, I have to have it.<br><br>Stewardship refers to God’s ownership and a human being’s partnership. When we give first place to the Father’s agenda, the Son’s priorities, and causes of God’s church, we invest in things that last forever.<br><br>We misunderstand money and it’s used when we think it’s all ours, or even as 90% ours and 10% God’s. Today, we are going to challenge you to readjust, reschedule, replan, reprogram so that we put God first.<br><br>Budgeting can also help couples with financial stress. <br><br>10-70-20 Budget <br>1. Subtract your tithe and taxes from your gross income. <br>2. Take 10% of what’s left and invest it. <br>3. Use 70% of the remainder for life expenses. <br>4. Apply 20% to pay down debt.<br><br>Too often, we turn to greed. In the beginning of our current series, we talked about selfishness and self serving. Nothing will push you into the quicksand of materialism and debt more than greed. Greed is the mishandling of blessings.<br><br>How do we overcome greed?<br><br>1.) Learn the secret of admiring without desiring<br><br>2.) Learn the secret of being generous toward God<br><br>3.) Learn the reality of death in relationship to things<br><br>"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:21 NIV<br><br>Jesus said we are to seek first God‘s kingdom and everything we need will come as a result of such priorities! When God gives us more than the basics, he wants to use our abundance as a blessing to others, for his kingdom, for things that will last forever.</p> <p>"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." <br>-Matthew 6:33 NIV<br><br>Oftentimes, money is a source of conflict in marriage. We focus too much on <a href="http://materialism.In" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">materialism.In</a> today's message, we are talking all about finances, stewardship, and budgeting. <br><br>Materialism: I need it, I want it, I have to have it.<br><br>Stewardship refers to God’s ownership and a human being’s partnership. When we give first place to the Father’s agenda, the Son’s priorities, and causes of God’s church, we invest in things that last forever.<br><br>We misunderstand money and it’s used when we think it’s all ours, or even as 90% ours and 10% God’s. Today, we are going to challenge you to readjust, reschedule, replan, reprogram so that we put God first.<br><br>Budgeting can also help couples with financial stress. <br><br>10-70-20 Budget <br>1. Subtract your tithe and taxes from your gross income. <br>2. Take 10% of what’s left and invest it. <br>3. Use 70% of the remainder for life expenses. <br>4. Apply 20% to pay down debt.<br><br>Too often, we turn to greed. In the beginning of our current series, we talked about selfishness and self serving. Nothing will push you into the quicksand of materialism and debt more than greed. Greed is the mishandling of blessings.<br><br>How do we overcome greed?<br><br>1.) Learn the secret of admiring without desiring<br><br>2.) Learn the secret of being generous toward God<br><br>3.) Learn the reality of death in relationship to things<br><br>"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:21 NIV<br><br>Jesus said we are to seek first God‘s kingdom and everything we need will come as a result of such priorities! When God gives us more than the basics, he wants to use our abundance as a blessing to others, for his kingdom, for things that will last forever.</p> "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
-Matthew 6:33 NIV

Oftentimes, money is a source of conflict in marriage. We focus too much on materialism.In today's message, we are talking all about finances, stewardship, and budgeting.

Materialism: I need it, I want it, I have to have it.

Stewardship refers to God’s ownership and a human being’s partnership. When we give first place to the Father’s agenda, the Son’s priorities, and causes of God’s church, we invest in things that last forever.

We misunderstand money and it’s used when we think it’s all ours, or even as 90% ours and 10% God’s. Today, we are going to challenge you to readjust, reschedule, replan, reprogram so that we put God first.

Budgeting can also help couples with financial stress.

10-70-20 Budget
1. Subtract your tithe and taxes from your gross income.
2. Take 10% of what’s left and invest it.
3. Use 70% of the remainder for life expenses.
4. Apply 20% to pay down debt.

Too often, we turn to greed. In the beginning of our current series, we talked about selfishness and self serving. Nothing will push you into the quicksand of materialism and debt more than greed. Greed is the mishandling of blessings.

How do we overcome greed?

1.) Learn the secret of admiring without desiring

2.) Learn the secret of being generous toward God

3.) Learn the reality of death in relationship to things

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:21 NIV

Jesus said we are to seek first God‘s kingdom and everything we need will come as a result of such priorities! When God gives us more than the basics, he wants to use our abundance as a blessing to others, for his kingdom, for things that will last forever.

]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2715 241 20ec2626ce107699441a0faec4ed71a1 no River Kids | River of Life Church | March 21, 2021 Can’t Hardly Wait (Esau’s Impatience) Pastor Mark Eskew <p>It can be tough to be patient. Such as waiting on your parent to stop working, waiting on virtual class to load, waiting for the next movie in your favorite series. What could you LOSE if you’re NOT patient?<br><br>God had promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation—and God said He would bless all people through him. God began to fulfill this promise when Abraham had a son named Isaac. When Isaac grew up, he married Rebekah. It seemed that Isaac and Rebekah couldn’t have children, but God kept His promise. Isaac prayed, God answered his prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with TWINS. Rebekah could feel the twin boys struggling inside her, and went to ask God what she should do. <br><br>The time came for Rebekah to have her babies. Esau was born first; he had a head full of red hair. Then Jacob was born—still holding onto Esau’s heel. Esau loved to roam in the wilderness. He grew up to become a skillful hunter<br>Jacob was happy to stay at home among the tents. He probably spent his days cooking.<br><br>One day, Jacob was cooking stew and baking bread. Esau came in from the open country, very hungry. Esau demanded that Jacob give him some food<br>Jacob. Back then, the oldest son had the right to be the new leader of the family when the father passed away. Jacob was telling Esau to give those rights to HIM—just for a bowl of stew. Esau wasn’t willing to wait.<br><br>Jacob made Esau promise to trade his rights if he gave him some stew. Esau promised his rights to Jacob just so he could fill his belly.<br><br>Esau had traded away the rights of a lifetime, for a meal that would last a few hours. God provides what we need, in HIS perfect timing<br>Bottom line, If you don’t wait, it could cost you.</p> <p>It can be tough to be patient. Such as waiting on your parent to stop working, waiting on virtual class to load, waiting for the next movie in your favorite series. What could you LOSE if you’re NOT patient?<br><br>God had promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation—and God said He would bless all people through him. God began to fulfill this promise when Abraham had a son named Isaac. When Isaac grew up, he married Rebekah. It seemed that Isaac and Rebekah couldn’t have children, but God kept His promise. Isaac prayed, God answered his prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with TWINS. Rebekah could feel the twin boys struggling inside her, and went to ask God what she should do. <br><br>The time came for Rebekah to have her babies. Esau was born first; he had a head full of red hair. Then Jacob was born—still holding onto Esau’s heel. Esau loved to roam in the wilderness. He grew up to become a skillful hunter<br>Jacob was happy to stay at home among the tents. He probably spent his days cooking.<br><br>One day, Jacob was cooking stew and baking bread. Esau came in from the open country, very hungry. Esau demanded that Jacob give him some food<br>Jacob. Back then, the oldest son had the right to be the new leader of the family when the father passed away. Jacob was telling Esau to give those rights to HIM—just for a bowl of stew. Esau wasn’t willing to wait.<br><br>Jacob made Esau promise to trade his rights if he gave him some stew. Esau promised his rights to Jacob just so he could fill his belly.<br><br>Esau had traded away the rights of a lifetime, for a meal that would last a few hours. God provides what we need, in HIS perfect timing<br>Bottom line, If you don’t wait, it could cost you.</p> It can be tough to be patient. Such as waiting on your parent to stop working, waiting on virtual class to load, waiting for the next movie in your favorite series. What could you LOSE if you’re NOT patient?

God had promised to make Abraham the father of a great nation—and God said He would bless all people through him. God began to fulfill this promise when Abraham had a son named Isaac. When Isaac grew up, he married Rebekah. It seemed that Isaac and Rebekah couldn’t have children, but God kept His promise. Isaac prayed, God answered his prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with TWINS. Rebekah could feel the twin boys struggling inside her, and went to ask God what she should do.

The time came for Rebekah to have her babies. Esau was born first; he had a head full of red hair. Then Jacob was born—still holding onto Esau’s heel. Esau loved to roam in the wilderness. He grew up to become a skillful hunter
Jacob was happy to stay at home among the tents. He probably spent his days cooking.

One day, Jacob was cooking stew and baking bread. Esau came in from the open country, very hungry. Esau demanded that Jacob give him some food
Jacob. Back then, the oldest son had the right to be the new leader of the family when the father passed away. Jacob was telling Esau to give those rights to HIM—just for a bowl of stew. Esau wasn’t willing to wait.

Jacob made Esau promise to trade his rights if he gave him some stew. Esau promised his rights to Jacob just so he could fill his belly.

Esau had traded away the rights of a lifetime, for a meal that would last a few hours. God provides what we need, in HIS perfect timing
Bottom line, If you don’t wait, it could cost you.

]]> Sun, 21 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1236 242 c5902a681018f8007f884de5ddf35123 no River Kids | River of Life Church | March 17, 2021 Sitting, Waiting, Wishing (Golden Calf) part 2 Pastor Mark Eskew <p>For hundreds of years, God’s people lived as slaves in Egypt. They cried out to God, and He rescued them. God parted the waters of the Red Sea. He led them through to freedom in the wilderness. He showed His love and care by providing bread from heaven and water from solid rock. After three months, God led His people to Mount Sinai where they set up camp in the desert at the foot of the mountain. God calls to Moses. God called out to their leader, Moses, from the mountain.</p> <p>For hundreds of years, God’s people lived as slaves in Egypt. They cried out to God, and He rescued them. God parted the waters of the Red Sea. He led them through to freedom in the wilderness. He showed His love and care by providing bread from heaven and water from solid rock. After three months, God led His people to Mount Sinai where they set up camp in the desert at the foot of the mountain. God calls to Moses. God called out to their leader, Moses, from the mountain.</p> For hundreds of years, God’s people lived as slaves in Egypt. They cried out to God, and He rescued them. God parted the waters of the Red Sea. He led them through to freedom in the wilderness. He showed His love and care by providing bread from heaven and water from solid rock. After three months, God led His people to Mount Sinai where they set up camp in the desert at the foot of the mountain. God calls to Moses. God called out to their leader, Moses, from the mountain.

]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1224 243 1f5c1261d3109d7445daa3992ed87bfe no Survival Pastor Denny Curran <p>Survivor: a group of average men and women against each other and nature on a deserted island<br><br>What is the Secret to Survival? You must begin again, and again, and again, and again.<br><br>"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV <br><br>How can you begin again? <br><br>1.) Acceptance<br><br>2.) Attention<br><br>3.) Amnesty<br><br>4.) Affection</p> <p>Survivor: a group of average men and women against each other and nature on a deserted island<br><br>What is the Secret to Survival? You must begin again, and again, and again, and again.<br><br>"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV <br><br>How can you begin again? <br><br>1.) Acceptance<br><br>2.) Attention<br><br>3.) Amnesty<br><br>4.) Affection</p> Survivor: a group of average men and women against each other and nature on a deserted island

What is the Secret to Survival? You must begin again, and again, and again, and again.

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV

How can you begin again?

1.) Acceptance

2.) Attention

3.) Amnesty

4.) Affection

]]> Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2629 244 717fc44547208e7fcb82f07a0d2ddbab no River Kids | River of Life Church | March 10, 2021 Wednesday Night \\ Wait for It Pastor Mark Eskew <p>When you have to wait, remember God is with you.</p> <p>When you have to wait, remember God is with you.</p> When you have to wait, remember God is with you.

]]> Wed, 10 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1380 245 6a650007dd0e5a0b4060ffa57c223497 no Celebration Sunday Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 3699 246 5117ec0b619f58dff7653ff73774c460 no River Kids | River of Life Church | March 14, 2021 Sitting, Waiting, Wishing (Golden Calf) Pastor Mark Eskew <p>For hundreds of years, God’s people lived as slaves in Egypt. They cried out to God, and He rescued them. God parted the waters of the Red Sea. He led them through to freedom in the wilderness. He showed His love and care by providing bread from heaven and water from solid rock. After three months, God led His people to Mount Sinai where they set up camp in the desert at the foot of the mountain. God calls to Moses. God called out to their leader, Moses, from the mountain.<br><br>Moses shared God’s words with the people, and they agreed to do everything God said. Later, God called Moses to meet with Him again on the mountaintop. Before he left, Moses told the elders that if anyone had a problem, they could talk to Aaron and Hur. Then Moses and his helper, Joshua, went up the mountain. The glory of God settled on the mountain like clouds and fire.<br><br><br>Moses stayed within the cloud on the mountain, talking with God for 40 days and 40 nights. The people went to Aaron and complained that Moses had left them. Aaron told them to give him their gold jewelry. Aaron melted the jewelry down and formed it into a statue in the shape of a golden calf. The people wanted to make a statue of God that they could see and worship<br><br>The next day, the people brought sacrifices to honor the golden calf. They ate and drank and danced wildly in front of it party foul. Up on the mountain, God spoke to Moses and Joshua began their trip down the mountain.<br><br>Moses carried two heavy stone tablets covered with the laws God had given<br>Joshua heard the people shouting, thought it sounded like they were at war<br>As Moses approached the camp, he saw the people dancing. He heard their cheers and chants as they worshipped the golden calf. Moses was so angry that he threw the tablets down and broke them. He burned the golden calf in the fire, ground it into powder, scattered it on the water, and made the Israelites drink it.<br><br>Through the years, God had helped His people over and over. When they had to wait, they forgot His goodness. They chose their own way . . . and they had to face the consequences. God was faithful and trustworthy through it all, and He is faithful and trustworthy to us, too.<br><br>Bottom Line: When you have to wait, remember what’s true.<br>We can choose to be patient and remember how good God has been to us.</p> <p>For hundreds of years, God’s people lived as slaves in Egypt. They cried out to God, and He rescued them. God parted the waters of the Red Sea. He led them through to freedom in the wilderness. He showed His love and care by providing bread from heaven and water from solid rock. After three months, God led His people to Mount Sinai where they set up camp in the desert at the foot of the mountain. God calls to Moses. God called out to their leader, Moses, from the mountain.<br><br>Moses shared God’s words with the people, and they agreed to do everything God said. Later, God called Moses to meet with Him again on the mountaintop. Before he left, Moses told the elders that if anyone had a problem, they could talk to Aaron and Hur. Then Moses and his helper, Joshua, went up the mountain. The glory of God settled on the mountain like clouds and fire.<br><br><br>Moses stayed within the cloud on the mountain, talking with God for 40 days and 40 nights. The people went to Aaron and complained that Moses had left them. Aaron told them to give him their gold jewelry. Aaron melted the jewelry down and formed it into a statue in the shape of a golden calf. The people wanted to make a statue of God that they could see and worship<br><br>The next day, the people brought sacrifices to honor the golden calf. They ate and drank and danced wildly in front of it party foul. Up on the mountain, God spoke to Moses and Joshua began their trip down the mountain.<br><br>Moses carried two heavy stone tablets covered with the laws God had given<br>Joshua heard the people shouting, thought it sounded like they were at war<br>As Moses approached the camp, he saw the people dancing. He heard their cheers and chants as they worshipped the golden calf. Moses was so angry that he threw the tablets down and broke them. He burned the golden calf in the fire, ground it into powder, scattered it on the water, and made the Israelites drink it.<br><br>Through the years, God had helped His people over and over. When they had to wait, they forgot His goodness. They chose their own way . . . and they had to face the consequences. God was faithful and trustworthy through it all, and He is faithful and trustworthy to us, too.<br><br>Bottom Line: When you have to wait, remember what’s true.<br>We can choose to be patient and remember how good God has been to us.</p> For hundreds of years, God’s people lived as slaves in Egypt. They cried out to God, and He rescued them. God parted the waters of the Red Sea. He led them through to freedom in the wilderness. He showed His love and care by providing bread from heaven and water from solid rock. After three months, God led His people to Mount Sinai where they set up camp in the desert at the foot of the mountain. God calls to Moses. God called out to their leader, Moses, from the mountain.

Moses shared God’s words with the people, and they agreed to do everything God said. Later, God called Moses to meet with Him again on the mountaintop. Before he left, Moses told the elders that if anyone had a problem, they could talk to Aaron and Hur. Then Moses and his helper, Joshua, went up the mountain. The glory of God settled on the mountain like clouds and fire.


Moses stayed within the cloud on the mountain, talking with God for 40 days and 40 nights. The people went to Aaron and complained that Moses had left them. Aaron told them to give him their gold jewelry. Aaron melted the jewelry down and formed it into a statue in the shape of a golden calf. The people wanted to make a statue of God that they could see and worship

The next day, the people brought sacrifices to honor the golden calf. They ate and drank and danced wildly in front of it party foul. Up on the mountain, God spoke to Moses and Joshua began their trip down the mountain.

Moses carried two heavy stone tablets covered with the laws God had given
Joshua heard the people shouting, thought it sounded like they were at war
As Moses approached the camp, he saw the people dancing. He heard their cheers and chants as they worshipped the golden calf. Moses was so angry that he threw the tablets down and broke them. He burned the golden calf in the fire, ground it into powder, scattered it on the water, and made the Israelites drink it.

Through the years, God had helped His people over and over. When they had to wait, they forgot His goodness. They chose their own way . . . and they had to face the consequences. God was faithful and trustworthy through it all, and He is faithful and trustworthy to us, too.

Bottom Line: When you have to wait, remember what’s true.
We can choose to be patient and remember how good God has been to us.

]]> Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1217 247 94fd2b094c08b98e478688571d48d09e no River Kids | River of Life Church | March 7, 2021 Wait for It (Simeon Waits for the Messiah) Pastor Mark Eskew <p>When you have to wait, remember God is with you.</p> <p>When you have to wait, remember God is with you.</p> When you have to wait, remember God is with you.

]]> Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1116 248 63a62913798868e37534131a806206b3 no The Best is Yet To Be Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Grow old with me! The best is yet to be,The last of life, for which the first was made, our times are in his hand, who says, “a whole I planned, youth shows but health, trust God and see all, don’t be afraid."<br>- Robert Browning<br><br>3 Stages of Marriage:<br><br>1.) Honeymoon Stage<br><br>"Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the rugged hills." - Song of Solomon 2:2, 5, 14, 16-17 NIV<br><br>2.) The Party is Over Stage<br><br>"A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand." -Proverbs 27:15-16 NIV<br><br>"I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." -Ecclesiastes 7:26 NIV <br><br>3.) The Best is Yet To Be Stage<br><br>This love, mature love, is anything but blind. It sees everything in its partner— flaws, imperfections, and quirks— yet chooses to shower a spouse with words and deeds of affection and love. Nothing can kill this love. <br><br>"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." -James 4:7 NIV<br><br>"…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." -1 John 4:4 NIV<br><br>Anyone can enjoy the best is yet to be stage, so long as they apply some basic biblical principles to the marriage.</p> <p>"Grow old with me! The best is yet to be,The last of life, for which the first was made, our times are in his hand, who says, “a whole I planned, youth shows but health, trust God and see all, don’t be afraid."<br>- Robert Browning<br><br>3 Stages of Marriage:<br><br>1.) Honeymoon Stage<br><br>"Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the rugged hills." - Song of Solomon 2:2, 5, 14, 16-17 NIV<br><br>2.) The Party is Over Stage<br><br>"A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand." -Proverbs 27:15-16 NIV<br><br>"I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." -Ecclesiastes 7:26 NIV <br><br>3.) The Best is Yet To Be Stage<br><br>This love, mature love, is anything but blind. It sees everything in its partner— flaws, imperfections, and quirks— yet chooses to shower a spouse with words and deeds of affection and love. Nothing can kill this love. <br><br>"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." -James 4:7 NIV<br><br>"…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." -1 John 4:4 NIV<br><br>Anyone can enjoy the best is yet to be stage, so long as they apply some basic biblical principles to the marriage.</p> "Grow old with me! The best is yet to be,The last of life, for which the first was made, our times are in his hand, who says, “a whole I planned, youth shows but health, trust God and see all, don’t be afraid."
- Robert Browning

3 Stages of Marriage:

1.) Honeymoon Stage

"Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love. My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. My beloved is mine and I am his; he browses among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or like a young stag on the rugged hills." - Song of Solomon 2:2, 5, 14, 16-17 NIV

2.) The Party is Over Stage

"A quarrelsome wife is like the dripping of a leaky roof in a rainstorm; restraining her is like restraining the wind or grasping oil with the hand." -Proverbs 27:15-16 NIV

"I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." -Ecclesiastes 7:26 NIV

3.) The Best is Yet To Be Stage

This love, mature love, is anything but blind. It sees everything in its partner— flaws, imperfections, and quirks— yet chooses to shower a spouse with words and deeds of affection and love. Nothing can kill this love.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." -James 4:7 NIV

"…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." -1 John 4:4 NIV

Anyone can enjoy the best is yet to be stage, so long as they apply some basic biblical principles to the marriage.

]]> Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1333 249 8938e6c1d19a3f906de074e9921d4080 no River Kids | River of Life Church | March 3, 2021 Hey Brother \\ The Good Samaritan Pastor Mark Eskew <p>It’s important to God that we choose to be kind—and not just to the people who you might expect.<br><br>Crowds of people followed Jesus around. They wanted to hear what He had to say, which made the religious leaders nervous. They looked for ways to try to trick Jesus into saying something that would make Him look bad. Jesus chose to answer the man by telling a story, which was the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ story made it clear: ANYONE you’ll ever meet is your neighbor.<br><br>Bottom line, be kind to people who are different from you.<br>Everyone who needs you to show them God’s love is your neighbor.<br><br>For more information, go to <a href="https://riveroflifeag.org/kids" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org/kids</a></p> <p>It’s important to God that we choose to be kind—and not just to the people who you might expect.<br><br>Crowds of people followed Jesus around. They wanted to hear what He had to say, which made the religious leaders nervous. They looked for ways to try to trick Jesus into saying something that would make Him look bad. Jesus chose to answer the man by telling a story, which was the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ story made it clear: ANYONE you’ll ever meet is your neighbor.<br><br>Bottom line, be kind to people who are different from you.<br>Everyone who needs you to show them God’s love is your neighbor.<br><br>For more information, go to <a href="https://riveroflifeag.org/kids" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org/kids</a></p> It’s important to God that we choose to be kind—and not just to the people who you might expect.

Crowds of people followed Jesus around. They wanted to hear what He had to say, which made the religious leaders nervous. They looked for ways to try to trick Jesus into saying something that would make Him look bad. Jesus chose to answer the man by telling a story, which was the Good Samaritan. Jesus’ story made it clear: ANYONE you’ll ever meet is your neighbor.

Bottom line, be kind to people who are different from you.
Everyone who needs you to show them God’s love is your neighbor.

For more information, go to https://riveroflifeag.org/kids

]]> Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1436 250 85a5b92349b5205a16d3303bb262fe51 no River Kids | River of Life Church | February 28, 2021 Hey Brother (Good Samaritan) Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Wherever Jesus went, crowds of people followed Him. This made the religious leaders nervous. They looked for ways to try to trick Jesus and make Him look bad. One day, a law expert stopped Jesus with a question.<br><br>Luke 10:25-28<br><br>The law expert wanted to find out the LEAST he had to do in order to obey the law. Jesus answered by teaching truth through a story. Jesus’ story is for US, just like it was for the people who listened that day. We should always be ready to show kindness, to ANYONE, because every person is important to God.<br><br>Bottom Line: Be kind to people who are different from you.</p> <p>Wherever Jesus went, crowds of people followed Him. This made the religious leaders nervous. They looked for ways to try to trick Jesus and make Him look bad. One day, a law expert stopped Jesus with a question.<br><br>Luke 10:25-28<br><br>The law expert wanted to find out the LEAST he had to do in order to obey the law. Jesus answered by teaching truth through a story. Jesus’ story is for US, just like it was for the people who listened that day. We should always be ready to show kindness, to ANYONE, because every person is important to God.<br><br>Bottom Line: Be kind to people who are different from you.</p> Wherever Jesus went, crowds of people followed Him. This made the religious leaders nervous. They looked for ways to try to trick Jesus and make Him look bad. One day, a law expert stopped Jesus with a question.

Luke 10:25-28

The law expert wanted to find out the LEAST he had to do in order to obey the law. Jesus answered by teaching truth through a story. Jesus’ story is for US, just like it was for the people who listened that day. We should always be ready to show kindness, to ANYONE, because every person is important to God.

Bottom Line: Be kind to people who are different from you.

]]> Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1226 251 01cf95c35cdecd8fba60268d4be81299 no You Feed Them Speed the Light Sunday Micah MacDonald <p>"When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." -Luke 9:10 - 17 (NIV)<br><br>1.) You see a need, you meet a need.<br><br>To partner with us and give to Speed the Light, visit <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/give" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/give</a>.</p> <p>"When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." -Luke 9:10 - 17 (NIV)<br><br>1.) You see a need, you meet a need.<br><br>To partner with us and give to Speed the Light, visit <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/give" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/give</a>.</p> "When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” He replied, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." -Luke 9:10 - 17 (NIV)

1.) You see a need, you meet a need.

To partner with us and give to Speed the Light, visit riveroflifeag.org/give.

]]> Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2254 252 bb96378e4b66f00e3b6412040630eb50 no River Kids | River of Life Church | February 24, 2021 One More Time (Go the Extra Mile) Pastor Mark Eskew <p>In Matthew 5:41 is the story of the second mile. Sometimes we only feel like being as kind as we HAVE to be. <br><br>In the story, the person who carried that backpack had to go a mile, no matter what Jesus said that you can choose to DOUBLE that . . . and carry it for two miles. Jesus wasn’t just talking about carrying a backpack for a Roman soldier. He meant that we can “go the extra mile” any time we choose to be kinder than we have to be.<br><br>When you make your own choices beyond what you’re REQUIRED to do, you show the person how valuable they are to you.<br><br>Be kinder than you have to be.</p> <p>In Matthew 5:41 is the story of the second mile. Sometimes we only feel like being as kind as we HAVE to be. <br><br>In the story, the person who carried that backpack had to go a mile, no matter what Jesus said that you can choose to DOUBLE that . . . and carry it for two miles. Jesus wasn’t just talking about carrying a backpack for a Roman soldier. He meant that we can “go the extra mile” any time we choose to be kinder than we have to be.<br><br>When you make your own choices beyond what you’re REQUIRED to do, you show the person how valuable they are to you.<br><br>Be kinder than you have to be.</p> In Matthew 5:41 is the story of the second mile. Sometimes we only feel like being as kind as we HAVE to be.

In the story, the person who carried that backpack had to go a mile, no matter what Jesus said that you can choose to DOUBLE that . . . and carry it for two miles. Jesus wasn’t just talking about carrying a backpack for a Roman soldier. He meant that we can “go the extra mile” any time we choose to be kinder than we have to be.

When you make your own choices beyond what you’re REQUIRED to do, you show the person how valuable they are to you.

Be kinder than you have to be.

]]> Wed, 24 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1244 253 c14c16a8ed64b5d5c9e5bc82db2407ba no Working at Good Communication Pastor Denny Curran <p>Communication plays a vital part in a marriage. What are some things that get in the way of good communication with your spouse?<br><br>"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” -Genesis 3:1 (NIV)<br><br>"I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.” -Proverbs 5:13-14 (NIV)<br><br>"Strangers will obtain your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor." -Proverbs 5:10 (NLT)<br><br>1.) Schedules<br>2.) Children<br>3.) Television / Media<br>4.) Pornography<br><br>In a world of busyness and constant chaos, how can we be intentional to jump start healthy communication with your spouse? <br><br>1.) Praise One Another<br> Praise<br><br>We need to do the same.<br><br>In the Bible, King Lemuel wrote of his faithful wife, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” -Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV <br><br>2.) Show Appreciation to Your Spouse<br><br>Start showing them value TODAY! We challenge you to start daily complimenting your spouse on things you appreciate about them.</p> <p>Communication plays a vital part in a marriage. What are some things that get in the way of good communication with your spouse?<br><br>"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” -Genesis 3:1 (NIV)<br><br>"I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.” -Proverbs 5:13-14 (NIV)<br><br>"Strangers will obtain your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor." -Proverbs 5:10 (NLT)<br><br>1.) Schedules<br>2.) Children<br>3.) Television / Media<br>4.) Pornography<br><br>In a world of busyness and constant chaos, how can we be intentional to jump start healthy communication with your spouse? <br><br>1.) Praise One Another<br> Praise<br><br>We need to do the same.<br><br>In the Bible, King Lemuel wrote of his faithful wife, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” -Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV <br><br>2.) Show Appreciation to Your Spouse<br><br>Start showing them value TODAY! We challenge you to start daily complimenting your spouse on things you appreciate about them.</p> Communication plays a vital part in a marriage. What are some things that get in the way of good communication with your spouse?

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” -Genesis 3:1 (NIV)

"I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.” -Proverbs 5:13-14 (NIV)

"Strangers will obtain your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor." -Proverbs 5:10 (NLT)

1.) Schedules
2.) Children
3.) Television / Media
4.) Pornography

In a world of busyness and constant chaos, how can we be intentional to jump start healthy communication with your spouse?

1.) Praise One Another
Praise

We need to do the same.

In the Bible, King Lemuel wrote of his faithful wife, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” -Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV

2.) Show Appreciation to Your Spouse

Start showing them value TODAY! We challenge you to start daily complimenting your spouse on things you appreciate about them.

]]> Sun, 21 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2565 254 42e5a4cba84bbb3d54c554c9d90820aa no River Kids | River of Life Church | February 17, 2021 When is it hard to be kind? Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Key Question: When is it hard to be kind? If kindness is something that we know should be a part of our lives, why do we find it difficult to show kindness to others? Often, we find it’s easier to show kindness to strangers than those who are closest to us. We hope through this question and the discussion that will happen; preteens will start to understand how they can make sure they show kindness to the people they love.<br><br>In week two, we head to Ruth 1 and 2, where we find Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Their husbands have died, and Ruth has the opportunity to return home to her family. Instead, she chooses to show kindness to Naomi and stay with her. Ruth’s kindness doesn’t go unnoticed. Boaz sees how Ruth is treating Naomi and offers kindness to Ruth, changing her life in a huge way.<br><br>Bottom Line: Be kind to your family and friends. When it comes to our family and friends, we can often find ourselves taking them for granted. We hope through the story of Ruth, kids will learn to show kindness to the people who care about them the most.</p> <p>Key Question: When is it hard to be kind? If kindness is something that we know should be a part of our lives, why do we find it difficult to show kindness to others? Often, we find it’s easier to show kindness to strangers than those who are closest to us. We hope through this question and the discussion that will happen; preteens will start to understand how they can make sure they show kindness to the people they love.<br><br>In week two, we head to Ruth 1 and 2, where we find Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Their husbands have died, and Ruth has the opportunity to return home to her family. Instead, she chooses to show kindness to Naomi and stay with her. Ruth’s kindness doesn’t go unnoticed. Boaz sees how Ruth is treating Naomi and offers kindness to Ruth, changing her life in a huge way.<br><br>Bottom Line: Be kind to your family and friends. When it comes to our family and friends, we can often find ourselves taking them for granted. We hope through the story of Ruth, kids will learn to show kindness to the people who care about them the most.</p> Key Question: When is it hard to be kind? If kindness is something that we know should be a part of our lives, why do we find it difficult to show kindness to others? Often, we find it’s easier to show kindness to strangers than those who are closest to us. We hope through this question and the discussion that will happen; preteens will start to understand how they can make sure they show kindness to the people they love.

In week two, we head to Ruth 1 and 2, where we find Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Their husbands have died, and Ruth has the opportunity to return home to her family. Instead, she chooses to show kindness to Naomi and stay with her. Ruth’s kindness doesn’t go unnoticed. Boaz sees how Ruth is treating Naomi and offers kindness to Ruth, changing her life in a huge way.

Bottom Line: Be kind to your family and friends. When it comes to our family and friends, we can often find ourselves taking them for granted. We hope through the story of Ruth, kids will learn to show kindness to the people who care about them the most.

]]> Wed, 17 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1177 255 18e1a86aed90716fecc5173c0c70126f no February 14 - K-5th Grade - River Kids Church Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Family Ties (Ruth and Boaz) • Ruth<br><br>We can be kind to others because God is kind to us. It isn’t always easy to be kind. Sometimes it’s hardest to be kind to the people who are closest to us—like our family members and our closest friends. The story of Ruth shows us how.<br><br>Naomi’s Decision<br>Naomi and her family were from Judah, but there wasn’t enough food there . . . so they traveled to Moab. While they were in Moab, Naomi’s husband died. But both of Naomi’s sons got married. One son married Orpah, and the other son married Ruth. BOTH of Naomi’s sons died. Naomi heard there was once again food in Judah; she decided to go back. Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go back to their homes. Orpah left, but Ruth said she would stay with Naomi: Ruth 1:16.<br><br>Meet Boaz<br>Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to come with her. The two women left for Naomi’s hometown, Bethlehem. Boaz was related to Naomi, and he owned fields of grain. Ruth and Naomi needed food, so Ruth went into Boaz’s fields to try to get grain. God had made a law that landowners were supposed to leave some grain behind for people who needed food<br>Ruth was able to gather food for herself and for Naomi. Boaz asked the man who was in charge of his workers who Ruth was. He had heard about Ruth’s kindness to Naomi, so he went to Ruth and told her she could gather grain from his fields: Ruth 2:8-9. Boaz even gave Ruth some bread and roasted grain to eat. At the end of the day, Ruth was able to bring grain home to Naomi.<br><br>Wrapping Up the Story<br>A short time later, Boaz and Ruth had a baby named Obed. Obed later had a son named Jesse who was the father of King David. Many, many years later, JESUS was born as part of their family line. God can use our kindness to accomplish His plan. Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi were kind to their family and friends . We can choose to do that, too.</p> <p>Family Ties (Ruth and Boaz) • Ruth<br><br>We can be kind to others because God is kind to us. It isn’t always easy to be kind. Sometimes it’s hardest to be kind to the people who are closest to us—like our family members and our closest friends. The story of Ruth shows us how.<br><br>Naomi’s Decision<br>Naomi and her family were from Judah, but there wasn’t enough food there . . . so they traveled to Moab. While they were in Moab, Naomi’s husband died. But both of Naomi’s sons got married. One son married Orpah, and the other son married Ruth. BOTH of Naomi’s sons died. Naomi heard there was once again food in Judah; she decided to go back. Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go back to their homes. Orpah left, but Ruth said she would stay with Naomi: Ruth 1:16.<br><br>Meet Boaz<br>Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to come with her. The two women left for Naomi’s hometown, Bethlehem. Boaz was related to Naomi, and he owned fields of grain. Ruth and Naomi needed food, so Ruth went into Boaz’s fields to try to get grain. God had made a law that landowners were supposed to leave some grain behind for people who needed food<br>Ruth was able to gather food for herself and for Naomi. Boaz asked the man who was in charge of his workers who Ruth was. He had heard about Ruth’s kindness to Naomi, so he went to Ruth and told her she could gather grain from his fields: Ruth 2:8-9. Boaz even gave Ruth some bread and roasted grain to eat. At the end of the day, Ruth was able to bring grain home to Naomi.<br><br>Wrapping Up the Story<br>A short time later, Boaz and Ruth had a baby named Obed. Obed later had a son named Jesse who was the father of King David. Many, many years later, JESUS was born as part of their family line. God can use our kindness to accomplish His plan. Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi were kind to their family and friends . We can choose to do that, too.</p> Family Ties (Ruth and Boaz) • Ruth

We can be kind to others because God is kind to us. It isn’t always easy to be kind. Sometimes it’s hardest to be kind to the people who are closest to us—like our family members and our closest friends. The story of Ruth shows us how.

Naomi’s Decision
Naomi and her family were from Judah, but there wasn’t enough food there . . . so they traveled to Moab. While they were in Moab, Naomi’s husband died. But both of Naomi’s sons got married. One son married Orpah, and the other son married Ruth. BOTH of Naomi’s sons died. Naomi heard there was once again food in Judah; she decided to go back. Naomi told Ruth and Orpah to go back to their homes. Orpah left, but Ruth said she would stay with Naomi: Ruth 1:16.

Meet Boaz
Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to come with her. The two women left for Naomi’s hometown, Bethlehem. Boaz was related to Naomi, and he owned fields of grain. Ruth and Naomi needed food, so Ruth went into Boaz’s fields to try to get grain. God had made a law that landowners were supposed to leave some grain behind for people who needed food
Ruth was able to gather food for herself and for Naomi. Boaz asked the man who was in charge of his workers who Ruth was. He had heard about Ruth’s kindness to Naomi, so he went to Ruth and told her she could gather grain from his fields: Ruth 2:8-9. Boaz even gave Ruth some bread and roasted grain to eat. At the end of the day, Ruth was able to bring grain home to Naomi.

Wrapping Up the Story
A short time later, Boaz and Ruth had a baby named Obed. Obed later had a son named Jesse who was the father of King David. Many, many years later, JESUS was born as part of their family line. God can use our kindness to accomplish His plan. Boaz, Ruth, and Naomi were kind to their family and friends . We can choose to do that, too.

]]> Sun, 14 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1117 256 6f6579e91d81848ea901763abdd5800a no Marriage is God's Idea Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are starting a NEW series on LOVE and MARRIAGE. Join us for the next 6 weeks as we break down God's idea of marriage and speak messages that encourage, build up, restore, and challenge your marriage to go to the next level. <br><br>"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves," <br>-Philippians 2:3 NIV<br><br>Greek Terms that We Translate to Love: <br><br>1.) Feeling Love <br><br>"How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors." -Song of Solomon 4:1-4 NIV <br><br>Romantic love is a wonderful gift from God that we share in our marriage. It’s not only an enjoyable part of marriage, it’s a vital part. How can you restore the passion and excitement to your life and to marriage? Give attention to your relationship!<br><br>2.) Friendship Love<br><br>The best marriages are those in which the partners not only fall in love, but choose each other as best friends! Marriage is friendship that catches fire. How can you grow in your friendship in your marriage?<br><br>3.) Forever Love<br><br>Feelings love and friendship love are both based on mutual enjoyment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Forever love is the cares so much for another that he or she gives with no expectation in return. Jesus Christ is the best representation of this love. <br><br>"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." <br>-John 13:34 NIV<br><br>In marriage, a forever love endures the ups and downs of feelings love and of friendship love. This is the love that transcends romantic feelings and surges of devotion. It is not based on feelings, but on an enduring commitment to one another. <br><br>"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV<br><br>How can you strive for a 3 love (Feelings Love, Friendship Love, Forever Love) marriage this week? How can you best serve your spouse? How can you intentionally show them love?</p> <p>We are starting a NEW series on LOVE and MARRIAGE. Join us for the next 6 weeks as we break down God's idea of marriage and speak messages that encourage, build up, restore, and challenge your marriage to go to the next level. <br><br>"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves," <br>-Philippians 2:3 NIV<br><br>Greek Terms that We Translate to Love: <br><br>1.) Feeling Love <br><br>"How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors." -Song of Solomon 4:1-4 NIV <br><br>Romantic love is a wonderful gift from God that we share in our marriage. It’s not only an enjoyable part of marriage, it’s a vital part. How can you restore the passion and excitement to your life and to marriage? Give attention to your relationship!<br><br>2.) Friendship Love<br><br>The best marriages are those in which the partners not only fall in love, but choose each other as best friends! Marriage is friendship that catches fire. How can you grow in your friendship in your marriage?<br><br>3.) Forever Love<br><br>Feelings love and friendship love are both based on mutual enjoyment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Forever love is the cares so much for another that he or she gives with no expectation in return. Jesus Christ is the best representation of this love. <br><br>"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." <br>-John 13:34 NIV<br><br>In marriage, a forever love endures the ups and downs of feelings love and of friendship love. This is the love that transcends romantic feelings and surges of devotion. It is not based on feelings, but on an enduring commitment to one another. <br><br>"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV<br><br>How can you strive for a 3 love (Feelings Love, Friendship Love, Forever Love) marriage this week? How can you best serve your spouse? How can you intentionally show them love?</p> We are starting a NEW series on LOVE and MARRIAGE. Join us for the next 6 weeks as we break down God's idea of marriage and speak messages that encourage, build up, restore, and challenge your marriage to go to the next level.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,"
-Philippians 2:3 NIV

Greek Terms that We Translate to Love:

1.) Feeling Love

"How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors." -Song of Solomon 4:1-4 NIV

Romantic love is a wonderful gift from God that we share in our marriage. It’s not only an enjoyable part of marriage, it’s a vital part. How can you restore the passion and excitement to your life and to marriage? Give attention to your relationship!

2.) Friendship Love

The best marriages are those in which the partners not only fall in love, but choose each other as best friends! Marriage is friendship that catches fire. How can you grow in your friendship in your marriage?

3.) Forever Love

Feelings love and friendship love are both based on mutual enjoyment, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Forever love is the cares so much for another that he or she gives with no expectation in return. Jesus Christ is the best representation of this love.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."
-John 13:34 NIV

In marriage, a forever love endures the ups and downs of feelings love and of friendship love. This is the love that transcends romantic feelings and surges of devotion. It is not based on feelings, but on an enduring commitment to one another.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." -1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

How can you strive for a 3 love (Feelings Love, Friendship Love, Forever Love) marriage this week? How can you best serve your spouse? How can you intentionally show them love?

]]> Sun, 14 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2546 257 37274fb09e630b9c19f08f9d4cbcc5d8 no February 10 - Wednesday Night River Kids Play Well Finish Strong - Part 6 Pastor Mark Eskew <p>God was kind to us even when we didn’t deserve it. Because of His love for us, we can be kind to everyone. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. And when you show kindness to others, you give them a glimpse into the heart of God, and how much God loves them. Kindness should be a characteristic of people who follow Jesus. Not only did Jesus model kindness, but He also commanded it. He taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated.<br><br>We kick off the month of February with something Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32. Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done, (NIrV). Even when we were separated from God, He showed us kindness through sending Jesus to rescue us and model what kindness can look like in our lives.<br>Bottom Line: Be kind to others because God is kind to you. As we follow Jesus and look for ways to reflect His love to the people around us, kindness is one of the easiest ways to do that. God was so incredibly kind to us, that we can help but to be kind to the people we meet.<br><br>“We need to show kindness to the people around us. We need to let people know we’re BIG fans of them—with the words we say and the things we <a href="http://do.We" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">do.We</a> know what kindness looks like because we know how kind GOD has been to US. Take a look at what the apostle Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians. This was part of a letter Paul wrote to the people in the church in the town of Ephesus.</p> <p>God was kind to us even when we didn’t deserve it. Because of His love for us, we can be kind to everyone. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. And when you show kindness to others, you give them a glimpse into the heart of God, and how much God loves them. Kindness should be a characteristic of people who follow Jesus. Not only did Jesus model kindness, but He also commanded it. He taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated.<br><br>We kick off the month of February with something Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32. Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done, (NIrV). Even when we were separated from God, He showed us kindness through sending Jesus to rescue us and model what kindness can look like in our lives.<br>Bottom Line: Be kind to others because God is kind to you. As we follow Jesus and look for ways to reflect His love to the people around us, kindness is one of the easiest ways to do that. God was so incredibly kind to us, that we can help but to be kind to the people we meet.<br><br>“We need to show kindness to the people around us. We need to let people know we’re BIG fans of them—with the words we say and the things we <a href="http://do.We" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">do.We</a> know what kindness looks like because we know how kind GOD has been to US. Take a look at what the apostle Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians. This was part of a letter Paul wrote to the people in the church in the town of Ephesus.</p> God was kind to us even when we didn’t deserve it. Because of His love for us, we can be kind to everyone. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. And when you show kindness to others, you give them a glimpse into the heart of God, and how much God loves them. Kindness should be a characteristic of people who follow Jesus. Not only did Jesus model kindness, but He also commanded it. He taught us to treat others the way we want to be treated.

We kick off the month of February with something Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32. Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done, (NIrV). Even when we were separated from God, He showed us kindness through sending Jesus to rescue us and model what kindness can look like in our lives.
Bottom Line: Be kind to others because God is kind to you. As we follow Jesus and look for ways to reflect His love to the people around us, kindness is one of the easiest ways to do that. God was so incredibly kind to us, that we can help but to be kind to the people we meet.

“We need to show kindness to the people around us. We need to let people know we’re BIG fans of them—with the words we say and the things we do.We know what kindness looks like because we know how kind GOD has been to US. Take a look at what the apostle Paul wrote in the book of Ephesians. This was part of a letter Paul wrote to the people in the church in the town of Ephesus.

]]> Wed, 10 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1231 258 e9e2dca206f01dcb570059e798e21927 no February 7 - K-5th Grade - River Kids Church What does kindness look like? Pastor Mark Eskew <p>When you choose kindness, you are choosing your words wisely. You are offering to help others. People will begin to see the love of God through you. <br><br>Ephesians 4:32<br>"Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done."<br><br>God sent Jesus to die for our sins, not because he deserved it, but because he loves us. God showed kindness by the way that he loves us. And we can return that same kindness to him by loving others. That means, forgiving people even if they let you down. It means, helping someone, even if they did ask you. Sometimes, kindness means just being a friend.<br><br>Be kind to others, because God is kind to you.</p> <p>When you choose kindness, you are choosing your words wisely. You are offering to help others. People will begin to see the love of God through you. <br><br>Ephesians 4:32<br>"Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done."<br><br>God sent Jesus to die for our sins, not because he deserved it, but because he loves us. God showed kindness by the way that he loves us. And we can return that same kindness to him by loving others. That means, forgiving people even if they let you down. It means, helping someone, even if they did ask you. Sometimes, kindness means just being a friend.<br><br>Be kind to others, because God is kind to you.</p> When you choose kindness, you are choosing your words wisely. You are offering to help others. People will begin to see the love of God through you.

Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and tender to one another. Forgive one another, just as God forgave you because of what Christ has done."

God sent Jesus to die for our sins, not because he deserved it, but because he loves us. God showed kindness by the way that he loves us. And we can return that same kindness to him by loving others. That means, forgiving people even if they let you down. It means, helping someone, even if they did ask you. Sometimes, kindness means just being a friend.

Be kind to others, because God is kind to you.

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1501 259 2a4c2b685289fad532a178997d0902d7 no Vision Sunday Pastor Denny Curran <p>The vision of River of Life Church has always been to reach the lost. Every week, we strive to teach christians the following -<br><br>1.) To Know Christ<br>River of Life exists to lead people into a life-changing encounter with Jesus.<br><br>"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." <br>- Philippians 3:10-11 NIV<br><br>2.) To Grow in Christ<br>River of Life desires to provide resources for all who come to faith in Christ to help them grow in their relationship with him!<br><br>3.) Show Christ to Others and the World<br>River of Life encourages every believer to find an area where they can serve others in the church, locally, and around the world.<br><br>"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." <br>- Luke 10:1-2 NIV<br><br>The harvest is plentiful, and we as christians are called to win souls.<br><br>"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," -Ephesians 1:16-18 NIV<br><br>Our prayer for YOU is that you would find freedom in Christ. We pray that you would grow in your relationship with Christ and the purpose He gives you. Finally, we pray that you would show Christ by the way you live your life. Our desire is that you would see HOW important it is to know God and know him even better.</p> <p>The vision of River of Life Church has always been to reach the lost. Every week, we strive to teach christians the following -<br><br>1.) To Know Christ<br>River of Life exists to lead people into a life-changing encounter with Jesus.<br><br>"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." <br>- Philippians 3:10-11 NIV<br><br>2.) To Grow in Christ<br>River of Life desires to provide resources for all who come to faith in Christ to help them grow in their relationship with him!<br><br>3.) Show Christ to Others and the World<br>River of Life encourages every believer to find an area where they can serve others in the church, locally, and around the world.<br><br>"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." <br>- Luke 10:1-2 NIV<br><br>The harvest is plentiful, and we as christians are called to win souls.<br><br>"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," -Ephesians 1:16-18 NIV<br><br>Our prayer for YOU is that you would find freedom in Christ. We pray that you would grow in your relationship with Christ and the purpose He gives you. Finally, we pray that you would show Christ by the way you live your life. Our desire is that you would see HOW important it is to know God and know him even better.</p> The vision of River of Life Church has always been to reach the lost. Every week, we strive to teach christians the following -

1.) To Know Christ
River of Life exists to lead people into a life-changing encounter with Jesus.

"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."
- Philippians 3:10-11 NIV

2.) To Grow in Christ
River of Life desires to provide resources for all who come to faith in Christ to help them grow in their relationship with him!

3.) Show Christ to Others and the World
River of Life encourages every believer to find an area where they can serve others in the church, locally, and around the world.

"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."
- Luke 10:1-2 NIV

The harvest is plentiful, and we as christians are called to win souls.

"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people," -Ephesians 1:16-18 NIV

Our prayer for YOU is that you would find freedom in Christ. We pray that you would grow in your relationship with Christ and the purpose He gives you. Finally, we pray that you would show Christ by the way you live your life. Our desire is that you would see HOW important it is to know God and know him even better.

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2303 260 ef9a46d50d9bea0a26df88fc06a137a8 no February 3 - Wednesday Night River Kids Play Well Finish Strong - Part 5 Pastor Mark Eskew <p>River Kids Church<br>Say What You Need to Say (Use Words Wisely) <br><br>God tells us in Ephesians 4:29 to use our words wisely. Our words have a LOT of power. That’s why Paul thought it was so important for us to use words that build each other up and help us heal. We have the responsibility to choose words that will help the people around us.</p> <p>River Kids Church<br>Say What You Need to Say (Use Words Wisely) <br><br>God tells us in Ephesians 4:29 to use our words wisely. Our words have a LOT of power. That’s why Paul thought it was so important for us to use words that build each other up and help us heal. We have the responsibility to choose words that will help the people around us.</p> River Kids Church
Say What You Need to Say (Use Words Wisely)

God tells us in Ephesians 4:29 to use our words wisely. Our words have a LOT of power. That’s why Paul thought it was so important for us to use words that build each other up and help us heal. We have the responsibility to choose words that will help the people around us.

]]> Wed, 03 Feb 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1082 261 dc0004d711d212a944af5a59a0c3426e no How to Rise Up When You Can't Pastor Adam Haugen <p>“I no longer call you servants... I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” -John 15:15 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus describes the relationship he wants to have with us in this scripture Knowledge of someone is not enough. Relationships will altar the course of our lives.<br><br>What is a friend? The definition of a friend is one who has your best interests in mind.<br>- A friend loves you, a friend encourages you, supports you, sometimes holds you<br>accountable, they listen to you, and they believe in you. <br>- When you understand that Jesus loves you, and that He wants your life to have purpose, more than anyone in the <a href="http://universe...guess" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">universe...guess</a> what means, we can fully trust him.<br><br>Why are we talking about a real friendship with God in a series called Rise Up? At River of Life Church, we believe the idea of rising up in our faith may feel overwhelming for some of us, and that is because we are often times trying to do it in our own strength.<br><br>We want to Rise Up in our marriage and be a better spouse.<br>We want to Rise Up in our parenting and love our kids more fully.<br>We long to Rise Up in our faith and live with integrity in a world of constantly shifting sands.<br>We desire to Rise Up in our finances.<br>We want to Rise Up in our physical health.<br>We want to Rise Up in our career.<br>We want to Rise Up in our relationships.<br><br>If we want to truly Rise Up in our lives, what we need more than anything is to be restored in relationship with the God who can then help us Rise Up and live the life He has created us for.<br><br>In John 5, we read about the pool of Bethesda. The pool of Bethesda was a place of miracles and restoration. The Bible says that every once and awhile, an angel of the Lord would come and stir the waters. The first person to get in the water would be healed of whatever disease or paralysis or problem they had. The pool was surrounded by crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed. One man who was sick for 38 years, unable to move, was desperate to go into the pool to be healed. Scripture tells us that Jesus saw him and approached him. "When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6) <br><br>What do you need from Jesus today? <br><br>Jesus asked the paralyzed man what he needed. He responds in John 5:7a, “I can’t for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up.” Notice that at first he says he can’t. We can relate to this statement sometimes. We often won’t Rise Up until the pain of maintaining becomes greater than the challenge of change. <br><br>“Then Jesus says, ‘Rise up. Pick up your mat and walk.’” At once the man was healed and picked up his mat and walked." -John 5:8-9<br><br>If you are at the spot today where you admit, "I want to be healed of whatever it is I have been struggling with," Jesus is here to help you Rise Up! The man’s obedience in faith brought restoration.<br>We come to seasons where we must come to the realization that we can’t do this alone. We can’t fix our life on our own, so therefore, we need to surrender our lives to God. We can't just know about God. We want God working in our lives. <br><br>"Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” -John 5:14 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus doesn’t want a Pool of Bethesda relationship with us. No one hung out at the pool after they were healed. Jesus isn’t looking to answer our prayers and then leave. He’s longing for relationship and that means life change.<br><br>As you are lying next to the pool of opportunity, and you are trying so desperately to get into the pool, you may be recognizing that you can’t on your own strength. There is a promise that Jesus is standing next to you saying, “What do you want from me today?”<br><br>If you want to rise up in your faith when you can’t (ask yourself this question):<br><br>1. Do you want to get well?<br>Just like the story, Jesus sees you, he knows when you are hurting, and he is asking you the same question.<br><br>2. (If yes), Admit that you cannot do it on your own.<br>Admit to God and maybe to others that you need help and wisdom.<br>“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” -James 4:10<br><br>Find a Life Group and surround yourself with people who are also trying to encounter Jesus daily. God never designed life to be alone. <br><br>“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17<br><br>3. Jesus wants relationship, not to simply be your rescuer in time of need.<br>"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8</p> <p>“I no longer call you servants... I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” -John 15:15 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus describes the relationship he wants to have with us in this scripture Knowledge of someone is not enough. Relationships will altar the course of our lives.<br><br>What is a friend? The definition of a friend is one who has your best interests in mind.<br>- A friend loves you, a friend encourages you, supports you, sometimes holds you<br>accountable, they listen to you, and they believe in you. <br>- When you understand that Jesus loves you, and that He wants your life to have purpose, more than anyone in the <a href="http://universe...guess" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">universe...guess</a> what means, we can fully trust him.<br><br>Why are we talking about a real friendship with God in a series called Rise Up? At River of Life Church, we believe the idea of rising up in our faith may feel overwhelming for some of us, and that is because we are often times trying to do it in our own strength.<br><br>We want to Rise Up in our marriage and be a better spouse.<br>We want to Rise Up in our parenting and love our kids more fully.<br>We long to Rise Up in our faith and live with integrity in a world of constantly shifting sands.<br>We desire to Rise Up in our finances.<br>We want to Rise Up in our physical health.<br>We want to Rise Up in our career.<br>We want to Rise Up in our relationships.<br><br>If we want to truly Rise Up in our lives, what we need more than anything is to be restored in relationship with the God who can then help us Rise Up and live the life He has created us for.<br><br>In John 5, we read about the pool of Bethesda. The pool of Bethesda was a place of miracles and restoration. The Bible says that every once and awhile, an angel of the Lord would come and stir the waters. The first person to get in the water would be healed of whatever disease or paralysis or problem they had. The pool was surrounded by crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed. One man who was sick for 38 years, unable to move, was desperate to go into the pool to be healed. Scripture tells us that Jesus saw him and approached him. "When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6) <br><br>What do you need from Jesus today? <br><br>Jesus asked the paralyzed man what he needed. He responds in John 5:7a, “I can’t for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up.” Notice that at first he says he can’t. We can relate to this statement sometimes. We often won’t Rise Up until the pain of maintaining becomes greater than the challenge of change. <br><br>“Then Jesus says, ‘Rise up. Pick up your mat and walk.’” At once the man was healed and picked up his mat and walked." -John 5:8-9<br><br>If you are at the spot today where you admit, "I want to be healed of whatever it is I have been struggling with," Jesus is here to help you Rise Up! The man’s obedience in faith brought restoration.<br>We come to seasons where we must come to the realization that we can’t do this alone. We can’t fix our life on our own, so therefore, we need to surrender our lives to God. We can't just know about God. We want God working in our lives. <br><br>"Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” -John 5:14 (NIV)<br><br>Jesus doesn’t want a Pool of Bethesda relationship with us. No one hung out at the pool after they were healed. Jesus isn’t looking to answer our prayers and then leave. He’s longing for relationship and that means life change.<br><br>As you are lying next to the pool of opportunity, and you are trying so desperately to get into the pool, you may be recognizing that you can’t on your own strength. There is a promise that Jesus is standing next to you saying, “What do you want from me today?”<br><br>If you want to rise up in your faith when you can’t (ask yourself this question):<br><br>1. Do you want to get well?<br>Just like the story, Jesus sees you, he knows when you are hurting, and he is asking you the same question.<br><br>2. (If yes), Admit that you cannot do it on your own.<br>Admit to God and maybe to others that you need help and wisdom.<br>“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” -James 4:10<br><br>Find a Life Group and surround yourself with people who are also trying to encounter Jesus daily. God never designed life to be alone. <br><br>“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17<br><br>3. Jesus wants relationship, not to simply be your rescuer in time of need.<br>"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8</p> “I no longer call you servants... I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” -John 15:15 (NIV)

Jesus describes the relationship he wants to have with us in this scripture Knowledge of someone is not enough. Relationships will altar the course of our lives.

What is a friend? The definition of a friend is one who has your best interests in mind.
- A friend loves you, a friend encourages you, supports you, sometimes holds you
accountable, they listen to you, and they believe in you.
- When you understand that Jesus loves you, and that He wants your life to have purpose, more than anyone in the universe...guess what means, we can fully trust him.

Why are we talking about a real friendship with God in a series called Rise Up? At River of Life Church, we believe the idea of rising up in our faith may feel overwhelming for some of us, and that is because we are often times trying to do it in our own strength.

We want to Rise Up in our marriage and be a better spouse.
We want to Rise Up in our parenting and love our kids more fully.
We long to Rise Up in our faith and live with integrity in a world of constantly shifting sands.
We desire to Rise Up in our finances.
We want to Rise Up in our physical health.
We want to Rise Up in our career.
We want to Rise Up in our relationships.

If we want to truly Rise Up in our lives, what we need more than anything is to be restored in relationship with the God who can then help us Rise Up and live the life He has created us for.

In John 5, we read about the pool of Bethesda. The pool of Bethesda was a place of miracles and restoration. The Bible says that every once and awhile, an angel of the Lord would come and stir the waters. The first person to get in the water would be healed of whatever disease or paralysis or problem they had. The pool was surrounded by crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed. One man who was sick for 38 years, unable to move, was desperate to go into the pool to be healed. Scripture tells us that Jesus saw him and approached him. "When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6)

What do you need from Jesus today?

Jesus asked the paralyzed man what he needed. He responds in John 5:7a, “I can’t for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up.” Notice that at first he says he can’t. We can relate to this statement sometimes. We often won’t Rise Up until the pain of maintaining becomes greater than the challenge of change.

“Then Jesus says, ‘Rise up. Pick up your mat and walk.’” At once the man was healed and picked up his mat and walked." -John 5:8-9

If you are at the spot today where you admit, "I want to be healed of whatever it is I have been struggling with," Jesus is here to help you Rise Up! The man’s obedience in faith brought restoration.
We come to seasons where we must come to the realization that we can’t do this alone. We can’t fix our life on our own, so therefore, we need to surrender our lives to God. We can't just know about God. We want God working in our lives.

"Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” -John 5:14 (NIV)

Jesus doesn’t want a Pool of Bethesda relationship with us. No one hung out at the pool after they were healed. Jesus isn’t looking to answer our prayers and then leave. He’s longing for relationship and that means life change.

As you are lying next to the pool of opportunity, and you are trying so desperately to get into the pool, you may be recognizing that you can’t on your own strength. There is a promise that Jesus is standing next to you saying, “What do you want from me today?”

If you want to rise up in your faith when you can’t (ask yourself this question):

1. Do you want to get well?
Just like the story, Jesus sees you, he knows when you are hurting, and he is asking you the same question.

2. (If yes), Admit that you cannot do it on your own.
Admit to God and maybe to others that you need help and wisdom.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” -James 4:10

Find a Life Group and surround yourself with people who are also trying to encounter Jesus daily. God never designed life to be alone.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." -Proverbs 27:17

3. Jesus wants relationship, not to simply be your rescuer in time of need.
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5:8

]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2234 262 2098f49f84ea9a7a45f82bd38d4c7bad no January 31st - K-5th Responsibility Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Responsibility is showing that you can be trusted with something. <br><br>Ephesians 4:29 "Use your words wisely."</p> <p>Responsibility is showing that you can be trusted with something. <br><br>Ephesians 4:29 "Use your words wisely."</p> Responsibility is showing that you can be trusted with something.

Ephesians 4:29 "Use your words wisely."

]]> Sun, 31 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1059 263 dbacdc7fcd9d9cb842775376b1801715 no January 27 - Wednesday Night River Kids Parable of the Bags of Gold Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Today’s story is one that Jesus told His friends in order to help them understand something important.<br><br>“Jesus often told stories when He wanted to explain something to the people who followed Him. These stories were called parables, and they took place in everyday situations so that people could understand God’s truth for themselves.<br><br>Jesus’ parable was about a man who went on a journey. Before he left for his trip, the man left his money with his servants. He wanted them to be responsible for it until he returned.<br>“The man asked his servants to take good care of his gold while he was gone. It was their responsibility to take care of what he owned.<br><br>“The man gave five bags of gold to one servant . . . two bags of gold to another . . . and one bag of gold to another. Then he left.<br><br>“After a long time, the boss finally came back home. He called all the servants together and asked them to show him what they had done with his money while he was gone.<br><br>“The first servant showed that he had doubled what the boss had given him. Instead of five bags of gold, he now had ten.<br><br>“The boss was very pleased. He said . . .<br>“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. “The second servant had also doubled what the boss had given him. Now, instead of two bags of gold, he had four. “Again, the boss said . . .“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.<br><br>“That just left the last servant—the one who didn’t make any more money, but just buried his gold in the ground. The servant tried to explain his actions. <br><br>“The servant tried to give some excuses for what he had done, but the fact is, he hadn’t been responsible. The boss had expected him to make the money grow, but he hid the money instead. So, the boss wasn’t happy. He sent the servant outside. He took the servant’s bag of gold and gave it to the other servant who had ten.<br><br>“Think about all the things God has given you. Maybe He’s given you a talent—like you’re a good artist or good at sports. He’s given you friends and family who love you—and every day, you can choose how you treat them. In every situation, let’s make the most of what we’ve been given.<br><br>Make the most of what you’ve been given.<br>Responsibility—Showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you</p> <p>Today’s story is one that Jesus told His friends in order to help them understand something important.<br><br>“Jesus often told stories when He wanted to explain something to the people who followed Him. These stories were called parables, and they took place in everyday situations so that people could understand God’s truth for themselves.<br><br>Jesus’ parable was about a man who went on a journey. Before he left for his trip, the man left his money with his servants. He wanted them to be responsible for it until he returned.<br>“The man asked his servants to take good care of his gold while he was gone. It was their responsibility to take care of what he owned.<br><br>“The man gave five bags of gold to one servant . . . two bags of gold to another . . . and one bag of gold to another. Then he left.<br><br>“After a long time, the boss finally came back home. He called all the servants together and asked them to show him what they had done with his money while he was gone.<br><br>“The first servant showed that he had doubled what the boss had given him. Instead of five bags of gold, he now had ten.<br><br>“The boss was very pleased. He said . . .<br>“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. “The second servant had also doubled what the boss had given him. Now, instead of two bags of gold, he had four. “Again, the boss said . . .“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.<br><br>“That just left the last servant—the one who didn’t make any more money, but just buried his gold in the ground. The servant tried to explain his actions. <br><br>“The servant tried to give some excuses for what he had done, but the fact is, he hadn’t been responsible. The boss had expected him to make the money grow, but he hid the money instead. So, the boss wasn’t happy. He sent the servant outside. He took the servant’s bag of gold and gave it to the other servant who had ten.<br><br>“Think about all the things God has given you. Maybe He’s given you a talent—like you’re a good artist or good at sports. He’s given you friends and family who love you—and every day, you can choose how you treat them. In every situation, let’s make the most of what we’ve been given.<br><br>Make the most of what you’ve been given.<br>Responsibility—Showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you</p> Today’s story is one that Jesus told His friends in order to help them understand something important.

“Jesus often told stories when He wanted to explain something to the people who followed Him. These stories were called parables, and they took place in everyday situations so that people could understand God’s truth for themselves.

Jesus’ parable was about a man who went on a journey. Before he left for his trip, the man left his money with his servants. He wanted them to be responsible for it until he returned.
“The man asked his servants to take good care of his gold while he was gone. It was their responsibility to take care of what he owned.

“The man gave five bags of gold to one servant . . . two bags of gold to another . . . and one bag of gold to another. Then he left.

“After a long time, the boss finally came back home. He called all the servants together and asked them to show him what they had done with his money while he was gone.

“The first servant showed that he had doubled what the boss had given him. Instead of five bags of gold, he now had ten.

“The boss was very pleased. He said . . .
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. “The second servant had also doubled what the boss had given him. Now, instead of two bags of gold, he had four. “Again, the boss said . . .“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.

“That just left the last servant—the one who didn’t make any more money, but just buried his gold in the ground. The servant tried to explain his actions.

“The servant tried to give some excuses for what he had done, but the fact is, he hadn’t been responsible. The boss had expected him to make the money grow, but he hid the money instead. So, the boss wasn’t happy. He sent the servant outside. He took the servant’s bag of gold and gave it to the other servant who had ten.

“Think about all the things God has given you. Maybe He’s given you a talent—like you’re a good artist or good at sports. He’s given you friends and family who love you—and every day, you can choose how you treat them. In every situation, let’s make the most of what we’ve been given.

Make the most of what you’ve been given.
Responsibility—Showing you can be trusted with what is expected of you

]]> Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1328 264 163b34ca8b2f85ebd30e01900e3595ee no January 24th - K-5th Making the Most of What You Have River Kids <p>the Bible says that if we are responsible for what we are given, more will be offered to us. God wants us to use our talents and abilities to glorify God. One</p> <p>the Bible says that if we are responsible for what we are given, more will be offered to us. God wants us to use our talents and abilities to glorify God. One</p> the Bible says that if we are responsible for what we are given, more will be offered to us. God wants us to use our talents and abilities to glorify God. One

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 871 265 a559619a2537b65c9708ea051356dd34 no Shame Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything." -Luke 15:11-16<br><br>Guilt and shame kept the prodigal son from returning home to his family. Guilt admits that we've done wrong, and corrects itself through repentance. Shame takes over our joy and enthusiasm for God, and keeps us from experiencing His presence on a daily basis. Shame brings isolation and death. Shame tries to hide what we've done. It justifies and blames others for our actions. God didn't create us for shame. <br><br>Guilt says, "I messed up and I need to go to God." Shame says "I AM messed up and I have to hide from God. I need to go it on my own!" Shame takes us away God.<br><br>Scripture shares this truth - <br><br>"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" -Romans 7:24 <br><br>"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." -Romans 7:25<br><br>We are DELIVERED through Jesus Christ from our shame.<br><br>"I will rise up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee;" -Luke 15:18 (DARBY)<br><br>"Fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." <br>-Hebrews 12:2-3 <br><br>It's time to rise up. Jesus understood the power of shame and its effects on us. He took on our sin and shame to the cross on our behalf!<br><br>"because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" -James 2:13 <br><br>When the prodigal son returned home, the father received him, forgave him, and gave him a new destiny. THIS is what Jesus wants to do for you!<br><br>Verses to Memorize:<br><br>“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” -Romans 10:13 NIV<br><br>"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9 NIV<br><br>"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." -Ephesians 2:8 NIV<br><br>"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8:1 NIV<br><br>Let us rise up and go to our Father.</p> <p>"Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything." -Luke 15:11-16<br><br>Guilt and shame kept the prodigal son from returning home to his family. Guilt admits that we've done wrong, and corrects itself through repentance. Shame takes over our joy and enthusiasm for God, and keeps us from experiencing His presence on a daily basis. Shame brings isolation and death. Shame tries to hide what we've done. It justifies and blames others for our actions. God didn't create us for shame. <br><br>Guilt says, "I messed up and I need to go to God." Shame says "I AM messed up and I have to hide from God. I need to go it on my own!" Shame takes us away God.<br><br>Scripture shares this truth - <br><br>"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" -Romans 7:24 <br><br>"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." -Romans 7:25<br><br>We are DELIVERED through Jesus Christ from our shame.<br><br>"I will rise up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee;" -Luke 15:18 (DARBY)<br><br>"Fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." <br>-Hebrews 12:2-3 <br><br>It's time to rise up. Jesus understood the power of shame and its effects on us. He took on our sin and shame to the cross on our behalf!<br><br>"because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" -James 2:13 <br><br>When the prodigal son returned home, the father received him, forgave him, and gave him a new destiny. THIS is what Jesus wants to do for you!<br><br>Verses to Memorize:<br><br>“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” -Romans 10:13 NIV<br><br>"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9 NIV<br><br>"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." -Ephesians 2:8 NIV<br><br>"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8:1 NIV<br><br>Let us rise up and go to our Father.</p> "Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything." -Luke 15:11-16

Guilt and shame kept the prodigal son from returning home to his family. Guilt admits that we've done wrong, and corrects itself through repentance. Shame takes over our joy and enthusiasm for God, and keeps us from experiencing His presence on a daily basis. Shame brings isolation and death. Shame tries to hide what we've done. It justifies and blames others for our actions. God didn't create us for shame.

Guilt says, "I messed up and I need to go to God." Shame says "I AM messed up and I have to hide from God. I need to go it on my own!" Shame takes us away God.

Scripture shares this truth -

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" -Romans 7:24

"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." -Romans 7:25

We are DELIVERED through Jesus Christ from our shame.

"I will rise up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee;" -Luke 15:18 (DARBY)

"Fix your eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
-Hebrews 12:2-3

It's time to rise up. Jesus understood the power of shame and its effects on us. He took on our sin and shame to the cross on our behalf!

"because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" -James 2:13

When the prodigal son returned home, the father received him, forgave him, and gave him a new destiny. THIS is what Jesus wants to do for you!

Verses to Memorize:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” -Romans 10:13 NIV

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -1 John 1:9 NIV

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." -Ephesians 2:8 NIV

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." -Romans 8:1 NIV

Let us rise up and go to our Father.

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2430 266 ce99ae02bdcdc90210e5adbd48bb0247 no January 20 - Wednesday Night River Kids Using Your Gifts River Kids <p>God has great plans for you. In the Bible it says in Proverbs 6:6-8, "You people who don't want to work, think about the ant! Consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander. It has no leader or ruler. But it stores up its food in the summer. It gathers its food at harvest time." God also wants us to work hard at doing good. <br><br>Work is hard. Many times, we would rather avoid it. But working hard can bring out our best. It gives us a sense of accomplishment. Working hard now, can save us from doing extra work later. Work also allows us to help others. God gave us work to help us get things done. When we work hard and do our best, it is a cool way to honor God. <br><br>Choosing to work hard, doesn't mean that you can't rest and have fun once and awhile. It is great to have a healthy balance.</p> <p>God has great plans for you. In the Bible it says in Proverbs 6:6-8, "You people who don't want to work, think about the ant! Consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander. It has no leader or ruler. But it stores up its food in the summer. It gathers its food at harvest time." God also wants us to work hard at doing good. <br><br>Work is hard. Many times, we would rather avoid it. But working hard can bring out our best. It gives us a sense of accomplishment. Working hard now, can save us from doing extra work later. Work also allows us to help others. God gave us work to help us get things done. When we work hard and do our best, it is a cool way to honor God. <br><br>Choosing to work hard, doesn't mean that you can't rest and have fun once and awhile. It is great to have a healthy balance.</p> God has great plans for you. In the Bible it says in Proverbs 6:6-8, "You people who don't want to work, think about the ant! Consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander. It has no leader or ruler. But it stores up its food in the summer. It gathers its food at harvest time." God also wants us to work hard at doing good.

Work is hard. Many times, we would rather avoid it. But working hard can bring out our best. It gives us a sense of accomplishment. Working hard now, can save us from doing extra work later. Work also allows us to help others. God gave us work to help us get things done. When we work hard and do our best, it is a cool way to honor God.

Choosing to work hard, doesn't mean that you can't rest and have fun once and awhile. It is great to have a healthy balance.

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1159 267 66cb6616a888564f6d58c545c17a8941 no January 17th - K-5th Hard work. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>King Solomon was young when he became a ruler of Israel after his father David. You can imagine he might have felt nervous about doing the job. But one night God spoke to Solomon in a dream. Can you imagine God offering anything you might want? Do you know what Solomon asked for? By making good choices, God says that he will entrust us with more (Luke 16:10). <br><br>1 King 3:5 NIRV<br>The Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon. He spoke to him in a dream during the night. God said, “Ask for anything you want me to give you.</p> <p>King Solomon was young when he became a ruler of Israel after his father David. You can imagine he might have felt nervous about doing the job. But one night God spoke to Solomon in a dream. Can you imagine God offering anything you might want? Do you know what Solomon asked for? By making good choices, God says that he will entrust us with more (Luke 16:10). <br><br>1 King 3:5 NIRV<br>The Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon. He spoke to him in a dream during the night. God said, “Ask for anything you want me to give you.</p> King Solomon was young when he became a ruler of Israel after his father David. You can imagine he might have felt nervous about doing the job. But one night God spoke to Solomon in a dream. Can you imagine God offering anything you might want? Do you know what Solomon asked for? By making good choices, God says that he will entrust us with more (Luke 16:10).

1 King 3:5 NIRV
The Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon. He spoke to him in a dream during the night. God said, “Ask for anything you want me to give you.

]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1043 268 5b9e6eddc36b702ee037b68139c90e65 no The Things Unseen Pastor Kirby St. John <p>"Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory." - 2 Kings 6:8-23<br><br>In the current state of our world, it's easy to feel like God's hand is far from your life. In these seasons, we may not see the following things - <br><br>1. His Presence<br>2. His Protection<br>3. His Provision<br>4. His Plan<br>5. His Peace<br>6. His Power<br>7. His Perspective<br><br>It's time to rise up and trust that God's presence is with us. In the battle, we can trust in His protection and provision in our lives. We can trust in His plan because He offers us His peace. Rise up in His power and choose His perspective. Trust the process.<br><br>It's time for the church to rise up. As Christians, we may have differences of perspective, but as we read in 2 Kings 6, the king was commanded to "feed his enemies." How can you show the love of Jesus to those around you this week? In a week of making history in our nation, now more than ever, we need to show the love of Christ to those around us. This battle is not our own.</p> <p>"Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory." - 2 Kings 6:8-23<br><br>In the current state of our world, it's easy to feel like God's hand is far from your life. In these seasons, we may not see the following things - <br><br>1. His Presence<br>2. His Protection<br>3. His Provision<br>4. His Plan<br>5. His Peace<br>6. His Power<br>7. His Perspective<br><br>It's time to rise up and trust that God's presence is with us. In the battle, we can trust in His protection and provision in our lives. We can trust in His plan because He offers us His peace. Rise up in His power and choose His perspective. Trust the process.<br><br>It's time for the church to rise up. As Christians, we may have differences of perspective, but as we read in 2 Kings 6, the king was commanded to "feed his enemies." How can you show the love of Jesus to those around you this week? In a week of making history in our nation, now more than ever, we need to show the love of Christ to those around us. This battle is not our own.</p> "Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.” The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?” “None of us, my lord the king,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.” “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. As the enemy came down toward him, Elisha prayed to the Lord, “Strike this army with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness, as Elisha had asked. Elisha told them, “This is not the road and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” And he led them to Samaria. After they entered the city, Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men so they can see.” Then the Lord opened their eyes and they looked, and there they were, inside Samaria. When the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “Shall I kill them, my father? Shall I kill them?” “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.” So he prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. So the bands from Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory." - 2 Kings 6:8-23

In the current state of our world, it's easy to feel like God's hand is far from your life. In these seasons, we may not see the following things -

1. His Presence
2. His Protection
3. His Provision
4. His Plan
5. His Peace
6. His Power
7. His Perspective

It's time to rise up and trust that God's presence is with us. In the battle, we can trust in His protection and provision in our lives. We can trust in His plan because He offers us His peace. Rise up in His power and choose His perspective. Trust the process.

It's time for the church to rise up. As Christians, we may have differences of perspective, but as we read in 2 Kings 6, the king was commanded to "feed his enemies." How can you show the love of Jesus to those around you this week? In a week of making history in our nation, now more than ever, we need to show the love of Christ to those around us. This battle is not our own.

]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2413 269 7eef9a1af53d80d4125b17dd4af7bd7d no January 13 - Wednesday Night River Kids Share What You Have! Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Hey River Kids! We are so excited for the new year, and are happy to hang out with you again! <br><br>This month is all about learning simple rules for our lives. These everyday actions may seem small, but they will have a huge impact on our hearts and those around us when we put them into practice!<br><br>Today we'll learn how it honors God when we share what we have with others. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters who want to help teach us about sharing.<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have an awesome week!</p> <p>Hey River Kids! We are so excited for the new year, and are happy to hang out with you again! <br><br>This month is all about learning simple rules for our lives. These everyday actions may seem small, but they will have a huge impact on our hearts and those around us when we put them into practice!<br><br>Today we'll learn how it honors God when we share what we have with others. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters who want to help teach us about sharing.<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have an awesome week!</p> Hey River Kids! We are so excited for the new year, and are happy to hang out with you again!

This month is all about learning simple rules for our lives. These everyday actions may seem small, but they will have a huge impact on our hearts and those around us when we put them into practice!

Today we'll learn how it honors God when we share what we have with others.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters who want to help teach us about sharing.

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have an awesome week!

]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 1216 270 18f15d61ff87961ab7032f04af46e10d no Serve Pastor Denny Curran <p>“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." - Isaiah 60:1-2 NIV<br><br>What type of light are you shining? This week, Pastor Denny speaks about how as believers, we can let our light shine by the way we live our life. <br><br>1.) Get out of Bed!<br>In today's passage, God is encouraging Israel to wake up. He is about to do something that He doesn’t want them to miss out on. What God does next is incredible, supernatural, and earth shaking.<br><br>"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” -Ephesians 5:8-14 NIV<br><br>Ephesians 5 is a reminder to believers that darkness, or living in darkness is equivalent to sleeping. <br><br>"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." -Romans 13:11 NIV<br><br>2.) It's time to rise up and shine. <br><br>"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12 NIV<br><br>Jesus is a light that has come to live in you. He shares HIS light with us. When we come to Christ, we receive His light. Our light comes from living FOR Christ. Finally, our light comes from what we DO.<br><br>"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV <br><br>“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16 NIV<br><br>It is impossible to conformed to the image of Christ without the Holy Spirit, the Word, and Authentic Community.<br><br>"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 NIV  <br><br>The church cannot be made up of consumers. The church must rise up and choose a position of serving.<br><br>"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." -John 3:19-21 NIV<br><br>"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Jesus is the light of the world— no other name where man can be saved." -Matthew 5:14 NIV</p> <p>“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." - Isaiah 60:1-2 NIV<br><br>What type of light are you shining? This week, Pastor Denny speaks about how as believers, we can let our light shine by the way we live our life. <br><br>1.) Get out of Bed!<br>In today's passage, God is encouraging Israel to wake up. He is about to do something that He doesn’t want them to miss out on. What God does next is incredible, supernatural, and earth shaking.<br><br>"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” -Ephesians 5:8-14 NIV<br><br>Ephesians 5 is a reminder to believers that darkness, or living in darkness is equivalent to sleeping. <br><br>"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." -Romans 13:11 NIV<br><br>2.) It's time to rise up and shine. <br><br>"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12 NIV<br><br>Jesus is a light that has come to live in you. He shares HIS light with us. When we come to Christ, we receive His light. Our light comes from living FOR Christ. Finally, our light comes from what we DO.<br><br>"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV <br><br>“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16 NIV<br><br>It is impossible to conformed to the image of Christ without the Holy Spirit, the Word, and Authentic Community.<br><br>"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 NIV  <br><br>The church cannot be made up of consumers. The church must rise up and choose a position of serving.<br><br>"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." -John 3:19-21 NIV<br><br>"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Jesus is the light of the world— no other name where man can be saved." -Matthew 5:14 NIV</p> “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." - Isaiah 60:1-2 NIV

What type of light are you shining? This week, Pastor Denny speaks about how as believers, we can let our light shine by the way we live our life.

1.) Get out of Bed!
In today's passage, God is encouraging Israel to wake up. He is about to do something that He doesn’t want them to miss out on. What God does next is incredible, supernatural, and earth shaking.

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” -Ephesians 5:8-14 NIV

Ephesians 5 is a reminder to believers that darkness, or living in darkness is equivalent to sleeping.

"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." -Romans 13:11 NIV

2.) It's time to rise up and shine.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12 NIV

Jesus is a light that has come to live in you. He shares HIS light with us. When we come to Christ, we receive His light. Our light comes from living FOR Christ. Finally, our light comes from what we DO.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." -Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

It is impossible to conformed to the image of Christ without the Holy Spirit, the Word, and Authentic Community.

"Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 NIV  

The church cannot be made up of consumers. The church must rise up and choose a position of serving.

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." -John 3:19-21 NIV

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Jesus is the light of the world— no other name where man can be saved." -Matthew 5:14 NIV

]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2301 271 04d8ce5d84cba5b8315b2ab4b7534e68 no January 3rd - K-5th Love God. Love others. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! January we are bringing a whole new series on Playing well and finishing strong. <br><br>To live with responsibility, you’ve got to play well and finish strong. That’s how you show you can be trusted with what is expected of you.<br><br>Today we'll learn all about Loving God and Loving People. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! January we are bringing a whole new series on Playing well and finishing strong. <br><br>To live with responsibility, you’ve got to play well and finish strong. That’s how you show you can be trusted with what is expected of you.<br><br>Today we'll learn all about Loving God and Loving People. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! January we are bringing a whole new series on Playing well and finishing strong.

To live with responsibility, you’ve got to play well and finish strong. That’s how you show you can be trusted with what is expected of you.

Today we'll learn all about Loving God and Loving People.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 846 272 cb1ce1c6b8048263c067c9b7bec3fe0d no Mountain Moving Faith Pastor Denny Curran <p>"He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20 NIV<br><br>"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him." -Mark 11:22-23 NIV<br><br>"He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. -Luke 17:6 NIV<br><br>1. Human Weakness<br>"When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. <br>-Matthew 17:14-15 NIV<br><br>Our human ability will only take us so far, even our normal spiritual walk won't change some circumstances. <br><br>2. Divine Power<br>"So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." -Mark 9:20-22 NIV<br><br>Jesus cares about your yesterdays.<br><br>Talk to God like he is your friend and share your struggles with him.<br><br>"If you can'?" said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes." -Mark 9:23 NIV<br><br>Jesus didn't say to understand everything, he just said, believe!<br><br>3. Faith and Fasting<br><br>Different Types of Faith:<br>A. Saving Faith<br>B. Serving Faith<br>C. Supernatural Faith<br><br>"He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.” -Matthew 17:20 NIV<br><br>"He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.” -Mark 9:29 NIV<br><br>Stay connected to Him!</p> <p>"He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20 NIV<br><br>"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him." -Mark 11:22-23 NIV<br><br>"He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. -Luke 17:6 NIV<br><br>1. Human Weakness<br>"When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. <br>-Matthew 17:14-15 NIV<br><br>Our human ability will only take us so far, even our normal spiritual walk won't change some circumstances. <br><br>2. Divine Power<br>"So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." -Mark 9:20-22 NIV<br><br>Jesus cares about your yesterdays.<br><br>Talk to God like he is your friend and share your struggles with him.<br><br>"If you can'?" said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes." -Mark 9:23 NIV<br><br>Jesus didn't say to understand everything, he just said, believe!<br><br>3. Faith and Fasting<br><br>Different Types of Faith:<br>A. Saving Faith<br>B. Serving Faith<br>C. Supernatural Faith<br><br>"He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.” -Matthew 17:20 NIV<br><br>"He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.” -Mark 9:29 NIV<br><br>Stay connected to Him!</p> "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20 NIV

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him." -Mark 11:22-23 NIV

"He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you. -Luke 17:6 NIV

1. Human Weakness
"When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. "Lord, have mercy on my son," he said. "He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water.
-Matthew 17:14-15 NIV

Our human ability will only take us so far, even our normal spiritual walk won't change some circumstances.

2. Divine Power
"So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the boy's father, “How long has he been like this?” "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us." -Mark 9:20-22 NIV

Jesus cares about your yesterdays.

Talk to God like he is your friend and share your struggles with him.

"If you can'?" said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes." -Mark 9:23 NIV

Jesus didn't say to understand everything, he just said, believe!

3. Faith and Fasting

Different Types of Faith:
A. Saving Faith
B. Serving Faith
C. Supernatural Faith

"He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.” -Matthew 17:20 NIV

"He replied, "This kind can come out only by prayer.” -Mark 9:29 NIV

Stay connected to Him!

]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2021 10:00:00 +0000 2681 273 b2268decf16e1e92613ee2efc914e5bd no How Prayer Can Change Your Life Pastor Denny Curran <p>1 Thessalonians 5:16-18<br>Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire<br><br>Your Life will change radically when you stop making prayer your backup plan.<br><br>Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort!</p> <p>1 Thessalonians 5:16-18<br>Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire<br><br>Your Life will change radically when you stop making prayer your backup plan.<br><br>Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort!</p> 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire

Your Life will change radically when you stop making prayer your backup plan.

Prayer should be our first response, not our last resort!

]]> Sun, 27 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2294 274 a3ff3694cdd17a706ccd0745b5f5c214 no 2020 Christmas Service Christmas at River of Life Pastor Denny Curran Thu, 24 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4354 275 4bb49ccb8691fe45f9fb23777050f7ec no December 20th - K-5th God loved us so much that He gave us a Savior. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn God loved us so much that He gave us a Savior.. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn God loved us so much that He gave us a Savior.. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas".

The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.

Today we'll learn God loved us so much that He gave us a Savior..

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1043 276 dfc69dc0ee9a31c4db19c66573609ab9 no Peace is a Practice Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2<br><br>In this series, we have learned that God has promised us peace. God has given us His peace, and now we need to go home and apply it to our lives. We must protect it! We need to develop a discipline. <br><br>When you claim the promises of God over your life, you activate the promises of God in your life.<br><br>"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers." -Psalm 1:1-3<br><br>"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:9-11<br><br>Learn to pray scripture over your life. This will elevate your faith over your fear! Speak it into existence, whether you feel it or not. Remember it. Practice it. Receive it. <br><br>Peace is a produce. <br><br>"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and faithfulness." -Galatians 5:22<br><br>Protect your peace, because it takes time to grow! It takes discipline to protect it. As you remain in Jesus Christ, your peace will grow.<br><br>Do you need peace with God in your life? Offer your sins to Jesus and watch as he gives you His righteousness. You will know that He is speaking to you as you trust Him with your life, marriage, life changes, etc. When you give your life to Christ and work with him, your peace will grow and prosper daily.</p> <p>"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2<br><br>In this series, we have learned that God has promised us peace. God has given us His peace, and now we need to go home and apply it to our lives. We must protect it! We need to develop a discipline. <br><br>When you claim the promises of God over your life, you activate the promises of God in your life.<br><br>"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers." -Psalm 1:1-3<br><br>"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:9-11<br><br>Learn to pray scripture over your life. This will elevate your faith over your fear! Speak it into existence, whether you feel it or not. Remember it. Practice it. Receive it. <br><br>Peace is a produce. <br><br>"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and faithfulness." -Galatians 5:22<br><br>Protect your peace, because it takes time to grow! It takes discipline to protect it. As you remain in Jesus Christ, your peace will grow.<br><br>Do you need peace with God in your life? Offer your sins to Jesus and watch as he gives you His righteousness. You will know that He is speaking to you as you trust Him with your life, marriage, life changes, etc. When you give your life to Christ and work with him, your peace will grow and prosper daily.</p> "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2

In this series, we have learned that God has promised us peace. God has given us His peace, and now we need to go home and apply it to our lives. We must protect it! We need to develop a discipline.

When you claim the promises of God over your life, you activate the promises of God in your life.

"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers." -Psalm 1:1-3

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:9-11

Learn to pray scripture over your life. This will elevate your faith over your fear! Speak it into existence, whether you feel it or not. Remember it. Practice it. Receive it.

Peace is a produce.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and faithfulness." -Galatians 5:22

Protect your peace, because it takes time to grow! It takes discipline to protect it. As you remain in Jesus Christ, your peace will grow.

Do you need peace with God in your life? Offer your sins to Jesus and watch as he gives you His righteousness. You will know that He is speaking to you as you trust Him with your life, marriage, life changes, etc. When you give your life to Christ and work with him, your peace will grow and prosper daily.

]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2485 277 4d27e2ec3e6f2992421102e64603aafa no Getting God's Vision For Your Life "Everyone is born as an original; many die as a copy." Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Luke 1:46-48 TPT & TLB<br>And Mary sang this song: “My soul is ecstatic, overflowing with praises to God! My spirit bursts with joy over my life-giving God! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God.</p> <p>Luke 1:46-48 TPT & TLB<br>And Mary sang this song: “My soul is ecstatic, overflowing with praises to God! My spirit bursts with joy over my life-giving God! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God.</p> Luke 1:46-48 TPT & TLB
And Mary sang this song: “My soul is ecstatic, overflowing with praises to God! My spirit bursts with joy over my life-giving God! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and now generation after generation forever shall call me blest of God.

]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1580 278 cecd47af8ec2e60e0a4209693f73b530 no December 13th - K-5th You can have joy because God has a plan for you. <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn that you can have joy because God has a plan for you. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn that you can have joy because God has a plan for you. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas".

The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.

Today we'll learn that you can have joy because God has a plan for you.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1090 279 0cc44a8674699abde00e2393093d7059 no Peace is a Path Pastor Denny Curran <p>The plot of every Hallmark movie is about a career woman who is too busy for love but she has to move to a small town where a handsome local bachelor teaches her about the true spirit of the holiday. It starts snowing and they kiss. There is also a dog.<br><br>As we enter the Christmas season, the most wonderful time of the year, which is supposed to be the most peaceful time, can often be the most stressful time We want everything to be a Hallmark movie, where everything is perfect. It's easy to feel like we need perfection for us to experience any peace or joy. The Christmas season will offer you everything you need right now to experience God‘s perfect peace. <br><br>The Christmas story tells us of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had an odd love story. There was a wicked king, a corrupt government, Jew haters, and they were forced to do some unreasonable things and pay high taxes. They delivered their son in a stable surrounded by barn animals. Where was their Hallmark story?<br><br>2.) Peace is a Path<br><br>"To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." - Luke 1:77-79 (NIV)<br><br>In life, we are not walking a path TO peace, we're walking a path OF peace. Two small letters make a huge difference. Peace is the path we're on right now. Stop searching for it and start walking in it, because with Jesus, we have everything we need right here right now to be at peace.</p> <p>The plot of every Hallmark movie is about a career woman who is too busy for love but she has to move to a small town where a handsome local bachelor teaches her about the true spirit of the holiday. It starts snowing and they kiss. There is also a dog.<br><br>As we enter the Christmas season, the most wonderful time of the year, which is supposed to be the most peaceful time, can often be the most stressful time We want everything to be a Hallmark movie, where everything is perfect. It's easy to feel like we need perfection for us to experience any peace or joy. The Christmas season will offer you everything you need right now to experience God‘s perfect peace. <br><br>The Christmas story tells us of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had an odd love story. There was a wicked king, a corrupt government, Jew haters, and they were forced to do some unreasonable things and pay high taxes. They delivered their son in a stable surrounded by barn animals. Where was their Hallmark story?<br><br>2.) Peace is a Path<br><br>"To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." - Luke 1:77-79 (NIV)<br><br>In life, we are not walking a path TO peace, we're walking a path OF peace. Two small letters make a huge difference. Peace is the path we're on right now. Stop searching for it and start walking in it, because with Jesus, we have everything we need right here right now to be at peace.</p> The plot of every Hallmark movie is about a career woman who is too busy for love but she has to move to a small town where a handsome local bachelor teaches her about the true spirit of the holiday. It starts snowing and they kiss. There is also a dog.

As we enter the Christmas season, the most wonderful time of the year, which is supposed to be the most peaceful time, can often be the most stressful time We want everything to be a Hallmark movie, where everything is perfect. It's easy to feel like we need perfection for us to experience any peace or joy. The Christmas season will offer you everything you need right now to experience God‘s perfect peace.

The Christmas story tells us of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had an odd love story. There was a wicked king, a corrupt government, Jew haters, and they were forced to do some unreasonable things and pay high taxes. They delivered their son in a stable surrounded by barn animals. Where was their Hallmark story?

2.) Peace is a Path

"To give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." - Luke 1:77-79 (NIV)

In life, we are not walking a path TO peace, we're walking a path OF peace. Two small letters make a huge difference. Peace is the path we're on right now. Stop searching for it and start walking in it, because with Jesus, we have everything we need right here right now to be at peace.

]]> Sun, 13 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2043 280 1f648710a8ca32d48f8202b04320d770 no December 9th - Wednesday Night River Kids We can have hope because God keeps His promises. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn that we can have hope because God keeps his promises. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn that we can have hope because God keeps his promises. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas".

The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.

Today we'll learn that we can have hope because God keeps his promises.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 09 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1293 281 4557cb34cb6fdc93f14869696b444c4b no Getting Clutter Out of Your Life "Be still and know that I am God." Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Psalm 46:10 NLT<br>Be still, and know that I am God!</p> <p>Psalm 46:10 NLT<br>Be still, and know that I am God!</p> Psalm 46:10 NLT
Be still, and know that I am God!

]]> Wed, 09 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1585 282 b16a20ad2596efc052459f3296379980 no December 6th - K-5th We can have hope because God keeps His promises. <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn that we can have hope because God keeps his promises. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas". <br><br>The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.<br><br>Today we'll learn that we can have hope because God keeps his promises. <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! December we are bringing a whole new series on Christmas and what it means to be "Simply Christmas".

The real meaning of Christmas is simple: we celebrate Jesus, God’s greatest gift. We can find hope, joy, love, and peace when we remember that God sent Jesus to be our Savior.

Today we'll learn that we can have hope because God keeps his promises.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what Christmas means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 06 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1006 283 1281a3994195c63c5772df3d0cc9e648 no Peace is a Promise Pastor Denny Curran <p>The plot of every Hallmark movie is about a career woman who is too busy for love but she has to move to a small town where a handsome local bachelor teaches her about the true spirit of the holiday. It starts snowing and they kiss. There is also a dog.<br><br>As we enter the Christmas season, the most wonderful time of the year, which is supposed to be the most peaceful time, can often be the most stressful time We want everything to be a Hallmark movie, where everything is perfect. It's easy to feel like we need perfection for us to experience any peace or joy. The Christmas season will offer you everything you need right now to experience God‘s perfect peace. <br><br>The Christmas story tells us of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had an odd love story. There was a wicked king, a corrupt government, Jew haters, and they were forced to do some unreasonable things and pay high taxes. They delivered their son in a stable surrounded by barn animals. Where was their Hallmark story?<br><br>1.) Peace is a Promise<br><br>"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6 NIV<br><br>Peace is not the absence of conflict. It's the presence of something better in its place. Peace isn’t circumstantial! It’s a promise from the God of the universe.<br><br>"As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. The way of peace they do not know! There is no fear of God before their eyes." -Romans 3:10-17 NIV<br><br>The point of Christmas isn’t the imperfect setting for the birth of a baby let alone the Savior, King<br>of Kings. The point isn’t that they were far from the comfort of their homes on Christmas. The point of Christmas is that despite imperfect circumstances, peace arrived on Christmas Day. We can now all live in peace despite the stink of our circumstances. Peace is here.</p> <p>The plot of every Hallmark movie is about a career woman who is too busy for love but she has to move to a small town where a handsome local bachelor teaches her about the true spirit of the holiday. It starts snowing and they kiss. There is also a dog.<br><br>As we enter the Christmas season, the most wonderful time of the year, which is supposed to be the most peaceful time, can often be the most stressful time We want everything to be a Hallmark movie, where everything is perfect. It's easy to feel like we need perfection for us to experience any peace or joy. The Christmas season will offer you everything you need right now to experience God‘s perfect peace. <br><br>The Christmas story tells us of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had an odd love story. There was a wicked king, a corrupt government, Jew haters, and they were forced to do some unreasonable things and pay high taxes. They delivered their son in a stable surrounded by barn animals. Where was their Hallmark story?<br><br>1.) Peace is a Promise<br><br>"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6 NIV<br><br>Peace is not the absence of conflict. It's the presence of something better in its place. Peace isn’t circumstantial! It’s a promise from the God of the universe.<br><br>"As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. The way of peace they do not know! There is no fear of God before their eyes." -Romans 3:10-17 NIV<br><br>The point of Christmas isn’t the imperfect setting for the birth of a baby let alone the Savior, King<br>of Kings. The point isn’t that they were far from the comfort of their homes on Christmas. The point of Christmas is that despite imperfect circumstances, peace arrived on Christmas Day. We can now all live in peace despite the stink of our circumstances. Peace is here.</p> The plot of every Hallmark movie is about a career woman who is too busy for love but she has to move to a small town where a handsome local bachelor teaches her about the true spirit of the holiday. It starts snowing and they kiss. There is also a dog.

As we enter the Christmas season, the most wonderful time of the year, which is supposed to be the most peaceful time, can often be the most stressful time We want everything to be a Hallmark movie, where everything is perfect. It's easy to feel like we need perfection for us to experience any peace or joy. The Christmas season will offer you everything you need right now to experience God‘s perfect peace.

The Christmas story tells us of the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph had an odd love story. There was a wicked king, a corrupt government, Jew haters, and they were forced to do some unreasonable things and pay high taxes. They delivered their son in a stable surrounded by barn animals. Where was their Hallmark story?

1.) Peace is a Promise

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Peace is not the absence of conflict. It's the presence of something better in its place. Peace isn’t circumstantial! It’s a promise from the God of the universe.

"As it is written: 'There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know. The way of peace they do not know! There is no fear of God before their eyes." -Romans 3:10-17 NIV

The point of Christmas isn’t the imperfect setting for the birth of a baby let alone the Savior, King
of Kings. The point isn’t that they were far from the comfort of their homes on Christmas. The point of Christmas is that despite imperfect circumstances, peace arrived on Christmas Day. We can now all live in peace despite the stink of our circumstances. Peace is here.

]]> Sun, 06 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2634 284 a57d86e870fcdea5362c48eaed976445 no Get Worship Into Your Life Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Romans 12:2 TPT<br>Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.<br><br>Colossians 3:2 NIV<br>Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.<br><br>Acts 16:25 VOICE<br>Picture this: It’s midnight. In the darkness of their cell, Paul and Silas—after surviving the severe beating—aren’t moaning and groaning; they’re praying and singing hymns to God. The prisoners in adjoining cells are wide awake, listening to them pray and sing.</p> <p>Romans 12:2 TPT<br>Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.<br><br>Colossians 3:2 NIV<br>Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.<br><br>Acts 16:25 VOICE<br>Picture this: It’s midnight. In the darkness of their cell, Paul and Silas—after surviving the severe beating—aren’t moaning and groaning; they’re praying and singing hymns to God. The prisoners in adjoining cells are wide awake, listening to them pray and sing.</p> Romans 12:2 TPT
Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.

Colossians 3:2 NIV
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Acts 16:25 VOICE
Picture this: It’s midnight. In the darkness of their cell, Paul and Silas—after surviving the severe beating—aren’t moaning and groaning; they’re praying and singing hymns to God. The prisoners in adjoining cells are wide awake, listening to them pray and sing.

]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1177 285 e78790d335bfdc189c4f040494bf7780 no Crisis Fatigue Pastor Adam Haugen <p>Fatigue has set in on everything. A recent Harvard Business Review says this - "We are dealing with the virus AND the emotions that it is creating. Negative emotions are every bit as contagious as the virus…fatigue, fear, and panic undermine our ability to think clearly and creatively, manage our relationships effectively, focus attention on the right priorities, and make smart, informed choices."<br><br>Over the past few months, we have all experienced fatigue in some of these areas. t’s sometimes hard to be creative and think clearly. Our actions are not always lining up with our priorities. Finally, managing relationships can be difficult. So, how we can align our faith in the midst of crisis fatigue?<br><br>1.) Clarity in Chaos<br>"When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land." - Genesis 2:4-6 (NLT) <br><br>"My people are guilty of two evils: They have abandoned Me, the spring of living waters; and instead, they have settled for dead and stagnant water from cracked, leaky cisterns of their own making."<br>- Jeremiah 2:13 (VOICE) <br><br>God says these ways of finding refreshing are cracked and broken and they cannot hold water. <br>They cannot refresh our soul, and we find ourselves depressed, anxious, lonely, and frustrated. <br>So how do we cultivate creativity in chaos? By entering the rest and refreshment of God.<br><br>2.) Protect Priorities in a Pandemic<br><br>"Where there is no vision, the people perish." -Proverbs 29:18 KJV<br><br>"When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild." -Proverbs 29:18 NLT<br><br>You may feel like you have been perishing this year, but that has less to do with the pandemic, and more to do with your pursuit of God’s vision for your lives. Realize this, the pandemic did not change your priorities, the pandemic exposed your priorities. I think we can get into a thought pattern that when this season is over, your life will go back to normal. <br><br>3.) Refreshing Relationships<br><br>People are relationally exhausted. Every relationship status has the same hurdle: Selfishness.<br><br>"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." <br>-James 3:16 (NLT)<br><br>Selfishness is the root of all sin. It is the behavior of “I know what’s best for me and you too.” <br>Most of us enter relationships thinking about what’s in it for us. <br><br>"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." -John 15:13 (NIV)<br><br>Do you want to overcome your relational fatigue? Stop obsessing about “this is the way" and start outdoing in the honor you give. <br><br>Overcoming relational fatigue begins with investing in your relationship with Jesus. Your relationships will never be at a healthy place until you make God the center, and have healthy and realistic expectations of other people.</p> <p>Fatigue has set in on everything. A recent Harvard Business Review says this - "We are dealing with the virus AND the emotions that it is creating. Negative emotions are every bit as contagious as the virus…fatigue, fear, and panic undermine our ability to think clearly and creatively, manage our relationships effectively, focus attention on the right priorities, and make smart, informed choices."<br><br>Over the past few months, we have all experienced fatigue in some of these areas. t’s sometimes hard to be creative and think clearly. Our actions are not always lining up with our priorities. Finally, managing relationships can be difficult. So, how we can align our faith in the midst of crisis fatigue?<br><br>1.) Clarity in Chaos<br>"When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land." - Genesis 2:4-6 (NLT) <br><br>"My people are guilty of two evils: They have abandoned Me, the spring of living waters; and instead, they have settled for dead and stagnant water from cracked, leaky cisterns of their own making."<br>- Jeremiah 2:13 (VOICE) <br><br>God says these ways of finding refreshing are cracked and broken and they cannot hold water. <br>They cannot refresh our soul, and we find ourselves depressed, anxious, lonely, and frustrated. <br>So how do we cultivate creativity in chaos? By entering the rest and refreshment of God.<br><br>2.) Protect Priorities in a Pandemic<br><br>"Where there is no vision, the people perish." -Proverbs 29:18 KJV<br><br>"When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild." -Proverbs 29:18 NLT<br><br>You may feel like you have been perishing this year, but that has less to do with the pandemic, and more to do with your pursuit of God’s vision for your lives. Realize this, the pandemic did not change your priorities, the pandemic exposed your priorities. I think we can get into a thought pattern that when this season is over, your life will go back to normal. <br><br>3.) Refreshing Relationships<br><br>People are relationally exhausted. Every relationship status has the same hurdle: Selfishness.<br><br>"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice." <br>-James 3:16 (NLT)<br><br>Selfishness is the root of all sin. It is the behavior of “I know what’s best for me and you too.” <br>Most of us enter relationships thinking about what’s in it for us. <br><br>"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." -John 15:13 (NIV)<br><br>Do you want to overcome your relational fatigue? Stop obsessing about “this is the way" and start outdoing in the honor you give. <br><br>Overcoming relational fatigue begins with investing in your relationship with Jesus. Your relationships will never be at a healthy place until you make God the center, and have healthy and realistic expectations of other people.</p> Fatigue has set in on everything. A recent Harvard Business Review says this - "We are dealing with the virus AND the emotions that it is creating. Negative emotions are every bit as contagious as the virus…fatigue, fear, and panic undermine our ability to think clearly and creatively, manage our relationships effectively, focus attention on the right priorities, and make smart, informed choices."

Over the past few months, we have all experienced fatigue in some of these areas. t’s sometimes hard to be creative and think clearly. Our actions are not always lining up with our priorities. Finally, managing relationships can be difficult. So, how we can align our faith in the midst of crisis fatigue?

1.) Clarity in Chaos
"When the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, neither wild plants nor grains were growing on the earth. For the Lord God had not yet sent rain to water the earth, and there were no people to cultivate the soil. Instead, springs came up from the ground and watered all the land." - Genesis 2:4-6 (NLT)

"My people are guilty of two evils: They have abandoned Me, the spring of living waters; and instead, they have settled for dead and stagnant water from cracked, leaky cisterns of their own making."
- Jeremiah 2:13 (VOICE)

God says these ways of finding refreshing are cracked and broken and they cannot hold water.
They cannot refresh our soul, and we find ourselves depressed, anxious, lonely, and frustrated.
So how do we cultivate creativity in chaos? By entering the rest and refreshment of God.

2.) Protect Priorities in a Pandemic

"Where there is no vision, the people perish." -Proverbs 29:18 KJV

"When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild." -Proverbs 29:18 NLT

You may feel like you have been perishing this year, but that has less to do with the pandemic, and more to do with your pursuit of God’s vision for your lives. Realize this, the pandemic did not change your priorities, the pandemic exposed your priorities. I think we can get into a thought pattern that when this season is over, your life will go back to normal.

3.) Refreshing Relationships

People are relationally exhausted. Every relationship status has the same hurdle: Selfishness.

"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice."
-James 3:16 (NLT)

Selfishness is the root of all sin. It is the behavior of “I know what’s best for me and you too.”
Most of us enter relationships thinking about what’s in it for us.

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." -John 15:13 (NIV)

Do you want to overcome your relational fatigue? Stop obsessing about “this is the way" and start outdoing in the honor you give.

Overcoming relational fatigue begins with investing in your relationship with Jesus. Your relationships will never be at a healthy place until you make God the center, and have healthy and realistic expectations of other people.

]]> Sun, 29 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2372 286 14c5e93d150cb36f13e03c3461fb3967 no Living Life as a Thank You Gift to God Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week, we're looking at the idea of Thanksgiving and how we can live our life to God as a gift of Thanksgiving. <br><br>"The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart." -Psalm 50:23a (CEV)<br><br>Why should our lives be a thank you gift to God? Pastor Denny shares reasons why this week.<br><br>1.) We can be thankful for WHO God is.<br><br>2.) We can be thankful because of WHAT God has done.<br><br>3.) We can be thankful through communion.<br><br>Communion is:<br>a) A Reminder<br>b) A Symbol/Object Lesson<br>c) A Statement of Faith<br>d) A Simple Act<br><br>We remember the reason for the season, and we give thanks for all the things that the Lord has blessed us with this year.</p> <p>This week, we're looking at the idea of Thanksgiving and how we can live our life to God as a gift of Thanksgiving. <br><br>"The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart." -Psalm 50:23a (CEV)<br><br>Why should our lives be a thank you gift to God? Pastor Denny shares reasons why this week.<br><br>1.) We can be thankful for WHO God is.<br><br>2.) We can be thankful because of WHAT God has done.<br><br>3.) We can be thankful through communion.<br><br>Communion is:<br>a) A Reminder<br>b) A Symbol/Object Lesson<br>c) A Statement of Faith<br>d) A Simple Act<br><br>We remember the reason for the season, and we give thanks for all the things that the Lord has blessed us with this year.</p> This week, we're looking at the idea of Thanksgiving and how we can live our life to God as a gift of Thanksgiving.

"The sacrifice that honors me is a thankful heart." -Psalm 50:23a (CEV)

Why should our lives be a thank you gift to God? Pastor Denny shares reasons why this week.

1.) We can be thankful for WHO God is.

2.) We can be thankful because of WHAT God has done.

3.) We can be thankful through communion.

Communion is:
a) A Reminder
b) A Symbol/Object Lesson
c) A Statement of Faith
d) A Simple Act

We remember the reason for the season, and we give thanks for all the things that the Lord has blessed us with this year.

]]> Sun, 22 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3850 287 c924cde1b4c3a464344d569f5a58059d no November 15th K-5th Say thank you Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn to say thank you!<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn to say thank you!<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude!
You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.

Today we'll learn to say thank you!

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1142 288 2997fa4aa4c8634594ec447156ddf96f no Speed the Light Sunday Pastor Kyle Curran <p>In today's passage (Luke 15), Jesus is speaking to a group of sinners and tax collectors as he loved to do. Among them were a bunch of self righteous and hard-hearted Pharisees and teachers of the religious law. Verse two tells us the they were “muttering” to each other that he was with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus knew their thoughts and took a moment to bring perspective to them. <br><br>He shares the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son. Each parable demonstrates God’s love for the lost and the joy he experiences when his children return "home," not as in heaven, but in relationship with Christ. “Your kingdom come your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Jesus never preached to go straight to heaven, He preached that heaven would come to earth! <br><br>“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."<br><br>Jesus celebrates when the ONE comes home. There is no one too far from God that he forgets their name. A church that can not celebrate what God celebrates will eventually die. How can you respond to the ONE? How can you value the ONE? How can you celebrate the ONE? How can you reach the ONE? How can YOU go after the ONE?<br><br>Missions paves the way to a miracle. On Wednesday, November 18th, our River YTH students are coming together to give money to Speed the Light. This money will be used to provide clean drinking water and wells in different counties, transportation, and the Gospel message. To give to this incredible cause, visit <a href="https://riveroflifeag.churchcenter.com/giving" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.churchcenter.com/giving</a> and select "Speed the Light" in the dropdown box. Be a part of something great. Help us pave the way to a miracle.</p> <p>In today's passage (Luke 15), Jesus is speaking to a group of sinners and tax collectors as he loved to do. Among them were a bunch of self righteous and hard-hearted Pharisees and teachers of the religious law. Verse two tells us the they were “muttering” to each other that he was with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus knew their thoughts and took a moment to bring perspective to them. <br><br>He shares the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son. Each parable demonstrates God’s love for the lost and the joy he experiences when his children return "home," not as in heaven, but in relationship with Christ. “Your kingdom come your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Jesus never preached to go straight to heaven, He preached that heaven would come to earth! <br><br>“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."<br><br>Jesus celebrates when the ONE comes home. There is no one too far from God that he forgets their name. A church that can not celebrate what God celebrates will eventually die. How can you respond to the ONE? How can you value the ONE? How can you celebrate the ONE? How can you reach the ONE? How can YOU go after the ONE?<br><br>Missions paves the way to a miracle. On Wednesday, November 18th, our River YTH students are coming together to give money to Speed the Light. This money will be used to provide clean drinking water and wells in different counties, transportation, and the Gospel message. To give to this incredible cause, visit <a href="https://riveroflifeag.churchcenter.com/giving" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.churchcenter.com/giving</a> and select "Speed the Light" in the dropdown box. Be a part of something great. Help us pave the way to a miracle.</p> In today's passage (Luke 15), Jesus is speaking to a group of sinners and tax collectors as he loved to do. Among them were a bunch of self righteous and hard-hearted Pharisees and teachers of the religious law. Verse two tells us the they were “muttering” to each other that he was with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus knew their thoughts and took a moment to bring perspective to them.

He shares the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son. Each parable demonstrates God’s love for the lost and the joy he experiences when his children return "home," not as in heaven, but in relationship with Christ. “Your kingdom come your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Jesus never preached to go straight to heaven, He preached that heaven would come to earth!

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate."

Jesus celebrates when the ONE comes home. There is no one too far from God that he forgets their name. A church that can not celebrate what God celebrates will eventually die. How can you respond to the ONE? How can you value the ONE? How can you celebrate the ONE? How can you reach the ONE? How can YOU go after the ONE?

Missions paves the way to a miracle. On Wednesday, November 18th, our River YTH students are coming together to give money to Speed the Light. This money will be used to provide clean drinking water and wells in different counties, transportation, and the Gospel message. To give to this incredible cause, visit https://riveroflifeag.churchcenter.com/giving and select "Speed the Light" in the dropdown box. Be a part of something great. Help us pave the way to a miracle.

]]> Sun, 15 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2741 289 d6d727e0ab6ee28247d69f2d463ce2b8 no November 11th - Wednesday Night River Kids Say thank you. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn to say thank you!<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn to say thank you!<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude!
You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.

Today we'll learn to say thank you!

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1184 290 fb3a34bc57f58e6cfd05542e836a0042 no Foundations - Sanctity of Marriage Pastor Denny Curran <p>"This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." -Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)<br><br>With all the different views of marriage and what defines a marriage, today, we dive into God's Word to see what IT says. <br><br>What does God's Word say about marriage?<br><br>1.) Marriage is a covenant relationship between on man and one women! This is a life long allegiance to each other alone, as husband and wife. This becomes a picture of God’s covenant relationship between Christ and His Bride (the Church). <br><br>"So God created man in his own image,<br>in the image of God he created him;<br>male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..." -Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV)<br><br>And then God linked His design in manhood and womanhood with marriage.<br><br>"The man said, “This is now bone of my bones<br>and flesh of my flesh;<br>she shall be called ‘woman,’<br>for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." -Genesis 2:23-24 (NIV)<br><br>"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.  “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." -Ephesians 5:24-33 (NIV)<br><br>God made man - male and female - with their distinctive feminine and masculine nature, and their distinctive roles, so that in marriage as husband and wife, they could display Christ and the church.<br><br>What does this mean? The basic roles of wife and husband are not interchangeable. The husband displays the sacrificial love of Christ’s headship, and the wife displays the submissive role of Christ’s body. The mystery of marriage is that God had this double display in mind when He created mankind as male and female.<br><br>2. There is no such thing as a same-sex marriage. <br><br>Those who believe that God has spoken to us truthfully in the Bible should not say that a life long partnership and sexual relation of two men or two women is a marriage. According to God's Word, it isn’t. God created and defined marriage - anything outside that would be sin and miss the mark! God’s intent was and will always be that marriage is a covenant union between a man and a woman.<br><br>3. It will destroy us! <br><br>"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple." -1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)<br><br>All sex outside of God’s design is perversion and it will destroy you. <br><br>"Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers" -Deuteronomy 6:18 (NIV)<br><br>Our foundation must be in Christ. Our foundation must be in God's Word.</p> <p>"This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." -Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)<br><br>With all the different views of marriage and what defines a marriage, today, we dive into God's Word to see what IT says. <br><br>What does God's Word say about marriage?<br><br>1.) Marriage is a covenant relationship between on man and one women! This is a life long allegiance to each other alone, as husband and wife. This becomes a picture of God’s covenant relationship between Christ and His Bride (the Church). <br><br>"So God created man in his own image,<br>in the image of God he created him;<br>male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..." -Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV)<br><br>And then God linked His design in manhood and womanhood with marriage.<br><br>"The man said, “This is now bone of my bones<br>and flesh of my flesh;<br>she shall be called ‘woman,’<br>for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." -Genesis 2:23-24 (NIV)<br><br>"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.  “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." -Ephesians 5:24-33 (NIV)<br><br>God made man - male and female - with their distinctive feminine and masculine nature, and their distinctive roles, so that in marriage as husband and wife, they could display Christ and the church.<br><br>What does this mean? The basic roles of wife and husband are not interchangeable. The husband displays the sacrificial love of Christ’s headship, and the wife displays the submissive role of Christ’s body. The mystery of marriage is that God had this double display in mind when He created mankind as male and female.<br><br>2. There is no such thing as a same-sex marriage. <br><br>Those who believe that God has spoken to us truthfully in the Bible should not say that a life long partnership and sexual relation of two men or two women is a marriage. According to God's Word, it isn’t. God created and defined marriage - anything outside that would be sin and miss the mark! God’s intent was and will always be that marriage is a covenant union between a man and a woman.<br><br>3. It will destroy us! <br><br>"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple." -1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)<br><br>All sex outside of God’s design is perversion and it will destroy you. <br><br>"Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers" -Deuteronomy 6:18 (NIV)<br><br>Our foundation must be in Christ. Our foundation must be in God's Word.</p> "This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it." -Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

With all the different views of marriage and what defines a marriage, today, we dive into God's Word to see what IT says.

What does God's Word say about marriage?

1.) Marriage is a covenant relationship between on man and one women! This is a life long allegiance to each other alone, as husband and wife. This becomes a picture of God’s covenant relationship between Christ and His Bride (the Church).

"So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it..." -Genesis 1:27-28 (NIV)

And then God linked His design in manhood and womanhood with marriage.

"The man said, “This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." -Genesis 2:23-24 (NIV)

"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.  “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." -Ephesians 5:24-33 (NIV)

God made man - male and female - with their distinctive feminine and masculine nature, and their distinctive roles, so that in marriage as husband and wife, they could display Christ and the church.

What does this mean? The basic roles of wife and husband are not interchangeable. The husband displays the sacrificial love of Christ’s headship, and the wife displays the submissive role of Christ’s body. The mystery of marriage is that God had this double display in mind when He created mankind as male and female.

2. There is no such thing as a same-sex marriage.

Those who believe that God has spoken to us truthfully in the Bible should not say that a life long partnership and sexual relation of two men or two women is a marriage. According to God's Word, it isn’t. God created and defined marriage - anything outside that would be sin and miss the mark! God’s intent was and will always be that marriage is a covenant union between a man and a woman.

3. It will destroy us!

"Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple." -1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)

All sex outside of God’s design is perversion and it will destroy you.

"Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers" -Deuteronomy 6:18 (NIV)

Our foundation must be in Christ. Our foundation must be in God's Word.

]]> Sun, 08 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2737 291 e3b56d3e87ab97e04cf7429686e7d7fc no November 8th - K-5th Celebrate what God has done. <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude!
You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.

Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 08 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 715 292 eef31f1f635029bb302095ab727c4539 no November 4th - Wednesday Night River Kids You always have something to be grateful for. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude!
You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.

Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1289 293 51599b3824ac370120a85b932d9b3cb3 no Foundations - Sanctity of Life Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." -Matthew 5:9 (NIV)<br><br>"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." -1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)<br><br>"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." -1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)<br><br>As the 2020 election approaches, we believe that as a voter, you should understand and research the issues. Some will have a greater impact on our culture and future of our country than others. We have an allegiance to God and His ways. We have an allegiance as Americans to maintain our freedom. Finally, we have an allegiance to our political party by sharing our voice of the people. Our cues come from Christ, not culture. <br><br>Our culture has accepted 2 huge lies: <br>1.) If you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. <br>2.) If you love someone you must agree with everything they believe or do.<br><br>Your compassion should come from your conviction. There are some issues at stake that those who identify with Christ and maintain scripture as their source for life and godliness must stand. What are these non-negotiables?<br><br>1.) Sanctity of life<br>2.) Sanctity of marriage— the union of one man and one woman<br>"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." -Genesis 2:24 (NIV)<br>3.) The preservation of religious liberty.<br><br>When we don't respect the life of the unborn, we won't respect the life of the born. The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. We as believers need to vote in such a way that protects these non-negotiable values.</p> <p>"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." -Matthew 5:9 (NIV)<br><br>"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." -1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)<br><br>"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." -1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)<br><br>As the 2020 election approaches, we believe that as a voter, you should understand and research the issues. Some will have a greater impact on our culture and future of our country than others. We have an allegiance to God and His ways. We have an allegiance as Americans to maintain our freedom. Finally, we have an allegiance to our political party by sharing our voice of the people. Our cues come from Christ, not culture. <br><br>Our culture has accepted 2 huge lies: <br>1.) If you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. <br>2.) If you love someone you must agree with everything they believe or do.<br><br>Your compassion should come from your conviction. There are some issues at stake that those who identify with Christ and maintain scripture as their source for life and godliness must stand. What are these non-negotiables?<br><br>1.) Sanctity of life<br>2.) Sanctity of marriage— the union of one man and one woman<br>"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." -Genesis 2:24 (NIV)<br>3.) The preservation of religious liberty.<br><br>When we don't respect the life of the unborn, we won't respect the life of the born. The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. We as believers need to vote in such a way that protects these non-negotiable values.</p> "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." -Matthew 5:9 (NIV)

"Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." -1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV)

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever." -1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

As the 2020 election approaches, we believe that as a voter, you should understand and research the issues. Some will have a greater impact on our culture and future of our country than others. We have an allegiance to God and His ways. We have an allegiance as Americans to maintain our freedom. Finally, we have an allegiance to our political party by sharing our voice of the people. Our cues come from Christ, not culture.

Our culture has accepted 2 huge lies:
1.) If you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them.
2.) If you love someone you must agree with everything they believe or do.

Your compassion should come from your conviction. There are some issues at stake that those who identify with Christ and maintain scripture as their source for life and godliness must stand. What are these non-negotiables?

1.) Sanctity of life
2.) Sanctity of marriage— the union of one man and one woman
"That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh." -Genesis 2:24 (NIV)
3.) The preservation of religious liberty.

When we don't respect the life of the unborn, we won't respect the life of the born. The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion. We as believers need to vote in such a way that protects these non-negotiable values.

]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2683 294 9f53cbd95f427e408927dabba8713c6d no November 1st K-5th You always have something to be grateful for. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude! <br>You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.<br><br>Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! November bringing a whole new series on thankfulness and gratitude!
You don’t have to keep your gratitude inside. God can help you get in the habit of thanking others—and letting them know you see how they’ve helped you.

Today we'll learn You always have something to be grateful for.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:00:00 +0000 891 295 d3158e175788860bf7f2f28c298ed477 no October 28th - Wednesday Night River Kids Focus on what’s true. Tiahna and Taylor <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage!

Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1254 296 6295fae3b65c8933f3a57c13c142947c no Asking the Grizzly Questions Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." -1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)<br><br>If you want to have a dating relationship that turns into a marriage that lasts, you have to put in the work! This week, Pastor Denny breaks down 4 different things that we can do to make your love last. <br><br>Four Things to Make Love Last:<br><br>In order to have a lasting marriage, you need to hear with all your heart. Be quick to listen in your marriage! <br><br>"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." -James 1:19 (NKJV)<br><br>Make time to listen to and hear one another.<br><br>The second thing we can do to form a lasting marriage is to forgive with all your heart. The only way you were going to have the power to forgive someone else is to understand how Jesus forgave you.<br><br>"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." - Romans 15:7 (NIV)<br><br>"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Next, you need to be humble with all your heart. Scripture says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." -Philippians 2:3 (NASB) It's important to see how God values you, because it's easier to consider someone else as important as well.<br><br>Humility is the engine that drives unselfishness.<br><br>Finally, the key to having a lasting marriage is to love God with all your heart. Make Jesus number one before you find your number two. <br><br>Do what Jesus told us to do:<br>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." -Mark 12:30 (NIV)<br><br>To close, we wanted to include some questions whether you're dating or married to ask your significant other this week. We hope these questions challenge you and your relationship! <br><br>Questions to Ask When Dating:<br>1. What was the best part of your childhood?<br>2. What was the most traumatic thing that happened to you?<br>3. What was your first job and how long were you there?<br>4. What is your current job and what do you like about it?<br>5. What is the most expensive item you've purchased?<br>6. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?<br>7. How many kids would you like to have?<br>8. What is your favorite pastime?<br>9. What's the one thing you can't live without?<br>10. What kind of food do you like and do you cook?<br><br>Questions to Ask When Married:<br>1. What did you want to be when you grew up?<br>2. How do you feel about education?<br>3. What kind of activities did you enjoy as a kid?<br>4. When did your family consider you an adult?<br>5. What was your favorite book or movie as a kid?<br>6. If you could have a super power what would it be?<br>7. What's the best thing about our home? What is one thing you would change?<br>8. What is the best strength of our marriage? <br>9. How would you like to see our marriage grow in the next year?<br>10. What can I do or not do to help you feel fulfilled?</p> <p>"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." -1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)<br><br>If you want to have a dating relationship that turns into a marriage that lasts, you have to put in the work! This week, Pastor Denny breaks down 4 different things that we can do to make your love last. <br><br>Four Things to Make Love Last:<br><br>In order to have a lasting marriage, you need to hear with all your heart. Be quick to listen in your marriage! <br><br>"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." -James 1:19 (NKJV)<br><br>Make time to listen to and hear one another.<br><br>The second thing we can do to form a lasting marriage is to forgive with all your heart. The only way you were going to have the power to forgive someone else is to understand how Jesus forgave you.<br><br>"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." - Romans 15:7 (NIV)<br><br>"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)<br><br>3.) Next, you need to be humble with all your heart. Scripture says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." -Philippians 2:3 (NASB) It's important to see how God values you, because it's easier to consider someone else as important as well.<br><br>Humility is the engine that drives unselfishness.<br><br>Finally, the key to having a lasting marriage is to love God with all your heart. Make Jesus number one before you find your number two. <br><br>Do what Jesus told us to do:<br>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." -Mark 12:30 (NIV)<br><br>To close, we wanted to include some questions whether you're dating or married to ask your significant other this week. We hope these questions challenge you and your relationship! <br><br>Questions to Ask When Dating:<br>1. What was the best part of your childhood?<br>2. What was the most traumatic thing that happened to you?<br>3. What was your first job and how long were you there?<br>4. What is your current job and what do you like about it?<br>5. What is the most expensive item you've purchased?<br>6. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?<br>7. How many kids would you like to have?<br>8. What is your favorite pastime?<br>9. What's the one thing you can't live without?<br>10. What kind of food do you like and do you cook?<br><br>Questions to Ask When Married:<br>1. What did you want to be when you grew up?<br>2. How do you feel about education?<br>3. What kind of activities did you enjoy as a kid?<br>4. When did your family consider you an adult?<br>5. What was your favorite book or movie as a kid?<br>6. If you could have a super power what would it be?<br>7. What's the best thing about our home? What is one thing you would change?<br>8. What is the best strength of our marriage? <br>9. How would you like to see our marriage grow in the next year?<br>10. What can I do or not do to help you feel fulfilled?</p> "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart." -1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)

If you want to have a dating relationship that turns into a marriage that lasts, you have to put in the work! This week, Pastor Denny breaks down 4 different things that we can do to make your love last.

Four Things to Make Love Last:

In order to have a lasting marriage, you need to hear with all your heart. Be quick to listen in your marriage!

"So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." -James 1:19 (NKJV)

Make time to listen to and hear one another.

The second thing we can do to form a lasting marriage is to forgive with all your heart. The only way you were going to have the power to forgive someone else is to understand how Jesus forgave you.

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." - Romans 15:7 (NIV)

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

3.) Next, you need to be humble with all your heart. Scripture says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." -Philippians 2:3 (NASB) It's important to see how God values you, because it's easier to consider someone else as important as well.

Humility is the engine that drives unselfishness.

Finally, the key to having a lasting marriage is to love God with all your heart. Make Jesus number one before you find your number two.

Do what Jesus told us to do:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." -Mark 12:30 (NIV)

To close, we wanted to include some questions whether you're dating or married to ask your significant other this week. We hope these questions challenge you and your relationship!

Questions to Ask When Dating:
1. What was the best part of your childhood?
2. What was the most traumatic thing that happened to you?
3. What was your first job and how long were you there?
4. What is your current job and what do you like about it?
5. What is the most expensive item you've purchased?
6. Where would you go if you could go anywhere?
7. How many kids would you like to have?
8. What is your favorite pastime?
9. What's the one thing you can't live without?
10. What kind of food do you like and do you cook?

Questions to Ask When Married:
1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
2. How do you feel about education?
3. What kind of activities did you enjoy as a kid?
4. When did your family consider you an adult?
5. What was your favorite book or movie as a kid?
6. If you could have a super power what would it be?
7. What's the best thing about our home? What is one thing you would change?
8. What is the best strength of our marriage?
9. How would you like to see our marriage grow in the next year?
10. What can I do or not do to help you feel fulfilled?

]]> Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2703 297 8a53310e3ffdad01c26227ff8edd665d no October 21st - Wednesday Night River Kids When you’re not truthful, you lose trust. Hannah Kruse <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage!

Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 21 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1478 298 7f065a4ddfe7708024727dec0e605d4d no Happy Camper Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week, we continue on our series on marriage. If you want to grow in your marriage, we encourage you to dive into God's Word, develop your prayer life, and commit yourself to your church community. <br><br>"The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”-Genesis 2:18, 24<br><br>1. Stay Alert<br>2. Stay Together<br>3. Stay Equipped<br><br>"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." -2 Corinthians 10:3-5<br><br>**Choosing** the right person is part of it, <br>but **becoming** the right person is the other part of it!<br><br>1. God's Word<br>**The Word Prepares You**<br>"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12<br>**The Word Purifies You**<br>"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:9 - 11<br><br> **The Word Protects You**<br>Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. -Provers 4:14<br><br> **The Word Prospers You**<br>Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. -Psalm 1:1-3<br><br>2. Prayer<br>**Prayer doesn’t prepare you for battle. It is the battle.**<br>The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. -Isaiah 58: 8 - 11<br><br>3. Body of Christ<br>"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles." <br>-Acts 2:42 - 43</p> <p>This week, we continue on our series on marriage. If you want to grow in your marriage, we encourage you to dive into God's Word, develop your prayer life, and commit yourself to your church community. <br><br>"The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”-Genesis 2:18, 24<br><br>1. Stay Alert<br>2. Stay Together<br>3. Stay Equipped<br><br>"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." -2 Corinthians 10:3-5<br><br>**Choosing** the right person is part of it, <br>but **becoming** the right person is the other part of it!<br><br>1. God's Word<br>**The Word Prepares You**<br>"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12<br>**The Word Purifies You**<br>"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:9 - 11<br><br> **The Word Protects You**<br>Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. -Provers 4:14<br><br> **The Word Prospers You**<br>Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. -Psalm 1:1-3<br><br>2. Prayer<br>**Prayer doesn’t prepare you for battle. It is the battle.**<br>The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. -Isaiah 58: 8 - 11<br><br>3. Body of Christ<br>"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles." <br>-Acts 2:42 - 43</p> This week, we continue on our series on marriage. If you want to grow in your marriage, we encourage you to dive into God's Word, develop your prayer life, and commit yourself to your church community.

"The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him. 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”-Genesis 2:18, 24

1. Stay Alert
2. Stay Together
3. Stay Equipped

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." -2 Corinthians 10:3-5

**Choosing** the right person is part of it,
but **becoming** the right person is the other part of it!

1. God's Word
**The Word Prepares You**
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." -Hebrews 4:12
**The Word Purifies You**
"How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." -Psalm 119:9 - 11

**The Word Protects You**
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. -Provers 4:14

**The Word Prospers You**
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. -Psalm 1:1-3

2. Prayer
**Prayer doesn’t prepare you for battle. It is the battle.**
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. -Isaiah 58: 8 - 11

3. Body of Christ
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles."
-Acts 2:42 - 43

]]> Sun, 18 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2850 299 753c389ae4c39a1f9c22c259f0cedbc8 no October 18th - K-5th When you’re not truthful, you lose trust. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!<br><br>Today we'll learn God is trustworthy, He wants us to be trustworthy. He wants us to protect our relationships with each other by always choosing to be honest, no matter what the outcome might be.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!<br><br>Today we'll learn God is trustworthy, He wants us to be trustworthy. He wants us to protect our relationships with each other by always choosing to be honest, no matter what the outcome might be.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage!

Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!

Today we'll learn God is trustworthy, He wants us to be trustworthy. He wants us to protect our relationships with each other by always choosing to be honest, no matter what the outcome might be.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 18 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1022 300 33cbffbff9b677a04c9c912ebf862cc3 no October 14th - Wednesday Night River Kids Being truthful with God keeps you close to Him. Hannah Kruse <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage!

Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1337 301 00d7ba9721cbd6fe393fe80e7d217d38 no Battling the Bear Part 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week, we continue on our series of marriage. The key to a long lasting marriage is to make love... a verb— something you choose to do, not something you obtain. How can you protect your marriage? <br><br>1.) Stay Alert!<br>"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:8 NIV<br>Too many people are idealistic and not realistic. If you aren’t happy now, you won’t be happy when you get married.<br><br>2.) Stay Together!<br>"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV<br>Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.<br><br>3.) Stay Equipped!<br>"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."<br>—2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV</p> <p>This week, we continue on our series of marriage. The key to a long lasting marriage is to make love... a verb— something you choose to do, not something you obtain. How can you protect your marriage? <br><br>1.) Stay Alert!<br>"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:8 NIV<br>Too many people are idealistic and not realistic. If you aren’t happy now, you won’t be happy when you get married.<br><br>2.) Stay Together!<br>"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV<br>Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.<br><br>3.) Stay Equipped!<br>"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."<br>—2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV</p> This week, we continue on our series of marriage. The key to a long lasting marriage is to make love... a verb— something you choose to do, not something you obtain. How can you protect your marriage?

1.) Stay Alert!
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Too many people are idealistic and not realistic. If you aren’t happy now, you won’t be happy when you get married.

2.) Stay Together!
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.

3.) Stay Equipped!
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
—2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV

]]> Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2546 302 59f7c9ca217350fe009baa251c430ddd no October 11th - K-5th Say Anything No Secrets with God 1 John 1:9 Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!<br><br>Today we'll learn God is trustworthy, He wants us to be trustworthy. He wants us to protect our relationships with each other by always choosing to be honest, no matter what the outcome might be.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!<br><br>Today we'll learn God is trustworthy, He wants us to be trustworthy. He wants us to protect our relationships with each other by always choosing to be honest, no matter what the outcome might be.<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage!

Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!

Today we'll learn God is trustworthy, He wants us to be trustworthy. He wants us to protect our relationships with each other by always choosing to be honest, no matter what the outcome might be.

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1257 303 6624f414d7ae1d6772a697d7091241e9 no October 7th - Wednesday Night River Kids Be truthful with your whole life. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again! October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage!

Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover what integrity means!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1466 304 99bfffa733acf8a462ff132116d6421e no Battling the Bear Pastor Denny Curran <p>This week, we kick off a new series on marriage. The key to a long lasting marriage is to make love... a verb— something you choose to do, not something you obtain. How can you protect your marriage? <br><br>1.) Stay Alert!<br>"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:8 NIV<br>Too many people are idealistic and not realistic. If you aren’t happy now, you won’t be happy when you get married.<br><br>2.) Stay Together!<br>"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV<br>Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.<br><br>3.) Stay Equipped!<br>"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."<br>—2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV</p> <p>This week, we kick off a new series on marriage. The key to a long lasting marriage is to make love... a verb— something you choose to do, not something you obtain. How can you protect your marriage? <br><br>1.) Stay Alert!<br>"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:8 NIV<br>Too many people are idealistic and not realistic. If you aren’t happy now, you won’t be happy when you get married.<br><br>2.) Stay Together!<br>"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV<br>Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.<br><br>3.) Stay Equipped!<br>"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."<br>—2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV</p> This week, we kick off a new series on marriage. The key to a long lasting marriage is to make love... a verb— something you choose to do, not something you obtain. How can you protect your marriage?

1.) Stay Alert!
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -1 Peter 5:8 NIV
Too many people are idealistic and not realistic. If you aren’t happy now, you won’t be happy when you get married.

2.) Stay Together!
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV
Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations.

3.) Stay Equipped!
"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds."
—2 Corinthians 10:3-4 NIV

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2261 305 b5ea50706170721608f002a522f6699f no October 4th - K-5th Be truthful with your whole life. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!</p> <p>October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage! <br><br>Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!</p> October is bringing a whole new series tasing about Integrity and living off stage!

Living with integrity means that we choose to be truthful in whatever we say and do. There’s no need to hide or pretend. We can drop the act and choose to be who God made us to be. Join us for another month of Bible stories and a whole lot of fun!

]]> Sun, 04 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1148 306 1370613f11637292c1ec8b4186f9df63 no September 30th - Wednesday Night River Kids Friends forgive one another. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As our series Block Party comes to an end let's celebrate forgiveness one fore time! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As our series Block Party comes to an end let's celebrate forgiveness one fore time! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

As our series Block Party comes to an end let's celebrate forgiveness one fore time! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.

]]> Wed, 30 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1635 307 293487a1da853706f382e6f585bc071d no Thailand Experience Missionaries Karl & Sarah Pasche Pastor Denny Curran <p>Join us in the final weekend of our Missions Experience Month. This week, we had a chance to hear from missionaries Karl and Sarah Pasche as they share their heart for spreading the Gospel in Thailand. <br><br>If you would like to be a part of what is happening at River of Life Church this month in our Missions Experience, please visit <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/missionspledge" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/missionspledge</a>.</p> <p>Join us in the final weekend of our Missions Experience Month. This week, we had a chance to hear from missionaries Karl and Sarah Pasche as they share their heart for spreading the Gospel in Thailand. <br><br>If you would like to be a part of what is happening at River of Life Church this month in our Missions Experience, please visit <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/missionspledge" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/missionspledge</a>.</p> Join us in the final weekend of our Missions Experience Month. This week, we had a chance to hear from missionaries Karl and Sarah Pasche as they share their heart for spreading the Gospel in Thailand.

If you would like to be a part of what is happening at River of Life Church this month in our Missions Experience, please visit www.riveroflifeag.org/missionspledge.

]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2212 308 c167c6726786d1c62c43835c4473f55b no September 23rd - Wednesday Night River Kids Friends encourage one another. Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1460 309 33cfa031e271efe96e5d4fab944b4efb no River Kids BGMC Sunday Missions Experience Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Our River Kids have a LARGE goal of raising $10,020.20 for BGMC in 2020. Today, we have an opportunity to hear from Pastor Mark as he shares his heart and vision for world missions and our children. <br><br>If tomorrow’s world is waiting for our kids, would our kids ever go overseas based on what we are teaching them about missions around the world and by our example of support for missions?<br><br>"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth he will certainly not lose his reward." - Matthew 10:42<br><br>1.) Teach your kids to care about the world.<br><br>2.) Teach them to know about the needs of the world and the lost people of the world.<br><br>HOW, as parents, aunts & uncles, mentors, etc. do this for our children?<br><br>1.) You get behind them.<br>2.) You pray for the world. <br>3.) You pray with them.<br>4.) You give with them.</p> <p>Our River Kids have a LARGE goal of raising $10,020.20 for BGMC in 2020. Today, we have an opportunity to hear from Pastor Mark as he shares his heart and vision for world missions and our children. <br><br>If tomorrow’s world is waiting for our kids, would our kids ever go overseas based on what we are teaching them about missions around the world and by our example of support for missions?<br><br>"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth he will certainly not lose his reward." - Matthew 10:42<br><br>1.) Teach your kids to care about the world.<br><br>2.) Teach them to know about the needs of the world and the lost people of the world.<br><br>HOW, as parents, aunts & uncles, mentors, etc. do this for our children?<br><br>1.) You get behind them.<br>2.) You pray for the world. <br>3.) You pray with them.<br>4.) You give with them.</p> Our River Kids have a LARGE goal of raising $10,020.20 for BGMC in 2020. Today, we have an opportunity to hear from Pastor Mark as he shares his heart and vision for world missions and our children.

If tomorrow’s world is waiting for our kids, would our kids ever go overseas based on what we are teaching them about missions around the world and by our example of support for missions?

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth he will certainly not lose his reward." - Matthew 10:42

1.) Teach your kids to care about the world.

2.) Teach them to know about the needs of the world and the lost people of the world.

HOW, as parents, aunts & uncles, mentors, etc. do this for our children?

1.) You get behind them.
2.) You pray for the world.
3.) You pray with them.
4.) You give with them.

]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1694 310 80dd88369ce17ed7d66d38c0330b340e no September 20th - K-5th Friends encourage one another. Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.

]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1318 311 5b91cb462489ca02915db4d50b4fa396 no September 16th - Wednesday Night River Kids Friends love one another. Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.

]]> Wed, 16 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1601 312 c36e7e22a480b62dbf1c95a2b06b8f30 no 7 Ways the Church Can Get Ready for the Rapture Part Two Pastor Denny Curran <p>We can turn to God‘s Word to find safety, security, peace, and direction. In today's message, Pastor Denny closes our current series, "What Kind of People," with advice on how we can prepare for the Rapture.<br><br>7 Ways the Church can get Ready for the Rapture: <br><br>1.) Return to your First Love (Ephesus)<br>"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." - Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Remain Faithful (Smyrna)<br>"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." -Revelation 2:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>3. ) Resist Compromise (Pergamum)<br>"Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality." - Revelation 2:14 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Repent of Sin (Thyatira)<br>"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Revelation 2:18-22 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Refuse Hypocrisy (Sardis)<br>"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." - Revelation 3:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>6.) Respect the Bible (Philadelphia)<br>"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." - Revelation 3:8 (NIV)<br><br>7.) . Radically Follow Jesus (Laodicea)<br>"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." -Revelation 3:15-18 (NIV)</p> <p>We can turn to God‘s Word to find safety, security, peace, and direction. In today's message, Pastor Denny closes our current series, "What Kind of People," with advice on how we can prepare for the Rapture.<br><br>7 Ways the Church can get Ready for the Rapture: <br><br>1.) Return to your First Love (Ephesus)<br>"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." - Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Remain Faithful (Smyrna)<br>"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." -Revelation 2:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>3. ) Resist Compromise (Pergamum)<br>"Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality." - Revelation 2:14 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Repent of Sin (Thyatira)<br>"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Revelation 2:18-22 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Refuse Hypocrisy (Sardis)<br>"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." - Revelation 3:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>6.) Respect the Bible (Philadelphia)<br>"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." - Revelation 3:8 (NIV)<br><br>7.) . Radically Follow Jesus (Laodicea)<br>"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." -Revelation 3:15-18 (NIV)</p> We can turn to God‘s Word to find safety, security, peace, and direction. In today's message, Pastor Denny closes our current series, "What Kind of People," with advice on how we can prepare for the Rapture.

7 Ways the Church can get Ready for the Rapture:

1.) Return to your First Love (Ephesus)
"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." - Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)

2.) Remain Faithful (Smyrna)
"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." -Revelation 2:9-10 (NIV)

3. ) Resist Compromise (Pergamum)
"Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality." - Revelation 2:14 (NIV)

4.) Repent of Sin (Thyatira)
"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Revelation 2:18-22 (NIV)

5.) Refuse Hypocrisy (Sardis)
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." - Revelation 3:1-2 (NIV)

6.) Respect the Bible (Philadelphia)
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." - Revelation 3:8 (NIV)

7.) . Radically Follow Jesus (Laodicea)
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." -Revelation 3:15-18 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2265 313 a350553c23ee32948606e62b1779170c no September 13th - K-5th Friends love one another. Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.<br><br>We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.<br><br>We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.

We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.

]]> Sun, 13 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1258 314 3a14ec8525b21acfd23eaa4f299f5f3c no September 9th - Wednesday Night River Kids Choose your friends carefully. Hannah Kruse and Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.<br><br>We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.<br><br>Bottom Line: Choose your friends carefully. God designed relationships to help make life easier. As<br>kids become more aware how their friends influence them, it’s important for them to know how to choose good friends. We pray that kids will choose friends who encourage them and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.<br><br>We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.<br><br>Bottom Line: Choose your friends carefully. God designed relationships to help make life easier. As<br>kids become more aware how their friends influence them, it’s important for them to know how to choose good friends. We pray that kids will choose friends who encourage them and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.

We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.

Bottom Line: Choose your friends carefully. God designed relationships to help make life easier. As
kids become more aware how their friends influence them, it’s important for them to know how to choose good friends. We pray that kids will choose friends who encourage them and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.

]]> Wed, 09 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1426 315 3c3aba772dd2b0860475a0e8763bdf42 no September 6th K-5th Choose your friends carefully. Hannah Kruse and Kaleb Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.<br><br>We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.<br><br>Bottom Line: Choose your friends carefully. God designed relationships to help make life easier. As<br>kids become more aware how their friends influence them, it’s important for them to know how to choose goodfriends.Wepraythatkidswillchoosefriendswho encourage them and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.<br><br>We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.<br><br>Bottom Line: Choose your friends carefully. God designed relationships to help make life easier. As<br>kids become more aware how their friends influence them, it’s important for them to know how to choose goodfriends.Wepraythatkidswillchoosefriendswho encourage them and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

As the school year starts we are staring a brand new series and it's a Block Party! It’s a real celebration when everyone’s invited to the party! With God’s help, we can show friendship by using our words and actions to show others we care.

We kick off this series in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where Solomon wrote, “Two people are better than one. They can help each other in everything they do.” Solomon goes on to reminds us that like a three-strand cord, we are stronger when we work together as friends.

Bottom Line: Choose your friends carefully. God designed relationships to help make life easier. As
kids become more aware how their friends influence them, it’s important for them to know how to choose goodfriends.Wepraythatkidswillchoosefriendswho encourage them and help them grow in their relationship with Jesus.

]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 947 316 b3e35d85cba88894de3aa97dedf67eff no South Africa Missions Team South Africa Missions Team Members <p>At River of Life Church, we are passionate about world missions. Our desire is that all may know Jesus Christ. In the month of September, you'll have a change to hear from different missionaries across our world who share the same vision and heart for missions. <br><br>Join us this week as we hear from team members of our South Africa team retell their stories about the trip.</p> <p>At River of Life Church, we are passionate about world missions. Our desire is that all may know Jesus Christ. In the month of September, you'll have a change to hear from different missionaries across our world who share the same vision and heart for missions. <br><br>Join us this week as we hear from team members of our South Africa team retell their stories about the trip.</p> At River of Life Church, we are passionate about world missions. Our desire is that all may know Jesus Christ. In the month of September, you'll have a change to hear from different missionaries across our world who share the same vision and heart for missions.

Join us this week as we hear from team members of our South Africa team retell their stories about the trip.

]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2042 317 ee4e82a64f18018a242f929a9375d7ab no September 2nd - Wednesday Night River Kids I should treat others the way I want to be treated. Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about how to work with others!</p> <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about how to work with others!</p> Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message.

We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about how to work with others!

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1603 318 c5bf94b74c85746ab8c2002cfb6627db no 7 Ways the Church Can Get Ready for the Rapture Part One - Continued on September 13th Pastor Denny Curran <p>We can turn to God‘s Word to find safety, security, peace, and direction. In today's message, Pastor Denny closes our current series, "What Kind of People," with advice on how we can prepare for the Rapture.<br><br>7 Ways the Church can get Ready for the Rapture: <br><br>1.) Return to your First Love (Ephesus)<br>"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." - Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Remain Faithful (Smyrna)<br>"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." -Revelation 2:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>3. ) Resist Compromise (Pergamum)<br>"Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality." - Revelation 2:14 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Repent of Sin (Thyatira)<br>"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Revelation 2:18-22 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Refuse Hypocrisy (Sardis)<br>"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." - Revelation 3:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>6.) Respect the Bible (Philadelphia)<br>"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." - Revelation 3:8 (NIV)<br><br>7.) . Radically Follow Jesus (Laodicea)<br>"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." -Revelation 3:15-18 (NIV)</p> <p>We can turn to God‘s Word to find safety, security, peace, and direction. In today's message, Pastor Denny closes our current series, "What Kind of People," with advice on how we can prepare for the Rapture.<br><br>7 Ways the Church can get Ready for the Rapture: <br><br>1.) Return to your First Love (Ephesus)<br>"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." - Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)<br><br>2.) Remain Faithful (Smyrna)<br>"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." -Revelation 2:9-10 (NIV)<br><br>3. ) Resist Compromise (Pergamum)<br>"Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality." - Revelation 2:14 (NIV)<br><br>4.) Repent of Sin (Thyatira)<br>"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Revelation 2:18-22 (NIV)<br><br>5.) Refuse Hypocrisy (Sardis)<br>"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." - Revelation 3:1-2 (NIV)<br><br>6.) Respect the Bible (Philadelphia)<br>"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." - Revelation 3:8 (NIV)<br><br>7.) . Radically Follow Jesus (Laodicea)<br>"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." -Revelation 3:15-18 (NIV)</p> We can turn to God‘s Word to find safety, security, peace, and direction. In today's message, Pastor Denny closes our current series, "What Kind of People," with advice on how we can prepare for the Rapture.

7 Ways the Church can get Ready for the Rapture:

1.) Return to your First Love (Ephesus)
"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." - Revelation 2:4-5 (NIV)

2.) Remain Faithful (Smyrna)
"I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown." -Revelation 2:9-10 (NIV)

3. ) Resist Compromise (Pergamum)
"Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality." - Revelation 2:14 (NIV)

4.) Repent of Sin (Thyatira)
"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." Revelation 2:18-22 (NIV)

5.) Refuse Hypocrisy (Sardis)
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits[b] of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God." - Revelation 3:1-2 (NIV)

6.) Respect the Bible (Philadelphia)
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." - Revelation 3:8 (NIV)

7.) . Radically Follow Jesus (Laodicea)
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." -Revelation 3:15-18 (NIV)

]]> Sun, 30 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2050 319 0d4d09390fae519f8dfb0abc8754c6d5 no August 26th - Wednesday Night River Kids God created you to work with others. Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about how to work with others!</p> <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about how to work with others!</p> Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message.

We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about how to work with others!

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1459 320 0b00680f8a2c8747e975df088f9fd3ab no August 23rd - K-5th God created you to work with others. Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are continuing our series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are continuing our series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

We are continuing our series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1308 321 58974aec29196d3cf231defb0bb32a55 no End Times Timeline Pastor Denny Curran <p>We are living in the last days. It is very important to educate yourself about the last days, so that you may know how to live and what kind of people you should be! This is our opportunity to rise up and share our faith!<br><br>We invite you to listen to this week's message as Pastor Denny breaks down a timeline of what will take place as the time of the rapture draws near.</p> <p>We are living in the last days. It is very important to educate yourself about the last days, so that you may know how to live and what kind of people you should be! This is our opportunity to rise up and share our faith!<br><br>We invite you to listen to this week's message as Pastor Denny breaks down a timeline of what will take place as the time of the rapture draws near.</p> We are living in the last days. It is very important to educate yourself about the last days, so that you may know how to live and what kind of people you should be! This is our opportunity to rise up and share our faith!

We invite you to listen to this week's message as Pastor Denny breaks down a timeline of what will take place as the time of the rapture draws near.

]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2581 322 d9054725c4f39600d762687287feb528 no August 19th - Wednesday Night River Kids God created you for a purpose. Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!</p> <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!</p> Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message.

We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!

]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1517 323 60b1c208725c9d6ee2715d59706973f0 no August 16th - K-5th God created you for a purpose. Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are continuing our new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are continuing our new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

We are continuing our new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1383 324 983410ef9e33e3654658271fe5d7aabd no The End Part 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.<br>For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18<br><br>"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” -2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)<br><br>1. Where is the rapture in scripture? <br>The Bible tells us in Scripture, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" - Revelation 12:11 (NIV). We must live by scripture! Let it be your source to making all of your life decisions and help develop your conduct! In Revelation, we learn about the two comings of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Denny breaks down the differences in the two comings. During the Rapture, Jesus won't physically come to earth, but He will be heard. Believers will rise to meet Him as he comes for His Church. During the Second Advent, He will come and touch the Earth and stay here. In that time, the new believers will come with Him as he comes for His Church. <br><br>"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV)<br><br>2. What is going to happen?<br><br>Scripture gives us a picture of what that day will look like.<br>"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 <br><br>"Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9<br><br>(08/16/20 continued...)<br>3. When is the rapture going to take place?<br><br>"Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel." - Ezekiel 37:12 <br><br>In this week's message, Pastor Denny talks about the differences between Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, and Post-Tribulation.<br><br>4. Who is going?<br><br>"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:8<br><br>“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." - Matthew 25:10<br><br>We encourage you to study, watch and pray, not give up on meeting with each other, and to be alert. We do not know the day or the hour, but Jesus is coming back for His church.</p> <p>"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.<br>For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18<br><br>"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” -2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)<br><br>1. Where is the rapture in scripture? <br>The Bible tells us in Scripture, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" - Revelation 12:11 (NIV). We must live by scripture! Let it be your source to making all of your life decisions and help develop your conduct! In Revelation, we learn about the two comings of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Denny breaks down the differences in the two comings. During the Rapture, Jesus won't physically come to earth, but He will be heard. Believers will rise to meet Him as he comes for His Church. During the Second Advent, He will come and touch the Earth and stay here. In that time, the new believers will come with Him as he comes for His Church. <br><br>"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV)<br><br>2. What is going to happen?<br><br>Scripture gives us a picture of what that day will look like.<br>"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 <br><br>"Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9<br><br>(08/16/20 continued...)<br>3. When is the rapture going to take place?<br><br>"Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel." - Ezekiel 37:12 <br><br>In this week's message, Pastor Denny talks about the differences between Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, and Post-Tribulation.<br><br>4. Who is going?<br><br>"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:8<br><br>“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." - Matthew 25:10<br><br>We encourage you to study, watch and pray, not give up on meeting with each other, and to be alert. We do not know the day or the hour, but Jesus is coming back for His church.</p> "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” -2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)

1. Where is the rapture in scripture?
The Bible tells us in Scripture, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" - Revelation 12:11 (NIV). We must live by scripture! Let it be your source to making all of your life decisions and help develop your conduct! In Revelation, we learn about the two comings of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Denny breaks down the differences in the two comings. During the Rapture, Jesus won't physically come to earth, but He will be heard. Believers will rise to meet Him as he comes for His Church. During the Second Advent, He will come and touch the Earth and stay here. In that time, the new believers will come with Him as he comes for His Church.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV)

2. What is going to happen?

Scripture gives us a picture of what that day will look like.
"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

"Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9

(08/16/20 continued...)
3. When is the rapture going to take place?

"Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel." - Ezekiel 37:12

In this week's message, Pastor Denny talks about the differences between Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, and Post-Tribulation.

4. Who is going?

"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 2 Timothy 4:8

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." - Matthew 25:10

We encourage you to study, watch and pray, not give up on meeting with each other, and to be alert. We do not know the day or the hour, but Jesus is coming back for His church.

]]> Sun, 16 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2802 325 69c8a735eafa8cb7cc3e57502669ab07 no August 12th - Wednesday Night River Kids God created you, so you can be creative. Hannah Kruse <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!</p> <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!</p> Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message.

We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!

]]> Wed, 12 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1312 326 415f40c885eea0085d189933adf15a4f no August 9th - K-5th God created you, so you can be creative. Hannah Kruse and Jonah Spadgenske <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are entering a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are entering a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

We are entering a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1663 327 3a3a4853c5445726e0f5f1b7135b71f3 no The End Part 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.<br>For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18<br><br>"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” -2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)<br><br>1. Where is the rapture in scripture? <br>The Bible tells us in Scripture, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" - Revelation 12:11 (NIV). We must live by scripture! Let it be your source to making all of your life decisions and help develop your conduct! In Revelation, we learn about the two comings of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Denny breaks down the differences in the two comings. During the Rapture, Jesus won't physically come to earth, but He will be heard. Believers will rise to meet Him as he comes for His Church. During the Second Advent, He will come and touch the Earth and stay here. In that time, the new believers will come with Him as he comes for His Church. <br><br>"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV)<br><br>2. What is going to happen?<br><br>Scripture gives us a picture of what that day will look like.<br>"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 <br><br>"Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9<br><br>Join us next week as we continue on in this series as Pastor Denny shares what scripture says about WHEN the rapture will take place.</p> <p>"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.<br>For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18<br><br>"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” -2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)<br><br>"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)<br><br>1. Where is the rapture in scripture? <br>The Bible tells us in Scripture, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" - Revelation 12:11 (NIV). We must live by scripture! Let it be your source to making all of your life decisions and help develop your conduct! In Revelation, we learn about the two comings of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Denny breaks down the differences in the two comings. During the Rapture, Jesus won't physically come to earth, but He will be heard. Believers will rise to meet Him as he comes for His Church. During the Second Advent, He will come and touch the Earth and stay here. In that time, the new believers will come with Him as he comes for His Church. <br><br>"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV)<br><br>2. What is going to happen?<br><br>Scripture gives us a picture of what that day will look like.<br>"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 <br><br>"Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9<br><br>Join us next week as we continue on in this series as Pastor Denny shares what scripture says about WHEN the rapture will take place.</p> "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 18

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” -2 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV)

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." - 1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)

1. Where is the rapture in scripture?
The Bible tells us in Scripture, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony;" - Revelation 12:11 (NIV). We must live by scripture! Let it be your source to making all of your life decisions and help develop your conduct! In Revelation, we learn about the two comings of Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Denny breaks down the differences in the two comings. During the Rapture, Jesus won't physically come to earth, but He will be heard. Believers will rise to meet Him as he comes for His Church. During the Second Advent, He will come and touch the Earth and stay here. In that time, the new believers will come with Him as he comes for His Church.

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (NIV)

2. What is going to happen?

Scripture gives us a picture of what that day will look like.
"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

"Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” - Revelation 19:9

Join us next week as we continue on in this series as Pastor Denny shares what scripture says about WHEN the rapture will take place.

]]> Sun, 09 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2722 328 e4e12988c93eb8dca68dc7f38bebe7d1 no August 5th - Wednesday Night River Kids There’s no limit to God’s creativity. Hannah Kruse and Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!</p> <p>Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message. <br><br>We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.<br><br>Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!</p> Welcome to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bring a fun, engaging, and biblical message.

We are diving to a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

Today we will learn from our So and So Show hosts all about creation!

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1402 329 05b99b500842985c9fdc2964904a0e33 no The Power of Prayer Pastor Adam Haugen <p>Back in the day, when CDs and tapes were in their prime. To make your summer jam playlist took a lot of work, time, and effort. You knew after you made this tape, you were going to keep it forever.<br>And you would play those tapes and CDs on repeat until they simply wore out. In this series, we are looking at things that God says a lot. Many times, these very things are the ones that can be foundational for our faith.<br><br>This message, Pastor Adam speaks on the topic of prayer.</p> <p>Back in the day, when CDs and tapes were in their prime. To make your summer jam playlist took a lot of work, time, and effort. You knew after you made this tape, you were going to keep it forever.<br>And you would play those tapes and CDs on repeat until they simply wore out. In this series, we are looking at things that God says a lot. Many times, these very things are the ones that can be foundational for our faith.<br><br>This message, Pastor Adam speaks on the topic of prayer.</p> Back in the day, when CDs and tapes were in their prime. To make your summer jam playlist took a lot of work, time, and effort. You knew after you made this tape, you were going to keep it forever.
And you would play those tapes and CDs on repeat until they simply wore out. In this series, we are looking at things that God says a lot. Many times, these very things are the ones that can be foundational for our faith.

This message, Pastor Adam speaks on the topic of prayer.

]]> Wed, 05 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1538 330 7e11eac07e6f539f33c26fb0b26c54d7 no August 2nd - K-5th There’s no limit to God’s creativity Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are entering a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids! <br><br>We are entering a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We are excited to have you! Our River Kids Team works hard to create an engaging, fun, and impactful service for kids!

We are entering a brand new series called INDESCRIBABLE! All month long we will focus on God's creativity. God’s creativity is endless. And since we’re made in God’s image, we can be creative, too. We can express ourselves AND accomplish something important in the world around us, because our Creator has no limits.

]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1516 331 0d87b33bf0bb7e9a345149feacae3d82 no People of the Spirit Pastor Denny Curran <p>What is God going to do next? God is drawing more people closer to Him, as millions around the world are searching, sharing scripture, praying, and exploring biblical truths together. Because so many around the world are searching for hope, this may be one of the greatest opportunities to make a difference today, and in eternity.<br><br>"Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. <br>- Matthew 24:33 (NIV)<br><br>People of the Spirit are full of the Spirit. When we're filled with the Holy Spirit, we operate out of the fruits of the spirit. "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) <br><br>People of the Spirit are full of the Word. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." - John 16:13 (NIV)<br><br>You need to stay filled with the Holy Spirit so you stay in love with Jesus and the Bible. <br><br>People of the Spirit full of love. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:33-35 (NIV)<br><br>People of the Spirit are full of power. "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)<br><br>It’s too dangerous today to live as a Christian without being filled with the a Holy Spirit.</p> <p>What is God going to do next? God is drawing more people closer to Him, as millions around the world are searching, sharing scripture, praying, and exploring biblical truths together. Because so many around the world are searching for hope, this may be one of the greatest opportunities to make a difference today, and in eternity.<br><br>"Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. <br>- Matthew 24:33 (NIV)<br><br>People of the Spirit are full of the Spirit. When we're filled with the Holy Spirit, we operate out of the fruits of the spirit. "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) <br><br>People of the Spirit are full of the Word. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." - John 16:13 (NIV)<br><br>You need to stay filled with the Holy Spirit so you stay in love with Jesus and the Bible. <br><br>People of the Spirit full of love. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:33-35 (NIV)<br><br>People of the Spirit are full of power. "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)<br><br>It’s too dangerous today to live as a Christian without being filled with the a Holy Spirit.</p> What is God going to do next? God is drawing more people closer to Him, as millions around the world are searching, sharing scripture, praying, and exploring biblical truths together. Because so many around the world are searching for hope, this may be one of the greatest opportunities to make a difference today, and in eternity.

"Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.
- Matthew 24:33 (NIV)

People of the Spirit are full of the Spirit. When we're filled with the Holy Spirit, we operate out of the fruits of the spirit. "But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

People of the Spirit are full of the Word. "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." - John 16:13 (NIV)

You need to stay filled with the Holy Spirit so you stay in love with Jesus and the Bible.

People of the Spirit full of love. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” -John 13:33-35 (NIV)

People of the Spirit are full of power. "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV)

It’s too dangerous today to live as a Christian without being filled with the a Holy Spirit.

]]> Sun, 02 Aug 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2077 332 8a4252d701965e880a6258df9a07b525 no July 29th - Wednesday Night River Kids Following Jesus will turn out greater than you can imagine. Mark Eskew <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into our last week of our series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems.</p> <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into our last week of our series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems.</p> This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into our last week of our series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems.

]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1584 333 31ed6898ba2a43680ccabec6efbe91b3 no July 26th - K-5th Following Jesus will turn out greater than you can imagine. Kaleb Eskew and Jonah Sun, 26 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2716 334 2462f56746a0c8626bac270920332da7 no Signs Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." -Revelation 12:12 NIV<br><br>"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." - 2 Peter 3:11 NIV<br><br>"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” - Matthew 24:3 NIV <br><br>Jesus is coming back. In this series, we will be explaining and bringing understanding the details of the End Times so you can see things through the eyes of the Bible. As a church and as christians, we need to be prepared. We will discuss signs, the rapture, tribulation, and revelation in the upcoming weeks. <br><br>Today, we begin to break down the different signs that we will experience when the End Times are near. <br><br>1.) Reunification of Israel<br>"The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel." <br>-Ezekiel 37:1-3, 11-12 NIV <br><br>2.) Relativism and Deception Increases<br>"Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many." - Matthew 24:4-5 NIV<br><br>3.) Restlessness Worldwide<br>"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." - Matthew 24:6-8 NIV <br><br>4.) Renounce Sound Doctrine<br>"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other" <br>- Matthew 24:10 NIV<br><br>"And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred." - Matthew 24:10 Amplified Version<br><br>"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." -Acts 2:17-18 NIV <br><br>We need to be people of the Spirit. When we're people of the Spirit, we are filled with the Spirit and full of His Word. The End Times are near, but we don't have to live in fear because we serve a God we can trust and look to in times of trial and tribulation. Join us in the upcoming weeks as we navigate the End Times and how we can be examples of Christ in this time, as well as grow in our relationship and trust with Him.</p> <p>"Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." -Revelation 12:12 NIV<br><br>"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." - 2 Peter 3:11 NIV<br><br>"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” - Matthew 24:3 NIV <br><br>Jesus is coming back. In this series, we will be explaining and bringing understanding the details of the End Times so you can see things through the eyes of the Bible. As a church and as christians, we need to be prepared. We will discuss signs, the rapture, tribulation, and revelation in the upcoming weeks. <br><br>Today, we begin to break down the different signs that we will experience when the End Times are near. <br><br>1.) Reunification of Israel<br>"The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel." <br>-Ezekiel 37:1-3, 11-12 NIV <br><br>2.) Relativism and Deception Increases<br>"Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many." - Matthew 24:4-5 NIV<br><br>3.) Restlessness Worldwide<br>"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." - Matthew 24:6-8 NIV <br><br>4.) Renounce Sound Doctrine<br>"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other" <br>- Matthew 24:10 NIV<br><br>"And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred." - Matthew 24:10 Amplified Version<br><br>"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." -Acts 2:17-18 NIV <br><br>We need to be people of the Spirit. When we're people of the Spirit, we are filled with the Spirit and full of His Word. The End Times are near, but we don't have to live in fear because we serve a God we can trust and look to in times of trial and tribulation. Join us in the upcoming weeks as we navigate the End Times and how we can be examples of Christ in this time, as well as grow in our relationship and trust with Him.</p> "Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." -Revelation 12:12 NIV

"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives." - 2 Peter 3:11 NIV

"As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” - Matthew 24:3 NIV

Jesus is coming back. In this series, we will be explaining and bringing understanding the details of the End Times so you can see things through the eyes of the Bible. As a church and as christians, we need to be prepared. We will discuss signs, the rapture, tribulation, and revelation in the upcoming weeks.

Today, we begin to break down the different signs that we will experience when the End Times are near.

1.) Reunification of Israel
"The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel."
-Ezekiel 37:1-3, 11-12 NIV

2.) Relativism and Deception Increases
"Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many." - Matthew 24:4-5 NIV

3.) Restlessness Worldwide
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains." - Matthew 24:6-8 NIV

4.) Renounce Sound Doctrine
"At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other"
- Matthew 24:10 NIV

"And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred." - Matthew 24:10 Amplified Version

"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." -Acts 2:17-18 NIV

We need to be people of the Spirit. When we're people of the Spirit, we are filled with the Spirit and full of His Word. The End Times are near, but we don't have to live in fear because we serve a God we can trust and look to in times of trial and tribulation. Join us in the upcoming weeks as we navigate the End Times and how we can be examples of Christ in this time, as well as grow in our relationship and trust with Him.

]]> Sun, 26 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2759 335 fae060075f8c4a02be7599c04f066785 no July 22nd - Wednesday Night River Kids Knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems. Mark Eskew <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems.</p> <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems.</p> This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems.

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1659 336 5fe5f9e29b9702912885af90e954f6c5 no Blessing of the Holy Spirit Part 5 Pastor Denny Curran <p>Philippians 3:10 KJV<br>That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death<br><br>Following salvation and water baptism the next thing that God wants every single believer to experience is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.<br>It’s not an option, it is essential.<br><br>Part of it is you believing and part of it is you yielding to him. <br>Part of it is you allowing the Spirit of God to control you and your yielding yourself to the Spirit in a way that allows him to work in you on a continual basis.<br><br>Luke 24:45-49 NIV<br>Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”<br><br>Acts 1:4-5 NIV<br>On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”<br><br>Acts 1:8 NIV<br>But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</p> <p>Philippians 3:10 KJV<br>That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death<br><br>Following salvation and water baptism the next thing that God wants every single believer to experience is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.<br>It’s not an option, it is essential.<br><br>Part of it is you believing and part of it is you yielding to him. <br>Part of it is you allowing the Spirit of God to control you and your yielding yourself to the Spirit in a way that allows him to work in you on a continual basis.<br><br>Luke 24:45-49 NIV<br>Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”<br><br>Acts 1:4-5 NIV<br>On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”<br><br>Acts 1:8 NIV<br>But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</p> Philippians 3:10 KJV
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death

Following salvation and water baptism the next thing that God wants every single believer to experience is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
It’s not an option, it is essential.

Part of it is you believing and part of it is you yielding to him.
Part of it is you allowing the Spirit of God to control you and your yielding yourself to the Spirit in a way that allows him to work in you on a continual basis.

Luke 24:45-49 NIV
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:4-5 NIV
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:8 NIV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1747 337 63e1c429d2e9fcc8ce6dc14095318b62 no July 19th - K-5th Knowing Jesus changes the way you see your problems. Hannah Kruse and Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1104 338 94eb6796e2d5a20c69eafb82afa1114a no July 15th - Wednesday Night River Kids You can help others know Jesus. Mark Eskew <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how you can help others know Jesus!</p> <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how you can help others know Jesus!</p> This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. Tonight we'll learn from our So and So Show Hosts how you can help others know Jesus!

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1387 339 1c11b404d6c356573dde6c69db2ad612 no Let it Rain Part 4 Pastor Denny Curran <p>"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness<br>and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord."<br><br>We are in unprecedented times. People today are facing stress and anger because of our uncertain times! In these times, we are reminded that God promised help, a comforter. He promised strength. God promised faith to conquer. He promises the Holy Spirit. He offers His power!<br><br>In Acts, we read of five times where people were filled with the Holy Spirit. Each time, it shows us that not only did something happen in them, but also an external manifestation occurred. They began speaking in tongues. <br>1.) Acts 2:4 NIV<br>2.) Acts 10:44-46 NIV<br>3.) Acts 19:1-2 NIV<br>4.) Acts 8:12 NIV <br>5.) Acts 9:17-18 NIV<br><br>These scriptures prove that God has a gift for you! When you receive that gift, you will speak in a language you didn’t previously learn. This gift will empower you to do things you couldn’t do, say things you never thought you’d say, go places you'd never plan to go without Him. It empowers us to speak boldly and walk confidently. If you want to speak supernaturally, you must pray supernaturally. <br><br>What must we do to receive this gift? Acts 2:37-38 says this, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."<br><br>We want to challenge and encourage you to read the book of Acts! Dedicate time this week to prayer! Expect God to move and work in your life as you begin to seek the gift He has for you.</p> <p>"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness<br>and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord."<br><br>We are in unprecedented times. People today are facing stress and anger because of our uncertain times! In these times, we are reminded that God promised help, a comforter. He promised strength. God promised faith to conquer. He promises the Holy Spirit. He offers His power!<br><br>In Acts, we read of five times where people were filled with the Holy Spirit. Each time, it shows us that not only did something happen in them, but also an external manifestation occurred. They began speaking in tongues. <br>1.) Acts 2:4 NIV<br>2.) Acts 10:44-46 NIV<br>3.) Acts 19:1-2 NIV<br>4.) Acts 8:12 NIV <br>5.) Acts 9:17-18 NIV<br><br>These scriptures prove that God has a gift for you! When you receive that gift, you will speak in a language you didn’t previously learn. This gift will empower you to do things you couldn’t do, say things you never thought you’d say, go places you'd never plan to go without Him. It empowers us to speak boldly and walk confidently. If you want to speak supernaturally, you must pray supernaturally. <br><br>What must we do to receive this gift? Acts 2:37-38 says this, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."<br><br>We want to challenge and encourage you to read the book of Acts! Dedicate time this week to prayer! Expect God to move and work in your life as you begin to seek the gift He has for you.</p> "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord."

We are in unprecedented times. People today are facing stress and anger because of our uncertain times! In these times, we are reminded that God promised help, a comforter. He promised strength. God promised faith to conquer. He promises the Holy Spirit. He offers His power!

In Acts, we read of five times where people were filled with the Holy Spirit. Each time, it shows us that not only did something happen in them, but also an external manifestation occurred. They began speaking in tongues.
1.) Acts 2:4 NIV
2.) Acts 10:44-46 NIV
3.) Acts 19:1-2 NIV
4.) Acts 8:12 NIV
5.) Acts 9:17-18 NIV

These scriptures prove that God has a gift for you! When you receive that gift, you will speak in a language you didn’t previously learn. This gift will empower you to do things you couldn’t do, say things you never thought you’d say, go places you'd never plan to go without Him. It empowers us to speak boldly and walk confidently. If you want to speak supernaturally, you must pray supernaturally.

What must we do to receive this gift? Acts 2:37-38 says this, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

We want to challenge and encourage you to read the book of Acts! Dedicate time this week to prayer! Expect God to move and work in your life as you begin to seek the gift He has for you.

]]> Sun, 12 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2061 340 8c7a8a4d1e3da589b9f447c5d72e1de0 no July 5th - K-5th This is Amazing Grace Mark Eskew and Jonah Spadgenske <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1539 341 fde7ebbaf3cd2144cbdefd940dd33be5 no July 7th - Wednesday Night River Kids Mark Eskew <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> <p>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1502 342 ca569ebddeda848cbcf8760dd9514091 no Waiting Room Part 3 Pastor Adam Haugen <p>God is rarely in a hurry and normally makes us wait. This week Pastor Adam talked about the importance of waiting well. The word “wait” means to look for, to hope, and to expect. The waiting is where the molding, shifting, and carving happens. In the season of waiting, we learn to trust God! What are you waiting on God for? Could waiting be a blessing?<br><br>Galatians 5:22 <br>But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience<br><br>“We must ruthlessly eliminate hurry in out lives.” Dallas Willard<br><br>Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) <br>But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.<br><br>Acts 1:4 (NIV)<br>On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.<br><br>Acts 2:2-4 (NLT)<br>Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.</p> <p>God is rarely in a hurry and normally makes us wait. This week Pastor Adam talked about the importance of waiting well. The word “wait” means to look for, to hope, and to expect. The waiting is where the molding, shifting, and carving happens. In the season of waiting, we learn to trust God! What are you waiting on God for? Could waiting be a blessing?<br><br>Galatians 5:22 <br>But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience<br><br>“We must ruthlessly eliminate hurry in out lives.” Dallas Willard<br><br>Isaiah 40:31 (ESV) <br>But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.<br><br>Acts 1:4 (NIV)<br>On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.<br><br>Acts 2:2-4 (NLT)<br>Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.</p> God is rarely in a hurry and normally makes us wait. This week Pastor Adam talked about the importance of waiting well. The word “wait” means to look for, to hope, and to expect. The waiting is where the molding, shifting, and carving happens. In the season of waiting, we learn to trust God! What are you waiting on God for? Could waiting be a blessing?

Galatians 5:22
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience

“We must ruthlessly eliminate hurry in out lives.” Dallas Willard

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Acts 1:4 (NIV)
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.

Acts 2:2-4 (NLT)
Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them.  And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

]]> Sun, 05 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2113 343 ef1dc96ec1ea0fdef42fec79bb15049d no July 1st - Wednesday Night River Kids Knowing Jesus changes the way you see others Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week So and So Show will dive into how Peter Goes to the House of Cornelius.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week So and So Show will dive into how Peter Goes to the House of Cornelius.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

This week So and So Show will dive into how Peter Goes to the House of Cornelius.

]]> Wed, 01 Jul 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1325 344 c559fe6daae1fa93d3167c5a2d445f27 no Breath and Life Part 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." - Deuteronomy 4:29<br><br>"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." - Jeremiah 29:13-14<br><br>The Holy Spirit has been compared to the wind. In the Old Testament, a common word for "spirit" was wind, breath, a violent exhaling, etc. In the New Testament, it translates to breath, or strong wind. When we are filled with the spirit, we are filled with BREATH and LIFE. <br><br>Wind as 4 characteristics that are similar to the Holy Spirit. Wind is unseen. On a warm day, a gust of wind feels good to us. It isn't something weird - it's natural and good. Often times, the Holy Spirit is considered weird because it is UNSEEN. The world often cannot accept the Holy Spirit because they don't see him. Wind parallels the Holy Spirit because it's unseen. <br><br>Wind is unpredictable. God doesn't do things the same way every time! When things become predictable, we begin to worship a formula rather than God. We trust the process, not the promise. Believers are challenged to embrace the unpredictable nature of God. <br><br>Wind is powerful. It has the power to generate electricity, move a ship, uproot a tree, etc. When we experience the Holy Spirit, we begin to experience the power of God in a way that transforms us and leads us to a greater life. <br><br>Finally, wind is refreshing. 1 Corinthians 2:9 - 10 says, "However, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - the things God has prepared for those who love Him - these are the things that God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." When we spend time in God's presence, we begin to experience a refreshing. <br><br>In the upcoming weeks as we continue on in our Holy Spirit series, we challenge you to be praying, fasting, and seeking after the gift of the Holy Spirit. Don't take this gift for granted!</p> <p>"But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." - Deuteronomy 4:29<br><br>"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." - Jeremiah 29:13-14<br><br>The Holy Spirit has been compared to the wind. In the Old Testament, a common word for "spirit" was wind, breath, a violent exhaling, etc. In the New Testament, it translates to breath, or strong wind. When we are filled with the spirit, we are filled with BREATH and LIFE. <br><br>Wind as 4 characteristics that are similar to the Holy Spirit. Wind is unseen. On a warm day, a gust of wind feels good to us. It isn't something weird - it's natural and good. Often times, the Holy Spirit is considered weird because it is UNSEEN. The world often cannot accept the Holy Spirit because they don't see him. Wind parallels the Holy Spirit because it's unseen. <br><br>Wind is unpredictable. God doesn't do things the same way every time! When things become predictable, we begin to worship a formula rather than God. We trust the process, not the promise. Believers are challenged to embrace the unpredictable nature of God. <br><br>Wind is powerful. It has the power to generate electricity, move a ship, uproot a tree, etc. When we experience the Holy Spirit, we begin to experience the power of God in a way that transforms us and leads us to a greater life. <br><br>Finally, wind is refreshing. 1 Corinthians 2:9 - 10 says, "However, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - the things God has prepared for those who love Him - these are the things that God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." When we spend time in God's presence, we begin to experience a refreshing. <br><br>In the upcoming weeks as we continue on in our Holy Spirit series, we challenge you to be praying, fasting, and seeking after the gift of the Holy Spirit. Don't take this gift for granted!</p> "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." - Deuteronomy 4:29

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. "I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." - Jeremiah 29:13-14

The Holy Spirit has been compared to the wind. In the Old Testament, a common word for "spirit" was wind, breath, a violent exhaling, etc. In the New Testament, it translates to breath, or strong wind. When we are filled with the spirit, we are filled with BREATH and LIFE.

Wind as 4 characteristics that are similar to the Holy Spirit. Wind is unseen. On a warm day, a gust of wind feels good to us. It isn't something weird - it's natural and good. Often times, the Holy Spirit is considered weird because it is UNSEEN. The world often cannot accept the Holy Spirit because they don't see him. Wind parallels the Holy Spirit because it's unseen.

Wind is unpredictable. God doesn't do things the same way every time! When things become predictable, we begin to worship a formula rather than God. We trust the process, not the promise. Believers are challenged to embrace the unpredictable nature of God.

Wind is powerful. It has the power to generate electricity, move a ship, uproot a tree, etc. When we experience the Holy Spirit, we begin to experience the power of God in a way that transforms us and leads us to a greater life.

Finally, wind is refreshing. 1 Corinthians 2:9 - 10 says, "However, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" - the things God has prepared for those who love Him - these are the things that God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God." When we spend time in God's presence, we begin to experience a refreshing.

In the upcoming weeks as we continue on in our Holy Spirit series, we challenge you to be praying, fasting, and seeking after the gift of the Holy Spirit. Don't take this gift for granted!

]]> Sun, 28 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1903 345 59f9e4008d9b5c8384a4ed08e320a028 no June 28th - K-5th Knowing Jesus changes the way you see others Erin Hanson and Kaleb Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Erin and Kaleb will dive into how Peter Goes to the House of Cornelius.</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Erin and Kaleb will dive into how Peter Goes to the House of Cornelius.</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

This week Erin and Kaleb will dive into how Peter Goes to the House of Cornelius.

]]> Sun, 28 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1332 346 16bbeb9ab1ef71c26779a054c9910d5b no June 24th - Wednesday Night River Kids Knowing Jesus can help you face your fears Hannah Kruse and Mark Eskew <p>Welcome to another night with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bringing you an online experience that is fun, engaging, and Bible focused. <br><br>This week we will have fun learning from our So and So hosts! They will continue to teach us about Saul and his journey to Paul! Fear is something we all experience and we'll learn how people in the Bible got through it. <br><br>Our bottom line this week is "Knowing Jesus can help you face your fears"!</p> <p>Welcome to another night with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bringing you an online experience that is fun, engaging, and Bible focused. <br><br>This week we will have fun learning from our So and So hosts! They will continue to teach us about Saul and his journey to Paul! Fear is something we all experience and we'll learn how people in the Bible got through it. <br><br>Our bottom line this week is "Knowing Jesus can help you face your fears"!</p> Welcome to another night with our River Kids Team! Our team is dedicated to bringing you an online experience that is fun, engaging, and Bible focused.

This week we will have fun learning from our So and So hosts! They will continue to teach us about Saul and his journey to Paul! Fear is something we all experience and we'll learn how people in the Bible got through it.

Our bottom line this week is "Knowing Jesus can help you face your fears"!

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1539 347 09f9241add04ee4800c851c1c2029f2b no June 21st - K-5th Knowing Jesus can help you face your fears Hannah Kruse and Jonah Spadgenske <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Hannah and Jonah will conturing to teach about Saul and his journey to Paul!</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Hannah and Jonah will conturing to teach about Saul and his journey to Paul!</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

This week Hannah and Jonah will conturing to teach about Saul and his journey to Paul!

]]> Sun, 21 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2586 348 ecacb7b5bafd48b4a5ce2caa4881ce43 no Rain Refreshes Part 1 Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer worm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” -Joel 2:23<br><br>Rain has oftentimes shared a spiritual meaning compared to the Holy Spirit. We know that rain is needed to bring things to life, and rain is needed for things to grow. The Holy Spirit brings things to life and is needed for things to grow. The rain refreshes things. When the rain comes, it brings times of refreshing.<br><br>Jesus promises us His Holy Spirit. Before He left this earth, he spoke in Acts 1:4-5 (NIV):<br>"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be<br>baptized with the Holy Spirit.” He desires us to WAIT for the gift His father promised. <br><br>It’s a power He gives His followers to experience. Acts 1:8 says this, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When we receive the Holy Spirit, we begin to experience His power.<br><br>Finally, the Holy Spirit gives purpose to believers. When we have the power, but ignore the purpose, we miss Jesus' point. In the upcoming weeks, we want to invite you to join us as we dive into a study on the Holy Spirit and its importance in our lives as believers. <br><br>“Before we can be filled with the Spirit, the desire to be filled must be all - consuming. It must be for the time, the biggest thing in our life, so acute, so intrusive as to crowd out everything else. The degree of fullness in any life accords perfectly with the intensity of true desire. We have as much of God as we actually want.” - A.W. Tozer</p> <p>"Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer worm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” -Joel 2:23<br><br>Rain has oftentimes shared a spiritual meaning compared to the Holy Spirit. We know that rain is needed to bring things to life, and rain is needed for things to grow. The Holy Spirit brings things to life and is needed for things to grow. The rain refreshes things. When the rain comes, it brings times of refreshing.<br><br>Jesus promises us His Holy Spirit. Before He left this earth, he spoke in Acts 1:4-5 (NIV):<br>"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be<br>baptized with the Holy Spirit.” He desires us to WAIT for the gift His father promised. <br><br>It’s a power He gives His followers to experience. Acts 1:8 says this, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When we receive the Holy Spirit, we begin to experience His power.<br><br>Finally, the Holy Spirit gives purpose to believers. When we have the power, but ignore the purpose, we miss Jesus' point. In the upcoming weeks, we want to invite you to join us as we dive into a study on the Holy Spirit and its importance in our lives as believers. <br><br>“Before we can be filled with the Spirit, the desire to be filled must be all - consuming. It must be for the time, the biggest thing in our life, so acute, so intrusive as to crowd out everything else. The degree of fullness in any life accords perfectly with the intensity of true desire. We have as much of God as we actually want.” - A.W. Tozer</p> "Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer worm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.” -Joel 2:23

Rain has oftentimes shared a spiritual meaning compared to the Holy Spirit. We know that rain is needed to bring things to life, and rain is needed for things to grow. The Holy Spirit brings things to life and is needed for things to grow. The rain refreshes things. When the rain comes, it brings times of refreshing.

Jesus promises us His Holy Spirit. Before He left this earth, he spoke in Acts 1:4-5 (NIV):
"On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit.” He desires us to WAIT for the gift His father promised.

It’s a power He gives His followers to experience. Acts 1:8 says this, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When we receive the Holy Spirit, we begin to experience His power.

Finally, the Holy Spirit gives purpose to believers. When we have the power, but ignore the purpose, we miss Jesus' point. In the upcoming weeks, we want to invite you to join us as we dive into a study on the Holy Spirit and its importance in our lives as believers.

“Before we can be filled with the Spirit, the desire to be filled must be all - consuming. It must be for the time, the biggest thing in our life, so acute, so intrusive as to crowd out everything else. The degree of fullness in any life accords perfectly with the intensity of true desire. We have as much of God as we actually want.” - A.W. Tozer

]]> Sun, 21 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1695 349 d86da2101d3f21fa98e6d0caf4982e70 no June 17th - Wednesday Night River Kids Knowing Jesus changes the way you see everything Hannah Kruse and Mark Eskew <p>Welcome River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>Our Wednesday Night service is still online! Stay up to date on all our social media for our Wednesday Night! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> <p>Welcome River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>Our Wednesday Night service is still online! Stay up to date on all our social media for our Wednesday Night! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.</p> Welcome River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

Our Wednesday Night service is still online! Stay up to date on all our social media for our Wednesday Night!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1434 350 0c10819c1226f645cc9640d953a6ef79 no For Such a Time As This (Part 2) Pastor Denny Curran <p>"When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:12-14 (NIV)<br><br>God has called us to such a time as this. As believers, we are here by design. We have a calling. We have a purpose. We have a destiny! What are we called to do this this season? How can we best reflect Christ in this time? In this place? We need a deep time of prayer! We need to be praying prayers of repentance, prejudice, heat, anger, indifference, apathy, and injustice. We need to repent! What's happening in our world today has caused a great divide in our country.<br><br>We have forgotten who our enemy is. We need to identify the enemy! We cannot win a war until we identify our enemy. Ephesians 6 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, we must put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Division is of the Devil. He is using it to destroy our nation and our churches!<br><br>We need to love others. We are called to love all people. We need each other in this season. Where there is unity, God commands His blessing. <br><br>God has called us to SUCH A TIME AS THIS. The enemy wants you to question God's Word. He wants you to fear the Holy Spirit. He wants you to be at odds with one another. If we are going to reflect the love of Christ, let us use this season as an effort to reach lost people! Our influence must grow, not diminish. <br><br>"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” -<br>Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)<br><br>Join us as a church as we continue our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. Let us walk this season together by loving one another and praying together.</p> <p>"When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:12-14 (NIV)<br><br>God has called us to such a time as this. As believers, we are here by design. We have a calling. We have a purpose. We have a destiny! What are we called to do this this season? How can we best reflect Christ in this time? In this place? We need a deep time of prayer! We need to be praying prayers of repentance, prejudice, heat, anger, indifference, apathy, and injustice. We need to repent! What's happening in our world today has caused a great divide in our country.<br><br>We have forgotten who our enemy is. We need to identify the enemy! We cannot win a war until we identify our enemy. Ephesians 6 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, we must put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Division is of the Devil. He is using it to destroy our nation and our churches!<br><br>We need to love others. We are called to love all people. We need each other in this season. Where there is unity, God commands His blessing. <br><br>God has called us to SUCH A TIME AS THIS. The enemy wants you to question God's Word. He wants you to fear the Holy Spirit. He wants you to be at odds with one another. If we are going to reflect the love of Christ, let us use this season as an effort to reach lost people! Our influence must grow, not diminish. <br><br>"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” -<br>Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)<br><br>Join us as a church as we continue our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. Let us walk this season together by loving one another and praying together.</p> "When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:12-14 (NIV)

God has called us to such a time as this. As believers, we are here by design. We have a calling. We have a purpose. We have a destiny! What are we called to do this this season? How can we best reflect Christ in this time? In this place? We need a deep time of prayer! We need to be praying prayers of repentance, prejudice, heat, anger, indifference, apathy, and injustice. We need to repent! What's happening in our world today has caused a great divide in our country.

We have forgotten who our enemy is. We need to identify the enemy! We cannot win a war until we identify our enemy. Ephesians 6 tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, we must put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Division is of the Devil. He is using it to destroy our nation and our churches!

We need to love others. We are called to love all people. We need each other in this season. Where there is unity, God commands His blessing.

God has called us to SUCH A TIME AS THIS. The enemy wants you to question God's Word. He wants you to fear the Holy Spirit. He wants you to be at odds with one another. If we are going to reflect the love of Christ, let us use this season as an effort to reach lost people! Our influence must grow, not diminish.

"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” -
Jeremiah 29:7 (NIV)

Join us as a church as we continue our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. Let us walk this season together by loving one another and praying together.

]]> Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2401 351 4b30222489b846bbbaa0d8b0675a98c9 no June 14th - K-5th Knowing Jesus changes the way you see everything Hannah Kruse and Kaleb Eskew <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Hannah and Kaleb will do some investigating into the life of Saul in Acts!</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Hannah and Kaleb will do some investigating into the life of Saul in Acts!</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

This week we are live and in person at our Cold Spring campus! We will still have our services online every week!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

This week Hannah and Kaleb will do some investigating into the life of Saul in Acts!

]]> Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2941 352 cb51d7d0075ced6db11f0d2587d68163 no June 10th - Wednesday Night River Kids You can know Jesus even though you've never seen him Hannah Kruse <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week the So and So Show will bring you on a journey into the past. Talking about Abraham, Moses, and David!</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week the So and So Show will bring you on a journey into the past. Talking about Abraham, Moses, and David!</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

This week the So and So Show will bring you on a journey into the past. Talking about Abraham, Moses, and David!

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1467 353 406f66278c67c970472f4125731c5a37 no For Such a Time As This Drive-In Services Pastor Denny Curran <p>"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"<br>- Nahum 1:7<br><br>In times of trouble, we know that the Lord is with us. In our current season, it seems at times that darkness can overwhelm us. We are experiencing a clash of Kingdoms. The Holy Spirit is near in this time, and we are promised that He would pour out His spirit on ALL PEOPLE. Ask and receive the Holy Spirit in this time. "For everyone who asks, receives." It doesn't matter your race, gender, age, job, etc. He wants to pour out His spirit on ALL PEOPLE. We need the Holy Spirit to lead us. The enemy longs to divide relationships in this time. But we know this, we NEED each other! We need to pray for each other. We need to stand with one another and love one another. We need the Word of God. We need community! We are challenging you to turn to the Word of God today. Seek His truth. Call out to Him in times of trouble and see His hand begin to work in your lives. <br><br>Join us for our LIVE, IN-PERSON services starting up Saturday, June 13th at 5pm and Sunday, June 14th at 8:30am & 10:30am!</p> <p>"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"<br>- Nahum 1:7<br><br>In times of trouble, we know that the Lord is with us. In our current season, it seems at times that darkness can overwhelm us. We are experiencing a clash of Kingdoms. The Holy Spirit is near in this time, and we are promised that He would pour out His spirit on ALL PEOPLE. Ask and receive the Holy Spirit in this time. "For everyone who asks, receives." It doesn't matter your race, gender, age, job, etc. He wants to pour out His spirit on ALL PEOPLE. We need the Holy Spirit to lead us. The enemy longs to divide relationships in this time. But we know this, we NEED each other! We need to pray for each other. We need to stand with one another and love one another. We need the Word of God. We need community! We are challenging you to turn to the Word of God today. Seek His truth. Call out to Him in times of trouble and see His hand begin to work in your lives. <br><br>Join us for our LIVE, IN-PERSON services starting up Saturday, June 13th at 5pm and Sunday, June 14th at 8:30am & 10:30am!</p> "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"
- Nahum 1:7

In times of trouble, we know that the Lord is with us. In our current season, it seems at times that darkness can overwhelm us. We are experiencing a clash of Kingdoms. The Holy Spirit is near in this time, and we are promised that He would pour out His spirit on ALL PEOPLE. Ask and receive the Holy Spirit in this time. "For everyone who asks, receives." It doesn't matter your race, gender, age, job, etc. He wants to pour out His spirit on ALL PEOPLE. We need the Holy Spirit to lead us. The enemy longs to divide relationships in this time. But we know this, we NEED each other! We need to pray for each other. We need to stand with one another and love one another. We need the Word of God. We need community! We are challenging you to turn to the Word of God today. Seek His truth. Call out to Him in times of trouble and see His hand begin to work in your lives.

Join us for our LIVE, IN-PERSON services starting up Saturday, June 13th at 5pm and Sunday, June 14th at 8:30am & 10:30am!

]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2013 354 c618bf6a2573898d1965d44635db23f2 no June 7th - K-5th You can know Jesus even though you've never seen him Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Hannah and Erin will bring you on a journey into the past. Talking about Abraham, Moses, and David!</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you! <br><br>Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it. <br><br>This week Hannah and Erin will bring you on a journey into the past. Talking about Abraham, Moses, and David!</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! Our team is devoted to bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service every week! We are glad you're here and hope to connect with you!

Our River Kids are jumping into a brand new series: FOCUS! We will be diving into faith and trust. We will focus on our faith even when we can't see it.

This week Hannah and Erin will bring you on a journey into the past. Talking about Abraham, Moses, and David!

]]> Sat, 06 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1793 355 d00c3a1c7081af8c5af4d0a875d8a809 no June 7th - Pre-K God's Good News Nancy Spadgenske <p>Another weekend with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning about Faith and Trust!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another weekend with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning about Faith and Trust!<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another weekend with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!

This week we will be learning about Faith and Trust!

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sat, 06 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1585 356 e1cfb692e31e88f9a554266a3c395f50 no June 3rd - Wednesday Night River Kids Keep going even when you have questions Hannah Kruse <p>Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Our So and So Show hosts will dive into the adventure of Philip! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going even when you have questions!"<br><br>Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Philip!</p> <p>Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Our So and So Show hosts will dive into the adventure of Philip! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going even when you have questions!"<br><br>Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Philip!</p> Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!

This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Our So and So Show hosts will dive into the adventure of Philip! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going even when you have questions!"

Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Philip!

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1527 357 4c0a4f442d50ed66e2bc504ac362e9cf no The Blessing Graduation Sunday Pastor Kyle Curran <p>This week, hear Pastor Kyle Curran talk about the blessing of God. The difference between being blessed and receiving the blessing is that "blessed" is all about things we are desiring, where as God's blessing is approval to do something or go somewhere. Through this message our prayer is that you will receive God's blessing to walk in the plans he has for you. Learn from a story in the Bible found of in the book of Genesis in chapter 25 about Jacob and his brother Esau.<br><br>○ What good is being blessed, gaining the world, if you have to pretend?<br>○ What good is it to be blessed (have all the things) but not be able to walk in the blessing?<br><br>If you seek his blessing/approval then you will also be blessed in marriage, parenting, future, education, business, craft, talents... He wants to bless you, but we need to receive the blessing/approval to walk in his plans. Remember he can't bless who you pretend to be. <br><br><a href="https://riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org</a></p> <p>This week, hear Pastor Kyle Curran talk about the blessing of God. The difference between being blessed and receiving the blessing is that "blessed" is all about things we are desiring, where as God's blessing is approval to do something or go somewhere. Through this message our prayer is that you will receive God's blessing to walk in the plans he has for you. Learn from a story in the Bible found of in the book of Genesis in chapter 25 about Jacob and his brother Esau.<br><br>○ What good is being blessed, gaining the world, if you have to pretend?<br>○ What good is it to be blessed (have all the things) but not be able to walk in the blessing?<br><br>If you seek his blessing/approval then you will also be blessed in marriage, parenting, future, education, business, craft, talents... He wants to bless you, but we need to receive the blessing/approval to walk in his plans. Remember he can't bless who you pretend to be. <br><br><a href="https://riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://riveroflifeag.org</a></p> This week, hear Pastor Kyle Curran talk about the blessing of God. The difference between being blessed and receiving the blessing is that "blessed" is all about things we are desiring, where as God's blessing is approval to do something or go somewhere. Through this message our prayer is that you will receive God's blessing to walk in the plans he has for you. Learn from a story in the Bible found of in the book of Genesis in chapter 25 about Jacob and his brother Esau.

○ What good is being blessed, gaining the world, if you have to pretend?
○ What good is it to be blessed (have all the things) but not be able to walk in the blessing?

If you seek his blessing/approval then you will also be blessed in marriage, parenting, future, education, business, craft, talents... He wants to bless you, but we need to receive the blessing/approval to walk in his plans. Remember he can't bless who you pretend to be.

https://riveroflifeag.org

]]> Sun, 31 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2047 358 68b7540596635b3916b48ceeb6be9a60 no May 31st - K-5th Keep going even when you have questions Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Erin and Hannah will transform into scientists. They will use the Bible as a guide to finish a science experiment. Our bottom line of the week is "keep going even when you have questions.". <br><br>Join us as we learn more about Determination and the life of Philip!</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Erin and Hannah will transform into scientists. They will use the Bible as a guide to finish a science experiment. Our bottom line of the week is "keep going even when you have questions.". <br><br>Join us as we learn more about Determination and the life of Philip!</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!

This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Erin and Hannah will transform into scientists. They will use the Bible as a guide to finish a science experiment. Our bottom line of the week is "keep going even when you have questions.".

Join us as we learn more about Determination and the life of Philip!

]]> Sat, 30 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2184 359 b34de37d95782d6de085a3b780055fe9 no May 27th - Wednesday Night River Kids Keep going because God knows the end of the story Hannah Kruse <p>Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Our So and So Show hosts will dive into the adventure of Stephens life! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going because God knows the end of the story! <br><br>Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Stephen!</p> <p>Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Our So and So Show hosts will dive into the adventure of Stephens life! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going because God knows the end of the story! <br><br>Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Stephen!</p> Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!

This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Our So and So Show hosts will dive into the adventure of Stephens life! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going because God knows the end of the story!

Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Stephen!

]]> Wed, 27 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1355 360 c039b30dfa3eea9fdd423b9f30f1d767 no A Place Called This "Live on the Lake" Pastor Denny Curran <p>Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)<br>"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”<br><br>This weekend, we took our Church on the Move to the lake! In this sermon, we are going to talk about how to go from HERE to THERE, but to do that there is a place called “THIS,” between here and there. During this season, we have experienced a lot of loss. Graduations, weddings, funerals, family gatherings, etc. have been cancelled and we have had to give up a lot of things. You feel that God’s “asleep," or absent - that’s the place you call “THIS.” In this teaching, we learn that the greatest takeaway is that to get from the here to there, you have to keep g(rowing). Crisis doesn’t make us, it reveals who we really are! It’s tough to know in a storm or tough season, but the only way to get out of your “this” is to keep moving and growing! We want to challenge you to take this obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Stay tuned with us over the upcoming weeks as we continue to be a church on the move!</p> <p>Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)<br>"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”<br><br>This weekend, we took our Church on the Move to the lake! In this sermon, we are going to talk about how to go from HERE to THERE, but to do that there is a place called “THIS,” between here and there. During this season, we have experienced a lot of loss. Graduations, weddings, funerals, family gatherings, etc. have been cancelled and we have had to give up a lot of things. You feel that God’s “asleep," or absent - that’s the place you call “THIS.” In this teaching, we learn that the greatest takeaway is that to get from the here to there, you have to keep g(rowing). Crisis doesn’t make us, it reveals who we really are! It’s tough to know in a storm or tough season, but the only way to get out of your “this” is to keep moving and growing! We want to challenge you to take this obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Stay tuned with us over the upcoming weeks as we continue to be a church on the move!</p> Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)
"That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

This weekend, we took our Church on the Move to the lake! In this sermon, we are going to talk about how to go from HERE to THERE, but to do that there is a place called “THIS,” between here and there. During this season, we have experienced a lot of loss. Graduations, weddings, funerals, family gatherings, etc. have been cancelled and we have had to give up a lot of things. You feel that God’s “asleep," or absent - that’s the place you call “THIS.” In this teaching, we learn that the greatest takeaway is that to get from the here to there, you have to keep g(rowing). Crisis doesn’t make us, it reveals who we really are! It’s tough to know in a storm or tough season, but the only way to get out of your “this” is to keep moving and growing! We want to challenge you to take this obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Stay tuned with us over the upcoming weeks as we continue to be a church on the move!

]]> Sun, 24 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1765 361 0f056f1340cc170023b9372aacf4d54f no May 24th - K-5th Keep going because God knows the end of the Story. Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Welcome back to another weekend with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Erin and Hannah will do some investigating into the Life of Stephen in Acts 6! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going because God knows the end of the story! <br><br>Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Stephen!</p> <p>Welcome back to another weekend with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!<br><br>This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Erin and Hannah will do some investigating into the Life of Stephen in Acts 6! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going because God knows the end of the story! <br><br>Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Stephen!</p> Welcome back to another weekend with our River Kids Crew! We put a lot of energy into creating a fun environment where kids can learn about Jesus! It’s a place where faith, imagination, and learning go hand-in-hand. It’s a place where loving God is cool!

This week we will continue our series UNSTUCK! Erin and Hannah will do some investigating into the Life of Stephen in Acts 6! Our bottom line of the week is "Keep going because God knows the end of the story!

Join us as we learn more about the Holy Spirit and the life of Stephen!

]]> Sat, 23 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2084 362 6aaa2b389e893a9c9432c4aa93da13a0 no May 24th - Pre-K Everybody's Welcome Nancy Spadgenske <p>Another weekend with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "Peter's Vision and Cornelius."<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another weekend with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "Peter's Vision and Cornelius."<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another weekend with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!

This week we will be learning "Peter's Vision and Cornelius."

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sat, 23 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1526 363 7a182de49c4d771568fba5775043367f no May 20th - Wednesday Night River Kids Keep Going even when it gets tough Hannah Kruse <p>Welcome to our online River Kids Service! This week we are continuing to dive into the Holy Spirit! Peter and John in the New Testament will give us the perfect example of determination. <br><br>When you feel like giving up, it's time to reach down deep and find determination to get the job done. We can get UNSTUCK when we decide it’s worth it to finish what we’ve started.<br><br>Our So and So Show Hosts will go over all things Holy Spirit and Determination! We will learn that Determination deciding its worth it to finish what you started. <br><br>Let's keep going when things get tough!</p> <p>Welcome to our online River Kids Service! This week we are continuing to dive into the Holy Spirit! Peter and John in the New Testament will give us the perfect example of determination. <br><br>When you feel like giving up, it's time to reach down deep and find determination to get the job done. We can get UNSTUCK when we decide it’s worth it to finish what we’ve started.<br><br>Our So and So Show Hosts will go over all things Holy Spirit and Determination! We will learn that Determination deciding its worth it to finish what you started. <br><br>Let's keep going when things get tough!</p> Welcome to our online River Kids Service! This week we are continuing to dive into the Holy Spirit! Peter and John in the New Testament will give us the perfect example of determination.

When you feel like giving up, it's time to reach down deep and find determination to get the job done. We can get UNSTUCK when we decide it’s worth it to finish what we’ve started.

Our So and So Show Hosts will go over all things Holy Spirit and Determination! We will learn that Determination deciding its worth it to finish what you started.

Let's keep going when things get tough!

]]> Wed, 20 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1404 364 86ebf624dac9eb0d2d3edadb8f09aa34 no Seasons of Change Pastor Jesse Roe <p>“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” -Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT<br><br>In the current state of our constantly changing world, it is far too easy to fall into a mindset of fear, feeling alone, having little to no hope. One of the challenges we often face, is what we choose to focus on now, and in every moment moving forward. In this week's message, Pastor Jesse walks us through the book of Isaiah and shares of the faithfulness of God we see in seasons of change. <br><br>In days when we are unsure of what’s to come, we need to look back to remember what God has already done! The prophet Isaiah is writing to the people of Israel, reminding them what God already did through the amazing deliverance from slavery under the Egyptians. We are reminded to not get stuck where we are right now. We need to open our eyes to see what God is doing, its different, its new!</p> <p>“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” -Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT<br><br>In the current state of our constantly changing world, it is far too easy to fall into a mindset of fear, feeling alone, having little to no hope. One of the challenges we often face, is what we choose to focus on now, and in every moment moving forward. In this week's message, Pastor Jesse walks us through the book of Isaiah and shares of the faithfulness of God we see in seasons of change. <br><br>In days when we are unsure of what’s to come, we need to look back to remember what God has already done! The prophet Isaiah is writing to the people of Israel, reminding them what God already did through the amazing deliverance from slavery under the Egyptians. We are reminded to not get stuck where we are right now. We need to open our eyes to see what God is doing, its different, its new!</p> “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” -Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT

In the current state of our constantly changing world, it is far too easy to fall into a mindset of fear, feeling alone, having little to no hope. One of the challenges we often face, is what we choose to focus on now, and in every moment moving forward. In this week's message, Pastor Jesse walks us through the book of Isaiah and shares of the faithfulness of God we see in seasons of change.

In days when we are unsure of what’s to come, we need to look back to remember what God has already done! The prophet Isaiah is writing to the people of Israel, reminding them what God already did through the amazing deliverance from slavery under the Egyptians. We are reminded to not get stuck where we are right now. We need to open our eyes to see what God is doing, its different, its new!

]]> Sun, 17 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1293 365 9a5b27a3b23be94c14867af531c2fe68 no May 17th - K-5th Go the Distance Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Welcome to our online River Kids Service! This week we are continuing to dive into the Holy Spirit! Peter and John in the New Testament will give us the perfect example of determination. <br><br>When you feel like giving up, it's time to reach down deep and find determination to get the job done. We can get UNstuck when we decide it’s worth it to finish what we’ve started.<br><br>Erin and Hannah will be reporting to you LIVE on all things, Bible Story! We will learn that Determination deciding its worth it to finish what you started. <br><br>Let's keep going when things get tough!</p> <p>Welcome to our online River Kids Service! This week we are continuing to dive into the Holy Spirit! Peter and John in the New Testament will give us the perfect example of determination. <br><br>When you feel like giving up, it's time to reach down deep and find determination to get the job done. We can get UNstuck when we decide it’s worth it to finish what we’ve started.<br><br>Erin and Hannah will be reporting to you LIVE on all things, Bible Story! We will learn that Determination deciding its worth it to finish what you started. <br><br>Let's keep going when things get tough!</p> Welcome to our online River Kids Service! This week we are continuing to dive into the Holy Spirit! Peter and John in the New Testament will give us the perfect example of determination.

When you feel like giving up, it's time to reach down deep and find determination to get the job done. We can get UNstuck when we decide it’s worth it to finish what we’ve started.

Erin and Hannah will be reporting to you LIVE on all things, Bible Story! We will learn that Determination deciding its worth it to finish what you started.

Let's keep going when things get tough!

]]> Sat, 16 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1886 366 fb4e03a3ff81b0ae8105b496e86f1fb2 no May 17th - Pre-K God's Wonderful Gift Nancy Spadgenske <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus." <br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus." <br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!

This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus."

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sat, 16 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1360 367 3483d4f01360fbe251ec362b97622456 no May 13th - Wednesday Night River Kids God gives you what you need to keep going Hannah Kruse <p>Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Tonight we are bringing you the story of the Holy Spirit. <br><br>Jesus had given the disciples what seemed like an impossible mission. Jesus gives the command to go to all the nations and tell all the people about him. <br><br>Our River Kids will learn from the So and So Show how the Holy Spirit was given to us. We will learn how God gave us a gift to guide and direct us. <br><br>Enjoy another fun filled service and have a great week!</p> <p>Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Tonight we are bringing you the story of the Holy Spirit. <br><br>Jesus had given the disciples what seemed like an impossible mission. Jesus gives the command to go to all the nations and tell all the people about him. <br><br>Our River Kids will learn from the So and So Show how the Holy Spirit was given to us. We will learn how God gave us a gift to guide and direct us. <br><br>Enjoy another fun filled service and have a great week!</p> Welcome back to another Wednesday with our River Kids Team! Tonight we are bringing you the story of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus had given the disciples what seemed like an impossible mission. Jesus gives the command to go to all the nations and tell all the people about him.

Our River Kids will learn from the So and So Show how the Holy Spirit was given to us. We will learn how God gave us a gift to guide and direct us.

Enjoy another fun filled service and have a great week!

]]> Wed, 13 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1649 368 ea0c4a6517510fa0d4e46073c0a38577 no The Promise Pastor Adam Haugen <p>This week, the staff of River of Life is bringing our homes to yours! In this weekend's message of "Church on the Move," we hear from Pastor Adam Haugen. <br><br>Many people love rollercoasters— they pay a lot of money and wait in line a long time just for a minute of thrill! Here is the key difference: We love rollercoasters, when we choose it. We love the excitement BUT only when we feel like we are ultimately in control. What do you do when you find yourself on a rollercoaster in life? On a rollercoaster, for about a minute, these fears add to the thrill of the ride But in life, for a prolonged season, these fears can suck the thrill right out of life. These fears can be crippling. We begin to question the promises that God has for our situations that we face!<br><br>There was a man in the Bible that was in a similar situation to the one we find ourselves in today. In 2 Chronicles, we learn about King Hezekiah. Hezekiah took over ruling Judah from his father Ahaz who was a wicked king. He made all the right choices. He served God, turned the nation back to the Lord, cleansed the Temple, got the people to celebrate Passover again, and inspired people to give in abundance to the Lord. God wants us, even in this season, to prosper. Everything was going good for King Hezekiah until he started a new chapter. As we break down this chapter, we learn that King Hezekiah was in a rollercoaster season, similar to how many of us may feel right now! For Hezekiah, the enemy is staring him in the face and fear is beginning to seep in as he has lost control and his identity, and is threatened with death. In his rollercoaster season, Hezekiah took 4 steps to overcome his fear. When we are facing anxious and uncertain times, we can follow the steps that Hezekiah took to overcome our fear. We can choose worship. Worship gives us perspective on our predicament, and peace in our pain. We can choose honesty. In your times of prayer, tell God where you’re at! Be honest with what’s going on in your heart with Him. He can handle our anger, our fear, our frustration, or our confusion. We can choose trust. You ask Jesus for what you need! Finally, we can choose truth. Throughout the Bible, God talks about our words being seeds that produce. Our words will always produce something, and that is why it is important, especially in this season, to ground our thoughts and our words on God’s truth.<br><br><br>Here is your challenge for this week: One verse, one minute, one night at a time. Some of you are wondering what this year is going to hold.<br>In this rollercoaster of life, how can I continue to grow despite the change of circumstances around me? God has given you the plan today. God has a promise for you and he wants you to succeed. Don’t miss your opportunity. One verse, one minute, one night at a time.<br><br>Verses to Meditate On:<br><br>For Fear:<br>- 2 Timothy 1:7<br>- Hebrews 13:6<br>- 1 John 4:18<br>- John 14:27 - 28<br><br>For Addiction:<br>- 1 John 1:9<br>- John 8:36<br>- Romans 5:20<br>- Romans 13:14<br><br>For Healing:<br>- Jeremiah 32:17<br>- Isaiah 53:5<br>- Psalm 107:20<br>- Psalm 30:2<br><br>For Forgiveness:<br>- Ephesians 4:31 - 32<br>- Colossians 3:13<br>- Romans 12:19<br><br>For Wisdom / Guidance:<br>- James 1:5<br>- Psalm 32:8<br>- Isaiah 30:21<br>- John 16:13<br><br>For Finances:<br>- Hebrews 4:16<br>- Psalm 23:1<br>- Luke 12:29 - 31<br><br>For Depression:<br>- Psalm 34:18<br>- John 10:10<br>- Psalm 145:14<br>- Isaiah 61:3<br><br>For Strength: <br>- Isaiah 40:29<br>- Psalm 73:26<br>- 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10</p> <p>This week, the staff of River of Life is bringing our homes to yours! In this weekend's message of "Church on the Move," we hear from Pastor Adam Haugen. <br><br>Many people love rollercoasters— they pay a lot of money and wait in line a long time just for a minute of thrill! Here is the key difference: We love rollercoasters, when we choose it. We love the excitement BUT only when we feel like we are ultimately in control. What do you do when you find yourself on a rollercoaster in life? On a rollercoaster, for about a minute, these fears add to the thrill of the ride But in life, for a prolonged season, these fears can suck the thrill right out of life. These fears can be crippling. We begin to question the promises that God has for our situations that we face!<br><br>There was a man in the Bible that was in a similar situation to the one we find ourselves in today. In 2 Chronicles, we learn about King Hezekiah. Hezekiah took over ruling Judah from his father Ahaz who was a wicked king. He made all the right choices. He served God, turned the nation back to the Lord, cleansed the Temple, got the people to celebrate Passover again, and inspired people to give in abundance to the Lord. God wants us, even in this season, to prosper. Everything was going good for King Hezekiah until he started a new chapter. As we break down this chapter, we learn that King Hezekiah was in a rollercoaster season, similar to how many of us may feel right now! For Hezekiah, the enemy is staring him in the face and fear is beginning to seep in as he has lost control and his identity, and is threatened with death. In his rollercoaster season, Hezekiah took 4 steps to overcome his fear. When we are facing anxious and uncertain times, we can follow the steps that Hezekiah took to overcome our fear. We can choose worship. Worship gives us perspective on our predicament, and peace in our pain. We can choose honesty. In your times of prayer, tell God where you’re at! Be honest with what’s going on in your heart with Him. He can handle our anger, our fear, our frustration, or our confusion. We can choose trust. You ask Jesus for what you need! Finally, we can choose truth. Throughout the Bible, God talks about our words being seeds that produce. Our words will always produce something, and that is why it is important, especially in this season, to ground our thoughts and our words on God’s truth.<br><br><br>Here is your challenge for this week: One verse, one minute, one night at a time. Some of you are wondering what this year is going to hold.<br>In this rollercoaster of life, how can I continue to grow despite the change of circumstances around me? God has given you the plan today. God has a promise for you and he wants you to succeed. Don’t miss your opportunity. One verse, one minute, one night at a time.<br><br>Verses to Meditate On:<br><br>For Fear:<br>- 2 Timothy 1:7<br>- Hebrews 13:6<br>- 1 John 4:18<br>- John 14:27 - 28<br><br>For Addiction:<br>- 1 John 1:9<br>- John 8:36<br>- Romans 5:20<br>- Romans 13:14<br><br>For Healing:<br>- Jeremiah 32:17<br>- Isaiah 53:5<br>- Psalm 107:20<br>- Psalm 30:2<br><br>For Forgiveness:<br>- Ephesians 4:31 - 32<br>- Colossians 3:13<br>- Romans 12:19<br><br>For Wisdom / Guidance:<br>- James 1:5<br>- Psalm 32:8<br>- Isaiah 30:21<br>- John 16:13<br><br>For Finances:<br>- Hebrews 4:16<br>- Psalm 23:1<br>- Luke 12:29 - 31<br><br>For Depression:<br>- Psalm 34:18<br>- John 10:10<br>- Psalm 145:14<br>- Isaiah 61:3<br><br>For Strength: <br>- Isaiah 40:29<br>- Psalm 73:26<br>- 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10</p> This week, the staff of River of Life is bringing our homes to yours! In this weekend's message of "Church on the Move," we hear from Pastor Adam Haugen.

Many people love rollercoasters— they pay a lot of money and wait in line a long time just for a minute of thrill! Here is the key difference: We love rollercoasters, when we choose it. We love the excitement BUT only when we feel like we are ultimately in control. What do you do when you find yourself on a rollercoaster in life? On a rollercoaster, for about a minute, these fears add to the thrill of the ride But in life, for a prolonged season, these fears can suck the thrill right out of life. These fears can be crippling. We begin to question the promises that God has for our situations that we face!

There was a man in the Bible that was in a similar situation to the one we find ourselves in today. In 2 Chronicles, we learn about King Hezekiah. Hezekiah took over ruling Judah from his father Ahaz who was a wicked king. He made all the right choices. He served God, turned the nation back to the Lord, cleansed the Temple, got the people to celebrate Passover again, and inspired people to give in abundance to the Lord. God wants us, even in this season, to prosper. Everything was going good for King Hezekiah until he started a new chapter. As we break down this chapter, we learn that King Hezekiah was in a rollercoaster season, similar to how many of us may feel right now! For Hezekiah, the enemy is staring him in the face and fear is beginning to seep in as he has lost control and his identity, and is threatened with death. In his rollercoaster season, Hezekiah took 4 steps to overcome his fear. When we are facing anxious and uncertain times, we can follow the steps that Hezekiah took to overcome our fear. We can choose worship. Worship gives us perspective on our predicament, and peace in our pain. We can choose honesty. In your times of prayer, tell God where you’re at! Be honest with what’s going on in your heart with Him. He can handle our anger, our fear, our frustration, or our confusion. We can choose trust. You ask Jesus for what you need! Finally, we can choose truth. Throughout the Bible, God talks about our words being seeds that produce. Our words will always produce something, and that is why it is important, especially in this season, to ground our thoughts and our words on God’s truth.


Here is your challenge for this week: One verse, one minute, one night at a time. Some of you are wondering what this year is going to hold.
In this rollercoaster of life, how can I continue to grow despite the change of circumstances around me? God has given you the plan today. God has a promise for you and he wants you to succeed. Don’t miss your opportunity. One verse, one minute, one night at a time.

Verses to Meditate On:

For Fear:
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Hebrews 13:6
- 1 John 4:18
- John 14:27 - 28

For Addiction:
- 1 John 1:9
- John 8:36
- Romans 5:20
- Romans 13:14

For Healing:
- Jeremiah 32:17
- Isaiah 53:5
- Psalm 107:20
- Psalm 30:2

For Forgiveness:
- Ephesians 4:31 - 32
- Colossians 3:13
- Romans 12:19

For Wisdom / Guidance:
- James 1:5
- Psalm 32:8
- Isaiah 30:21
- John 16:13

For Finances:
- Hebrews 4:16
- Psalm 23:1
- Luke 12:29 - 31

For Depression:
- Psalm 34:18
- John 10:10
- Psalm 145:14
- Isaiah 61:3

For Strength:
- Isaiah 40:29
- Psalm 73:26
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 10

]]> Sun, 10 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2149 369 27ce60dd4951be2094eae5facbea5d84 no May 10th - K-5th God gives you what you need to keep going Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids Team. We have taken Kids Church on the move. We will be bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service to you and your kids. <br><br>Our series "UNSTUCK" is all about determination in what seems like impossible situations. We are learning how God gives us what we need to keep going. The disciples in Acts 2 will show us how the Holy Spirit can help us with determination. <br><br>Make sure to head over to our Parent Toolbox for your guide to your Child's Life Group!</p> <p>Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids Team. We have taken Kids Church on the move. We will be bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service to you and your kids. <br><br>Our series "UNSTUCK" is all about determination in what seems like impossible situations. We are learning how God gives us what we need to keep going. The disciples in Acts 2 will show us how the Holy Spirit can help us with determination. <br><br>Make sure to head over to our Parent Toolbox for your guide to your Child's Life Group!</p> Welcome to another weekend with our River Kids Team. We have taken Kids Church on the move. We will be bringing a fun, engaging, and Bible based service to you and your kids.

Our series "UNSTUCK" is all about determination in what seems like impossible situations. We are learning how God gives us what we need to keep going. The disciples in Acts 2 will show us how the Holy Spirit can help us with determination.

Make sure to head over to our Parent Toolbox for your guide to your Child's Life Group!

]]> Sat, 09 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1904 370 f9013633682128e4d7980a22aefcdf10 no May 10th - Pre-K God's Wonderful Gift Nancy Spadgenske <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus." <br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus." <br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!

This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus."

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sat, 09 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1357 371 e623536cdad1a634e8e53e12cabfc6ea no May 6th - Wednesday Night River Kids Send Me on My Way Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Get ready for another Wednesday Night with our So and So Show! <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover how to get "unstuck" in our daily lives and find all the amazing ways God shows His love to us. <br><br> Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church! Have a great week!</p> <p>Get ready for another Wednesday Night with our So and So Show! <br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover how to get "unstuck" in our daily lives and find all the amazing ways God shows His love to us. <br><br> Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church! Have a great week!</p> Get ready for another Wednesday Night with our So and So Show!

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover how to get "unstuck" in our daily lives and find all the amazing ways God shows His love to us.

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church! Have a great week!

]]> Wed, 06 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1799 372 4cf572f2ce8a28efcfb35c3d4178b648 no Real Hope What Are You Turning To? Pastor Denny Curran <p>"<a href="http://...those" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...those</a> who forget God have no hope. They are like rushes without any mire to grow in; or grass without water to keep it alive. Suddenly it begins to wither, even before it is cut."<br>- Job 8:11-13 (TLB)<br><br>The further away we get from God the less hope we have — the reverse is true as well. The closer you get to God the more hope you have in your life. <br><br>There is one hope that the Bible talks about that we can turn to. This is called CERTAIN HOPE. This hope brings confidence in the storms of life. We have this hope as an anchor for our souls. We can build our lives on this hope! You can’t have faith without hope. If you don’t have hope you don’t have anything to believe God for. If you don’t have anything to hope for then you don’t have anything to believe for.<br><br>How do we develop hope in our lives? Real hope is based on a relationship with God through Jesus! We can have hope when we know the Lord. Real hope is based in God's Word! It's not based on our feelings and emotions, but on what God has SPOKEN. Finally, Real hope is born in prayer. As christians, we are called to always pray and never lose hope. In times of fear and doubt, we can pray or we can panic. We can worship or we can worry. Today, we need God, the Bible, and prayer more than any other time in our history. What are you putting your hope in? What are you turning to?</p> <p>"<a href="http://...those" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">...those</a> who forget God have no hope. They are like rushes without any mire to grow in; or grass without water to keep it alive. Suddenly it begins to wither, even before it is cut."<br>- Job 8:11-13 (TLB)<br><br>The further away we get from God the less hope we have — the reverse is true as well. The closer you get to God the more hope you have in your life. <br><br>There is one hope that the Bible talks about that we can turn to. This is called CERTAIN HOPE. This hope brings confidence in the storms of life. We have this hope as an anchor for our souls. We can build our lives on this hope! You can’t have faith without hope. If you don’t have hope you don’t have anything to believe God for. If you don’t have anything to hope for then you don’t have anything to believe for.<br><br>How do we develop hope in our lives? Real hope is based on a relationship with God through Jesus! We can have hope when we know the Lord. Real hope is based in God's Word! It's not based on our feelings and emotions, but on what God has SPOKEN. Finally, Real hope is born in prayer. As christians, we are called to always pray and never lose hope. In times of fear and doubt, we can pray or we can panic. We can worship or we can worry. Today, we need God, the Bible, and prayer more than any other time in our history. What are you putting your hope in? What are you turning to?</p> "...those who forget God have no hope. They are like rushes without any mire to grow in; or grass without water to keep it alive. Suddenly it begins to wither, even before it is cut."
- Job 8:11-13 (TLB)

The further away we get from God the less hope we have — the reverse is true as well. The closer you get to God the more hope you have in your life.

There is one hope that the Bible talks about that we can turn to. This is called CERTAIN HOPE. This hope brings confidence in the storms of life. We have this hope as an anchor for our souls. We can build our lives on this hope! You can’t have faith without hope. If you don’t have hope you don’t have anything to believe God for. If you don’t have anything to hope for then you don’t have anything to believe for.

How do we develop hope in our lives? Real hope is based on a relationship with God through Jesus! We can have hope when we know the Lord. Real hope is based in God's Word! It's not based on our feelings and emotions, but on what God has SPOKEN. Finally, Real hope is born in prayer. As christians, we are called to always pray and never lose hope. In times of fear and doubt, we can pray or we can panic. We can worship or we can worry. Today, we need God, the Bible, and prayer more than any other time in our history. What are you putting your hope in? What are you turning to?

]]> Sun, 03 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1919 373 e28d3d712ee98c622ac101a306d73ac9 no May 3rd - K-5th Send Me on My Way Hannah Kruse and Zach Nyberg <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover how to get "unstuck" in our daily lives and find all the amazing ways God shows His love to us.<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover how to get "unstuck" in our daily lives and find all the amazing ways God shows His love to us.<br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!

Join us this service as we worship with dynamic, fun songs for kids that lead us to the Father's heart, and meet some new characters as we discover how to get "unstuck" in our daily lives and find all the amazing ways God shows His love to us.

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sat, 02 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2063 374 f9deaa041c568834ce993d32376d9294 no May 3rd - Pre-K God's Wonderful Gift Nancy Spadgenske <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus." <br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> <p>Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!<br><br>This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus." <br><br>Parents, make sure to head to <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox</a> to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website <a href="http://www.riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.riveroflifeag.org</a> to find out how you can connect with our church!<br><br>Have a great week!</p> Another week with the River Kids crew! We are loving our interaction with our viewers, and are looking forward to hanging out with you again!

This week we will be learning "God's Holy Spirit gives you the Power to live like Jesus."

Parents, make sure to head to www.riveroflifeag.org/parenttoolbox to find resources for you and your family, and make sure to head over to our website www.riveroflifeag.org to find out how you can connect with our church!

Have a great week!

]]> Sat, 02 May 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1416 375 e2af26733f0a20c10f87d5695843bdf3 no April 29th - Wednesday Night River Kids There's always more to discover about God's Plan Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve. <br><br> Today’s story comes from Luke 24:13-35! Today your children will learn "There's always more to discover about God's plan"!</p> <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve. <br><br> Today’s story comes from Luke 24:13-35! Today your children will learn "There's always more to discover about God's plan"!</p> Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.

Today’s story comes from Luke 24:13-35! Today your children will learn "There's always more to discover about God's plan"!

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1410 376 c916f93f81e51ab16341c48e2247d44b no Tune In Pastor Kyle Curran <p>As our pastor shared last week, the church is not meant to be confined to four walls, nor it is just brick and mortar. The Church is YOU! So, as a believer in a time of pandemic, how do we build the believer, our faith, and our church?<br><br>In the future years to come, when you think back at this season of life, what will you say? What will you kids/spouse/friends/family say of you? Will you look back and remember the fear, doubt, and pain, and see it as a loss? Or, will you look back and see a season of exponential grow where you found your foundation, renewed purpose, and relationship in God? The choice is ours.<br><br>Ep 5:15-17 says "Be careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise. Making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." In this passage, Paul is urging us to redeem the time, or we may resort to using it for what most people do, which is evil. We believe that in this season, now more than ever, we can use this time to tune into God's voice for the sake of your life, your family, your future, and your relationship with Him. <br><br>So how do we tune into God's voice? We dive into the Word of God. When we TUNE INTO His Word and immediately put it into action, we can change the course of our future to follow God's will for our lives. As Pastor Kyle preaches from his boat, he uses the analogy of an anchor. An anchor doesn’t serve its purpose until it goes beneath the surface. The same is true in our relationship with God. We will see purpose, guidance, direction, hope, etc. when our anchor isn’t "in the boat," but goes beneath the surface. <br>Tune into God's word and let it sink beneath the surface! Drop the anchor and tune into His voice. We want to encourage you to find what works for you! Take this opportunity, in this season, to take back the time and redeem your relationship with God, for your sake, and for the sake of those around you.</p> <p>As our pastor shared last week, the church is not meant to be confined to four walls, nor it is just brick and mortar. The Church is YOU! So, as a believer in a time of pandemic, how do we build the believer, our faith, and our church?<br><br>In the future years to come, when you think back at this season of life, what will you say? What will you kids/spouse/friends/family say of you? Will you look back and remember the fear, doubt, and pain, and see it as a loss? Or, will you look back and see a season of exponential grow where you found your foundation, renewed purpose, and relationship in God? The choice is ours.<br><br>Ep 5:15-17 says "Be careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise. Making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." In this passage, Paul is urging us to redeem the time, or we may resort to using it for what most people do, which is evil. We believe that in this season, now more than ever, we can use this time to tune into God's voice for the sake of your life, your family, your future, and your relationship with Him. <br><br>So how do we tune into God's voice? We dive into the Word of God. When we TUNE INTO His Word and immediately put it into action, we can change the course of our future to follow God's will for our lives. As Pastor Kyle preaches from his boat, he uses the analogy of an anchor. An anchor doesn’t serve its purpose until it goes beneath the surface. The same is true in our relationship with God. We will see purpose, guidance, direction, hope, etc. when our anchor isn’t "in the boat," but goes beneath the surface. <br>Tune into God's word and let it sink beneath the surface! Drop the anchor and tune into His voice. We want to encourage you to find what works for you! Take this opportunity, in this season, to take back the time and redeem your relationship with God, for your sake, and for the sake of those around you.</p> As our pastor shared last week, the church is not meant to be confined to four walls, nor it is just brick and mortar. The Church is YOU! So, as a believer in a time of pandemic, how do we build the believer, our faith, and our church?

In the future years to come, when you think back at this season of life, what will you say? What will you kids/spouse/friends/family say of you? Will you look back and remember the fear, doubt, and pain, and see it as a loss? Or, will you look back and see a season of exponential grow where you found your foundation, renewed purpose, and relationship in God? The choice is ours.

Ep 5:15-17 says "Be careful, then how you live - not as unwise but as wise. Making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." In this passage, Paul is urging us to redeem the time, or we may resort to using it for what most people do, which is evil. We believe that in this season, now more than ever, we can use this time to tune into God's voice for the sake of your life, your family, your future, and your relationship with Him.

So how do we tune into God's voice? We dive into the Word of God. When we TUNE INTO His Word and immediately put it into action, we can change the course of our future to follow God's will for our lives. As Pastor Kyle preaches from his boat, he uses the analogy of an anchor. An anchor doesn’t serve its purpose until it goes beneath the surface. The same is true in our relationship with God. We will see purpose, guidance, direction, hope, etc. when our anchor isn’t "in the boat," but goes beneath the surface.
Tune into God's word and let it sink beneath the surface! Drop the anchor and tune into His voice. We want to encourage you to find what works for you! Take this opportunity, in this season, to take back the time and redeem your relationship with God, for your sake, and for the sake of those around you.

]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1942 377 d2457f14c55a66f1744c1fcbfb8174d6 no April 26th - K-5th There's always more to discover about God's plan Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This weekend we will be learning from the whole kids team! There will be a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our weekend services are engaging and always moving. Learning about the Bible this week won't be boring and will grab your child's attention right away! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll dive into the meaning of humility and how to put others first. <br><br>Today’s story comes from Luke 24:13-35! Today your children will learn "There's always more to discover about God's plan"!</p> <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This weekend we will be learning from the whole kids team! There will be a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our weekend services are engaging and always moving. Learning about the Bible this week won't be boring and will grab your child's attention right away! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll dive into the meaning of humility and how to put others first. <br><br>Today’s story comes from Luke 24:13-35! Today your children will learn "There's always more to discover about God's plan"!</p> Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.

This weekend we will be learning from the whole kids team! There will be a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our weekend services are engaging and always moving. Learning about the Bible this week won't be boring and will grab your child's attention right away! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll dive into the meaning of humility and how to put others first.

Today’s story comes from Luke 24:13-35! Today your children will learn "There's always more to discover about God's plan"!

]]> Sat, 25 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3226 378 a6bf79581750b9275e2bf8bd8aa3cffd no April 26th - Pre-K God's Wonderful Gift Nancy Spadgenske <p>Do you have a preschooler or younger? This weekend we will continue to learn about the Holy Spirit!<br><br>Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!</p> <p>Do you have a preschooler or younger? This weekend we will continue to learn about the Holy Spirit!<br><br>Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!</p> Do you have a preschooler or younger? This weekend we will continue to learn about the Holy Spirit!

Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!

]]> Sat, 25 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1370 379 43bc535422f2e1e9fa3b3bf00893c3dd no April 22nd - Wednesday Night River Kids Put others first because Jesus put you first! Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This Wednesday we will be learning from the So and So Show! This is a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our So and So show hosts are engaging and great story tellers. Learning about the Bible doesn’t have to be boring! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! <br><br>Today’s story comes from Philippians 2:3-8! Today your children will learn to put others first because Jesus put you first!</p> <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This Wednesday we will be learning from the So and So Show! This is a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our So and So show hosts are engaging and great story tellers. Learning about the Bible doesn’t have to be boring! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! <br><br>Today’s story comes from Philippians 2:3-8! Today your children will learn to put others first because Jesus put you first!</p> Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.

This Wednesday we will be learning from the So and So Show! This is a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our So and So show hosts are engaging and great story tellers. Learning about the Bible doesn’t have to be boring! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer!

Today’s story comes from Philippians 2:3-8! Today your children will learn to put others first because Jesus put you first!

]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1569 380 35a7babdecde35a1dac28ba9b2c57f0a no Church on the Move (Intro) Pastor Denny Curran <p>"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28 - 29<br><br>This week, we kick off a BRAND NEW series called Church on the Move. Now more than ever, we recognize and believe that CHURCH is not limited to 4 walls. We want to be a Church on the Move. Why does God call us to "be the Church?" Because He cares about people! Therefore, if people matter to God, then people should matter to us. Join us in the upcoming weeks as we travel around our surrounding communities as a church on the move.</p> <p>"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28 - 29<br><br>This week, we kick off a BRAND NEW series called Church on the Move. Now more than ever, we recognize and believe that CHURCH is not limited to 4 walls. We want to be a Church on the Move. Why does God call us to "be the Church?" Because He cares about people! Therefore, if people matter to God, then people should matter to us. Join us in the upcoming weeks as we travel around our surrounding communities as a church on the move.</p> "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28 - 29

This week, we kick off a BRAND NEW series called Church on the Move. Now more than ever, we recognize and believe that CHURCH is not limited to 4 walls. We want to be a Church on the Move. Why does God call us to "be the Church?" Because He cares about people! Therefore, if people matter to God, then people should matter to us. Join us in the upcoming weeks as we travel around our surrounding communities as a church on the move.

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1859 381 eeb86847833719277e952039db79f010 no April 19th - K-5th Lean on Me Hannah Kruse and Erin Hanson <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This weekend we will be learning from the whole kids team! There will be a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our weekend services are engaging and always moving. Learning about the Bible this week won't be boring and will grab your child's attention right away! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll dive into the meaning of humility and how to put others first. <br><br>Today’s story comes from Philippians 2:3-8! Today your children will learn to "Put others first because Jesus put you first!.".</p> <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This weekend we will be learning from the whole kids team! There will be a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our weekend services are engaging and always moving. Learning about the Bible this week won't be boring and will grab your child's attention right away! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll dive into the meaning of humility and how to put others first. <br><br>Today’s story comes from Philippians 2:3-8! Today your children will learn to "Put others first because Jesus put you first!.".</p> Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.

This weekend we will be learning from the whole kids team! There will be a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our weekend services are engaging and always moving. Learning about the Bible this week won't be boring and will grab your child's attention right away! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll dive into the meaning of humility and how to put others first.

Today’s story comes from Philippians 2:3-8! Today your children will learn to "Put others first because Jesus put you first!.".

]]> Sat, 18 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2092 382 9f45e878670ebe33b93ce5bddbeecb40 no Easy As... It is Finished! Pastor Denny Curran <p>"When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." - John 19:30<br><br>What did Jesus mean when He said, "it is finished?"<br><br>It means that the work has been done. The price has been paid for your sins! Starting a relationship with Jesus has never been easier. This weekend, we challenge you to step out and make a commitment that will change your life. <br><br>ADMIT you've sinned. BELIEVE that Jesus died for your sins, and COMMIT your life to Christ. It's as "easy as" ABC. <br><br>Romans 10:9 - 10 says "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." <br><br>If you made a commitment to Christ today, we'd love to reach out to you and give you a Bible as well as pray for you. Please email <a href="http://office@riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">office@riveroflifeag.org</a> to let us know.</p> <p>"When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." - John 19:30<br><br>What did Jesus mean when He said, "it is finished?"<br><br>It means that the work has been done. The price has been paid for your sins! Starting a relationship with Jesus has never been easier. This weekend, we challenge you to step out and make a commitment that will change your life. <br><br>ADMIT you've sinned. BELIEVE that Jesus died for your sins, and COMMIT your life to Christ. It's as "easy as" ABC. <br><br>Romans 10:9 - 10 says "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." <br><br>If you made a commitment to Christ today, we'd love to reach out to you and give you a Bible as well as pray for you. Please email <a href="http://office@riveroflifeag.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">office@riveroflifeag.org</a> to let us know.</p> "When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." - John 19:30

What did Jesus mean when He said, "it is finished?"

It means that the work has been done. The price has been paid for your sins! Starting a relationship with Jesus has never been easier. This weekend, we challenge you to step out and make a commitment that will change your life.

ADMIT you've sinned. BELIEVE that Jesus died for your sins, and COMMIT your life to Christ. It's as "easy as" ABC.

Romans 10:9 - 10 says "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

If you made a commitment to Christ today, we'd love to reach out to you and give you a Bible as well as pray for you. Please email office@riveroflifeag.org to let us know.

]]> Sun, 12 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1509 383 ddd0092fbdf604759a76e50cbe688997 no April 12th - K-5th Kids Easter Service Pastor Mark Eskew <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This Sunday we will be diving into the Easter story! Your child will learn the basics of the Crucifixion story and how this relates to our lives today. We will find out how Jesus turned the story upside down when the tomb was empty on that third day! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll learn more about the Easter story and how Jesus chose to put US first! <br><br>Today’s story comes from John 18:12-23! Today your children will learn that “humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve!”</p> <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This Sunday we will be diving into the Easter story! Your child will learn the basics of the Crucifixion story and how this relates to our lives today. We will find out how Jesus turned the story upside down when the tomb was empty on that third day! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll learn more about the Easter story and how Jesus chose to put US first! <br><br>Today’s story comes from John 18:12-23! Today your children will learn that “humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve!”</p> Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.

This Sunday we will be diving into the Easter story! Your child will learn the basics of the Crucifixion story and how this relates to our lives today. We will find out how Jesus turned the story upside down when the tomb was empty on that third day! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll learn more about the Easter story and how Jesus chose to put US first!

Today’s story comes from John 18:12-23! Today your children will learn that “humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve!”

]]> Sat, 11 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2392 384 491a04f43b3050f1c040fbbcb4d9d313 no April 12th - Pre-K Pre-K Easter Service Nancy Spadgenske <p>Do you have a preschooler or younger? This Easter service was designed and intended with this age in mind! Today we will dive into the Easter story and what that means to us as a preschooler! Your child will learn that Jesus is alive and he forgives everyday! <br><br>Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!</p> <p>Do you have a preschooler or younger? This Easter service was designed and intended with this age in mind! Today we will dive into the Easter story and what that means to us as a preschooler! Your child will learn that Jesus is alive and he forgives everyday! <br><br>Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!</p> Do you have a preschooler or younger? This Easter service was designed and intended with this age in mind! Today we will dive into the Easter story and what that means to us as a preschooler! Your child will learn that Jesus is alive and he forgives everyday!

Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!

]]> Sat, 11 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1559 385 4901507dc0060e2a725a847a543746ce no April 15th - Wednesday Night River Kids Kids Wednesday Service - Upside Down <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This Wednesday we will be learning from the So and So Show! This is a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our So and So show hosts are engaging and great story tellers. Learning about the Bible doesn’t have to be boring! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll learn more about the Easter story and how Jesus chose to put US first! <br><br>Today’s story comes from John 18:12-23! Today your children will learn that “humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve!”</p> <p>Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.<br><br>This Wednesday we will be learning from the So and So Show! This is a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our So and So show hosts are engaging and great story tellers. Learning about the Bible doesn’t have to be boring! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll learn more about the Easter story and how Jesus chose to put US first! <br><br>Today’s story comes from John 18:12-23! Today your children will learn that “humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve!”</p> Every day, we have the chance to put someone else first and flip their day upside down. After all, Jesus turned everything upside down. He can help us choose humility and give up what we think we deserve.

This Wednesday we will be learning from the So and So Show! This is a fun and interactive Bible story with all the life group curriculum you need! Our So and So show hosts are engaging and great story tellers. Learning about the Bible doesn’t have to be boring! River Kids is devoted to bringing the gospel to kids in all ways, shapes, and forms. Today we will learn God’s truth through worship, communication, and prayer! We’ll learn more about the Easter story and how Jesus chose to put US first!

Today’s story comes from John 18:12-23! Today your children will learn that “humility is putting others first by giving up what you think you deserve!”

]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1657 386 b4fe2aff0c5cc3f13a7b5cecda86a243 no April 8th - Wednesday Night River Kids Wed, 08 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1540 387 2b262ec7ccddd6e649161a9bc45943e7 no April 5th - Pre-K Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1380 388 f99ba378e2dd553d5950dd0f8b013eff no Don't Miss This Pastor Denny Curran <p>Hebrews 12:2 (CEV)<br>2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side[a] of God’s throne!<br><br>As we enter the Easter season, we recognize more than ever that a life with Christ is good and beneficial. Jesus paid for these benefits when he died on the cross for us. In this week’s message, we look at the cross and what it brings to those who follow after God. <br><br>Because of the cross, we have total forgiveness. Jesus came to take away our guilt, shame, remorse, and regret. Jesus cancelled your debt - a debt you couldn’t pay! Every sin, every word, every thought, and action you’ve done have been forgiven.<br><br>Because of the cross, we have deep healing! God wants to go to the depths of our soul and bring healing to our deepest wounds. When we are in relationship with Him, we begin to experience the benefit on deep healing and freedom. <br><br>Finally, because of the cross, we have real freedom! We can break free from controlling forces because of Jesus. He doesn’t just want to forgive our sin - He wants to become active in helping us live life that is satisfying! He wants us to live lives that are and full of meaning and purpose!<br><br>Romans 6:6 - 9 (NIV)<br>“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”<br><br>We inherit and experience these benefits when we’re adopted into God’s family.</p> <p>Hebrews 12:2 (CEV)<br>2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side[a] of God’s throne!<br><br>As we enter the Easter season, we recognize more than ever that a life with Christ is good and beneficial. Jesus paid for these benefits when he died on the cross for us. In this week’s message, we look at the cross and what it brings to those who follow after God. <br><br>Because of the cross, we have total forgiveness. Jesus came to take away our guilt, shame, remorse, and regret. Jesus cancelled your debt - a debt you couldn’t pay! Every sin, every word, every thought, and action you’ve done have been forgiven.<br><br>Because of the cross, we have deep healing! God wants to go to the depths of our soul and bring healing to our deepest wounds. When we are in relationship with Him, we begin to experience the benefit on deep healing and freedom. <br><br>Finally, because of the cross, we have real freedom! We can break free from controlling forces because of Jesus. He doesn’t just want to forgive our sin - He wants to become active in helping us live life that is satisfying! He wants us to live lives that are and full of meaning and purpose!<br><br>Romans 6:6 - 9 (NIV)<br>“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”<br><br>We inherit and experience these benefits when we’re adopted into God’s family.</p> Hebrews 12:2 (CEV)
2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side[a] of God’s throne!

As we enter the Easter season, we recognize more than ever that a life with Christ is good and beneficial. Jesus paid for these benefits when he died on the cross for us. In this week’s message, we look at the cross and what it brings to those who follow after God.

Because of the cross, we have total forgiveness. Jesus came to take away our guilt, shame, remorse, and regret. Jesus cancelled your debt - a debt you couldn’t pay! Every sin, every word, every thought, and action you’ve done have been forgiven.

Because of the cross, we have deep healing! God wants to go to the depths of our soul and bring healing to our deepest wounds. When we are in relationship with Him, we begin to experience the benefit on deep healing and freedom.

Finally, because of the cross, we have real freedom! We can break free from controlling forces because of Jesus. He doesn’t just want to forgive our sin - He wants to become active in helping us live life that is satisfying! He wants us to live lives that are and full of meaning and purpose!

Romans 6:6 - 9 (NIV)
“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.”

We inherit and experience these benefits when we’re adopted into God’s family.

]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1944 389 01b6c25fff927aa2f53acf850bba00bd no April 5th - K-5th Sat, 04 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2498 390 4f574ac2a4c051ec6d2f1eba1361c8c2 no April 1st - Wednesday Night River Kids I Don't Want to Miss a Thing Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1513 391 f3bd4b25fdfde81f161a9ccc03eb2e58 no He Answers All Prayers Did God Really Say That? Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.<br><br>Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.</p> <p>Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.<br><br>Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.</p> Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.

Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1761 392 c484a76029dfb8c559d845e8d320e5c2 no Getting Through Tough Times Pastor Denny Curran <p>Exodus 3<br><br>Hearing from God in a crisis is essential. In Genesis, God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." In your crisis, speak light into your darkness. <br><br>What is God saying? Some of you are asking, "Does God speak?" Are the people that say that God is speaking to them crazy? Or is God really speaking to them? We know that at any moment, God can speak light into your situation. When He speaks, there is peace, confidence, and clarity. In crisis, in transition, or in lonely moments, you need to know His will. You want to hear from God! When God speaks, you go from panic to peace. <br><br>In this message, Pastor Denny speaks on the life and trials of Moses. In Exodus 3, an angel of the Lord appears to Moses in flames of fire from within a bush. God speaks to Moses in a mighty and powerful way in a critical season of His people. <br><br>When God spoke, it was unique to that individual. God wants our experience with Him, and His voice, to be personal to us. He wants us to trust in the promise, not the process! He wants us to live by faith, not formulas. <br><br>When God spoke, the person was sure God was speaking! Knowing someone's voice comes from being in close relationship with them. John 10:3-5 says "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” <br><br>Finally, when God speaks, the person knows what God has said. God’s word brings clarity! When God speaks, He challenges you to move to another level. Imagine a field full of landmines. If someone were to tell you to cross them, what would you do? What if that person knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through it? We would stay as close to that person as we could. His directions to us would be LIFE! The purpose of God’s Word is to have life and have it abundantly.</p> <p>Exodus 3<br><br>Hearing from God in a crisis is essential. In Genesis, God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." In your crisis, speak light into your darkness. <br><br>What is God saying? Some of you are asking, "Does God speak?" Are the people that say that God is speaking to them crazy? Or is God really speaking to them? We know that at any moment, God can speak light into your situation. When He speaks, there is peace, confidence, and clarity. In crisis, in transition, or in lonely moments, you need to know His will. You want to hear from God! When God speaks, you go from panic to peace. <br><br>In this message, Pastor Denny speaks on the life and trials of Moses. In Exodus 3, an angel of the Lord appears to Moses in flames of fire from within a bush. God speaks to Moses in a mighty and powerful way in a critical season of His people. <br><br>When God spoke, it was unique to that individual. God wants our experience with Him, and His voice, to be personal to us. He wants us to trust in the promise, not the process! He wants us to live by faith, not formulas. <br><br>When God spoke, the person was sure God was speaking! Knowing someone's voice comes from being in close relationship with them. John 10:3-5 says "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” <br><br>Finally, when God speaks, the person knows what God has said. God’s word brings clarity! When God speaks, He challenges you to move to another level. Imagine a field full of landmines. If someone were to tell you to cross them, what would you do? What if that person knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through it? We would stay as close to that person as we could. His directions to us would be LIFE! The purpose of God’s Word is to have life and have it abundantly.</p> Exodus 3

Hearing from God in a crisis is essential. In Genesis, God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." In your crisis, speak light into your darkness.

What is God saying? Some of you are asking, "Does God speak?" Are the people that say that God is speaking to them crazy? Or is God really speaking to them? We know that at any moment, God can speak light into your situation. When He speaks, there is peace, confidence, and clarity. In crisis, in transition, or in lonely moments, you need to know His will. You want to hear from God! When God speaks, you go from panic to peace.

In this message, Pastor Denny speaks on the life and trials of Moses. In Exodus 3, an angel of the Lord appears to Moses in flames of fire from within a bush. God speaks to Moses in a mighty and powerful way in a critical season of His people.

When God spoke, it was unique to that individual. God wants our experience with Him, and His voice, to be personal to us. He wants us to trust in the promise, not the process! He wants us to live by faith, not formulas.

When God spoke, the person was sure God was speaking! Knowing someone's voice comes from being in close relationship with them. John 10:3-5 says "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Finally, when God speaks, the person knows what God has said. God’s word brings clarity! When God speaks, He challenges you to move to another level. Imagine a field full of landmines. If someone were to tell you to cross them, what would you do? What if that person knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through it? We would stay as close to that person as we could. His directions to us would be LIFE! The purpose of God’s Word is to have life and have it abundantly.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1686 393 5f44ddd73c3157f336bd3ee70946ddd3 no Getting Through Tough Times (Worship & Message) Pastor Denny Curran <p>Exodus 3<br><br>Hearing from God in a crisis is essential. In Genesis, God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." In your crisis, speak light into your darkness. <br><br>What is God saying? Some of you are asking, "Does God speak?" Are the people that say that God is speaking to them crazy? Or is God really speaking to them? We know that at any moment, God can speak light into your situation. When He speaks, there is peace, confidence, and clarity. In crisis, in transition, or in lonely moments, you need to know His will. You want to hear from God! When God speaks, you go from panic to peace. <br><br>In this message, Pastor Denny speaks on the life and trials of Moses. In Exodus 3, an angel of the Lord appears to Moses in flames of fire from within a bush. God speaks to Moses in a mighty and powerful way in a critical season of His people. <br><br>When God spoke, it was unique to that individual. God wants our experience with Him, and His voice, to be personal to us. He wants us to trust in the promise, not the process! He wants us to live by faith, not formulas. <br><br>When God spoke, the person was sure God was speaking! Knowing someone's voice comes from being in close relationship with them. John 10:3-5 says "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” <br><br>Finally, when God speaks, the person knows what God has said. God’s word brings clarity! When God speaks, He challenges you to move to another level. Imagine a field full of landmines. If someone were to tell you to cross them, what would you do? What if that person knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through it? We would stay as close to that person as we could. His directions to us would be LIFE! The purpose of God’s Word is to have life and have it abundantly.</p> <p>Exodus 3<br><br>Hearing from God in a crisis is essential. In Genesis, God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." In your crisis, speak light into your darkness. <br><br>What is God saying? Some of you are asking, "Does God speak?" Are the people that say that God is speaking to them crazy? Or is God really speaking to them? We know that at any moment, God can speak light into your situation. When He speaks, there is peace, confidence, and clarity. In crisis, in transition, or in lonely moments, you need to know His will. You want to hear from God! When God speaks, you go from panic to peace. <br><br>In this message, Pastor Denny speaks on the life and trials of Moses. In Exodus 3, an angel of the Lord appears to Moses in flames of fire from within a bush. God speaks to Moses in a mighty and powerful way in a critical season of His people. <br><br>When God spoke, it was unique to that individual. God wants our experience with Him, and His voice, to be personal to us. He wants us to trust in the promise, not the process! He wants us to live by faith, not formulas. <br><br>When God spoke, the person was sure God was speaking! Knowing someone's voice comes from being in close relationship with them. John 10:3-5 says "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” <br><br>Finally, when God speaks, the person knows what God has said. God’s word brings clarity! When God speaks, He challenges you to move to another level. Imagine a field full of landmines. If someone were to tell you to cross them, what would you do? What if that person knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through it? We would stay as close to that person as we could. His directions to us would be LIFE! The purpose of God’s Word is to have life and have it abundantly.</p> Exodus 3

Hearing from God in a crisis is essential. In Genesis, God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." In your crisis, speak light into your darkness.

What is God saying? Some of you are asking, "Does God speak?" Are the people that say that God is speaking to them crazy? Or is God really speaking to them? We know that at any moment, God can speak light into your situation. When He speaks, there is peace, confidence, and clarity. In crisis, in transition, or in lonely moments, you need to know His will. You want to hear from God! When God speaks, you go from panic to peace.

In this message, Pastor Denny speaks on the life and trials of Moses. In Exodus 3, an angel of the Lord appears to Moses in flames of fire from within a bush. God speaks to Moses in a mighty and powerful way in a critical season of His people.

When God spoke, it was unique to that individual. God wants our experience with Him, and His voice, to be personal to us. He wants us to trust in the promise, not the process! He wants us to live by faith, not formulas.

When God spoke, the person was sure God was speaking! Knowing someone's voice comes from being in close relationship with them. John 10:3-5 says "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Finally, when God speaks, the person knows what God has said. God’s word brings clarity! When God speaks, He challenges you to move to another level. Imagine a field full of landmines. If someone were to tell you to cross them, what would you do? What if that person knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through it? We would stay as close to that person as we could. His directions to us would be LIFE! The purpose of God’s Word is to have life and have it abundantly.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4089 394 55dac82b4b3cb19619ed548116a1c691 no March 29th - K-5th I Don't Want to Miss a Thing Sun, 29 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2561 395 1ae6f5114aad344c72a93cee97d1378c no March 29th - Pre-K Sun, 29 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1319 396 db7393fc8bb42ac18a0127a9a267796a no God Wants Me to Be Happy Did God Really Say That? Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.<br><br>Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.</p> <p>Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.<br><br>Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.</p> Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.

Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1525 397 6997b6f0bb89c6a1939449ca699ef93a no March 25th - Wednesday Night River Kids I Don't Want to Miss a Thing Wed, 25 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1703 398 809b088106afa9e21d3defd3944a8f0c no March 22nd - K-5th Sun, 22 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2285 399 6f561837627d2ac0682a399eb20b89af no March 22nd - Pre-K Sun, 22 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1820 400 e0c83af3c12fabfc387414b338858a02 no Why Are You So Afraid? Pastor Denny Curran <p>Life has fears and risks. We face them every single day. We are walking in uncertain times; hysteria and reports in our media that cause worry, fear, or stress. In this message, Pastor Denny Curran answers the question, “How do we survive tough times?”<br><br>Mark 4:35-41<br><br>In Mark 4, the disciples were in the biggest storm they’ve ever experienced. The wind and waves crashed around them. In one moment, Jesus stood up and calmed the squall. The questions of Jesus in their storm and ours is “Why are you afraid?” The disciples were ALL afraid. It’s human nature to be afraid in a crisis! Too often, we live as the disciples and exclude God, allowing ourselves to live in fear. It’s not the absence of storms that make us different, it’s the ONE we discover in the boat. <br><br>To get through tough times, we must focus. Our perspective can show us an obstacle or an opportunity. Don’t focus on the things that bring you down. The disciples focused on the wind and waves crashing around them, the lightning and thunder hiding the shore. We are challenged to focus on the positive! Focus on HIS Word. Next, we must have faith! We demonstrate our faith in Christ by what we do and how we live. Faith is an active trust in God, or belief in what he says is true that results into actions. Lastly, we need family and friends. We need community. Take this time to really connect with your loved ones. We stand on truth of scripture that He HAS delivered us, He WILL deliver us and He WILL continue to deliver us.</p> <p>Life has fears and risks. We face them every single day. We are walking in uncertain times; hysteria and reports in our media that cause worry, fear, or stress. In this message, Pastor Denny Curran answers the question, “How do we survive tough times?”<br><br>Mark 4:35-41<br><br>In Mark 4, the disciples were in the biggest storm they’ve ever experienced. The wind and waves crashed around them. In one moment, Jesus stood up and calmed the squall. The questions of Jesus in their storm and ours is “Why are you afraid?” The disciples were ALL afraid. It’s human nature to be afraid in a crisis! Too often, we live as the disciples and exclude God, allowing ourselves to live in fear. It’s not the absence of storms that make us different, it’s the ONE we discover in the boat. <br><br>To get through tough times, we must focus. Our perspective can show us an obstacle or an opportunity. Don’t focus on the things that bring you down. The disciples focused on the wind and waves crashing around them, the lightning and thunder hiding the shore. We are challenged to focus on the positive! Focus on HIS Word. Next, we must have faith! We demonstrate our faith in Christ by what we do and how we live. Faith is an active trust in God, or belief in what he says is true that results into actions. Lastly, we need family and friends. We need community. Take this time to really connect with your loved ones. We stand on truth of scripture that He HAS delivered us, He WILL deliver us and He WILL continue to deliver us.</p> Life has fears and risks. We face them every single day. We are walking in uncertain times; hysteria and reports in our media that cause worry, fear, or stress. In this message, Pastor Denny Curran answers the question, “How do we survive tough times?”

Mark 4:35-41

In Mark 4, the disciples were in the biggest storm they’ve ever experienced. The wind and waves crashed around them. In one moment, Jesus stood up and calmed the squall. The questions of Jesus in their storm and ours is “Why are you afraid?” The disciples were ALL afraid. It’s human nature to be afraid in a crisis! Too often, we live as the disciples and exclude God, allowing ourselves to live in fear. It’s not the absence of storms that make us different, it’s the ONE we discover in the boat.

To get through tough times, we must focus. Our perspective can show us an obstacle or an opportunity. Don’t focus on the things that bring you down. The disciples focused on the wind and waves crashing around them, the lightning and thunder hiding the shore. We are challenged to focus on the positive! Focus on HIS Word. Next, we must have faith! We demonstrate our faith in Christ by what we do and how we live. Faith is an active trust in God, or belief in what he says is true that results into actions. Lastly, we need family and friends. We need community. Take this time to really connect with your loved ones. We stand on truth of scripture that He HAS delivered us, He WILL deliver us and He WILL continue to deliver us.

]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2823 401 8b6adce9c906a548555e762386527928 no Why Are You So Afraid? (Worship & Message) Pastor Denny Curran <p>Life has fears and risks. We face them every single day. We are walking in uncertain times; hysteria and reports in our media that cause worry, fear, or stress. In this message, Pastor Denny Curran answers the question, “How do we survive tough times?”<br><br>Mark 4:35-41<br><br>In Mark 4, the disciples were in the biggest storm they’ve ever experienced. The wind and waves crashed around them. In one moment, Jesus stood up and calmed the squall. The questions of Jesus in their storm and ours is “Why are you afraid?” The disciples were ALL afraid. It’s human nature to be afraid in a crisis! Too often, we live as the disciples and exclude God, allowing ourselves to live in fear. It’s not the absence of storms that make us different, it’s the ONE we discover in the boat. <br><br>To get through tough times, we must focus. Our perspective can show us an obstacle or an opportunity. Don’t focus on the things that bring you down. The disciples focused on the wind and waves crashing around them, the lightning and thunder hiding the shore. We are challenged to focus on the positive! Focus on HIS Word. Next, we must have faith! We demonstrate our faith in Christ by what we do and how we live. Faith is an active trust in God, or belief in what he says is true that results into actions. Lastly, we need family and friends. We need community. Take this time to really connect with your loved ones. We stand on truth of scripture that He HAS delivered us, He WILL deliver us and He WILL continue to deliver us.</p> <p>Life has fears and risks. We face them every single day. We are walking in uncertain times; hysteria and reports in our media that cause worry, fear, or stress. In this message, Pastor Denny Curran answers the question, “How do we survive tough times?”<br><br>Mark 4:35-41<br><br>In Mark 4, the disciples were in the biggest storm they’ve ever experienced. The wind and waves crashed around them. In one moment, Jesus stood up and calmed the squall. The questions of Jesus in their storm and ours is “Why are you afraid?” The disciples were ALL afraid. It’s human nature to be afraid in a crisis! Too often, we live as the disciples and exclude God, allowing ourselves to live in fear. It’s not the absence of storms that make us different, it’s the ONE we discover in the boat. <br><br>To get through tough times, we must focus. Our perspective can show us an obstacle or an opportunity. Don’t focus on the things that bring you down. The disciples focused on the wind and waves crashing around them, the lightning and thunder hiding the shore. We are challenged to focus on the positive! Focus on HIS Word. Next, we must have faith! We demonstrate our faith in Christ by what we do and how we live. Faith is an active trust in God, or belief in what he says is true that results into actions. Lastly, we need family and friends. We need community. Take this time to really connect with your loved ones. We stand on truth of scripture that He HAS delivered us, He WILL deliver us and He WILL continue to deliver us.</p> Life has fears and risks. We face them every single day. We are walking in uncertain times; hysteria and reports in our media that cause worry, fear, or stress. In this message, Pastor Denny Curran answers the question, “How do we survive tough times?”

Mark 4:35-41

In Mark 4, the disciples were in the biggest storm they’ve ever experienced. The wind and waves crashed around them. In one moment, Jesus stood up and calmed the squall. The questions of Jesus in their storm and ours is “Why are you afraid?” The disciples were ALL afraid. It’s human nature to be afraid in a crisis! Too often, we live as the disciples and exclude God, allowing ourselves to live in fear. It’s not the absence of storms that make us different, it’s the ONE we discover in the boat.

To get through tough times, we must focus. Our perspective can show us an obstacle or an opportunity. Don’t focus on the things that bring you down. The disciples focused on the wind and waves crashing around them, the lightning and thunder hiding the shore. We are challenged to focus on the positive! Focus on HIS Word. Next, we must have faith! We demonstrate our faith in Christ by what we do and how we live. Faith is an active trust in God, or belief in what he says is true that results into actions. Lastly, we need family and friends. We need community. Take this time to really connect with your loved ones. We stand on truth of scripture that He HAS delivered us, He WILL deliver us and He WILL continue to deliver us.

]]> Sun, 22 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3937 402 a7641562a2721a2dd8bb46c76faf7595 no God Helps Those Who Help Themselves Did God Really Say That? Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.<br><br>Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.</p> <p>Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.<br><br>Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.</p> Understanding misconceptions about God's will for your life.

Spring is here, and we cannot be more excited about the warmer temperatures and new life it brings! Spring is about newness and growth. We want to encourage you to use this spring to intentionally set yourself up for years of success in your life, and it starts by growing in God's promises and applying them to your life.

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1354 403 8db5916e35e93061e581a9fab4a7bb20 no March 18th - Wednesday Night River Kids Taking the first step to forgive others. Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1459 404 d7fe9d7ddf32656ba8e756bb79474845 no Episode 1 Pastor Amber Haugen Tue, 17 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 754 405 4b503dbf485d2b2e15b259971f352fb9 no The Holy Spirit - Week 5 The Holy Spirit Pastor Denny Curran <p>“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” -Acts 2:4<br><br>This week, we end our current series on the Holy Spirit as we discuss the third person of the Trinity. Jesus commanded His disciples to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Some may still be asking the question, WHY do I need the Holy Spirit? In this week’s message, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously! When we are led by the Spirit, things get exciting! Next, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernaturally! You can be a christian and live your life “naturally,” but it’s not God’s plan for you! Jesus lived a supernatural life - operating out of healing, signs and wonders, and miracles. John 14:12 - 14 says “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!.” We are called to do EVEN MORE. What is God calling you to? What is the MORE in your life? Your marriage can be saved! Your relationships can be mended! Your body can be healed! Your chains of addiction can be broken! Your LIFE can be CHANGED by the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live on mission! At River of Life Church, we recognize that we are here to make a difference and to bring light into our world. We challenge you to pursue all that God has for you. It’s an incredible journey!</p> <p>“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” -Acts 2:4<br><br>This week, we end our current series on the Holy Spirit as we discuss the third person of the Trinity. Jesus commanded His disciples to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Some may still be asking the question, WHY do I need the Holy Spirit? In this week’s message, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously! When we are led by the Spirit, things get exciting! Next, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernaturally! You can be a christian and live your life “naturally,” but it’s not God’s plan for you! Jesus lived a supernatural life - operating out of healing, signs and wonders, and miracles. John 14:12 - 14 says “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!.” We are called to do EVEN MORE. What is God calling you to? What is the MORE in your life? Your marriage can be saved! Your relationships can be mended! Your body can be healed! Your chains of addiction can be broken! Your LIFE can be CHANGED by the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live on mission! At River of Life Church, we recognize that we are here to make a difference and to bring light into our world. We challenge you to pursue all that God has for you. It’s an incredible journey!</p> “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” -Acts 2:4

This week, we end our current series on the Holy Spirit as we discuss the third person of the Trinity. Jesus commanded His disciples to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Some may still be asking the question, WHY do I need the Holy Spirit? In this week’s message, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously! When we are led by the Spirit, things get exciting! Next, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernaturally! You can be a christian and live your life “naturally,” but it’s not God’s plan for you! Jesus lived a supernatural life - operating out of healing, signs and wonders, and miracles. John 14:12 - 14 says “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!.” We are called to do EVEN MORE. What is God calling you to? What is the MORE in your life? Your marriage can be saved! Your relationships can be mended! Your body can be healed! Your chains of addiction can be broken! Your LIFE can be CHANGED by the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live on mission! At River of Life Church, we recognize that we are here to make a difference and to bring light into our world. We challenge you to pursue all that God has for you. It’s an incredible journey!

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1411 406 41a8f6585f4876b3a408f40ee406bf50 no The Holy Spirit - Week 5 (Worship & Message) The Holy Spirit Pastor Denny Curran <p>FULL ONLINE SERVICE<br><br>“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” -Acts 2:4<br><br>This week, we end our current series on the Holy Spirit as we discuss the third person of the Trinity. Jesus commanded His disciples to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Some may still be asking the question, WHY do I need the Holy Spirit? In this week’s message, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously! When we are led by the Spirit, things get exciting! Next, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernaturally! You can be a christian and live your life “naturally,” but it’s not God’s plan for you! Jesus lived a supernatural life - operating out of healing, signs and wonders, and miracles. John 14:12 - 14 says “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!.” We are called to do EVEN MORE. What is God calling you to? What is the MORE in your life? Your marriage can be saved! Your relationships can be mended! Your body can be healed! Your chains of addiction can be broken! Your LIFE can be CHANGED by the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live on mission! At River of Life Church, we recognize that we are here to make a difference and to bring light into our world. We challenge you to pursue all that God has for you. It’s an incredible journey!<br><br>Ways to give - <br>1.) Mail in a check to 22881 178th Ave, Cold Spring, MN 56320.<br>2.) Give at <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/give" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/give</a>.<br>3.) Download our app and give on there! (River of Life Cold Spring)<br>4.) Give by Text - Text any dollar amount to 84321.<br><br>#ROLinhome<br>#ROLinprayer</p> <p>FULL ONLINE SERVICE<br><br>“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” -Acts 2:4<br><br>This week, we end our current series on the Holy Spirit as we discuss the third person of the Trinity. Jesus commanded His disciples to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Some may still be asking the question, WHY do I need the Holy Spirit? In this week’s message, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously! When we are led by the Spirit, things get exciting! Next, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernaturally! You can be a christian and live your life “naturally,” but it’s not God’s plan for you! Jesus lived a supernatural life - operating out of healing, signs and wonders, and miracles. John 14:12 - 14 says “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!.” We are called to do EVEN MORE. What is God calling you to? What is the MORE in your life? Your marriage can be saved! Your relationships can be mended! Your body can be healed! Your chains of addiction can be broken! Your LIFE can be CHANGED by the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live on mission! At River of Life Church, we recognize that we are here to make a difference and to bring light into our world. We challenge you to pursue all that God has for you. It’s an incredible journey!<br><br>Ways to give - <br>1.) Mail in a check to 22881 178th Ave, Cold Spring, MN 56320.<br>2.) Give at <a href="http://riveroflifeag.org/give" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">riveroflifeag.org/give</a>.<br>3.) Download our app and give on there! (River of Life Cold Spring)<br>4.) Give by Text - Text any dollar amount to 84321.<br><br>#ROLinhome<br>#ROLinprayer</p> FULL ONLINE SERVICE

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” -Acts 2:4

This week, we end our current series on the Holy Spirit as we discuss the third person of the Trinity. Jesus commanded His disciples to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Some may still be asking the question, WHY do I need the Holy Spirit? In this week’s message, we learn that the Holy Spirit empowers us to live righteously! When we are led by the Spirit, things get exciting! Next, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live supernaturally! You can be a christian and live your life “naturally,” but it’s not God’s plan for you! Jesus lived a supernatural life - operating out of healing, signs and wonders, and miracles. John 14:12 - 14 says “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name and I will do it!.” We are called to do EVEN MORE. What is God calling you to? What is the MORE in your life? Your marriage can be saved! Your relationships can be mended! Your body can be healed! Your chains of addiction can be broken! Your LIFE can be CHANGED by the power of the Holy Spirit. Finally, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live on mission! At River of Life Church, we recognize that we are here to make a difference and to bring light into our world. We challenge you to pursue all that God has for you. It’s an incredible journey!

Ways to give -
1.) Mail in a check to 22881 178th Ave, Cold Spring, MN 56320.
2.) Give at riveroflifeag.org/give.
3.) Download our app and give on there! (River of Life Cold Spring)
4.) Give by Text - Text any dollar amount to 84321.

#ROLinhome
#ROLinprayer

]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 3340 407 3e506863d3f945420a11f807f178bde0 no A Teaching on the Holy Spirit (Sunday Morning) - Tim Enloe The Holy Spirit Guest Speaker Tim Enloe <p>“Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we know the things freely given to us by God.” <br>- 1 Cor. 2:9 - 14<br><br>We have the Spirt of God living inside of us from the moment we are saved. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit LIVES inside of you. Our subject this weekend is praying in tongues. There are many misunderstandings or concerns about this gift. In this message, Pastor Tim leads a conversation (part 2 - see 1st message from 03.07.20) about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. There are two types of tongues; personal tongue and public tongue. Personal tongues is praying in the spirit. It is for every christian. If you’re a christian, God has designed the richness and ability to pray out of the spirit bucket. This also encourages the individual who’s praying. It doesn’t require attention - it’s simply between you and the Lord. Public tongue (utterance) is designed to build up the church as a whole. It requires an interpretation. Praying in tongues is not intellectually fulfilling; it’s spiritually fulfilling. When we pray in tongues, it is perfect prayer and vitally important. We can lean in and pray in the wisdom of God. Finally, praying in tongues trains our will and flesh to yield to the Holy Spirit. Spiritual tongues is NOT the biggest part of your spiritual life, salvation is. We can grow in a deeper relationship with Christ by practicing the gift of speaking in tongues.</p> <p>“Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we know the things freely given to us by God.” <br>- 1 Cor. 2:9 - 14<br><br>We have the Spirt of God living inside of us from the moment we are saved. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit LIVES inside of you. Our subject this weekend is praying in tongues. There are many misunderstandings or concerns about this gift. In this message, Pastor Tim leads a conversation (part 2 - see 1st message from 03.07.20) about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. There are two types of tongues; personal tongue and public tongue. Personal tongues is praying in the spirit. It is for every christian. If you’re a christian, God has designed the richness and ability to pray out of the spirit bucket. This also encourages the individual who’s praying. It doesn’t require attention - it’s simply between you and the Lord. Public tongue (utterance) is designed to build up the church as a whole. It requires an interpretation. Praying in tongues is not intellectually fulfilling; it’s spiritually fulfilling. When we pray in tongues, it is perfect prayer and vitally important. We can lean in and pray in the wisdom of God. Finally, praying in tongues trains our will and flesh to yield to the Holy Spirit. Spiritual tongues is NOT the biggest part of your spiritual life, salvation is. We can grow in a deeper relationship with Christ by practicing the gift of speaking in tongues.</p> “Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we know the things freely given to us by God.”
- 1 Cor. 2:9 - 14

We have the Spirt of God living inside of us from the moment we are saved. If you’ve given your life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit LIVES inside of you. Our subject this weekend is praying in tongues. There are many misunderstandings or concerns about this gift. In this message, Pastor Tim leads a conversation (part 2 - see 1st message from 03.07.20) about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. There are two types of tongues; personal tongue and public tongue. Personal tongues is praying in the spirit. It is for every christian. If you’re a christian, God has designed the richness and ability to pray out of the spirit bucket. This also encourages the individual who’s praying. It doesn’t require attention - it’s simply between you and the Lord. Public tongue (utterance) is designed to build up the church as a whole. It requires an interpretation. Praying in tongues is not intellectually fulfilling; it’s spiritually fulfilling. When we pray in tongues, it is perfect prayer and vitally important. We can lean in and pray in the wisdom of God. Finally, praying in tongues trains our will and flesh to yield to the Holy Spirit. Spiritual tongues is NOT the biggest part of your spiritual life, salvation is. We can grow in a deeper relationship with Christ by practicing the gift of speaking in tongues.

]]> Sun, 08 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2701 408 9dc0c9c085ab4c7393169b4bcf727e94 no A Teaching on the Holy Spirit - Tim Enloe Guest Speaker Tim Enloe <p>If you can trust God to guide you to speak in the unknown language, how much more can you trust him to guide your known language to minister to others? <br><br>This weekend, guest speaker Tim Enloe, joined us to share his special teachings on the Holy Spirit. If you desire more in your relationship with the Lord, we invite you to listen to these teachings and grow in your knowledge of the Holy Spirit.</p> <p>If you can trust God to guide you to speak in the unknown language, how much more can you trust him to guide your known language to minister to others? <br><br>This weekend, guest speaker Tim Enloe, joined us to share his special teachings on the Holy Spirit. If you desire more in your relationship with the Lord, we invite you to listen to these teachings and grow in your knowledge of the Holy Spirit.</p> If you can trust God to guide you to speak in the unknown language, how much more can you trust him to guide your known language to minister to others?

This weekend, guest speaker Tim Enloe, joined us to share his special teachings on the Holy Spirit. If you desire more in your relationship with the Lord, we invite you to listen to these teachings and grow in your knowledge of the Holy Spirit.

]]> Sat, 07 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 4372 409 55db956960ec81e8d320b809c1c3f85f no The Holy Spirit - Week 3 Pastor Denny Curran <p>“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” - Acts 2:4 NIV<br><br>We need an experience with the Holy Spirit. The reason why we are doing a Holy Spirit series is because we all come from different backgrounds. Everyone has their own “normal,” but “normal” is different from someone else’s normal. This happens because we were all raised differently. Our current series, “Guide for the Journey,” provides teaching about the Holy Spirit us all to get on the same page. In the Bible, we learn that the Jewish tradition has 7 festivals / holidays in a year to celebrate. This week, we learned about three of these holidays. The Passover Celebration represents our salvation. The Story of Jesus is the redemption of our sins. Next, we talk about the Celebration of Pentecost. Pentecost was a celebration of the first harvest where we receive the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost gave us the power to make a difference in our world. Finally, we learned about the Celebration of Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was the last harvest of the year. As we prepare for the second coming of Christ, we recognize that the we are in the final harvest. How can we best share Christ with our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc? We need the Holy Spirit to be at work in our lives. <br><br>Join us next Saturday and Sunday as teacher, Tim Enloe, provide teachings that encourage spiritual breakthrough in our individual lives and our church family. These services are intended to grow you in deeper relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit. You’re invited to to join us for a special service on Saturday, March 7th at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you at our regular times on Sunday, March 8th (8am, 9:30am, & 11am) as Pastor Tim continues his teaching. Lastly, join us at our monthly worship & prayer service at 6pm as the Enloe’s lead us in praying for individual needs.</p> <p>“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” - Acts 2:4 NIV<br><br>We need an experience with the Holy Spirit. The reason why we are doing a Holy Spirit series is because we all come from different backgrounds. Everyone has their own “normal,” but “normal” is different from someone else’s normal. This happens because we were all raised differently. Our current series, “Guide for the Journey,” provides teaching about the Holy Spirit us all to get on the same page. In the Bible, we learn that the Jewish tradition has 7 festivals / holidays in a year to celebrate. This week, we learned about three of these holidays. The Passover Celebration represents our salvation. The Story of Jesus is the redemption of our sins. Next, we talk about the Celebration of Pentecost. Pentecost was a celebration of the first harvest where we receive the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost gave us the power to make a difference in our world. Finally, we learned about the Celebration of Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was the last harvest of the year. As we prepare for the second coming of Christ, we recognize that the we are in the final harvest. How can we best share Christ with our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc? We need the Holy Spirit to be at work in our lives. <br><br>Join us next Saturday and Sunday as teacher, Tim Enloe, provide teachings that encourage spiritual breakthrough in our individual lives and our church family. These services are intended to grow you in deeper relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit. You’re invited to to join us for a special service on Saturday, March 7th at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you at our regular times on Sunday, March 8th (8am, 9:30am, & 11am) as Pastor Tim continues his teaching. Lastly, join us at our monthly worship & prayer service at 6pm as the Enloe’s lead us in praying for individual needs.</p> “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” - Acts 2:4 NIV

We need an experience with the Holy Spirit. The reason why we are doing a Holy Spirit series is because we all come from different backgrounds. Everyone has their own “normal,” but “normal” is different from someone else’s normal. This happens because we were all raised differently. Our current series, “Guide for the Journey,” provides teaching about the Holy Spirit us all to get on the same page. In the Bible, we learn that the Jewish tradition has 7 festivals / holidays in a year to celebrate. This week, we learned about three of these holidays. The Passover Celebration represents our salvation. The Story of Jesus is the redemption of our sins. Next, we talk about the Celebration of Pentecost. Pentecost was a celebration of the first harvest where we receive the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost gave us the power to make a difference in our world. Finally, we learned about the Celebration of Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was the last harvest of the year. As we prepare for the second coming of Christ, we recognize that the we are in the final harvest. How can we best share Christ with our friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc? We need the Holy Spirit to be at work in our lives.

Join us next Saturday and Sunday as teacher, Tim Enloe, provide teachings that encourage spiritual breakthrough in our individual lives and our church family. These services are intended to grow you in deeper relationship with the person of the Holy Spirit. You’re invited to to join us for a special service on Saturday, March 7th at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you at our regular times on Sunday, March 8th (8am, 9:30am, & 11am) as Pastor Tim continues his teaching. Lastly, join us at our monthly worship & prayer service at 6pm as the Enloe’s lead us in praying for individual needs.

]]> Sun, 01 Mar 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2070 410 78a2cc7b76fb1a887f27e881192cd7d8 no The Holy Spirit - Week 2 Pastor Denny Curran <p>“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8<br><br>The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our life. He has a role to play in our life! At River of Life Church, its our goal to lead you and feed you a balance of scripture to make you strong and solid in your faith - which results in a great future! This week, we dived into another teaching on the Holy Spirit and it’s parallel to wind. Wind is unseen but felt, and oftentimes when we experience God’s presence, it’s just that. Wind is also unpredictable. God doesn’t reveal Himself to people the same way every time. It’s different! We need to embrace the unpredictable nature of God. Wind is powerful! When we experience God, He transforms us and creates for us a greater life. If you’re struggling in your marriage, your job, your finances, etc. - we can turn to God and ask for His presence and power to work in our life. Finally, wind is refreshing. The Holy Spirit wants to refresh us! You may be sitting here and still have questions about the Holy Spirit. We can go to God’s Word for those questions. Join us in the journey of the Holy Spirit as He guides us in the next two weeks.</p> <p>“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8<br><br>The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our life. He has a role to play in our life! At River of Life Church, its our goal to lead you and feed you a balance of scripture to make you strong and solid in your faith - which results in a great future! This week, we dived into another teaching on the Holy Spirit and it’s parallel to wind. Wind is unseen but felt, and oftentimes when we experience God’s presence, it’s just that. Wind is also unpredictable. God doesn’t reveal Himself to people the same way every time. It’s different! We need to embrace the unpredictable nature of God. Wind is powerful! When we experience God, He transforms us and creates for us a greater life. If you’re struggling in your marriage, your job, your finances, etc. - we can turn to God and ask for His presence and power to work in our life. Finally, wind is refreshing. The Holy Spirit wants to refresh us! You may be sitting here and still have questions about the Holy Spirit. We can go to God’s Word for those questions. Join us in the journey of the Holy Spirit as He guides us in the next two weeks.</p> “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” - Acts 1:8

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our life. He has a role to play in our life! At River of Life Church, its our goal to lead you and feed you a balance of scripture to make you strong and solid in your faith - which results in a great future! This week, we dived into another teaching on the Holy Spirit and it’s parallel to wind. Wind is unseen but felt, and oftentimes when we experience God’s presence, it’s just that. Wind is also unpredictable. God doesn’t reveal Himself to people the same way every time. It’s different! We need to embrace the unpredictable nature of God. Wind is powerful! When we experience God, He transforms us and creates for us a greater life. If you’re struggling in your marriage, your job, your finances, etc. - we can turn to God and ask for His presence and power to work in our life. Finally, wind is refreshing. The Holy Spirit wants to refresh us! You may be sitting here and still have questions about the Holy Spirit. We can go to God’s Word for those questions. Join us in the journey of the Holy Spirit as He guides us in the next two weeks.

]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2193 411 507b85b5eec13edc0ab6555a4291c741 no The Holy Spirit Intro Guide for the Journey Pastor Denny Curran <p>According to the Word of God, when WE allow the Holy Spirit to fully dwell in our lives, He produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. All of these qualities and more are the natural byproducts of enjoying the Holy Spirit’s presence and friendship in our lives! This week, we kicked off a brand new series on the Holy Spirit and the things that Jesus promises for us. In John 14, we read that there is an advocate to help us in times of trouble, questioning, hurting, etc. In today's world, we live in fear and stress on a daily basis. The Holy Spirit promises to help us through these things. Along with these promises, the Holy Spirit offers us power. With this power, we have limitless potential. He reveals this through time, like unwrapping a present piece by piece. Finally, the Holy Spirit offers us His presence. This presence leads us into a life of fulfillment in Christ. We invite you to listen to today's message and feel free to use the notes provided below!</p> <p>According to the Word of God, when WE allow the Holy Spirit to fully dwell in our lives, He produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. All of these qualities and more are the natural byproducts of enjoying the Holy Spirit’s presence and friendship in our lives! This week, we kicked off a brand new series on the Holy Spirit and the things that Jesus promises for us. In John 14, we read that there is an advocate to help us in times of trouble, questioning, hurting, etc. In today's world, we live in fear and stress on a daily basis. The Holy Spirit promises to help us through these things. Along with these promises, the Holy Spirit offers us power. With this power, we have limitless potential. He reveals this through time, like unwrapping a present piece by piece. Finally, the Holy Spirit offers us His presence. This presence leads us into a life of fulfillment in Christ. We invite you to listen to today's message and feel free to use the notes provided below!</p> According to the Word of God, when WE allow the Holy Spirit to fully dwell in our lives, He produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. All of these qualities and more are the natural byproducts of enjoying the Holy Spirit’s presence and friendship in our lives! This week, we kicked off a brand new series on the Holy Spirit and the things that Jesus promises for us. In John 14, we read that there is an advocate to help us in times of trouble, questioning, hurting, etc. In today's world, we live in fear and stress on a daily basis. The Holy Spirit promises to help us through these things. Along with these promises, the Holy Spirit offers us power. With this power, we have limitless potential. He reveals this through time, like unwrapping a present piece by piece. Finally, the Holy Spirit offers us His presence. This presence leads us into a life of fulfillment in Christ. We invite you to listen to today's message and feel free to use the notes provided below!

]]> Sun, 16 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1981 412 7bb37bb3332d354787f7f621c3320bdf no Vision Sunday 2020 Pastor Denny Curran <p>At River of Life, we exist to lead people in a life changing encounter with Jesus. This week, Pastor Denny Curran talked about the importance of our relationship with Christ as well as a church community. It's our desire for every person to know God - the God who sets you free from hurt, addiction, and hangups. We want you to grow in Christ. When we grow in Christ, we discover purpose and all that God has for us. Lastly, we want you to show Christ in the way that you live your life. In this message, we offer practical ways for you to know God, grow in your relationship with Him, and show the love of Christ to those around you.</p> <p>At River of Life, we exist to lead people in a life changing encounter with Jesus. This week, Pastor Denny Curran talked about the importance of our relationship with Christ as well as a church community. It's our desire for every person to know God - the God who sets you free from hurt, addiction, and hangups. We want you to grow in Christ. When we grow in Christ, we discover purpose and all that God has for us. Lastly, we want you to show Christ in the way that you live your life. In this message, we offer practical ways for you to know God, grow in your relationship with Him, and show the love of Christ to those around you.</p> At River of Life, we exist to lead people in a life changing encounter with Jesus. This week, Pastor Denny Curran talked about the importance of our relationship with Christ as well as a church community. It's our desire for every person to know God - the God who sets you free from hurt, addiction, and hangups. We want you to grow in Christ. When we grow in Christ, we discover purpose and all that God has for us. Lastly, we want you to show Christ in the way that you live your life. In this message, we offer practical ways for you to know God, grow in your relationship with Him, and show the love of Christ to those around you.

]]> Mon, 10 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1826 413 9885c602236eded820c6a04ec0a3a5b6 no Cultivate Your Dream Pastor Brent Silkey Sun, 02 Feb 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1985 414 299d9dfc1e132e415796c82ffb4b6b49 no Why Pray? Why Fast? Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 26 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2407 415 abe42188f3aaa5db154bdc2fefc32e85 no Prayer and Fasting Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 19 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2372 416 0fa3872c46bf64b1e81a73a351e63f22 no Reaching the Next Generation Missionary Sun, 12 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 2605 417 8c7e02a084365bb16048903410fb75ea no Why Should We Pray Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 05 Jan 2020 10:00:00 +0000 1849 418 1e7c018a72e6cbb3d1ecb207e372e149 no Let There Be Light Christmas Eve Service Pastor Denny Curran Tue, 24 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 4065 419 a54339f3393b81b777499947aa0b8322 no Mighty God Fulfilled Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 22 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2826 420 c7b152a7da59901bca1acc990adc810e no God Protects Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen Wed, 18 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1392 421 8e11c6ea9ebba3ff754c6df759ef4f1e no Away in a Mango Kids Christmas Play Sun, 15 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 3259 422 14f9ea61f7d789cc4126a23e82e89f17 no God has a Promise A Life Group Series Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen Wed, 11 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1405 423 63c7ae11f6e607ebcd20fa9eb12c5317 no God with Us Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 08 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1573 424 3064eb6bb72ebf87e770514a4a24ce8d no Christmas at the Movies Adult Drama Sat, 07 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 6535 425 a1609531e4af2811b6b7418e371fbbcb no God has a Plan that Provides A Life Group Series Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>'Tis the season, and whether you love Christmas or not, you cannot help to hear it and start singing in your head (or out loud!) but are these Christmas songs giving us the full story? Have you ever wondered how well you really know the season?<br><br>Join Pastors Adam and Amber in the main sanctuary for a three-week discussion about how Jesus wants to arrive in your story and learn how God's great message wants to impact your life, perhaps in a brand new way, this Christmas season.</p> <p>'Tis the season, and whether you love Christmas or not, you cannot help to hear it and start singing in your head (or out loud!) but are these Christmas songs giving us the full story? Have you ever wondered how well you really know the season?<br><br>Join Pastors Adam and Amber in the main sanctuary for a three-week discussion about how Jesus wants to arrive in your story and learn how God's great message wants to impact your life, perhaps in a brand new way, this Christmas season.</p> 'Tis the season, and whether you love Christmas or not, you cannot help to hear it and start singing in your head (or out loud!) but are these Christmas songs giving us the full story? Have you ever wondered how well you really know the season?

Join Pastors Adam and Amber in the main sanctuary for a three-week discussion about how Jesus wants to arrive in your story and learn how God's great message wants to impact your life, perhaps in a brand new way, this Christmas season.

]]> Wed, 04 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2055 426 6f507b46bf949df6bb5426221d9fb3b7 no Promised Joy Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 01 Dec 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2039 427 1e609ba13892e55c8e89bc649da62afd no Battle Won Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 24 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2490 428 d3c647d384d7dbb5ee210120e81dda54 no God Speaks Pastor Denny Curran <p>2 Corinthians 4:18<br>So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<br><br>Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? So many people pray; forget their prayer; and then take matters into their own hands.</p> <p>2 Corinthians 4:18<br>So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<br><br>Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? So many people pray; forget their prayer; and then take matters into their own hands.</p> 2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? So many people pray; forget their prayer; and then take matters into their own hands.

]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2262 429 58fd819799562c3f507f223bb92eceeb no The Battle is On Crisis Pastor Denny Curran <p>Nothing reveals the character of a person better than a crisis. It’s not the crisis that destroys us, but what we do or don’t do when the crisis hits.</p> <p>Nothing reveals the character of a person better than a crisis. It’s not the crisis that destroys us, but what we do or don’t do when the crisis hits.</p> Nothing reveals the character of a person better than a crisis. It’s not the crisis that destroys us, but what we do or don’t do when the crisis hits.

]]> Sun, 10 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2000 430 f5d8300b064974033778352b2581591b no Salvation Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 03 Nov 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1868 431 e3ba755f39a7cae37a6e7723d80f4470 no You Have a Harvest Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 27 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1872 432 c7c1830d3d224e9281e556f4552f3c81 no After the One Free International Guest Speaker Jody Dyess <p>ABOUT F.R.E.E. INTERNATIONAL<br>Working for several years in India to combat human trafficking, Michael and Denise Bartel realized the issue was not just a foreign problem. Upon their return to the U.S. they founded F.R.E.E. International and continued the fight against modern day slavery here in the states.<br><br>A 501c3 nonprofit organization, F.R.E.E. International began in 2007 headquartered in New York City and worked throughout the country to raise awareness about human trafficking and trained local communities how to mobilize and be effective in abolishing slavery.<br><br>Currently, we have F.R.E.E. team members working throughout every region of the U.S. with local law enforcement, attorney general’s offices, churches, schools, and local and state governments. A core belief of ours is that we are most effective in the fight when the strengths of others are brought to the table and coordinated effectively.<br><br>Today, our headquarters are in Las Vegas, a city known for it’s depravity, a city we know as Ground Zero in the ongoing battle to FREE those trapped in slavery.<br><br>THE ISSUE<br>We slayed that old evil called slavery over 150 years ago, in 1864, with the 13th Amendment. Or so we thought. In fact There are more slaves today worldwide than at any point in history. In fact we did not kill slavery. We merely pushed it underground, where it thrives, hidden yet robust. And because it is hidden our view of slavery – which we now call human trafficking – has been obscured.<br><br>The question is, can we allow ourselves to misunderstand such a monstrous sin while it creates profit out of misery and resides in our own communities just as it does around the world?<br><br>We can’t be overwhelmed by scope and significance of the issue. Human trafficking is as old as human society. Steeped in shadow as it is today and propped up by high profitability and the anonymity provided by the internet, slavery has the potential to grow at an alarming rate. But consider the consequence of inaction and willful ignorance – an entire generation of youth swallowed by misery. Something should be done. And it can be done.</p> <p>ABOUT F.R.E.E. INTERNATIONAL<br>Working for several years in India to combat human trafficking, Michael and Denise Bartel realized the issue was not just a foreign problem. Upon their return to the U.S. they founded F.R.E.E. International and continued the fight against modern day slavery here in the states.<br><br>A 501c3 nonprofit organization, F.R.E.E. International began in 2007 headquartered in New York City and worked throughout the country to raise awareness about human trafficking and trained local communities how to mobilize and be effective in abolishing slavery.<br><br>Currently, we have F.R.E.E. team members working throughout every region of the U.S. with local law enforcement, attorney general’s offices, churches, schools, and local and state governments. A core belief of ours is that we are most effective in the fight when the strengths of others are brought to the table and coordinated effectively.<br><br>Today, our headquarters are in Las Vegas, a city known for it’s depravity, a city we know as Ground Zero in the ongoing battle to FREE those trapped in slavery.<br><br>THE ISSUE<br>We slayed that old evil called slavery over 150 years ago, in 1864, with the 13th Amendment. Or so we thought. In fact There are more slaves today worldwide than at any point in history. In fact we did not kill slavery. We merely pushed it underground, where it thrives, hidden yet robust. And because it is hidden our view of slavery – which we now call human trafficking – has been obscured.<br><br>The question is, can we allow ourselves to misunderstand such a monstrous sin while it creates profit out of misery and resides in our own communities just as it does around the world?<br><br>We can’t be overwhelmed by scope and significance of the issue. Human trafficking is as old as human society. Steeped in shadow as it is today and propped up by high profitability and the anonymity provided by the internet, slavery has the potential to grow at an alarming rate. But consider the consequence of inaction and willful ignorance – an entire generation of youth swallowed by misery. Something should be done. And it can be done.</p> ABOUT F.R.E.E. INTERNATIONAL
Working for several years in India to combat human trafficking, Michael and Denise Bartel realized the issue was not just a foreign problem. Upon their return to the U.S. they founded F.R.E.E. International and continued the fight against modern day slavery here in the states.

A 501c3 nonprofit organization, F.R.E.E. International began in 2007 headquartered in New York City and worked throughout the country to raise awareness about human trafficking and trained local communities how to mobilize and be effective in abolishing slavery.

Currently, we have F.R.E.E. team members working throughout every region of the U.S. with local law enforcement, attorney general’s offices, churches, schools, and local and state governments. A core belief of ours is that we are most effective in the fight when the strengths of others are brought to the table and coordinated effectively.

Today, our headquarters are in Las Vegas, a city known for it’s depravity, a city we know as Ground Zero in the ongoing battle to FREE those trapped in slavery.

THE ISSUE
We slayed that old evil called slavery over 150 years ago, in 1864, with the 13th Amendment. Or so we thought. In fact There are more slaves today worldwide than at any point in history. In fact we did not kill slavery. We merely pushed it underground, where it thrives, hidden yet robust. And because it is hidden our view of slavery – which we now call human trafficking – has been obscured.

The question is, can we allow ourselves to misunderstand such a monstrous sin while it creates profit out of misery and resides in our own communities just as it does around the world?

We can’t be overwhelmed by scope and significance of the issue. Human trafficking is as old as human society. Steeped in shadow as it is today and propped up by high profitability and the anonymity provided by the internet, slavery has the potential to grow at an alarming rate. But consider the consequence of inaction and willful ignorance – an entire generation of youth swallowed by misery. Something should be done. And it can be done.

]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2493 433 29b4ce092eaf3c5870576ee8279ec5b3 no Seeing Opportunities Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 13 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2254 434 e3592b93b389fcc4ad80eb4d6e627539 no You are Rich! Pastor Denny Curran <p>You can do this.</p> <p>You can do this.</p> You can do this.

]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2273 435 c311fdf1ad7aff8b8443b07e9696b238 no Living by the Spirit Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 29 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2049 436 d3fec4440ace2b27f3fea6f623bdf7c9 no Redemption Redemption Pastor Adam Haugen Sun, 22 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2257 437 23618e8771c4bb1f581f781752e044ad no Living the Crucified Life Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 15 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2233 438 8b8479b72d69ff332a5a6da3066ad46d no Introduction to Galatians Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 08 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2380 439 e2fbe18b4858c5d68dedb15801bc9c10 no Real Heroes Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 01 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1728 440 3e0ee0ba6bcf0f4812ffba791a739701 no Roots Pastor Jesse Roe Sun, 25 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1955 441 f376b75fe847e09b3d277eb791d0dcd4 no Three Tough Questions Pastor Denny Curran <p>The most important questions you will ever have to asnwer. Pastor Denny unfolds that these questions will cover everything about your life--from vocation, marriage, future, family--all of it is hooked to these three things!</p> <p>The most important questions you will ever have to asnwer. Pastor Denny unfolds that these questions will cover everything about your life--from vocation, marriage, future, family--all of it is hooked to these three things!</p> The most important questions you will ever have to asnwer. Pastor Denny unfolds that these questions will cover everything about your life--from vocation, marriage, future, family--all of it is hooked to these three things!

]]> Sun, 18 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2420 442 ede6164e9530ecb781ab2573e251283c no Learning Obedience Derrick & Ashley Benoit <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.

We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.

]]> Sun, 11 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2431 443 83aa420e5e698aaefa5bc8644c556299 no His Story Changed Our Story Pastors Kyle & Sara Curran <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.

We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.

]]> Sun, 04 Aug 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2470 444 a6b2635a677b081ade3d6e5450cb8c13 no Do I Believe What I Believe? Pastors Mark & Traci Eskew <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.

We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.

]]> Sun, 28 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2545 445 3aa26ffdd1e02eda4b9ddb0470bc99f4 no Understanding the Grace of God Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> <p>We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.<br><br>We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.</p> We all have stories of crazy things we have done or that have happened to us and the truth is we all have scars and some of our scars are on the inside. But all of our scars can reflect the grace of God and demonstrate that God is in the restoration business.

We overcome because of what Jesus did and by sharing our stories. In this Sunday series, you are going to hear from different members of the pastoral staff as they tell about what God has done in their lives and hopefully we will make our long story short.

]]> Sun, 21 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1835 446 27b60d212a5b56e6a95e973cf1b41d47 no Miracle in the Fire - Part 4 Daniel Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 14 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2660 447 1564a90d709f4d4ef0d2f6c95e319599 no Miracle in the Water - Part 3 Moses Pastor Adam Haugen <p>God is the god of miracles.</p> <p>God is the god of miracles.</p> God is the god of miracles.

]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1981 448 7059a9606244479b03131cd276968fb2 no Miracle in the Fire - Part 2 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 30 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1998 449 1c4c0980d7b572911df7b8ba43a8348d no Guest Speaker Dareth Ly Sun, 23 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2655 450 3b45993e2204c310c20f338039ac5b8f no Miracle in the Fire - Part 1 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 16 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2186 451 4506dbc3f9eed21c8ea89995bb9ba757 no On A Mission Pastor Mark Eskew Sun, 09 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1480 452 9a14037ffff82cc3b69d9c08f92b8b0a no What's Next? Graduation Sunday Pastor Kyle Curran <p>Graduation is an exciting time for graduates. The future is at their fingertips. And the question that every graduate hears, almost to a fault, “So, what’s next?” Enjoy hearing this insightful message for all age groups from Pastor Kyle.</p> <p>Graduation is an exciting time for graduates. The future is at their fingertips. And the question that every graduate hears, almost to a fault, “So, what’s next?” Enjoy hearing this insightful message for all age groups from Pastor Kyle.</p> Graduation is an exciting time for graduates. The future is at their fingertips. And the question that every graduate hears, almost to a fault, “So, what’s next?” Enjoy hearing this insightful message for all age groups from Pastor Kyle.

]]> Sun, 02 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1627 453 541105123bfe22872023577d55c2611e no Define the Dysfunction Jesus' Family Tree Pastor Adam Haugen Sun, 26 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1900 454 9abf465b18b4de7f5c991ff41253dbaf no Older and Wiser Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 19 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2135 455 0f1346ff3856f7fc2720423b34a6e62e no Dream Bigger Cheryl Curran Sun, 12 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1361 456 303f56f14b80bade7a111f3893cbe398 no Art of Parenting Pastor Denny Curran Wed, 08 May 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2116 457 3629d22a2da9f7dfaa70c7f968525caa no Coming Again Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 28 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2334 458 de8f77e4329bd8dc7075efc7acaae421 no Easter - The Resurrection The Proof is in the Pudding Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 21 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2441 459 ed296667c0be93a329755c5fc6e3c9a8 no Part Three: Easter Redemption Isn’t an Event, It’s a Person Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.</p> <p>As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.</p> As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.

]]> Wed, 10 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1898 460 fea0de81a42cc78d5c25fb6cd4b92403 no A Miracle Worker Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 07 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2239 461 4ebe188c8600b64089baa0b087787b14 no Part Two: Passover Redemption Merits Remembrance Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.</p> <p>As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.</p> As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.

]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1868 462 216415269e47173cab91e7230289184f no About Missions Pastor Ordean Peterson <p>Jesus is people. His hear is to reach all people in our community and around the world. Here from a group from River of Life that ventured out to Tanzania Africa and what God did through them.</p> <p>Jesus is people. His hear is to reach all people in our community and around the world. Here from a group from River of Life that ventured out to Tanzania Africa and what God did through them.</p> Jesus is people. His hear is to reach all people in our community and around the world. Here from a group from River of Life that ventured out to Tanzania Africa and what God did through them.

]]> Sun, 31 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2062 463 6f351512a79a6863814e197bae8e760f no Part One: Exodus Redemption Requires Sacrifice Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.</p> <p>As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.</p> As we look at the the Bible, it is important to view it as one continuous narrative. The more we see how the Bible has one central theme, and every story flows in line with that theme, essentially connecting the dots, we also see how God's story flows in line with ours.

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1973 464 ff4beb2e2735854c3b32d936f76e4fd1 no A Friend Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 24 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2333 465 b39e0284d9aff2219f812997aaeb082e no Part 4 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 17 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2205 466 2f01a6e6daa5e954efeabf4534e888fc no Part 3 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 10 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2021 467 c2f6cf17dc94568d31a5d90499f4c769 no Part 2 Decision-Making Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 03 Mar 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1790 468 b7ea56c8d371782703cf3e3b7b760874 no Part 1 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 24 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2691 469 dfb1f5577b6f79e004adbdd7a6dd2daa no First Fruits Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 17 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2305 470 ad4c03ae4bdda2a36af79adeeac15c36 no Growth Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 10 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2437 471 1044f7f655a8c158b01efbd220e7080c no Letting Go of Regret Pastor Adam Haugen <p>How many of you have done something dumb?</p> <p>How many of you have done something dumb?</p> How many of you have done something dumb?

]]> Sun, 03 Feb 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1934 472 437865e526daeb89dc79d52de020be2c no Celebrating Life Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 27 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2807 473 d7b9a480940b54ca20d7fb5e4af5ab22 no First Love Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 20 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2143 474 14c2b9cb7d0722c76b8bcf67adb05919 no Putting God First Part 2 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 13 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 1934 475 b050cbb31dc607c5c4e465f0fad951e5 no Putting God First Part 1 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 06 Jan 2019 10:00:00 +0000 2281 476 18add5ef05539eef43a14bc818da300d no Praying for a Breakthrough Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 30 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2686 477 ce328c9b844720a7731ce60a6c908fd6 no Christmas Eve Service Entire Service Pastor Denny Curran Mon, 24 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 3667 478 12d7ecce675253ed92ed5a0b67f1bb19 no Part 3 - Shepherds & Wisemen Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 23 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2226 479 96051236054151ce7411e6d0178e0870 no Unexpected Purpose The Tale of Two Joes Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>Two Josephs, both dreamers. <br>One concerned himself with saving a nation and it ended up saving his family.<br>One concerned himself with saving his family and it ended up saving the nations.<br><br>To discern the purposes of God, be faithful with what you have, where you are, and watch the purpose of God come unexpectedly, even through painful circumstances.</p> <p>Two Josephs, both dreamers. <br>One concerned himself with saving a nation and it ended up saving his family.<br>One concerned himself with saving his family and it ended up saving the nations.<br><br>To discern the purposes of God, be faithful with what you have, where you are, and watch the purpose of God come unexpectedly, even through painful circumstances.</p> Two Josephs, both dreamers.
One concerned himself with saving a nation and it ended up saving his family.
One concerned himself with saving his family and it ended up saving the nations.

To discern the purposes of God, be faithful with what you have, where you are, and watch the purpose of God come unexpectedly, even through painful circumstances.

]]> Wed, 19 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1924 480 424b39255531a876b94a9794764d46f8 no Part 2 - Joseph Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 16 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1547 481 348b8c890e4ba7d04670aceab2d7d962 no Unexpected Presence Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen Wed, 12 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1869 482 cf0ae91cc9fecc9f199905525917038c no Unexpected Peace Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen Wed, 05 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1897 483 a1a34a664abf78f16d8f0057fbe975bd no Part 1 - Mary Contemplate God's Word Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 02 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1888 484 106a0d98af80bda4ab6be86dc64a8bc8 no A Perfect Christmas Adult Christmas Drama Sat, 01 Dec 2018 10:00:00 +0000 5225 485 099604c1f64c37aead941359301043dc no Unexpected Prayer Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen Wed, 28 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1458 486 fa236f6b4c4dbffefaa7577f4402d700 no Enjoy Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 25 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1716 487 0efe7b4588b064239f592c89c45a2dfd no Living in the Moment Thanksgiving Eve Service Pastor Denny Curran Wed, 21 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1836 488 b382df5c92bb82e442dd9bf74259ed62 no What are You Passionate About? Speed the Light Sunday Pastor Kirby St. John Sun, 18 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2349 489 b8f28623a97b1439b5b77b24003beec1 no Gathered Around the Story Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 11 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2263 490 a653a1af4ea5084d7a5011b16724b26b no Part One Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 04 Nov 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2805 491 8cbe3989bb7f2e59cb9d3e5d3e3b798b no The Struggle is Real Pastor Adam Haugen Sun, 28 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2419 492 65bee6988fd85465e257a8982ecd33da no Rest Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 21 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2716 493 ea739bff1cfdd0f3a0f5e2222065b877 no Honor is the Currency of Elevation Tuesday Night Service Pastor Randy Ruiz Tue, 16 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 4132 494 e28e4438ec65a57866730d093650ffe5 no Watering Seeds of Faith Monday Night Service Pastor Randy Ruiz Mon, 15 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 3869 495 23e02788708a6318c3d9e90f3bac5efd no Dare to Believe and Pray God-sized Prayers Sunday Night Service Pastor Randy Ruiz Sun, 14 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2367 496 f535d80a71d4238e126bf8006a3597dc no Getting Your Second Wind Guest Speaker Randy Ruiz Guest Speaker Randy Ruiz <p>Are you going through a season of life that you feel weary?</p> <p>Are you going through a season of life that you feel weary?</p> Are you going through a season of life that you feel weary?

]]> Sun, 14 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2443 497 dda6957237d79bb80ccbd97038a01525 no Solutions to Healthy Living Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 07 Oct 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1976 498 043daa97f341b08027f18ce42e104869 no Life is Better Connected Part 2 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 30 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 3160 499 56a10a5e54e10d6ba48ba1aa0c2068f9 no Life is Better Connected Part 1 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 23 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2602 500 e9256ec702b8d943329c0c6d1c253355 no Come About Entire Service Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 16 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1548 501 eb84d774f41f721926a8910b33639890 no Part 2 Understanding God's hope and everything that he has in store for you. Pastor Denny Curran <p>Ephesians 1:16-18 (NIV)<br>I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints</p> <p>Ephesians 1:16-18 (NIV)<br>I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints</p> Ephesians 1:16-18 (NIV)
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints

]]> Sun, 09 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2168 502 5bc5623dc34f3f5fc4e955d655431fb5 no Part 1 Knowing Him better and enlightening your heart Pastor Denny Curran <p>Ephesians 1:16-18 (NIV)<br>I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints</p> <p>Ephesians 1:16-18 (NIV)<br>I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints</p> Ephesians 1:16-18 (NIV)
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints

]]> Sun, 02 Sep 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2306 503 d3c3cba523e50b54422c72efa083afb9 no More Obedience, Less Opinions Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen Wed, 29 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2009 504 1a38928f0c1bf5be6bcffccadd067c69 no Guided Pastor Kyle Curran Sun, 26 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2511 505 48d0f50bc4e0c4e4d7d1b20782fc89ef no More Hope, Less Hurt Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen Wed, 22 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1839 506 1cc625a8048688f92d08e2eac4ffaa89 no Fish Hope What does Jesus do all day? Pastor Adam Haugen <p>Matthew 4:18-19 (NKJV)<br>And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”</p> <p>Matthew 4:18-19 (NKJV)<br>And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”</p> Matthew 4:18-19 (NKJV)
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

]]> Sun, 19 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1993 507 59e99593610fc1dd2feed56bba60164d no More Contentment, Less Comfort Pastor Adam Haugen <p>"More" is a three week study on the book of Joshua. We were created for more than just surviving or coasting through life, stuck in the monotony of the mundane. Jesus came to give us life to the fullest! He has more peace for us. More purpose for us. More of Him for us. <br><br>In this 3-week Life Group series, “More,” we will discover the life we have always wanted is exactly the life God has for us. Gaining the More that God Gives.</p> <p>"More" is a three week study on the book of Joshua. We were created for more than just surviving or coasting through life, stuck in the monotony of the mundane. Jesus came to give us life to the fullest! He has more peace for us. More purpose for us. More of Him for us. <br><br>In this 3-week Life Group series, “More,” we will discover the life we have always wanted is exactly the life God has for us. Gaining the More that God Gives.</p> "More" is a three week study on the book of Joshua. We were created for more than just surviving or coasting through life, stuck in the monotony of the mundane. Jesus came to give us life to the fullest! He has more peace for us. More purpose for us. More of Him for us.

In this 3-week Life Group series, “More,” we will discover the life we have always wanted is exactly the life God has for us. Gaining the More that God Gives.

]]> Wed, 15 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1886 508 5f38e73ed5658c59b85e7e5373bc3fdb no Fish Talk Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 12 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2676 509 7d70b88058df5f21b4365e26b7836769 no Smart Fishing Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 05 Aug 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1988 510 9bc1e0ad573fc7250860cbd7f093f0ae no Wherever You Go Pastor Jesse Roe Sun, 29 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2481 511 147ecbffa43e76df5e114d2224a3e20f no Teamwork Pastor Mark Eskew Sun, 22 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1682 512 f937f0102165ce5d553f39d6e93d8dc8 no You Make Me... Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 15 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2193 513 913918d05775c5b7c49fb96a4b7714da no In an Instant Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 08 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2538 514 e71f3fca8eaaab91e7985a9778e673df no How to Trust Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 01 Jul 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2171 515 460657487e209ae675dcd642124e1dd5 no Part Four Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 24 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2080 516 4fe5602a1260a2add3aaf685c3d73a57 no Part Three Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 17 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1994 517 7ff21a0cb0781aa8d4b4b131edede813 no Part Two Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 10 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1666 518 6cfaaffa9aba29d051eea585b0150b6c no Part One Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 03 Jun 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2157 519 5202efb954dcbe543180705ea5617194 no Show Your Why Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 27 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2501 520 830a72423084c382e56939e82394b090 no Grow Your Why Increasing Your Purpose Pastor Adam Haugen <p>Our own spiritual growth is important because it is the best way to live.</p> <p>Our own spiritual growth is important because it is the best way to live.</p> Our own spiritual growth is important because it is the best way to live.

]]> Sun, 20 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1985 521 a6bc9463c62e80d4cecb4274d76658f7 no Know Your Why Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 13 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2349 522 416b731790aa2c90d95c7a1a5bcfd30c no Missions Convention Dishan Wickramaratne <p>Dishan is a motivational speaker, producer of 'ThinkAMinute' & Senior Pastor of People's Church, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Passionate to see lives transformed.<br><br>Dishan Wickramaratne was privileged to study at Royal College Colombo. While in school he actively participated in sports, such as cricket, athletics and also had the honour of receiving rugby colours.<br><br>He received his bachelor’s degree from Bethany University in California in the fields of Theology and Psychology. After which he went on to becoming an ordained minister of the Assemblies of God of Sri Lanka. After being an associate at People’s Church Assembly of God in Colombo for 4 years, he took over as the Senior Pastor of the Assembly of God church in Kandy. After serving there for 9 years he returned to take over as Senior Pastor of the People’s Church in Colombo. He also serves the nation by giving leadership as the Chairman of the Assemblies of God of Sri Lanka.</p> <p>Dishan is a motivational speaker, producer of 'ThinkAMinute' & Senior Pastor of People's Church, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Passionate to see lives transformed.<br><br>Dishan Wickramaratne was privileged to study at Royal College Colombo. While in school he actively participated in sports, such as cricket, athletics and also had the honour of receiving rugby colours.<br><br>He received his bachelor’s degree from Bethany University in California in the fields of Theology and Psychology. After which he went on to becoming an ordained minister of the Assemblies of God of Sri Lanka. After being an associate at People’s Church Assembly of God in Colombo for 4 years, he took over as the Senior Pastor of the Assembly of God church in Kandy. After serving there for 9 years he returned to take over as Senior Pastor of the People’s Church in Colombo. He also serves the nation by giving leadership as the Chairman of the Assemblies of God of Sri Lanka.</p> Dishan is a motivational speaker, producer of 'ThinkAMinute' & Senior Pastor of People's Church, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Passionate to see lives transformed.

Dishan Wickramaratne was privileged to study at Royal College Colombo. While in school he actively participated in sports, such as cricket, athletics and also had the honour of receiving rugby colours.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Bethany University in California in the fields of Theology and Psychology. After which he went on to becoming an ordained minister of the Assemblies of God of Sri Lanka. After being an associate at People’s Church Assembly of God in Colombo for 4 years, he took over as the Senior Pastor of the Assembly of God church in Kandy. After serving there for 9 years he returned to take over as Senior Pastor of the People’s Church in Colombo. He also serves the nation by giving leadership as the Chairman of the Assemblies of God of Sri Lanka.

]]> Sun, 06 May 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2241 523 69cd4f4bd828d9bb95d1433c24e06d9d no Holy Heaven Learning about the Holy Spirit Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 29 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2334 524 c55bb90ccc871f0bec2664580e7260b2 no All In Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 22 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2132 525 b8c8c69ded4c2b62937ed985cfc32dac no Part 2 The Benefits that God Gives Us Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 15 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2013 526 5e31e9af66811e390e9bd1d8e11004fe no Renewing Your Mind Pastor Adam Haugen <p>God has great things in store for your life, and one of the ways that he shows you is by first renewing your thinking. Renewing your thinking is one of the fastest ways to create real change in your life and grow in your relationship with God.</p> <p>God has great things in store for your life, and one of the ways that he shows you is by first renewing your thinking. Renewing your thinking is one of the fastest ways to create real change in your life and grow in your relationship with God.</p> God has great things in store for your life, and one of the ways that he shows you is by first renewing your thinking. Renewing your thinking is one of the fastest ways to create real change in your life and grow in your relationship with God.

]]> Wed, 11 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1763 527 f160316515e908daa5f3f8fe989dc2b7 no Part 1 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 08 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2584 528 8ff98e56d4e7eef70f1600e90fd4a1c5 no Living Free Pastors Adam & Amber Haugen <p>We are 100 days into 2018. We start the year with maybe new dreams and aspirations, but as the months progress, many times those goals become an afterthought. Maybe you are at a spot where you are doubting yourself, or perhaps you just want to make sure you are going the right direction. Along the journey, it is always important to recalibrate.<br><br>You were designed to live free. God wants to do something intentional with your life, marriage, and family.</p> <p>We are 100 days into 2018. We start the year with maybe new dreams and aspirations, but as the months progress, many times those goals become an afterthought. Maybe you are at a spot where you are doubting yourself, or perhaps you just want to make sure you are going the right direction. Along the journey, it is always important to recalibrate.<br><br>You were designed to live free. God wants to do something intentional with your life, marriage, and family.</p> We are 100 days into 2018. We start the year with maybe new dreams and aspirations, but as the months progress, many times those goals become an afterthought. Maybe you are at a spot where you are doubting yourself, or perhaps you just want to make sure you are going the right direction. Along the journey, it is always important to recalibrate.

You were designed to live free. God wants to do something intentional with your life, marriage, and family.

]]> Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1891 529 3bd924482b0e036322abe00b7d22664d no Easter Sunday Joseph Caiaphas Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 01 Apr 2018 10:00:00 +0000 3130 530 50a1622ae27234133dbd3313fd374247 no The Confused Herod Antipas Pastor Adam Haugen <p>Good Friday Service</p> <p>Good Friday Service</p> Good Friday Service

]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1606 531 f4b454d4417ae81786333da261d56280 no I Should Have Listened to My Wife Pontius Pilate Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 25 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2318 532 50f823ab13ee5677e8ad16b16fa1a540 no The Defiant (Twelve Feet of Separation) Thieves on the Cross Pastor Kyle Curran <p>2 Corinthians 4:18<br>"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."</p> <p>2 Corinthians 4:18<br>"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."</p> 2 Corinthians 4:18
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2471 533 6b05f04a6005c7254d69b7f416b41b8e no The Change Apostle Peter Pastor Denny Curran <p>One thing that confuses non-believers about those who believe is - Christians often resist the God we say we trust. Peter was one who affirmed what he believed to others, but at the most crucial moment, denied Jesus.<br><br>Hear is amazing story, and how our past does not determine our future. Jesus changed is name from Simon to Peter. Simon meant a reed, which is easily broken in the wind and swayed. Peter means rock, a firm foundation.</p> <p>One thing that confuses non-believers about those who believe is - Christians often resist the God we say we trust. Peter was one who affirmed what he believed to others, but at the most crucial moment, denied Jesus.<br><br>Hear is amazing story, and how our past does not determine our future. Jesus changed is name from Simon to Peter. Simon meant a reed, which is easily broken in the wind and swayed. Peter means rock, a firm foundation.</p> One thing that confuses non-believers about those who believe is - Christians often resist the God we say we trust. Peter was one who affirmed what he believed to others, but at the most crucial moment, denied Jesus.

Hear is amazing story, and how our past does not determine our future. Jesus changed is name from Simon to Peter. Simon meant a reed, which is easily broken in the wind and swayed. Peter means rock, a firm foundation.

]]> Sun, 11 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2686 534 355dd5c8f5cf07cbfd6e6ed88d57d8a7 no The Pretender Judas Iscariot Pastor Adam Haugen <p>In the Easter story, Judas tried to get Jesus to do what he wanted, without regard for Jesus’ ministry and mission. That may seem ridiculous, but there’s a little Judas in all of us.</p> <p>In the Easter story, Judas tried to get Jesus to do what he wanted, without regard for Jesus’ ministry and mission. That may seem ridiculous, but there’s a little Judas in all of us.</p> In the Easter story, Judas tried to get Jesus to do what he wanted, without regard for Jesus’ ministry and mission. That may seem ridiculous, but there’s a little Judas in all of us.

]]> Sun, 04 Mar 2018 10:00:00 +0000 1807 535 7de06e849f57085e198d9bd9c1015d25 no Developing a Personal Prayer Life Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 25 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2780 536 d0f671c5c4c6a3da483c299a918b21c6 no Prayer Changes Everything Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 18 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2832 537 70bd8357911ca75a8ac053a291a0b149 no The Guide Through the Maze Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 11 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2095 538 a1c62c9fb2e42bff22f50292ec94a0c3 no Changing Directions Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 04 Feb 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2471 539 045d3d8402a9d5d0250718ce621e6338 no Vision for 2018 Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 21 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2354 540 5148459082b862ef2c376ae36cf80664 no Healing Through Relationships Author Ron Auch Author Ron Auch Sun, 14 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2195 541 7a0c10a0d608463d3724156f7de025c9 no A New Hope Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 07 Jan 2018 10:00:00 +0000 2036 542 52ce76c0edaadf2f97c07b052a8eb8ec no Prayer & Fasting Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 31 Dec 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2517 543 34b3a5a1e4f5b198f71e393b1f36b862 no The Must-Have Gift Christmas Eve Service Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 24 Dec 2017 10:00:00 +0000 4032 544 e1c9c0b4db8a8fa9620128888d75f010 no Joyful Home Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 17 Dec 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2489 545 f3d7c02c24b382276a4bcd4d4c84af70 no Camel Lot Annual Kids Christmas Play Sun, 10 Dec 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2567 546 53dcd042e71d1e74cf7eba9094e9e89c no Christmas in Comfort Sun, 03 Dec 2017 10:00:00 +0000 4706 547 296f488e7c0e863f5da456a8432c858a no The Gift that Keeps on Giving Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 03 Dec 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2236 548 bd418650a140386776eca6c3b16286d0 no Full Home Pastor Adam Haugen <p>Through this series we want to talk about the importance of making your house a home. And this week we will take a look at the idea that God can only bless that which is in keeping with His instructions on how to live.</p> <p>Through this series we want to talk about the importance of making your house a home. And this week we will take a look at the idea that God can only bless that which is in keeping with His instructions on how to live.</p> Through this series we want to talk about the importance of making your house a home. And this week we will take a look at the idea that God can only bless that which is in keeping with His instructions on how to live.

]]> Sun, 26 Nov 2017 10:00:00 +0000 1542 549 f38313c257e811a398106746207ee466 no The Ultimate Marriage Part Three Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 19 Nov 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2497 550 2d379489908c663537d0b61a0122343b no 2017 One Night Wednesday Night Breakthrough Youth Service Pastor Kyle Curran Wed, 15 Nov 2017 10:00:00 +0000 4576 551 24e8f741f3215230ea9123cb88f6b488 no The Ultimate Marriage Part Two Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 12 Nov 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2279 552 8ccbfca54901465149e6454ff8addbcb no The Ultimate Marriage Part One Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 05 Nov 2017 10:00:00 +0000 1660 553 e38c5a0cc7f4c903ba9a04bb4e112419 no Harvest Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 29 Oct 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2825 554 4136499141cf94fc78a8e0bdbc835280 no Moving Together Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 22 Oct 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2205 555 06ac8137d66e1c361f8bfca01c4d257a no Get in Gear Pastor Denny Curran <p>Opening of our new series "Gear Up." There is no video available due to the fact that our power went out mid-service.</p> <p>Opening of our new series "Gear Up." There is no video available due to the fact that our power went out mid-service.</p> Opening of our new series "Gear Up." There is no video available due to the fact that our power went out mid-service.

]]> Sun, 15 Oct 2017 10:00:00 +0000 1781 556 55b4255cc6a3d67771fa4aebc9e66735 no Above the Clouds Pastor Denny Curran Sun, 01 Oct 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2804 557 1e235ea86f40e9bdde48cf0e965493d6 no The Need Pastor Kyle Curran <p>Pastor Kyle speaks on the greatest need that we all have. This is a continuation of the last couple weeks as we have been speaking on "love your neighbor."</p> <p>Pastor Kyle speaks on the greatest need that we all have. This is a continuation of the last couple weeks as we have been speaking on "love your neighbor."</p> Pastor Kyle speaks on the greatest need that we all have. This is a continuation of the last couple weeks as we have been speaking on "love your neighbor."

]]> Sun, 24 Sep 2017 10:00:00 +0000 2409 558 351e99786e541d720e8556299e23a298 no April 19th - Pre-K A Happy Sunday Nancy Spadgenske <p>Do you have a preschooler or younger? This weekend we will continue our journey into the Easter Story! We will take a look at what happened when the tomb was empty!<br><br>Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!</p> <p>Do you have a preschooler or younger? This weekend we will continue our journey into the Easter Story! We will take a look at what happened when the tomb was empty!<br><br>Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!</p> Do you have a preschooler or younger? This weekend we will continue our journey into the Easter Story! We will take a look at what happened when the tomb was empty!

Our Adventure Book in our Parent Toolbox will give you all the information you need! It will provide your child curriculum, activity pages, and a guide for you as a parent to become the teacher! We have a great opportunity to be our families spiritual leader and our River Kids team is devoted to equipping you as the parent. This service will be engaging, fun, and bible based!

]]> 1825 559 32c9d3b7c6349cfa6ed056a52d134e19 no Don't Take Rides From Strangers - Pt. 3 Pastor Kyle Curran <p>Thanks for doing us again! We have Kyle Curran, our youth pastor, bringing a message of staying alert, and letting go of past hurts, trauma, and actions that cause us to live in the vicious cycles we can so easily find ourselves in. If we are not careful, the decision to follow into darkness can become second nature to us and ultimately become OUR nature. Enjoy this week, and be praying with us!</p> <p>Thanks for doing us again! We have Kyle Curran, our youth pastor, bringing a message of staying alert, and letting go of past hurts, trauma, and actions that cause us to live in the vicious cycles we can so easily find ourselves in. If we are not careful, the decision to follow into darkness can become second nature to us and ultimately become OUR nature. Enjoy this week, and be praying with us!</p> Thanks for doing us again! We have Kyle Curran, our youth pastor, bringing a message of staying alert, and letting go of past hurts, trauma, and actions that cause us to live in the vicious cycles we can so easily find ourselves in. If we are not careful, the decision to follow into darkness can become second nature to us and ultimately become OUR nature. Enjoy this week, and be praying with us!

]]> 2686 560 efa9e5e90f178ac25c695d588435615a no The Future Belongs to Bold Believers Pastor Denny Curran <p>The most important day of the harvest is the day you choose the seed. <br><br>“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)<br><br>The Parable of the Bags of Gold - <br><br>“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ - Matthew 25:14 - 30 (NIV)<br><br>Faith does not maintain, faith multiplies!</p> <p>The most important day of the harvest is the day you choose the seed. <br><br>“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)<br><br>The Parable of the Bags of Gold - <br><br>“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ - Matthew 25:14 - 30 (NIV)<br><br>Faith does not maintain, faith multiplies!</p> The most important day of the harvest is the day you choose the seed.

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.” - 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NLT)

The Parable of the Bags of Gold -

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ - Matthew 25:14 - 30 (NIV)

Faith does not maintain, faith multiplies!

]]> 3194 561 29f483f216e9bbff83bf6cbf1a7e0a03 no This House (Part 2) Pastor Denny Curran <p>Part 1 Recap - <br>“Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessing, will be saturated with favor.” -Proverbs 11:25 (Passion)<br><br>1. This House Is Anointed<br>2. This House Is About Others<br>3. This House Needs Your House<br><br>Now What?<br><br>4. This house is where miracles happen.<br><br>"Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a little oil.” -2 Kings 4:2 (NIV)<br><br>“Do not despise the days of small beginnings” -Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)<br><br>"Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting the jars aside as they are filled.” -2 Kings 4:4 (NLT)<br><br>"She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring." - 2 Kings 4:5 (NIV)<br><br>- It’s in the House of God where we see multiplication - where miracles happen. It’s where God uses your little or just enough. <br><br>"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!" -Malachi 3:10 (NLT)<br><br>"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness," -2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV)<br><br>"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)<br><br>5. This house will be a house of overflow.<br><br>"When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and there will be enough money left over to support you and your sons.” -2 Kings 4:7 (NLT)<br><br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>Don’t turn your back on God before your miracle is complete.</p> <p>Part 1 Recap - <br>“Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessing, will be saturated with favor.” -Proverbs 11:25 (Passion)<br><br>1. This House Is Anointed<br>2. This House Is About Others<br>3. This House Needs Your House<br><br>Now What?<br><br>4. This house is where miracles happen.<br><br>"Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a little oil.” -2 Kings 4:2 (NIV)<br><br>“Do not despise the days of small beginnings” -Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)<br><br>"Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting the jars aside as they are filled.” -2 Kings 4:4 (NLT)<br><br>"She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring." - 2 Kings 4:5 (NIV)<br><br>- It’s in the House of God where we see multiplication - where miracles happen. It’s where God uses your little or just enough. <br><br>"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!" -Malachi 3:10 (NLT)<br><br>"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness," -2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV)<br><br>"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)<br><br>5. This house will be a house of overflow.<br><br>"When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and there will be enough money left over to support you and your sons.” -2 Kings 4:7 (NLT)<br><br>"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)<br><br>Don’t turn your back on God before your miracle is complete.</p> Part 1 Recap -
“Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessing, will be saturated with favor.” -Proverbs 11:25 (Passion)

1. This House Is Anointed
2. This House Is About Others
3. This House Needs Your House

Now What?

4. This house is where miracles happen.

"Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?”“Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a little oil.” -2 Kings 4:2 (NIV)

“Do not despise the days of small beginnings” -Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

"Then go into your house with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour olive oil from your flask into the jars, setting the jars aside as they are filled.” -2 Kings 4:4 (NLT)

"She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring." - 2 Kings 4:5 (NIV)

- It’s in the House of God where we see multiplication - where miracles happen. It’s where God uses your little or just enough.

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the LORD Almighty, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Let me prove it to you!" -Malachi 3:10 (NLT)

"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness," -2 Corinthians 9:10 (NKJV)

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." - 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

5. This house will be a house of overflow.

"When she told the man of God what had happened, he said to her, “Now sell the olive oil and pay your debts, and there will be enough money left over to support you and your sons.” -2 Kings 4:7 (NLT)

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us," -Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Don’t turn your back on God before your miracle is complete.

]]> 2764 562 0b68d385818d3d45f2123671d8ff0fd5 no