A SAFE CHURCH. STRIVES TO KEEP THE MEMBERS HAPPY. AVOIDS CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES. REMAINS CAUTIOUS.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...’ With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:38-41RiverTown Church is a safe place with a dangerous mission.RiverTown’s Mission: To transform lives into the likeness of Jesus Christ.RiverTown’s Life Transformation strategy-path-journey: God Matters… when my schedule and lifestyle reflect that God is my top priority. People Matter… when I admit that I need regular fellowship to grow spiritually.  You Matter… when I volunteer to show and share God’s message of love.What Makes A Church Dangerous?1) AN UNCIVILIZED APPROACH.In those days John the Baptist came, preaching… ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near…’ John&apos;s clothes were made of camel&apos;s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him…Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:1-6Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and… said to them, &apos;My house will be called a house of prayer,&apos; but you are making it a den of robbers.&apos; Matthew 21:12-13When was the last time you had an uncivilized experience with God?2) A DIVINE BOLDNESS.Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:29-30After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31-35When was the last time you took a bold stand for Christ?3) A RISK-TAKING FAITHAnd without faith it is impossible to please God… Hebrews 11:6For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25 When was the last time you took a faith-risk?RiverTown’s End-Vision of Community Transformation:Revealing God’s love and transforming power to the whole metro region.Inviting our friends, neighbors and families to experience real faith for real life.Valuing the contribution of every person.Engaging the needs of others while expecting nothing in return.Reproducing disciples through an intentional life transformation process.Together, building a base of ministry with the needs of the community in mind.Overcoming obstacles to reveal the powerful potential God has placed in our lives.  Winning the battle for our nation’s cities by sending out trained church planting missionaries.  Never missing an opportunity to become more like Jesus Christ.  So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul - men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15:25-27

Rivertown Church Podcast

A DANGEROUS CHURCH. Pastor David Rathel. 8.1.2021

It’s Not Only The King…  WHAT’S YOUR DEEPEST HOPE?IT’S IN YOU!Your Greatest Potential In Life Lies In Your Greatest Hope.How Do I Live It Out?1. Dig It Out.           2. Work It Out.           3. Call It Out. DIG IT OUT 1 Kings 19:19 “So he [Elijah] departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, while he was plowing with twelve pairs of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. And Elijah passed over to him and threw his mantle on him."Most Of Your Potential Is Still Buried.Under Layers Of Painful Experiences We Don’t Want To Re-Live.Move Toward - FantasyMove Away - Fear Move Against - AngerCALLING Propel CAREER Prophetic Ministry – Shake Foundations Nation.Elisha Never Saw It Coming… Potential Is UNPREDICTABLE!You Have NO IDEA…IN YOU!Don’t SELL Yourself SHORT… SEASON Of Your LIFE!NEIGHBOR: “There’s More In You!”WORK IT OUT Philippians 2:12, 13 ...work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.Elisha Was In The Field… Working It Out!  NO IDEA… God SEES In You! YOU DON’T SEE It In Yourself.UNLIMITED GOD Lives INSIDE YOU. You Are MADE In HIS IMAGE ~ For HIS GLORY.  NO IDEA...Might BE...DO - GOD USE YOU! BUT,You’ll Never Work It If You Don’t Want It.It’s Time To Wake Up Your Want To.Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.We Need A THEOLOGY Of HOLY DESIRE!St. Francis, “Love God And Do What You Want.”John Piper, “GOD is Most GLORIFIED In You When You Are Most SATISFIED In Him.”ILLUS. Johnathan Moore ~ Tony Evans ILLUS. Dad & Dentist!  Payoff!“I’M WORKIN’ IT OUT. YOU MIGHT NOT SEE IT NOW.”“IT’S NOT OVER. I’M WORKIN’ IT.”“MY PAYDAY IS COMING!”CALL IT OUT Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Illus. Lazarus… President KennedyEcclesiastes 9:11 The race doesn&apos;t go to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor food to the wise, nor wealth to the smart, nor recognition to the skilled. Instead, timing and circumstances meet them all.WHY YOU?  WHY NOT YOU?  CALL IT OUT!You’re Crazy If You DON’T Talk To Yourself.Truth: You Already Do. Most Us Like Jerem.   Jeremiah 1:7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am [only] a young man, ’Because everywhere I send you, you shall go, And whatever I command you, you shall speak.Deepest Hope, Deepest Fear: A CHOICE!⟰ DIGing, WORKing, NOT UNTIL CALL!NEIGHBOR… “You have no idea who you are sitting next to!”FAITH IS… Go Hard, Make InvestmentTrust God…Return➛Source HE Chooses.How Many Arrows?  ALLLL  FAITH - Strike Ground Every Arrow IN YOU.2 Kings 13:14-19

IT’S IN YOU.… The Power Of Potential. Pastor David Rathel. 7.25.2021

THE PURPOSE OF STORMSYOUR STORM HAS A PURPOSEActs 23:11 But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, “Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” In The Storm... Acts 27:20-26 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.  21After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.” 27On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. I. To Take You Where God Wants You To Go Acts 28:1, 2  Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2The islanders showed us unusual kindness. Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?  PURPOSE  Until The Entire Of Your Life Purpose Is About Jesus, None Of Your Storms Will Make Sense.   It Matters What You Call It! II. To Give You Favor You Don’t Deserve —  “Favor ... Isn’t ... Fair”    Acts 28:5,6,7  But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. 7There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. Secret of God’s Favor… Remember:  W.Y.S.I.W.Y.G. Favor is Experiencing An Event Through God’s Eyes! HOW? 1. Obedience Through The Storm   +++     2. God’s Kingdom Purpose = DIVINE FAVOR   III. To Show You What God Can Do Acts 28:8,9,10 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.            Acts 28:28, 30, 31 "Therefore I want you to know that God&apos;s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!"  30For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.  - TIMING  -  All you have to do is….. Wait Your Turn!    - YOUR STORM IS YOUR KEY…  IT HAS A PURPOSE!!! KINGDOM!!     - BUT, GOD’s PURPOSE… SALVATION REDEMPTION…!   

The Purpose of Storms. Pastor David Rathel. 07.18.2021

Storm PeacePhilippians 4:6-7 (NLT) 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB) 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Lasting Peace Is Found In Nearness To GodActs 22-28God almost never works things out the way I plan them. There is almost always pain. And, it always works out far better, and radically different than I could have imagined. We are not protected from Storms, We are protected IN Storms. And The Peace Of God     Peace is a prevailing sense of quietness and rest in a person’s heart and emotions. You must have Peace WITH God, to have the peace OF God.           John 14:27  “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.   Which Surpasses All Comprehension,           Barnes -- Surpasses all can conceived or imagined…the highest possible kind.           VWS: which surpasses every (human) reason, in its power to relieve anxiety… Definition: to excel, to be superior, to surpass, better than.   God marks across some of our days, “Will explain later.” - Vance Havner Will Guard Your Hearts And Your Minds Definition: to prevent hostile invasion.   2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in  every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!   In Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:15  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.   This is WHERE we are guarded securely. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Colossians 3:15

Storm Peace - Pastor David Rathel - July 11, 2021

 American Dreams-Pastor David Rathel. 07.04.20216’s - PRIVILEGE. PRESTIGE. POSSESSIONS. PROTECTION. PEACE. POWER. | My American Citizenship Is A Stewardship. It Is Temporary. And, I Am Accountable.Daniel  Chapter 4 and 5  First Word: MENE - Your Days Are Numbered!Daniel 5:26 NIV - Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. “King Belshazzar, your days are numbered.” Second Word: TEKEL - You Are Accountable!Daniel 5:27 NIV - Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.Third Word: PERES - Your Position Is Temporary!Daniel 5:28 NIV - Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” My American Citizenship Is A Stewardship. It Is Temporary. And, I Am Accountable.To Our Political Leaders, But Also To Us. 1 – Stewardship.     You Didn’t Earn It.  You Did Nothing To Deserve It.  It’s A Gift From God… Bought In Other People’s Blood!    2 – Temporary.         It Only Lasts As Long As You Do.  The Moment You Take Your Last Breath, It Will Be Over.3 – Accountable.     Coveted Worldwide: PRIVILEGE. PRESTIGE. POSSESSIONS. PROTECTION. PEACE. POWER.We Are Accountable Because: The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. The Best Gift We Can Give Her On Her Birthday In The Year 2021 Is To Believe In Her.Speak And Live In A Hopeful Way About America’s Future. God Is In Control No Matter What You See. Pray - And Believe Your Prayers Are Working. Believe And Speak That Your Descendants Will Thrive In Future Generations. Disagree On Biblical Morals, Standards, And Values Without Assigning Negative Labels - They’re People. The Devil Is Not Going To Win In The End Anyway. One Person Can Make A Difference.The Most High God Is Sovereign! “Your Life Is A Stewardship. It Is Temporary. And, You Are Accountable!” 

American Dreams-Pastor David Rathel. 07.04.2021

FIGHT BACK: The Weapon of Praise  WORSHIP IS OUR OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF OUR INWARD UNDERSTANDING OF WHO GOD IS.SACRIFICE SURRENDER   PRAYER  PRAISE-outward Praise is the weapon that EVERYONE SHOULD SEE!!!    I. What is Praise?  Genesis 1:  In the beginning God created….31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.  GENESIS 1:31 GOD WAS ADMIRING HIS PERFECT CREATION:What is Praise?-to express warm approval or admiration of-to recognize something of worthWhy Do We Praise?Isaiah 43:21 the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.Revelation 1:8 AMP  8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].”What Does Praise Do? 1. Praise Allows Us to Experience God’s Glory.What is Glory? "heaviness" or "weight" ideas of importance, greatness, honor, splendor, power.2 Chronicles 5: 13-14  Solomon’s Temple1. Dedication of Solomon’s Temple:“It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD;So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God” (II Chronicles 5:13-14).  Praise Allows Us to Experience God’s Glory.______________________________________________Praise allows us to Experience God’s FREEDOM Acts 16: 25-26  Paul and Silas3. Paul and Silas Experiences Victory in Prison:“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed” (Acts 16:25-26).Paul and Silas had been cast into prison for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of moaning and groaning, they got their minds off themselves, and begin to sing praises unto their God. God sent a spiritual (and physical) earthquake. Because of this move of the Holy Spirit, Paul baptized the jailor and his household. (Acts 16:27-33)PHIL 4:8  Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, anything praiseworthy…DWELL ON THESE THINGS!!Praise allows us to Experience God’s FREEDOM______________________________________________Praise Allows Us to Experience God’s VICTORY.2 Chronicles 20: 1-24   Judah’s Victory“Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord” 2 Chronicles 20:3They fasted and prayed, sacrifice, surrender, prayer…..The Lord Answers Their {Prayers: 2 Chron 20: 15-17The Priests Praises: 2 Chron 20: 21-22Praise Allows Us to Experience God’s VICTORY_____________________________________________________PRAISE ALLOWS US TO EXPERIENCE GOD!

Fight Back: The Weapon of Praise. Creative Arts Director Jen Mozley. 06.27.2021

Weapons of Worship: PrayerWorship Is An Outward Expression Of My Inward Understanding Of Who God IsPrayer brings God’s Power to Our Lives“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them and said to them ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27&28 ESV“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him”Matthew 6:8 ESV“Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like the grain of a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain ‘move from here to there’, and it will move and nothing will be impossible for you.”Matthew 17:20 ESVPrayer brings God’s Power to Our Lives“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”Matthew 6:9&10 ESVPrayer brings God’s Power to Our Lives

Weapons of Worship: Prayer. Fight Back Series. Part 3. Pastor Mat Cotner. 6.20.2021

Fight BackWeapons of Worship: SurrenderWorship Is An Outward Expression Of My Inward Understanding Of Who God IsSecond Weapon of Worship: SurrenderWorship Is An Outward Expression Of My Inward Understanding Of Who God Is“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 ESV“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”Jeremiah 29:11 ESV“For we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” Hebrews 13:14 ESV“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”Luke 9:23 ESV

Weapons of Worship: Surrender -Fight Back Series Part 2. Pastor Mathew Cotner. 6.13.2021

Fight BackWeapons of Worship: SacrificeWorship Is An Outward Expression Of My Inward Understanding Of Who God IsFalse Motivation is Better Than No MotivationFirst Weapon of Worship: SacrificeSo Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.Hebrews 13:12-16Worship Is An Outward Expression Of My Inward Understanding Of Who God Is

Weapons of Worship: Sacrifice -Fight Back Series Part 1. Pastor Mathew Cotner

PARACLETE John 14:12-16PARACLETE: One Called Alongside Another.  26But the (Paracletos), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.26 But the (Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Helper — Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.John 16:7  "I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."“COMFORTER”Merriam Webster Dictionary 1: a thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth containing a filling.  2: a long narrow usually knitted neck scarf.  3: one that gives comfort. 4: HOLY SPIRIT“COUNSELOR”Gives Direction, Listens To Everything, Doesn’t Judge Anything, Keeps Your Secrets, A Place To Put All The Trash Of Life.   “ADVOCATE”Merriam Webster: One who defends, pleads the case, or supports the interests of another.  1 John 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.“HELPER”I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13vs. 16  I will ask the Father, and He will give you (allos paracletos), that He may be with you forever;   Allos: Another identical to the First.vs. 17  He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:17PARACLETE: What Jesus was to them in the flesh, Jesus is to us in the Spirit – and more! He is:Our Strength in weaknessOur Peace in troubleOur Wisdom in darknessOur Guide in confusionOur Righteousness in our sinOur Victory in temptationThe Place to lay our headsThe Love that bathes our heartsJesus goes on to give us one more way to understand the Holy Spirit as paraclete."I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)“Be filled with the Spirit”  Ephesians 5:18  There Is A Difference!1.  DESIRE to be filled.       2.REPENT  of your sins.    3.YIELD yourself to God.    4.  TRUST God to do what He saysHow do I know if it worked?“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23 “Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God?  You do not belong to yourselves but to God; He bought you for a price.  So use your bodies for God’s glory.”  1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (TEV) 

PARACLETE -Holy Spirit Series. Part 3. Pastor David Rathel. 5.30.2021

WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT ENTERS YOU HE BRINGS NEW BIRTHJohn 3:5-6HE LIVES WITHIN YOUDo you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 1 Corinthians 6:19HE HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE1 Corinthians 2:9, 13Jer. 29:11…. 14.  ”I will be found by you...gather from Nations… And I will bring you back from exile.” HE ENABLES YOU TO PRAY IN THE SPIRIT   Jude 1:20Romans 8:26He Is Your Prayer Partner.  Jesus – “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”       2.  He Intercedes For You.         3.  He Speaks And Gives Guidance.   HE GIFTS YOU WITH SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES The Holy Spirit is God And He Is A Real Person.  “He” Not “It”Romans 8:27 (NIV) He Has A Will. “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all… It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.” 1 Corinthians 12:4,11 (NLT) He Has Emotions. “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God….” Ephesians 4:30 (NIV) “…the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)SPIRITUAL GIFTS: Literally - The Spirituals, Spiritual Gifts. Thoughts, opinions, precepts, ascribable to the Holy Spirit working in the soul. Effects produced by the sole power of God himself without natural instrumentality.  (Gateway Personally Word, Prayer, Worship)  Motivational Gifts: “ . . . Different kinds of gifts . . .”(I Corinthians 12:4). How God works in a believer to shape his perspective on life and motivate his words and actions. (See Romans 12:3–8.)7 Motivational Gifts: Mercy, Serving, Giving, Administration, Exhortation, Teaching, ProphecyMinistry Gifts: “ . . . Different kinds of service . . .”(I Corinthians 12:5). How God works with what a believer does to serve and meet the needs of others. (See Ephesians 4:11–13 and I Corinthians 12:27–31.)5 Offices Of Ministry: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher. Manifestation Gifts: “...Different kinds of working…” (I Corinthians 12:6). How God works through a believer in a given situation to demonstrate His supernatural power. (See I Corinthians 12:7–11.)9 Manifestation Gifts: Knowledge, Wisdom, Prophecy, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Discerning Spirits, Tongues, Interpreting Tongues.  Ephesians 5:18-20 

WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT ENTERS YOU. Holy Spirit Series - Part 2. Pastor David Rathel. 5.23.2021

It Would Take A Miracle!When The Invisible Hand Of God Becomes Visible. John 14:12Miracles Are Gifts That Grow Faith, Glorify God, And Preach The Gospel.The Apostle Peter Spoke Life Into Limp Legs. Acts 3:6-8Stephen Described Heaven And Forgave His Murderers. Acts 7:80Philip’s Body Was Miraculously Transported.  Acts 8:26-40Ananias Prayed Away The Scales From Saul’s Eyes.Acts 9:17-18The Apostle Paul Raised A Sermon Sleeper From The Dead And Shook Off A Poisonous Snake.Acts 20:9-10Acts 28:3-5The Purpose Of A Miracle Is To Gift Me With Power Over Sin And Power To Minister.Acts 1:8John 14:8, 14HOW TO GET SET UP FOR A MIRACLE: #1. Demonstrate Jesus’s Power By Injecting God’s Love Into Dark And Hardened Places.  #2. Tackle, Or be Tackled By, Whatever Evil Problem Shows Up.#3. Get Into A Desperate Situation. Make Sure Your Back Is Against The Wall And There’s No Way Out Unless God Shows Up.#4. Use Up All Your Own Resources, Personal Strength, And Every Answer You Know.  #5. Notice That Some Strange New Thing, Idea, Plan, Or Person Has Shown Up.  At First, You Don’t Think It’s From God.  #6. Hope That God Is At Work, But Search The Scriptures And Ask Questions To Test The New Supernatural Possibility.   #7. Thoughts Like, “I Shouldn’t Do This.”  “Oh No, This Will Never Work.”  “Now I Can’t Stop It.”  Bring Out Your Fears.    #8. Circumstances Start Changing Without Your Help, Or Control. You Begin To Let Go And Trust That This Is God At Work.  #9. Some People Resist And Others Join In. You Are Surprised By Both Groups.   #10. It’s Impossible To Explain Or Take Credit. Continual Demonstrations Of Supernatural Power, Love, And Glory Keep Coming From God And Go Back To God. Miracles are Gifts… Words, Resources, Healings, God Wants For Us… But Not FOR Us… Aimed At G God... Faith... Gospel...Miracles Are Gifts That Glorify God, Grow Faith, And Preach The Gospel GOD WANTS US TO EXPECT MIRACLES TO CONFIRM GOD MAKES MIRACLES FOR THE PURPOSETHE PURPOSE OF MIRACLES IS TO GIVE US POWER OVER SIN AND POWER TO MINISTER!

It Would Take A Miracle! When The Invisible Hand Of God Becomes Visible. Holy Spirit Series. Part 1. Pastor David Rathel. 5.16.2021

MOSES: It&apos;s Never Too LateActs 7:23-29 (NLT) Acts 7:30 (NLT)Exodus 3:1-2 (NLT)A BURNING BUSH:IN THE MIDST OF THE ROUTINEWHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT ITYOU ARE SURPRISED BY GOD’S INVITATION“When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ ‘Here I am!’ Moses replied.  ‘Do not come any closer,’ the LORD warned. ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.’”  Exodus 3:4-5 (NLT)4 QUESTIONS WHEN GOD TURNS SETBACKS INTO COMEBACKS:WHO AM I?“But Moses protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?’  God answered, ‘I will be with you.’”  Exodus 3:11-12 (NLT) GOD’S ANSWER:  I WILL BE WITH YOU2 Cor. 3:5 “Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything that’s coming from ourselves but our adequacy is from God.”      2.  WHO ARE YOU?“But Moses protested, ‘If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ they will ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what should I tell them?’  God replied to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.’”Exodus 3:13-14 (NLT)GOD’S ANSWER:  I AMI AM Your Provider… “JEHOVAH JIREH”I AM Your Victory… “JEHOVAH NISSI”I AM Your Peace… “JEHOVAH SHALOM”I AM Always There… “JEHOVAH SHAMAH”     3.  WHAT ABOUT THEM?“But Moses protested again, ‘What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The LORD never appeared to you’?’  Then the LORD asked him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A shepherd’s staff,’ Moses replied.”  Exodus 4:1-2 (NLT)GOD’S ANSWER:  WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND?Ex. 4:3-4 “Throw it on the ground,’ the Lord told him. Moses threw down the staff and it turned into a snake.”  “Moses jumped back and then the Lord told him, ‘Reach out and grab it’s tail. Moses reached down and he grabbed it and it turned back into a shepherd’s staff in his hand.”      4.  HOW ABOUT THIS!?“But Moses pleaded with the LORD, ‘O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.’  Then the LORD asked Moses, ‘Who makes a person’s mouth?’”  Exodus 4:10-11 (NLT) GOD’S ANSWER:  I’M IN CONTROL“He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)“He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and so kept right on going.” Hebrews 11:27 (MSG)

MOSES: It's Never Too Late. IT’S NOT OVER Series. Part 5. Pastor David Rathel. 5.9.2021

NOAH: WHEN NO ONE UNDERSTANDSLessons from Noah’s Life: Genesis 6-9Distractions. Doubts. Detours. DelaysFOUR CHOICES I MUST MAKE IN ORDER TO FULFILL GOD’S PURPOSE & PLAN FOR MY LIFEI MUST DARE TO BE DIFFERENT (FROM MY CULTURE)“This is the account of Noah and his descendants. Noah had God’s approval and was a man of integrity among the people of his time.”  Genesis 6:9a (GW) “Now the earth had become corrupt in God’s sight, and it was filled with violence. And God observed all the evil done in the world, and he noticed cruelty and depravity everywhere.”  Genesis 6:11-12 “When God saw the extent of human wickedness, and that the trend and direction of men’s lives were only towards evil, he was sorry he had made them. It broke his heart.”  Genesis 6:5-6 (LB)Jesus said, “When the Son of Man comes again, it will be just like it was when Noah lived.”  Luke 17:26 (NCV) “But Noah was different. God liked what he saw in Noah.”  Genesis 6:8 (MSG)“Noah was a pleasure to the Lord.” (LB)                  2.  I MUST LISTEN TO GOD, NOT THE VOICES OF DOUBT“It was by faith that Noah HEARD God’s warnings about things he could not yet see.”  Hebrews 11:7a (NCV)“Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1  2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) “Noah’s belief in God was in direct contrast to the disbelief of the rest of the world…”  Hebrews 11:7b (LB)“Noah walked with God.”  Genesis 6:9c (NIV) “Noah enjoyed a close relationship with God.” (NLT)“Noah lived in fellowship with God.”  (TEV)Genesis 6:17-18 (CEV)         3.  I MUST DO EXACTLY WHAT GOD TELLS ME TO DO“Noah obeyed God and built a large boat to save his family.”  Hebrews 11:7a Genesis 6:14-22 (NLT) Genesis 7:1-5 “Noah consistently followed God’s will.”  Genesis 6:9 (NLT) “Noah always tried to conduct his affairs according to God’s will.” (LB)      4.  I MUST NEVER GIVE UP ON THE DREAM GOD GIVES ME“Noah TRUSTED God. When he heard God’s warning about the future, Noah BELIEVED him even though there was no sign of a flood.”  Hebrews11:7a (LB)“…By his faith, Noah showed that the world was wrong, and he became one of those who are made right with God through FAITH.”  Hebrews 11:7b (NCV) “Noah found GRACE in the eyes of the Lord.”  Genesis 6:8 (KJV) 

NOAH: WHEN NO ONE UNDERSTANDS. IT’S NOT OVER Series. Part 4. Pastor David Rathel. 5.2.2021

JOSEPH: WHEN YOUR SETBACKS SET OTHERS FREEIT’S NOT OVER – Part 3  Genesis 37-50“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good”  Genesis 50:20Much of Joseph’s life included a series of painful setbacks from his dream to do great things with his life. But God used them to position Joseph for a spectacular comeback that saved 2 entire nations: Israel & Egypt1st SETBACK: GROWING UP IN A HOME WHERE HE WAS IGNORED AND MISTREATED BY HIS SIBLINGSGenesis 37:3-5 2nd SETBACK: BEING TOSSED INTO THE PIT OF REJECTIONGenesis 37:18-20Genesis 37:21-243rd SETBACK: BEING SOLD OUT FOR MONEYGenesis 37:26-284th SETBACK: LOSING HIS IDENTITYGenesis 37:31-35  5th SETBACK: FORCED TO TAKE A JOB HE DIDN’T WANT“Meanwhile, in Egypt, the traders sold Joseph to be a slave of Potiphar, a man who was an officer of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt.”  Genesis 37:366th SETBACK: BEING PUNISHED FOR DOING THE RIGHT THING Genesis 39:6b-19 7th SETBACK: BEING FORGOTTEN BY PEOPLE HE HELPEDGenesis 40:1-23Genesis 40:14-15, 23 WHAT MADE JOSEPH SO RESILIENT?HE DEPENDED ON GOD’S PRESENCE NO MATTER WHERE HE WASIN THE PITActs 7:9 Genesis 39:1-2  AT POTIPHAR’S Genesis 39:3-5IN PRISONGenesis 39:20-22“The jailer did not have to worry about anything for which Joseph was responsible, because THE LORD WAS WITH JOSEPH and whatever he did, was blessed. God made him succeed in everything he did.”  Genesis 39:23 HE DEPENDED ON GOD’S PLAN & PROMISE NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TOOKGenesis 50:19-20 HE DEPENDED ON GOD’S HELP IN EVERY CHALLENGEGenesis 41:15-16Genesis 41:39-44 

JOSEPH: WHEN YOUR SETBACKS SET OTHERS FREE - IT’S NOT OVER Series. Part 3. Pastor David Rathel. 4.25.2021

About 2000 years ago Jesus came into the picture and was a little disappointed with the ideas and attitudes of religious people. The idea that putting on a good front was more important that a relationship with God; the idea that maintaining laws and rules were more important than trusting in God for guidance; the attitude that church wasn’t for everyone, just a select few.Jesus saw things differently. He enjoyed people; got to know them on a personal level in spite of their many flaws. He still loved them, healed them, and even died for them. Some things never change. So you see, we’re trying to be the church that He promoted. Something more than rules and regulations. At our core, we’re about relationships. A relationship with God and relationships with people, everyday people, just like us and just like you! Pastor David Rathel

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