Dear RiverTown Family,

Today in my weekly email and blog, I’m simply sharing the scriptures and notes God has given me for Sunday.  I think they speak for themselves.  I know that many of you go through times when you experience intense spiritual attack in your walk with God.  The most important thing you can do is recognize that the problem you are experiencing is really spiritual warfare from Satan.  This change in perspective makes all the difference in the way you respond to the people and problems you face. Then you will learn the simple prayer, “Lord, is it warfare? Teach me to stand!”

I love you my precious church family and I am looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday.  

All for Jesus,

Pastor David Rathel

DON’T HOLD BACK… IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE!

Sunday, January 26th  

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.  Ephesians 6:10-12

WHAT DOES THE DEVIL DO?

• HE BLINDS THE MINDS OF UNBELIEVERS.   The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers…  2 Corinthians 4:4

• HE STEALS GOD’S WORD FROM YOU.   When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.  Matthew 13:19

• HE SETS TRAPS TO ENSNARE YOU.  …and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.   2 Timothy 2:26

• HE FIGHTS TO STOP YOU.   For we wanted to come to you-certainly I, Paul, did, again and again-but Satan stopped us.  1 Thessalonians 2:18

• HE PLANS TO DESTROY YOU.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8

WHAT CAN I DO? 

PRAY GOD’S WORD AND WILL UNDER SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY WITH A HUMBLE HEART!  

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  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 saints.  Ephesians 6:13, 18

1 Peter 5:1-11 (NASB)

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders;

and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion,seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

REMEMBER… YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN YOUR BATTLES.

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, 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, “O LORD, open his eyes so 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.  2 Kings 6:15-17

REMEMBER… WE DO NOT FIGHT FOR VICTORY. WE FIGHT FROM VICTORY.

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Hallelujah and Praise Jesus!

I thank God with all my heart for such an powerful start to the new year with our RiverTown family.  This past Sunday morning felt like God was giving us all a real power punch of conviction from His Holy Spirit through the message “Pulling Punches”.

Check It Out Here:  

Or On Our iTunes Audio Podcast Here: http://rivertownchurch.buzzsprout.com 

I was in awe of how God’s spirit drew in our members and all the newcomers to follow Christ in the new year.  My great prayer for you all is that as you focus on Christ in the beginning of 2014 that you are empowered to be faithful to him through the end of the year.  It always convicts my heart and motivates my body to remember: “The Faithful Follow-Through!”

This Sunday morning God has led me specifically to teach more about the true nature of “The Gospel” as the center-point of our lives.  I have seen that in our community it is too easy to go to church on Sunday, work hard to live a good life, but slowly drift away from the life of true satisfaction found only in the Gospel.  

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” 

Simply put, the power of the Christian life comes from a life committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Gospel is God’s one and only plan for us and He always infuses power into the lives of people who are daring enough to stake their entire lives on it!  

Luke 15 tells the story of a Father and two sons.  We usually think of the younger son as the story’s only rebellious prodigal because of his typical sinful lifestyle.  The truth is that both sons were prodigals.  Both of them wanted only what the Father could give them instead of the Father himself!  

They both turned away from the power of the Father’s love and presence as their true inheritance.   This Sunday you and I will come face to face with the two brothers in this story and see how their hearts expose our hearts.  The true Gospel is a message of coming home to a Father who fills your heart with his love, presence, and power to such an extreme degree that you NEVER want to leave home again!   

All For Jesus,  

Pastor David Rathel

P.S.  – Last Wednesday night’s GROW was attended by 40 adults!  We had to keep adding more chairs and printing more teaching booklets. These sessions will help you understand your S.H.A.P.E. – Spiritual Gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences!  God has a SHAPE for your life and your ministry to others.  These GROW sessions will help us all get prepared for the launch of our HOME TEAMS semester on February 2nd.  The healthy snack competition was a huge hit as well.  “O taste and see that the Lord is good!”  Psalm 34:8    

Don’t Hold Back! Message Series, January & February 2014

Do you feel that success in some areas of life is out of your reach? Whether it’s your health, finances, relationships, or spiritual walk. It’s possible to come to the place in life where you only feel comfortable doing what you’re already good at. Without realizing it, you’re holding back areas of your life by idolizing what you do well.

In January Pastor David will challenge us to make breakthroughs physically financially, relationally, and spiritually. Get ready to break out of the rut.  [divider]

S.T.A.R.T. 2014 – January 5th

A match is small, weak, and easily broken.  But it is powerful – or even dangerous – when used by the right hands!  Place your 2014 potential, like a match, in God’s hands this Sunday.  This message is a match of motivation for your 2014 fire-starting potential.  Get ready for His hand to strike your life on fire so you can burn and set ablaze the world you live in!

“The Lord says, `Forget about what has happened before. Do not think about the past. [Instead] look at the new thing I am going to do.’”  Isaiah 43:18-19 (NCV) 

Fully Charged Christmas Story!

“A RiverTown Christmas Story (Video) As Told by The People On The Street.”

The Christmas Story is Charged With The Power To Transform MY Story!

A Pregnant Virgin – Luke 1:26-31  In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”  29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  (NASB)

A Marriage Saved – Matthew 1:20  But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

The Lowliest Lifted – Luke 2:8-10  “In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night.9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.” (NASB)

Good News For The Poor, Sick, And Oppressed – Luke 4:17-19 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.  He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, 19 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”  (NASB)

A Lifelong Dream Fulfilled – Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  (NASB)

Gifts Of Hope – Matthew 2:11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (NASB)

My Child Protected – Matthew 2:13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” (NASB)

An Escape From Danger – Matthew 2:14-15 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” (NASB)

A Rejection Overcome –  John 1:11  He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.  John 7:5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him. (NASB)

A Forever Kingdom – Luke 1:32-33  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (NASB)

God Is With Us – She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” (NASB)   

“Merry Christmas Kirby!” (Video) Shown At The End of Message after Invitation.

 MARY – “The Spirit-Filled, Fully-Charged, Mother Of Christ!”

What should have been her greatest tragedy became her greatest glory.  She was a teen mother with no husband.  She faced the task of explaining to everyone who had ever known her, including her parents and fiance’, that she was pregnant and still a virgin.  Oh, and the only thing she had to go on was the appearance of an Angel that only she could see.  

She could have easily felt drained, dis-heartened, disillusioned, defeated, distorted, devastated and doubtful.   But not Mary!   She had been touched and filled with God’s Spirit as she carried God’s Son.  She was fully charged and ready for the the radical and risky journey ahead.  

There’s the secret.  She was most powerful when she was most vulnerable.  She was the strongest when she was the weakest.  She was fully filled when she had the reason to be most empty.

Mary Was Filled With God’s Spirit As She Embraced The Danger And Risk Of God’s Calling On Her Life.  

This Sunday’s message will show you how to unlock the secret of the spirit-filled life.  Trust me, you’re going to need this one for your Holiday season.  

Check Out My Full Sermon Outline For This Sunday HERE.

The Worship and Testimonies from THANKSGIVING SUNDAY last week were truly amazing.  Here is the 11am service below.  Check back on my YouTube Channel soon for the testimonies from last week’s 9:30am service.   

All For Jesus,

Pastor David Rathel

P.S. Christmas Eve, December 24th, is coming soon.  This year will be a really special occasion to invite family and friends.  One of my closest friends in the world will be opening God’s word and his voice at RiverTown.  The Johnathan and Lisa Moore Band will be our special guests for Christmas Eve Worship at 7pm.  If you’ve never heard them, then you’re in for an incredible night of wonder and joyful worship.  As always, the sharing of candlelight and communion will part of the evening.   

 The “Grrr…Attitude” Of Elijah. 1 Kings 17-18

There’s no way for me to describe the feeling of preaching a message I believe is from God and seeing people actually “Get It.”  All I can say is WOW!   Last Sunday’s message was like taking a pill of truth and receiving God’s perfect cure.  The story of Samson in Judges 13-16 clearly taught us this principle of gratitude:  Stop waiting for what you want and start working with what you have.  

I have been asking God this week to show me exactly what you need to hear.  This Sunday the story of “Grrr…Attitude” moves on to the life of the prophet Elijah.  In 1 Kings 17-18 Elijah’s life gets turned upside down to show him, a poor widow, and eventually the whole nation one amazing principle of gratitude.      

Elijah’s Gratitude Principle:

If You Give God All You Have,

He’ll Give You All You Need!  

This video illustration will give you a preview of Sunday.  

I can’t wait to relive this amazing story of gratitude and God’s provision with you this Sunday Morning.  

All For Jesus,

Pastor David Rathel.