Riverdale Assembly Powerful faith resources: livestream, on-demand content, prayer requests, event calendar & giving giving https://RiverdaleAssembly.org Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:58:14 +0000 Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:58:14 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com THE MARK OF A MOTHER https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/10/the-mark-of-a-mother Sun, 10 May 2026 11:19:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/10/the-mark-of-a-mother

I. The Reality of “Only One Life” — Brevity

Scripture: Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

A. Life Is Brief

Our days are limited; wisdom begins with recognizing life’s shortness.
Mothers feel this deeply as seasons of childhood pass quickly.

B. A Mother’s Mark Is Made in Small Moments

Daily faithfulness
Quiet sacrifices
Hidden prayers
Unseen acts of love

C. Application

Encourage mothers:
Your “mark” is not one big moment—it’s the accumulation of thousands of small, faithful choices.

II. The Power of “What’s Done for Christ” — Eternity

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:5
Paul honors the sincere faith of Lois and Eunice.

A. Faith That Lives in a Family

Timothy’s spiritual foundation began with his mother and grandmother.
Their faith didn’t just teach—it lived in him.

B. A Mother’s Eternal Work

A mother leads her family toward Christ through:

Her character
Her prayers
Her teaching of Scripture

C. Application

Remind mothers:
Your influence is eternal. What you do for Christ in your home will outlast everything else.

III. The Promise That “It Will Last” — Legacy

Scripture: Proverbs 31:28
“Her children arise and call her blessed.”

A. Legacy Outlives Life

Worldly marks fade—wealth, status, achievements.
Spiritual influence continues for generations.

B. Seeds That Produce Eternal Fruit

A mother’s legacy is built through:

Values she instills
Faith she passes on
Love she embodies

C. Application

Encourage mothers:

Even when you don’t see immediate results, God sees every seed. Your labor in the Lord is never in vain.

Conclusion

You only get one life—make it count for Christ.
A mother’s influence is powerful, eternal, and honored by God.
Her mark is carved into the hearts of her children and the Kingdom of God.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/10/the-mark-of-a-mother#comments 0 The Limits of Evil https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/06/the-limits-of-evil Wed, 06 May 2026 19:48:34 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/06/the-limits-of-evil

INTRO

A queen murders an entire royal bloodline
Darkness sits on the throne
The promise of God looks erased

POINT 1: EVIL HAS AUTHORITY—BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY

2 Kings 11:1–3 (KJV)

“…Athaliah did reign over the land.” (v.3)

Six years… that’s all she gets.

Evil can rise
Evil can rule
Evil can intimidate

But evil cannot endure

“If it's not eternal, it's already expiring.”

POINT 2: EVIL WORKS PUBLICLY—BUT GOD PRESERVES PRIVATELY

2 Kings 11:2–3 (KJV)

While evil is ruling publicly…
God is working quietly behind the scenes

“Silence in your life does not mean absence—it means preparation.”

POINT 3: EVIL CAN OCCUPY A POSITION—BUT IT CANNOT POSSESS THE FUTURE

2 Kings 11:4–8 (KJV)

He didn’t become king…

He was always the king

POINT 4: EVIL CAN DELAY—BUT IT CANNOT DENY

2 Kings 11:17–20 (KJV)

Covenant restored
Idols destroyed
Order returned

“What evil delays, God delivers at the appointed time.”

POINT 5: EVIL WILL MISLABEL TRUTH WHEN IT LOSES CONTROL

2 Kings 11:13–14 (KJV)

The one who stole the throne…calls truth “treason”

FINAL DECLARATION

“Evil has limits… but God does not.”

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/06/the-limits-of-evil#comments 0 Now What? Join the Resurrection Mission https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/03/now-what-join-the-resurrection-mission Sun, 03 May 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/03/now-what-join-the-resurrection-mission

Resurrection Mission

Key Texts:

Matthew 28:18–20

John 20:21–22

Acts 2

Core Message:

The resurrection launches the church into mission. Jesus didn’t rise so we could sit — He rose so we could be sent.

I. The Great Commission Is Rooted in Resurrection Authority

Matthew 28:18–20

Jesus declares His resurrection authority before giving the mission
The risen Christ sends us with His power, not our own
The Great Commission is not optional — it is the command of the risen King

II. The Resurrection Turns Disciples From Fearful to Fearless

John 20:21–22

Before the resurrection: hiding behind locked doors 
After the resurrection: preaching in the streets 
Jesus breathes the Spirit on them — new courage, new purpose, new mission

III. Mission Is the Natural Overflow of Resurrection Life

John 20:21

“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you” 
Every believer is a missionary in their everyday world 
Mission is not an event — it is a lifestyle

IV. Evangelism Is a Lifestyle Shaped by Resurrection Hope

Acts 2 

The early church didn’t start a program — they lived the mission 
Resurrection hope produces boldness, generosity, and witness 
Evangelism is sharing what the resurrection has done in you

V. Practical Application: How to Join the Resurrection Mission

1. Identify One Person to Pray For and Reach Out To 

Ask God for one name 
Pray intentionally 
Take one step of love or conversation

2. Practice “Resurrection Hospitality” 

Open your home, table, schedule, and life 
Hospitality creates space for the gospel

3. Share Your Testimony as a Resurrection Story 

Your story is evidence of resurrection power 
Share how Jesus brought you from death to life

Conclusion

The resurrection is not the end — it is the beginning of the mission 
Jesus rose, Jesus reigns, and Jesus sends 
We were not saved to sit; we were saved to be sent 
He is risen — now join His mission

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/05/03/now-what-join-the-resurrection-mission#comments 0 Now What? Walk in Resurrection Power https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/19/now-what-walk-in-resurrection-power Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/19/now-what-walk-in-resurrection-power

Walk in Resurrection Power

Key Texts:

Acts 1:8

Ephesians 1:19–20

Philippians 3:10

Main Idea:

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead now empowers believers to live boldly, obediently, and supernaturally.

I. The Disciples Were Powerless Until the Resurrection Became Personal

Acts 1:8

Before the resurrection, the disciples were fearful, confused, and hiding.
After encountering the risen Christ, everything changed.
Their transformation wasn’t due to personality, education, or effort — it was resurrection power.
Many believers today live like “pre‑resurrection disciples,” believing in Jesus but walking without power.

II. Resurrection Power Fuels Courage, Obedience, and Spiritual Authority

Acts 1:8

Courage: Peter goes from denying Jesus to preaching boldly.
Obedience: The Spirit empowers believers to follow Jesus even when it’s costly.
Authority: Ephesians 1:19–20 — the same power that raised Jesus is at work in us.
We do not face temptation, calling, or spiritual battles alone.

III. You Don’t Need More Willpower — You Need Resurrection Power

Philippians 3:10

Paul didn’t ask for more discipline — he asked to know Christ’s resurrection power.
Willpower can change habits; resurrection power changes hearts.
Many Christians are exhausted because they’re trying to live a supernatural life with natural strength.
The Christian life is impossible without the power of Christ.

IV. The Spirit Is the Evidence That Resurrection Power Lives in Us

Acts 1:8

The empty tomb is the external evidence; the Holy Spirit is the internal evidence.
The Spirit empowers believers to do what they could never do alone:
Forgive
- Love
- Resist temptation
- Witness boldly
- Live holy
- Endure suffering
Without the Spirit, Christianity becomes a burden; with the Spirit, it becomes a life of power.

V. Practical Application: How to Walk in Resurrection Power

1. Identify Areas Where You’re Living in Your Own Strength

Where are you exhausted, frustrated, or stuck?
These areas reveal where you’re relying on willpower instead of God’s power.

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to Empower Your Weakness

Pray daily for the Spirit’s filling and strength.
God’s power flows where human strength ends.

3. Step Into Bold Obedience

Resurrection power is activated when you obey.
Examples: forgiveness, generosity, witness, holiness, serving, breaking old patterns.

Conclusion

The resurrection is not only Jesus’ victory — it is the believer’s power source.
You don’t have to live weak, stuck, or afraid.
The risen Christ offers His power through His Spirit.
He is risen — now walk in His power.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/19/now-what-walk-in-resurrection-power#comments 0 Now What? Living in Resurrection Identity https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/11/now-what-living-in-resurrection-identity Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:19:31 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/11/now-what-living-in-resurrection-identity

Living in Resurrection Identity

Key Texts:

Luke 24:1–12

Romans 6:4

2 Corinthians 5:17

Main Idea:

Because Jesus is risen, we no longer live as who we were — we live as who He has made us to be.

I. The Empty Tomb Redefines Who We Are

Luke 24:1–12
• The women came expecting death, decay, and the old story.

• The angel declares a new reality: “He is not here; He has risen.”

• The resurrection signals the end of the old identity and the beginning of a new one.

• God invites us to stop expecting the old life and start embracing the new.

II. We Are No Longer Defined by Sin, Shame, or the Old Life

2 Corinthians 5:17
• In Christ, we are a new creation — not improved but made new.

• Sin may describe our past struggles, but it no longer defines our identity.

• Shame loses its authority because the resurrection rewrites our story.

• Our past becomes a testimony, not a prison.

III. Resurrection Is Not Symbolic — It Is Transformational

Romans 6:4
• Resurrection is not a metaphor; it is spiritual power.

• We were buried with Christ and raised with Him into new life.

• Transformation is God’s work, not self-improvement or behavior modification.

• The same power that raised Jesus now works in us to reshape our lives.

IV. Identity Precedes Action

• We live out of who we believe we are.

• If we believe we are still the “old self,” we will live like it.

• The Christian life is not “trying harder” but “living truer” — living from our new identity.

• Jesus didn’t rise so we could stay the same; He rose so we could rise with Him.

V. Practical Application: Living in Resurrection Identity

1. Embrace Your New Identity in Christ

• Agree with what God says about you.

• Reject old labels and lies.

• Declare daily: “Because He lives, I live new.”

2. Stop Living Like the Old You Is Still Alive

• Romans 6:11 — “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God.”

• Don’t feed or revisit what God has buried.

• Walk away from old patterns, mindsets, and identities.

3. Practice Daily “Resurrection Habits”

• Prayer — anchors your identity in God.

• Scripture — renews your mind with truth.

• Confession — keeps the old self buried.

• Community — surrounds you with people who speak life and truth.

Conclusion

• “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”

• Stop searching for identity in old places, old wounds, or old labels.

• The resurrection is not just Jesus’ victory — it is yours.

• He is risen… now live like it.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/11/now-what-living-in-resurrection-identity#comments 0 WEEK 5 - THE GREATEST COMEBACK https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/05/week-5-the-greatest-comeback Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/05/week-5-the-greatest-comeback

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 5 - THE GREATEST COMEBACK

Theme:
He’s alive. Everything changes now.
Core Idea:
The resurrection is not just an event — it is a victory that transforms every life.

Key Scriptures

Matthew 28:1–10
John 20:1–18
1 Corinthians 15:3–8, 20–22

INTRODUCTION — Why We Love Comebacks

Everyone loves a comeback story.
But the greatest comeback in history is Jesus rising from the dead.
Easter is not about a moment; it’s about a miracle that changes everything.

I. THE RESURRECTION IS A HISTORICAL REALITY

Text: Matthew 28:1–10; John 20:1–18; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 

A. The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1–10)

Women arrive expecting a body.
Stone rolled away.
Angel declares: “He is not here; He is risen.”
No one—friend or enemy—ever produced a body.

B. Eyewitness Encounters (John 20:1–18)

Mary Magdalene meets the risen Jesus.
She hears His voice and recognizes Him.
This is physical, personal, undeniable.

C. Hundreds of Witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:3–8)

Jesus appears to Peter, the Twelve, 500+, James, and Paul.
Paul invites verification: “Most of them are still alive.”
Christianity began with evidence, not rumor.

II. THE RESURRECTION IS A COSMIC VICTORY

A. Death Is Defeated

Death is humanity’s greatest enemy.
Jesus didn’t escape death—He conquered it.
The grave could not hold Him.

B. Sin Is Broken

The cross paid the price. The resurrection proves the payment was accepted.
Because He lives, forgiveness is real and available.

C. Satan Is Defeated

Jesus rises with authority and victory.
The enemy loses his power to define your past or future.

III. THE RESURRECTION IS A PERSONAL INVITATION

A. Jesus Is Alive Today

Not a memory, not a symbol—a living Savior.
He knows you, sees you, and calls you by name.

B. The Same Power That Raised Jesus Can Raise Your Life

Romans 8:11 — resurrection power lives in believers.
Jesus raises:
- Dead hope
- Dead faith
- Dead relationships
- Dead purpose
- Dead hearts

C. The Resurrection Demands a Response

The women worshiped.
Mary clung to Him.
The disciples believed.
Paul surrendered.
The resurrection calls for faith, surrender, and trust.

IV. THE RESURRECTION IS YOUR INVITATION TO NEW LIFE

A. Jesus Came for You

Lived the life you couldn’t live.
Died the death you deserved.
Rose to give you new life.

B. Salvation Is a Gift

Not earned.
Not achieved.
Received by faith.

C. Today Is the Day

Not “someday.”
Not “when I’m ready.”
Jesus is calling your name today.

CONCLUSION

THE GREATEST COMEBACK CAN BECOME YOUR COMEBACK

Jesus walked out of the tomb so you can walk out of your past.
He rose so you can rise.
He lives so you can live.
He’s alive. Everything changes now.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/05/week-5-the-greatest-comeback#comments 0 Good Friday - THE GREATEST SERVANT https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/03/good-friday-the-greatest-servant Fri, 03 Apr 2026 20:11:18 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/03/good-friday-the-greatest-servant

The Greatest - Sermon Series

Good Friday - The Greatest Servant

I. INTRODUCTION — THE NIGHT LOVE KNELT

Jesus is hours from the cross.
Betrayal, arrest, and suffering are imminent.
Yet He kneels to wash feet.
The King becomes a servant — and the Servant becomes the sacrifice.

II. JESUS CHOOSES THE LOW PLACE
John 13:1–17

A. Jesus knows who He is (v. 1–3)

He knows His hour has come.
He knows His authority.
He knows His identity and destiny.
Because He knows these things, He serves.

B. The shocking act of foot washing (v. 4–5)

Lowest servant’s job.
Jesus kneels, takes the towel, washes feet.
The Creator washes the created.

C. Peter’s protest (v. 6–10)

“You will never wash my feet.”
Jesus: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.”
Symbol of salvation and cleansing.

D. The example (v. 12–17)

“I have given you an example.”
Greatness in the kingdom = taking the low place.
Servanthood is not optional for disciples.

III. JESUS EMBODIES THE SERVANT
Philippians 2:5–11

A. The downward movement of Christ
Paul describes Christ’s humility:

Existed in the form of God.

Did not cling to His rights.

Emptied Himself.

Took the form of a servant.

Became human.

Humbled Himself to death.

Even death on a cross.

B. The upward exaltation

Because He went to the lowest place, God raised Him to the highest place.
Every knee will bow; every tongue confess.
The path to glory is humility.

IV. JESUS BECOMES THE SACRIFICE
Isaiah 53

A. The Suffering Servant

Despised and rejected.
Man of sorrows.
Pierced for our transgressions.
Crushed for our iniquities.
By His wounds we are healed.

B. The ultimate act of service

The One who washed feet now carries sin.
The Servant becomes the sacrifice.
The cross is the greatest act of service in history.

V. OUR RESPONSE — HUMILITY, WORSHIP, GRATITUDE

A. Humility

We cannot cling to pride when our Savior kneels.
We follow His example by choosing the low place.

B. Worship

Awe and reverence flow from seeing Christ’s humility.
Worship becomes our natural response.

C. Gratitude

He washed us.
He carried us.
He saved us.
Gratitude becomes our posture.

VI. COMMUNION — THE SERVANT WHO GAVE HIS BODY

Communion reminders:

The hands that washed feet were pierced for us.
The body that knelt was broken for us.
The blood poured out becomes our salvation.

VII. CONCLUSION — THE KING WHO KNEELS

Jesus kneels before He dies.
The King becomes a servant.
The Servant becomes the sacrifice.
The sacrifice becomes our salvation.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/04/03/good-friday-the-greatest-servant#comments 0 ALWAYS LOOKING FOR ONE MORE https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/29/always-looking-for-one-more Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/29/always-looking-for-one-more

Jesus on the Way to the Cross
Shape

1. On the Way to the Cross

Key Scripture:
Luke 9:51 (KJV)
“He stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.”

Jesus knew where He was going
The cross was always before Him
And still… He stopped for people

Key Thought:
Even on the way to the cross, Jesus was always looking for one more.
Shape

2. Bartimaeus — The Overlooked
Text: Mark 10:46–52

Blind
Begging
Silenced by the crowd

“And Jesus stood still.” (v. 49)

Truth:
Jesus stops for the one everyone else overlooks.
Shape

3. Zacchaeus — The Despised
Text: Luke 19:1–10

Wealthy but rejected
Hated by his own people
Shut out by the crowd

“Zacchaeus… to day I must abide at thy house.” (v. 5)

Truth:
Jesus stops for the one everyone else rejects.
Shape

4. The Thief — The Condemned
Text: Luke 23:39–43

Guilty by law
Condemned publicly
No time left

“To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (v. 43)

Truth:
Even on the cross, Jesus is still looking for one more.
Shape

5. Peter — The Backslider
Text: Luke 22:31–32, 61–62

Disciple who failed
Denied Jesus publicly
Broken but not discarded

“But I have prayed for thee…” (v. 32)

Truth:
Jesus stops not only for sinners coming in, but for believers who fall away.
Shape

6. One Savior — Many Stories
Jesus stopped for:

The Overlooked
The Despised
The Condemned
The Backslider

Key Statement:
Different stories. Different failures. Same Savior.

7. Final Reflection

Who is your One?
Where do you still need Jesus to stop for you?

Jesus is still always looking for one more.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/29/always-looking-for-one-more#comments 0 WEEK 4 – THE GREATEST KING https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/29/week-4-the-greatest-king Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/29/week-4-the-greatest-king

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 3 – THE GREATEST TEACHER

Theme:
The King who comes in humility and truth
Core Idea:
Jesus is King — but not like anyone expected
Shape

Key Scriptures

Matthew 21:1–11
Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 24:7–10

I. THE PROMISED KING 

Text: Zechariah 9:9 

A. Israel’s long-awaited King 

God promised a righteous, victorious, humble King 
A King unlike any earthly ruler

B. Jesus fulfills the prophecy 

His choice of a donkey is intentional 
He declares Himself the Messiah 
He reveals a kingdom built on humility, not force

II. THE HUMBLE KING

Text: Matthew 21:1–11 

A. The Triumphal Entry reveals a paradox 

Crowds celebrate with palm branches and shouts of “Hosanna” 
Yet the King arrives on a donkey, symbolizing peace

B. Jesus conquers hearts, not nations 

Earthly kings expand territory by force 
Jesus expands His kingdom through transformed lives 
He conquers sin, pride, and death

C. The crowd misunderstood His mission 

They expected political liberation 
Jesus came for spiritual salvation 
Their expectations shifted from “Hosanna” to “Crucify Him”

III. THE KING OF GLORY 

Text: Psalm 24:7–10 

A. The true identity of the King 

Strong and mighty 
Lord Almighty 
Creator and ruler of all

B. His coronation leads to His crucifixion 

Crowned with thorns, not gold 
Lifted on a cross, not a throne 
He wins by surrendering His life

IV. WHAT THIS KING MEANS FOR US TODAY

A. We need a King like Jesus 

Gentle, righteous, forgiving, truthful 
A King who carries our burdens and heals our hearts

B. His kingdom still comes in humility 

He knocks, He doesn’t force 
He invites us to receive Him

C. A call to open our hearts 

“Lift up your heads… that the King of glory may come in” 
Welcome Him into every part of life

CONCLUSION 

Jesus is the promised King 
He comes in humility and truth 
His coronation leads to His crucifixion 
Palm Sunday prepares us to walk with Him through Holy Week

Hosanna to the King who saves! Hosanna to the King who serves! Hosanna to the King who reigns forever!

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/29/week-4-the-greatest-king#comments 0 WEEK 3 – THE GREATEST TEACHER https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/22/week-3-the-greatest-teacher Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:17:50 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/22/week-3-the-greatest-teacher

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 3 – THE GREATEST TEACHER

Theme:
Jesus reveals truth that leads to real life.
Core Idea:
His words still speak, shape, and save today.
Shape

Key Scriptures

Matthew 5–7
Matthew 13
John 6:68

I. JESUS TEACHES WITH AUTHORITY (Matthew 5–7)

The crowds were astonished because He taught with authority, not opinion. 
“You have heard it said… but I say to you…” — Jesus speaks as the voice of God. 
His teaching confronts sin, comforts the broken, and calls disciples to obedience. 
Wise builders hear His words and put them into practice.

Key Truth: Real disciples build their lives on Jesus’ teaching.

II. JESUS REVEALS THE KINGDOM (Matthew 13)

Jesus uses parables to uncover the mysteries of God’s Kingdom. 
Sower: The Word is powerful; the heart must be receptive. 
Weeds: Good and evil grow together until God’s final judgment. 
Mustard Seed: The Kingdom starts small but becomes unstoppable. 
Hidden Treasure: The Kingdom is worth everything.

Key Truth: Jesus’ teaching reveals what truly matters and what truly lasts. 

III. JESUS’ WORDS GIVE LIFE (John 6:68)

Many walked away after a hard teaching; Jesus asked, “Will you leave too?” 
Peter answered, “You have the words of eternal life.” 
Jesus’ words answer life’s deepest questions and shape our identity, values, and future. 
His teaching always leads to the cross—where life is found.

Key Truth: His words don’t just inform; they transform and save.

IV. JESUS STILL TEACHES TODAY

His words continue to confront lies, heal shame, guide decisions, and strengthen faith. 
The world teaches confusion, self, fear, and temporary values. 
Jesus teaches clarity, surrender, faith, and eternal truth.

Key Truth: Every time we open Scripture, the Greatest Teacher speaks again. 

V. THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

Disciples don’t just hear Jesus’ words—they obey them. 
Disciples don’t just admire His teaching—they apply it. 
Disciples don’t just attend church—they are shaped by His words. 
The foundation of a disciple’s life is obedience to Jesus’ teaching.

Key Truth: The greatest evidence of discipleship is a life formed by Jesus’ words.

CONCLUSION — COME TO THE TEACHER 

Jesus invites: “Come to Me… learn from Me.” 
His teaching gives stability in storms, clarity in confusion, and life in a dying world. 
Build your life on the words of the Greatest Teacher.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/22/week-3-the-greatest-teacher#comments 0 One Step Toward Reaching My One https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/15/one-step-toward-reaching-my-one Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/15/one-step-toward-reaching-my-one

The David Nasser Testimony
[Testimony begins at 1:06]

Scripture
Acts 8:26-40

4 things about Philip and 1 thing about God.

Point 1 - Philip Wasn’t an Apostle — He Was a Servant
He’s not the guy preaching on Pentecost. Philip was a deacon. An ordinary believer used by an extraordinary God.
If God can use Philip, He can use you to reach your one

Point 2 - Philip Moved When the Spirit Said Move

Philip didn’t get the whole plan.

He didn’t get the outcome.

He didn’t get a blueprint.

He got one step.

Are we looking for destination instead of direction?

Point 3 – Philip Closed the Distance

The Bible says Philip ran to the chariot.
He didn’t hesitate.
He didn’t wait to be invited.
He didn’t say, ‘Lord, if this is really You, make the chariot stop.’”
He simply closed the distance God pointed out.
If you are going to reach your one, you have to close the distance.

Point 4 - Philip Started With a Conversation — Not a Presentation

Philip doesn’t walk up with a sermon.

He doesn’t start with a debate.

He asks a question:

‘Do you understand what you’re reading?’

Evangelism begins with conversation, not confrontation.

Relationship, not argument. Curiosity, not pressure.

Point 5 - God Was Already Working Before Philip Showed Up

When Philip gets there, the man is already reading Isaiah 53 — the passage about Jesus!

Your obedience doesn’t start God’s work in someone’s life — it joins it.

When you follow the leading of the Spirit and take one step toward your one… you are stepping into God’s story.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/15/one-step-toward-reaching-my-one#comments 0 WEEK 2 – THE GREATEST HEALER https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/15/week-2-the-greatest-healer Sun, 15 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/15/week-2-the-greatest-healer

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 2 – THE GREATEST HEALER

Theme:
Jesus restores what is broken.
Core Idea:
Hope is possible because healing is possible.
Shape

Key Scriptures

Mark 2:1–12
Luke 8:43–48
Isaiah 53:5

I. THE UNIVERSAL NEED FOR HEALING

Every person carries physical, emotional, or spiritual wounds.
Doctors, counselors, and healers help—but cannot heal the soul.
Jesus alone heals body, mind, heart, and eternity.
Today’s message: Jesus is the Greatest Healer.

II. JESUS HEALS THE BODY (Mark 2:1–12)

A. The paralyzed man

Four friends bring him to Jesus.
Faith moves them to action.
Jesus first forgives sin, then heals the body.

B. What doctors can do

Brain surgery
Heart transplants
Restoring sight
Saving premature infants
These feel miraculous but remain limited to the body.

C. What Jesus can do

Heals instantly and completely.
Addresses the root issue—sin.
Demonstrates divine authority.

Key truth
Doctors treat the body; Jesus restores the whole person.

III. JESUS HEALS THE HEART (Luke 8:43–48)

A. The woman with the issue of blood

Twelve years of suffering.
Spent all on physicians; grew worse.
Isolated, ashamed, exhausted.

B. Her act of faith

Pushes through the crowd.
Touches Jesus’ garment.
Immediately healed.

C. Jesus’ response

“Who touched Me?”
“Daughter, your faith has made you well.”
Restores identity, dignity, and belonging.

Key truth
Healers can comfort the heart; Jesus transforms it.

IV. JESUS HEALS THE SOUL (Isaiah 53:5)

A. The deepest sickness

Sin is humanity’s greatest disease.
No doctor or healer can cure it.

B. The prophecy of healing

“By His stripes we are healed.”
Refers to spiritual restoration through Christ’s suffering.

C. The cross as ultimate healing

Jesus heals guilt, shame, bondage, and separation from God.
His blood restores what sin destroyed.

Key truth
Only Jesus heals the soul and reconciles us to God.

V. JESUS HEALS FOR ETERNITY

A. Earthly healing is temporary

Bodies age.
Hearts break.
Life ends.

B. Jesus offers eternal healing

“I am the resurrection and the life.”
He conquered death.
He promises a world with no more pain (Rev. 21:4).

Key truth
Doctors extend life; Jesus gives eternal life. Shape

VI. COMPARISON SUMMARY

Aspect	Doctors	Healers	Jesus
Focus	Body	Heart	Body, heart, soul, eternity
Power	Human skill	Human insight	Divine authority
Limitations	Cannot heal sin or death	Cannot restore the soul	No limits
Outcome	Temporary relief	Emotional support	Complete restoration

Doctors diagnose. Healers encourage. Jesus saves.

VII. INVITATION — COME TO THE HEALER

A. Jesus’ invitation

“Come to Me, all who are weary…” (Matt. 11:28)

B. What we bring

Sickness
Fear
Shame
Sin
Brokenness
Past and future

C. What Jesus offers

Forgiveness
Restoration
Peace
Healing
Eternal life

Closing truth
Hope is possible because healing is possible.
Healing is possible because Jesus is here.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/15/week-2-the-greatest-healer#comments 0 THE PURPOSE OF PRAISE https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/11/the-purpose-of-praise Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/11/the-purpose-of-praise

Text: Psalm 34:1
Theme: Why praise matters and what it accomplishes in the life of a believer.
Shape

I. Praise Acknowledges Who God Is
Psalm 96:4 — “For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.”

Praise declares God’s character: holy, faithful, powerful, merciful, good.
Praise confronts the lies of fear, doubt, and culture.
Praise is truth-telling — naming God correctly.
When we praise, we magnify God above our circumstances.

Key Thought: Praise restores a right view of God.
Shape

II. Praise Remembers What God Has Done
Psalm 145:4 — “One generation shall praise Your works to another.”

Praise is testimony — recalling God’s past faithfulness.
Praise protects us from spiritual forgetfulness.
Remembering God’s works strengthens faith for today’s battles.
Praise says: “If God did it before, He can do it again.”

Key Thought: Praise keeps God’s track record in front of us.
Shape

III. Praise Reorients the Human Heart
Psalm 42:5 — “Why are you downcast…? I will yet praise Him.”

Praise shifts focus from problems to God’s promises.
Praise is an act of faith, not emotion.
Praise realigns our thoughts, emotions, and expectations.
David praised in caves, valleys, and battles — before the breakthrough.

Key Thought: Praise is a spiritual compass that points the heart back to God.
Shape

IV. Praise Invites God’s Presence and Power
Psalm 22:3 (KJV) — “Thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”

God dwells where He is praised.
Praise opens the door for God’s intervention.
Biblical examples:
Paul & Silas in prison
Jehoshaphat’s singers in battle
Jericho’s walls falling after a shout
Praise is spiritual warfare — it breaks chains and lifts heaviness.

Key Thought: Where praise is lifted, God’s presence and power are revealed.
Shape

V. Praise Is Our Created Purpose
Isaiah 43:21 — “This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise.”

We were created to praise.
We were redeemed to praise.
We will spend eternity praising.
Praise is not a moment — it is a lifestyle.

APPLICATION

Praise intentionally — choose to praise even when you don’t feel it.
Praise specifically — name God’s attributes and His works.
Praise continually — let praise become your default response.

CONCLUSION
Praise is more than music.
Praise is more than emotion.
Praise is a spiritual act with spiritual purpose.
When we understand the purpose of praise, we stop waiting for a good day to praise God — and start praising God to make it a good day.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/11/the-purpose-of-praise#comments 0 Week 1 - The Greatest Friend https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/08/week-1-the-greatest-friend Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:45:00 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/08/week-1-the-greatest-friend

The Greatest - Sermon Series

Week 1 - The Greatest Friend

Notes for Personal Reflection & Application

Theme:
Jesus draws close, not away.
Core Idea:
Before we loved Him, He loved us first.
Shape

Key Scriptures

Luke 19:1–10 — Zacchaeus: Jesus sees the overlooked.
John 4:1–30 — The Woman at the Well: Jesus pursues the hurting.
John 15:15 — “I have called you friends.”

Main Points

1. No one is too far for Jesus.
Zacchaeus was morally compromised and socially rejected — yet Jesus called him by name and entered his home.
2. Jesus notices the overlooked.
The Samaritan woman was isolated and ashamed — yet Jesus crossed every barrier to meet her at the well.
3. Jesus is a pursuing, relational Savior.
He doesn’t wait for people to come to Him.
He goes to them.
He sees the one.
4. Evangelism begins with relationship.
Jesus starts with conversation, compassion, and presence — not pressure.

Who’s Your One?

Jesus changed the world one person at a time.
He still does.
This week, prayerfully identify one person in your life who needs the hope of Christ.
Pray for them daily.
Look for ways to love them intentionally.
Trust Jesus to open the door.

Reflection Questions

Who in my life feels overlooked, unseen, or far from God?

How has Jesus drawn close to me when I felt unworthy?

What simple step can I take this week to build a relationship with my “one”?

How can I reflect the friendship of Jesus to others?

Prayer for the Week

“Lord Jesus, thank You for being the greatest friend — the One who moves toward me when others move away. Give me Your eyes to see the one person You’re calling me to love. Help me draw close, listen well, and reflect Your heart. Use me to bring Your hope to someone who needs You. Amen.”

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/03/08/week-1-the-greatest-friend#comments 0 Day 21 | Sanctification https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-21-sanctification Wed, 14 Jan 2026 12:01:06 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-21-sanctification

Here we are, day 21, have you seen everything you asked for fulfilled? Sister Teri and I dare say, probably not. As we have fulfilled a commitment to God, it gives us confidence in our relationship with Him. In 1st John it says “Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. (NLT)”. We encourage you to be confident in His ability to do “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. (KJV)”. We have asked, we move forward in “FAITH BELIEVING”.

Pray that our Pastors are vessels of honor, sanctified and useful for the Master (2Tim 2:21)

2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

Ephesians 3:14-21  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,_¹⁵Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,_¹⁶That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;_¹⁷That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,_¹⁸May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;_¹⁹And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God._²⁰Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,_²¹Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

Ask, and It Will Be Given

Mat 7:7-11  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:_⁸ For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened._⁹Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?_¹⁰Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?_¹¹If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-21-sanctification#comments 0 Day 20 | Holy Spirit Revelation https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-20-holy-spirit-revelation Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:06:18 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-20-holy-spirit-revelation

As we are almost to the end of these 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, today’s prayer for Holy Spirit Revelation is a key to the coming year. We trust that God has heard our intensive efforts to draw closer to God and therefore will pour out His Holy Spirit upon Sister Teri and I as Pastors, YOU as an individual, and Riverdale Assembly of God as the “Church of the Living God”!!!

Pray that the deeper things of God be revealed to our Pastors through the Holy Spirit (1Cor 2:10)

1 Corinthians 2:10  But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 

We Need a Guide, Not Guidance

I opened a concordance to look up the word "guidance," expecting to find a long list of verses promising guidance from God. Guidance wasn’t there, but instead the word "guide" and a number of verses promising that God Himself would be the guide of His people.

People who are blind need guide dogs, not guidance dogs! Even if dogs were capable of talking, how unsatisfactory it would be if they were mere bystanders, shouting warnings to the blind from a distance: "Careful now! You’re approaching a hole. Watch out for the curb!"

_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Guy McGraw}}

Asking Largely

Back when the generals led their troops into battle rather than directing them from a ‘situation room’ half a world away, it is said that Alexander the Great’s position was about to be over-run by the enemy. Turning to a valiant young soldier at his side, the great military genius implored the boy to fight harder. “And if we survive this attack,” he said, “I’ll see that you are rewarded handsomely.” Survive they did! When the youth appeared later to claim a reward, Alexander gave him an impression of the royal seal saying, “Take this to the treasurer for your payment.” “How much shall it be?” asked the soldier. “That will be for you to decide. Ask for whatever amount you think appropriate. It will be paid.” So the peasant youth presented the seal to the royal treasurer and named an enormous sum. Shocked by the amount, the treasurer balked. Insisting that they return to camp together, the treasurer told Alexander of the soldier’s ‘outlandish’ request. Pausing to recall the battle scene, the general finally replied, “Pay him. He honors me with the size of his request.” Are you ready to exercise your rights and claim your inheritance? Will you honor God with the size of your request?

_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Curry Pikkaart}}
Matthew 7:7-8  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-20-holy-spirit-revelation#comments 0 Day 19 | Study - Others - Loss https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-19-study-others-loss Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:58:10 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-19-study-others-loss

The dictionary definition of study says, “the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject”. It also says, “especially by means of books”. Sister Teri and I believe that for the Christian, it boils down to the study of the book, THE BIBLE!!! If we know what this book says, we will have no problem with the other concepts on today’s prayer list.

Pray that we study to rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim 2:15)

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Pray that we look out for the interest of others (Phil 2:4)

Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 

Pray that we do not lose the things we have worked for (2Jn 1:8)

2 John 1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 

Quotes on Study

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”
- Atwood H. Townsend

“Let us study things that are no more. It is necessary to understand them, if only to avoid them.”

“To acquire knowledge, one must study;
but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”
- Marilyn vos Savant

“Study hard, for the well is deep, and our brains are shallow.”
- Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor

Others

Lord, let me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray,
My prayer shall be for others.
Others, Lord, yes, others;
Let this my motto be.
Help me to live for others
That I may live like Thee.
_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Warren Lamb}}

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-19-study-others-loss#comments 0 Day 18 | The Church https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-18-the-church Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:52:30 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-18-the-church

Sister Teri and I love our church, not the building at 2813 W. Mount Whitney Avenue. We do appreciate the beautiful facilities that God has blessed us with, but we would be wasting our time to pray for the “building”. The real church is the “Bride of Christ” and that is you and I, and we are called to dwell together in unity, strive for faith, and hold to pure doctrine. So today, join us in praying for Riverdale Assembly of God to fulfill our role as “THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD!!!”

Pray that the church dwells together in unity and faith (Eph 4:13)

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 

Pray that the church stands fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith (Phil 1:27)

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 

Pray that the church is not carried about with various and strange doctrines (Heb 13:9)

Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. 

The Church

The church is not:

An ark for the saving of a select few.
A ferryboat to take effortless passengers to the shores of heaven.
A life insurance company, with no obligation on policy holders except the payment of a small annual premium.
A social set, welcoming certain people and excluding others from its fellowship.
A Sunday pleasure club for the providing of pleasant occupation on the day of rest.

The church is:

A lifeboat for the rescue of sin-wrecked and perishing souls.
A family, in which love and service are expected from each member to each member.
An organized community, with constant activities and continual growth and development.
A company of believers who have found the one way of life and obey the one Lord of life.
A union of those who love for the benefit of those who suffer.
A center of social worship, in which the spiritual life of each is helped by the spiritual life of his fellow.
The representative -- the "body" -- of Jesus Christ on the earth, reflecting his spirit and controlled by his will.

^{_{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Charles R. Swindoll}}

What Is the Church?

Russ Blowers is a minister who is active in his local Indianapolis Rotary club. At club meetings each week a member gives a brief statement about his job. When it was his turn, Russ said: "I’m with a global enterprise. We have branches in every country in the world. We have our representatives in nearly every parliament and boardroom on earth. We’re into motivation and behavior alteration.

We run hospitals, feeding stations, crisis pregnancy centers, universities, publishing houses, and nursing homes. We care for our clients from birth to death.

We are into life insurance and fire insurance. We perform spiritual heart transplants. Our original Organizer owns all the real estate on earth plus an assortment of galaxies and constellations. He knows everything and lives everywhere. Our product is free for the asking. (There’s not enough money to buy it.)

Our CEO was born in a hick town, worked as a carpenter, didn’t own a home, was misunderstood by his family, hated by enemies, walked on water, was condemned to death without a trial, and arose from the dead--I talk with him everyday."

_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Troy Borst}}

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-18-the-church#comments 0 Day 17 | Hospitality - Strength - God’s Peace https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-17-hospitality-strength-god-s-peace Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:38:26 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-17-hospitality-strength-god-s-peace

When the question was asked, "If you could choose what you want most in life, what would you ask for?" The most common answer was “PEACE”. World peace? Domestic peace? What is the peace you desire most? Sister Teri and I would venture to guess that the most coveted form of peace would be “INNER PEACE”! As I have stated many times in the last few months, PEACE is a “Fruit of the Spirit”. We believe you are going to experience PEACE when you are - Filled UP with the HOLY GHOST!!!!

Pray that we are hospitable to one another without complaining (1Pet 4:9)

1 Peter 4:9-10  Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. 10  God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (NLT)

Pray that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10)

Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 

Pray that the peace of God rules our hearts (Col 3:15)

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 

Quiet Strength

There is a story about a sunken ship that illustrates the quietness of the spirit, but at the same time His Power in our lives.

"Several years ago, engineers building a new bridge over the East River in New York, discovered that the wrecked hull of a ship, sunk many years before, lay right where the center piers were to be built. Powerful machinery was brought in to remove the ship, but it would not budge.

Then one of the engineers had an unusual idea-why not have the tide raise the ship!! Some strong cables were attached to the hull when the tide was low. The other ends were fastened to the barge above. As the tide came in, the barge gradually lifted the sunken ship. It was then towed out into the ocean and sunk at a spot that would not cause future problems."

God’s Holy Spirit is like the tide, it comes quietly, it comes in slowly, but it comes to us with enough power so that we might do the job God has called and led each of us to do.
_{^{Tim Zingale in Pentecost Sunday on www.sermoncentral.com./Copied from Sermon Central}}

"Peace with God brings the peace of God. It is a peace that settles our nerves, fills our mind, floods our spirit and, in the midst of the uproar around us, gives us the assurance that everything is all right."
_{^{Copied from Sermon Central}}

Here are 4 versions of John 14:27:

_²⁷Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
(KJV)

_²⁷“I am leaving you with a gift— peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
(NLT)

_²⁷Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] 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 afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
(AMP)

_²⁷“I’m leaving you peace. I’m giving you my peace. I don’t give you the kind of peace that the world gives. So don’t be troubled or cowardly.
(GW)

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-17-hospitality-strength-god-s-peace#comments 0 Day 16 | Pastors https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-16-pastors Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:26:18 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-16-pastors

Sister Teri and I count it a great privilege to serve as your Pastors. We appreciate every prayer lifted to God on our behalf, and we are especially thankful for this concerted day of prayer for us! We hope that this type of prayer goes up for us continually.

Pray that our Pastors are faithful (Ps 31:23)

Psalms 31:23  O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. 

Pray that our Pastors do not grow weary in well doing (Gal 6:9)

Galatians 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

Pray that our Pastors abound with blessing (1Chr 28:20)

1 Chronicles 28:20  And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 

The Pastor’s Wife

On Christmas afternoon, the Pastor’s wife dropped into an easy chair saying, "Boy! Am I ever tired." Her husband looked over at her & said, "I had to conduct two special services last night, three today, & give a total of five sermons. Why are you so tired?"
"Dearest," she replied, "I had to listen to all of them."
_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Evie Megginson}}

How to Get Rid of Your Pastor!

What a blessing it is to have a pastor who loves the Lord, who teaches the Word, and who leads his "flock" aright. I thank God we have a man like that in the church which I attend. In these days of apostasy, when there is such a tragic departure from an emphasis on the Word, how we should praise the Lord for those who are true to the Book, who live the life, and who speak with the fire of conviction. If you have such a pastor, thank God for him, pray for him, and give him a word of encouragement. (By the way, how long has it been since you gave your pastor a good, firm handshake and said, "I thank God for you, and all that you have meant in my life. I'm praying for you every day."?)

"Oh," but you say, "that may be all right for your church, but we're trying to figure out how to get rid of the pastor in ours." Is that your problem? Well, then perhaps the following article I found some time ago will be of help to you:

"Not long ago, a well-meaning group of laymen came from a neighboring church to see me. They wanted me to advise them on some convenient, painless, yet successful method of getting rid of their pastor. Here's what I told them:

1. Look him straight in the eye while he is preaching and say `Amen!' once in a while. He'll preach himself to death.

2. Pat him on the back and brag on his good points. He'll soon work himself to death.

3. Re-dedicate your own life to Christ, and ask the preacher for a job to do; or tell him you plan to lead some lost soul to Christ. He'll die of heart failure.

4. Get the church to unite in prayer for the preacher and he'll soon become so effective that some large church will take him off your hands."

When your preacher is doing
The best that he can,
Pray for him, help him
He's only a man!
- P. Langvand

Prayerless pews make for powerless pulpits!

_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Dr. Larry Petton}}

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-16-pastors#comments 0 Day 15 | Knowledge - Understanding https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-15-knowledge-understanding Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:16:14 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-15-knowledge-understanding

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” This quote from the book of Philippians was often quoted by Brother Charles Fritchey. Sister Teri and I are praying that “This Mind” will be in us as well as lead Riverdale Assembly of God. We are also praying that you also need “This Mind” to lead your family, your ministry, your business, and any other your …. you are involved in!!!!

Pray let us draw near to You with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Heb. 10:22)

Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Pray fill us with the knowledge of Your will (Col 1:9)

Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 

Pray for wisdom and spiritual understanding (Col 1:9)

SEE ABOVE

The Wisdom of Babes

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Out of the mouth of babes?” Certainly, you have. It comes from the simple truth that sometimes it takes a child to reveal lasting wisdom. It seems foolish but it isn’t!

For example:

· Patrick, age 10, said, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.”

· Michael, 14, said, “When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don’t answer him.” Michael, wise man that he was also said, “Never tell your mom her diet’s not working.”

· Randy, 9 years of age said, “Stay away from prunes.” One wonders how he discovered that bit of wisdom.

· Kyoyo, age 9, said, “Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time.”

· Naomi, 15 said, “If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse.”

· Lauren, age 9 said, “Felt markers are not good to use as lipstick.”

· Joel, 10 years old, said, “Don’t pick on your sister when she’s holding a baseball bat.”

· Eileen, age 8 said, “Never try to baptize a cat.”

_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Rick Stacy}}

Wisdom Quotes

Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it. 

Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.
- Napoleon Bonaparte

Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world. - Archimedes

The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
- Socrates

If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
- Lewis Carroll

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.
- Henry David Thoreau

The less you talk, the more you're listened to.
- Pauline Phillips

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.
- Jim Rohn

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.
- William Arthur Ward

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
- Jim Elliot

_{^{Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/wisdom-quotes}}

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-15-knowledge-understanding#comments 0 Day 14 | Vision – Volunteers https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-14-vision-volunteers Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:03:38 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-14-vision-volunteers

On Day 9, the devotional dealt with vision and purpose and how vital they are to Christians in general and to Riverdale Assembly of God specifically. Sometimes we look at volunteering as a small thing, but Sister Teri and I both realize that a volunteer can have as much or more to do with the success of any endeavor undertaken as the Pastor.

Pray for the vision and purpose of the ministry to come to pass (Habakkuk 2:2-3)

Habakkuk 2:2-3  And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it._³For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. 

Pray for families to commit to the ministry and to actively volunteer to serve (Joshua 23:14-15).

Joshua 23:14-15 And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof._¹⁵Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. 

The Volunteers

There are some special people that we know
Found in needy places across this land;
They’re people that selflessly serve others,
Always ready to lend a helping hand.
We may know them by their many titles:
Chief bottle washer to soup kitchen cook;
They may be young or old, male or female;
In serving others, each has found a nook.
Kind-hearted helpers, tireless volunteers,
Who lend a hand in every capacity.
They seek no earthly reward, no fanfare;
Give help, no matter the adversity.
Here’s to all of the wonderful people
Who unselfishly have chosen to serve,
May these words offer some recognition,
And give the praise which they rightly deserve.

Jesus said, “For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name . . . he shall not lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).

_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Loyd C. Taylor}}

Great Quotes on Volunteering

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
— William Shakespeare

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
— Winston Churchill

“I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”
– Mother Teresa

_{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Dr. Larry Petton}}

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-14-vision-volunteers#comments 0 Day 13 | Purpose - Giving https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-13-purpose-giving Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:02:03 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-13-purpose-giving

Finding PURPOSE is an interesting challenge. I think many times we confuse PURPOSE with desires, goals, dreams. While in some instances these words might be synonymous, PURPOSE is the one that can answer that age-old question, “Why am I here?”. Sister Teri and I believe that only God can give you real PURPOSE in this life, and fulfilling that PURPOSE is the only thing that will satisfy your eternal soul.

Pray that the congregation will discover God’s purpose for their life (Jer. 29:11-13).

Jeremiah 29:11-13  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. _¹²Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you._¹³And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 

Pray that every need within the ministry is met. Pray for generous givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

2 Corinthians 9:6-15  But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully._⁷Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver._⁸And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:_⁹(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever._¹⁰Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)_¹¹Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God._¹²For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;_¹³Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;_¹⁴And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you._¹⁵Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 

Pray that our giving exceeds 100% from our tithers and contributors.

Give, Give, Give

One time a skeptic said to a preacher, "I can’t stand this Christianity business. All I ever hear from you Christians is give, give, give."

The preacher thought a minute and said, "That’s about the best description of Christianity I have ever heard!" _{^{Copied from Sermon Central/ By Davon Huss}}

Giving

Henry Parsons Crowell contracted tuberculosis when a boy and could not go to school. His Father and brother died of tuberculosis, and he should have died of it too. He made a contract with God. If he were spared, he would use his abilities to amass large sums of money for evangelism. For the next 50 years he dedicated 70% of his income to Kingdom causes. He bought a bankrupt mill in Ravenna, Ohio in 1881. He believed that God endowed him with bold ideas and the success of the company he founded, Quaker Oats.

He was one of the wealthiest men of Chicago when he died in 1943. Crowell viewed all things as a stewardship from God, including influence. Over the years, one businessman after another would comment on how he came to know Christ personally because of the life of integrity lived by Henry Parsons Crowell. Henry Parsons Crowell was a man who gave with a purpose.

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:7-8)

_{^{http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Parsons_Crowell/ By Brad Beaman Copied from Sermon Central}}

The Purpose of Life

There's a guy named Hugh Morehead who 45 years ago began the hobby of writing to famous philosophers and scientists and authors and asking them, "What is the purpose of life?" The responses he got back were depressing at best.

Isaac Asimov wrote back, "As far as I can see there is no purpose to life."

Karl Jung, the Austrian psychiatrist, wrote, "I don't know what the meaning or the purpose of life is but it looks like as if there were something meant by it."

Arthur Clark, the author of 2001, wrote, "I'm afraid I have no concrete ideas of the purpose of life."

Albert Ellis, the psychiatrist who invented RET therapy said, "As far as I can tell, life has no special or intrinsic meaning or purpose."

Gerald Frank, "In the cosmic scheme, I see neither meaning nor purpose."

Edward Gorny, "I doubt if there is one."

William Gasp, "There is no meaning to life."

Thomas Nagle, "I'm afraid the meaning of life still eludes me."

With a sense of resignation Joseph Heller wrote, "I have no answers to the meaning of life, and I no longer want to search for any."

Is there a purpose in life? Is there a meaning to life? Can we know why we are here? Thankfully there is an answer in the Word of God!

_{^{(From a sermon by Steve Trail, Building a Life of Purpose, 10/10/2011)/Copied from Sermon Central}}

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-13-purpose-giving#comments 0 Day 12 | Youth - Light https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-12-youth-light Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:15 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-12-youth-light

Since today’s focus is on youth and youth ministry, Sister Teri and I would like to encourage you to pray for the upcoming choir tour. Pray that God will open the right doors and that lives will be touched in each and every service. Part 2 is about light, reminding us that we, through Jesus Christ, are the “Light of the World”. Where there is LIGHT, the darkness is dispelled.

Pray that God will use our youth and our youth ministry to effectively impact the next generation (Psalm 78:1-7).

Psalms 78:1-7  Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth._²I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:_³Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us._⁴We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done._⁵For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:_⁶That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:_⁷That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.

Pray that the hearts of those within our church family will receive the light of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:14-16; Psalm 27:1).

Matthew 5:14-16  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ^₁₅Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house._¹⁶Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

Psalms 27:1  A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Light in the Darkness

Some of you may be familiar with the name Catherine Marshall. She was a wonderful Christian author who wrote such classics as Christy, which became a television series.

There was an occasion in her life when she felt as if the flame of God’s love had gone out. It started with the sudden death of her infant grandchild. She called it the dark night of the soul. In her journal she described it this way:

"Inside I am dry and lonely, unable to accomplish anything, really, just going through the motions of life, barely able to do that. It is more than a dry period. I’ve been through those before and did not lose the Presence. This is darkness. Deadness. Awful in the way it numbs you, makes you cold and indifferent. You do the very things, say the very word, you know you should not. Frightening!" (Light in My Darkness, p. 176.)

But she did not give up. She kept praying. She kept doing everything she could to stir up the fire. Eventually in her journal she wrote the following:

"A feeling rises up inside me that little trickles of praise are now running together, merging, beginning to form a small river of praise. It began mechanically, yet now has increasingly the feel of spontaneous emotion. Slowly but surely my mind is being cleansed. Rich, beautiful, positive words are taking over, chasing away the negative ones. I am being filled with Your light. Lord Jesus, how radiant and glorious is the light of Yours! Suddenly I felt the living presence of Jesus. What joy to have this again in my life!"
_{^{(Light in My Darkness, p. 221)./Copied from Sermon Central/ By Steven Angus}}

1 Timothy 4:12  Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-12-youth-light#comments 0 Day 11 | Courage - Healing https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-11-courage-healing Wed, 14 Jan 2026 09:58:14 +0000 https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-11-courage-healing

Moving forward in the face of the unknown, possibly God’s plan for your life, is sometimes alarming. So, this is where “COURAGE” comes in, allowing you to move forward, probably out of your “comfort zone”, following the one who gave His all for YOU!!! Sister Teri and I are praying that God will give you the “COURAGE” to move onward despite your fear of the unknown!!!

Pray for the courage to obey God in all areas of your life, no matter the opposition (Joshua 1:6-11).

Josuha 1:6-11  Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.^₇Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest._⁸This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success._⁹Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest._¹⁰Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,_¹¹Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. 

Pray for the sick and suffering amongst our congregation (James 5:13 – 16, Psalm 103:3).

James 5:13-16  Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms._¹⁴Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:_¹⁵And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him._¹⁶Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 

Psalm 103:3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 

 “Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Courage is being scared to death … and saddling up anyway.” —John Wayne

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” —Winston Churchill 

“Courage results when one’s convictions are bigger than one’s fears.” —Orrin Woodward

 “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” —Mark Twain

 “Courage is grace under pressure.” —Ernest Hemingway

“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” —Vincent van Gogh

“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” —Aristotle

 “Real courage is when you know you’re licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what.” —Harper Lee

“Courage isn’t having the strength to go on—it is going on when you don’t have strength.” —Harper Lee

]]> https://RiverdaleAssembly.org/blog/2026/01/14/day-11-courage-healing#comments 0

I. The Reality of “Only One Life” — Brevity

II. The Power of “What’s Done for Christ” — Eternity

III. The Promise That “It Will Last” — Legacy

Conclusion

INTRO

POINT 1: EVIL HAS AUTHORITY—BUT ONLY TEMPORARILY

POINT 2: EVIL WORKS PUBLICLY—BUT GOD PRESERVES PRIVATELY

POINT 3: EVIL CAN OCCUPY A POSITION—BUT IT CANNOT POSSESS THE FUTURE

POINT 4: EVIL CAN DELAY—BUT IT CANNOT DENY

POINT 5: EVIL WILL MISLABEL TRUTH WHEN IT LOSES CONTROL

FINAL DECLARATION

Resurrection Mission

Key Texts:

Core Message:

I. The Great Commission Is Rooted in Resurrection Authority

II. The Resurrection Turns Disciples From Fearful to Fearless

III. Mission Is the Natural Overflow of Resurrection Life

IV. Evangelism Is a Lifestyle Shaped by Resurrection Hope

V. Practical Application: How to Join the Resurrection Mission

Conclusion

Walk in Resurrection Power

Key Texts:

Main Idea:

I. The Disciples Were Powerless Until the Resurrection Became Personal

II. Resurrection Power Fuels Courage, Obedience, and Spiritual Authority

III. You Don’t Need More Willpower — You Need Resurrection Power

IV. The Spirit Is the Evidence That Resurrection Power Lives in Us

V. Practical Application: How to Walk in Resurrection Power

Conclusion

Living in Resurrection Identity

Key Texts:

Main Idea:

I. The Empty Tomb Redefines Who We Are

II. We Are No Longer Defined by Sin, Shame, or the Old Life

III. Resurrection Is Not Symbolic — It Is Transformational

IV. Identity Precedes Action

V. Practical Application: Living in Resurrection Identity

Conclusion

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 5 - THE GREATEST COMEBACK

INTRODUCTION — Why We Love Comebacks

I. THE RESURRECTION IS A HISTORICAL REALITY

II. THE RESURRECTION IS A COSMIC VICTORY

III. THE RESURRECTION IS A PERSONAL INVITATION

IV. THE RESURRECTION IS YOUR INVITATION TO NEW LIFE

CONCLUSION

The Greatest - Sermon Series

Good Friday - The Greatest Servant

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 3 – THE GREATEST TEACHER

I. THE PROMISED KING

II. THE HUMBLE KING

III. THE KING OF GLORY

IV. WHAT THIS KING MEANS FOR US TODAY

CONCLUSION

Hosanna to the King who saves! Hosanna to the King who serves! Hosanna to the King who reigns forever!

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 3 – THE GREATEST TEACHER

I. JESUS TEACHES WITH AUTHORITY (Matthew 5–7)

II. JESUS REVEALS THE KINGDOM (Matthew 13)

III. JESUS’ WORDS GIVE LIFE (John 6:68)

IV. JESUS STILL TEACHES TODAY

V. THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

CONCLUSION — COME TO THE TEACHER

The Greatest - Sermon Series

WEEK 2 – THE GREATEST HEALER

I. THE UNIVERSAL NEED FOR HEALING

II. JESUS HEALS THE BODY (Mark 2:1–12)

III. JESUS HEALS THE HEART (Luke 8:43–48)

IV. JESUS HEALS THE SOUL (Isaiah 53:5)

V. JESUS HEALS FOR ETERNITY

VI. COMPARISON SUMMARY

VII. INVITATION — COME TO THE HEALER

The Greatest - Sermon Series

Week 1 - The Greatest Friend

Notes for Personal Reflection & Application

Main Points

Who’s Your One?

Reflection Questions

Prayer for the Week

II. The Resurrection Turns Disciples From Fearful to Fearless

I. THE PROMISED KING 

III. THE KING OF GLORY 

CONCLUSION 

Hosanna to the King who saves! Hosanna to the King who serves! Hosanna to the King who reigns forever!

CONCLUSION — COME TO THE TEACHER 