My First Sermon Since My Father Went To Heaven! Sunday, April 27

This is a picture of my Dad, Harold Rathel, enjoying his favorite place – The family lake house in south Georgia.

My father went on to be with his heavenly Father last Thursday morning.  The grief is huge.  But, as the Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

One of the great comforts God has given me is the divine timing in the events surrounding his death from lung cancer.  For many months before he died we have had this new church-wide sermon series and campaign simply called… HEAVEN!

He died on Thursday morning following our Intense Good Friday Service, Huge Easter Sunday Morning Outdoor Outreach, and Wednesday Night Heaven Party!  The next morning after a good nights sleep he took his trip to Heaven!

God writes his love for us permanently in history.  Sometimes that history is found in worldwide and biblical events.  For me, God’s timing was shown in how my Dad’s life and death came in a divinely-timed lightning bolt of love from Heaven. God’s timing is always an insight to His plan for the future.

This Sunday will be my first sermon and our first church service after my Dad’s last day on the earth.  I’m honestly more excited and more confident about the content and power of God in this message than any message before!

“Our Father In Heaven” is watching and planning the events unfolding around this weekend’s services extremely closely!  He has also already empowered me with his perfect word for this day about our Heavenly home.  I have more faith for this message than any other message I’ve ever preached.  I praise God for his goodness and for planning every moment of our lives!

See You Sunday!

Pastor David Rathel

If you missed Easter Sunday…. Find it here on my YouTube Channel!