At RiverTown this Sunday we’ll rebel against the clock by simply ignoring daylight savings time until after we experience God together in worship. We’ve been planning for a few weeks now to skip the time change, get an hour more sleep than all the other Christians we know, and all just show up at the normal time.
Why? …Why Not!
This explains it best. It really made me laugh last night when a Facebook friend of mine quoted his ten year old son’s genius. Here’s his status update. Words of Jordan, age 10: “I am going to ignore Daylight Savings Time when it starts.” His Dad’s instant comeback: “I’m with you Buddy.” I bet Jordan would like RiverTown.
I’m sure you know some people who feel the same way. What a great intro into an invitation to church! “Hey…Wanna skip the time change this Sunday? I know a Church where…” (You fill in the rest) Jesus Changed the Rules. We can too!
Matthew 5: 22, 28, 39, 44
But I have added to that rule…and tell you that if you are only angry, you are in danger of judgment!
But I tell you: that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
But I tell you: Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…
That’s the title of my message this Sunday – CHANGE THE RULES!
The reason Jesus looked like a rebel to the people around him is that he had the ability to change the rules. He got back to the heart of the matter and the spirit of the law. The religious leaders of his day were experts on knowing how to look exactly like the godliest people in town, but only on the outside. Jesus changed their current day rules of Judiasm into a standard of the heart that would live forever. Jesus knew that the heart of the human problem was the problem of the human heart. He changed the rules, then changed their hearts to match. This at Sunday at RiverTown, we plan on experiencing the new rules and the new heart of Jesus!
Last Sunday’s service was so moving. I thought you would want to experience it again in this clip and share it with others.
EASTER is going to be huge this year. Here’s the scoop…
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE – Interactive Passover Experience: The Rebel’s Last Meal – 6 PM, Friday, March 29th
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES – Message: Rebel With A Cross!
7 AM- SUNRISE SERVICE – On The Front Lawn. (Meet Jesus and the Empty Tomb at Daybreak)
8 AM- BREAKFAST – Inside The Worship Center (Chef Roger Gamboa is Back)
9 AM- EGG HUNT – (Bring Candy and Plastic Eggs This Sunday)
10 AM- HUGE WORSHIP SERVICE ON THE FRONT LAWN!
We have all the room we need outside and we have a vision to “pack out” our outside worship space with as many people as possible. There will be a huge stage, our band, and a chair for you and every one of your friends! But, just to be nice, you could email me back about which service(s) you are coming to! Don’t forget to wear your Rebel Savior T-Shirt!
All for Jesus…”The Rebel With A Cross!”
Pastor David Rathel
P.S. – For much better RiverTown info written by staff members that really know what’s going on. Check out this wee’s ENews http://conta.cc/10fhmYB
P.S. – If anybody knows a generous tattoo artist who’s really great at Christian skin art let me know. We’ve got Idea… for our next giveaway!
Message Notes for: CHANGE THE RULES – Pastor David Rathel – Rebel Savior Series – 03.10.13 – Matthew 5, Luke 10
WHY THE CHANGE? Matthew 5:15 – 17
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
THE NEW RULES – Matthew 5:21 – 47
21 “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER ‘ 22 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; …and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY ‘; 28 but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘AN EYE FOR AN EYE, AND A TOOTH FOR A TOOTH.’ 39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven;
for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
God’s Highest Law Is LOVE! Mark 10:25-28
The Mark Of Spiritual Maturity Is The Ability To Love The Unlovely!
The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:29-37
I Can Love The Unlovely When I Am In Love With Jesus!
Mary At The Feet Of Jesus, Luke 10:38-42