Rainier Valley Church - Seattle: Recent Episodes

Rainier Valley Church

Because God loves us, Rainier Valley Church exists to glorify God, to love one another, and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we serve our neighbors.

Rainier Valley Church is in the heart of Rainier Valley in Seattle Washington. Worship with us on Sundays at 10am.

"Formation in Relationships" (Matthew 7:1-12)
Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down
Sunday, September 10th

Logs and Specks (Matt 7:1-5)
What do we have to do first to help others?
Dogs and Hogs (Matt 7:6)
How can we practice discernment in our relationships with non-believers?
Bread and Stones (Matt 7:7-12)
What is the Golden Rule
“Do Unto Others What You Would Have Them Do To You”Community Group Questions
In what areas of your life are you most likely to be judgmental of someone (e.g. finances, work, health, parenting, marriage, emotions, etc.)?
What is the difference between church discipline (Matt 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5) and sinfully judging a brother or sister?
Why would you not want to be judged with the same same standard you judge others (7:2)?
What aspect of the way God has treated you in the gospel should compel you to be humble and patient instead of judgmental?
How can you discern when you are throwing your pearls before pigs and wasting your time sharing the Gospel with someone who is attacking you (Matt 7:6).
Why is it astounding that God hears and responds to your prayers? If God hears you, why is it important to pray persistently? Why does he want you to pray more than once for your needs?
What is the difference between casual prayer and expectant prayer? What prayers can you look back on and be glad that God did not answer in the way you initially wanted?
How did God answer the prayer better than you asked? How brave are your prayers? Are they filled with needs that you can accomplish on your own or needs that require God to provide?
What is the Golden Rule and how can you apply it in your life this coming week?

Resources for "Formation in Relationships"
Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRRRVWLEcE8

"Formation in Peace" (Matthew 6:25-34) Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down Sunday, September 3rd Sermon Outline What are some things you worry about? - Take a moment to write down some of your biggest worries Jesus’ teaching on what to do with our worries and fears. 1. Reorder Your __________ 2. Remember Your _____ 3. Recognize Your _________ 4. Consider God’s _______ 5. Focus On What Really _______ 6. Don’t Borrow _______

Community Group Questions What in your life creates the most worry? What do the things you worry about reveal about your heart and your priorities? What are some of the results when you obsessively worry? Which of the 6 insights that Jesus gives us do you need to actively apply to your worries this week? How does your culture and your economic status shape what you consider to be the appropriate standard for God’s feeding, clothing, and taking care of you. How might your perspective change if you live in a different context? Were first-century Christians less susceptible to the desire for clothing than Christians today? Why or why not? How can our trust in God, when we would naturally worry, be an evangelical witness to others? Do you ask God more often for wants or for needs? How does God handle our requests for things we want? How can increasing our desire and concern for God’s kingdom lessen our worry over our lives and the future? If your treasure is in heaven, how will that affect how much you are willing to sacrifice now on earth?

"Formation in Kingdom Riches"
Matthew 6:5-24
Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down
Sunday, August 27th

Kingdom Riches Outline from Dan Nordblad
· Introduction: Who I am, what I do, my connection w/Pastor Kyle
· Sermon on the Mount nuances, ethics, takeaways as it pertains to spiritual formation/character development. (Ro. 5.3-5, Ro. 5.29)
· Sermon on the Mount as it is predicated off the first beatitude (Mt. 5.3)
· The imputation of kingdom righteousness both legal and incarnational.
· Matthew 6.5-8 – contrast two types of prayer (hypocrisy/sincerity)
· Matthew 6.9-13 – The Lord’s Prayer – Who we address in prayer and why, contrast our will w/His will. The value of being dependent on God – an extract from Exodus narrative. Sin in the context of debt. Praying according to God’s will, our desire to not succumb to sin.
· Matthew 6.14-15 – An addendum w/emphasis on forgiveness in context with our Christianity. Luke 7.47
· Fasting – our approach to spiritual disciplines, why we fast (Scriptural background to fasting), our personal/private relationship w/God and how that impacts others. (1 Tim. 5.24-25, Heb. 4.13)
· Matthew 6.15-21 – Fools gold versus Kingdom Riches
· The fallibility of materialism versus Kingdom wealth
· Our heart as it resembles our treasure (Pro. 27.19, Ps. 119.162, Col. 3.20)
· Treasures in heaven: Christ, Holy Spirit, Faith, The Word, wisdom
· Matthew 6.22-24 – outlook in life determines outcome in life
· Describe scriptural imagery e.g. eye, body, lamp etc.
· Describe eyes of faith (Psalm 119.130, Ps. 19)
· Describe eyes of unbelief
· New Testament prohibition against idolatry (1 Tim. 6.9-11)
· Christ’s teaching on the value of eternal destination.
· Exhortation: As He becomes your treasure, you become His! (1 Pe. 2.9, Ex. 19.5)Discussion Questions for Community Groups:
1. Is it okay to be a “rich/wealthy” Christian? Why/why not?
2. What are some ways that we can cultivate and develop spiritual disciplines e.g. prayer, fasting, scripture reading?
3. Is the Sermon on the Mount a prescription or description? Why?
4. What are the virtues of a public prayer life if any?
5. Which kingdom ethic do you struggle with the most and why? (unforgiveness, materialism, fasting, etc.)

Guest Speaker: Joe Culumber

What does it mean to pray in secret and why is Jesus highlighting the importance of a private prayer life? (Matthew 6:6)
Why should we not pray like the hypocrites? What are the hypocrites trying to "get" out of their prayer time? (Matthew 6:5)
What is the difference between praying in public and praying in secret?
What practical lessons can we learn from Jesus' teaching and example of prayer? What are the main stumbling blocks in our life around prayer? How can we be praying for each other this week?

"Formation in Pleasing Piety In A Posturing World"
Matthew 6:1-18
Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down
Sunday, August 13th

Community Group Questions: 1. Can you think of some examples of public posturing not shared by Jon? 2. Of the three acts of piety Jesus uses as examples which do you have the most experience with? Which do you have the least experience with? 3. What are some examples of religious hypocrisy in our day? 4. What are some ways you have found yourself having the wrong motive when it comes to living out your faith? 5. Have you ever experienced doing spiritual things for the wrong reasons? 6. What are some questions you could ask yourself to determine if you are doing spiritual things for the wrong reason? 7. What’s one thing you will do in response to this message?

Resources for "Formation in Pleasing Piety In Posturing World"
Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk2Ql8477f4

Formation in Enemy-Love (Matthew 5:38-48)
Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down
Sunday, August 6th with Guest Speaker James Rayment

Community Group Questions: 1. James explained that to "turn the other cheek" (verse 39) means to not return an insult for an insult. What ways can we deescalate tensions and turn the the volume down on conflicts that we are involved in? On the opposite end, what responses might we have that turn the volume up? How can we be tempted to be personally vengeful? 2. What is the difference between loving your enemies and forgiving your enemies? How can we grow in trusting God to do what is right in situations where we have been deeply wronged? 3. Formation is the process of becoming more like Jesus in our knee-jerk responses to situations in life. What challenges do we face in following these commands to love our enemies and how can we overcome these challenges? 4. If Jesus didn't come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, what is the significance of Jesus' commands in Matthew 5:38-48 towards our enemies, especially as it relates to the law of God? 5. How do these commands reflect the character of God? How does God love his enemies? 6. What practical application will you take from the message this week? How do these commands challenge us to live differently? How can we help support one another in applying these things in our lives? How can we pray for one another this week? Are there any practical needs that we can help each other with this week?

Resources for "Formation in Enemy-Love"
Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons
Video - https://youtube.com/live/UuDD-uwRZh8?feature=share

Formation in Faithfulness
Sermon on the Mount: A Kingdom Upside Down
Matthew 5:31-37
Sunday, July 30th
Guest Speaker: Pastor Chris Short

Community Group Questions:
1) What does this passage teach us about the character of God and ourselves?
2) Divorce can be a painful and sensitive subject. How does this passage inform our understanding of divorce and remarriage?
3) As a disciple of Jesus, what does it look like to pursue faithfulness in the marriage covenant?
4) According to the passage, what does it mean to purpose faithful character?
5) How does Christ’s work in the Gospel impact our faithfulness?
6) How does this passage lead you to doxology (worship & praise)?

1) Jesus addresses the first of six contentions with the moral law by speaking into the intention of the words of the Law rather than the words themselves. Have you experienced a time when you obeyed the law rather than the intentions behind the law? 2)God is the ultimate, righteous, judge. And in this text we see that true worship with Him includes right relationship with one another as brothers and sisters in the Lord. What is the purpose of leaving behind your sacrifice BEFORE you offer it to God? Is it possible to offer worship to God with the wrong intentions? 3) Share a story of when you have experienced reconciliation and forgiveness from another brother or sister in a situation you thought would be impossible to resolve. How did the Holy Spirit guide that process?

Discussion Questions for Community Group/Personal Study

1) Christ claims that all scripture bears witness to him. That may be easy to see in some passages but more obscure in others. Are there any verses or passages that are particularly difficult for you to see Christ? What might be some strategies for you to consider in clarififying them?

2) What are some verses or passages that you can identify that you may understand as something as other than Christ? How can you approach them in a new way to see Christ there?

3) God is a God of revelation, do you think of him as such? How would it change your relationship with him to agree with that or to pursue increasing revelation of who he is?

Discussion Questions for Community Groups or Personal Study

What does Jesus mean when he calls his followers salt?
What does it mean to be salt in the world?
How can we be salt in our families, workplaces, and communities?
What does Jesus mean when he calls his followers light?
How can we be light in the world?
What are some specific ways that we can shine our light?
What are some challenges that we face in being salt and light in the world?
How can we overcome these challenges?
How can we encourage each other to be salt and light in the world?
What does it mean to be distinctively Christian in our world?
How can we live in a way that is both loving and challenging to the world around us?
How can we be agents of change in our world?
How can we bring hope and healing to a broken world?

Hey church family. This Sunday, I had the honor of opening our Bibles to the greatest sermon ever preached: the Sermon on the Mount. I shared what it is versus isn’t, and then unpacked the ground-breaking beatitudes, Matthew 5:1 - 12. Attached below is a short summary of the context I gave to the entire Sermon on the Mount series.Questions to consider for your reflection this week: 1. Jesus is a master teacher who chose to make his opening statement in his sermon the beatitudes, the first word to be “blessed.” What does that tell you about the character & heart of God? 2. How are we “poor in spirit” when it comes to approaching God? 3. Which beatitude do you find yourself most challenged by? Why? 4. Meekness is humility in action to others. Where have you shown meekness in your life? Where do you struggle with meekness? 5. What promises give you the most hope in the beatitudes?

May you be blessed this week knowing that we are beggars coming to our loving, merciful gracious God who gives us comfort when we are afflicted, hope when we are persecuted, and love when we feel despondent.

It's Good to Be A Man: The Calling of Godly Masculinity
Family Life Sermon Series
Sunday, June 18th (Happy Father's Day 2023!)
Rainier Valley Church
Seattle, Washington

Discussion Questions
What does it mean to be a good father or spiritual father?
What are some of the qualities that make a good father or spiritual father?
What are some of the challenges of being a father or spiritual father?
How can fathers and spiritual fathers model God's love for their children?
How can fathers and spiritual fathers teach their children about God?
How can fathers and spiritual fathers help their children grow in their faith?
What are some ways that fathers and spiritual fathers can be encouraged and supported?
What are some practical ways that we can honor our spiritual fathers on Father's Day?
What are some of the things you appreciate most about your father and/or spiritual father?
How can we as a community support fathers in their roles?
What are some ways we can celebrate the importance of fatherhood?

Loving the Little Years: Imitating God
Ephesians 5:1, Psalm 115:4-8, 2 Corinthians 3:18
Rainier Valley Church
(Family-Style Worship Service)Discussion Questions * When you were a kid, who did you want to be like when you grew up and why? How did you imitate your heroes? * George Bernard Shaw once famously wrote that “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it’s the sincerity form of learning” How do we learn through imitation? * Read Ephesians 5:1 and discuss what does it mean to imitate God? What are some ways that we can do this in our everyday lives? * Read Psalm 115:4-8 and discuss how do people become like what they worship? What is the connection between beholding and becoming? * Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 and discuss what it mean that we all with unveiled face beholding the glory of the Lord are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another? What does it mean to behold the glory of the Lord? How can we do this? What does it mean to be transformed into the image of Christ? How does this happen?How can we encourage one another to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed into his image? * How can we pray for one another this week? How can we serve one another this week? What practical needs are there in our group this week? How can we hold one another accountable to mature spiritually this week? Let's take some time to pray for each other and ask for the Lord's help, power, wisdom, and guidance.

Slides - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hMqeFj-zp8bLSZPo4KFdY2PnP7ZVtykNw4qMRk-L_F4/edit?usp=sharing
Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIl2H1zWR40&t=2s

“The 4 Seasons of Parenting"
(Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:1-4 and Various Proverbs)
Family Life Sermon Series - Sunday, June 4th
Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington

Discussion Questions * Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. How can we make sure that our children learn to love God? What are some ways that we can teach our children about God's love by proactively giving them formative teaching or reactive corrective discipline? How can we make our homes a place where God is honored and where His love is evident? What are some different ways that we can we train and teach the next generation intentionally and spontaneously? * Read Ephesians 6:4. What does it mean for fathers to not provoke their children to anger? What does it mean for fathers to bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? What are some specific ways that fathers can do this? What are some challenges that fathers face in raising their children? How can fathers overcome these challenges? What are some benefits of fathers raising their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord? * Pastor Kyle interviewed his Mom about the Four Seasons of Parenting in the book of Proverbs - Discipline Years (1-5), Training Years (5-12), Coaching Years (12-18), and the Friendship Years (18+). What are some applications points from this discussion that you would like to apply to your own life and family? If you are single, how has this discussion on parenting helped you to understand your parents and prepared you to become a parent in the future, if the Lord gives you that blessing? * How can we pray for one another this week? How can we serve one another this week? What practical needs are there in our group this week? How can we hold one another accountable to mature spiritually this week? Let's take some time to pray for each other and ask for the Lord's help, power, wisdom, and guidance.

Jude: Contending for the Faith Week #4 “Victory in the Fight” (Jude 24-25) * The Power of God - God Will Preserve and Protect Us (24a)

Jude begins his doxology by praising God for what? Why is God's promise to keep us from stumbling or falling so precious and how does it impact the Christian life? * The Promise of God - We Will See His Glory and Share His Joy (24b)

How is God able to present us blameless before His glory? Why is being in the presence of God the ultimate source of joy in all existence? * The Person of God - He Is Our Sovereign and Our Savior (25a)

Why is significant that Jesus is both our Lord and Savior? If we only think of Jesus as our Savior or only as our Lord what difference does it make? * The Praise of God - Praise Him for His Glory, Majesty, Sovereignty, Authority (25b)

What reasons do you have to praise God's glory and majesty? How can we rejoice in God's sovereignty and authority? How can we be praying for one another and encouraging one another this week? What practical ways can we serve each other?Slides - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1D78ONuC8F3jpv1ApkMcD53XBbM7YAuqb4yRf_uzfW7A/edit?usp=sharing Audio - https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vzeaMhIgUg&t=10s

A Study in the Book of Jude "Jude: Contending for the Faith" Week 3: “The Fight for the Heart” (Jude v. 17-23) Pastor Kyle begin his message by highlighting several celebrities who grew up as Christians but has since renounced their faith and walked away from Christianity. The statistics show that we are leaving in the middle of a cultural revolution where people are leaving the Christian faith in unprecedented numbers. How should we respond? Jude recommends looking back, looking up and looking around.

Look Back - Remember (Jude 17-19) - Jude encourages God's people to look back and remember the predictions of the apostles to understand our current age. What sorts of things do the Apostles predict in Matthew 24:10-13, Acts 20:29-30, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and how do you seem of these predictions coming to fulfillment in the world around you? According to Jude 19, what sorts of characteristics do False Teachers have and what impact do False Teachers bring to a Christian community?

Look Up - Worship (Jude 20-21) - There are four actions that Jude calls Christians to do in response to apostasy and false teaching - 1. Building Ourselves Up in the Faith, 2. Praying in the Holy Spirit, 3. Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God, 4. Waiting for the mercy of our Lord. Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in the faith and Pastor Kyle recommending the importance of weekly worship, strengthening of the marriage/family, reading scripture and good books (Recommended for adults - Strange New World by Carl Truman, Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey, and The Air We Breathe by Glen Scrivener) What ways do you need to build yourself up in the faith? What ways might you need to repair your faith?

Look Around - Serve (Jude 22-23) - Genuine love for God flows into a genuine love for our Christian brothers and sisters. What ways do Jude call us to love others in Jude 22-23? Who do we need to be merciful to and what does it look like to be merciful, compassionate and patient with others in our lives? Jude calls us to snatch others from the fires. Are there those in your life that you have seen backsliding, doubting or walking away from their faith and how can you "snatch" them out of the fire? Jude ends this section with a call to hate even the garment stained by the flesh, this means that we are to have a continued hatred of sin in the Christian life, how can we cultivate that hatred and not become indifferent or immune to the sinfulness of sin? What practical follow-up will you takeaway from this weekend's message? How can you have others hold you accountable to practice real change? What ways can we be praying for others this week?

The Fight (Ancient & Modern) (Jude 5-16) Jude: Contending for the Faith

Contextual and Application Questions on Jude v. 5-16: 1. How does each of the Old Testament examples in v. 5-7 illustrate a rebellion of belief in the mind of the creature about the Creator and the status of the creature in relation to the Creator? (How did they deny the authority, morality, and glory of God?) 2. Where do the beliefs of false teachers originate? What will they ultimately result in? (v.8, 10) 3. Why can we not allow our beliefs to be shaped by our instincts (v. 10)? Where must we always turn instead for right belief and understanding? a. What lies concerning God’s authority, morality, and glory do you think are common in today’s mindset, that we need to guard against? (For example, “I don’t need God in my life – I know what’s best for me” or “The morality of the Bible is outdated – things have changed” etc.) b. Which of these lies are you contending with at the moment? Are there any that you should be contending with but have not been? 4. In the battle of the mind, what is your strategy going to be for defending your beliefs against false teaching and lies? (How can you ensure that you do not fall prey to false teachers? What can you do to make sure that you are practicing discernment over purported revelations from God? How can you do this together as a Community Group?) 5. Using the surrounding context, explain whom Jude is referring to when he writes, “Woe to them!” in v. 11? 6. What sins have they allowed to take root in their hearts, as exemplified by Cain, Balaam, and Korah? (v. 11) (Refer to Gen. 4: 3-8; Num. 16: 1-35, 22:7, 31:16 or look up these Old Testament examples in a Bible dictionary if you need to refresh your memory!) 7. How did the true disposition of their hearts show up in their speech and conduct? (v. 15-16) 8. Read v. 12-13 and consider the imagery Jude uses. In what ways do false teachers (and those living false lives) pose a danger to the spiritual safety and well-being of other believers? 9. Why do we need to be aware of the example we set as Christians to both our fellow-believers and to the world? If we are not pastors or teachers in the church, does our example matter any less? Why / why not? 10. As we seek to contend for the faith by the God-honoring example of our lives, why is it essential that we be willing to look honestly at our hearts and not just our behavior?

Jude: Contending for the Faith For those of you who like to read ahead and prepare for Sunday worship, this week we will begin a new series in the book of Jude. Author D.J. Rowston once wrote that Jude is the “most neglected book in the New Testament.” The little book of Jude is often neglected because of several factors. 1. The book of Jude is relatively short. In America, we are tempted to equate worth and importance with size. Since the book is short, many assume (wrongly) the book is unimportant. 2. The book is tucked away in the latter part of the Bible and easy to miss. People do not stumble into studying the book of Jude. They must go looking for it. 3. The message of the book is perceived as “negative.” Jude spends the majority of his time warning against false teachers and their impending destruction. The message of judgment and condemnation drives many readers away. For these reasons, Jude often gets overlooked by Christians and pastors alike.

We are convinced that the neglect of Jude is a serious mistake for our spiritual lives and the health of our church. Jude warns against false teachers, a reminder that is just as necessary now as it was when Jude originally penned his letter. Furthermore, Jude encourages Christians to remain in God’s love by building themselves up, praying in the Holy Spirit, and waiting for the mercy of the Lord Jesus. Jude’s message of warning and encouragement is needed in the church today. We must pick up the book of Jude, study it, and live out it's truths for the glory of God! Week 1 – “A Call to Fight” (v. 1-4) Contextual Questions on Jude v. 1-4: 1. Jude, along with the apostle James, was Jesus’s half-brother. How does he introduce himself in v.1? Why do you think he chose to introduce himself in this way? 2. What customary information is lacking about the recipients of Jude’s letter? How does he identify them instead? (v. 1) 3. What was Jude’s purpose in writing the letter? (v. 3) Why was it so urgent for Jude to write on this subject rather than on “our common salvation” as he had originally planned? (v. 3) 4. What is meant by “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints”? (v. 3) 5. Was the threat to the integrity of the faith coming from inside or outside the church? (v. 4) 6. How were these “ungodly people” undermining the faith? What important tenets/aspects were they subverting? (v. 4)

Application Questions: 1. Just like the un-named Christians of Jude’s day, we too are being called to contend for the faith. This call to contend (meaning “to strenuously fight to defend”) implies that i) we are in a battle, and ii) the faith is being attacked. • In what ways do you think that the faith is being attacked today? How do you think the true Christian faith is under attack or being undermined in some church movements or teachers in the world today? • What weapons are at our disposal as we contend for the faith? What are some of the things in life that you are willing to fight for? Why? Why is it important that we be willing to fight for the faith with the same (indeed, greater) passion and commitment as for these other things?

“Happy Monday after Easter/Resurrection Sunday" We had an incredible Easter Sunday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus with record-breaking attendance and amazingly powerful testimonies of God's radically transformative grace. I want to thank all the volunteers for helping to set-up the Kids Easter Egg Hunt (@Shelly Lischke, @Sarah Johnson, @Violet Lischke, @Crystal Van Tine) set-up and tear down the baptismal (@Ben Johnson, @Ken Sabalza @Erik G), and lead us in joyful praise and worship (@Ken Sabalza, @Helen Oh, @Jason Lischke, @Steve Pratt,@Riddick Lischke) I hope you all are able to get some rest this evening after pouring yourselves out for the glory of God and the good of others yesterday. Your work in the local church matters! I’m praying you are deeply aware of the Spirit’s presence this week as you step into the next season post-Easter. May you find God’s favor in all you do to build his Kingdom this week! Child Dedications on Easter Sunday Congratulations to @Stormy Curtis on dedicating Grace and @Devin Simone Salinas on dedicating Rainstorm, River-Wynd and Storie this Easter Sunday. May these little ones come to know, love and follow Jesus all the days of their lives and may we, as a church family, care for and support these little ones and their parents. Baptisms on Easter Sunday Congratulations to Jeanelle Buntting, Faduma Abdi, @Helen Oh, and Adora Harris for getting baptized this Easter Sunday. May the Lord continue to bless and direct you as you walk with Jesus throughout this life. We thank God for each of you and rejoice in God's grace and love towards each of you. We love you all! Discussion Questions from Sunday's Message 1. THERE IS HOPE FOR YOUR CONFUSION - “God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.” (Acts 2:32) - The people in the city of Seattle have lots of different views on who/what God is but how does the resurrection of Jesus bring hope in the midst of spiritual confusion? How is Jesus the way, the truth and the life? 2. THERE IS HOPE IN YOUR SUFFERING -“...We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) - How does the resurrection of Jesus show God's ability to work all things together for our good? How can the resurrection of Jesus impact our perspective on our current sufferings and hardships? 3. THERE’S HOPE IN YOUR CHALLENGES - "We therefore were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead...we too may walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4) - How does the power of Jesus' resurrection give us hope in the midst of our challenges right now? How have you experienced resurrection power in your own life by the Holy Spirit of God? What big takeaways did you have from Rainier Valley Church's Easter Celebration with child dedications, testimonies, baptisms, etc?

Video from the Resurrection Sunday 2023 worship service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spDBQeipniU Pictures from the Easter Sunday Baptisms will be COMING SOON! Follow Rainier Valley Church on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.

“Becoming Like Jesus Together" Together: Building Relationships in a Broken World Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington - Sunday, April 2 7 Biblical Qualities of Christian Love 1. Genuine (12:9a) 2. Truthful (12:9b) 3. Family-Like (12:10a) 4. Honorable (12:10b) 5. Passionate (12:11) 6. Persistent (12:12) 7. Practical (12:13)

1.Genuine (12:9a) 1 John 4:19 “We love, because he first loved us” * You’ll never have to love someone more annoying than you’ve been to God * You’ll never have to forgive someone more than God has forgiven you * You’ll never be as patient with someone as God has been patient with you.

Do you really love your Christian brothers and sisters? * Do you say you’ll pray for them and actually pray for them? * Do you talk one way when the person is there and another when they aren’t?

Is your love genuine? Are there areas of hypocrisy in your life where you’re more polite than godly?2.Truthful (12:9b) Based on your closest friendship, who are you becoming? In this season, who is speaking truth into your life? * Are you growing in hating sin and loving righteousness? * What sins and evil do you abhor? How can you hold fast to what is good?

Family-Like (12:10a) Church is family, you look out for each other, you stick up for each other.We’re family. What the difference between going to a restaurant as a customer and going to a family dinner as a member of the family? * What does it look like to love other Christians like family?
What would change in the way you see your time, treasure and talent?
How can you personally grow in a warm love toward other believers?

4.Honorable (12:10b) We show honor to others because they're made in the image of God so they have inherent value. We show honor to those in authority because God created a world of hierarchy and responsibility. * What does it look like to outdo one another in showing honor? * How can you show honor to those in positions of authority in your life? * What are some behaviors in your life that might actually be dishonoring? * Are you a competitive person? Be competitive in showing honor.

5.Passionate (12:11) To be Slothful is to be slow, lazy, dull, sluggish, drowsy, listless, careless, neglectful, apathetic, disinterested, indifferent, careless, unconcerned. to be Fervent is to be boiling, zealous, passionate, vigorous, energetic, spirited. God has called us to passionate service. Stir one another up to love and good works… Encourage, strengthen, embolden. * What books, people, music has God used to stir you up and increase your zeal? * How can we stir one another up to love and good works practically? * Where are their areas of sloth in our lives?

6.Persistent (12:12) Christian life must be persistent through the good times and the hard times. * What areas in your life do you need to rejoice in hope? * What tribulations in your life do you need patience in? * How can I cultivate a prayerful life over a complaining life?

7.Practical (12:13) When someone needs a job, clothes, food, rent, direction, or help in some way, we don’t just pray for them, we HELP them! God has given you a house, money, food, friends, opportunities not as an end in themselves but as the means to bless others. We’re suppose to be a conduits, channels of God’s blessings through us to a needy world. * Are you functioning as a river or a reservoir? Do God's blessings stop with you or move through you to others? * What opportunities do you have to bless and serve those around you this week? * How can we pray for each other this week?

“Our relationship with each other is the criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful – Christian community is the final apologetic.” - Francis Schaeffer

“Making Jesus' Final Command Our First Priority” Together: Building Relationships in a Broken World Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington - Sunday, March 26 The Mission * Profess (Matt 28:18-20) * Proclaim (Mark 16:15-16) * Participate (Luke 24:46-48) * Peace (John 20:21-22) * Power (Acts 1:8)

Jesus gives the great commission 5 different times in 5 different ways. What are some of the similarities and differences in these texts? How can we make Jesus’ last command our first priority?

The Motivations * Love (2 Corinthians 5:14) * Compassion (Matthew 23:37) * Sorrow (Romans 9:1-3) * Power (Roman 1:16) * Accountability (Acts 20:26-27)

There are many biblical motivations for evangelism. What are some motives you have to share the Gospel with friends and family?

The Methods * S.A.L.T. Method

Start a Conversation
Ask Questions
Listen Closely
Tell The Story
https://youtu.be/HdnOVw01Y0U
Romans Road Method
Stop #1 | Romans 3:23 “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”
Stop #2 | Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Stop #3 | Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Stop #4 | Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ…”
Stop #5 | Romans 10:9 “…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved…”
https://www.forthegospel.org/read/the-romans-road-to-salvation
4 Spiritual Laws Method
1. God loves you and created you to know Him personally.
"God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
1. Man is sinful and separated from God, so we cannot know Him personally or experience His love.
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23)
1. Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him alone we can know God personally and experience God's love.
"God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
1. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know God personally and experience His love.
"As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name" (John 1:12)
You Can Receive Christ Right Now by Faith Through Prayer
"Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving me of my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be."
http://www.4laws.com/laws/englishkgp/default.htm
2 Ways to Live
Our Way God’s New Way
Reject God as ruler Submit to Jesus as our Ruler
Live our own way Rely on Jesus’ way
Damaged by our Rebellion Forgiven by God’s grace
Facing death and judgment Receive a new life that last forever
https://twowaystolive.com/
The Way of the Master
W.D.J.D.
W for Would - Would you consider yourself to be a good person?
D for Do - Do you think you have kept the Ten Commandments?
J for Judgment - If God were to judge you by the Ten Commandments, do you think you would be innocent or guilty?
D for Destiny - Do you think you would go to heaven or hell?
https://livingwaters.com/
Christianity Explored Classes
Christianity Explored is a way of sharing the best news ever heard, and gives people space and time to think about the big questions of life. Over 7 sessions in Mark's Gospel, find out more about the life of the person at the heart of the Christian faith - Jesus Christ.
https://www.christianityexplored.org/

Together: Building Relationships in a Broken World

Together #1 “You Need the Church and the Church Needs You” (1 Cor 12:12-26)

Rainier Valley Church - Seattle, Washington - Sunday, March 19th

Big Idea: “We’re saved into one body (unity) to use our gifts (diversity) to build one another up (Interdependence)”

Live in One Body - Unity (12:12-14)
- The Apostle Paul says the Church is the body of Christ that is made up of every single Christian playing their unique part. What ways does the church, the body of Christ, reflect and represent Jesus to a hurting, broken and lost world? (1 John 4:12)
- What does it mean that Jews/Greeks, Slave/Free are all baptized and drinking from one Spirit together? What ways is the church unified in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? How can we protect and cultivate the unity that we experience in the body of Christ?
Use Our Gifts - Diversity (12:15-20)
- The Apostle Paul compares each Christian to a different part of the body. Each part of the body plays an important role and is connected to the rest of the body. What role do you play in the body of Christ?
- How are you meaningfully connected to other Christian in the body of Christ? How does Christianity create a community that has deep unity without total uniformity?
Build One Another Up - Interdependence (12:21-26)
- How is the difference between body parts being independent and being interdependent? What ways do we need other christians with other gifts, personalities, and backgrounds in our lives?
- How can we cultivate a community of interdependence with one another? What ways can we grieve with those who grieve and rejoice with those who rejoice? What ways can we be praying for each other and practically supporting each other this week?

Growing Old Together - Song of Solomon 8:5-14

Love Songs: A Study in the Song of Solomon

Sunday, March 12th

Transformative Love (8:5)

The community was amazed by how much the woman has been transformed in her relationship to her beloved. Love is meant to be transformative. How have the relationships in your life transformed you? What ways have you grown and changed because of those who are closest to you? The challenges we face in our marriages and friendship aren’t flaws but features to transform, challenge, grow, and shape us. How can we maximize the transformative impact of the relationships in our life?

Covenantal Love (8:6-8)

This beautiful section of scripture highlights the Personal, Permanent, Passionate, Perseverant, and Priceless nature of love. How is covenantal love different from contractual love?

What important aspect of love highlighted in this poetic section resonates with you and why?

Honoring Love (8:9-10)

In this section of the scriptures, The brothers of the young woman are planning on how they can protect and care for their sister as she comes of age. How can we as a community help protect and care for the singles in our church family? In what ways does guarding our sexual purity give us peace (Shalom) in marriage?

Celebratory Love (8:11-14)

The Song of Solomon ends with the couple moving towards sexual intimacy. As we conclude this unique and challenging book in the Old Testament, what were some of the most impactful insights and highlights for you personally? What ways can we apply the truths we have learned throughout this series?

Deepening Faithfulness (SOS 7:1-8:4)

Everything changes over time, some things get better and some things get worse. What are some examples of things that can get better with time and what are some examples of things that get worse with time?

What are examples you have seen in your life of marriages or even friendships that have deepened over time and what makes them different than marriages and friendships that have fallen apart? What are some of the key relational elements that you’ve seen help marriages and friendships to deepen over the years?

Delight in One Another (7:1-10)

In this section of scripture, the husband praises his wife’s body with new observations as well as classic lines that he used on their honeymoon. How can we cultivate the ability to bless, praise, and thank others for the

For Singles - How does growing to know someone over decades help us to appreciate them in a deeper and more profound way? What do you appreciate about your friends and how can you encourage them this week?
For Married Couples - What physical characteristics or personality traits in your spouse have you grown to appreciate over time? What ways do you delight in your spouse? How are they a gift from God to you?

Invest in One Another (7:11-13)

In this section of scripture, the wife has planned a romantic getaway for the couple to enjoy one another. What relationships in your life do you need to prioritize even if that means changing a busy schedule?

For Singles - How can you cultivate deeper and more meaningful friendships with others in your life? What opportunities do you have to gather friends together, to go do or host different activities that might deepen friendships with others?
For Married Couples - What might need to shift and your schedule or priorities to deepen your marriage by getting away for a romantic evening or weekend? What are some “Old” and “New” ways that you can bless and serve one another?

Enjoy One Another (8:1-4)

In this section of scripture the wife yearns for husband and wishes that she could show public displays of affection to him like she could show to her own family in her ancient middle eastern context. What are some culturally/biblically appropriate ways that we can publicly express affection for our family, our spouse, our friends and our brothers and sister Christ?

For Singles -This section of scripture ends with the repeated statement about not awakening love before it’s time. Why is the statement repeated throughout the Song of Solomon? Why is it so important to only awaken love at the right/appointed time?
For Married Couples - How can you cultivate healthy public displays of affection for one another. What ways can you show honor to one another in public? What ways can you show affection to one another in public? What ways can you show love to one another in public? What barriers might prevent you from this healthy yearning for one another?

End with a challenge to take action. Lead your group to help each person identify their next steps in obedience to Christ this week.

What relationships do you need to prioritize and cultivate this week?
What is one practical take away that you will seek to apply this week?
How can we pray for one another this week?

Opening Discussion Questions

Since tonight we are going to talk about conflict let’s start thinking about this topic with what is the dumbest thing you’ve ever fought over? Share a time when an unmet expectation made you a lot angrier than it should have. How does self-centeredness play into the things you fight about? Share examples and talk about how it could have been handled in a more others-focused way. How aware of your own self-centeredness do you think you are? How could you get a more objective view of it? What’s the difference between reacting and acting? Give some examples of times when this was handled well.

Fighting Fair - Conflict and Growth Overview of Song of Solomon 5:2-6:13

Conflict: The Fight! (5:2-3)

Don’t Retaliate (5:4-5)

Seek Reconciliation (5:6-6:3)

Recall What You Respect (6:4-13)

For Singles

• How much of a problem would your friends and family say anger is for you? How do you see anger affecting your relationships?

• Which of your relationships has the most conflict?

• Describe someone who is really good at reconciling differences. What can you do to be better at it?

For Married Couples

• Kids, money, schedule, work, household chores, or maybe holidays with in-laws? Which issue most easily turns into a fight for you?

• List some good things about your spouse. How difficult is it for you to focus on these things during a fight?

• What’s your impulse in a fight — to talk or walk? How does this fit in to your natural personality? What can you do to make this work better in your marriage?

End with a challenge to take action. Lead your group to help each person identify their next steps.

• What will you do this week to restore a relationship damaged by fighting?

• What can you do to build your fighting skills this week? What would improve your relationships in this area?

https://rainiervalleychurch.com/latest-sermons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTuaQ8hfVG4

Opening Discussion Questions Which of the following views of sex were you taught growing up and why? * Hedonistic view: Everything is about sex. Sex is the ultimate and greatest pleasure * Contemporary view: Just a biological function so what’s the big deal? * Religious view: Dirty and/or weird and save it for the one you love! * Avoidance view = Just don’t even talk about it. To be avoided at all cost.

What is the biblical view of sex and why does it matter? What are some ways the world's scripts of sex conflict with God's design for sex? For Singles • What can you do now to build a foundation for great married sex during this season of your life? • Do you agree that God created sex to be enjoyed only by married couples? Why or why not? What challenges you about this biblical standard? • Tell about a relationship where you experienced absolute trust. How can you build that, especially if trust has been broken?For Married Couples • What is the sexiest non-sexual thing your spouse does that’s attractive to you? • What’s something you really like about your spouse that you probably don’t say often enough? • In what ways can you make your spouse’s sexual fulfillment a priority? • What obstacles get in the way of making your sex life satisfying for both of you? End with a challenge to take action. Lead your group to help each person identify their next steps. • What commitments do you need to make for your sexuality to be God-honoring? • What will you do to get past any baggage you have in this area and make a new start?

Love Songs: A Study of the Song of Solomon “The Art of Pursuit” Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5 Sunday, February 12th Discussion Questions This section of Song of Solomon talks about Spring. Which season of the year is your favorite (like the actual weather)? This week's message in the Song of Solomon 2:8-3:5 was about the art of pursuit. What do you need to pursue or protect in our season of life? Did you have any examples of a good, godly marriage when you were growing up? How have those early impressions shaped your outlook on marriage? For Singles • What reflections have you had over the past week about last week’s qualities to develop and look for? (Godly character, growing trust, higher standards, consistent encouragement) • What are your thoughts about marriage in general? What about for yourself specifically? • What truths and principles from the Song of Solomon are easy for you to embrace in your current season of life and which ones are more difficult for you in this season? • What standards have you set (or will you set) to help protect the purity of your relationships during the season of pursuit before marriage? For Married Couples • What’s one thing your spouse does in pursuing your heart that makes you feel close? • What actions and words would take your marriage beyond just sharing space and stuff? What would bring you closer to true intimacy together? • How have you protected the purity of your relationship? What are some ways you could improve that together in the future? • What does it feel like to know you belong to your spouse? What’s nice about that? What’s hard about that for you? • What little foxes threaten the vineyard of your relationship and what does it look like to stop them from coming into your vineyard together?

Love Songs: A Study of the Song of Solomon “The Art of Attraction” Song of Solomon 1:1-2:7 Sunday, February 5th Discussion Questions• What are some funny and misleading descriptions you’ve heard of from online dating profiles or blind date set-ups? • What qualities does our culture say attraction is built upon? What issues might be caused by people using those worldly qualities as a basis for a relationship? • What one area will you work on developing in yourself to be someone who helps those you love feel special and secure? • Which quality is the most important for you in a relationship —including friends and family? Why is that so important to you? • Share a time when someone made you feel special and secure. What did they do to make you feel that way?

For Singles • How are you working on developing the qualities you’d like to see in someone else in your own life? • Talk about whether you think it's more important to work on these qualities so you'll attract a spouse or so you'll attract others to Christ working in and through you? • Do you spend more time looking for these qualities or developing them? What changes could help you become the kind of person the person you’re looking for is looking for? • Does the idea of marriage appeal to you? Why or why not?For

Married Couples • How are you cultivating and improving attraction between you and your spouse? • What are some past insecurities your spouse has loved away? • Choose one quality you can work on as a couple. What could you do to develop that in your relationship? • Share an example of a marriage you admire. What have you observed that couple doing that works? • You can’t change someone else. You can only change you. What will you do this week to develop these four qualities? • How can our group support each other’s closest relationships?

Rainier Valley Church’s Vision for 2023 (Community + Formation + Mission) * Community - Live as family in 2023

We believe that Jesus makes us family. We are passionate about Christian community. As part of the family of God, we order our lives around deep and joyful fellowship with one another. We want to be a family that eats together, supports one another, serves and cares for each other. Making a community that is known and needed * Formation - Become like Jesus in 2023

We believe that Jesus changes people. We are passionate about transformational discipleship. As disciples of Jesus, we order our lives around the lifestyle of Jesus. We want to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus did. Making fully devoted followers of Jesus * Mission - Serve Our City in 2023

We believe that Jesus loves the world. As the people of Jesus in our city, we get to share the gospel and serve our neighbors. Through everyday life, we are building a new humanity defined by the way of Jesus. We want to be people of hope and joy in a city of sadness and despair. We want to do what Jesus would do if he were us. Making a lasting impact in our city Onward: Launching into a New Year 1. Community on Sunday, January 8 2. Formation on Sunday, January 15 3. Mission on Sunday, January 22

Rainier Valley Church’s Vision for 2023 (Community + Formation + Mission) * Community - Live as family in 2023

We believe that Jesus makes us family. We are passionate about Christian community. As part of the family of God, we order our lives around deep and joyful fellowship with one another. We want to be a family that eats together, supports one another, serves and cares for each other. Making a community that is known and needed * Formation - Become like Jesus in 2023

We believe that Jesus changes people. We are passionate about transformational discipleship. As disciples of Jesus, we order our lives around the lifestyle of Jesus. We want to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do what Jesus did. Making fully devoted followers of Jesus * Mission - Serve Our City in 2023

We believe that Jesus loves the world. As the people of Jesus in our city, we get to share the gospel and serve our neighbors. Through everyday life, we are building a new humanity defined by the way of Jesus. We want to be people of hope and joy in a city of sadness and despair. We want to do what Jesus would do if he were us. Making a lasting impact in our city Onward: Launching into a New Year 1. Community on Sunday, January 8 2. Formation on Sunday, January 15 3. Mission on Sunday, January 22

Onward: Launching into a New Year Week #1 "Community - Live As Family in 2023" Biblical Text: Acts 2:42-47, 4:32-34, John 17:20-23, Hebrews 10:24-25, Topics Covered: Community, Fellowship, Unity, Church Family, Goals, Big Idea of the Message: We want to live as the family of God in 2023 Application Point: Becoming a vital member of a community that is known and needed by one anotherDiscussion Questions for the New Year: * What are 5 ways you could develop the relationships you need in your life this week? * Who are your mission-minded, like-minded friends? * Who are the people who make you love God more? * Who can you safely share your soul with? * Who are wise mentors you could pursue?

https://youtu.be/5iUk2OSPwWE

Living Stones: Looking Back, Looking Forward Biblical Text: Joshua 4:1–7, Exodus 12:24-27a, Deuteronomy 6:20-25, 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 Topics Covered: New Year's, 2023, Remembering, Faithfulness, Trust, Future Big Idea of the Message: God’s faithfulness in the past reminds us that we can trust him for the challenges of the future. Application Point: Take time to remember what God has done for you this year as you consider your plans for and concerns about this new year. Discussion Questions for the New Year: * What kinds of memorials do you need to make as you remember God's faithfulness in your life in 2022? How has God been faithful in 2022? How has God provided in 2022? How has God surprised you in 2022? How can you memorialize these events, celebrate what God has done and pass on these stories to others in 2023? * How has God been with you in difficult circumstances in 2022? What difficult circumstances might we be tempted to pick up stones of anger, bitterness, and unbelief as we move from 2022 to 2023? * What is one thing that worries you about this coming year? How can we cultivate our faith to trust God in the midst of the uncertainties of the future of 2023? * What are some ways to remind yourself personally of God’s faithfulness? What are some ways of sharing God's faithfulness to others in 2023? * How can we pray for each other in the new year?

A special Christmas Day message by Pastor Ken at Rainier Valley Church

Rainier Valley Church gathered together on Saturday, December 24th for a Christmas Eve Candlelight worship service to celebrate the birth of our savior. What's Christmas all about? It's Good News of Great Joy for All People!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Announcements from Sunday, December 11 2022

Christmas Eve Saturday - Please plan to invite friends and family to join us for a beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Saturday, December 24th at 4pm. This is a family-style service with a children's choir, advent candle lighting, Christmas message and classic candlelight songs.

Christmas Day Service - Pastor @Ken Sabalza is planning a special Christmas Day worship service for Sunday, November 25th at 4pm. This will be a simple, stripped-down, family-style service with no amplification or projection - just a guitar, our voices and the Word of God. Feel free to have the kids come in their Christmas jammies. We'll have a wonderful time of worship together!

Christmas in the Revelation #3 "A Wartime Christmas" (Revelation 12)

Topic(s): Christmas, Spiritual Warfare, the Devil, Demonic Attack, Condemnation, Shame, Freedom, Gospel, Joy.

Big Idea of the Message: Christmas is the about the victory of God in the midst of an ongoing spiritual war.

Application Point: Know Your Enemy, Living in Your Victory, Keep Fighting.

Discussion Questions:

Christmas Fight "Know Your Enemy" (Revelation 12:1-6) Spiritual warfare directly impacts the world around us yet we cannot see it. What are things like radio signals or germs that we cannot see yet they have a powerful, practically and daily impact on our lives? What does the sign of the woman that John sees mean and how does the sun, moon, and 12 stars lead to our understanding of who this woman represents? The devil is seen symbolically as a vicious red dragon with 7 heads (complete intelligence), 10 horns (Vicious weapons of temptation and accusation) and 7 crowns (princely rule). How have you seen the impact of the dragon's lies, temptations and accusations in your life, your family and the world around us? The devil is attempting to destroy the child (the messiah) from the woman (God's people) as she is giving birth. Where do we see the devil trying to destroy God's people in the scriptures? What means do he use? How does the devil try to destroy Jesus in the Christmas Story? How does the devil both seemingly win but then lose by trying to destroy Jesus?

Christmas Victory "Living In Your Victory" (Revelation 12:7-12) Because Jesus' life, death, resurrection and ascension, the devil is thrown down so that he can no longer accuse God's people, he no longer holds any legal authority or to put it simply, the devil isn't the boss of us anymore. We live in the victory that Jesus purchased by overcoming the devil with the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. How does the blood of the lamb help you to overcome the lies, temptations, and accusations of the enemy? How can you renounce and replace the demonic lies you have believed with the truth of God? How do we overcome the enemy by the word of our testimony? How does your story show the power of God over lies, temptations, and accusations of the enemy? Who can you share your story with this Christmas?

Christmas Warfare "Keep Fighting" (Revelation 12:13-17) Satan is defeated yet still on the attack against the woman (the people of God). The serpent is pouring water, like a mighty river out of his mouth against God's people through lies, heresy, false teaching, and cults. How have you seen and experienced the spiritual warfare of Satan's river of lies? The woman is giving wings (God's guidance) to fly to the wilderness (our current state between slavery to sin and the entering the promise land of heaven) where she will be nourished. Israel was nourished in the wilderness by the manna, the water and the cloud. How does God keep this promise to nourish his people today? How have you been nourished by God this week (His Word, His Spirit, His people)? Why is the dragon furious with God's people? How are you experiencing the fury of the dragon in your life? How can we as a community protect and care for one another in the midst of this spiritual warfare? Pastor Kyle shared the image of the Roman Army holding their shields together to protect one another, how can we hold our shields of faith together to protect one another against the enemies attacks this Christmas season? How can we be praying for one another? How can we be meeting each others needs this week?

Announcements from Sunday, December 4th 2022

Bible Reading Plan - Join us on #bible_reading_plan channel on Slack to discuss our daily Bible reading. We will be finishing up 1 Samuel and starting 2 Samuel. If you haven't joined us yet, jump into the same page Bible reading challenge and read the scriptures with us each day. The PDF is attached on Slack and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack.

Nursery Help Needed - Thank you to all those who have done such a great job helping to serve our church family, visiting families, and our kids by caring for babies in the nursery and teaching children in the kids ministry. By God's grace and your willingness to serve, we have teams for each week. There is one spot currently needing coverage and that's help in the nursery on the third week of the month. If you're able to help out, please contact @Steve Pratt. Thanks so much!

Ladies Craft Night - Shelly Lischke and Lauren Soini are hosting a ladies craft night this coming Thursday, December 8th at 6:45pm at the Soinis house near the church. You can bring a Christmas craft you are working on, Shelly will bring materials for a craft if you don't have anything and you're more than welcome to come and enjoy fellowship even if you don't like crafts. Kids are welcome but please RSVP in advance so Lauren Soini knows how many kids to expect. We're excited for the ladies to get together for fellowship and fun this Thursday night at the Soinis.

Joy’s Birthday Party - Join us at Rainier Valley Church after our worship service on Sunday, December 11 for a very special birthday party for Joy Mipalar. The Birthday party will have an English Tea Party theme and ladies are encourage to bring a fancy hat if they would like. Joy will be provided some incredible food. Please plan to celebrate Joy's birthday with us on Sunday, December 11th.

Christmas Eve Saturday - Please plan to invite friends and family to join us for a beautiful Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Saturday, December 24th at 4pm.

Christmas Day Service - Pastor Ken Sabalza is planning a special Christmas Day worship service for Sunday, November 25th at 4pm. If you're in town, please plan to join us to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the first and greatest of all Christmas gifts ever given.

Christmas in the Revelation #2 "Christmas Worship Fulfilled in the Revelation" (Revelation 4-5)

Topic(s): Christmas, Advent, Hope, Nativity, Revelation, Worship, Praise, Holiness, Sacrifice, Worthiness, Promise. Big Idea of the

Message: We Worship God as the Holy Creator and Gracious Redeemer of the World

Application Point: Beholding his wonder in creation, praising his grace in redemption and trusting his hand in providence.

Discussion Questions:

Worshiping God as the Holy Creator - Beholding His Wonder in Creation (Revelation 4:1-11) What sorts of things does the Apostle John see in his Heavenly vision around God's throne (Rev 4:1-8)? How does seeing God in his exulted state impact our understanding of the Christmas story? God throne is surrounded by thunder and lighting, signifying his power, reflecting the story of mount Sinai in Exodus. What are times in your life when you have experienced the raw power of nature and how did that experience change you? The Angelic throne guardians cry out that God is Holy (Rev 4:8) What is God's holiness, why does it matter and how does it contrast with us? The 24 elders cast their crowns before God as an act of worship (Rev 4:10) What things in our own lives do we need to lay before the throne of God as an act of worship? The Elders worship God as the Holy Creator of the universe. What do the elders say in their song in Revelation 4:11? How can we cultivate a heart of worship as we consider God as the creator? What aspect of God's creation amazes you right now?

Worshiping God as the Gracious Redeemer - Raising His Grace in Redemption (Revelation 5:1-14) The scroll (God's ultimate purposes of judgement, mercy and the renewal of the world) is unable to be opened by anyone (Rev 5:1-4). What would it mean for the world if Jesus never came as our redeemer and savior? John weeps because no one is worthy to open the scroll (Rev 4:4) According to the elders, angels, and all creation, what makes Jesus worthy in Revelation Rev 5:5,9b-10,12,13? According to the elders song in Rev 5:9-10, what does Jesus' redemption save us FROM and what does Jesus' redemption save us FOR? In the final song of Revelation 5:13 all of creation joins in the worship of Jesus as the redeemer of the world. How will Jesus redeem not just individual souls but the whole cosmos? How can we be praying for and encouraging one another this week?

Announcements from Sunday, November 28th 2022 * Bible Reading Plan - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. as we read through Ruth, 1 Samuel and continue reading a Psalm each day. If you haven't joined us yet, jump into the same page Bible reading challenge and read the scriptures with us each day. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack. * Joy’s Birthday Party - Join us at Rainier Valley Church after our worship service on Sunday, December 11 for a very special birthday party for @Joy Mipalar. The Birthday Party will have an English Tea Party Theme and ladies are encourage to bring a fancy hat if they would like. Joy will be provided some incredible food. Please plan to celebrate Joy's birthday with us on Sunday, December 11th. * Christmas in the Book of Revelation - Join us this Advent season, beginning on Sunday, November 27th as we light the Advent candles, reflect on Jesus' birth and study how Christmas is fulfilled in the book of Revelation. * Christmas Eve Saturday - Please plan to invite friends and family to join us for a special Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Saturday, December 24th at 4pm. * Christmas Day Service - Pastor @Ken Sabalza is planning a special Christmas Day worship service for Sunday, November 25th at 4pm. If you're in town, please plan to join us to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the first and greatest of all Christmas gifts ever given.

Christmas in the Revelation #1 "From the Cradle to the Throne" (Revelation 1:1-20) Topic(s): Christmas, Advent, Hope, Nativity, Revelation, Persecution, Compromise, King, Kingship, the Church, Love, Forgiveness Big Idea of the Message: Be faithful to the end, don’t give up and don't give in for our king has conquered and is coming again. Application Point: We read Revelation for the promised blessing, we trust the coming King, and we find hope in the midst of persecution. Discussion Questions: * The Hope of Blessing (Revelation 1:1-3)

What is your experience with the book of Revelation and how does that experience impact the way your approach this Advent sermon series?
If you were suffering persecution for faith in Jesus and being tempted towards compromise, what truth(s) about God would bring you comfort and encourage you to persevere?
What did God want us to learn from the book of Revelation? (1:1) What is promised to those who take the time to study this revelation? (1:3) What did John urge his readers to do? (1:3)
How does it make you feel to realize that God wants us to know what the future holds? What are some ways God might bless us through a study of Revelation. * The Hope of Fulfillment (Revelation 1:4-8)

With what typical phrases do you open and close your letters? 2. What is Jesus’ attitude toward Christians? (1:5) 3. What is Jesus’ purpose for the church? (1:6)
What prophecy opens this book? (1:7) 5. How should we act in light of the fact that we have been freed from our sins?
What changes need to take place in your life to reflect the truth that Jesus may return at any moment? What can you do now to prepare for Jesus’ return? * The Hope of Glory (Revelation 1:9-20)

What is the most frightened you have ever been? Why did Jesus comfort and reassure John? How? (1:17-18) What did Jesus tell John to do? (1:19)
How did Jesus interpret the meaning of the seven stars and golden lampstands? (1:20) What overall impression does this passage give you about Jesus Christ?
How might you have felt in John’s place? In what ways can you remind yourself today of the awesome nature and power of Christ?https://youtu.be/74pu0CJ-GI8

Announcements from Sunday, November 20th 2022

Bible Reading Plan - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. as we read through the challenging book of Judges together and continue enjoying a Psalm each day. If you haven't joined us yet, jump into the same page Bible reading challenge and read the scriptures with us each day. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack.

Joy’s Birthday Party - Join us at Rainier Valley Church after our worship service on Sunday, December 11 for a very special birthday party for @Joy Mipalar. The Birthday Party will have an English Tea Party Theme and ladies are encourage to bring a fancy hat if they would like. Joy will be provided some incredible food. Please plan to celebrate Joy's birthday with us on Sunday, December 11th.

Christmas in the Book of Revelation - Join us this Advent season, beginning on Sunday, November 27th as we light the Advent candles, reflect on Jesus' birth and study how Christmas is fulfilled in the book of Revelation.

Christmas Eve Saturday - Please plan to invite friends and family to join us for a special Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Saturday, December 24th at 4pm.

Christmas Day Service - Pastor @Ken Sabalza is planning a special Christmas Day worship service for Sunday, November 25th at 4pm. If you're in town, please plan to join us to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the first and greatest of all Christmas gifts ever given.

When God Doesn't - The Book of Habakkuk
#4 "When You Feel Like Giving Up"
Habakkuk 3:1-19

Topic(s): Holy Discontentment, Wrath/Mercy, Remembering, Confidence, Rejoicing, Strength, Overcoming

Big Idea of the Message: Even among suffering and loss, Habakkuk has learned that he can trust God, and with that trust comes great joy—not in circumstances but in God himself!

Application Point: As followers of Jesus, we can express authentic worship of God in seasons of darkness, pain, and difficulties by remembering, rejoicing, and thanksgiving!

Discussion Questions:
As we approach Thanksgiving, what is one thing that you are thankful for? If you were at the Friendsgiving Potluck Dinner at Church, what were some of the highlights of that time for you?
As we finish up our series in Habakkuk, what is one thing that stood out to you from either this week’s message or the series?
"When You Feel Like Giving Up" remember that we have spiritual tools that we can use in the midst of injustice and suffering such as (1) A Holy Discontentment (Hab 3:1-2), (2) A Biblical Confidence (Hab 3:3-15), and a Remarkable Rejoicing (Hab 3:16-19)

A Holy Discontentment (Hab 3:1-2) Sometimes God allows us to see injustice and suffering in the world to create in us a holy discontentment. God often uses people to accomplish his holy will. What Holy Discontentment has the Lord given you? (Something you're passionate about, something you can stand, something you have to do something about!)
Habakkuk prayers for Revival, Revelation and Remembrance. What is the significance of each of these prayers?
Habakkuk asks God to remember mercy in the midst of his wrath. How does this request show the character of God and speak to the Gospel itself?
Application - What Holy Discontentment has God put on your heart and what are some steps you can take this week?

A Biblical Confidence (Hab 3:3-15) When Habakkuk can't see what God is doing, he goes back to what God has done. Habakkuk remembers and praises God for his powerful works throughout the Old Testament.
What passages and truths about God's character and work bring you comfort, encouragement, and boldness to live out your Christian discipleship when things get difficult? How are you being strengthened through regular Bible Reading?
Habakkuk references the Exodus, the giving of the law, the wilderness journey, and many other important moments in Biblical history. How does knowing our bibles give us confidence in God?
Application - Join RVC in our OT Bible Reading Plan (PDF attached below) Regularly take a moment in group discussion to share what you're learning from God's word as the whole church reads the scriptures together.

A Remarkable Rejoicing (Hab 3:16-19) This passage of Habakkuk is so important that Pastor @Kyle Van Tine recommend that you print it out, put it in a visible area (mirror, refrigerator, phone, etc) and memorize these important truths.
Habakkuk makes a defiant declaration of joy despite his circumstances. What were the horrific circumstances outlined in his poem? What were these circumstances so significant to Habakkuk?
Habakkuk says "Yet, I will rejoice" despite the hardships. What hardships are you going through that you must say "Yet, I will rejoice" even in the midst of the suffering, loss, or uncertainty?
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 instructs us to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” How can we apply these principles to our everyday lives?
Application - How can we, like Habakkuk, choose to rejoice in who God is, despite our circumstances? How can we pray for one another this week?

Video from yesterday's worship service - https://youtu.be/pQySOhrZ4co

Announcements from Sunday, November 20th 2022

Bible Reading Plan - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. as we read through the challenging book of Judges together and continue enjoying a Psalm each day. If you haven't joined us yet, jump into the same page Bible reading challenge and read the scriptures with us each day. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack.

Joy’s Birthday Party - Join us at Rainier Valley Church after our worship service on Sunday, December 11 for a very special birthday party for @Joy Mipalar. The Birthday Party will have an English Tea Party Theme and ladies are encourage to bring a fancy hat if they would like. Joy will be provided some incredible food. Please plan to celebrate Joy's birthday with us on Sunday, December 11th.

Christmas in the Book of Revelation - Join us this Advent season, beginning on Sunday, November 27th as we light the Advent candles, reflect on Jesus' birth and study how Christmas is fulfilled in the book of Revelation.

Christmas Eve Saturday - Please plan to invite friends and family to join us for a special Christmas Eve Candlelight service on Saturday, December 24th at 4pm.

Christmas Day Service - Pastor @Ken Sabalza is planning a special Christmas Day worship service for Sunday, November 25th at 4pm. If you're in town, please plan to join us to celebrate the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the first and greatest of all Christmas gifts ever given.

When God Doesn't - The Book of Habakkuk
#4 "When You Feel Like Giving Up"
Habakkuk 3:1-19

Topic(s): Holy Discontentment, Wrath/Mercy, Remembering, Confidence, Rejoicing, Strength, Overcoming

Big Idea of the Message: Even among suffering and loss, Habakkuk has learned that he can trust God, and with that trust comes great joy—not in circumstances but in God himself!

Application Point: As followers of Jesus, we can express authentic worship of God in seasons of darkness, pain, and difficulties by remembering, rejoicing, and thanksgiving!

Discussion Questions:
As we approach Thanksgiving, what is one thing that you are thankful for? If you were at the Friendsgiving Potluck Dinner at Church, what were some of the highlights of that time for you?
As we finish up our series in Habakkuk, what is one thing that stood out to you from either this week’s message or the series?
"When You Feel Like Giving Up" remember that we have spiritual tools that we can use in the midst of injustice and suffering such as (1) A Holy Discontentment (Hab 3:1-2), (2) A Biblical Confidence (Hab 3:3-15), and a Remarkable Rejoicing (Hab 3:16-19)

A Holy Discontentment (Hab 3:1-2) Sometimes God allows us to see injustice and suffering in the world to create in us a holy discontentment. God often uses people to accomplish his holy will. What Holy Discontentment has the Lord given you? (Something you're passionate about, something you can stand, something you have to do something about!)
Habakkuk prayers for Revival, Revelation and Remembrance. What is the significance of each of these prayers?
Habakkuk asks God to remember mercy in the midst of his wrath. How does this request show the character of God and speak to the Gospel itself?
Application - What Holy Discontentment has God put on your heart and what are some steps you can take this week?

A Biblical Confidence (Hab 3:3-15) When Habakkuk can't see what God is doing, he goes back to what God has done. Habakkuk remembers and praises God for his powerful works throughout the Old Testament.
What passages and truths about God's character and work bring you comfort, encouragement, and boldness to live out your Christian discipleship when things get difficult? How are you being strengthened through regular Bible Reading?
Habakkuk references the Exodus, the giving of the law, the wilderness journey, and many other important moments in Biblical history. How does knowing our bibles give us confidence in God?
Application - Join RVC in our OT Bible Reading Plan (PDF attached below) Regularly take a moment in group discussion to share what you're learning from God's word as the whole church reads the scriptures together.

A Remarkable Rejoicing (Hab 3:16-19) This passage of Habakkuk is so important that Pastor @Kyle Van Tine recommend that you print it out, put it in a visible area (mirror, refrigerator, phone, etc) and memorize these important truths.
Habakkuk makes a defiant declaration of joy despite his circumstances. What were the horrific circumstances outlined in his poem? What were these circumstances so significant to Habakkuk?
Habakkuk says "Yet, I will rejoice" despite the hardships. What hardships are you going through that you must say "Yet, I will rejoice" even in the midst of the suffering, loss, or uncertainty?
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 instructs us to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” How can we apply these principles to our everyday lives?
Application - How can we, like Habakkuk, choose to rejoice in who God is, despite our circumstances? How can we pray for one another this week?

Video from yesterday's worship service - https://youtu.be/pQySOhrZ4co

When God Doesn't - The Book of Habakkuk
Week #3 "Trusting God to Deal with Evil: In the World and In Ourselves"

Questions for Discuss & Reflection on Habakkuk 2:6-20
Hey all. Here are some questions for discussion & reflection on this week’s text, the 5 woes of the Babylonians. The theme for the sermon was “Trusting God to Deal with Evil: in the world & in ourselves.” I hope God used it to encourage your faith, convict where necessary, and equip you this week. I’ve included some questions below. - Peace & Grace, Pastor @Steve PrattQuestions: 1. Have you ever stolen something from someone--money, time, an opportunity, praise, the limelight? Is someone crying “How long?” in response to something you done in life? What does repentance look like? 2. When do you get angry? If anger is a secondary emotion, what is the deeper motivation for your anger? The big 4 motivators are power, approval, comfort, or control…all of which are idols. Which one do you lean towards? 3. What does it look like to be angry and yet be without sin? How does one do that well? 4. “Do you do well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4) How can you talk to God honestly about your anger? 5. Think of a time where you have been bullied or coerced into doing something you didn’t want to do. Or, think of a time when you were openly mocked for your faith? What does God say about mocking & bulling in Habakkuk 2:16? 6. If idols simply amplify what is already in our hearts…what are those idols (i.e. comfort, control, power, approval) you turn to? 7. We become what we worship. Do you agree / disagree? 8. “The Lord is in his holy temple, let all the earth keep before him.” In this verse, we learn that God chooses to make his dwelling place with man, even though man has rejected God. How does this show God’s covenant love with his people? How does it bring you comfort in times of sin? 9. What does it mean to sit before the Lord in silence? What truths can you meditate on this week as you sit before him in silence? Consider Psalm 20:7, Psalm 56:3, Psalm 32:10, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9. How do these truths increase your faith in God in the midst of suffering & deep longing for justice?

https://youtu.be/EO8HmG0YhXA

Announcements from Sunday, November 6th 2022 * International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church - Sunday, November 6th was the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians, a day set aside for Christians to join in prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. Voice of the Martyrs produced this video of Rebecca in Nigeria for this year's international day of prayer for the persecuted church. https://youtu.be/nUrz3xe9E7E

Christians Living on the world’s most dangerous frontier mission fields cherish God’s Word - Pray that every christian living in hostile areas and restricted nations will receive their own copy of the Bible to encourage, instruct and guide them in their Christian discipleship.
Persecutors around the world are threatened by God’s Word and seek to destroy or remove Bibles in order to discourage the witness of Christians - Pray that Christians will be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matt 10:16) as they smuggle and distribute Bibles AND Pray that persecutors who seize Bibles will read them and place their trust in Christ.
Bible Reading Plan This Week - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. we begin Joshua and continue the Psalms. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack.
FRIENDS-GIVING - I want to formally invite you to Rainier Valley Church’s first Friendsgiving Potluck coming up on Sunday, November 20th
This is the Sunday before Thanksgiving and RVC will be hosting a formal thanksgiving dinner together as a church family after service.
We will take some time to reflect and share what we’re thankful for and enjoy a traditional thanksgiving meal together in the fellowship hall.
@Crystal Van Tine has a sign-up sheet for people to bring all the classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, etc.
Pastor @Steve Pratt Preaching Next Sunday, November 13th - The Van Tines will be out of town celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary. Pastor @Steve Pratt will be continuing the "When God Doesn't" sermon series in the book of Habakkuk. If you would like to study ahead, we will be finishing Habakkuk 2:6-20
Hope Place Graduation - We have another opportunity to help UGM's Hope Place! Their quarterly graduation program is scheduled for Wednesday evening, Nov 9, and they could use some help with child care during the service. The timing is 6:00-8:00. If you can help you need to RSVP to the new Associate Director Julie Jenkins at JJenkins@ugm.org with your name and email address, and she'll need your RSVP no later than Nov 1 so that she has time to make sure that you either already are (or now get) registered in their system for background check. This has been a relatively simple but very much appreciated way that we can serve families who are guests at Hope Place. If you have more questions please contact @Chris Volk and @Cheri Volk.

When God Doesn't - The Book of Habakkuk
Week #2 "Questioning God in the Midst of Suffering"
Text: Habakkuk 1:12–2:5
Topics: Questions, Suffering, Uncertainty, Expectations, Waiting, Faith. Wrestling, Objections Big Idea of the Message: We Must Be Prepared to Suffer Well in this Broken and Sinful World. Application Point: 1.Remembering Who God is (Hab 1:12-17) 2.Waiting on God’s Promises (Hab 2:1) 3.Trusting God by Faith (Hab 2:2-4) Discussion Questions: * What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

Remembering Who God is (Hab 1:12-17) Habakkuk remembers who God is and honestly wrestles with questions and expectations
Describe a time when a person or event did not meet your expectations? How did it impact your life? How did it make you feel?
Discuss a time when God did not meet your expectations? How did it impact your life? How did it make you feel?
How can our expectations in life toward God, people, and circumstances be a hindrance? How do you discern the difference between healthy and unhealthy expectations?
In order to hold on firmly to our faith, we must let go of our expectations of how God works in situations and in answer to our prayers. What are some expectations of God and things you want him to do that you need to let go of?
Waiting on God's Promises (Hab 2:1) Habakkuk waits for God to answer his prayers with patience and perspective.
Describe a time in your life when you had to practice patience and the results of that patience.
How can we cultivate the virtue of Christian patience in our own lives? What opportunities is God giving you to practice waiting on Him?
Habakkuk goes to a tower or ramparts depending on your translation. Habakkuk goes somewhere specific to meet with God. Do you have a certain place you like to go to meet with God? Why do you think Jesus would command us to have a private prayer closet to meet with God? (Matthew 6:6)
When we are suffering, we can often get hyper focused on ourselves and forget what God is doing in the world and within all of human history. What are some practices that can help us to gain a wider perspective and draw us out of ourselves and our own current suffering and uncertainty?
Trusting God by Faith (Hab 2:2-4) Habakkuk receives word from God that justice will come in time but until then we live by faith.
We defined Biblical Faith as 1. Intellect/Knowledge (Knowing the Truth of God's Character and Promises) 2. Emotional/Acceptance (Internalizing and Believing Truth for Ourselves) 3. Will/Obedience (Trusting and Living with Courage, Loyalty, and Obedience toward God). Given this definition, how is faith not a "blind faith" or a "leap in the dark"? What the difference between Biblical faith and Believing that God exists if even the demons believe that God exists? (James 2:19)
How can we personally develop and cultivate our faith (Knowledge, Trust, and Obedience) in our lives this next week?
How can we pray for one another to grow in what we've learned this week? (Remembering, Waiting, Trusting in Faith)

Worship Service Video from Sunday, November 6th
https://youtu.be/h5uFUW7ICw0

Announcements from Sunday, October 30th, 2022 * Happy Reformation Day - STREAM THE LUTHER DOCUMENTARY FOR FREE October 31 marks 505 years since Martin Luther effectively—and unintentionally—sparked the Protestant Reformation with his Ninety-Five Theses. Discover Luther’s story by watching the award-winning documentary Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer. It’s available to stream for free on Ligonier Ministries’ YouTube channel. You can also download the accompanying study guide for free. Here is the great kids video on the life of Martin Luther we showed on Sunday. https://youtu.be/fVsdAIqHBWI * Bible Reading Plan This Week - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. This week we are reading Deuteronomy 17-34 and Psalm 45-49. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack. * RVC Women's Bible Study Kickoff - A Reminder to the ladies that RVC's Women's Ministry is hosting a Women's Bible Study on this Wednesday, October 26 from 6:45pm-8:45pm. For more details please follow up with @Shelly Lischke. All the ladies are invited! * Hope Place Graduation - We have another opportunity to help UGM's Hope Place! Their quarterly graduation program is scheduled for Wednesday evening, Nov 9, and they could use some help with child care during the service. The timing is 6:00-8:00. If you can help you need to RSVP to the new Associate Director Julie Jenkins at JJenkins@ugm.org with your name and email address, and she'll need your RSVP no later than Nov 1 so that she has time to make sure that you either already are (or now get) registered in their system for background check. This has been a relatively simple but very much appreciated way that we can serve families who are guests at Hope Place. If you have more questions please contact Chris and Cheri Volk.

When God Doesn't - The Book of Habakkuk
Week #1 "When Life Doesn't Make Sense"
Text: Habakkuk 1:1–11
Topics: Questions, Wrestling, Objections, Frustration
Big Idea of the Message: God is big enough for our questions and our objections; he invites us to bring them to him in dialogue and to trust him with them.
Application Point: When we are real and honest with God and tell him what’s on our hearts, he will lead us on a path that matures and deepens our faith.
Discussion Questions: * What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? * Have you ever had a season when you questioned whether God saw or cared about what was going on in your life? Tell us about it. * Why do you think we sometimes struggle to admit that we’re frustrated with God? * Can you think of other people in the Bible who struggled with what God was doing? How did they handle it? What was the outcome? * When something difficult happens, or when people feel like God isn’t listening, they typically do one of two things: run from God in anger or run toward God in vulnerability. Why is it important to stay in dialogue with God through difficult seasons? * How can we pray for you?

Bible Reading Plan This Week - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. This week we are reading Deuteronomy 1-16 and Psalm 40-44. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack.

Rainier Valley Church's Worship Collective's New Album - "We Gather Together" Volume #2 is RVC's new album which is out now on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Sound Cloud and YouTube. Check it out and enjoy the incredible worship! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLA...

RVC Monday Morning Prayer on Mondays at 7am - Join us online on Mondays at 7am-8am for RVC's Monday morning prayer time. We read a psalm, share prayer requests and pray together each week. If you have a prayer request or would like to pray with us, grab your coffee and your Bible, and join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/320725690?p... If you have questions, contact @Patti Lozano for more information on RVC's Monday morning prayer group.

Kids Ministry Sign-Up - Hi RVC Parents! We're so excited to start offering Sunday School for kids ages 3-12 this Sunday! If you'd like your child(ren) to participate, you can save time by pre-registering. Even if your child has been in our Kids Ministry in the past, please take a few minutes to fill out the registration for each child so we have up-to-date information on everyone. You can also fill out a registration form in person at church if you prefer. Here's the link: https://forms.gle/R32LdsPq5nnteonS6. If you aren't already included in the #parents channel, please join to keep up on all the latest.

RVC Women's Bible Study Kickoff - The Rainier Valley Church's Women's Ministry is hosting a Women's Bible Study Kickoff on this Wednesday, October 26 from 6:45pm-8:45pm. For more details please follow up with @Shelly Lischke and @Kristin Marais. All the ladies are invited! Hope Place Graduation - We have another opportunity to help UGM's Hope Place! Their quarterly graduation program is scheduled for Wednesday evening, Nov 9, and they could use some help with child care during the service. The timing is 6:00-8:00. If you can help you need to RSVP to the new Associate Director Julie Jenkins at JJenkins@ugm.org with your name and email address, and she'll need your RSVP no later than Nov 1 so that she has time to make sure that you either already are (or now get) registered in their system for background check. This has been a relatively simple but very much appreciated way that we can serve families who are guests at Hope Place. Please check your calendars and see if you can squeeze open that Wednesday evening to serve our sisters and their children!

Habakkuk - Next week we will begin a new series in the book of Habakkuk and think about how a good God could allow evil and suffering in this world. Please plan to join us and invite friends that struggle with this important question.

"The Compassion of God" Jonah Week #4

Text: Jonah 4:1–11

Topic: Grace, Anger, Sovereignty, Mission

Big Idea of the Message: God uses a vivid object lesson to teach Jonah about his sovereignty over creation and compassion towards sinners.

Application Point: God will lovingly put you in situations and places where your comfort and desires are pressed, so that they might conform to his plan for your life.

Discussion Questions: What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? Why is Jonah still angry, and who is he angry with? What do we learn through the contrast of creation’s obedience (the wind and the plant) versus Jonah’s disobedient heart? What do we learn about God’s character through his patience and persistence with Jonah? Why is God still concerned with one rebellious prophet when a whole city just repented? How can I pray for you?

Announcements from Sunday, October 17th * Bible Reading Plan This Week - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. This week we are reading Numbers 13-36 and Psalm 34-39. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack. * Rainier Valley Church's Worship Collective's New Album - "We Gather Together" Volume #2 is RVC's new album which is out now on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Sound Cloud and YouTube. Check it out and enjoy the incredible worship! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nR9p0abao7f3-xF6rfSU3ROVF1PKxVl0I * RVC Monday Morning Prayer on Mondays at 7am - Join us online on Mondays at 7am-8am for RVC's Monday morning prayer time. We read a psalm, share prayer requests and pray together each week. If you have a prayer request or would like to pray with us, grab your coffee and your Bible, and join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/320725690?pwd=eGdNMmpWNXFnVWk0aGZxV1hEV1hXUT09 If you have questions, contact @Patti Lozano for more information on RVC's Monday morning prayer group. * Kids Ministry Sign-Up - Hi RVC Parents! We're so excited to start offering Sunday School for kids ages 3-12 this Sunday! If you'd like your child(ren) to participate, you can save time by pre-registering. Even if your child has been in our Kids Ministry in the past, please take a few minutes to fill out the registration for each child so we have up-to-date information on everyone. You can also fill out a registration form in person at church if you prefer. Here's the link: https://forms.gle/R32LdsPq5nnteonS6. If you aren't already included in the #parents channel, please join to keep up on all the latest. * Guest Musician: Nate Porter - Join us next Sunday, October 23rd as we welcome former RVC leader Nate Porter back. This will be Nate Porter's first time joining us in our new location on Beacon Hill. We're looking forward to having Nate uses his gifts and talents to lead us in cooperate worship next Sunday. Come join us in person and meet Nate Porter as he leads us in songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. If you can, plan to be there in person, it's going to be a great worship service!

"Repentance and Revival" Jonah Week #3
Teacher: Pastor @Ken Sabalza
Text: Jonah 3:1–10
Topic: Calling, Mission, Repentance
Big Idea of the Message: God uses the few simple words that Jonah speaks to bring about great repentance and salvation to an entire city.
Application Point: God doesn’t need your eloquence to accomplish his desires. Rather, he lovingly invites you to lend your voice to his simple message and to join him in his work. Discussion Questions:
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
When was a time you got a second chance at something?
What does Jonah’s short sermon teach us about God’s ability to use simple words to make a large impact?
What does repentance mean?
How do we model biblical repentance in our life?
How can I pray for you?
https://youtu.be/zQQhTTNo3-k

"Grace Beneath the Waves" Jonah Week #2
Text: Jonah 1:17–2:10

Topic: Prayer, Salvation, Listening, Obeying

Big Idea of the Message: When Jonah literally hits rock bottom, God rescues him and redirects his thoughts and actions.

Application Point:God can hear your prayer, save you, and create space for you to listen to and obey him, even when you are at your lowest point.

Discussion Questions:
What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
Tell us about the worst day of your life. How was God present with you when you were at your lowest point?
What purpose does prayer serve in difficult times?
Salvation Belongs to the Lord. What things has God done to redirect your life toward his purpose?
How can we pray for you this week?

Text: Jonah 1:1–17

Topic(s): Calling, Disobedience, Providence, Salvation

Big Idea of the Message: Jonah rejects God’s call to preach to the city of Nineveh and finds himself floating in a sea of regret.

Application Point: Don’t try to outrun God’s purpose for your life; it is futile and often costly for you and for those around you.

Discussion Questions: What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message? How have you run from God’s purpose and plan for your life? What were the consequences of your running from God? How do our actions impact the people around us? What would keep you from running toward God rather than running from him? How can I pray for you?

Ice Breaker Questions

For those of you who were able to make it to the Fall launch party & BBQ, how did it go? Did you meet some of the new visitors? What was your favorite parts of the party on Sunday? What are you most looking forward to as we begin this Fall?

“Because God loves us, Rainier Valley Church exists to glorify God, to love one another, and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we serve our neighbors and the nations.”

Because God loves us...(1 John 4:9-10) Why is it essential that the Christian life starts with God's love for us and not our commitment to do better and try harder? How would you explain God's initiating love show in the Gospel to someone who thinks the Christianity is only about being religious? How do you experience the love of God in the Christian life? Why is it important for others to understand the love of God in Christ Jesus?

...Rainier Valley Church exists to glorify God...(1 Cor 10:31) How would you explain to someone who isn't from a church background what it means to glorify God and why it's significant for someone to build their life around this goal? If someone isn't glorifying God, what or who are they glorifying with their life? What ways of thinking, feeling, and acting might not be in alignment with your whole life glorifying God?

..to love one another...(John 10:34-35) Meditate on a few of these "one another" passages in scripture and consider how your life aligns with these commands. 1. “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love…” (Romans 12:10) Are you devoted to others with brotherly affection? 2. “…Serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13)Are you serving others? Are you motivated by love? 3. “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:26) Is there envy in you? 4. “…Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2) Who do you need to be patient with? 5. “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” (Ephesians 4:32) How can you demonstrate compassion? 6. “…Forgiving each other…” (Ephesians 4:32) Who do you need to forgive and why? 7. “…In humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) How can you grow in humility? 8. “Do not lie to each other…” (Colossians 3:9) What ways might you be tempted to lie to others? 9. “…Encourage each other…” I Thessalonians 5:11) How can you be encouraging those around you? 10. “…Pray for each other.” (James 5:16) Who do you need to be praying for regularly and why should you pray?

..and to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ... (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Think of two or three people in your life that don't know, love, and follow Jesus right now. How is the Gospel good news to each of them and how would you explain it as good news to them given their situation and personality? Why is it important to preach the Gospel and not just simply show it through our actions? How do you regularly preach the Gospel to yourself when you are wrestling with unbelief?

...As we serve our neighbors and the nations. (Acts 1:8) How does Jesus call the disciples to local, regional, and global ministry and why does this matter to us as well? What ways are we personally helping to minister locally, regionally, and globally? Why is it essential that we minister in the power of the Spirit and not the flesh? How do you tell the difference between when you're ministering in the Spirit and in the flesh? What are some ways you've seen the power of the Spirit in your life lately?

1 Timothy: The Blueprints for Life Together as God's Family

Sunday, September 11 2022

"My Relationship with My Pastor, My Boss and Myself " (1 Tim 5:17-6:10)

Announcements for Monday, September 12th

Bible Reading Plan This Week - Join us on #bible_reading_plan to discuss our daily Bible reading. This week we're reading Genesis 25-48 and Psalm 7-12. The PDF is attached and can be printed out and put in your Bible as a daily reminder. Feel free to leave any thoughts, questions or insights in the #bible_reading_plan channel here on Slack.

Fall Kick-off BBQ on Sunday, September 25th - Put on a note on your calendar that we’re planning our official Fall Kick-Off on Sunday, September 25th. We’re planning to have a BBQ, renting a Bounce House and inviting the surrounding community. If you’re interested in helping out with set-up, welcoming, cooking or kids games, please talk with Pastor @Kyle Van Tine or @Ben Johnson.

RVC Men's Fit Pit Night on Friday, September 30th 7-9pm - The men of RVC are invited to @Jason Lischke's house on the last Friday of the month for this special fire pit night to reconnect with other guys after a busy Summer and follow-up/check-in after the RVC Man Camp in August. This will be great time of food and fellowship and all guys are welcome.

RVC Monday Morning Prayer on Mondays at 7am - Join us online on Mondays at 7am-8am for RVC's Monday morning prayer time. We read a psalm, share prayer requests and pray together each week. If you have a prayer request or would like to pray with us, grab your coffee and your Bible, and join us on Zoom! https://us02web.zoom.us/j/320725690?p... If you have questions, contact @Patti Lozano for more information on RVC's Monday morning prayer group.

Ice Breaker Questions This Sunday's message was on our relationships with our Pastors, our Bosses and Ourselves. What is one way you've been deeply changed by a relationship with someone else? What do you think of the statement, "We Are Our Relationships" as a summery of the importance of the relationships in our lives?

My Relationship with My Pastor (1 Tim 5:17-24) - Paul encourages Timothy and the church in Ephesus to honor their elders, especially the teaching elders. Specifically this honor is shown in giving towards the church to support the pastors and obeying the preaching of the word of God. How are we doing in showing honor to our pastors? Paul outlines instructions for disciplining pastors with two important ideas. When a Pastor is criticized, give them the benefit of the doubt and when the pastor messes up, don't cover it up. How can we practice encouragement and contentment with the pastors that God has given us instead of consumeristic criticism and discontentedness. Paul's final instruction and warning to Timothy is to not be hasty in ordaining new pastors but to test them over time first. How does time ultimately reveal our true character? Why is it important for leaders to be tested first?

My Relationship with My Boss (1 Tim 6:1-2) - Paul didn’t call for the slaves to revolt but to show honor to their masters. It's interesting historical fact that Paul didn’t denounce but did end up destroying the wicked system of slavery by elevating the dignity of all people (human rights came from Christianity). How does the Christian worldview lead towards the ending of slavery in the Western world? The principles in the this passage can be applied to our current workplace as well. What work has God called you to do? What attitude do you have to that work? What attitude do you have towards your boss? How can we practice Christian excellence in the workplace? What "Testimony" are you giving to your co-workers who might not be Christians? How can you approach your work, not as the source of your significance but as an opportunity to serve others?

My Relationship with Myself (1 Tim 6:3-10) - Your Pastor teaches you and your Boss pays you. What will do you with the DOCTRINE you been taught and the POSSESSION that you’ve bought? Are we living in the doctrine that we have been taught so that we're able to discern truth from error, right from wrong, righteousness from wickedness? Paul reminds and warns Christians that living to get rich can ruin our lives. Do you tend to hoard your money? Are you trying to appear wealthy? Is your desire to accumulate harming others? Is your hope in "your" money? Are you basing your security on money? Are you able to give generously? How can we pray for each other this week?

Announcements 9.4.2022

2022-2023 Bible Reading Challenge Join us Monday, September 5, as we kick off reading through the entire Old Testament together this academic year! (Thanks to Pastor @Steve Pratt for putting this together for us!) We will have copies of the Bible Reading Challenge on the welcome table, and we’ve also posted the PDF online so you can print it yourself at home. We need God's Word daily, and we need the entirety of Scripture to shape our hearts and minds. No designated reading on Sundays—come to RVC to gather together & receive the Word. Catch-Up Days are included! If you are all caught up, choose your own Scripture to read. Fall behind? No problem! Start at any time and you’re “caught up." You don't have to check every box. Just read today's chapters.

Fall Kick-off BBQ on Sunday, September 25th Put on a note on your calendar that we’re planning our official Fall Kick-Off on Sunday, September 25th We’re planning to have a BBQ, rent a Bounce House and invite the surrounding community. If you’re interested in helping out, please Pastor Kyle or Ben Johnson know.

Sing! Conference 2022 Prayer Request A group of worship leaders from Rainier Valley Church currently at the Sing Conference 2022 in Nashville this week. Please pray that they would be equipped, encouraged, refreshed, and renewed. You can sign-up to stream the conference live at Sing Global to enjoy all the sessions, worship and praise.

Ice Breaker Questions What were some of the highlights of your Summer? What are you most looking forward to this Fall? How can we encourage one another to get into the Word this Fall with the Bible Reading Challenge?

Aspire to Serve Others (1 Tim 5:9-10) - Paul gives qualifications for widows to be supported by the church. What characteristics does Paul highlight for godly women? Why are these characteristics so important for the health and growth of individuals, families and local churches? Which of the characteristics do you personally need to grow in? How can we help one another group in these godly traits?

Stay Focused on God's Purposes (1 Tim 5:11-13) - Paul warns Timothy to not recruit younger widows but to encourage them to get remarried and raise a family. Paul warns that sponsoring younger widows will potentially enable laziness and gossip. This section highlights the need for us to stay focused on God's purposes for our lives and to turn a profit on our days. How are we tempted towards idleness and gossip in our own life? Pro 29:8 warns that Gossip spreads like fire and Paul is concerned that the young widows in the church not start fires of gossip within the local church. How can we be careful to stomp out gossip in our church, workplace, family, etc?

Prioritize Your Family (1 Tim 5:14-16) - Paul encourages Godly women to care for their relatives and their extended family as a way of practically displaying everyday godliness. How are we doing at caring for our parents, grandparents and extended family? What does practical godliness need to look like in our relationship with other family members? Why does God give specific instructions about the family caring for older family members? How can we be praying for one another and for our families this week?

Announcements

New Time and New Location - Rainier Valley Church is now located at 6020 Beacon Ave S and gathers on Sundays at 4pm for worship and 5:30 for dinner together.

Fall-Kick Off - Sunday, September 25th. Mark your Calendars for our Fall BBQ kick-off event.

Ice Breaker Questions What were your thoughts and impressions on the new time and location for Rainier Valley Church? Now that our church is gathering at 4pm on Sundays, how will we create new patterns of rest, worship and fellowship on the Lord's Day? How does the move to Beacon Hill give us new opportunities? (carpools, CG brunch, bringing food for dinner, hanging out afterwards at a local restaurant?)

Loving One Another (1 Tim 5:1-2) - What are practical ways that we can honor older men and women and fulfill the command of Romans 13:7 to “show honor to whom honor is owed” within our church family? How can we live-out the Biblical call to treat young men and women as our own brothers and sisters? Why does Paul go out of his way to command Timothy to practice both brotherly love towards younger women as well as purity within those relationships? How can we maintain the balance of closeness and care yet appropriate boundaries and purity within our spiritual family?

Practical Ways of Loving One Another Bring something to share for dinner on Sunday afternoons at Church. Get connected with a Community Group or Start a new CG. Build new rhythms around people (Movie nights, hangouts, BBQs, coffee dates, etc)

Serving Our Neighbors (1 Tim 5:3-6) - Paul calls Timothy and the church in Ephesus to honor widows who are truly widows and it's declared in Psalm 68:5 that God himself is a “Father of the fatherless and protector of Widows” so how can we as a church family serve our neighbors? Who are the widows and orphans in your life? What would it look like for you to honor them? Paul encourages families to take responsibility for the elderly in their own families. How should the Christian faith impact our family? In 1 Timothy 5:5-6, Paul contrasts two different types of widows. Why is it important for the church to assess the character of those we help and how can certain types of helping actually hurt people by enabling more destructive lifestyle choices?

Practical Ways of Serving our Neighbors Identifying the Widows and Orphans in your social circles (Those in need) Volunteers to serve, tutoring kids or help with child care at UGM's Hope Place Volunteering to go out with the UGM's Search & Rescue Teams to serve our homeless neighbors

Strengthening Our Families (1 Tim 5:7-8) - Why is the family so important to God? How does strengthening our families enable us to serve those outside of our families? Why would not providing for the needs of our family be like denying the Christian faith and functioning like an unbeliever? How is our family living in light of the call to be fruitful and multiply (Gen 1:18) and in what ways are we nourishing and cherishing one another (Eph 5:28-30)? How have you seen God uses healthy families to love others, preach the gospel and serve their neighbors and the nations?

Practical Ways of Strengthening Our Families Identifying the best ways we can practically support and encourage one another. Creating times of family worship, bible reading/discussion, prayer together. Serving together as a family within the church and out in the community.

This message is from Rainier Valley Church's final Sunday service at the Union Gospel Mission Administrative Building in South Seattle. If you would like to hear the testimonies shared by various members of the church, please check out the full video on the Rainier Valley Church YouTube page.

Big Idea: Someone will have authority over you life, the question is who and why? Jesus has authority over storms, spirits, and suffering. Jesus demonstrates his authority over nature by silencing the storm. Jesus demonstrates his authority over demons by casting them out. Jesus demonstrates his authority over suffering by healing. Jesus is the creator, the Lord, and the healer. How will we respond and live in life of the authority of King Jesus?

The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood, Discipleship, and Following Jesus #6 Mark 4:1-34 "Jesus and Kingdom Stories" Which story is driving your life? Jesus calls his followers to hear, respond to and share the Gospel while sin, the cares of the world, and opposition hinder Kingdom growth but the promise of the Kingdom is guaranteed to grow until it encompasses people from every nation. The stories we believe matter. The stories that we listen to, that we share, and the we believe shape everything about us. Which story will we believe? Which story will we share? Which story will we reject? Which story will shape our lives?

Everyone believes something about Jesus. Gandhi believed Jesus was an innocent man who voluntarily sacrificed himself for the good of others. Martin Luther King Jr. described Jesus as “an extremist for love.” Muslims believe Jesus was the second most important prophet, after Muhammad, and Judaism labels Jesus as a false prophet. Buddhism teaches that Jesus was an enlightened man, and Hinduism suggests Jesus was a holy man akin to a saint. A very popular opinion widely held in our culture and almost universally believed in New Age spiritual movements is that Jesus was a wise moral teacher but would such a great teacher say the sorts of things Jesus did about himself?

The Gospel of Mark: Servanthood, Discipleship, and Following Jesus #4 Mark 3:7-19 "Jesus Prepares His Team" As we look at Mark 3:7-19, we see that Mark is specifically highlighting the difference between the crowd and the called, between fans of Jesus and those who will actually follow Jesus. Fans have knowledge but not intimacy (3:7-8), Fans want goodies but not God (3:9-10), and fans like convenience but don't really have conviction (3:11-12). There is a major difference between fans and followers. Followers are Called (7:13), Commissioned (7:14-15) and Changed (7:16-19) as walk with Jesus over a lifetime. Let's open our Bible, our hearts, and our minds and be challenged to take the next step of discipleship in our lives.

The first Iphone was released in 2007 and utterly revolutionized how we find information, travel around, take pictures, and surf the web. Revolutions transform the world and change the way we understand everything. As we open the scriptures to Mark 2:1-3:6 we'll see that Jesus is a revolutionary. Love Jesus or Hate Him, everyone took him seriously. Jesus was revolutionary by forgiving, befriending, and healing sinners like you and me. Let's learn about what made Jesus so incredible!

Making a good first impression matters, whether you are going to a job interview, out on a date or meeting a new friend, we know that first impressions shape how someone views and thinks about us. Open your Bible to Mark 1:16-45 as we see a day in the ministry of Jesus and learn that peoples constant first impression of Jesus was awe at His authority. Whether they love Jesus or hated him, everyone took Him seriously. Let's open our Bibles to the Gospel of Mark and learn about Jesus' compelling authority to make disciples, Jesus' cleanses authority to rid us of the demonic and Jesus' healing authority to restore our brokenness. The same Jesus of the Gospel of Mark is ruling and reigning from Heaven and continues to make disciples, beat back the darkness, and heal the broken. Lord Jesus, heal us, cleanse us, and make us your disciples who want to be with you, like you, and to do what you have done.

Big Idea: Following Jesus Changes Everything About Us! Jesus Reveals the Truth - We Can Follow Him (1:1) Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures - We Can Trust Him (1:2-3) Jesus Brings the Spirit -We Can Be Changed (1:4-11) Jesus Overcomes the Enemy - We Can Have Victory (1:12-13) Jesus Builds the Kingdom - We Can Have Purpose (1:14-15)

In Nehemiah 8, a revival breaks out in Jerusalem. Revival is God touching minds and hearts in an arresting, devastating, exalting way, to draw them to himself through working from the inside out rather than from the outside in. It is God accelerating, intensifying, and extending the work of grace that goes on in every Christian’s life. We can't make God bring revival but we can humbly pray and posture ourselves to receive the gift of revival. Open your Bibles to Nehemiah 8 and let's learn how to posture and pray for revival.

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Jan 31, 2021

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Jan 24, 2021

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Jan 17, 2021

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

January 10, 2021

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Jan 3, 2020

Pastor Steve Pratt

Dec 27, 2020

Christmas represents God's invitation to the whole world to the joys of forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. Open your Bibles to Isaiah 55:1-13 as we look at the joyful invitation, the joyful response, and the joyful transformation that God brings to a tired, weary, and broken world.

No one would describe 2020 as being peaceful but would they describe you as being at peace? We can have peace despite our circumstances because we trust in God's sovereign plan, obey God's just rule, and anticipate God's future peace. Open your Bibles to Isaiah 11:1-10 as we look to the Prince of Peace to find peace in the midst of all the chaos.

For most of us, 2020 has felt hopeless. From a global pandemic and a struggling economy, to the isolation of quarantine and figuring out online school. We've walked through civil unrest, racial injustice, wildfires, hurricanes, and a chaotic election season that makes it easy to become hopeless. But every person needs hope. We need hope to wake up in the morning, hope to go to work, hope to keep going. Most of never stop to ask the question? What is my hope in? Do we hope in ourselves, in others, in vaccines, economic recoveries, elections? As Christians, our hope doesn’t rest in the changing of the calendar from 2020 to 2021, our hope is found in a person, and his name is Jesus. So how can we celebrate a COVID Christmas, because Jesus is the embodiment of hope. Christmas isn’t silly escapism but a real, historical redemption Christmas isn’t just old tradition but a living, objective, glorious truth Christmas isn’t a simple distraction, it's a celebration of the central truth of history! Open Your Bibles to Isaiah 9:1-7 as we learn what it means that Jesus is our hope. Big Idea: Christmas is Worth Celebrating because Jesus is Hope personified. 1.The Hope of Illumination (9:1-2) Light coming into the World! 2.The Hope of Increase (9:3-5) God’s people will multiply all over the world! 3.The Hope of Incarnation (9:6-7) A Child will be born who will be almighty God!

Thanksgiving 2020
No matter who you are, this has been a hard year from quarantines, lock-downs, and restrictions to financial challenges, joblessness, and relational hardships, there is no shortage of bad news. It's easy to join the masses in complaining, wallowing in self-pity, and being paralyzed in anxious. But God has something else for his people, something that sets up apart and makes us distinct, especially in times of suffering and hardship, God is calling us to give thanks! Christian thankfulness is grounded in the Gospel so it's not dependent on our circumstances and situations. We are called to praise the Lord, to thank him, and to serve him with gladness. This call to thankfulness is the essence of worship and the secret to spiritual vitality in the midst of a global pandemic.

2020 has seen the world turned upside down and as an act of sanity and worship, we want to apply the important practice of Sabbath. Learn how the practice of the Sabbath enable us to stay attuned to God's presence throughout our week.

Baptisms is a celebration of new life as we reenact the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection through the act of baptisms, and Jesus' story becomes our story. Celebrate those who boldly, joyfully, and publicly declared their faith in Jesus through Baptism! The old is gone, behold, the new has come! "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

The question isn't if we will suffer but how we will suffering. What will you do when life gets turned upside down. You choose to let it crush you or you can open yourself up to new possibilities and transformation in Christ. What framework will you have for suffering in your life? You will either get bitter or better, how will you respond? Listen to this week's message and learn from Jesus' to enlarge our souls through grief and loss in John 11.

Journey through the Wall: Letting Go of Power and Control (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and Psalm 51)
Sometimes God uses obstacles, hardships, and weaknesses in order to get us to stop, slow down, and become dependent, humble, and spiritually sensitive. God custom designs "thorns " in our life to radically transform our character.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality involves embracing God's choice to birth us into a particular family, in a particular place, at a particular moment in history. That choice to embrace our past grants us certain opportunities and gifts. It also hands us a certain amount of "emotional baggage" for our journey through life. For some of us this load is minimal; for others, it is a heavy burden to carry. True spirituality frees us to live joyfully in the present. Living joyfully, however, requires going back in order to go forward. This process takes us to the very heart of spirituality and discipleship in the family of God-breaking free from the destructive sinful patterns of our past in order to live the life of love that God intends.

Who gets to tell you who you are? What your identity is? There are three ways people find identity. They look inside themselves in individual expressionism, they look around them in traditional collectivism, or we can look up in Biblical Christianity to find their identity from God. Learn what it means to know yourself so that you may know God from Psalm 139 this week.

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Oct 11, 2020

The Church in the midst a Crisis. WE’VE SETTLED FOR A SHALLOW CHRISTIANITY WHERE: We pretend to be something on the outside that they are not on the inside. We remain emotionally and spiritually immature. We allow a lack of self-awareness to harm our relationships.We are unable to process sadness, anger, grief, and other emotions. When you ignore the emotional component of your life, behavioral patterns from your past can continue to hinder you from an authentic life of maturity in Christ. You cannot be spiritually mature without being emotionally mature. Let's learn what it means to grow in emotional maturity as we look to Jesus' example in Matthew 26.

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Oct 4, 2020

Special Guest Speaker: Pastor Harvey Drake
"This is War" (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Enjoy this Sunday's special message from Pastor Harvey Drake.

Pastor Harvey unpacks the importance of spiritual warfare from Ephesians 6:10-20.

Pastor Harvey entitled his sermon message "This is War" from this Sunday at Rainier Valley Church.

Ephesians 6:10-24 - Pastor Harvey Drake - Sept 27, 2020

The Coronavirus has drained our health, paychecks and our marriages. I don’t know a single marriage that hasn’t experienced difficulties and strains from COViD burnout, pessimism, exhaustion, and fatigue. Let's take our marriages and our singleness to the Word of God for a check-up.

Ephesians 5:22-33 - Pastor Kyle Van Tine - Sept 13, 2020

Students want to be like their favorite professor so they'll talk and teach like them. Players want to be like their favorite all-star athlete so they'll wear their jersey or number. Musicians sing their favorite artists' songs to sound like them. Kids imitate their parents to be like them. The most powerful way kids grow is imitation. We need models to look to and learn from. It’s in pretending, trying, practicing, and imitating that we grow up and become mature. As Christians, we want to imitate Jesus as we 1.walk in Love (5:2-7) walk in Light (5:8-14) and walk in Wisdom (5:15-21)

Ephesians 5:1-21 - Pastor Kyle Van Tine - Sept 6, 2020

What are you wearing and why does it matter? The clothes we put on tell others about us but what does it mean to put on Christ?Trusting in Christ brings a new identity, we become a new creation, and replace the old ways of life with the new ways of the Spirit. A new identity brings new activity but to truly change, we must put off the old and put on the new.

Ephesians 4:17-32

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Aug 30, 2020

It's time for your spiritual check-up! How do healthy Christians continue to grow and mature? Pastor Kyle teaching on Ephesians 4:1-16, explaining the healthy churches grow through membership (Spiritual Unity 4:1-6), Ministry (Spiritual Diversity 4:7-12) and Maturity (Spiritual Maturity 4:13-16).

Ephesians 4:1-16

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Aug 23, 2020

Pastor Steve shares what it means to pray for strength from Ephesians 3:14-21

Pastor Steve Pratt - Sunday, August 16, 2020

People love mystery stories, from Stranger Things on Netflix to the dozens of CSI-like investigative shows, from Scooby Doo cartoons to the Serial podcast, we want to find the clues and solve the mystery. There is a mystery in the Bible, a mystery that once solved, will utterly change our lives. Grab a Bible and a Notebook as we learn about the mystery of the Gospel in Ephesians 3:1-13.

Pastor Kyle Van Tine - Sunday, August 9, 2020

Timeless truths in a timely manner. Learn how the Gospel moves us from alienation to reconciliation with God and one another. Jesus is forming a new humanity under the Lordship of the Messiah.

Ephesians 2:11-22 by Pastor Kyle Van Tine

Sunday, August 2, 2020

What does it mean that Jesus saves and why does it matter? Save us from what? Saves us for what? Come study Ephesians 2:1-10 with us and learn how Jesus saves us from spiritual death, the world, the devil, and ourselves. Jesus saves us for spiritual life, amazement, humility, and good works.

Ephesians 1:15-23

Pastor Kyle Van Tine

July 12, 2020

C.S. Lewis once wrote: “The world rings with praise-- lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favorite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favorite game. ..I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation.”

As Christians we have so much to sing praise about because we are chosen by the Father, redeemed by the Son, and assured by the Spirit.

Learn about how when you're in Christ, you have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places from Ephesians 1:3-14.

This morning we begin a new study in the book of Ephesians. Ephesians focuses on who we are in Christ (Position) and how we are to live in Christ (Practice). Come learn with us and rekindle a white-hot love and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. We will be studying Acts 19, Ephesians 1:1-2, and Revelation 2:4-6.

The one concern of the devil is to keep you and I prayerless.
“Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray. It turns ordinary mortals into men of power. It brings power. It brings fire. It brings rain. It brings life. It brings God.” - Samuel Chadwick

5 Resolutions from the Lord's Prayer
1.Resolve to Spend Time Daily with the Father (6:9)
2.Resolve to Seek the Kingdom in Seattle (6:10)
3.Resolve to Trust God with My Needs (6:11)
4.Resolved to be an Example of Forgiveness (6:12)
5.Resolved to Fight against the schemes of the Evil one (6:13)

“the most segregated hour in America is 11:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.” - MLK Tragically, the effects of hundreds of years of slavery and the legacy of segregation created canyons of pain and distrust. Additionally, the political, social, and media intensive divisions. This morning, let's remember that Jesus has torn down the walls of hostility between racial and culture divides by bringing forgiveness, healing and reconciliation to a broken and divided world.

This morning Pastor Kyle Van Tine shares a pastoral word based on the current cultural moment with the death of George Floyd and the resulting riots in Seattle and throughout the country this week.

In the beginning God worked and He created mankind in his image to work. There is a dignity, a toil, and redemption in our work. How is work a form of worship? How does it connect to our spiritual life? What wisdom does the book of Proverbs have to share with us about our work?

Thinking about the Importance of the Ascension in the Christian Life during this season.

8And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippines 2:8-11)

8Therefore it says,“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Reflecting on some thoughts and insights from the Elder Team about the schemes of the enemy against us and our church family.

2 Cor 2:11"...so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs."

Dwelling in 1 Cor 13's teaching on the importance of love.

Is the Gospel a Comedy or Tragedy?

9Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Show me your friends, I'll show you your future. Proverbs talks about the essential importance of Friendship, the transformative nature of Friendship, and the eternal impact of Friendship. Friendship is at the heart of the Gospel.

RVC is organizing another mission trip to the Philippines this November. Please pray and ask God if he would have you join this important mission.

Encouragement to vote in the election for the Board of Directors at Rainier Valley Church.

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24)

This morning, let's think about how we are to "put on" Christ Jesus and make no provision for the flesh but "putting to death" what is earthly in us.

Start your week with an encouraging thought from Revelation 1 about Jesus' care for us, his church.

Recognizing, thanking, and celebrating the mothers in our lives as we study Proverbs 31:10-31.

Meditating on Proverbs 31 as we prepare our hearts to praise God by honoring our moms this Mother's Day weekend.

Thinking about the importance of prayer on the national day of prayer this Thursday, May 7th.

Encouraging us to give an answer for the hope we have in us.

Thinking about the Christian call to imitate Christ.

Presenting a framework of wilderness from Matthew 4.

Family is the first and most important school of life where wisdom is handed down from generation to generation. So during this current COVID19 crisis, how are marriages growing stronger and families more unified? Let's open the book of proverbs to find wisdom for our family.