Welcome to Riverwood Church! In this blog post, we will dive into the powerful message delivered by Erin and his fellow speakers during the service titled "Gospel Goodbye." This service was filled with worship, prayer, and a deep exploration of the Gospel's transformative power. Let's unpack the key takeaways from this impactful gathering.
Erin started the service by reminding the congregation of God's unwavering presence in our lives, especially during times of pain and struggle. Quoting from Romans 8:31-37, he emphasized that we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ. This powerful reminder encouraged everyone to trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that whatever battles we face ultimately belong to Him.
Shifting gears, Erin delved into a discussion about levels of executive functioning, drawing parallels between leadership and the Kingdom of God. He highlighted the distinction between Level 4 and Level 5 leaders, emphasizing the importance of humility in becoming a Level 5 leader. Erin pointed to Jesus as the ultimate leader, a Level 5 million leader, and encouraged everyone to strive to live and love like Jesus in their daily lives.
Erin then turned the focus to the apostle Paul and his impactful ministry. He recounted Paul's preaching in Ephesus, which led to a decrease in idol worship and, subsequently, a riot. Despite the chaos, Paul realized that the movement was about Jesus, not himself. Erin highlighted Paul's prayerful approach and his detailed-oriented companion, Luke, who chronicled their journey.
As Paul traveled from Ephesus to Macedonia to Greece and finally back to Antioch, he encountered various challenges and dangers. Erin described how Paul discovered a plot against him and decided to sneak out of town with a group of men. Along the way, they arrived in Troas, where Paul preached until midnight. The dramatic incident of Euticus falling out of a window and being revived by Paul showcased the power of God working through Paul.
Erin emphasized that Paul's passion for the gospel stemmed from his deep understanding that he belonged to God. He encouraged the congregation to surrender their lives to God for true freedom. Erin reminded everyone to pray, confess their sins, and take a connection card to follow Jesus. He emphasized the importance of living and loving like Jesus, even if it means saying goodbye to certain things for the sake of the gospel.
The service concluded with a time of reflection and communion. Erin invited everyone to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection, reminding them that Jesus died for everyone, not just members of Riverwood Church. He encouraged first-time guests to have a conversation with God and invited all followers of Jesus to partake in communion. Erin concluded the service by sending everyone off with the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The "Gospel Goodbye" service at Riverwood Church was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. Erin and his fellow speakers delivered a message that encouraged trust in God's faithfulness, highlighted the importance of living and loving like Jesus, and reminded everyone of the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. May we all be inspired to surrender our lives to God's grace and love, and to live out the gospel in our daily lives.
