The River—A Place to Prepare People for Eternity
By: Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 11/04/2018
Foundation Scriptures:
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:2-3 KJV
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Galatians 6:8 KJV
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:8 KJV
1. Heavenly Mandate.
a. Our ministry was an international traveling ministry.
b. We had no plans to do anything else.
c. The Lord began to speak to us about starting a church.
d. In October 1996, we made the decision to start the church.
e. Our first service was on December 1, 1996, in the Sun Dome, with 575 people in attendance.
f. We had received much persecution for the joy of the Lord, from people who are offended by the move of the Holy Spirit.
g. Unfortunately, when we obeyed God to start the church, we received persecution, even from fellow ministers and friends.
h. In their opinion, we were not called to be pastors or to start a church.
i. Many people are happy to enjoy revival meetings and the occasional move of God, but they don’t want to believe that you could run a church in revival all the time.
j. People are comfortable with programs, but afraid to just flow with the Holy Spirit.
k. If one pastor proves you can have a Holy Ghost church, then the others have no excuses for why they don’t have one.
l. Fortunately, we don’t base our lives or ministries on the word of men, but on the Word of Almighty God.
2. Obeying the Word of the Lord.
a. The Lord spoke to me and said, “Have a place where you can prepare people for eternity.”
b. He also said, “I want Sunday mornings back.”
c. And, “Honor the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.”
d. We minister first to the Lord, and secondly to people.
e. When we minister to the Lord, He ministers to us.
f. When we honor God and make Him welcome, He comes and touches each of us.
g. The function of the Church:
h. Helping you find your place; your purpose.
i. Raising up mature believers, who are making their lives count for eternity.
j. Every believer—from the smallest child to the oldest saint.
3. Eternal Fruit.
a. When we obey heaven, what we do now will bear much fruit here on earth—for many years to come—and on into eternity.
b. Running the Christian race.
c. Helping one another run the race.
d. Reaching out and helping the poor, the needy, the widows, the orphans, and the fatherless.
e. Winning souls; making disciples.
f. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
g. Our giving—tithes and offerings—funding the end-time harvest.
4. We Have the Structures.
a. We have the structure, the mechanisms, to facilitate this.
b. Houses of Joy—134 HOJ’s.
c. Each one reach one.
d. Each one teach one.
e. Make disciples.
f. Win the lost at any cost.
g. Door to door.
h. Outreach; food ministry; crusades.
i. Schools: RBI; RSW; RSG; RBIE.
j. El Río.
k. Television; call center; telephone ministry.
l.Ministry of helps.
m. Launching pad—launching people into their destinies.
n. 4000 graduates.
o. 29 River churches.
p. 540 members—34 states—20 countries.
5. A Critical Season.
a. This season is critical for the Tampa Bay area; for Florida; for America.
b. We, Christians, are the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-14).
c. We must stand up for righteousness and what is right in God’s eyes.
d. Thanksgiving and Christmas.
e. Many lonely people; people with needs.
f. Tuesday’s vote.
g. Monday night—HOJ leaders—three-hour prayer and intercession for America.