Rescue, part 2

The old saying is, "What's in a name?" In the case of Jesus, it’s everything! Because God the Father gave his Son the name that perfectly describes what he came into the world to do—rescue people. The name, Jesus, literally means "the God who rescues us." And that includes rescue—not just from the penalty of our sins—but from the pain, problems, discouragement, and death that sin is responsible for causing in our personal lives and relationships.

When Jesus walked around on earth, he would look at people and say to them, "What would you have me do for you?" And then he would respond by opening blind eyes, casting out demon spirits, healing leprosy, or healing a widow's broken heart by raising her dead son to life.

All of these are examples of how Jesus came "to save his people from their sins." Sin isn't just an imaginary black mark in the heavenly grade book; it's the Devil's tool to steal life from all of God's children. That's why Jesus came to rescue us, because sin isn’t a thing we can rescue ourselves from; we need the Rescuer.

Today we will be giving glory to the Rescuer for the many ways he has rescued us—from broken marriages, addiction, selfishness, the pain of losing loved ones...and on and on. We will be displaying "rescue signs," poster boards with words on one side that describe what Jesus has or is rescuing you from; on the other side a short phrase that describes the change Jesus brought about in rescuing you.

If you didn't bring a rescue sign with you, please grab a poster board from the back table and a marker and make your sign during the worship part of the service. Then in the middle of the service we will put on a parade of signs as a way of glorifying the Rescuer and proclaiming to those who need to be rescued right now: Jesus can do it! Call on the name of the Rescuer and be rescued!

Thankful for the One who is rescuing me!

Pastor Rob

Portland CityFest 2008

Consider making the Portland CityFest part of your summer plans. This free, family-fun event is sponsored by the Luis Palau association. Besides some great speakers, there will be something for everyone during these two full days of activities.

Family Fun Zone: Let the kids loose! Young ones will burn some energy laughing at ventriloquist Mark Thompson, hugging VeggieTales characters, getting air beneath their feet in the inflatables, creating masterpiece crafts, playing carnival games, getting their faces painted, and much more. Older kids will enjoy testing their athletic skills with the Portland Trail Blazers and other outdoor sports.

Christian artists: Kutless, TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, Kirk Franklin, and Mercy Me.

Action sports: World-class skateboarders, BMX team riders, and X-Games freestyle motocross demos — a show unlike anything you've seen.

Go to

www.portlandcityfest.com

Riversgate Calendar

Sunday, July 20 Mexico Mission Team Send-Off (trip dates July 23-Aug 2)

Sunday, Aug 3 Mexico Mission Team Report

Mon-Fri, Aug 4-8 Multnomah Village Basketball Camp (6-8pm, ages 6-13)

Saturday, Aug 16 Multnomah Days Parade, starts 10:00am

Keep in Mind

Celebrate Recovery—Friday evenings

at The Gate (church office) 3612 SW Troy St.

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program based on God's word. This "large umbrella" program addresses drugs, alcohol, gambling, co-dependency, eating disorders, addictive relationship issues, and emotional hurts and wounds from the past that have never healed. Please join us at 6:30pm Friday evenings for food, fellowship and understanding. For more information, feel free to call Victor at 503.522.0733.

Riversgate Youth

Tilikum Day Camp for students entering grades 1 - 6

July 14^th – July 18^th

Five days of outdoor adventure: swimming, rafting, hikes, archery, animals, bible studies. We're gearing up for a week of fun and fellowship!

Tilikum is less than a month away, so make sure you get your registration and deposit to Bethany!  For further information and registration forms, check the back table or visit www.riversgate.net. Scholarships are available.