"Home Values"

Part 2: Biblical Home is a Priority
Colossians 3:18-25
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
November 1, 2026

Memory Verse:
“For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
Exodus 20:11-12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in part two of our Series I entitled "Home Values." As we have just finished talking about the core values that made our church who we are, we are now going to talk about the Biblical Values that should make our homes stronger and deeply founded on the Word of God.

How many of you here knows how to juggle? Do you know that the earliest mentions of jugglers can be traced back to ancient Egypt? Jugglers became famous for their circus acts and performances by balancing multiple items at one time. The problem with juggling is nothing stays on top for too long and once you get distracted the whole things falls apart. Say the word "priority", this word simply is synonymous with the word "important." Today I would like to speak to you about God's priorities, or I'd like to call God's chain of care. The Christian Home is always the priority!

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Strong homes don't compromise the foundations.

A. There are parts of the house that are non-negotiable. Sometimes I think we forget that we are Christians which means that God had called us to act as His holy and righteous people. These things should be most expressed as solid foundations of our homes.
B. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.”
1 Corinthians 3:11-13 NLT

2. Only follow God's chain of priorities.

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not  just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the. Master you are serving is Christ.”
Colossians 3:18-24 NLT

A. Every time the Scripture speaks about God's chain of care it's always in this order (Ep. 5-6. 1 Pe, 1 Cor.). The foundation begins with the relationship of a husband and wife, if that relationship glorifies God it will flow to the next one which is the children and if that is also taken care of it will overflow all the way to the working place.
B. “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”
Psalms 127:1-3 NLT

3. Order comes when we choose to do it God's way.

“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”
Ephesians 5:1-5 NLT

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-21 NLT

A. Why do you think there is a big attack on the Biblical definition of the family? Some say its controversial to speak about these things but the reality is its only controversial because it is Biblical. The moment we try to juggle the order of these things is the moment the whole thing collapses. The strength of the Christian Home lies within the chain of God's care because He already laid it was before us.
B. “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart. And if Satan is divided and fights against himself, how can he stand? He would never survive. Let me illustrate this further. Who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.”
Mark 3:24-27 NLT

Conclusion:
There is much needed revival that needs to take place in our homes today. It will all start once we go back to the Biblical principles that made our homes strong and secure. God already taught us what our priorities should look like. We keep on ignoring it then wondered why our homes are so weak and fragile. God back to honoring God's chain of care. Stop juggling you can only hold for a short period of time.

"Home Values"

Part 1: A House is not a Home
Luke 15
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
October 18, 2026

Memory Verse:
“A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.”
Proverbs 24:3-4 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are Starting a new Series I entitled "Home Values." As we have just finished talking about the core values that make our church who we are, we are now going to talk about the Biblical Values that should make our homes stronger and founded on the Word of God.

There's a famous line in a song by Luther Vandross called A "House is not a Home." It goes: "A chair is still a chair, even when there's no one sittin' there. But a chair is not a house and a house is not a home. When there's no one there to hold you tight And no one there you can kiss goodnight." Biblical families today are becoming harder and harder to find. Broken homes are becoming the norm and God wants to restore and heal broken families. He gave us core values that will help us cultivate a home that is rooted in Jesus Christ.
“To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything.”
Luke 15:11-16 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Home is where character is molded.

A. What is the purpose of inheritance and why did the father allowed his youngest son to take his part? It was a test and he failed miserably.
B. “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6 NLT

2. One day you will leave home but home will always stay with you forever.

“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
Luke 15:17-19 NLT

A. Whatever may happen in life once we finally have the "came to his senses" moment the first thing that will guide you back is Home. You can leave home but home will never leave you forever. This is how important that we focus on our homes not just our houses.
B. “I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is  well built.”
Luke 6:47-48 NLT

3. A loving home is the world's greatest investment.

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” 
Luke 15:20-24 NLT

A. What is an investment? It's basically something that will give you a return. Look what kind of investment that the Father made and it's more than a profit. His child was dead but now is alive. There is no greater investment than that.
B. “For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.”
2 Timothy 3:2 NLT

Conclusion:
There is much needed revival that needs to take place in our homes today. It will all start once we go back to the Biblical Values that made our homes strong and secure. What are the Biblical values that we apply in our homes today? We must go back and remind ourselves that a house is not a home unless the Lord dwells in it!

"Our Core Values"

Part 5: Our Value of Speaking the Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:11-16
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
October 11, 2026

Theme Verse:
“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.”
Proverbs 10:12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in week five of our series I entitled "Our Core Values." In this series we are going to re-discuss the values that made us who we are as a church! As we have just finished our 21st year anniversary we will continue to revisit these principles that guided us and teach the importance of embodying them in our fellowship and our meetings.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

Core Values:
Acceptance, Devotion, Accountability, Discipline, and Speaking the truth in Love.

What is the hardest thing you ever had to say? To many of us it is called the truth. Sometimes the hardest thing to say is the truth because it hurts. Truth is not something that we can ever compromise this is why I believe the Bible commanded us to speak it in love. The last part of our core value as a church is truth in love. This is the ability to speak the truth driven by genuine love for one another. Not because of condemnation or hate. We know that we have reached maturity when we can embody speaking the truth in love with each other.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Everyone has a role but the purpose is to build each other up.

A. The goal is to bring the body of Christ to maturity through preaching and teaching the Word of God. This is why God gave the church different gifts so that the Body will be ready and equipped.
B. “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”
Ephesians 4:2-6 NLT

2. The goal is to know the truth, abide in the truth, and have the right discernment of the truth.

“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.”
Ephesians 4:14 NLT

A. It is true that some lies may sound so clever that they start to sound like the truth. This is a very urgent warning for all of us who have been set free by the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Only immature Christians get caught up by the wind of new teachings and influenced by tricks and lies.
B. “Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.”
1 Timothy 4:1 NLT

3. Jesus is the truth and His example of love is what make us grow in maturity.

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Ephesians 4:15-16 NLT

A. Jesus makes the body fit perfectly. No doubt because He is the head of the body. When we are connected together as one body each part grows and the whole body becomes healthy, growing and full of love.
B. “If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but If I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13:1-7 NLT

Conclusion:
The greatest sign of our maturity as a body of Christ iso ur love for one another. You cannot love without the truth of the Scriptures and the truth of the Scriptures is motivated by God's love for us. When we abide in the truth in love the body becomes healthy, growing and full of love.

"Our Core Values"

Part 4: Our Value of Discipline
1 Corinthians 5
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
October 4, 2026

Theme Verse:
“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”
Proverbs 12:1 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in week four of our series I entitled "Our Core Values."

In this series we are going to re-discuss the values that made us who we are as a church! As we have just finished our 21st year anniversary we will continue to revisit these principles that guided us and teach the importance of embodying them in our fellowship and our meetings.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

Core Values:
Acceptance, Devotion, Accountability, Discipline, and Speaking the truth in Love.

Dealing with discipline might not be a popular topic in the church but it is one that is of much importance and Biblically foundational. For anything to be great and successful it must  first have discipline. The Bible teaches this and it emphasizes that we do not neglect our responsibility of preserving the unity in the church and embodying the teachings of
the Lord.

“I can hardly believe the report about the sexual immorality going on among you—something that even pagans don’t do. I am told that a man in your church is living in sin with his stepmother. You are so proud of  yourselves, but you should be mourning in sorrow and shame. And you should remove this man from your fellowship. Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in the Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus. Then you must throw this man out and hand him over to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns.”
1 Corinthians 5:1-5 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Discipline is important so we can call out the sin in our lives.

A. The main concern of the apostle Paul in this situation was the lack of accountability from the church itself. It was an obvious moral failure that was happening and the church was choosing to be passive and silent about it.
B. “My child, don’t reject the  LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom  he delights.”
Proverbs 3:11-12 NLT

2. Discipline is every believer's responsibility.

“Your boasting about this is terrible. Don’t you realize that this sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth. When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the  church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:6-13 NLT

A. The apostle Paul was directing his concern to the church. He understood the  seriousness of sin and the urgency to deal with it before it affects the whole congregation. 
B. “For the time has come for judgment, and it must begin with God’s household. And if judgment begins with us, what terrible fate awaits those who have never obeyed God’s Good News? And also, “If the righteous are barely saved, what will happen to godless sinners?”
1 Peter 4:17-18 NLT

3. Discipline helps us not to be outsmarted by Satan.

“I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the  trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.”
2 Corinthians 2:5-11 NLT

A. In the end discipline without love is just punishment. The Bible teaches us that discipline has a goal in mind and that goal is to restore and forgive. If the person repents and the sin is called out there no more need to put salt on the  wound. It's time to restore. 
B. “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with  him comes my own heart. I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. It seems you lost  Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you  would welcome me. If he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, PAUL, WRITE THIS WITH MY OWN HAND: I WILL REPAY IT. AND I WON’T MENTION THAT YOU OWE ME YOUR VERY SOUL!”
Philemon i:10-19 NLT

Conclusion: 
No one likes discipline as the Bible says but once it is done it produces righteousness in our lives that we cannot get anywhere else. It creates maturity in our walk and accountability among the body of Christ. Don't despise it but embrace it. We all need discipline to be great!

"Our Core Values"

Part 3: Our Value of Accountability
Galatians 6
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
September 27, 2026

Theme Verse:
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Proverbs 27:17 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in week three of our series I entitled "Our Core Values." In this series we are going to re-discuss the values that made us who we are as a church! As we have just finished our 21st year anniversary we will continue to revisit these principles that guided us and teach the importance of embodying them in our fellowship and our meetings.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

Core Values:
Acceptance, Devotion, Accountability, Discipline, and Speaking the truth in Love.

"No Man is an Island!" This old saying couldn't be more true the older we get. We find ourselves wanting to be around people we can trust and can be real with us. The Bible tells us that its going to be more and more difficult to be a Christian that's why we need accountability and real brotherhood in the body of Christ.“ Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:1-2 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Real brotherhood in Christ is about building each other up.

A. Maturity in the Word is the key in godly accountability. Take note "those who are godly" was speaking about those who are mature in the Word of God.
B. “Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?”
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT

2. No burden is too heavy when it is dealt with much maturity.

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”
Galatians 6:3-5 NLT

A. Maturity among Christians is essential. Fights, quarrels and divisions is not a product of indifferences but a sign of immature Christians who lacks accountability in their walk with God.
B. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
James 5:16 NLT

3. Maturing Christians does not shun away from accountability they embrace it.

“Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone— especially to those in the family of faith.”
Galatians 6:7-10 NLT

A. The struggle with the flesh is real. A true follower of Christ know this and intentionally seeks godly partnerships and accountability. Only non growing Christians avoid accountability because they are stuck in their old ways and don't want to change it.
B. “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way."
Hebrews 12:11 NLT

Conclusion:
The word "accountability" sometimes is used very loosely in the Christian realm. Many would agree and say that they subscribed to it but when the time calls for it are you teachable? Can you handle correction? Do you allow people in your life to speak the truth to you without being offended or hurt? Accountability is not for the weak of the hearts. It's for genuine followers of Jesus who seeks genuine change and transformation.

"Our Core Values"

Part 2: Our Value of Devotion - 2 Timothy 2
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
September 20, 2026

Theme Verse:
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.”
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-44 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in week two of our series I entitled "Our Core Values." In this series we are going to re-discuss the values that made us who we are as a church! As we have just finished our 21st year anniversary we will continue to revisit the principles that guided us and the importance of embodying them in our fellowship and our meetings.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

Core Values:
Acceptance, Devotion, Accountability, Discipline, and Speaking the truth in Love.

To be devoted means to have a deep commitment to your beliefs or causes. We may have different devotions to our jobs, sports, politics, environment or lifestyles, but nothing is more important than our devotion to our faith and belief system. The Bible teaches us to be devout followers of Christ and not just seasonal followers. One of our core values as a church is to teach our members how to be devoted!

“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.”
2 Timothy 2:1-7 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Nothing in life progresses unless there is genuine devotion.

A. What does this look like to you church? This is a description of a life that is devoted. Many people today think that personal growth just happens naturally and all you need to do is just show up. Wrong! The key part of growth is consistency and there is no consistency unless there is devotion.
B. “As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:57-62 NLT

2. Devotion prepares us for the Master's work.

“In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 
2 Timothy 2:20-21 NLT

A. Almost every Christian today would quickly say the words "Lord use me for your glory" or "here I am Lord send me!" But how many Christians today live a life of devotion? How many Christians today live a life of continuity after church service on Sunday? Devotion does not
happen over night it must be practiced daily.
B. “As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table. His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand- washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.”
Luke 11:37-41 NLT

3. Devoted people are not easily distracted in life.

“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
2 Timothy 2:23-26 NLT

A. When we are completely devoted to following Christ we find ourselves giving less and less time to the things that only serve as a distraction in life. We find ourselves focusing more on what really matters and caring less to the godless things of this world.

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”
1 Corinthians 13:11-12 NLT

Conclusion:
Do you value devotion? Can you find something in your life that has consistency and deep commitment? We all want progression. We all want promotion and growth but let's ask ourselves first, is true devotion to Christ a core value in my life?

Our Core Values

Part 1: Our Value of Acceptance
 James 2
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
September 13, 2026

Theme Verse:
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.”
2 Timothy 2:15-16 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are starting a new series I entitled "The Core Values." In this series we are going to re discuss the values that made us who we are as a church! As we have just finished our 21st year anniversary we will continue in revisiting the principles that guide us and the importance of embodying them in our fellowship and our meetings.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

Core Values:
Acceptance, Devotion, Accountability, Discipline, and Speaking the truth in Love.

We've all heard it before, “first impressions last.” That reality is true to anything we ever tried for the first time. Core values are defined as the main guiding principles that dictates our behavior. One of the core values that we want to emphasize in this church is acceptance. The goal is not just to make an impression of it but to embody what it really means. We want every soul that comes to our meeting to feel the warmth of acceptance. Remember that we may not control what a person may think or feel about us but we sure can make the best efforts to show that everyone is accepted in this church because this is a church of Jesus Christ.

“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor” well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”
James 2:1-4 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Acceptance is the language of our faith.

A. James posed a very important question. "How can you claim you have faith in Christ if you only favor some people over others?"
B. Core Values are our main guiding principles. If our motive is guided by evil desires our actions will always reveal the truth.
C. “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."
Romans 12:10-13 NLT

2. Acceptance is everybody's ministry.

“Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.”
James 2:5-9 NLT

A. It is clear that discrimination is a sin issue. It is rooted in pride and evil motives. The Church is called to "love our neighbor" and the best way to do that is to show acceptance to everyone we meet.
B. “Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!"
Hebrews 13:1-2 NLT

3. Always remember that we do for others reflects us as one body.

“So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.” 
James 2:12-13 NLT

A. When we intentionally show acceptance to all people remember that we are doing it for the Lord. What we do for others is what we do for the Lord.
B. “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ 
Matthew 25:35-40 NLT

Conclusion:
What values in your own life that guides you to where you are now? This is a good time to re-assess ourselves about the guiding principles that dictates our own actions and decisions. Are they Biblical? Are they Christ worthy and Christ-like? What major Core value in your life can you say actually brings glory to God?

River of Faith 21st Year Anniversary

The Divine Enabler
Zechariah 4
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
August 30, 2026

Memory Verse:
“So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Zechariah 4:6 NIV

Introduction:
We thank everyone for coming out today at the River of Faith! Today we celebrate yet another milestone in the life of the church God entrusted to us! We thank the Lord for permitting us again to continue His good works and for reaching 21 years of serving the Lord as an ambassador of our Savior Jesus Christ!

Today more than ever the word "Spirit- empowered" mean so much more to us after witnessing what God has done in the past 21 years. Despite many challenges and hurdles the Lord had shown us how to persevere and taught us the key principle that while it is easy to focus on problems and make excuses for them, God is our ultimate DIVINE ENABLER. He alone can move obstacles that no army in the world can move. It is not by power, nor by might, but by the Spirit says the Lord!

How many of you are familiar with that phrase? It is taken out of the book of Zechariah during the time of the reconstruction of the temple as few remnants returned to Jerusalem. Let's turn our Bibles...


Main Pointers:
“Then the angel who had been talking with me returned and woke me, as though I had been asleep. “What do you see now?” he asked. I answered, “I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl of oil on top of it. Around the bowl are seven lamps, each having seven spouts with wicks. And I see two olive trees, one on each side of the bowl.” Then I asked the angel, “What are these, my Lord? What do they mean?” “Don’t you know?” the angel asked. “No, my Lord,” I replied. Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’"
Zechariah 4:1-7 NLT


1. It is hard to deal with the "No's".

A. Zerubbabel was the governor of Judah given the task to rebuild the temple. He was deeply discouraged by the lack of resources and heavy opposition. He had NO weapons, NO soldiers, and NO defensive walls, NO money. The work has stopped for 16 years and the Lord had to stir Him up!

B. “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.’” Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes!”
Haggai 1:2-6 NLT

2. Not by might, nor by power.

“Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
Zechariah 4:6 NLT

A. In Hebrew "might (chayil)" refers to military power, personnel, and wealth. Zerubbabel did not have any of that. There was an estimate of just 50,000 that returned to Jerusalem to build the temple. What was God telling him?
B. The Hebrew word "power (kuach)" refers to human strength and financial power. The people felt completely discouraged to see the ruins of the glorious Solomon's temple. They felt that they did not have enough to continue the construction.
C. “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. I have called for a drought on your fields and hills—a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get.”
Haggai 1:7-11 NLT

3. The church will always be run by the SPIRIT of the Lord.

“Then another message came to me from the Lord: “Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)”
Zechariah 4:8-10 NLT

A. In the ancient world the temple building was the ultimate status symbol of power. After addressing all of the excuses that halted the project for 16 years God showed Zerubbabel that he didn't need an army (might) nor money (power) to finish the work. The biggest problem was the lack of faith of the people. They were discouraged and afraid. It was God's "Spirit (ruach)" that had to stir up the hearts of people giving them a divine enabler to finish the work!
B. “But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’ “For this is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”
Haggai 2:4-9 NLT

Conclusion:
What was God's message to Zerubbabel through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah? Stop measuring success by the lack of weapons, money or army. God is the Divine Enabler He will move the hearts of even kings and He can stir up tired hands and discourage hearts to get the work done!

Spirit Empowered Church

Part 4: "Man on a Mission"
1 Samuel 3
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
August 23, 2026

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in weeek four of our new series I entitled "Spirit Empowered Church".

In this series we are going to re-train ourselves of our Vision, Mission, and Purpose. August is our anniversary month and we are celebrating our 21st year anniversary. Today I want to speak to you about your calling!

Vision Satement:
A spirit empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

God prepares those that He calls and to those He calls, His voice becomes clearer and clearer. There is no doubt that God has a calling for all kinds of people, but he has a specific call for those who belong to Him. As Christians it should be our inner most desire to seek out God's calling in our lives. Our journey only began when we gave our lives to Christ, it continues on as we learn and become a disciple but it takes on a new mission when we receive our call.

"Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the LORD by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the LORD were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon. One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the LORD called out, “Samuel!” “Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did. Then the LORD called out again, “Samuel!” Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?” “I didn’t call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.” Samuel did not yet know the LORD because he had never had a message from the LORD before."
1 Samuel 3:1-7 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. In a time where revelations are rare, we must familiarize ourselves to the voice of God.

A. Hearing the voice of God is not just a matter of listening but a heart of discerning.
B. Samuel was given to Eli by his mother Hannah as she kept her promise to the Lord. Samuel later became one of the greatest prophets in all of Israel but he had to learn the voice of God first.
C. "To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, ‘When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes— so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.’"
Matthew 13:12-15 NLT

2. God's calling always comes with two things, His preparation and your participation.

"So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. "Here I am. Did you call me?" Then Eli realized it was the LORD who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, "Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, 'Speak, Lord, your servant is listening'. So Samuel went back to bed. And the LORD came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.” LORD Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the Tabernacle as usual. He was afraid to tell Eli what the LORD had said to him. But Eli called out to him, “Samuel, my son.” “Here I am,” Samuel replied. “What did the LORD say to you? Tell me everything. And may God strike you and even kill you if you hide anything from me!” So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn’t hold anything back. “It is the LORD’s will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he thinks best.”
1 Samuel 3:8-18 NLT

A. The message that God gave Samuel was a pure test. First, God had to teach Samuel to familiarize with His voice. God also used Eli to help Samuel recognize God's voice and to answer the call.
B. Ultimately the message had to be delivered. That was the assignment and Samuel felt scared at first but with much boldness he delivered the message to Eli. Eli was not stranger to the Lord so he accepted freely his fate.
C. “Get up and go to the great city of Nineveh. Announce my judgment against it because I have seen how wicked its people are.” But Jonah got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the LORD. He went down to the port of Joppa, where he found a ship leaving for Tarshish. He bought a ticket and went on board, hoping to escape from the LORD by sailing to Tarshish."
Jonah 1:2-3 NLT

3. God alone confirms the call.

"As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle."
1 Samuel 3:19-21 NLT

A. Read this passage very carefully. It did not say that all of Israel confirmed Samuel as a prophet from God, it says explicitly first that the "Lord was with him" and that is why everything he said proved to be reliable.
B. “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."
Matthew 10:16-20 NLT

Conclusion:
The greatest discovery of our lives should be the day that our calling was as clear as the sun! The day we realize that God calls us for a purpose and to answer that calling should be the greatest honor to know that we will bring glory to His name. Never stop pursuing your calling. Hold on to it and be faithful. Finish the race! Be spirit empowered!!!

Spirit Empowered Church

Part 3: I Am Intentional
Hebrews 6:1-3
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
August 16, 2026

Theme Verse:
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Matthew 28: 19-20 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in week three of our new series I entitled "Spirit Empowered Church".

In this series we are going to re-train ourselves of our Vision, Mission, and Purpose. August is our anniversary month and we are celebrating our 21st year anniversary. Today I want to speak to you about being intentional.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

To One of the greatest words our Lord Jesus Christ was the phrase "Come and follow Me". The response of the twelve guys He asked later changed the whole world. It all started with the word "come", a powerful invitation, but it does not end there, He then said "follow me". The same with the original twelve disciples, our walk with Jesus started with an invitation but the goal is to grow and mature in our knowledge and obedience to the Lord.

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.”
Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. No one stays exactly where they are unless they choose to.

A. This principle is simple and true. To follow Jesus to is to be intentional in pursuing a life that follows and obeys His Word. The emphasis here from the author of Hebrews was the need to progress and not get stuck with elementary teachings.
B. "Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?”
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT

2. Jesus will call you from "come and follow me" to "come and be a part of me."

“Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” Jesu was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
John 6:60-67 NLT

A. A crowd is never what Jesus looks for. Jesus is looking for true disciples. At one point 5,000 people were following him but when He talked about how to become part of Him they all left.

B. “So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.”
John 6:53-56 NLT

3. Be intentional with the goal in mind to reach maturity in Christ.

“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now each these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.”
2 Timothy 2:1-7 NLT

A. Well pastor what does maturity in Christ look like? Well let's examine this verse. There were three crucial stages that Paul mentioned here. First was being the student "you've heard me teach..." Secondly, now being the teacher "teach these truths" and lastly, is good stewardship "find trustworthy people who will pass it on to others..."
B. “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1 NLT

Conclusion:
Intentionality is what lacking many Christians today. Sadly everything has become about convenience and comfort. Following Christ is not comfortable nor it is convenient. Those that are truly following Jesus knows this. It's a life of intentionality. It's a progressive learning and submission to the Lord until He comes back!

Spirit Empowered Church

Part 2: True to our Purpose
Acts 2:42-47
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
August 9, 2026

Theme Verse:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are in week two of a new series I entitled "Spirit Empowered Church." In this series we are going to re-train ourselves of our Vision, Mission, and Purpose. August is our anniversary month and we are celebrating our 21st year anniversary. Today I want to speak to you about being true to our purpose.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

To mature is a choice that every believer of Christ has to make for themselves. To mature and grow in the Lord takes devotion, commitment, and lots of self-discipline. A genuine follower of Christ submits himself to a life of learning and obedience. He is a person who does not only learn but also live a life that is according to the teaching of Christ. The body of the church has to be an on going process of discipleship. It is a group of people who are committed and intentional in growing in their faith and also teaching others to do the same.

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. A maturing church devotes themselves to a lifelong learning of the Scriptures.

A. Our purposes will always keep aligned and focused to keep on growing in our faith. The early church laid the foundation for us to follow. It was never about how big or small but how healthy a church is to grow in maturity.
B. “You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.”
2 Peter 3:17-18 NLT

2. The church is called to do life together.

“And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped
together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—”
Acts of the Apostles 2:44-46 NLT

A. The purposes of the church revolves around two main premises. Loving God and loving people. That is what the purpose of the church is. Its never about programs, events, or buildings. It's about meeting together and doing life together.
B. “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
John 17:20-21 NLT

3. A healthy church takes care of a powerful and attractive testimony.

“They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.”
Acts of the Apostles 2:46-47 NLT

A. The early church lived out to their true purpose and they enjoyed the "goodwill"(established reputation) of all the people. A church that is true to its purpose don't get tied up with popularity or the crowd. It becomes a true vessel of God that attracts people to Christ.
B. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:14-16 NLT

Conclusion:
We must always remind ourselves of our purposes. Its easy to get tied up of what is popular nowadays or what is "trending" but nothing beats the foundation that the early church have already laid before us. You want to see how far churches have bought in to the popularity contest? God back to the early church foundations. That is the true purpose of the church.

Spirit Empowered Church

Part 1: What is a Disciple?
Luke 9:21-27
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
August 2, 2026

Theme Verse:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to another exciting Sunday here at the River of Faith! Today we are starting a new series I entitled "Spirit Empowered Church." In this series we are going to re-train ourselves of our Vision, Mission, and Purpose as we enter the month of August as our anniversary month and celebrate our 21st year anniversary. Today I want to speak to you about being a disciple.

Vision Statement:
A Spirit-empowered church committed to give the people of San Diego the best opportunity to come to Christ and be transformed by His amazing Love.

Mission Statement:
We are committed to invite people to COME to Christ.
We are committed to LIVE according to the Word of God.
We are committed to SHARE the Gospel to the whole world.

Purpose:
Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Evangelism, Ministry

A disciple simply means a follower or a student. Someone who willingly submits into learning from another. In Christianity a disciple is someone who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior and is equipped by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Discipleship is the process that required a believer to walk in obedience to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This requires a disciplined life of studying the Word of God, meditating and praying over it, and obeying it. Jesus gives everyone the invitation to come to Him. Discipleship is when we accept that invitation and choose to follow Him for the rest of our lives.

“Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.””
Luke 9:21-27 NLT

Main Pointers:

1. Denying of oneself.

A. Jesus spoke here the true words of the essence of a disciple. He started by self-denial. Jesus knows that the biggest hindrance for anyone to be His true disciple is self- centeredness. We cannot be a disciple of Christ if we cannot put Him first above everything else.

B. “If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:26 NLT

2. A call to an ultimate surrender.

A. For many they misunderstood the “cross” as some burden that they must carry in their life as Christian to verify that they are a true disciple of Christ. In the Biblical context of the “cross” we know that it only means one thing– death. To carry one’s “cross” means that we must answer to the call of an ultimate surrender to Christ no matter what the cost.

B. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
Philippians 2:8 NKJV

C. “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’”
Luke 14:28-30 NLT

3. Not just a moment but a life of obedience.

A. Obedience is the true test of discipleship. There is no other way to show if we are true disciples of Jesus other than our obedience to Him.
B. “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32 NLT

Conclusion:
A changed life. That is the result when someone genuinely surrenders everything to Jesus Christ. This is a non refutable fact that the more we become obedient to Jesus and we learn to follow His ways the more our lives change. A true disciple of Jesus bears much fruit.

“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”
John 15:8 NLT

Pursuit of Righteousness

Part 5: The Righteousness God Desires
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
July 26, 2026

Opening Verse:
“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! Today we are in conclusion of our series I entitled "The Pursuit of Righteousness." You have heard the phrase that says "The Pursuit of Happiness?" There is no mention ever in the Scriptures that we should pursue "happiness". As a matter of fact everything that makes us happy is temporary and easily replaced and forgotten. The Bible actually commanded us to pursue "righteousness" instead because it is what really leads us closer to God! Part 5 is entitled "The Righteousness God Desires".

Main Pointers:
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.”
James 1:12-18 NLT

1. Our desires can either give birth to sin or be used to seek God.

A. James clearly stated here that temptations do not from God nor god can ever be tempted to do evil. The root of our temptations come from our "own" desires that are not godly which leads to sin. But there is also another way...
B. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you."
Psalms 37:4-5 NLT

2. Seek to produce the righteousness that God desires.

“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”
James 1:19-21 NLT

A. There is something in human anger that is not acceptable to God. Its not that we cannot be angry but to display human anger is not the righteousness that God want us to produce.
B. “Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”
Numbers 20:11-12 NLT

3. God will always bless your obedience.

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face ina mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”
James 1:22-25 NLT

A. There is a big breakdown between listening and doing. This is why we must pursue righteousness. To pursue righteousness means to be right with God so we can obey God. Nothing else counts unless we live the righteous life of obedience by faith.
B. “And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Mark 4:20 NLT

Conclusion:
Everyone wants the "blessed life" but, many failed to experienced it because of the wrong pursuit. In this series I hope that we re-calibrate our minds to focus on the right things. Our vertical relationship with God affects everything we do horizontally. So be right with God and pursue His righteousness and everything else shall be added unto you.

Pursuit of Righteousness

Part 4: Do You Want to be Blessed?
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
July 19, 2026

Opening Verse:
“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! Today we are in week four of our brand new series I entitled "The Pursuit of Righteousness." You have probably heard the phrase that says "The Pursuit of Happiness?" There is no mention ever in the Scriptures that we should pursue "happiness". As a matter of fact everything that makes us happy is temporary and easily replaced and forgotten. The Bible actually commanded us to pursue "righteousness" instead because it is what really leads us closer to God! Part 4 is entitled "Do You Want to be Blessed?"

Main Pointers:
“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the  whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.” Matthew 5:1-12 NLT

1. Real blessedness refers to the good state of our spiritual well-being.

A. The Greek word for blessedness means "to be enlarged, blissful, or happy." Since we know that God wants us to pursue righteousness not just happiness, this happiness is a deep joy to the soul. Jesus spoke of two aspects of beatitudes, earthly and heavenly.
B. “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

2. Being blessed on earth is just a foretaste of what is really waiting for us in heaven.

“Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
Matthew 5:12 NLT

A. What Jesus was really pointing here was the importance of finding the real source of blessedness while we're still here on earth. As supposed to being consumed by all the earthly desires that only brings pain and destruction.
B. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. Matthew 7:13-14 NLT

3. The beatitudes describes the character of a real disciple.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:13-16 NLT

A. The Bible says that His disciples gathered around Him on the hilltop and Jesus began teaching. He was not saying this to everyone but to those who will truly will follow Him.
B. “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” Matthew 7:21-23 NLT

Conclusion:
Everyone wants to be "blessed" Maybe because we have a very shallow meaning of the word "blessing." Often times we accompany this word with material things. No! The blessing is finding the real source of blessedness and its not something we get. It's something that we live by. Pursue righteousness living and results will speak for itself. The real blessings are not here on earth. The real blessing is what awaits for us and only very few find it!

Pursuit of Righteousness

Part 3: Pressing Forward!
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
July 12, 2026

Opening Verse:
“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! Today we are in week three of our brand new series I entitled "The Pursuit of Righteousness." You have probably heard the phrase that says "The Pursuit of Happiness?" There is no mention ever in the Scriptures that we should pursue "happiness". As a matter of fact everything that makes us happy is temporary and easily replaced and forgotten. The Bible actually commanded us to pursue "righteousness" instead because it is what really leads us closer to God! Part 3 is entitled "Pressing Forward!"

Main Pointers:
“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure- blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” Philippians 3:1-9 NLT

1. Always rely on what Christ has done for you.

A. Paul in this chapter spoke from his own personal testimony. He was still very much upset with the false teaching of circumcision to be saved. This time he used his own example to make the work of Christ truly the centerpiece of everything that happened that changed his life.
B. “This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT

2. Press on towards the goal.

“I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.” Philippians 3:12-16 NLT

A. Even the apostle Paul admits that perfection was not the goal but finishing the race. To know Christ and become more like Him. Learn to celebrate the small things that you've overcome because of your faith in Christ. Hold on to the progress no matter how small you think they are! Move forward!!!
B. “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.”
Romans 8:29-30 NLT

3. We are citizens of heaven pursue heavenly things.

“Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”
Philippians 3:17-21 NLT

A. Your conduct will always show who's god you're really serving. Everything you are pursuing tells a lot about what your goal in life really is.
B. “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”
Colossians 3:1-4 NLT

Conclusion:
Press on forward!!! What a powerful charge by the apostle Paul telling us to forget the past and move towards the goal of knowing Christ and becoming more like Him! There is no greater goal in life than to finish this race with eyes fixed on Jesus longing to hear the words "well done my good and faithful servant!"

Pursuit of Righteousness

Part 2: Jesus is my Freedom!
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
July 5, 2026

Opening Verse:
“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! Today we are in week two of our brand new series I entitled "The Pursuit of Righteousness." You have probably heard the phrase that says "The Pursuit of Happiness?" There is no mentioned ever in the Scriptures that we should pursue "happiness". As a matter of fact everything that makes us happy is temporary and easily replaced and forgotten. The Bible actually commanded us to pursue "righteousness" instead because it is what really leads us closer to God! Part 2 is entitled "Jesus is my Freedom!"

Main Pointers:
“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”
Galatians 5:1 NLT

“But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. For when we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. You were running the race so well. Who has held you back from following the truth? It certainly isn’t God, for he is the one who called you to freedom. This false teaching is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough! I am trusting the Lord to keep you from believing false teachings. God will judge that person, whoever he is, who has been confusing you.”
Galatians 5:5-10 NLT

1. Be careful not to get tied up again.

A. Paul in this chapter addresses the false teachings that were spreading around that says circumcision is still needed for salvation. Paul was very heartbroken for those who listened to this false doctrine and reminded them of the real freedom they have received from Christ.
B. “You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self- denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.”
Colossians 2:20-23 NLT

2. The freedom we received in Christ is for the benefit of serving others.

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.”
Galatians 5:13-15 NLT

A. Legalism focuses on outward looks and shallow expressions of faith but not necessarily genuine or filled with much substance. Real freedom in Christ should empower us to love one another and serve each other in love. That is the true manifestation of our freedom in Christ not self gratification.
B. “But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.”
1 Corinthians 8:9 NLT

3. Pursue the Spirit-led life.

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.”
Galatians 5:16-26 NLT

A. What is the solution to this legalistic and a very critical behavior? Let the Holy Spirit lead your life. To apostle Paul it cannot be any simpler than that. A person who is led by the Spirit does things that only the Spirit of God can do but those who do not live by Spirit it is obvious through their actions.
B. “Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.”
1 John 3:7-10 NLT

Conclusion:
As we start the middle of the year, it is good to re-calibrate our minds and ask if we are truly pursuing the right things in life? Are we pursuing Righteousness? Are we letting the Spirit lead our lives? We should always focus on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith! It's time to re- calibrate! It's time to pursue righteousness!!

Pursuit of Righteousness

Part 1: Are You a Man/Woman of God?
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
June 28, 2026

Opening Verse:
“For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.”
1 John 2:16-17 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! Today we starting a brand new series I entitled "The Pursuit of Righteousness." You have probably heard the phrase that says "The Pursuit of Happiness?" There is no mentioned ever in the Scriptures that we should pursue "happiness". As a matter of fact everything that makes us happy is temporary and easily replaced and forgotten. The Bible actually commanded us to pursue "righteousness" instead because it is what really leads us closer to God! Part 1 is entitled "Are You a Man/Woman of God?"

Main Pointers:
“But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

1. What does being a man/woman of God mean to you?

A. Paul in this chapter charges Timothy with a very strong and firm command. "You Are a Man of God!" This means you are not just like anyone else in this world! You have a purpose and a calling! The things that you are pursuing should be very different from what others are pursuing!
B. “Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever. Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor. The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.”
Psalms 112:1-10 NLT

2. Righteousness is being right with God so we can do right by others.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with Godthrough Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT

A. Are we capable of doing right things? Absolutely but because of our sinful nature we can never be right with God on our own. This is the reason why Jesus overcame sin for us so that through Him we can become the righteousness of God.
B. “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: in my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.”
Romans 7:24-25 NLT

3. Righteousness is focused on being rich in good works not in the things of this world.

“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.”
1 Timothy 6:17-21 NLT

A. Paul's contrast about the world's riches and eternal riches were very clear. One is very unreliable and it brings no eternal purpose. Paul wanted Timothy to focus on the things that lasts. Things that really make a difference and bring fulfillment in life. This is what a true man or woman of God should be pursuing.
B. “But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42 AMP

Conclusion:
As we end the middle of the year, it is good to re-calibrate ourselves and ask if we are truly pursuing the right things in life? What are we Pursuing? Is it something God really wants us to pursue? There is only one thing we should be focusing on. We should always focus on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith! It's time to re-caibrate!

The Exodus

Part 8: ”Can’t Go on Without You”
Exodus 33
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
May 17, 2026
 
Opening Verse:
“The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.” 
Exodus 34:6 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to the River of Faith! Today we are in week eight and conclusion of our series in the Book of Exodus. In this series we learned about the foreshadowings of Christ foretold in one of the greatest stories ever written in the Old Testament.
"Exodus" is defined as "departure " which marks the end of the period of oppression for Israelites in the land of Egypt and their deliverance through the leadership of Moses with the mighty hand of God in full display.

Main Pointers:
“The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the Lord on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.” So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a terrible sin these people have committed. They have made gods of gold for themselves. But now, if you will only forgive their sin —but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!” But the Lord replied to Moses, “No, I will erase the name of everyone who has sinned against me. Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Look! My angel will lead the way before you. And when I come to call the people to account, I will certainly hold them responsible for their sins.” Then the Lord sent a great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made.”
Exodus 32:30-35 NLT

1. The Lord is the god of accountability.

A. Moses with his humility and genuine concern for his people tried to take the fall for the their actions but God wasn’t having it!
B. God knows each person individually and our faith with Him is individually as well. No one else will be hold responsible for our one’s actions other than themselves.
C. “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”
Romans 14:12-13 NLT
D. “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” 
Galatians 6:7 NLT

2. What is the point of journey if the Lord is not with you?

“The Lord said to Moses, “Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’ And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.” When the people heard these stern words, they went into mourning and stopped wearing their jewelry and fine clothes. For the Lord had told Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you.” So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes.”
Exodus 33:1-6 NLT

A. This could had been a clear test of God to see if there were any humble hearts left among the people. Telling them that He would not go with them would certainly mean death and defeat. There is no point of moving forward if God is not with you.
B. “One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.” The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest— everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. How will anyone know that you look favorably on me— on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”
Exodus 33:12-17 NLT

3. The Lord is faithful and full of compassion.

“Then the Lord told Moses, “Chisel out two stone tablets like the first ones. I will write on them the same words that were on the tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. No one else may come with you. In fact, no one is to appear anywhere on the mountain. Do not even let the flocks or herds graze near the mountain.” So Moses chiseled out two tablets of stone like the first ones. Early in the morning he climbed Mount Sinai as the Lord had commanded him, and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and he called out his own name, Yahweh. The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected— even children in the third and fourth generations.” Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. And he said, “O Lord, if it is true that I have found favor with you, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as your own special possession.” The Lord replied, “Listen, I am making a covenant with you in the presence of all your people. I will perform miracles that have never been performed anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the Lord— the awesome power I will display for you. But listen carefully to everything I command you today. Then I will go ahead of you and drive out the Amorites, Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.”
Exodus 34:1-11 NLT

A. At the end the faithfulness of God remained unmatched. His love and compassion rise above the rebellion and stubbornness of the people. God is faithful even in times of our biggest failures.
B. “This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.”
2 Timothy 2:11-13 NLT

Conclusion:
Our journey in life is like the exodus of Israelites from Egypt. When God promises something we can trust that He will do it. Just like in any other journey that we have in life, one thing is for certain there is no point of moving forward in the journey if God is not with us. Like Moses said His presence is what made them set apart from any other nation in the world. Without God there is no Exodus!

Mother’s Day 2026

This is Why We Follow You!
Titus 2
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
May 10, 2026

Opening Verse:
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
Proverbs 31:25-29 NLT


Introduction:
Welcome to an amazing Sunday here at River of Faith! Today we are honoring our awesome Moms! We want to recognize your special calling and the hard work in raising your families while setting an example to honor God first. Thank you.
Why do we follow our moms? That’s a very good question to ask. The Bible tells us to honor our parents but why do we follow them? Is it because of the example they set? Let’s see what the Bible says about promoting the righteous living that matched our wholesome teaching.

Main Pointers:
“As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.”
Titus 2:1-3 NLT

1. We must promote the kind of living that matches what we believe.

A. Paul in this chapter talks about the importance of promoting righteous living to all believers in every generation of the family.
B. Failure to promote righteous living is counterproductive to our faith. Wholesome teaching without the right living is hypothetical. Which means information with no application.
C. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

2. A good example is hard not to obey.

“These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
Titus 2:4-7 NLT

A. Personal mentorship has been a long lost art of this generation. With the rise of the internet and the information highway. Its easier now to say “google it” or “watch youtube” than say, “let me show you!”
B. “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.”
2 Timothy 2:2 NLT

3. Teach and obey and they will follow.

“Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.”
Titus 2:8 NLT

“You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.” 
Titus 2:15 NLT

A. Paul charged Titus with a very important task. Teach and be a good example. That is your life testimony! Real authority is rooted in obedience and living a life that is according to what we believe in.
B. “Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands.”
1 Peter 3:3-5 NLT

Conclusion:
To all our mothers here today, we follow you! Not just because you gave life to us but because of the example that you set before us. To all our Mothers here today, don’t ever get tired of teaching, showing, and training us! Don’t ever give up that task to anything else other than your own hands showing us the way and how it’s supposed to be done!

The Exodus

Part 7: ”You Shall Have no other gods”
Exodus 32
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
May 3, 2026
 
Opening Verse:
“God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.”” 
Exodus 3:12 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to the River of Faith! Today we are in week seven of our series in the Book of Exodus.
In this series we will look at the foreshadowings of Christ foretold in one of the greatest stories ever written in the Old Testament. "Exodus" is defined as "departure " which marks the end of the period of oppression for Israelites in the land of Egypt and their deliverance through the leadership of Moses with the mighty hand of God in full display.

Main Pointers:
“When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!” Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord!” The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” Exodus 32:1-6 NLT

1. Disobedience does not happen overnight.

A. Moses went up to the Mountain of God in mount Sinai to meet with God and receive the Lord’s commandments. God had already told Moses that he would be back in that mountain to worship but the its the opposite that happened again.
B. The people have grown very impatient and being left with their own evil desires they began to go back to what they were slaves from. Having a weak leader as Aaron did not help. Aaron saw that they were excited and started pleasing the people instead of God.
C. “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God —truly righteous and holy.” 
Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT

2. We must not bow down to any idol.

“The Lord told Moses, “Quick! Go down the mountain! Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it. They are saying, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” Then the Lord said, “I have seen how stubborn and rebellious these people are. Now leave me alone so my fierce anger can blaze against them, and I will destroy them. Then I will make you, Moses, into a great nation."
Exodus 32:7-10 NLT

A. God had already told the people not to create any idols. God is a jealous god he would not tolerate any rebellious ways and leave it unpunished.
B. “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols.” Isaiah 42:8 NLT
C. “Then I saw another beast come up out of the earth. He had two horns like those of a
lamb, but he spoke with the voice of a dragon. He exercised all the authority of the first beast. And he required all the earth and its people to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. He did astounding miracles, even making fire flash down to earth from the sky while everyone was watching. And with all the miracles he was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast, he deceived all the people who belong to this world. He ordered the people to make a great statue of the first beast, who was fatally wounded and then came back to life. He was then permitted to give life to this statue so that it could speak. Then the statue of the beast commanded that anyone refusing to worship it must die.” Revelation 13:11-15 NLT

3. A pure heart can move the heart of God.

“But Moses tried to pacify the Lord his God. “O Lord!” he said. “Why are you so angry with your own people whom you brought from the land of Egypt with such great power and such a strong hand? Why let the Egyptians say, ‘Their God rescued them with the evil intention of slaughtering them in the mountains and wiping them from the face of the earth’? Turn away from your fierce anger. Change your mind about this terrible disaster you have threatened against your people! Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You bound yourself with an oath to them, saying, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars of heaven. And I will give them all of this land that I have promised to your descendants, and they will possess it forever.’” So the Lord changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people. Then Moses turned and went down the mountain. He held in his hands the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. These tablets were God’s work; the words on them were written by God himself.” 
Exodus 32:11-16 NLT

A. It is true that there is no changing the Lord’s mind once its complete and final but that’s not what Moses did. Moses simply reasoned with the Lord and because his heart was pure and sincere for the people God changed His actions. He brought judgment to the people but kept His promise to lead them to the Land.
B. “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” Numbers 23:19 NLT

Conclusion:
Our journey in life is like the exodus of Israelites from Egypt. When God promises something we can trust that He will do it. But are we like the Israelites who constantly doubted God? Do smash down our idols and put God above all? Remember that God is a jealous god and we will not share His glory to any other. We must worship and bow down to God alone!

The Exodus

Part 6: "The Covenant- Making God”
Exodus 20
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
April 26, 2026
 
Opening Verse:
“The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.”
Jeremiah 31:31-32 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to the River of Faith! Today we are in week six of our series in the Book of Exodus. In this series we will look at the foreshadowings of Christ foretold in one of the greatest stories ever written in the Old Testament.
"Exodus" is defined as "departure " which marks the end of the period of oppression for Israelites in the land of Egypt and their deliverance through the leadership of Moses with the mighty hand of God in full display.

Main Pointers:
“Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.”
Exodus 19:1-8 NLT

1. Only God of the Bible is a covenant-making god.

A. The word “testament” is another word for “covenant”. A covenant is like an agreement or a contract but with very specific difference. A contract can be breached without any moral responsibilities. A covenant once failed is considered immoral or failure of trust.
B. God alone can make covenant with His people. Some are conditional and some are unconditional. God is not only a covenant- making God He is also a covenant-Keeping God.
C. “if they do not obey my decrees and fail to keep my commands, then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their disobedience with beating. But I will never stop loving him nor fail to keep my promise to him. No, I will not break my covenant; I will not take back a single word I said. I have sworn an oath to David, and in my holiness I cannot lie:”
Psalms 89:31-35 NLT

2. The purpose of the commandments was to make them holy.

“Then God gave the people all these instructions: “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. “You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you. “You must not murder. “You must not commit adultery. “You must not steal. “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. And they said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!” “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.”
Exodus 20:1-21 NLT

A. God gave the commandments to people with His own voice so that they will have a holy fear for the Lord. But as usual they did exactly the opposite of that.
B. “Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. I would never have known that coveting is wrong if the law had not said, “You must not covet.” But sin used this command to arouse all kinds of covetous desires within me! If there were no law, sin would not have that power. At one time I lived without understanding the law. But when I learned the command not to covet, for instance, the power of sin came to life, and I died. So I discovered that the law’s commands, which were supposed to bring life, brought spiritual death instead. Sin took advantage of those commands and deceived me; it used the commands to kill me. But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.”
Romans 7:7-12 NLT

3. Holiness is what matters to God.

“And the Lord said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: You saw for yourselves that I spoke to you from heaven. Remember, you must not make any idols of silver or gold to rival me. “Build for me an altar made of earth, and offer your sacrifices to me—your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats, and your cattle. Build my altar wherever I cause my name to be remembered, and I will come to you and bless you. If you use stones to build my altar, use only natural, uncut stones. Do not shape the stones with a tool, for that would make the altar unfit for holy use. And do not approach my altar by going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness.” 
Exodus 20:22-26 NLT

A. God already had warned them about making idols made of silver and gold and still they did the exact opposite of what God told them not to do.
B. God specifically instructed them not to use any gold and silver for the altar but only raw materials uncut and organically from the earth. God wants to clearly distinguish holy things from unholy.
C. “You and your descendants must never drink wine or any other alcoholic drink before going into the Tabernacle. If you do, you will die. This is a permanent law for you, and it must be observed from generation to generation. You must distinguish between what is sacred and what is common, between what is ceremonially unclean and what is clean. And you must teach the Israelites all the decrees that the Lord has given them through Moses.” 
Leviticus 10:9-11 NLT

Conclusion:
Our journey in life is like the exodus of Israelites from Egypt. When God promises us something we can trust that He will do it. But are we like the Israelites who constantly doubted God? Do we know the difference between things that are sacred and things that are not in this world?
Be holy for the God that you serve is holy.

The Exodus

Part 5: "God of the Impossible”
Exodus 14
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
April 19, 2026

Memory Verse:
“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.”
Exodus 13:17-18 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to the River of Faith! Today we are in week five of our series in the Book of Exodus. In this series we will look at the foreshadowings of Christ foretold in one of the greatest stories ever written in the Old Testament.
"Exodus" is defined as "departure " which marks the end of the period of oppression for Israelites in the land of Egypt and their deliverance through the leadership of Moses with the mighty hand of God in full display.

Main Pointers:
“Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses: “Order the Israelites to turn back and camp by Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea. Camp there along the shore, across from Baal-zephon. Then Pharaoh will think, ‘The Israelites are confused. They are trapped in the wilderness!’ And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told. When word reached the king of Egypt that the Israelites had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds. “What have we done, letting all those Israelite slaves get away?” they asked. So Pharaoh harnessed his chariot and called up his troops. He took with him 600 of Egypt’s best chariots, along with the rest of the chariots of Egypt, each with its commander. The Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, so he chased after the people of Israel, who had left with fists raised in defiance.”
Exodus 14:1-8 NLT

1. God is always ahead of us.

A. The instructions to Moses was very clear even when the people are confused God had already planned what He was going to do and it’s for the purpose that His glory will be in full display for everyone to see.
B. When you are faced with tremendous challenges and fear. You should always ask yourself where is God is all of this? The answer is He is already ahead!
C. “He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light.”
Daniel 2:20-22 NLT

2. In your panic, don’t ever question God.

“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? What have you done to us? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Exodus 14:10-14 NLT

A. As usual the people did what God told them not to do. They panicked and started acting as if they knew what to do and they did not need help. This is the sin of arrogance and lack of Faith.
B. “And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are!” But Moses objected. “What will the Egyptians think when they hear about it?” he asked the Lord. “They know full well the power you displayed in rescuing your people from Egypt. Now if you destroy them, the Egyptians will send a report to the inhabitants of this land, who have already heard that you live among your people. They know, Lord, that you have appeared to your people face to face and that your pillar of cloud hovers over them. They know that you go before them in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. Now if you slaughter all these people with a single blow, the nations that have heard of your fame will say, ‘The Lord was not able to bring them into the land he swore to give them, so he killed them in the wilderness.’”
Numbers 14:11-16 NLT

3. There are times we must stop talking and do what we’re told.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Pick up your staff and raise your hand over the sea. Divide the water so the Israelites can walk through the middle of the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the Lord!” Then the angel of God, who had been leading the people of Israel, moved to the rear of the camp. The pillar of cloud also moved from the front and stood behind them. The cloud settled between the Egyptian and Israelite camps. As darkness fell, the cloud turned to fire, lighting up the night. But the Egyptians and Israelites did not approach each other all night. Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!”
Exodus 14:15-22 NLT

A. Moses may have had a moment of panic himself but as a leader chosen by God he had to learn that sometimes you have to stop talking and just do exactly what God told you to do.
B. No matter what happens the glory of God will be displayed. God did exactly what He said He would do. He was and is the God of the impossible!
C. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!”
1 Chronicles 29:11-13 NLT

Conclusion:
Our journey in life is like the exodus of Israelites from Egypt. When God promises us something we can trust that He will do it. But are we like the Israelites who constantly doubted God? Do we question Him when things get intense and we don’t know what to do? He is the God of the impossible. He makes a way where there seems to be no way.

The Exodus

Part 4: "The Passover”
Exodus 12
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
April 12, 2026
 
Memory Verse:
“When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”
Luke 22:14-16 NLT

 Introduction:
Welcome to the River of Faith! Today we are in week four of our series in the Book of Exodus.In this series we will look at the foreshadowings of Christ foretold in one of the greatest stories ever told in the Old Testament.
"Exodus" is defined as "departure " which marks the end of the period of oppression for Israelites in the land of Egypt and their deliverance through the leadership of Moses with the mighty hand of God in full display.

Main Pointers:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will strike Pharaoh and the land of Egypt with one more blow. After that, Pharaoh will let you leave this country. In fact, he will be so eager to get rid of you that he will force you all to leave. Tell all the Israelite men and women to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold.” (Now the Lord had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel. And Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, respected by Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people alike.) Moses had announced to Pharaoh, “This is what the Lord says: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again. But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites. All the officials of Egypt will run to me and fall to the ground before me. ‘Please leave!’ they will beg. ‘Hurry! And take all your followers with you.’ Only then will I go!” Then, burning with anger, Moses left Pharaoh. Now the Lord had told Moses earlier, “Pharaoh will not listen to you, but then I will do even more mighty miracles in the land of Egypt.” Moses and Aaron performed these miracles in Pharaoh’s presence, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he wouldn’t let the Israelites leave the country.”
Exodus 11:1-10 NLT

1. The Passover was a foreshadow of God’s ultimate plan of saving His people.

A. Passover became the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday. It is one of the three “pilgrimage” holiday that Jews all over the world would travel back to Israel to celebrate.
B. The Passover was the tenth and final plague that God brought to Egypt. It was only on this plague that was directly applied to a specific individual which was the “first- born.”
C. “Each year you must celebrate three festivals in my honor. First, celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, just as I commanded you. Celebrate this festival annually at the appointed time in early spring, in the month of Abib, for that is the anniversary of your departure from Egypt. No one may appear before me without an offering.”
Exodus 23:14-15 NLT

2. The very first Passover points us to Jesus.

“While the Israelites were still in the land of Egypt, the Lord gave the following instructions to Moses and Aaron: “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you. Announce to the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each family must choose a lamb or a young goat for a sacrifice, one animal for each household. If a family is too small to eat a whole animal, let them share with another family in the neighborhood. Divide the animal according to the size of each family and how much they can eat. The animal you select must be a one-year- old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no defects. “Take special care of this chosen animal until the evening of the fourteenth day of this first month. Then the whole assembly of the community of Israel must slaughter their lamb or young goat at twilight. They are to take some of the blood and smear it on the sides and top of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the animal.”
Exodus 12:1-7 NLT

A. The details on the very first Passover was undeniably pointing to something that was going to happen is the future. God was intentional with the details because it was a foreshadow of what was to come.
B. “Get rid of the old “yeast” by removing this wicked person from among you. Then you will be like a fresh batch of dough made without yeast, which is what you really are. Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed for us. So let us celebrate the festival, not with the old bread of wickedness and evil, but with the new bread of sincerity and truth.”
1 Corinthians 5:7-8 NLT
C. “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.” Isaiah 53:7 NLT

3. Jesus is the Lamb of God who was sacrificed for us.

“Then Moses called all the elders of Israel together and said to them, “Go, pick out a lamb or young goat for each of your families, and slaughter the Passover animal. Drain the blood into a basin. Then take a bundle of hyssop branches and dip it into the blood. Brush the hyssop across the top and sides of the doorframes of your houses. And no one may go out through the door until morning. For the Lord will pass through the land to strike down the Egyptians. But when he sees the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe, the Lord will pass over your home. He will not permit his death angel to enter your house and strike you down. “Remember, these instructions are a permanent law that you and your descendants must observe forever. When you enter the land the Lord has promised to give you, you will continue to observe this ceremony. Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’ And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” When Moses had finished speaking, all the people bowed down to the ground and worshiped. So the people of Israel did just as the Lord had commanded through Moses and Aaron. And that night at midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died.”
Exodus 12:21-30 NLT

A. The imagery in the Passover was just undeniable. An innocent lamb must be slaughtered and it’s innocent blood must be applied to the doorposts of the Israelites and the angel of death will Passover them.
B. No wonder Jesus kept saying “let those who have ears let them hear.” All the signs points to Him and still up to this day millions of Jews celebrate Passover and still miss the point.
C. ““The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.”
John 1:29-31 NLT

Conclusion:
Our journey in life is like the exodus of Israelites from Egypt. When God promises us something we can trust that He will do it. But are we like the Israelites who constantly doubted God? Do we miss the sign that points every thing back to Jesus? God is the master story teller. We must pay careful attention to every detail because they are there for a reason.

Easter 2026

The Biggest Losers
1 Corinthians 15
Pastor Ray-Ann Dela Fuente
April 5, 2026

Memory Verse:
“If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse off than anyone else.”
1 Corinthians 15:19 CEV

Introduction:
Welcome to the River of Faith! Today is Easter Sunday and we are so glad that you are here with us!
When was the last time you've experienced winning? It could be as simple as a game you joined for fun, or something that felt like winning that happened to you recently. How did that make you feel? Now when was the last time you lost? It could be the same as something that felt like losing?

Main Pointers:
“And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.”
1 Corinthians 15:17-20 NLT

1. You can either be a winner or a loser in faith that you choose.

A. Yes the argument is that everyone is claiming that their religion is the right one. But if you examine closely and compare the claims of the Christian faith nothing will even come close.
B. The Bible dares us to think how important the claims of Christianity are. If Christ is not risen then we are the biggest losers on the planet period! It's win or go home. There's nothing in between or to be safe. It's either it's true or everything is a lie. Think about it? What religion in the world would dare you think that way?
C. “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-26 NLT

2. Only Jesus defeated the unbeatable.

“But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 NLT

A. The greatest mystery of resurrection is in its promise of eternity. Death is nothing but separation. It's a separation of body to the spirit and soul. In Christ there is a promise of transformation where the physical will be replaced by the immortal.
B. The reason for death is sin and because all of us have sinned we will all experience death but Jesus did what no other man have ever done. He defeated sin and death once and for all!
C. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 NLT

3. In Christ we are more than winners, we are conquerors.

“I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 6-7 NLT

A. We can talk about evidence and first- hand witnesses but some will still question and doubt, but the result of the resurrection remains undeniable.We become conquerors in Christ.
B. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:35-37 ESV

Conclusion:
Easter is about Jesus winning so we don’t live in defeat anymore. It's the story that changed history forever. Jesus defeated what no man can ever defeat. Sin & Death! All of us can never defeat sin and death but we don't have to. Jesus did and God rose Him again to prove it! It's either we're the biggest losers or are we? No! Overwhelming victory is ours through Jesus Christ!

Palm Sunday 2026

"You Are Born to Worship" 
John 12
Pastor Ray-ann Dela Fuente
March 29, 2026

Opening Verse:
“Rejoice, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt."
Zechariah 9:9 NLT

Introduction:
Welcome to The River of Faith Church! Today is Palm Sunday! This marks the official start of the “Holy Week” or what we also call as the “Passion Week of Christ!”.
Palm Sunday marks one week before the Resurrection or Easter. The triumphal entry is very important because it was the fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9 about the coming Messiah. Here we celebrate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem where His followers gathered palm branches and spread their cloaks on the road as Jesus entered the city riding a donkey.

Main Pointers:
“After telling this story, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?” And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on. As he rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of him. When he reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. “Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
Luke 19:28-38 NLT

1. Not all who comes to worship do it with the right purpose.

A. The triumphal entry was the fulfillment of the prophecy about a humble king who enters His kingdom riding a donkey. The garments placed upon the road and palm branches are a sign of praise being lavished on Him.
B. Unfortunately many in the crowds came with a different motive. Many welcomed Him hoping that He was their messianic deliverer who will free them from the Romans. Some came just because of the miracles they've heard.
C. “Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign."
John 12:17-18 NLT

2. Worship without true transformation is just about the experience.

“But as he came closer to Jerusalem and saw the city ahead, he began to weep. “How I wish today that you of all people would understand the way to peace. But now it is too late, and peace is hidden from your eyes. Before long your enemies will build ramparts against your walls and encircle you and close in on you from every side. They will crush you into the ground, and your children with you. Your enemies will not leave a single stone in place, because you did not recognize it when God visited you.”
Luke 19:41-44 NLT

A. Many of the ones who hailed Him king and shouted "Hosanna's" have quickly turned against him and shouted "Crucify Him" in just a matter of days. The very same city that hailed Him king has abandoned Him.
B. Worship without true transformation will always be inconsistent and weak.
C. "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
James 3:9-12 NIV

3. You are born to worship, so if it's not Jesus, it's something else.

“But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
Luke 19:39-40 NLT

A. The pharisees tried to silence the crowd for they were furious that they were hailing Jesus as king. Jesusspoke the truth by recognizing that if people don't praise Him something else has got to do it because He is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
B. “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:14-15 NIV

Conclusion:
As we get ready for “Holy Week” let’s ask ourselves, have I missed the point? Do I come for You? Am I trusting in you alone? Are you Jesus my Lord and Savior? Let’s take advantage of this time to recognize Jesus for who He is.