About Apostle David Rivera
Apostle David Rivera was born in Las Monjas, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico and raised in the fear of the Lord. At the age of 15, God began confirming the pastoral call on his life. Apostle David served in several positions within his local church, Sunday School teacher, church treasurer, youth president and co-pastor. He was recognized for his dedication and integrity during hi
s tenure in these positions. Later, Apostle David became highly known throughout Puerto Rico when he accepted a leadership position in the Youth Council of the Assembly of Christian Churches. In 1969, he entered into a new season of his life which brought him much joy. He married Ruth Noelia Gonzalez, who became a strong support to Apostle David; sharing his dreams and plans. Shortly after, they moved to Chicago and joined the main congregation of the Council of the Assemblies of Christian Churches where he held various positions. After a few years of marriage, they were blessed with the arrival of Rebecca and David Jr., the pride of this couple. In 1982, the Rivera family, along with a few other believers, began to sow the seeds of their faith from home to home. Soon after, the congregation of Bethesda was birthed. Now more than 3 decades later, Bethesda is a growing and thriving congregation. God has fulfilled His promise of honoring those who honor Him. Apostle David holds tightly to the mandate to, “Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation and tongue, meeting the needs of the spirit, soul and body of every person.” He has faithfully carried the Gospel across the United States, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Santo Domingo, Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, El Salvador, including the jungles of Darien in Panama and many other countries in Central and South America. WHAT WE BELIEVE
Salvation Through Jesus Christ (John 3:3, 16, 17; Romans 10:13; Ephesians 2:8, 9) Salvation is received through repentance toward God and faith toward Jesus Christ. By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, being justified by grace through faith, man becomes an heir of God, according to the hope of eternal life. Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:4; 17, 18, 38, 39) All believers are entitled to and the baptism of the Holy Spirit according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ which comes the bestowment of the gifts and their uses in the work of the ministry. Divine Healing (James 5:14-16) Divine healing is an integral part of the gospel. Deliverance from sickness is provided for in the atonement, and is the privilege of all believers. The Second Coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52) The second coming of Christ includes the rapture of the saints, which is our blessed hope, followed by the visible return of Christ with His saints to reign on earth for one thousand years. THE MINISTRY
The ministry has been provided by our Lord for the fivefold purpose of leading the Church to edify (build up), exhort (encourage), and comfort the church. Each person is given a unique talent to strengthen the church of Christ, to perfect Christians and spread the word of God. Equiping the saints for the work of Minist. Ephesians 4:11-16 [KJV/NIV]
Evangelization of the world. Mark 16:15-20 [KJV/NIV]
Worship of God. John 4:23,24 [KJV/NIV]
Meeting human need with ministries of love and compassion. Psalms 112:9 [KJV/NIV]
Galatians 2:10; 6:10 [KJV/NIV]
James 1:27 [KJV/NIV]
