Just thinking about...

Externally Focused Churches

Great article by Rick Rusaw adapted from his book on the externally focused church. The church is inwardly strong but outwardly focused. Henry Blackaby notes these churches must be upwardly focused as well. The transition to upward and external from inward is a big deal. Kingdom Sunday at "The River" was a small step towards an external focus but we still press on to be a church that is making disciples who change the world around them. It's part of the Cultural Commission embodied in the salt and light metaphors.

I also think it's a matter of equipping disciples who see themselves as missionaries to the communities. Their discipleship is part of their mission rather than an end in itself.

Pray with me that we become this kind of church.

I love what I do!

Beginning next week, we'll start looking at Worldviews. I have been reading and learning about Worldviews for over a year so I'm excited about beginning our study. We're using a study by Rick Warren and Chuck Colson called "Framing Your Worldview". It's designed for a forty day study with messages and small group study. A couple of supplemental books are also available. It's not everything one needs to know about worldviews but it gets us started asking the questions and developing a Biblical worldview. I think we have to deepen our roots as Christians in a post-Christian world. I think we need to help our kids as well. That means that we adults need to know and articulate a Biblical worldview as well. Most of us can't! Pray that this study will help us get on the right track.

If you're not in a small group, contact the office and we'll help.

I love what I do.

Easter News

God is always at work around us. We are privileged to see it sometimes and then at other times we hear about it. Either way we rejoice to know that He is ALWAYS at work, even when we're unaware.

Two posts today caught my attention and my prayers. Since we at the River have an interest in all God is doing in the middle east, I thought you might like to read them as well.

There's this one from Chuck Colson and this one from Joel Rosenberg.

Quite encouraging and definitely something to continue praying about.

Easter Sunday/Resurrection Sunday/Today

Hope is that "life shaping certainty of something that has not happened yet, but you know it will." (Tim Keller)

Like Keller, I think we have underestimated how much our "believed in future" affects our choices every day. During study for the message this week, I have been reminded how much my hope drives the everyday activities that I engage in. I really do believe God has not given up on this planet and is working through ordinary people to change the world. This hope takes me to work every day and motivates me to share my faith and teach the Bible and lead our staff; as well as do the "stuff" of ministry that is somewhat less enjoyable.

Thank You, God for Jesus, for the Resurrection, and for the Hope we know because of Him!

Sunday’s comin’!

We've been looking at the Last Days of Jesus leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The preparation and study required for this can be emotionally draining. I find myself longing for Resurrection study and post resurrection teaching.

But I also know that we must think about the suffering and the betrayal(s) and the crucifixion itself in order to even begin to appreciate the cross.

I am so looking forward to Easter Sunday!