River’s Edge Church

The first chapter in the Bible describes a 7 day series of events in which God is creating and ordering life for humanity. It has been teh source of incredible controversy inside and outsdie the church. But what are these 7 days desribing? Join us as we explore three interpretations of Genesis chapter 1. 

As we step into Genesis 1 we can't help but note the tension it's created between faith and science. But is there inherent tension between these viewpoints? Should one be afraid of the other? Can we embrace both? If so, how do they relate to one another? 

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth." Few verses are as foundational (or as controversial) as this one. But what does the first verse mean? What information does it convey? And would scientific findings support its conclusion? 

Jesus leaves his disciples with the “Great Commission”: Be my disciples, and make more disciples. But what does it mean to be a disciple? And what are the key practices that we are to engage in as disciples of Jesus?

In week three of our vision series, Ray Lowe shares about walking in step with the Spirit as a crucial piece of our discipleship to Jesus. 

Jesus leaves his disciples with the “Great Commission”: Be my disciples, and make more disciples. But what does it mean to be a disciple? And what are the key practices that we are to engage in as disciples of Jesus?

Jesus leaves his disciples with the "Great Commission": Be my disciples, and make more disciples. But what does it mean to be a disciple? And what are the key practices that we are to engage in as disciples of Jesus? 

After lying dead in a tomb for several days, the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive again. 

After being falsly condemend by the religous elite, the Romans agree to put Jesus to death. But what looks like failure is actually the great victory of God. 

After the last supper, Jesus begins the process of taking on sin and death for the sake of humanity. But with sin on his shoulders and the cross looming large on the horizon, Jesus takes his disciples out to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he does something we often miss completely - in the midst of his suffering, he wrestles with God. Join us as we explore what it looks like for us to do the same...

As tension rises between Jesus and the religious rulers, Jesus is arrested and brought before Pilate. In the process both Peter and Judas deny or betray Jesus. In church culture we usually demonize Judas and elevate Peter, but their paths are remarkable similar. In fact, only one thing separates them. 

As Jesus nears the cross, he explains to his disciples what is to come, and a woman annoints him expensive perfume. But why does Jesus say that this woman's act is to be remembered throughout the world? 

As Jesus leaves the Temple, his disciples point out how impressive it's structures are, and Jesus responds by telling his disciples that the Temple will be destroyed. In response the disciples ask Jesus a two part question: when will the Temple be destroyed? And what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age? Jesus' answer, given in the tradition of apocalyptic literature, has been a...

After successfully defending against the verbal traps set by the Pharisees, Jesus goes on the offensive and gives a scathing critique of the religious leadership. His critique should serve as a wake up call to a modern church apt to repeat the same mistakes. 

After entering Jerusalem as King, the crowds are most likely expecting him to begin the process of overthrowing Rome and liberating the Jewish people. But instead Jesus takes aim at the Jewish religious elite and the religious system which has become fruitless under their care. This sets Jesus on a collision course which will eventually result in his execution, as the Jewish religious leaders come...

As Jesus heads into his final days, he starts by entering Jerusalem on a donkey - a provocative act loaded with meaning. He then heads to the Temple, not to cleanse it from Roman influence, but to cleanse it form the Jewish corruption which had taken hold. 

As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, he once again warns his disciples of the cross which is to come. But the disciples seem to gloss right over it in anticipation of the glory which is to come, and James and John approach Jesus to ask for positions of power and authority in the coming Kingdom. Jesus' response once again points them to the cross, and challenges everything we think we know about power an...

As a community of flawed human beings, we will inevitably sin against one another. As sin enters the pictures and begins to fracture relationship, the impulse will be to part ways or allow for disunity, but Jesus gives us another way of dealing with sin in community, one that is necessary if we are to progress in our discipleship and enjoy unity in Him. 

As Jesus continues in his ministry, he's approached by a "rich young ruler" who comes to ask about eternal life. In the end the young man leaves sad because of his wealth, and as a nation full of "rich young rulers" we should pay careful attention to what this tells us about discipleship to Jesus, and the great idols of modern American culture. 

As Jesus' ministry continues we get three short accounts which seem unrelated. The disciples fail to cast out a demon, they grieve over the impending cross, and Jesus instructs Peter to pay their taxes from the mouth of a fish. While clearly highlighting the beauty and mystery of Jesus, these stories also have something to teach us about faith, fear, and the choices which color all of life's event...

The disciples are beginning to figure out Jesus nature and identity, but they have yet to see that nature, until now. Peter, James, and John join Jesus on the mountaintop, where is transfigured before them and they get to see his glory. This has profound implications involving Jesus' identity and God's veiled glory, but it has important implications for our discipleship as well. 

As the debate rages on about who Jesus is what he's come to do, Peter finally gets it right - Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. As Peter discovers Jesus' true identity, Jesus reveals Peter's true identity in return. But just as significantly, Jesus sets out to explain to his disciples what type of Messiah he will be, and who they are to be in response. 

As Jesus continues in his ministry, he is again confronted by the Pharisees and the Saducees, who are working in concert to take him down. In response Jesus denies their request for a miraculous sign and then leaves the regoin. As they depart, Jesus teaches his disciples a profound point regarding cultural influence that is as releveant for our discipleship today as it has ever been. 

As Jesus continues into Gentile territory, a local woman comes to him in need. Jesus' first response is to reject her request and ignore her completely, and when she persists he explains that it's not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs. But what does Jesus mean by these actions and how do they help clarify his mission? And just as puzzling: why, ultimately, does he agree to...

As Jesus continues in his ministry, he is approached by Pharisees who challenge the practices of his disciples. His disciples don't ritually wash themselves before eating, this breaks the tradition of the elders, and they want answers. But Jesus' response reveals not only the error of their thinking, but speaks volumes about true defilement and true cleansing.