At Riv, we live as normal people whose ordinary lives point to an extraordinary God.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.
Ephesians 2:1-3
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:4-9
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
God saved you
from sin & wrath,
by grace,
for good works.
“Do you know what it means that you are God’s workmanship? What is art? Art is beautiful, art is valuable, and art is an expression of the inner being of the maker, of the artist. Imagine what that means. You’re beautiful, you’re valuable, and you’re an expression of the very inner being of the artist, the divine artist, god himself. You see, when Jesus gave Himself on the cross, he didn’t say, “I’m going to die just so you know I love you.” He said, “I’m going to die, I’m going to bleed for your splendor. I’m going to re-create you into something beautiful. I will turn you into something splendid, magnificent. I’m the artist; you’re the art. I’m the painter; you’re the canvas. I’m the sculptor; you’re the marble…Jesus is an artist!” And you beloved, are his crowning achievement, his masterpiece!”
-Tim Keller
What if the sanctified version of you is an essential part of god’s master plan?
“Figure out who you are and then do it on purpose.”
– Dolly Parton
Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
For it says:
When he ascended on high,
he took the captives captive;
he gave gifts to people.
Ephesians 4:7-8
Love God and do as you please.
– Augustine
The power of our activism, campaigns, movements, and strategies cannot forgive sin or raise the dead.
– Michael Horton
Grow, Serve, & Go
1. Outside with formal partners
2. Outside informally
3. Inside with Life groups
4. Inside with formal ministries
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.
1 Peter 4:9-11
