Why Jesus is the Center of Becoming a Mature Follower of Christ

Easter in the Thick of It

April 9, 2023 • James Petitfils • Luke 24:37–47

Let's celebrate not just an incredible moment in human history, but let's celebrate the reality that God has not only entered into our suffering, but in the resurrection, worked out a majestic solution to the human predicament. We will open the windows and doors of our lives to hope!

Suffering Beyond Hope?

April 2, 2023 • Todd Wendorff • 1 Peter 1:1–9

Cat Stevens wrote the song, Wild World ages ago. "Oh baby baby it's a wild world It's hard to get by just upon a smile…" A smile is not enough but it sure helps after a break up, news of a layoff, 3rd quarter disappointing results, feeling rejected or misunderstood, or being persecuted for being a Christ follower. But is it enough? Distressed, tested by fire, an inexpressible joy. How do those go together? The mystery hangs on a confidence we have that resurrection is like a snow plow that forges a path ahead. What is impassable becomes a way forward. Where we might have been trapped in grief or great sadness or disappointment now becomes an image of Jesus, our inexpressible joy. Those 6 families that lost loved ones in Nashville are beyond our ability to comfort. But there must be an answer. There just has to be. A hope. A living hope. I bank my life on it. I Peter 1:1-9 leads the way forward for us.

Christ Resurrected: A Living Hope

March 26, 2023 • Todd Wendorff • 1 Peter 1:1–9

I have discovered that people will anchor their lives to something temporal or what is eternal. It is revealed most clearly through suffering. A bad situation won’t keep a good man or woman down. But have you ever asked yourself why this is? I Peter 1:1-9 reveals the answer. It’s living a Christ centered life by fixing your hope to the eternal reality of the resurrection. Let me challenge your thinking. What is unchangeable, untouchable, and can’t be taken from you no matter what happens? If you can answer that you will have as Peter says, true joy through a living hope.

Easy and Light

March 19, 2023 • Brooke Andrews • Matthew 11:28–30, Matthew 6:25–33

Our new series is entitled “Why Jesus is the center of becoming a mature follower of Christ.” Not the catchiest title we've ever come up with, but don't let the title take away from how important this series really is! Jesus and the resurrection are at the center of everything for us as believers. Last week Bill did such a beautiful job of bringing home the Truth that for those of us in Christ, life does not end here. Because of the resurrection, we have eternity with Christ and we live filled with hope in this life because of what is to come! I want to explore why the resurrection matters as we continue to talk about what we are invited into now. Jesus has a picture in mind of what it looks like to live out resurrection life with Him and it includes the words REST, EASY, and LIGHT. How could that be possible? Life is hard. Let's figure it out together.

God’s Surprising Incomparably Great Power for Us

March 12, 2023 • Bill MacPhee • Ephesians 1:15–23

As we journey closer to Easter, our next four Sunday gatherings will focus on how Jesus' cross and especially his resurrection are not only the center of all history, but the indispensable cornerstone to life that is hopeful, non-anxious, confident, loving, and purposeful. A disciple or follower of Jesus who is on the path toward maturity keeps growing in a life that is shaped by Jesus' cross, and also his resurrection. I've been diving deep into Ephesians 1:15-23 and wrestling with this phrase: "That power [the incomparably great power for us who believe] is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead." Here is the central question I am asking for Sunday: what are the implications for you and me that God has somehow granted us the exact same power he used to raise Jesus? How does or can this power help us grow in maturity, be a force for good in the world, deal with diversity and discord, calm anxieties, and form our identities as God designed?

The River Church of the South Bay