River’s Edge Church

The Christian movement has one of the strangest beginnings of any world religion. Its first adherents were certain that something earth-shattering had happened in and through the death of Jesus on a Roman cross, and they further claimed that he didn't stay dead, but was raised to life again. But what was the significance of resurrection, and how does it shape our future hope? 

As tension with the Pharisees continues to rise, they approach Jesus to ask him for a miraculous sign that he is the Messiah (a curious request from those plotting his death). But why would anyone ask Jesus for a sign? And why would Jesus, who was constantly performing miracles, deny their request?  

As the Pharisees continue to challenge Jesus, he teaches them about the power of words, and the power words have to reveal what's going on deep in our hearts. Within this lesson, he tells them something odd - those who speak against the "Son of Man" (or Jesus himself) will be forgiven, but those who speak against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. In fact, we are told that this is the "unforgivable sin." By why are words important and what is the significant of speaking against the Holy Spirit? 

As the religious elite continue to look for ways to trap Jesus, they come up with a new accusation. "It is only by Beezlebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons." But Jesus' response to them both reveals something about the dominon of darkness, and works to clarify the very reason that He came into the world. 

 

As Jesus continues in his work, he becomes increasingly challenged by opposition from the Pharisees (the Bible teachers of his day), and they attempt to trap him with their interpretations of what should and shouldn't be done on the Sabbath. In response Jesus tells them that he is "Lord of the Sabbath." But what does this response tell us and how should it inform our discipleship? 

As Jesus continues his ministry, he denounces the towns on the north shore of the sea of Galilee in which most of his miracles were performed. But what do these remarks reveal to us about revelation and response? How is the call to faith related to what God has revealed to us? And how do we go about finding the God who has hidden himself in plain sight? 

As Jesus ministry is in full swing, his cousin John the Baptist finds himself stuck in prison. This does not seem to resonate with John's expectations of the Messiah, and the new era of justice and judgment against evil which he assumed was coming, and so he sends some of his disciples to ask Jesus in person "are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" But what does this question tell us about doubt, confusion, faith, and following Jesus?

As Jesus equips his disicples and sends them out, he does so with a warning. The message they are carrying will cause social upheaval on an unprecedented level, and a man's enemies will be members of his own household. But why was this the case and how should it inform our discipleship?  

Up to this point in the book of Matthew, Jesus has been telling (and showing) people what the Kingdom of God is like. Now he turns to his disciples and (12 ordinary men) and asks them to do the same.

Jesus looks out on the crowds with love and compassion, before sending his disciples into "the harvest field" -- which he assures them is plentiful. But what is the state our today's "harvest field" (locally and globally), and what does it look like to follow Jesus into the harvest field?