Our New Series for the Summer: Characters of the New Testament Living Out the Words and Ways of Jesus. Shorter Version? "Show Me!” Show me Timothy, show me Priscilla, Philemon, Barnabas, Phoebe, Mary….What’s it look like to walk with Jesus? Show me! For Timothy, it was learning the words and ways of Jesus through his adopted spiritual father, Paul. Paul treated Timothy as a beloved son. He believed in him. He taught him. He encouraged him. This has been a tough year for all of us. We all need a mentor like Paul to encourage us to keep the faith, fight the fight. Timothy was a young man in his faith when Paul brought him along on his journeys. As a result of that relationship, Timothy finished out his life well. Recent surveys point to a majority of young people in the church ditching their faith by their sophomore year in college. Do you know why? Do you know why they don’t finish well like Timothy? Let’s talk about it!

Todd Wendorff

We are all familiar with the pastor who says that he is "landing the plane," but then proceeds to make five more points about tangential material to the topic. "This is my last point" (subtext: there are 10 more things I would like to say...). In defense of the pastor, who does not serve at the River.., he may argue that he is landing the plane, just in a long, slow descent. In some ways, this is what the end of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians feels like. It reads like a letter with multiple endings, like it is drawn out. While we do not always appreciate the gradual decline of a lengthy sermon, I believe we ought to love Paul's concluding remarks to the Thessalonians. In this final section, Paul is intentionally giving pithy commands to the growing community. Paul prays that God will sanctify them wholly and completely, and the commands he gives are intended to guide them in this sanctification process. I believe we also have a lot to learn from this section of the letter, as we too are a community that God is sanctifying.

Luke

One of the significant memories I have of my high school Jesus days was going to Calvary Santa Ana for concerts and evangelistic rallies. Jesus was my high and the afterglows remain a highlight. It was such a big part of my life, my parents sat me down to find about more about these Jesus rallies. I remember that a hyped anticipation of the Lord returning was in the air like a crisp cold morning telling us the season is changing. “Maranatha" was proclaimed daily. That, and “dude, praise the Lord.” Maranatha means “Lord, come quickly.” I lived each day believing the Lord was returning soon. Fifty years later, I’m still believing that. And so did Paul 2000 years ago. Ever since Jesus ascended into the heavens, He told his followers to be ready for his return. Well? Was he mistaken or delayed? No to both. When, is anybody’s guess but we know he’s coming back to get us and to set all things right. I live with that hope and it changes things.

Todd

I don’t have a proper sermon blurb. (This is on purpose; not a procrastination thing) Instead, if you’ll allow me, I’m inviting three embarrassingly-simple, grammatically-challenged questions to percolate into your week: 1) Where is creative wisdom in your world? 2) How is your quiet? 3) What do you hope?

Let’s explore some ancient wisdom (1 Thessalonians 4) and merge these potent preguntas into your almost post-pandemic, probably-over-crowded 2021.

*Preguntas is Spanish for “questions,” and was used for the purposes of fun and alliteration.

James

Everyone wants to win at life. Whether it’s in your marriage, your relationship with your kids, your friendships, or in your job, we want to win. It defines who you are. It sets the course of your life. What’s that look like to you? For Paul, first Thessalonians chapter 3 tells us that it’s about your faith. Five times he mentions faith. One commentator says faith isn't everything but it most certainly is the most important thing. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is how we come to Christ and faith is how we live for Christ. Join me this week as we explore our win, our faith lived out in all aspects of our lives.

Todd

“Leadership is influence,” said the professor when asked to define leadership. My conclusion: if we influence others, we are leaders. You and I, whether we admit it or not, are leaders in our own sphere of influence. How might we refine the positive influence of our life in those we love?

Our River Church community is learning from the followers of Jesus in the coastal town of Thessalonica; and they show us that “those who follow the words and ways of Jesus are inevitably led to invest in others.” Three leaders, or mentors if you will, invested in the church of the Thessalonians … Paul, Silas, and Timothy were model mentors for a model church. Sunday morning we’ll read through 1 Thessalonians 2 and consider some of the characteristics of a

leader whose influence has been marinated in the words and ways of Jesus.

-Bill

I wonder what it was like to go to church in the fist century. There were no buildings, no loud speakers, and no smoke machines. People showed up in homes, hosted by followers of Jesus who shared the letters of Paul, circulated by Paul’s runners. Oral accounts were told of Jesus and the disciples. There was a sense of excitement as people gathered to learn of Jesus and share what they had with one another. Prayer and worship were components of their gathering along with a meal and discussions about faith and life. We get glimpses into the first century church through Paul’s letters, collected in the New Testament. In I Thessalonians, Paul addresses a church in the Roman province of Thessalonica, a strategic and prominent city that grew in importance in the Christian world because of it’s deep faith and spiritual maturity. In chapter 1, we learn the secret of how the gospel took root in their lives and influenced other nearby cities and towns. How does the gospel take root in your life and impact others, as Paul says, “from idols to serve a living and true God.”?

Todd

Did you see River Runs Through It? It’s based upon a book by Norman Maclean about his family, one of two sons of a Presbyterian pastor. At the end of the book, he looks back on his life. His parents and brother are all gone. He is alone standing on the edge of the river he spent his childhood, fishing. He says he is haunted by the waters. They hold the mystery of his life. They tell the story. I am haunted by something. I want to share that this weekend as we reflect back over 12 weeks on the teachings of Jesus and what I believe drove Jesus as he challenged his disciples. He wanted more than anything for his disciples to get what it takes to live the life of the disciple from Luke 14:25-35.

Todd

Most people who haven't had much of a background in attending a church or hearing sermons have at least heard of the “golden rule” (a term not found in the Bible, but certainly taught in the Bible), or quite possibly, the sermon on the mount, (“blessed are the poor in spirit”), but for sure they've heard the story of the Good Samaritan. He is called” good" because he stopped and cared for a complete stranger. Even though no one was looking and there would be no reward for this Samaritan’s deeds, he did it anyway. I want to ask the question, not what happened? But, why did Jesus tell this parable? Why did you tell that story Jesus? Well, obviously the reason is He wants us all to show a little care for our neighbor. Duh! Or was there a deeper reason? This is our final message in a 12 week focus that has emphasized The Art of Following Jesus. Let’s end well this weekend as we finish with a message on Sharing His Story.

Todd

Generosity is much more, but not less, than giving of your money and resources. Generosity is regarded as a virtue. Furthermore, we resemble God in His goodness when we are generous. If you desire to grow in generosity, you can learn more about the Biblical meaning of generosity through this podcast and the additional resources and curriculum provided here.