In the Bible, we find what defines “love” by knowing what love defines.

Love defines Who God is… In John’s 1st letter, the author writes “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Therefore God’s love defines what true love is.

But what does this love look like practically?

This Sunday we are serving at Rising Tide Ranch, a Christ-centered, sober living farm that is so much more. We are also using this Sunday to conclude our series is called Witness: How a Grassroots Movements Changes the World.

Water’s Edge spent the good part of year studying the early church and asking the questions that a lot of people have been asking these days: What is the church? What’s her purpose? Is she necessary?

On this final day, It feels right to the Holy Spirit to respond with the following: As witnesses, the church is called to grow in both welcoming kindness and loving truth. Welcoming Kindness and Loving Truth. We will encounter men today at the ranch who have experienced both exceptional hospitality and deeply-convicting yet loving truth. And it is that type of hospitality/ truth-in-love ministry that changes the world.

Even though God doesn’t take away every storm, he always to provides something to hold onto.

When does God provide it? Whenever he wants. However he wants. That’s his role.

Our role is simple: 1) look for his provision, 2) rest in his goodness, and hold on.

If that’s all you take from today, you could walk out right now and still be ready for whatever you may encounter.

W.E. gotta rock that “grandma gumption” … when it comes to being a witness to Jesus.

There’s two things we know about grandma:

1) she loves you too much and

2) she’s not afraid to speak her mind about Jesus.

If people ask us…

“Why are you picking up trash on the beach?”

“What’s up with you buying my lunch?”

“Why do you care?”

… and you only have one word to respond?

Simply say “Resurrection.”

The word “resurrection” speaks LIFE. In this one word, there is a longing for healing, acknowledgement of death and a deep desire for hope.

Resurrection brings all of our stories together. We need it. God provides it.

And… if simply saying “resurrection” is confusing to someone(s), we can always share more.

What looked mundane was actually divine momentum. Join us for a discussion of our God in the not so high moments.

What is the best sequel of all time? GodFather II? Empire Strikes Back? My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2? (<— Don’t be a hater).

According to Rotten Tomatoes, I was shocked to find that the top two are virtuous, joy-filled, kindred adventures. Yet as we reflect, doesn’t this truly describe the greatest ongoing journeys we all desire?

This Sunday, we discussed the sequel to last week’s message on Spiritual Formation. Please join us for part 2 of the adventure of “Getting out of the Boat.”

The name “Water’s Edge” arose when our friend and mentor Larry challenged me to reread the compelling (if also controversial) Old Testament book of Joshua.

Leaving the wilderness, God commands his people to cross the Jordan River at her flood stage. There is a distinct moment when the priests come to the shoreline and connect with the water. Simultaneously, the upstream flow ceases. The people of God cross. A wondrous journey continues.

What the reader witnesses is a beautiful blend of God’s part and our part.

This Sunday (7/6), we witness a New Testament moment at the water’s edge. As God’s royal priesthood (1 Pet. 2:9), may we receive the many callings God has for us and more importantly... with us.

If we do everything for God, we tend to think everything is going to turn out well.

It doesn’t.

Moreover, when we share your heart and thoughts for Jesus, we think everybody’s going to be excited.

Not everyone is.

Expect Resistance.

Please listen as we discuss how a persevering life make a lasting impact.

What are the most difficult spaces to share your faith (or even represent your faith)? There is an undercurrent of hostility that has always existed, but given our numerous social mediums, the more hostile voices may seem to be front and center, which can make confessing Jesus as Lord… difficult. However, we are called to be salt and light. Meaning, it’s not what “do I share” but “what can I share”?

What can I share as I stand in hostile territory?