Why Riverside Exists
1. To Celebrate God's Presence
Worship: expressing my love to God
"Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." Matthew 4:10
"The Father seeks worshipers...and His worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24
Expressions of Worship
- Singing (Ephesians 5:19)
- Praying (Psalm 95:6)
- Giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Meditating (Habakkuk 2:20)
- Commitment (Romans 12:1-2)
- Hearing the Word (John 17:17)
- Baptism (Romans 6:3-4)
- Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
2. To Demonstrate God's Love
Ministry: meeting needs with love
"By this shall all men know that you are my disciples--that you have love for one another." John 13:35
(Also see 1 John 3:16-17; Matthew 25:34-40; Hebrews 13:16; Romans 12:13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 27)
3. To Communicate God's Word
Evangelism: sharing the good news with others
"His intent was that through the church the manifold wisdom of God should be made known." Ephesians 3:10
"Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But who can ask him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells him?" Romans 10:13-14
4. To Incorporate God's Family
Fellowship: building and enjoying Christian fellowship
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another..." 1 John 1:7
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7
5. To Educate God's People
Discipleship: helping believers grow spiritually
"Let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity..." Hebrews 6:1
"Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18
"(God has given)...some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of ministry, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all...become mature...like Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13
