If you
read my last post, you got a glimpse into WHY we are planting RiverNorth Church. It all comes down to the reality that people just want to be happy. Those who don’t know the love of Christ will try to fill their unhappiness with things that will unfortunately leave them empty.
It is our desire to point people to what can truly satisfy. We want to introduce them to the ONE who has the answers to life’s questions and concerns. We will walk alongside them as they navigate what it means to be a follower of Christ even before they accept Him as Savior.
I also introduced you to our three priorities. We exist to help people Encounter, Experience and Engage with Jesus. I want to unpack one those three concepts today. What do I mean when I say that RiverNorth Church will be a place for people to ENCOUNTER Jesus?
Let’s look at a story in Acts 3:1-11 that it think uniquely demonstrates our vision.
One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.
Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.
The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.
The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.
Did you notice how the crippled man ENCOUNTERS Jesus? He didn’t expect to, but an encounter with the Messiah happened and changed his life forever. See how he knows when the disciples are about to enter the temple but does not look them in the eye. I am tempted to believe that the man doesn’t feel he belongs. He feels unworthy to even make eye contact with those whose help he is asking.
Peter addresses the man crippled from birth saying, “Look here.” Understanding humiliation, Peter fixed his eyes on the beggar and said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!”
What an unexpected surprise! So many people today need to have a similar experience when they come to church or meet a Christian. They may come in contact with us and not feel they fit in. Are we willing to show them grace in the midst of their disgrace? Do they feel like they belong at our church even if they don’t believe what we believe?
It is our desire to created opportunities for those who come to RiverNorth to ENCOUNTER JESUS in an unexpected way. The love of Jesus will be palpable! The power of God will be undeniable! The commitment to help others, incontestable!
