1st STEP- SALVATION THROUGH JESUS
The Bible tells us that Jesus is God incarnate; He is God the Son, eternally one with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. He alone can forgive our sins and give salvation.
The writer of Hebrews explains how “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:1-3).
Many people believe that Jesus lived, was a good teacher and a very spiritual man, but they deny that he is God. A diluted Jesus is not the real Jesus. We must be careful to believe in the Jesus that he himself declared he was, “not be[ing] led astray from [our] sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
If you would like to talk with someone about your personal relationship with God through His son Jesus, please click here and fill out and submit the information form and someone will contact you.
DECLARATIONS & ACTIONS
Here are declarations and actions of Jesus that show us who he believed he was and is:
1. Jesus said He was God
Matthew 26:63-65: “But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.’ ‘Yes, it is as you say,’ Jesus replied. ‘But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, ‘He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.'”
John 8:58-59: ” ‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.” John 10:30-33 ” ‘I and the Father are one.’ Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, ‘I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?’ ‘We are not stoning you for any of these,’ replied the Jews, ‘but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.’ “
John 14:8-9: “Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?’
2. Jesus said He came from heaven, God’s eternal dwelling place
John 6:38: “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”
John 16:28: “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
3. Jesus said He was sinless, as God alone is without sin
John 8:46: “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me?”
4. Jesus forgave sin
Mark 2:5: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.'”
Luke 7:48, 49: “Then Jesus said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ The other guests began to say among themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ “
5. Jesus said He was the only way to heaven
John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
John 11:25: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.'”
6. Jesus accepted worship as God
Matthew 14:33: “Then those who were in the boat worshiped him Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
John 9:38: “Then the man said, ‘Lord Jesus, I believe,’ and he worshiped him.”
7. Jesus performed miracles…including raising others and Himself from the dead.
Matthew 4:23: “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
Matthew 17:18: Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.
Luke 8:49-50, 52-55: “While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. ‘Your daughter is dead,’ he said. ‘Don’t bother the teacher anymore.’ Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.’ …Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. ‘Stop wailing,’ Jesus said. ‘She is not dead but asleep.’ They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But he took her by the hand and said, ‘My child, get up!’ Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.”
Luke 7:12-15: “As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don’t cry.’ Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!’ The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.”
John 11:43, 44: “When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'”
Luke 24:5-8: “In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He [Jesus] is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words.”
Please click here and fill out the form if you would like to talk with someone about your relationship with God through His Son, Jesus.
STEP 2 – BAPTISM BY IMMERSION
The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Christ. Baptism allows a believer to communicate to the world their heart-felt commitment to Christ. People often have questions regarding baptism: Why should I be baptized? I’ve already been baptized. Do I have to do it again? Does it matter if someone is sprinkled or dunked?
We discuss what the scripture teaches about baptism in “discover Riverwoods”. “discover Riverwoods” is a class where we teach the purpose, vision, beliefs, core values, and how we do church at Riverwoods. The class and baptism are a requirement to become a member at Riverwoods. Please click here fill out the form and submit for someone will contact you about being baptized or coming to our next “Discover Riverwoods”.
STEP 3 -COMMITMENT TO MEMBERSHIP
If church membership is what you’re looking for, you came to the right place. . .sort of.
Members have rights, but owners have responsibilities. At Riverwoods church, we want owners not “members”. Still interested? Then join us at an ownership class discover Riverwoods. This class explains the purpose, vision, core values, strategy and beliefs of riverwoods church. This seminar style class will answer your questions, and if it doesn’t you will have an opportunity to ask whatever question you wish. You will meet and talk with church owners and staff. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to join the church.
For your convenience, classes are offered at least each quarter. When offered discover Riverwoods class is immediately following the 10:30 worship experience. Free lunch and childcare are provided. Sign up here, at Guest Services, or by using the comment card that you receive in your bulletin on Sunday. This class is a requirement for Riverwoods church ownership.
STEP 4 -VOLUNTEER TIME & SKILLS
Becoming a volunteer and serving through the church is a huge part of Riverwoods philosophy. We think everyone should volunteer in at least one area of service each week. We strive for people to serve in at least one service and receive in one service. Riverwoods volunteers are a vital part of us impacting our community and pulling off our weekend worship experiences for the advancement of the kingdom.
If you know where you would like to volunteer please click sign up here or under the ministry description and fill out the basic volunteer application and submit. If you are not certain which area you want to serve in use this form and someone will contact you. Below you will find a list and description of places where volunteers can serve. If you have questions use this form and someone will contact you.
Community Impact & Outreach Team
If you are interested in serving your community through service projects and events then sign up here. If you are not sure where you want to serve then use this form.
Splash Children’s Ministry
Our Children’s Ministry volunteers are people with a passion to see children experience Jesus on their level. Volunteers serve kids, birth through fifth grade, in safe, age–appropriate environments where the Bible is taught in a creative and relevant way. There are many opportunities to serve during weekend worship experiences. Sign up here and let us know which area of Splash you would like to serve in. Use this form if you are not sure yet.
Amped Student Ministry
This ministry is for volunteers who have a heart to see High School and Middle School students grow and fall in love with Jesus daily. Sign up here if you already know this is where you want serve. Use this form if you are not sure yet
Host Team
This team is all about making our guests and regular attender’s feel loved and welcomed at Riverwoods. This area of service includes parking team, guest services, ushers, greeters and coffee bar attendants. If you are a friendly person and like to welcome and serve others sign up here. If you are not sure where you want to serve use this form.
Worship Team
Worship through music is a vital part of our weekend experiences. We are always striving to find gifted people who can play musical instruments or sing with quality for the glory of God. We are looking for people who can not only be worship leaders but be lead worshipers. Riverwoods want to create multiple praise teams so we are looking for volunteers. If you know this is where you want to serve sign up here and someone will contact you for an audition. If you are not sure where you want to serve use this form.
Media & Technical Arts Team
From operating cameras and sound to trouble-shooting computer issues, the Media and Technical Arts team use their skills in media production and technology to keep Riverwoods Church on the cutting edge. Sign up here if you already know which team you want to serve with or use this form if you’re not certain yet.
Creative Arts and Programming Team
The Creative Arts and Programming Team will be comprised of individuals who have an interest in various arts forms used to enhance worship experiences. These forms are music, video, drama, cinematography, art, graphics, poetry, etc. This team will also be used to create the worship environment which compliments the teaching series. If you know this is where you want to serve sign up here. If you are not certain where you want to serve use this form.
Life Group Leaders & Interns
Life groups are a vital part of Riverwoods Church and the leaders are an extension of the pastoral ministry. Life Group leaders and interns have the highest responsibility and accountability of all volunteers. These volunteers are entrusted with the leadership and care of a group of people. Because of such a high level of responsibility these leaders must be members, complete training and sign a covenant. Life groups are the heartbeat of Riverwoods and if you are considering becoming a leader please sign up here. If you are not sure where you want to serve use this form.