real life

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. - John 10:10

Jesus came to give life…to the fullest. Here at River City we call it Real life. If fact we call ourselves, “A Church for Real Life.”

From the beginning, we have recognized a sort of double entendre in this phrase. Real life is the eternal, abundant life that Jesus makes available by our salvation. As a church that’s what we do; we help people find the amazing gift of a new life in Christ! However, it’s also important to remember that God works “out there”…in the real world…in real life! Our faith makes a difference in real life!

To often, I’m afraid the church has painted a picture of God pulling us out of the regular world into a “church world”. You know, out of “real life” into “real life”, if that makes any sense. The problem is this leads to pretending and a sort of spiritual schizophrenia. We begin to have 2 lives, and sadly even 2 faces. That’s not what God intended! The truth is our faith works in and impacts every area of our world: our work, our family, our relationships, finances, goals, and dreams. A Church for real life is a place where we can be who we are as we become who He created us to be!

This time of year is often a time for celebration: graduations, weddings, Mother’s day, (and Father’s day is just around the corner.) These are the good gifts of real life. Let each day be a celebration and an opportunity to give thanks.

Celebrating Real Life - Sean