Dane Lewis – River's Edge Community Church

Off to a Bad Start

Off to a Bad Start

This sermon discusses Jonah's decision to go to Tarshish instead of Ninevah as God had commanded him to do, based on Jonah 1:1-10. I can remember the first time I heard the story of Jonah. After I heard the story, I didn’t go swimming for weeks. Oh, wait that was Jaws. Now, I remember the story. The whale ate Jonah, and he became a real boy. Oh wait, that was Pinocchio. Maybe I don’t remember the real story of Jonah as well as I thought! All I have is images of the Veggietales version with Archibald Asparagus as Jonah (I would have gone with Bob the Cucumber myself). And I bet I am not alone. Ask anyone—they would tell you that Jonah is a fish story and one that is very hard to swallow, at that! And as a result, we just don’t take these forty-eight verses very seriously (when was the last time

By Dane Lewis| 2017-06-19T08:56:51+00:00 June 11th, 2017|Categories: A Whale of a Prophet, Sermon|Tags: Jonah 1:1-10, Ninevah, prophet Jonah, Tarshish|

Off on the Wrong Foot

Off on the Wrong Foot

This first sermon of this series gives the background and context for how to examine the book of Jonah, based on Jonah 1:1-3. I can remember the first time I heard the story of Jonah. After I heard the story, I didn’t go swimming for weeks. Oh, wait that was Jaws. Now, I remember the story. The whale ate Jonah, and he became a real boy. Oh wait, that was Pinocchio. Maybe I don’t remember the real story of Jonah as well as I thought! All I have is images of the Veggietales version with Archibald Asparagus as Jonah (I would have gone with Bob the Cucumber myself). And I bet I am not alone. Ask anyone—they would tell you that Jonah is a fish story and one that is very hard to swallow, at that! And as a result, we just don’t take these forty-eight verses very seriously (when was the last time

By Dane Lewis| 2017-06-17T23:12:57+00:00 June 4th, 2017|Categories: A Whale of a Prophet, Sermon|Tags: Jonah 1:1-3, prophet Jonah|

The Blessings and Dangers of Doubt, Part 2

The Blessings and Dangers of Doubt, Part 2

This sermon explores the blessings and dangers of doubt (Part 2) and is based on Jude 20-25. Let's take a quiz. Pick one. Doubt is (a) the worst sin imaginable, (b) a terrible weakness that derails people's faith, (c) a great benefit and encouragement to our faith, or (d) an essential and necessary part of our faith. Here's my advice: if you want to start an argument in a church, ask a question like that. If I had to guess, most of us would argue that doubt is a bad thing, a really bad thing. Want some proof? Would any of us want our kids to have serious doubts about their faith? I didn't think so. Some of us, on the other hand, believe that doubt, when applied properly, can actually strengthen our faith. Want some proof? Look at the faith of Doubting Thomas! So, what is the correct answer to

By Dane Lewis| 2017-06-17T23:05:18+00:00 May 28th, 2017|Categories: Doubting Thomas' Faith, Sermon|Tags: blessings of doubt, dangers of doubt, Faith and doubt, Jude 20-25|

The Blessings and Dangers of Doubt

The Blessings and Dangers of Doubt

This sermon explores the blessings and dangers of doubt and is based on Jude 17-23. Let's take a quiz. Pick one. Doubt is (a) the worst sin imaginable, (b) a terrible weakness that derails people's faith, (c) a great benefit and encouragement to our faith, or (d) an essential and necessary part of our faith. Here's my advice: if you want to start an argument in a church, ask a question like that. If I had to guess, most of us would argue that doubt is a bad thing, a really bad thing. Want some proof? Would any of us want our kids to have serious doubts about their faith? I didn't think so. Some of us, on the other hand, believe that doubt, when applied properly, can actually strengthen our faith. Want some proof? Look at the faith of Doubting Thomas! So, what is the correct answer to the quiz?

By Dane Lewis| 2017-06-17T22:59:00+00:00 May 21st, 2017|Categories: Doubting Thomas' Faith, Sermon|Tags: blessings of doubt, dangers of doubt, Faith and doubt, Jude 17-23|

Faith and Doubt

Faith and Doubt

On this Mother's Day, our sermon examines the relationship between faith and doubt based on Matthew 13:53-58, using the faith of Jesus' mother, Mary, as our example. Let's take a quiz. Pick one. Doubt is (a) the worst sin imaginable, (b) a terrible weakness that derails people's faith, (c) a great benefit and encouragement to our faith, or (d) an essential and necessary part of our faith. Here's my advice: if you want to start an argument in a church, ask a question like that. If I had to guess, most of us would argue that doubt is a bad thing, a really bad thing. Want some proof? Would any of us want our kids to have serious doubts about their faith? I didn't think so. Some of us, on the other hand, believe that doubt, when applied properly, can actually strengthen our faith. Want some proof? Look at the

By Dane Lewis| 2017-05-20T23:11:23+00:00 May 14th, 2017|Categories: Doubting Thomas' Faith, Sermon|Tags: Faith and doubt, Matthew 13:53-58, the faith of Jesus' mother Mary|

The Other Doubter

The Other Doubter

After the resurrection when Jesus reinstates Peter, we encounter the way in which Peter doubts (John 21:15-19), which is different from that of Thomas. Peter doubts that he is worthy of being forgiven because he had denied Jesus. Seeing Jesus' grace and mercy toward Peter encourages our faith in powerful ways. Let's take a quiz. Pick one. Doubt is (a) the worst sin imaginable, (b) a terrible weakness that derails people's faith, (c) a great benefit and encouragement to our faith, or (d) an essential and necessary part of our faith. Here's my advice: if you want to start an argument in a church, ask a question like that. If I had to guess, most of us would argue that doubt is a bad thing, a really bad thing. Want some proof? Would any of us want our kids to have serious doubts about their faith? I didn't think so.

By Dane Lewis| 2017-05-20T23:03:00+00:00 April 30th, 2017|Categories: Doubting Thomas' Faith, Sermon|Tags: Faith and doubt, Jesus reinstates Peter, John 21:15-19|

The Unlikely Doubter

The Unlikely Doubter

Let's take a quiz. Pick one. Doubt is (a) the worst sin imaginable, (b) a terrible weakness that derails people's faith, (c) a great benefit and encouragement to our faith, or (d) an essential and necessary part of our faith. Here's my advice: if you want to start an argument in a church, ask a question like that. If I had to guess, most of us would argue that doubt is a bad thing, a really bad thing. Want some proof? Would any of us want our kids to have serious doubts about their faith? I didn't think so. Some of us, on the other hand, believe that doubt, when applied properly, can actually strengthen our faith. Want some proof? Look at the faith of Doubting Thomas! So, what is the correct answer to the quiz? That's what we will be trying to resolve in our new series, "Doubting Thomas'

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-29T13:34:20+00:00 April 23rd, 2017|Categories: Doubting Thomas' Faith, Sermon|Tags: Doubt and Faith, Doubting Thomas, John 20:24-29|

Resurrection Sunday: Christ Alone

Resurrection Sunday: Christ Alone

What makes the resurrection such a good day? In addition to all the blessings we enjoy in Christ, more importantly, the resurrection fulfills the story of the Bible. Rejoice and celebrate that Jesus is King based on Luke 24:1-8.

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-17T14:55:07+00:00 April 16th, 2017|Categories: Sermon|Tags: Jesus is King, Luke 24:1-8, Resurrection Sunday|

For the Glory of God Alone

For the Glory of God Alone

On this Palm Sunday, our sermon examines the fifth of the Five Solas: For the Glory of God Alone (based on John 17:1-5). In Jesus' prayer, He asks that God's glory be revealed in His death and resurrection: "I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-17T14:39:17+00:00 April 9th, 2017|Categories: 5 Solas, Sermon|Tags: for the glory of God alone, John 17:1-5, Palm Sunday, sola Deo gloria|

What is Lent?

What is Lent?

Over the past few years, we have intentionally devoted more attention to the church calendar and especially to Lent. Since that time, we have had several people ask, “What is lent?” Here are some thoughts! Lent is the period of 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter where Christ followers invest themselves in prayer, repentance, fasting and other spiritual disciplines. The thought is that just as Christ sacrificed his life for us, so we, through these disciplines, are encouraged to sacrifice ourselves during this time so that we may grow in grace. And while Lent is neither mentioned nor commanded in the Bible, we believe it is a beneficial tool that, when approached by faith, can spur us on to greater worship and understanding. And who knows, we may even learn to love our Lenten celebration. After all, Advent is not mentioned in the Bible, but we all love our

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-08T15:47:13+00:00 April 8th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: Athanasius, Council of Nicea, Easter traditions, History of Lent|

Christ Alone

Christ Alone

This sermon examines the fourth of the Five Solas: Christ Alone (based on Acts 4:8-12). Here, we rejoice that "salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-08T11:59:21+00:00 April 2nd, 2017|Categories: 5 Solas, Sermon|Tags: Acts 4:8-12, Christ alone, sola Christus|

Scripture Alone

Scripture Alone

This sermon examines the third of the Five Solas: Scripture Alone (based on 2 Timothy 3:14-17). Knowing what Paul meant when he states that all Scripture is "God-breathed" gives us confidence that God's Word is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-08T11:58:38+00:00 March 26th, 2017|Categories: 5 Solas, Sermon|Tags: 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Scripture alone, Scripture is God-breathed, sola Scriptura|

By Faith Alone

By Faith Alone

By the time the Reformation was in full swing, everyone knew the gospel could be reduced to the "Five Solas" (think of them as the Reformation's "five spiritual laws," but in Latin). Now Latin has a way of making things sound truly impressive, but the word "sola" simply means "alone" or "only." Herein lies the glory of the Reformation. They proclaimed that the gospel came by grace alone, was embraced by faith alone, by Scripture alone, through Christ alone and for the glory of God alone. Five short statements. And in these we hear the very essence of the gospel. This sermon examines the second of these "solas": By Faith Alone (based on Romans 1:17 and James 2:14-19).

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-08T11:58:24+00:00 March 19th, 2017|Categories: 5 Solas, Sermon|Tags: by faith alone, James 2:14-19, Romans 1:17, sola fide|

Of Rebels and Wild Rides

Of Rebels and Wild Rides

Does history shapes who we are? I want to think so, but my inclination today is that when we want it to, it doesn’t, but (and here’s the kick in the pants) when we don’t want it to affect us, it does. Here’s the history I want to shape me. Not surprisingly, it’s from Paul Revere and the American Revolution. For those who don’t know, on “April 18 in 1775” (“hardly a man is now alive”), Paul Revere set off on his historic ride to my hometown. His goal was to warn the minutemen in Lexington and Concord that the regulars were coming to steal their military supplies and arrest Hancock and Adams (they were busy keeping a low profile in a tavern in Lexington – you know that Sam Adams!). If you know the poem (“Listen my children and you shall hear. . . .”), you get the feeling

By Dane Lewis| 2017-04-08T15:50:15+00:00 March 16th, 2017|Categories: Blog|Tags: mission of the church, missional living, Missions, Paul Revere's Ride|

By Grace Alone

By Grace Alone

By the time the Reformation was in full swing, everyone knew the gospel could be reduced to the "Five Solas" (think of them as the Reformation's "five spiritual laws," but in Latin). Now Latin has a way of making things sound truly impressive, but the word "sola" simply means "alone" or "only." Herein lies the glory of the Reformation. They proclaimed that the gospel came by grace alone, was embraced by faith alone, by Scripture alone, through Christ alone and for the glory of God alone. Five short statements. And in these we hear the very essence of the gospel. This introductory sermon in our series examines the first of these "solas": By Grace Alone (based on Ephesians 2:1-10).

By Dane Lewis| 2017-03-15T16:09:23+00:00 March 12th, 2017|Categories: 5 Solas, Sermon|Tags: Ephesians 2:1-10, God's grace, salvation by grace alone, sola gratia|

Love and the Gift of Forgiveness

Love and the Gift of Forgiveness

Based on Colossians 3:12-14, consider how we can build up stronger relationships by forgiving one another as a conclusion to our series, The Other Approach.

By Dane Lewis| 2017-03-15T16:10:11+00:00 March 5th, 2017|Categories: Sermon, The Other Approach|Tags: Colossians 3:12-14, forgiveness, forgiving one another, other-centered living|

Love and the Removal of Fear

Love and the Removal of Fear

Since God teaches that "perfect love drives out fear," it stands to reason that we are also called to serve others by helping to "remove or minimize" the fears they carry in their hearts. Based on 1 John 4:15-18, consider how we can build up stronger relationships by this aspect of The Other Approach.

By Dane Lewis| 2017-03-15T15:57:01+00:00 February 26th, 2017|Categories: Sermon, The Other Approach|Tags: 1 John 4:15-18, other-centered living, perfect love drives out fear, removing fear|

Meeting the Needs of the Other

Meeting the Needs of the Other

God calls us to "serve one another"; therefore, this sermon takes a closer look at what it means to Meet the Needs of the Other based on Galatians 5:13-15 in order to embrace The Other Approach. To hear the accompanying “Out on a Limn” and to learn more about this part of our worship, click here.

By Dane Lewis| 2017-02-25T09:49:36+00:00 February 19th, 2017|Categories: Sermon, The Other Approach|Tags: Galatians 5:13-15, other-centered living, serve one another|

Out on a Limn, February 19, 2017

Out on a Limn, February 19, 2017

This portion of our worship service called “Out on a Limn*” is designed to give a “visual or practical application” of our main theme for a particular worship service. This “Limn” was part of our series, The Other Approach, and you can listen to the accompanying sermon, "Meeting the Needs of the Other," by clicking here. *limn–to depict or illustrate visually or in words

By Dane Lewis| 2017-02-25T10:04:34+00:00 February 19th, 2017|Categories: Limn, Sermon|Tags: Galatians 5:13-15, other-centered living, serve one another|

Listening to the Other

Listening to the Other

Ephesians 4:29 gives us great guidelines for when to speak and when to listen, as well as a solid treatment of the often-misunderstood concept of what is meant by "wholesome talk" as opposed to "unwholesome talk." It's all part of learning to embrace The Other Approach. To hear the accompanying “Out on a Limn” and to learn more about this part of our worship, click here.

By Dane Lewis| 2017-02-25T10:02:37+00:00 February 5th, 2017|Categories: Sermon, The Other Approach|Tags: Ephesians 4:29, listening skills, other-centered living, unwholesome talk|

About Dane Lewis