River Oak Church Podcast

At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

Why should Christians pray for the lost? In this sermon from 1 Timothy 2:1–7, Pastor Blake LaRussa explains why prayer is essential to the mission of the Church and how God uses the prayers of His people to advance the gospel.This message explores:Why God commands believers to pray for all peopleWhy Christians should pray for leaders and nationsGod's desire for all people to be savedThe power of persistent prayerJesus Christ as the only mediator between God and manHow prayer fuels evangelism and spiritual revivalIf you've ever struggled with prayer, felt discouraged praying for unsaved loved ones, or wondered if your prayers matter, this message is for you.

What does it mean to fight the good fight of faith?In this sermon from 1 Timothy 1:18–20, Pastor Caleb reminds us that the Christian life is not passive. We are in a real spiritual battle, and God has not saved us for nothing — He has saved us for mission. Through faith, a good conscience, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to stand firm, resist sin, and live with purpose.This message challenges us to take God's Word seriously, walk in repentance, pursue gospel community, and live on mission in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and city.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

In this message from 1 Timothy 1:12–16, Pastor Zach Ginn looks at the Apostle Paul's testimony and the overflowing grace of Jesus Christ. Paul had a painful past as a blasphemer, persecutor, and enemy of the church, yet Jesus showed him mercy and appointed him to ministry.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

In this message from First Epistle to Timothy 1:3–11, we dive into the importance of sound doctrine, and why it's far more critical than most people realize.  Paul warns Timothy about false teaching creeping into the church, and the danger isn't always obvious. In fact, the most dangerous lies are often almost true.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

We're kicking off a brand new series through the book of First Epistle to Timothy called Building a Healthy Church.What actually makes a church healthy?Is it the building? The size? The programs?In this message, we walk through the opening of Paul's letter and uncover three foundational truths that define a healthy, thriving church:The authority of God's WordThe importance of deep, Christ-centered relationshipsThe daily need for God's grace, mercy, and peaceThis letter was written to a young pastor facing real challenges—false teaching, lack of leadership, and confusion in the church. And yet, the encouragement Paul gives is just as relevant for us today.A healthy church isn't about the building—it's about the people.If we want to grow, we must ask:Are we aligned with Scripture?Are we walking in real relationships?Are we depending on God's grace daily?Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:1–2If this message encouraged you, share it with someone and join us as we walk through this series together.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

In this message from John 20:24–29, we explore the powerful story of Doubting Thomas and what it teaches us about doubt, faith, and the resurrection of Jesus.Even one of Jesus' closest disciples struggled to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. Thomas demanded proof before he would believe. But when Jesus appeared to him, everything changed.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

March 29th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

March 22nd, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

March 15th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

If you're struggling with secret sin, lust, pornography, or worldly passions, this episode is for you.  In this Live for More Podcast episode, we open Titus 2:11–15 and talk honestly about how the grace of God trains us to fight sin. This is not a conversation about guilt, legalism, or pretending everything is fine. It's about real freedom through Jesus.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

March 8th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

Today on the Live for More Podcast, we tackle one of the most debated passages in the New Testament: Titus 2:1–10.This episode covers biblical manhood and womanhood, what submission is and isn't, how the gospel brings dignity to the home, why the church needs every generation, and what to do with the Bible's language around bondservants/slavery in the Roman world.We also talk about identity—how the enemy tries to convince people they're “too young” or “too old” to matter—and why Scripture insists that every believer has a real place in God's mission.Key topics:- Older men: dignity, self-control, steadfast faith- Older women & younger women: discipleship across generations- What biblical submission is NOT (abuse, harm, sin)- The dignity of the home and friendship in marriage (“phileo”)- Bondservants in the Roman Empire and gospel-shaped work ethic- Doing everything “as unto the Lord” in ordinary, lowly seasonsIf this helped you, share it with someone in a different stage of life.Listen, learn, and live for more.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

Hello friends — welcome to the Live for More Podcast.Today's episode is all about false teachers — and how to practice discernment in a world filled with AI deception, viral YouTube clips, podcasts, and endless “new” ideas.We walk through Titus 1:10–16, and connect it to warnings in Jude and 2 Timothy 4 about itching ears, myths, and teachers who mislead people — sometimes while believing they're right.In this conversation, we cover:- How to know you're not being deceived- Can someone teach sound doctrine and still be spiritually lost?- Why your primary spiritual “diet” should be your local church- A practical framework for discernment: Green / Yellow / Red Light- The difference between primary doctrines and secondary / tertiary issues- When (and when not) to call out teachers publicly- Why “Preach the Word” is God's antidote to confusion and myths

In this episode, we tackle one of the most misunderstood tensions in Christianity: legalism vs cheap grace.What does it actually mean to follow Jesus?Is church primarily for believers or unbelievers?What qualifies someone to lead a church?And does grace mean we can live however we want?Walking through Titus 1, we explore:- The biblical role of elders and pastors- Why Sunday gatherings exist- Why churches aren't businesses- The danger of celebrity pastor culture- How the gospel produces real godliness- And how to avoid both harsh legalism and shallow graceWe also respond to a popular song that reflects the tension many people feel toward the church, and we discuss what true grace really looks like.If you've ever struggled with church hurt, confusion about leadership, or questions about grace and repentance, this episode is for you.

March 1st, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

Welcome to the Live for More Podcast.In this episode, we jump into Mark 16 and talk about what it means to live in resurrection power — to live with a hope that's not wishful thinking, but certainty because Jesus rose from the dead.We also address the question many readers notice: Why do some Bibles separate Mark 16:9–20? We walk through the manuscript discussion, why River Oak chose to err on the side of caution, and why the “abrupt ending” of Mark forces a huge question on every reader:What are you going to do with the reality that Jesus rose?At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

Hello and welcome to the Live for More Podcast.In today's episode, we talk about why online church is not enough, and why watching a service from home (even with cinnamon rolls on the couch) is not the same as gathering with the people of God. We also dive deeper into the meaning of Jesus' crucifixion and explore the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled at the cross, plus why the historical evidence for Jesus is stronger than many people realize.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

Welcome to the Live for More Podcast from River Oak Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. In this episode, Pastor Zach sits down with Pastor Eric to talk about two things many believers want help with:- How to study the Bible faithfully- How to teach it clearly—at home, in a group, or in the churchPastor Eric walks through his real sermon preparation process—how he studies verse-by-verse, identifies themes, builds a clear outline, and then connects the text to real life in Chesapeake in 2026. You'll also hear practical recommendations for tools like study Bibles, Blue Letter Bible, Bible Hub, trusted commentaries, and why you should avoid jumping to commentaries first.This conversation also models how to read Scripture with context and apply it without twisting it—using Mark 15 (Jesus' trial and Barabbas) as a case study. We talk about the danger of comfort, the fear of man, the temptation to “satisfy the crowd,” and how the innocence of Jesus exposes the darkness in every human heart.If you're a parent, small group leader, student, or new believer who wants to grow in Bible confidence—this episode is for you.

Welcome to the Live for More Podcast from River Oak Church in Chesapeake, Virginia. In this episode, Pastors Zach and Caleb discuss how followers of Jesus are called to live with courage, discernment, and faith in a season marked by fear, compromise, and cultural pressure.Using Mark 14:53–72, the conversation focuses on Peter's denial of Jesus and the powerful question it raises for every believer today:Are you following Jesus closely — or at a distance?At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

Welcome to the Live for More Podcast, a new podcast from River Oak Church. In this episode, Pastors Zach and Caleb explain the heart behind the new name and dive deep into Mark 14, where Jesus is betrayed, arrested, and abandoned by those closest to Him.This conversation explores a question every human wrestles with:Is there more to life than living for myself?Through the lens of Scripture, we look at three common responses when faith is tested:- Fighting with the world's weapons- Fleeing in fear and self-preservation- Trusting Christ and standing on God's WordYou'll hear practical insight on:- Why “live for you” is a spiritual dead end- What Judas, Peter, and the fleeing disciple reveal about the human heart- How fear often outweighs faith — and how that can change- Responding to betrayal with mercy instead of bitterness- Why Jesus doesn't need us to defend Him — but He does call us to be faithful- How hiding God's Word in your heart prepares you for spiritual battle- A simple GPS method for reading Scripture (God, People, Self)- What it means to live boldly for Christ in uncertain times

February 22nd, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

February 15th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

February 8th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

Welcome to the Live for More Podcast. In this episode, Pastors Zach and Blake talk honestly about new year goals, spiritual habits, family worship, and the real danger of drifting from the gospel.As we step into a new year, many of us feel motivated to make changes — but good intentions alone won't keep us faithful. Scripture shows that even confident believers can fall away when their confidence is rooted in themselves instead of Christ.

Hello and welcome to the River Oak Recap Podcast! In this episode, Pastors Zach, Eric, and Caleb talk about joy — and why biblical joy is not the same thing as happiness.Joy can feel cheesy or unrealistic, especially during the Christmas season. But Scripture shows that joy isn't something you manufacture by fixing your circumstances. Joy begins when you recognize that God is present — and it's rooted in hope that the way things are now is not how they will always be because of Jesus.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

Welcome to the Live for More Podcast! In this episode, Pastors Zach, Eric, and Caleb talk about peace — what it is, what disrupts it, and how Jesus offers a peace that the world can't manufacture.At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.  We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word.  We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here: https://riveroakchurch.org/give/Support the show

January 18th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

January 11th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

January 4th, 2026At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

December 24th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

December 21st, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

December 14th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

December 7th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

November 30th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

November 23rd, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

November 16th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

November 9th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

November 2nd, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

October 26th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

October 19th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

October 12th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

October 5th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

September 28th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

September 21st, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

September 14th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

September 7th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

August 31st, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

August 17th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show

August 10th, 2025At River Oak Church, we are a welcoming family of imperfect people who share a passion for God, a passion for others, and a passion for graciously sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. We enjoy an informal environment and Christ-exalting modern worship, and we are committed to following the truth of God's Word. We welcome you to come as you are, from wherever you've been, and join us!Support the show