River of Life Sermons

Guest Speaker Danny Unruh teaches Jesus' commands of "turning the other cheek" as would understood by his audience, the Jewish people.

Rodney Wiebe, a director at Bethesda Christian Association (an organization that nurtures a community of belonging for all abilities) shares of his personal story of raising 2 sons with fragile x syndrome. What do the Scriptures say about the premise that all humans are created in the image of God, and inclusive of belonging in the Kingdom of God?

Simon Hoeppner continues his study on "The Suffering Servant" using the example of Philip who explains the passage of Isaiah 53 to the Ethiopian. Simon teaches that this shows God cares for the individual, not just the many. We are called by the Holy Spirit to be bold and obedient to His prompting, ready to respond to the Gospel.

Simon Hoeppner teaches of "The Servant" prophesized by Isaiah, points to Jesus, who lived on earth 700 years later. Simon encourages to read the Old Testament as more than just a historical textbook, it is alive and active, and has meaning for us today just as it spoke to the Israelites, 2700 years ago,

RoL concludes a 4 year series on the book of Luke with Jesus blessing his disciples and his ascension to heaven. Pastor Darren challenges us if we really believe what we read in Luke's gospel, it should impact the way we live our lives. Our response to God for who He is and what He has done, should be joy-filled worship.

After his crucifixion and death, Jesus proves to his disciples that his resurrection body is real, by allowing them to touch his body and eating food with them. We also need to choose whether we believe in Jesus' claim that he is the resurrected Christ. the Messiah, God in the flesh and are we willing to commit our lives to Him?

Men and women share their testimonies about the power of God in their journeys of sobriety through the "Challenge" programs.

As He points out to the two disciples, knowing about Jesus isn't enough to be saved, believing in, and committing to a relationship with Him does. Regardless of what you believe, faith requires an "action step". Jesus waited for the disciples to invite Him in - it is no different today, He waits for you today. Make it practical I. Ask yourself, do I know about Jesus, OR do I have a relationship with Jesus? II. Take some time over the following months to read the Old Testament and circle or underline passages that point to Jesus. III. Have open conversations with others about Jesus.

Easter Sunday message: "The tomb is empty, Jesus is alive and is who He said He is!" The question to you is: "Do you believe it? What will you do with Jesus?" Practical Steps: 1. Read the resurrection story in each of the four Gospels - Matt.28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10. 2. Watch (or read) Lee Strobel's "The Case for Christ" (available on Youtube, Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV)

Jesus is worthy as the Lamb of God, sacrificed His life for the sins of the world, completed the plan for our salvation. He is worthy! Combined Service with Greendale MB

Pastor Darren speaks on how the different groups (the Centurion, the crowd, the religious leaders, Jesus' followers) responded as the result of witnessing Jesus' death and burial. The ultimate response is for you - "What are you going to do with Jesus?" Making it Practical - 1. read the story of Jesus crucifixion in the other Gospels - Matt.27:1-66; Mark 15:1-47, Luke 23:1-56; John 18:28-19:42 2. Take time to contemplate who Jesus is and what He means to you 3. Who can to talk to about Jesus?

Even in the agony, humility and suffering Jesus experienced in his crucifixion, Jesus' heart was/is still for the people, including his executioners. As his followers, we are called to love the people as Jesus loved. Make it practical this week. I. How can I have the Heart of Jesus, and who is he calling me to love? II. Choose what to do with Jesus! Choose Him today and grow in a right relationship with Him! III. If you need outside biblical references for the truth of the crucifixion of Jesus, google and read: A) a letter written by Mara bar Serapion to his son (73 AD) (B) the works of Josephus, the Jewish Historian (90 AD) (C) Tacitus, the Roman Historian (110-120 AD) (D) The Babylonian Talmud (AD 200)

In the account of His pre-trial and trials, Jesus is shown to be innocent. Yet the religious leaders as well as the crowds reject Him and choose a criminal to be spared instead. Pastor Josiah asserts that we also have to choose between Jesus and our own sinful desires. Who/what will you choose?

After Peter's boastful claims about standing with Jesus, he is undone after denying any knowledge of Jesus 3 times in the high priest's courtyard. Pastor Darren asks us to examine our own lives and to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any area that we may be susceptible in denying Jesus, if tempted. Make it Practical I. Take some time this week and Read, Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 14:66-72, John 18:15-27. II. Make more time this week for prayer and devotion, so the Holy Spirit can continue His work in you. III. Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and show you areas of denial and sin. And confess your sin with sorrow. IV. Continue to pray for the persecuted Church this week from home. https://www.opendoorscanada.org

Judas' betrayal of Jesus gives evidence that we all face the temptation of betraying Jesus as Lord of our lives. Pastor Darren challenges RoL to examine your own life: is Jesus Lord of my life? - what does this mean? would I betray or obey? Make it practical. I. Take Some Time this week to read the other Gospel accounts: Matthew 26:47-56, Mark 14:43-50, and John 18:2-11. II. "Ask the Holy Spirit to show you, if there are any areas in your life, that you need to surrender to our Lord Jesus." III. Jesus is about Life - find Life in Him; thank Him for the Life has given you, and Tell someone about that Life IV. Put on the Full Armour of God. Ephesians 6:16-18

Although Jesus knew he would be betrayed, he wrestled with the temptation to deny it and urged his disciples to pray against it as well. Jesus emphasized the importance of prayer, of open communion with God. To make it Practical 1. Pray thanking Jesus for voluntarily drinking of the cup (in our place) 2. Pray to God and ask Him to help you not fall into temptation 3. Pray to God for someone close to you; not to fall into temptation

As Jesus has his Last Supper with his disciples, he predicts events and the actions of close individuals. Yet, he teaches us to be a servant, trusting that he will provide our needs. Make it Practical 1. Know that Jesus knows (go to him in prayer and ask) 2. Ask him where and how you can serve 3. Pray- Thank God for his provision and ask him where you can provide for others

Pastor Darren teaches through these verses to challenge us to consider who or what has the strongest influence or motivation in the decisions of our lives?

Jesus warns his followers to watch and be ready for the end times. Are you ready for the "end of times"? What does that mean to you? Jesus also warns of persecution for his followers in the end times - this doesn't appear to be optional - how does that make you feel? Are you prepared? Make it practical: I. Take some time this week to re-read Luke 21:5-38, Matthew 24, and Mark 13. II. Spend some time this week with God, asking Him to show you if there are more signs of His return over the last 20 years than ever before. Also, ask Him to help you be ready. III. Live lives of readiness. Consider how you can show the Gospel through words and deeds in the weeks to come.

Jesus explains in a few verses what it mean to give sacrificially by the example of the poor widow. We too, as followers of Jesus, are called to give sacrificially of our time, talents, and our treasures.

Pastor Darren wraps up the Joseph mini-series with a view of God's sovereignty in all situations and how He can use them (and you) for His honour and glory. One of the most powerful and freeing perspectives in difficult circumstances is the concept of forgiveness, as it applies in the situation. Pastor Darren always in includes "Making it Practical" steps at the end of his sermons. They will be included here for you to take with you each week. Make it Practical I. Re-Read the story of Joseph from Genesis 37; 39-50 and look for the Sovereignty of God. II. Take time to forgive someone this week or ask for forgiveness from someone.

In today's western society, the concept of truth is often seen as ambiguous, however God's Truth is not. As a follower of Christ, will you speak God's Truth, with love. to the people you know who need to hear it?

God was with Joseph even through his trials of being sold into slavery, accused of rape, thrown into prison. God uses trials to build character - who are you - when no one is watching? Are you the same privately as you are in public?

In Genesis we read about how God spoke to Joseph through dreams. Does God still speak to people today? Through dreams? visions? scriptures? nature? teachings? counsel? Perhaps the better question: are you willing to listen?

"RoL closes off 2024 with a time of sharing of God's blessings, praying for His guidance and intercession, and worshipping Him. Due to the personal nature of the sharing content, this week's podcast is limited to the congregational reciting of the Lord's Prayer.

Pastor Darren wraps up the Faith in the Fantastic series with a brief review of the storylines of the ordinary people used by the extraordinary God. When the impossibly, unbelievable, incomprehensible can only become, possible, probable, actual, conceivable by the supernatural, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, loving God.

Wrestle with the doubt and wondering in how did the magi recognize this star was different? How could this specific star direct them to one specific house? How were they the only ones to see it? There is really only One answer!

Wrestle with the shepherds between doubt and wonder as they are the unlikely recipients of the Good News brought by the supernatural host of heavenly beings!

This week we see how Joseph struggles with the tension between doubt and wonder as he decides how to deal with the religious, social, and personal complications of his fiancée Mary, carrying a child that was not his.

The Nativity story is not merely just a story - it is actual History - today we revisit Mary's story as she wrestles with the tension between doubt and wonder, when the supernatural realm of the Divine intersects with the natural world of humanity. (Note: Due to technical challenges, today's broadcast is incomplete)

Jesus emphasizes the point that He is the Lord, the Messiah that King David had prophesized. His question also challenges us in examining the consistency between Who and what I say I believe and my lifestyle.

Have you considered the question of life after death and the consequences of your decision regarding it? Are you prepared to give an answer if a friend or family member would ash you?

Guest Speaker Reg Toews continues with the Gospel of Luke series when Jesus sees through the religious leaders' flattery and trickery to expose the intent of their hearts and turns their question back to them, and by extension to us: "Who is in charge of your life?"

Pastor Darren unpacks the "Parable of the Tenants" to relate Jesus' message to everyone and anyone who hears him, both then and now "What are you going to do with Jesus?" Will you accept Him as Saviour and Lord, - or not?

Jesus is challenged by the religious leaders on who's authority He was preaching and teaching. Jesus would not let them distract him from His primary purpose - to focus on and preach the Gospel. As His followers, we are also called to avoid distractions and focus on our primary purpose - to tell the people in our grid about Jesus Christ!

Giving thanks in all circumstances may seem difficult, but is possible as followers of Jesus, as we remember Whose we are and who we are in Him.

Jesus challenges the "religious norms" when he throws out the merchants and the currency exchangers who were exploiting, or taking unfair advantage of the worshippers. Pastor Darren cautions us to be aware of religious exploitation in our day, and in ourselves, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and to proclaim the Word of God, freely, without preconditions.

Pastor Darren teaches on the implications of declaring Jesus as "Lord". Is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, Lord of your life?

Dale Hoeppner continues the teachings in the Gospel of Luke with the Parable of the Ten Minas

Using the familiar story of Zacchaeus, Pastor Darren asks, "What does it mean to make Jesus the priority and to seek after him?"

RoL celebrates 2024 Kick-off with two baptisms and Pastor Darren revisits the RoL Vision and Mission statements, summarizing that its "all about Jesus Christ!"

Pastor Darren concludes The Armour of God series with a focus on prayer by "unpacking" Paul's urging to "pray in the Spirit at all times."

The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Paul emphasizes in his letter to the Ephesians in the importance of knowing Scriptures to combat the deceptive, distorted, and manipulative lies of Satan.

Pastor Darren continues with the Armour of God series with the Helmet of Salvation. The believer's battle is not against the physical but the spiritual realms of evil. The battleground is the mind.

the RoL Youth and the RoL Young Adults groups share of their "God Moments" in their recent missions trip to Mexico

Simon Hoeppner teaches on the spiritual shield of faith against the spiritual forces of Satan. What is faith and what/who is your faith in?

Included in the Armour of God are the spiritual shoes of preparedness in bringing the Gospel of Peace. Guest Speaker Pastor Roland Hoeppner teaches on the spiritual war for Peace which can only be gained through being fully surrendered to God

Are you good enough to make it to Heaven? What does it take to be "right" with God? Pastor Darren examines what is "righteousness" and how is it possible for us to attain it.

Pastor Darren starts the summers series on the Armour of God with the Belt of Truth. We need to realize that as followers of Jesus, we are in a spiritual battle against the "father of lies", which can only be fought by knowing and relying on the Truth that is in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Josiah unpacks the story of Jesus healing the blind man in 1. What can be learned from the blind man? 2. What can be learned from Jesus? 3. How does this affect us today? Jesus is faithful in hearing our persistent and desperate prayers and has the sovereign power over all of creation

As Jesus gain predicts his suffering, death and resurrection, we are challenged with what are you going to do with Jesus and the truth He shares here?