Riverbluff Church Sermons

If my math is correct, there are 201 more shopping days until Christmas!! Did that statement surprise you?  Are you wondering, “Why on earth is Pastor Joe bringing Christmas up in June?”   I think most of us would agree, that for the world, Christmas is the most celebrated of the Christian Holy Days, with Easter coming in second. For many Christ-followers in the “Western World”, those are often the only two Christian Holy Days we celebrate. In the last 5 or so years, through my study of God's Word, I've had a growing a conviction that JESUS would have His disciples add a third Holy Day Celebration to our annual calendars that would on par with Christmas and Easter. That Holy Day is PENTECOST! Through His life and teachings, JESUS showed incredibly great honor for the HOLY SPIRIT and urged His disciples to do the same.  JESUS went as far as to say that the HOLY SPIRIT in us, is better than JESUS beside us! While at Christmas, we celebrate the “Incarnation” of GOD on the earth, on Pentecost we celebrate the “Indwelling” of GOD in our lives.  I'm praying that you'll make plans right now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we celebrate the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT in our on-going study of Riverbluff's “Essential Beliefs”. Pastor Joe Still

The Great Commission…most all of us are quite familiar with the final words our Lord Jesus shared with His disciples, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, instructing them to “go and make disciples.” Indeed, with this command, Jesus gave His followers a “life purpose” that would guide them wherever they would go and with whomever they would speak from that day forward. Certainly, in the years that followed, each of them would boldly proclaim the Good News of Christ Jesus to their friends, families, neighbors, and other communities far and wide. But each of them was led to do so by the Holy Spirit in unique ways. Today, we find ourselves as the eternally grateful benefactors of their decision to adhere to Jesus' command to make other disciples. Indeed, we are those “disciples of all nations” many generations later. And as His disciples, the Great Commission applies to us as well. Like them, it should give us “life purpose” as well. However, the manner in which we walk out the Great Commission may look, feel, and sound very different as we following His leading in our lives. We are each given a mission designed just for us. The question is: How are we doing with that? During this message, we will celebrate the amazing high school and college graduates from our River family. As we launch them into the next chapter of their lives to share the Good News of Jesus, we will all take an opportunity to consider the role the Great Commission does (or should) play in our lives. And if you aren't quite sure what your mission is, I will be sharing some practical tips that you can use to discover it. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Garrett Walker Director of Student Ministry

We continue this Sunday with our series on Essential Beliefs. This week we will be focusing on Eternal Security. I have a friend who retired from pastoring, and he often says that one of the enemy's biggest schemes is to steal the joy of Christians. Have you ever had thoughts like: Am I really saved? Did I follow the right steps to gain salvation? How can I go to heaven after what I've done? If you have been robbed of your joy and peace of mind, then this week's message is for you! I'm praying that you'll make plans now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we study the Truth of God's word on Eternal Security. Pastor Dean Infinger

The previous message in our ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE teaching series, we began with the essential beliefs Christians have about GOD. We continue that journey here in part two of that message! Pastor Joe Still looks at three characteristics that are absolutely unique about our GOD.  We'll see how those unique characteristics deeply impact everything we do!

Our culture seems to have a fascination with celebrities, people who are rich or powerful or popular. We want to know about what they do, how they live, and even what they wear. It's the topic of many magazines, podcasts, and late night shows. What if one of these could actually interview GOD? He is, after all, the most powerful personality in the entire universe. No one is richer than GOD! It is from His person that everything began, and it is before Him that we will all eventually stand. GOD is a personal GOD, and His story is the greatest story of all. If such an interview could be done, what would it cover? Obviously not details such as His clothes and house. But wouldn't you like to know what interests GOD most? Wouldn't a question like, “GOD, what has caused you the deepest hurt, the greatest joy?” spark your interest? Wouldn't you like to know what GOD is really like? Just because this interview couldn't actually happen, we shouldn't ignore the truth that GOD IS A PERSON, who has passions and interests and plans. Join me as we take a deep dive into the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT GOD. Pastor Joe Still

Christian Confessions, Creeds, & Core Belief expressions, have been around a very long time, some since the 2nd century. I, along with others would argue that some of the New Testament statements found in the writings of the Apostle Paul, became the earliest Creeds of the Christian Church. Do these hold value for us today? I believe JESUS' half-brother, Jude, would answer, “yes” to that question, because they can help us “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” (Jude 1:3) I'm praying that you'll engage in this 8-10 week series, as we take a deep dive into the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE! Pastor Joe Still

When you were growing up, maybe like me, you were taught the prayer, “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food." Many of us learned at an early age, God's great and God's good! If you've been in church any length time, you've heard some pastor or worship leader say, “God is good," and the congregation shouts back, "All the time." Then he'll say, "All the time," and they say, "God is good." But for many who regularly gather in worship of GOD, there is a unspoken question about this matter that plagues their souls.  The soul-plaguing question regarding this: “IS GOD REALLY GOOD ALL THE TIME?” Why don't you join me as we explore this soul-plaguing question? Pastor Joe Still

While Riverbluff's “Weekly Update” arrives in your inbox every Friday, this one comes on what is the most sacred Friday of the year. It is often called Good Friday. It is “good” because it is the day, over 2,000 years ago, when GOD demonstrated how truly Good and unconditionally Loving HE is toward humanity. HE demonstrated this by sacrificing HIS one and only begotten SON on the Cross of Calvary. Though you and I were not there physically, the Bible says that our sin was. The Apostle Peter writes that Jesus personally carried our sin in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and be made alive to a right relationship with GOD. {1 Peter 2:24} Though there was much sorrow and fear for the Disciples of Jesus on that day, their greatest joy was but three days away. And so it is with us! I'm praying you'll make plans right now to join us this RESURRECTION SUNDAY , as we celebrate our great joy “BECAUSE HE LIVES”! Pastor Joe Still

Maundy Thursday Communion Service 2025 Maundy Thursday service is a meaningful and sobering prelude to the Easter weekend. It simply means we will focus on the Lord's Supper and what happened the night before Jesus was crucified. It is indeed a somber time but we need to be reminded regularly of what it cost God to save us.

Fun fact: In a healthy human being over half of our body's composition is water, 60% to be exact.  That means that if you weigh 175 pounds you're walking around with about 105 pounds of water! Even with all of that water, your body still must have an adequate daily supply, or bad things begin to happen in you. Most people don't realize how bad dehydration is for you. When you get dehydrated, you get headaches, you get muscle cramps, your brain even begins to shut down. Your brain has to have water in order for you to think! When JESUS spoke His fifth words from the Cross, “I thirst”, Physicians who have studied and written about His Crucifixion, tell us that JESUS was suffering from severe dehydration.  It is amazing that He had the clarity of mind to accomplish all He did, through what He said from the Cross.  He did it all for you! Thirst is a shared human experience, but it is not only a need for fluid intake. Every human soul also thirsts. We all thirst for GOD!  Unfortunately far too many of us try to quench that with other things that never satisfy the deep thirsting in our souls. In this message, Pastor Joe Still teaches how JESUS' great moment of thirst, can quench the deepest thirsts in our lives.

JESUS FORSAKENNESS means my FORGIVENESS  FOR OUR FORGIVENESS, JESUS FORSAKEN SUBSTITUTES? The label might read “plant-based meat substitute”, but I'm sorry, there's just no such thing as a “Garden Burger”; I don't care who puts one on their menu. “Hamburger” means meat! And please, don't try to fool me into thinking “carob” is “chocolate.” It never has been nor will it ever be, in any universe! Seems like we have substitutes for everything in our day. Though I am no fan of substitutes in my food, unfortunately I've had to turn to them more since my little cardiac event of July '23! There is one substitute, for which I will be forever thankful, and I pray you will be too. Theologians call it “Sacrificial Substitutionary Atonement”. This is what Jesus did on the Cross for the world, where HE was FORSAKEN by everyone, including His FATHER! In this message, we explore why Jesus cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” Pastor Joe Still

This Sunday, as we continue in our teaching series, “WHAT JESUS SAID IN RED”, we examine the third of the seven, recorded statements, Jesus made while dying on the Cross.  This statement, found in John 19:25-27, is a very personal statement of love Jesus makes directly to his mother and one of his very best friends. Jesus endured incredible pain as his organs began shutting down. Even in the midst of that great suffering, Jesus lovingly provides for the long-term care of his mother.  Only by using the stake driven through his feet as a cruel step, could Jesus gain every breath needed to speak a word.  Pushing Himself up Jesus would utter these loving words of provision and protection for his mom, demonstrating his deep devotion as her eldest son.  His words here, though brief, teach us much of what it means for us to love the Jesus way. Early in his teaching ministry, Jesus began teaching His followers that, “TO LOVE”, was the greatest commandment of all.  The way He died boldly demonstrated what He had declared.  Nobody ever loved like Jesus; and yet He called all who would follow Him, to love as He loved. Consider this is my personal invitation to you, to join me, this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we learn to love the Jesus way! Pastor Joe

The older I've grown, the more aware I've become, I can learn something new from anyone, if I will listen carefully and truly “be in the moment” with them. My grandkids have been especially helpful in teaching me this lesson! This principle is particularly applicable when it comes to GOD's Word. Every person who shows up in the scriptures had their story handpicked by GOD to be included in His Holy Word. Each of their story's deserves our undivided attention, because each can help us see a different facet of our “Good and Beautiful GOD”! I pray you'll join me as we learn from a dying thief how to have a “Sure Salvation”! Pastor Joe Still

While it may not surprise anyone, I have a number of hard copy Bibles in my personal library, (along with many digital editions)! My favorite Bibles, are the “Red-Letter” editions. They have the words the incarnated JESUS spoke printed in red, which make HIS spoken words really stand out. Yes! I am keenly aware that every word in the Bible was GOD-breathed. But, I also know that every word in our Bibles exists to point us to JESUS; HE said so! “Here you are scouring through the Scriptures, hoping that you will find eternal life among a pile of scrolls. What you don't seem to understand is that the Scriptures point to Me.” (John 5:39) . Those “red-lettered words” just point me to HIM a little quicker! While there are many red words in my Red-Letter edition Bibles; there are seven red-lettered words JESUS spoke, that carry an even greater weight for me. They were the seven word-phrases that HE spoke while shedding HIS precious blood on the Cross. Those seven words were truly “written in RED”! I pray you'll make plans now to join us every Sunday leading up to our EASTER CELEBRATION, as we look deeply at the seven statements JESUS made from the Cross. Pastor Joe Still

Have you ever been peppered with the “Why” questions from a young child? Why are clouds white? Why does the car blinker make that sound? Why do birds fly or dogs bark? And during hardship, we can begin asking our own questions. Why did this happen? Will I ever get back to normal? How will this affect the people I love? Why do bad things happen to good people? If you have ever asked these questions, then you will want to watch this message from Pastor Dean Infinger.  We will explore the questions that surface “When God's People Suffer Hardship”.

This Sunday, as we open ourselves up to God's Word together in worship, I'm excited to say that Dr. Curt Bradford will be leading us! For those of you who are newer to Riverbluff, Curt was Lead Pastor at Riverbluff from 1988-2014. He has also been personally mentoring me since 1981. The LORD has multiplied Curt's mentoring ministry, as he now mentors pastors all around our state. He is currently serving as Point Leader for the Steward Team of the Charleston Baptist Association. I hope you'll join me in joyfully welcoming Curt back to his teaching role with us! Curt will continue in our current teaching series. This Sunday we explore what happens “WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE…DO LIFE TOGETHER”, and how it helps us live in the authority JESUS gave us to “overcome every power Satan possesses” (Luke 10:19)! You'll not want to miss the message, as we continue to grow and live from all the authority our LORD JESUS has given us! Pastor Joe Still

It only takes a few moments with any news source to realize that evil is active in our world today. But, as bad as things are, the Bible says that there is “restraining power” at work, holding back the full measure of evil that could be released on earth. The Apostle Paul wrote to his friends in the church at Thessalonica about this: “I expect you remember now how I talked about this when I was with you. You will probably also remember how I used to talk about a ‘restraining power' which would operate until the time should come for the emergence of this man. Evil is already insidiously at work but its activities are restricted until what I have called the ‘restraining power' (of God) is removed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 (Phillips) This is part of the Kingdom Work of GOD happening on earth right now. Just imagine what life would be like if that “restraining power” was not at work. Why don't you make plans now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we see a very specific role GOD's Word says each of us who follow JESUS should play in this great “restraining power”? Pastor Joe Still

This morning as I write this, it's Valentine's Day.  Kathy and I have already exchanged gifts and cards. We're looking forward to spending the day together, and hopeful we'll get a nice lunch at a great little Lowcountry restaurant! The Greeting Card Industry is also “hopeful” today.  They're hopeful they'll make a ton of money off of card sales. I guess, in some small way, I helped fulfill their hope! Though the object of our “hope” can take many forms, ultimately we can't live long without some kind of real hope or despair sets in. GOD knows this about our hearts, which is why, in His Word, He directs the affections of all our hopes to Heaven! In this message, we look to those hope-filled Words from GOD to learn how we might overcome Satan's great weapon of despair. Pastor Joe Still

This week, I've had conversations with several people who expressed the same concern. I actually don't recall a week, when this particular topic came up unsolicited, as frequently as it did this week. The topic and concern was over seeing an increased activity of Satan, in our world, but specifically right around them personally, and how it brought on feelings of hopelessness. In the Gospels, we not only see JESUS teaching His followers about Satan, but actually encountering and standing against him. One of the clearest descriptions JESUS gave us regarding the work of Satan is found in John 10:10. About Satan, JESUS said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Satan, seeks to “kill” Hope in our lives by “stealing” GOD's Word from our hearts and minds. In this message, we turn to GOD's Word to see how we can grow a “NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS” kind of HOPE! Pastor Joe Still

This week has been a week of extremes! Tuesday was filled with such great joy as our 4th grandchild, Easton Everett Housand was born. He got here with a few minor struggles, but by the grace of God is progressing very well and will be going home very soon! Then came the news of the Wednesday night mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk Helicopter in our nation's capital, with no survivors. Friends and family of the sixty-seven people that died in the crash are now grieving their great loss, along with much of our nation. All of this reminds me once again, of just how beautiful and fragile, life on this fallen planet can be. It also reminds that every human life is eternal, and will continue forever, even after what we call “death”. Additionally, it reminds me that for me every person, including my new grandson and the sixty-seven souls lost over Washington, there is coming a day of personal judgment before a Holy GOD; what I call the “J-day”! Did those sixty-seven stand before GOD on their “J-day“, holding the robe of JESUS, saying I'm with Him”? (as Pastor Curt so often taught us). Will my new grandson do that on his day? Will the people that you know and love do that on their day? Will the people, with whom you live, learn, work, and play, do that on their day? What will you say on your “J-day”? I hope you'll join us as we study what we can say in our day, to impact what the people we know and love will say on their “J-day”, forever changing their eternity! Pastor Joe Still

On Monday, January 21, 2025, our nation, and the world, witnessed the peaceful transfer of power as President Trump took the oath of office. This week we've witnessed a flurry of political and governmental “shake-ups” that once again reveal the great rift of brokenness in our country. Throughout His Holy Word, GOD makes many “If/Then” declarations, none more renowned than 2nd Chronicles 7:14. Here GOD declares the path His people must walk if they want Him to intervene to bring healing in the land. We desperately need GOD Himself to heal our land! Interestingly, some theologians and a few well-known Bible teachers say that this verse is a promise only for the Jewish nation. While I understand how they arrived at their conclusions on this, I still disagree with them. My disagreement arises because I see the same “path” and all of the principles from 2nd Chronicles 7:14 clearly taught in the New Testament. This means that even if they are right, we can still trust GOD's New Testament pathway to healing our land. JESUS has given us His Authority to overcome the destructive powers of Satan that are at work even in government and politics. That authority is still found in humility! I invite you to watch or listen to this message as we look to the New Testament's version of the 2nd Chronicles 7:14 promise from GOD to His people today. Pastor Joe Still

Our culture assigns the title “Religion” to groups of people that adhere to the same beliefs, most often derived from written “sacred scriptures”.  The Holy Scriptures of two of the world's “great religions” begin with the same declaration: “IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH.” (Genesis 1:1) In both Judaism and Christianity, human life, is seen as different from every other form of life on this planet. It is highly valued because our Holy Scriptures inform us that, every single human being who has or will, ever be conceived, was created by GOD, in His image.  This foundational, core tenet of our faith, shapes how we view every person on this planet.  It demands that we see the incredible value of each and every person! I'm praying you'll engage in this message, as we explore how our culture can be transformed “When GOD's People…Biblically Value Life”! Pastor Joe Still

Last year one of the many blessings GOD brought into my life was the introduction to a new scripture translation. It is entitled THE PASSION TRANSLATION. I have enjoyed both reading and listening to it. For the last two weeks, I have been meditating on Luke 10:17-20. Here is how the PASSION TRANSLATION reads: 17 When the seventy missionaries returned to Jesus, they were ecstatic with joy, telling him, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we commanded them in your name!” 18 Jesus replied, “While you were ministering, I watched Satan topple until he fell suddenly from heaven like lightning to the ground. 19 Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority. 20 However, your real source of joy isn't merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God's kingdom. This is the true source of your authority.”   From those times of meditating on GOD's Word, I believe the LORD has given me clear direction on what our first teaching series of this new year would be. I've entitled it “WHEN GOD'S PEOPLE…”. Each week in this series, we will look at a specific way to walk in the Authority from JESUS that enables you to “trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses” that the devil seeks to unleash on you. I'm praying you'll engage in this series,  as we take this important journey together! Pastor Joe Still

At the ripe age of 62 there are a lot of things that I remember. I remember playing outside until it was dark. My mom would call us in for dinner and we would beg to play another “kick-the-can” game until we had to come in for the night. I remember our only TV was a console TV with 3 channels and an antenna that was attached to our house. My job was to change the channel – the original remote control! We had one rotary dial phone but it had a cord that could stretch into 2 rooms. When our neighbors brought home the first microwave on our block, my mom told us not to go into the house because it was radioactive. It is important to remember. We have memories that taught us valuable lessons. And we have memories that shape our worldview. I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we explore Deuteronomy 8 and Moses' charge for the Israelites to Remember the Lord their God. Pastor Dean Infinger

A baby changes everything...I am quite certain many parents would attest to this fact! I can recall many things that changed during the early days after having my own children. They certainly rocked my world in many wonderful ways and continue to do so each day! But the birth of Jesus, well, that was a baby that would change the world for all time! Now, the world would have you believe that Christmas is an ending. The gifts have been given...the celebrations have been had. It is time to move on. But, as Christ-followers, we know that the very first Noel was actually the beginning of a wonderful story...a story of grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation. It most certainly wasn't the end! In fact, the Bible teaches us quite a bit about Life after the Manger from those who encountered Jesus during those first days that I believe can be instructive for us as we navigate the days and months ahead. So, why don't you consider joining us as we explore Life after the Manger and challenge ourselves to view this Christmas as a beginning, not an ending? Garrett Walker Director of Student Ministry

Christmas Eve 2024 - full length service

In this message, we continue our Advent journey together and light the fourth Advent candle, the candle representing Love. Fortunately, this coincides with our study of Isaiah 9:6, as we turn our attention this Sunday to another name for JESUS, “EVERLASTING FATHER”! These two biblical truths intersect at JESUS! At first glance, it may seem a bit confusing to call GOD-the Son, the “Everlasting Father”. It feels like it somehow creates conflict in our understanding of the Three Persons of our Triune God-Head, GOD the Father, GOD the Son, and GOD the Holy Spirit. This my personal invitation to you to engage in this message, as we explore this mystery of the Trinity and see the Fatherly love of JESUS displayed in the Gospel of Luke! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Pastor Joe Still

I pray that like me, your 2024 Advent celebration is increasing your joy in our LORD, and raising your anticipation of HIS certain 2nd Coming. Just thinking about that washes the heaviness in my heart away and resets my mind to a place of great peace. I hope you're having similar experiences. This Sunday, in our Christmas Teaching series entitled NO OTHER NAME, we look at the next name that Isaiah 9:6 says, JESUS shall be called. That name is MIGHTY GOD! Part of the “Good News for all people” that the Angels declared to the shepherds that first Christmas night, is that our Savior, who was born in a stable, truly is THE MIGHTY GOD! After His resurrection, shortly before His ascension, JESUS would say; “All power in heaven and on earth is given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) His name MIGHTY GOD means He longs to use that power on your behalf. I invite you to engage with this message, as we see how Christmas is not just about a baby born in a manger, but about the coming of THE MIGHTY GOD whose heart is for you! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Pastor Joe Still

Names matter! Based on information gathered from the Social Security Administration, the “Top Baby Names for 2023” were: For Boys             For Girls 1. Liam                   Olivia 2. Noah                 Emma 3. Oliver               Charlotte Because names matter, I actually work hard at trying to remember names. I wish I were better at it. It is something for which I regularly ask GOD's help. While names in our culture sometimes have some importance attached to them, names in the culture into which JESUS came were of utmost importance! In the Bible, there are many passages of scripture giving us many names for JESUS. He has to have so many names to communicate the many beautiful truths about the manifold nature of his incredible Character. I believe that the scripture verse we will look at for the next four weeks is the single most important Old Testament verse about the names of JESUS. I'm praying you'll make plans now to invite someone to join you for the next four weeks of our Christmas Sermon Series, that I've entitled “NO OTHER NAME”. In this first message,  we'll explore why the Bible tells us that JESUS is our “Wonderful Counselor” and discover the incredible, personal implications that name of HIS, has for your life. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Pastor Joe Still

I love that our country devoted a “national holiday” to give thanks to GOD for HIS blessings on us.  I pray that on the day of “Giving Thanks”, you were able to take a few moments to reflect on the goodness of GOD in your life and thank HIM for all that HE has done! If for nothing else, I pray you thanked HIM for sending HIS One and only SON, through whom we might have Eternal Life.  If you didn't, each of the next 27 days, between now and Christmas, will be an opportunity to do just that.  As a church we'll begin that journey through this season of ADVENT! This Sunday, the first Sunday of ADVENT, we will begin that journey, by looking at HOW TO PLAN TO HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS!  Why don't you make plans now to join us as we begin our celebration of the first coming of JESUS, and eagerly await the imminent return of our Eminent Savior & Lord? Pastor Joe Still

I don't know about you, but when I look at the culture around me, here in the country that I love, I don't see very many people talking, or tweeting, or posting thankful thoughts. In fact, just the opposite seems to be true. About all I see and hear, is griping and grumbling. When JESUS walked among us, He called those who would follow Him to join Him in creating a new culture, the culture of the Kingdom of GOD among us! GOD's Kingdom Culture is to be a “counter-culture” to the culture of this broken world. Ceaselessly giving thanks to GOD is a hallmark of the lives of those who would join JESUS in His counter-cultural movement. So the holiday (from the words “Holy Day”) we celebrate next week is a wonderful opportunity for those of us who follow JESUS to “Get Our Gratitude On”, and we're going to warm that up this Sunday! Why don't you watch or listen to this message as we prep our hearts and minds for THANKSGIVING, through many personal testimonies and much worship in song? Pastor Joe Still

We are in a difficult season for many in our nation, and in our church.  We're still coming through an extremely contentious election season and entering a transition of leadership at the highest levels of government. We're also entering the holiday season, which for many becomes a time of heavy-heartedness due to loss. All of this brings unique triggers for depression. Just the sheer brokenness of this world keeps some among us stuck in a state of depression. In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to our good, good, FATHER to help us out of our battles with depression in this broken world.

Like many, I am grateful that this election season is almost in our rearview mirrors. While I would never diminish the importance of any election, and hold with conviction that participation is a high privilege and the significant responsibility of every citizen, not every election can be the “most consequential election of our lifetime”! All too often media personalities, political pundits, social media influencers, and the candidates themselves promote the narrative that “human existence hangs in the balance” based solely on the outcome of who is elected this time! For those of us who follow, and put our trust in JESUS there is much in life that will never “be at stake” in any election. I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we look to GOD's Word for the peace of mind of knowing What's NOT “on the line” in this Election, for those who trust in HIM. Pastor Joe Still

Every person has some desire to see their life, and the lives of people they love, flourish! GOD's Word tells us that our lives will flourish as we are “planted in the House of the LORD” (see Psalm 92:12-13). In this message, Pastor Joe Still explores how to best be “planted in the HOUSE OF THE LORD”!

I remember having a conversation with a farmer about ripe fruit. The farmer told me that when you pick fruit that is not ripe, that it can be very difficult. He mentioned that you could hit the fruit with a baseball bat and not dislodge it from the tree. However, when the fruit is ripe you can just brush it with your fingertips and it will fall into your hand. Has someone brushed up against you this week? Have you been bumped into? If so, what kind of fruit did you display? This Sunday we will look at the fruits of the Spirit that Paul wrote about in his letter to the Galatians. Take a look at Galatians 5:22-23. Now ask yourself, do I display this kind of fruit? Pastor Dean Infinger

I believe it was Theologian Dale Bruner who first called the HOLY SPIRIT, the “shy member of the Trinity,” because He doesn't like to draw attention on Himself and He is always gentle. While I have personally found those attributes to be true, the scriptures also point out that the HOLY SPIRIT desires to be very active in our lives, especially helping us guard our minds! In a day when our minds are bombarded with input from all directions, having the “filtering help” of the HOLY SPIRIT is essential to living in the Peace in Christ. I'm praying you'll engage in this message, as we invite the HOLY SPIRIT to help us guard our minds! Pastor Joe Still

GOD' Word is replete with accounts of GOD's people marking HIS goodness with great celebrations and construction of memorial markers! This message will be such a celebration and it will become part of our “Memorial Wall to GOD's Goodness” in our main hallway. We have so much to celebrate - our 82nd anniversary of GOD planting our church, the provision of a new home and new name 22 years ago, and now the “Burning of our Mortgage” on this property, just to name a few! So you'll definitely want to be part of this historic celebratory day in the life of Riverbluff Church. There will be lots of singing and many personal testimonies, all declaring the Goodness of our GOD!

One of the realities of storms is they churn up insecurity when they blow into town.  Our hearts and minds can be flooded and blown about with all kinds of concerning thoughts. One of the insecurities that Satan repeatedly tries to churn up in us relates to our “Eternal Security”. But, GOD has given us an assurance of our Salvation's Security in the Person of the HOLY SPIRIT! In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares how we discover how the HOLY SPIRIT SEALS Humanity's Greatest DEAL!

Many of us were taught to avoid conversational topics like Politics and Religion.  I fear that teaching has played a significant role in bringing us to where we are in our culture today; the boiling point! Maybe instead of being taught to “avoid”, we should have been taught “how to”; how to have conversations about such topics, granting respect and honor to those with whom we might disagree. And though, I know I enter “shark infested waters”; I believe the LORD has led me to talk about both Politics and Religion in this Sunday's message of our ongoing study of the HOLY SPIRIT! In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us as we explore how THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME TO GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH…EVEN IN THE VOTING BOOTH!

Pentecost - Let the HOLY SPIRIT be Your WORSHIP LEADER - September 15, 2024 by Riverbluff Church

In Matthew Chapter 24, the Gospel writer records JESUS teaching His disciples about the global conditions before His 2nd Coming. There, JESUS tells them (and us), that before His Great Return, “There will be more and more evil in the world…” v12 (NCV). This week's school shooting in Winder, Georgia, is but one example of the growth of “more and more evil in our world”. How are we as followers of JESUS, called to respond to this rapid intensification of evil all around us? GOD inspired the Apostle Paul to write down instructions for how we are to engage this “evil world” in SPIRITUAL WARFARE. In Ephesians chapter 6 Paul writes “Pray in the Spirit at all times…” v18 (NLT2). Our GOD has not abandoned us to this evil, but has equipped us to be strong in this battle. Prayer is our most prominent and powerful weapon in this fight. It empowers every other weapon in our God-given arsenal. Learning to “PRAY IN THE SPIRIT” is critical for us as we “stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11). Last week we turned to the incredible book of Revelation to learn from the Apostle John how to “PRAY IN THE SPIRIT”. This week we'll study from that great Chapter 8 of the book of Romans. I'm praying for you watch this message, as we grow together is our capacity to “PRAY IN THE SPIRIT”! Pastor Joe Still

If you have ever seen a fish out of water, you know that it just flops around, wiggling and jumping all over the place. If it's out of water, it's out of its intended environment. The fish is trying to move but it can't go anywhere because it's not in the environment it was made to be in. So it flops and twists and flips, absolutely going nowhere. Why? Because it's trying to be “fishy” in a non-water environment and it wasn't created for that. So no matter how much flipping and flopping it does, all it's doing is running out of breath. The fish will die because it is not in its home. In John 6:33 JESUS said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.” Followers of JESUS who pray “in the flesh” instead of “in the Spirit”, are like that fish, just flip-flopping around.  GOD designed prayer for HIS people, and in HIS design, HIS Spirit gives life to our prayers.  The HOLY SPIRIT is the environment that fills our prayer-life with power. I'm praying for you watch this message, as we look to GOD's Word to learn how to PRAY IN THE SPIRIT! Pastor Joe Still

After my message two weeks ago (August 11, 2024) on the armor of God, the question came, “can we pray the armor onto someone else?” While the answer is, “not exactly”, the heart of that question is “can our prayers help others against the spiritual attacks of our great enemy and his minions?” The answer to that question is absolutely yes! While each of us needs to welcome the reign of Jesus personally in our lives and then keep giving Him more and more room to vanquish the darkness in us where his reign hasn't been welcomed; our prayers can help each other fight this good fight! Paul instructs us to always keep praying for all of the saints, with all kinds of prayers and requests. He invites us to join in the spiritual battle for the sake of others. One of the ways we join God in transforming the life of someone else is by interceding for them in prayer. To intercede is to stand in the gap for someone. In prayer we intercede by praying prayers for someone they ought to be praying for themselves, but can't or don't know to be praying. For instances, an unbelieving friend doesn't know that he needs his eyes to be opened to the reality of his sin and God's mercy…so we stand in the gap and pray for this on their behalf. We also do this when we ask for a friend to be set freed from an addiction or wound that causes them to limp through life, never experiencing what God has for them. We are called by GOD to do this and we need to persist in it! Persisting and persevering in prayer on behalf of someone else is a vital part of intercession. We keep on praying the love and the blessing of the blood of Jesus over their life. In Jesus' name, we pray against the attacks of Satan on their life. We ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where He's working and what He wants to see accomplished and we pray in agreement with Him. Our prayers for others are powerful and effective and an important way in which God moves their lives. Is there someone for whom you need to be persevering in prayer? I'm praying for you watch this message, as we learn to stand in the gap together in prayer for one another and those we love! Pastor Joe Still

I've talked often about growing up in the home of a Residential Home Builder.  It gave me the skills to actually build the house Kathy and I have lived in since we married in 1983.  One of the skills my dad taught me was how to spot good quality building materials, which is quite important, because all construction products are not created equally.  Plywood is one such product! Plywood's name tells us much about that product!  It consists of thin layers of milled wood that have been glued together.  The thickness of a “sheet of plywood” determines the number of layers and the amount of glue needed.  Not all “plywood manufacturers” use the same quality or amounts of glue in their product, which can end in a poor product, and by extension, a poorly constructed house. When it comes to plywood, high quality glue is essential to a good construction outcome, because it holds so much together! In a similar way, PRAYER IS THE GLUE that holds the ARMOR OF GOD together for SPIRITUAL WARFARE!  Prayer is what deploys that ARMOR, and all Christ-followers can have a strong PRAYER-LIFE. If you don't, you are deficient in the strategic area of battle preparation. You can't win in spiritual warfare without it! I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we explore PRAYER AS WARFARE, continuing our journey to live in the presence and power of the HOLY SPIRIT! Pastor Joe

In this message,  Pastor Joe Still continues our journey through the Bible, growing to know the Person and Power of the Holy Spirit! Join us as we celebrate the Goodness of our GOD!

Believed to be written in the 5th century BC, Sun Tzu's, THE ART OF WAR is a military classic. I've read that it is still required reading for certain Marine programs, for Navy SEALs, and for Officer Training. It may seem “non-pastoral” to reference this, or to even admit that I've read it and it's in my Kindle library; but it has actually become a popular resource for business leaders in our generation. Principle 18 from Tzu's ancient war manual instructs student, that for any hope of success in battle, you have to know your enemy and you must know yourself. The Apostle Paul would agree with the truth of that principle. In fact, he instructs every Christ follower in “THE ART OF WAR”; but Paul's instructions are very different because his identification of our true enemy is Holy Spirit revealed! I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as the Apostle Paul shows us how the HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US FOR THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES! Pastor Joe Still

THE PARABLE OF THE NEW CAR A man who had never driven or even ridden in a car, was given the gift of a brand new car. He was so very happy with his new car. He invites his friend over to show them his new car. He shows them the beautiful paint job. He shows them the soft upholstery. He has them sit in it. He points out all the amenities like the stereo system and other optional equipment. But, there's one thing he doesn't understand about his new car; he doesn't understand that it has an engine in it. And so, everywhere he goes, he pushes his new car.  Every so often, he's going downhill, so he can jump in and coast. But, that doesn't thrill him too much, because he knows he's going to have to push it up the next hill. And, this car that he thought would be a blessing to him has become a burden to him. And, rather than it carrying him, he's pushing it everywhere. He's very proud of it—very grateful to have it—most of the time. But sometimes, he wishes he didn't have it at all. And then, somebody says to him: "You know, there's something you don't understand about your car." And, they show him a thing called an ignition switch and show him how to use the key and say, "Put that right in there and turn it." And, he turns it, and hears this surge of power. He says, "What is that?"  Well, that's the engine. Now, pull that shifter down to the “D”, and push that pedal down there." And, when he does, his car roars away in a surge of power. And, he says, "this is wonderful, this is incredible”! “Why didn't somebody tell me this sooner?" Now while it may be terribly difficult to imagine in our day that someone could actually be so uninitiated or naïve, and you might be right, until it comes to many Christians and the Ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT! In this message, Pastor Joe Still dives deeper into what truly empowers the Christian life; GOD's Empowering Presence, the HOLY SPIRIT!

While every week I look forward to the time we gather together to celebrate JESUS and fellowship with one another, I am especially eager for this week's gathering. This Sunday we have the special blessing of Students leading us in worship and sharing what the LORD has done in them, around them, and through them, at FUGE Camp this Summer! I am also looking forward to our continued journey in our study of the PERSON & POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT. I'm praying you'll join me as we study what Ephesians 5:15-18 says about being filled with the Holy Spirit. Pastor Joe Still

Staying Calm When a Crisis Comes A message from Acts 27:9-29 by Pastor Joe Still

I pray your celebration of being blessed to live in a nation filled with so many freedoms was filled with joy this Fourth of July. Our national freedom is a remarkable thing to be deeply treasured! So too, is our “Freedom in Christ”! Luke 22 records several discussions Jesus had with His disciples. In verse 35, we read Jesus asking them an interesting question. He told them to think back to the times He sent them out to towns and villages to proclaim the Good News, and He asked them, “Did you lack anything?” to which they replied “No!” The Apostle Paul opens his letter to Christ-followers in Ephesus with these words in Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing…” In Acts 1:8, just before ascending back to Heaven, Jesus tells His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses...” Not only do we have “Freedom in Christ”, but along with that “Freedom”, He gave us “Power” by putting His SPIRIT, the HOLY SPIRIT, in us! While the HOLY SPIRIT plays many roles in our lives, according to JESUS the primary role of the Holy Spirit is to witness to Christ and to equip us, the church, to witness for Christ, so “that in everything HE might have preeminence” (see Colossians 1:18). In fact, when we came to put our trust in JESUS, in that moment we were given, “everything we need to live and to serve God” (2 Peter 1:3 NCV). In this message, we'll explore the great debate surrounding “the Baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT”; growing more confident that we already have all we need in JESUS. Pastor Joe Still

This past Wednesday our nation celebrated “Juneteenth”! The holiday, with it's name derived by combining the month “June” and the ordinal number “nineteenth”, became a national holiday in 2021. While Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day and Jubilee Day has only been celebrated nationally for a few years, it has actually been celebrated since 1866, starting one year after General Gordon Granger publicly read “General Order Number 3” in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865. General Order Number 3 began: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.” While the proclamation became law of the land in 1865, it would be many, many years before the freedoms and equities described in the proclamation would begin to become reality. Proving that proclamations must be followed by hard work! In the Four Gospels and in the Book of Acts, JESUS proclaimed the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT in power; detailing how the HOLY SPIRIT would empower the followers of JESUS to live supernatural lives in the Kingdom of GOD in the here and now. JESUS also told us, that we'd have work to do, to live in that power. The HOLY SPIRIT is always willing and ready to do His part. The question is, “Will we do our part that we might once again see the mighty works of the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives, our homes, our church, our neighborhoods, and our nation?” In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to the scriptures for “our part” of partnering with the HOLY SPIRIT to see Him moving in Power!