Riverside Christian Church Message Podcast

In First Corinthians 1:27-29, Paul writes, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him." In this message, Pastor Regan Clem reminds us that God doesn't need superheroes. He wants us. Perfection is not required. In Him, all us misfits can find our hope, our value, our place, and our meaning.

Lead Pastor Regan Clem takes us on a brief journey through history back to our non-denominational roots, which surprisingly include a variety of leaders from multiple denominations. Revelation 2:2-7 warns all churches to simultaneously be aware of false apostles and to remember our first love. If we will return to Him, if we will place Jesus first in our lives and in our churches, if we will base our lives on the Scripture, if we will be led by the Holy Spirit -- we may then experience the glorious future (and the Biblical unity) which God desires.

"Hurt people hurt people, but loved people love people," Associate Pastor Betsy Carter asserts. We may fail constantly, we may get mired in sin, we may need constant forgiveness, but God's love never fails. Romans 5:8 says, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 8:38 tells us that *nothing* can separate us from the love of God. Scripture after scripture confirms that God LOVES us, and there's nothing that can stand between. So let's live like loved people, loving God and loving each other.

Special guest speaker Larry Carter, president of Great Lakes Christian College, presents a compelling case for unity among Christians. He contends that we don't all have to think exactly alike, but we can remain united in purpose, Spirit, love, and most of all, a common faith in Christ Jesus. Not just for our own good, but as a poweful witness to the world. As Galatians 5:6 tells us, "...the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

Pastor Clem reminds us that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and it is far more than mere circumstantial happiness. Though God doesn't promise to "poof" our problems away, he grants us grace and joy to meet the challenges we face from day to day. And to those who will persevere, there is an eternity of joy waiting just ahead.

Pastor Regan Clem teaches us that denying the things of this world - even setting aside some things we call "good" - will give us more space for "God" things. And just as Christ enabled Peter to walk on water, He too will give our faith wings.

The church is flawed. It's full of broken people. Nevertheless, Jesus commissioned the church to study, pray, and serve together. Pastor Regan Clem encourages us to hold fast our commitment to Christ's body. Together in Him, we can change the world.

Pastor Regan Clem invites us to reflect on and to emulate the character of Jesus. We're not here to be cool, to fit in, to please others. We're here to seek God, to follow Him wholeheartedly, and to be transformed completely.

Associate Pastor Betsy Carter reminds us that "the joy of the Lord is our strength," and it is much more than mere happiness. Joy comes from Jesus, who has overcome not only the cross, but the world - and gives us power to overcome whatever life throws at us.

In the midst of this horrific tragedy, the mother of two of Saul's sons, Rizpah, displayed great courage and sacrificial love - ultimately changing the course of Israel's history. This story teaches us that doing the right thing, even when you think you're helpless and hopeless, can lead to great blessings from God.

God is an all-powerful, all-holy God... but He is not distant. The Bible reminds us that the God of the universe loves us and wants to know us. Will we set aside all other pursuits to follow Him completely?

Throughout the New Testament, the Holy Spirit guides, leads, inspires, teaches, empowers. Today we often stifle the Spirit. Let's get back in step with Him, recharge, and begin to live and love greatly for God.

Galatians 6:1-5 teaches us to restore one another gently and bear each other's burdens. In this context, we are to "judge" our fellow believers, elevating and strengthening each one to become more like Jesus.

James 2:14-26 reminds us that our faith in Jesus is best exemplified when we actually DO what God wants. Faith without works is dead. Words are empty without action. Let's be like Jesus: doing God's will and loving people even when it's difficult.

Unanswered prayers are God's responsibility. But the praying is still up to us.