Riverview Christian Podcast

Unqualified and Called

Light Up Your Darkness | The Gospel of John | John 1:4–5“In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:4–5Darkness doesn't disappear by accident — it is driven out by light.In this message from our series The Gospel of John, we explore the powerful truth found in John 1:4–5: Jesus is the Light of Life. His light doesn't avoid darkness… it confronts it, exposes it, and overcomes it.One of the most challenging parts of following Christ is becoming aware of the darkness within our own hearts — the hidden struggles, the unaddressed sin, the fear, the pride, the wounds we try to manage on our own. But the good news of the Gospel is this: Jesus doesn't shame us in our darkness — He shines into it.If this message encourages you, make sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the light of Christ today.#GospelOfJohn #LightInTheDarkness #John1 #jesusthelight This week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman.Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9TFree Access To RightNow Media:https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreadingSocial Media:@riverviewchristian on Facebook and InstagramWebsite:riverviewchristian.churchSupport the show

Embrace God's Call On Your Life | Habakkuk 1:5“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” — Habakkuk 1:5 (NIV)In Part 2 of our vision series looking ahead to what God has for Riverview Christian in 2026, we're reminded that God is always at work—often in ways bigger than we can imagine. The question isn't if God is calling… it's whether we will embrace it.Every Christian is called. Every believer is gifted. And like Moses in Exodus 3, we often respond with, “Who am I?” But God's answer is the same today as it was then: “I will be with you.” Our calling isn't built on our confidence—it's built on His presence.As we look forward together, this sermon challenges each of us to move from hesitation to faith—and to trust that the Great “I AM” still sends, equips, and walks with His people.If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that God has called them too.#RiverviewChristian #Habakkuk1 #EmbraceTheCall #FaithInAction #ChurchVision #IAm #TrustGodThis week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman.Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9TFree Access To RightNow Media:https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreadingSocial Media:@riverviewchristian on Facebook and InstagramWebsite:riverviewchristian.churchSupport the show

See God In Your Past | Esther 4:14What if God's faithfulness is clearer in hindsight than in the moment?In “See God In Your Past,” Pastor John reflects on his 16-year journey as Lead Pastor of Riverview Christian, anchored in Esther 4:14. This message looks back on pivotal seasons in the life of Riverview Christian and our Early Learning Center—including deep challenges, uncertain moments, and the miraculous ways God provided, guided, and sustained our church through it all.This is Part 1 of a two-part series. This week, we look back to recognize God's hand and faithfulness in our past. Next week, we'll look forward with faith and anticipation to what God has for Riverview in 2026.Whether you've been part of Riverview's story for years or are just beginning your journey, this message is an invitation to see how God has been at work—often in ways we couldn't see at the time.

The Gospel vs. Modern Slavery

Power of the Word | The Gospel of John (Week 1)In this opening message of our new series through The Gospel of John, we begin where Scripture begins: “In the beginning was the Word.”John 1:1–3 introduces us to Jesus as the Logos—the eternal Word of God through whom everything was created and by whom everything is sustained.From Genesis to the Psalms, Hebrews, and Isaiah, Scripture reveals a God who speaks and brings life out of nothing—forming galaxies, naming stars, ordering creation, and holding it all together by His Word. The same Word who created the universe is the Word who steps into our brokenness to restore, redeem, and recreate.If God spoke light into darkness, order into chaos, and life into nothingness—do we really believe He can't heal what's broken in us?Can't breathe life into what sin has crushed?Can't recreate what He originally called us to be and do?This message is an invitation to trust the power of the Word—not just to create the world, but to transform your life.

Prophetic Power | Matthew 28:17–20Jesus didn't call the Church to simply attend services and be nice—He called us to go and make disciples.In this message, Prophetic Power, we wrestle with a tension many believers feel: God has given us a clear mission, yet we often feel powerless and unqualified to accomplish it.Anchored in Matthew 28:17–20 and the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37, this sermon reminds us that spiritual impact is never about human strength, talent, or effort alone. It is about the breath of God.Just as dry bones came to life when God's Spirit breathed into them, the Church is empowered not by what we can do—but by what God chooses to breathe into us.

Living In Eternity NOW | 2 Corinthians 4:16–18What if the way we enter a new year isn't about trying harder—but about seeing differently?In this message, Living In Eternity NOW, we explore 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 and the Apostle Paul's call to live with an eternal perspective in a temporary world. As we reflect on identity, suffering, renewal, and what truly lasts, we're reminded that lasting change doesn't begin with self-improvement—it begins with who God says we are.This sermon challenges us to:Stop losing heart when life feels heavySee suffering through the lens of eternityFix our eyes on what is unseen, not just what's temporaryAnchor our identity in Christ before chasing improvementLive today in light of foreverWhether you're entering a new year, walking through hardship, or feeling stuck in cycles that don't last, this message invites you to lift your eyes and live from eternal truth—not temporary pressure.

MESSIAH HAS COME — Week 3: Joy • “The Joy Of The True Messiah”What does true joy really look like?In Week 3 of our Advent series “MESSIAH HAS COME,” we turn our focus to Joy—not a temporary happiness based on circumstances, but a deep, lasting joy rooted in who Jesus truly is.Anchored in Luke 2:10, we revisit the angel's proclamation of good news that brings great joy for all people. This sermon invites us to rediscover the joy that comes from recognizing Jesus as the true Messiah—the Savior who brings restoration, hope, and new life.Together, we explore:How all of creation rejoices at the coming King (Psalm 96:11–13)Why rightly knowing who Jesus is matters (Matthew 16:13–16)How joy can be restored, even after failure or loss (Psalm 51:12–13)As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, this message challenges us to move beyond surface-level celebration and step into the lasting joy only Christ can give.

MESSIAH HAS COME — Week 2: Peace • “Prophesied Prince of Peace”The promise of peace didn't begin in the manger—it began in prophecy.In week 2 of our Advent series MESSIAH HAS COME, we focus on Peace and explore how Jesus fulfills God's long-standing plan revealed throughout Scripture. From Genesis to the prophets, God declared His purpose before it ever came to pass—and that purpose leads us to the Prince of Peace.Rooted in Isaiah 46:9b–10, this message reminds us that God is sovereign, faithful, and intentional. The Messiah's coming was no accident. Every promise pointed forward to Jesus, the One who brings true and lasting peace to a broken world.

MESSIAH HAS COME — Week 1: Hope • “Messiah Has Come!”The Advent season begins with a breathtaking announcement: The Messiah has come! This week we open our four-part journey through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love by focusing on the hope found in Jesus—His life, His death, and His resurrection.In this sermon we explore:I. God Loves UsA love that never quits, never fades, never fails. (John 3:16)II. The Barn Effect – He Gets UsJesus was born in a manger—God choosing humility so He could be close to us. (Luke 2:6–7)III. Life – Hard and ScaryJesus understands our weakness and suffering because He lived it Himself. (Hebrews 4:15)IV. Death – That We May LiveChrist died for us long before we ever thought about choosing Him. (Romans 5:8)V. Raised – Eternal LifeOur hope stands on an empty tomb. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.(John 11:25–26)At the heart of Advent is an invitation:Have you received Him—His love, His grace, His rescuing, life-changing hope?It's there for the choosing. It's there for the asking. It really is that simple.✨ Join us as we rediscover the hope of Jesus—the Messiah who has come, is here, and will come again.#Advent #MessiahHasCome #Hope #RiverviewChristian #Christmas #Sermon #Jesus #GospelThis week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman.Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9TFree Access To RightNow Media:https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreadingSocial Media:@riverviewchristian on Facebook and InstagramWebsite:riverviewchristian.churchSupport the show

Walking In Step With The Holy Spirit | Becoming WHOLE (Week 4)In this final week of our Becoming WHOLE series, Pastor J.C. explores what it means to love and follow Jesus with our spirit—the deepest part of who we are. If the Mind, Body, and Soul shape how we think, live, and feel, then our Spirit is where we commune with God Himself. And Scripture is clear: we are called to walk in step with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25).The Holy Spirit doesn't fill us simply to make us feel something—He fills us to transform us and empower us to bring hope, freedom, and healing to the world around us (Isaiah 61:1).If you've ever wondered how to partner with God, hear His voice, or grow closer to Him—this sermon will guide you into a deeper, more intimate walk with the Holy Spirit.Series: Becoming WHOLEWeek 1 — The Mind: https://youtu.be/qglba8K_gR8Week 2 — The Body: https://youtu.be/8tZcrMnRp68Week 3 — The Soul: https://youtu.be/fLwTLJV_cFEWeek 4 — The Spirit (Walking in Step With the Spirit)If this message encourages you, be sure to subscribe, share, and let us know how we can be praying for you.#BecomingWHOLE #RiverviewChristian #WorshipWithYourBody #WholeLifeWorship #Jesus #ChristianLiving #SpiritualFormation #FaithAndHealthThis week's message is from our Creative Pastor, J.C. Letterman.Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9TFree Access To RightNow Media:https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreadingSocial Media:@riverviewchristian on Facebook and InstagramWebsite:riverviewchristian.churchSupport the show

Redefined Soul | Becoming WHOLE (Week 3)What does it truly mean to love and follow Jesus with your soul? In Week 3 of our series Becoming WHOLE, we explore how the soul—our emotional life, desires, and motivations—is shaped, surrendered, and redefined through Christ.In this message, “Redefined Soul,” we look at how offering ourselves fully to God transforms us from the inside out. Through passages like Romans 12:1, Galatians 2:20, and Proverbs 4:23, we discover how Jesus renews our inner life so that our emotions, desires, and affections line up with His purpose.Whether you're new to faith, rebuilding your spiritual life, or simply wanting to go deeper, this message will help you understand what it means to let Christ reshape the very core of who you are.Scriptures:

Worship With Your Body | Becoming WHOLE (Week 2)

It All Starts In The Mind | Becoming WHOLE (Week 1)| 2 Corinthians 10:5Every battle in your life—spiritual, emotional, or relational—begins in the same place: your mind. In this message, Pastor J.C. Letterman explores the biblical call to “take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5) and to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).Discover how your thought life shapes the life you live, and how surrendering your mind to God can lead to lasting transformation.

Identity: Priest | 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9 | Identity (Week 4)In week four of our Identity series, we explore what it means to be called a priest in God's Kingdom. In 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9, Peter reminds believers that we are a “royal priesthood” — chosen and set apart to offer spiritual sacrifices and represent God to the world.

Identity: Image | Genesis 1:26-31 | Identity (Week 3)Who are you, really? In this message, Pastor John explores what it means to be made in the image of God. From the very beginning, Scripture tells us that our identity isn't built on what we do, what we have, or how others see us—it's rooted in the divine imprint of our Creator.Discover how being made in God's image shapes the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Identity: Cured | Luke 19:10 & Isaiah 55:8–11 | Identity (Week 2)What does it really mean to be saved? In this message, Pastor John unpacks how the biblical idea of salvation is more than just forgiveness—it's a cure. Jesus didn't come just to rescue us from sin; He came to restore what was broken, heal what was sick, and bring us back to who we were created to be.Through Luke 19:10 (“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost”) and Isaiah 55:8–11, we see that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours—and His plan for salvation is nothing less than the full healing of our identity.Discover how God's Word not only reveals who we are but also transforms us from the inside out.

Identity: Christ! | 1 Peter 2:9 | Identity (Week 1)Who are you, really? In a world that tries to define us by what we do, what we have, or what others think, God offers a better answer. In this message, we kick off our new sermon series, "Identity", by looking at 1 Peter 2:9, where we discover that our true identity isn't earned—it's given by God through Jesus Christ.You are chosen. You are royal. You are set apart. You belong to Him.Join us as we explore what it means to find our worth and purpose in Christ alone, and how living from that truth changes everything.

Love | This Changes Everything (Week 4) | Acts 2:42-47What does it really mean to be a community marked by love? In Acts 2:42-47, we see a picture of the early church—a people devoted to one another, sharing life, caring for needs, and living out the love of Christ in practical and powerful ways.This message is part 4 of our series This Changes Everything, where we're walking through Riverview Christian's core values: Heal. Connect. Grow. Love. Together, we're learning what it looks like to live out these values in everyday life and in the life of our church.

Grow | This Changes Everything (Week 3)| Luke 10:38–42In week 3 of our series This Changes Everything, we explore our third core value at Riverview Christian: Grow. Growth isn't just about knowing more—it's about becoming more like Jesus. Looking at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, we'll discover how choosing to sit at the feet of Jesus transforms us from the inside out.

Connect | This Changes Everything (Week 2) | Luke 5:18-25In week two of our series This Changes Everything, we explore our second core value: Connect. From the story of friends lowering a paralyzed man through a roof to get him to Jesus, we see the power of connection—with God and with each other.Life change happens when we don't walk alone. Jesus heals, forgives, and transforms lives, and He often does it through relationships that draw us closer to Him.At Riverview Christian, our mission is simple: In to Heal. Out to Love. Our core values—Heal. Connect. Grow. Love.—show us what that mission looks like in everyday life.

Heal | This Changes Everything (Week 1) | Mark 5:21-43What happens when we bring our brokenness to Jesus? In this first message of our new series This Changes Everything, we explore Riverview Christian's first core value: Heal. Looking at the story of Jesus healing Jairus's daughter and the woman who reached out in faith, we see that Jesus meets us in our need, restores what is broken, and offers true wholeness.This series unpacks the heartbeat of our church—our four core values: Heal. Connect. Grow. Love. Each one shapes who we are and how we live out our mission: In to heal. Out to love.

Spirit of Joy | Matthew 3:11-12 | Week 5 of “The Holy Spirit and the Church”In week 5 of our sermon series The Holy Spirit and The Church, we dive into Isaiah 61:1-11 to discover the Spirit of Joy. True joy isn't something we manufacture; it's a gift from the Holy Spirit that transforms sorrow, brings freedom, and equips us to live out God's mission in the world.Join us as we explore how the Spirit of the Lord moves in our lives and our church to bring good news, healing, and hope.

The Father of Gifts | The Holy Spirit and the Church (Week 3) | Luke 11:11–13God is not a reluctant giver—He is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children. In this message, The Father of Gifts, we look at Luke 11:11–13 and discover how Jesus invites us to approach God with boldness and expectancy, especially when it comes to the greatest gift of all: the Holy Spirit.This sermon is part 3 of our series, The Holy Spirit and the Church, where we're exploring who the Holy Spirit is, how He works, and why He matters for every believer and for the life of the church today.

Fruit of the Holy Spirit | The Holy Spirit and the Church (Week 2) | Galatians 5:22-23In this message, we explore what it truly means to live a Spirit-filled life by bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Based on Galatians 5:22-23, we examine how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are not just virtues to strive for—they are evidence of the Spirit at work in us.This is Week 2 of our series The Holy Spirit and the Church, where we're learning how the Spirit shapes our lives, empowers our witness, and builds Christ's church.

Never Walk Alone | The Holy Spirit and the Church (Week 1) | John 14:16–19, 26–27In the first message of our new series The Holy Spirit and the Church, we explore Jesus' promise that we are never alone. In John 14, He assures His disciples—and us—that the Holy Spirit will come to live with us and in us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us every step of the way.Whether you're facing uncertainty, fear, or simply feeling isolated, this message reminds us of the powerful truth: we never walk alone. The Spirit of God is present, active, and closer than we think.

Crazy Faith | The Practice of Prayer (Week 4) | Mark 11:22–24What does it look like to pray with Crazy Faith? In this powerful message from Week 4 of our series The Practice of Prayer, we explore Jesus' bold words in Mark 11:22–24—where He calls us to believe without doubting and pray with mountain-moving faith.Join us as we unpack what it means to truly trust God in our prayers, even when the outcome seems impossible. Whether you're new to prayer or looking to reignite your faith, this message will challenge and inspire you to pray bigger, bolder prayers grounded in the power and promises of God.

Inner Power | The Practice of Prayer (Week 3) | Ephesians 3:14-21In this message, we explore Paul's powerful prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21 and what it means to be strengthened with inner power through the Spirit. True spiritual strength isn't about outward success—it's about being rooted in the love of Christ and filled with the fullness of God.This is Week 3 of our sermon series, The Practice of Prayer, where we're learning how to pray with purpose, confidence, and intimacy. Whether you're new to prayer or looking to grow deeper in your walk with God, this message will help you discover the inner strength that only comes through communion with Him.

How Do I Pray to God? | The Practice of Prayer – Week 2

ASK, SEEK, KNOCK | The Practice of Prayer – Week 1

Positioned for Blessing | 2 Chronicles 7:1–22 | 06/29/25What does it mean to be a church truly positioned for God's blessing? In this message from our Christ's Church series, we explore 2 Chronicles 7:1–22, where God responds to Solomon's temple dedication with fire from heaven and a call to humility, repentance, and prayer.This passage reminds us that God's blessing isn't random—it's often the result of being rightly aligned with Him. As we prepare for July's sermon series on prayer, this message lays the foundation by calling us back to the heart of what God desires from His people.

Ephesians: God's Blueprint For A Transformed Life | 06/22/25In this foundational message, we explore the powerful truths found in Ephesians chapters 1–3. Discover how the Apostle Paul lays out God's incredible plan for identity, grace, and spiritual transformation — not just for the early church, but for us today. This sermon sets the stage for a deeper dive into the book of Ephesians and invites you to see your life through the lens of God's eternal purpose.

Light Of The World | 06/15/25In this message, we explore what it means to be the “light of the world” as Jesus declares in Matthew 5:14–16. You were not meant to hide your faith—you were made to shine. This sermon encourages us to live boldly, love deeply, and reflect the light of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope.

Gotta Tell Somebody | 06/01/25What happens when the power of the Holy Spirit fills your life? You Gotta Tell Somebody. In this message from our Christ's Church series, we explore Jesus' final instructions to His disciples before ascending to heaven—and the unstoppable mission He launched through them.Discover how the promise of power in Acts 1:5 and the purpose of that power in Acts 1:8 still applies to us today. You were never meant to keep the good news to yourself. The Church was born to boldly witness.

Cultivate Your World | 5/25/25

Christ's Church: Would You Like To Be Healed? | 05/18/25

The Power Of A Mother's Influence | Mother's Day Sermon | 05/11/25In this special Mother's Day message, Pastor Stacey Carr and Beth Cable team up to explore "The Power of a Mother's Influence" through the wisdom of Scripture. Drawing from Proverbs 1:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Timothy 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, 3 John 1:3-4, and Isaiah 41:10, they reflect on the vital role mothers play in shaping faith, character, and courage in the next generation.Whether you're a mom, a spiritual mother, or simply someone who has been impacted by one, this message is a heartfelt reminder of how God uses the influence of faithful women to make a lasting difference.

Christ's Church: You Are the rock

Living Hope: Holiness | 1 Peter 1:13-15 | 4/27/25In this message from our Living Hope series, we dive into 1 Peter 1:13–15 and explore what it means to live a life of true holiness. God calls us not just to believe, but to be — to reflect His character in every part of our lives. Holiness isn't about perfection; it's about living set apart, grounded in the living hope we have through Jesus Christ.Join us as we learn how to prepare our minds for action, stay spiritually alert, and embrace the life God has called us to!

Living Hope: GOOD NEWS | Easter Sunday at Riverview Christian | 4/20/25This Easter, we hit pause on our regular Living Hope series to focus on the heart of it all—the Good News of Jesus. In this special message, we zoom in on the Gospel: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope it brings to a broken world.Whether you've heard the story a hundred times or this is your first time exploring who Jesus is, this message is for you. The resurrection changes everything—and that's GOOD NEWS.

Living Hope: Inheritance | 1 Peter 1:3–5 | 04/13/25In a world filled with uncertainty, God offers us something unshakable—a living hope. In this message, we dive into 1 Peter 1:3–5 and discover the incredible truth that through the resurrection of Jesus, we have been born into a hope that is both eternal and active today.This isn't just a future promise—it's a present reality. God has given us an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade, kept in heaven for us, even as we are being shielded by His power right now.Whether you're walking through hardship or feeling spiritually dry, this message will remind you of the secure, abundant, and living hope we have in Christ.

Living Hope | 1 Peter 1:3 | 04/06/25In this powerful message, we explore the living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in 1 Peter 1:3. No matter what we face—pain, doubt, or uncertainty—we are reminded that our hope is not dead or distant, but alive and active.This sermon also reflects on the lyrics of Living Hope by Phil Wickham, drawing a beautiful connection between Scripture and song. As we walk through Peter's words and the powerful imagery of the song, we're invited to anchor our hearts in the truth of the gospel: Jesus is our Living Hope.

Healed Relationships | J.C. Letterman | Riverview ChristianWhat does it take to heal broken relationships? In this message, we explore how God's love transforms the way we treat one another. Rooted in John 13:35 and Colossians 3:12-17, we see that Jesus calls us to love as He loves—showing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. True healing comes when we choose forgiveness and unity over division.Whether you're struggling with a fractured friendship, a difficult family dynamic, or simply want to strengthen your relationships, this message will encourage and challenge you to follow Christ's example.

Conquering The Mind | 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 | Riverview ChristianOur thoughts shape our lives—but are we letting God shape our thoughts? In this powerful sermon, we dive into 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, where Paul reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle, and our strongest weapon is the truth of God's Word.Join us as we explore how to take every thought captive, break free from destructive mindsets, and walk in the victory Christ has already won for us. No matter what battles you face, God has given you the power to conquer the mind and live in His freedom!

Fullness of Joy | Psalm 16 | Riverview ChristianWhere do we find true and lasting joy? In Psalm 16, David reveals the secret to a life filled with unshakable joy—trusting in God's presence, provision, and promises.Join us as we explore how anchoring our lives in Christ leads to the fullness of joy that nothing in this world can take away. No matter what challenges we face, God remains our refuge, our portion, and our ultimate source of joy.

Holy Cooperation | Jeremiah 29:11God has a productive plan for your life—no matter the situation you're in. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us of His promise: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."But the question isn't whether God has a plan—the question is our holy cooperation. Are we aligning our hearts, decisions, and actions with His purpose? In this message, we explore what it means to trust, obey, and actively participate in the work God is doing in and through us.

We Win Through Prayer | Romans 8:26-39Prayer is the key to victory! In this powerful sermon, we dive into Romans 8:26-39 and discover how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, how God works all things for our good, and how nothing can separate us from His love. When we don't know what to pray, the Spirit steps in. When we feel weak, God is strong. And when we stand in prayer, we stand in victory!As a church, we must reclaim the power of prayer—seeking God until we see a movement of His Spirit. Pray until Pentecost.