Riverwood Church Community

n this message, we discover how a simple misunderstanding of context can completely change how we read the Bible, and why understanding the world of ancient Corinth suddenly makes Paul's challenging words in 1 Corinthians come alive. When you see the culture Paul was speaking into, his message becomes clearer and far more relevant for how we live today.

We're called to do all things for the glory of God, but when it really comes down to it, what does that actually look like in everyday life? In this honest and challenging message on 1 Corinthians 1–10, our high school students wrestle with what it means to grow up in their faith, stay rooted in Christ, and recognize how their choices impact the people around them. It's a real look at living with purpose, navigating pressure, and learning to follow Jesus in a way that points everything back to God.

We naturally conform to the patterns of the world—whether in fashion, behaviour, or relationships. Paul calls us instead to follow God's pattern: a life transformed by mercy, renewed thinking, and love that honours others above ourselves.

When in Rome… do as the Romans do — but what happens when Rome isn't neutral? In this message, we explore how Paul calls us to resist cultural drift not through reaction or superiority, but by remembering who we are: loved, broken, and called to a new allegiance in Christ.

What if “spiritual gifts” feel confusing, not because the Bible is unclear, but because our modern idea of gifts is? In this message from the Book of Acts, we discover that the Holy Spirit's power was never meant for personal preference, self-expression, or optional upgrades. Instead, God empowers ordinary people with extraordinary power, not for themselves, but to serve others and advance His mission.

Is the Holy Spirit supposed to feel…weird?  Drawing from a personal journey and the Book of Acts, this message cuts through hype and fear to show how the Spirit speaks in grounded, biblical, life-shaping ways…calling ordinary people to courage, obedience, and purpose. The goal isn't spectacle, it's a changed life.

What difference does the Holy Spirit actually make in real life, on a Tuesday afternoon, in your fears, your finances, and your private choices?  In Acts 1–7, we don't just learn who the Holy Spirit is, we see what He does: confusion turns to clarity, fear shrinks, generosity grows, and double-lives are exposed to the light of truth. This message explores the practical, lived-out ways God changes us from the inside out; not in theory, but where life is real and we need Him most.

Discover how God's glory transforms lives and how the Holy Spirit dwells in you today. Moses on Mount Sinai to modern testimony, see how encountering God changes everything. Learn about eternal life, purpose, and living fully in God's presence. Join us for God in Me and experience the Spirit at work in your life!

God isn't just with us. Scripture shows that because of Jesus' work on the cross, we can experience Him living in us. Come along as we journey through the Bible to explore His presence, from the very beginning at creation to the Holy Spirit dwelling in every believer.

Through the story of the Pool of Bethesda, Jesus interrupts systems that normalize suffering and invites us into a kingdom shaped by imagination, connection, and restoring presence.

Offer God all that you have, wherever you are, and keep Jesus at the center of everything you do.

Christmas isn't a cozy Hallmark script, it's a holy interruption. This message peels back the sentimentality to reveal why our deepest longings, aches, and anticipations are not distractions to overcome, but signposts pointing straight to Jesus.

Have you ever tried something risky, knowing it could backfire, but it turned out so worth it that you would do it again? Luke 6 to 12 challenges us to take that kind of risk by following Jesus. In these chapters, we see who Jesus really is, what following Him could cost us, and the steps He invites us to take, which may seem simple but are often hard to digest. The good news is that Jesus does not leave us to figure it out alone; He is with us every step of the way. The question is, will we take the risk to follow Him?

In this message, we're diving into the first-ever Christmas playlists: three songs in Luke 1–2 that don't just announce Christmas, they explain it. Mary sings of a God who turns the world upside down, Zechariah sings of a God who rescues us from dangers we no longer recognize, and Simeon sings of a God who keeps His promises and brings deep soul-rest. These ancient songs still confront us, comfort us, and call us to live in the Kingdom they announce.

In Mark 8-14, Jesus drops no less than 40 divine 'truth bombs' that explode assumptions, confront perspectives, and call us into deeper discipleship. From Peter's well-intentioned misfire, to a woman's extravagant worship, to the stunning revelation of the Last Supper, Jesus dismantles our small thinking and prods us toward a life of surrender. Join us as we rediscover these explosive moments and let their shockwaves reshape how we follow, worship, and trust Him today.

In this series launch, we're introduced to Mark, the author of The Gospel of Mark, and his unique, fast-paced gospel of urgency.  Mark's Gospel isn't only fast-moving; it also captures moments when Jesus hits us with a shocking, soul-searching teaching meant to stop us in our tracks.  In this message, we will examine three of the hard sayings.

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 25 isn't just a collection of ancient parables; it's a blueprint for how we live today. Pastor T brings these stories to life, giving them a modern twist so we can hear them with fresh ears, revealing the Kingdom of Heaven's call to be ready, be daring, and be selfless.

Ever wondered what happens when you shake things up? In this unique message, five pastors each take 7 minutes to unpack Matthew 15–21, sharing fresh insights from their personal chapter-a-day Bible reading. On the clock and on a mission, they reveal unexpected truths, practical applications, and spiritual gems you might have missed. Short, focused, and powerful; this is doing something different in both preaching and listening.

Matthew 8–14 showcases Jesus' power through three triads of miracles that amplify His message, revealing that God's mercy breaks barriers, God's power breaks darkness, and God's promise of life breaks death itself! The One who calms storms, conquers demons, and cancels sin doesn't just display divine power, He invites ordinary people like us to follow Him into extraordinary life.

Dive into the first seven chapters of Matthew like never before! In this message, we trace the recurring words and patterns that reveal the heartbeat of Jesus' message. Get ready to uncover the hidden truths that are meant to transform not just what you know, but how you live.

Centuries ago, those in power tried to destroy the Bible with fire, but it survived, and today it still sets hearts ablaze. What is it about this book that some fear and others find so life-changing? In a world of scrolling, clicking, and swiping, this message shows us how to slow down and truly “eat” the Word, letting it become part of who we are.

Centuries ago, those in power tried to destroy the Bible with fire, but it survived, and today it still sets hearts ablaze. What is it about this book that some fear and others find so life-changing? In a world of scrolling, clicking, and swiping, this message shows us how to slow down and truly “eat” the Word, letting it become part of who we are.

We live in a world full of voices telling us who we are.  Many of us live still searching for our identity.  But Psalm 139 reminds us that our true identity was established long before the world ever got its hands on us. In this message we discover what it means to be knit together by God and the wonder of living on purpose!

We live in a world full of voices telling us who we are.  Many of us live still searching for our identity.  But Psalm 139 reminds us that our true identity was established long before the world ever got its hands on us. In this message we discover what it means to be knit together by God and the wonder of living on purpose!

When life hits hard, we all need more than a program; we need a family. In this message, we uncover Jesus' open-source formula for doing life in community, a recipe for growth, mission, and true refreshment of the soul. Discover how stepping into a life-group can anchor you, strengthen you, and stretch you in ways you never imagined.

When life hits hard, we all need more than a program; we need a family. In this message, we uncover Jesus' open-source formula for doing life in community, a recipe for growth, mission, and true refreshment of the soul. Discover how stepping into a life-group can anchor you, strengthen you, and stretch you in ways you never imagined.

In this message, we're diving into a powerful question: Who, or what, is shaping your thoughts, emotions, and identity From Gutenberg's printing press to today's social media algorithms, disruptive technologies have changed how we see the world. But while algorithms work for profit, God's Word works to transform our lives and set us free. The Word of God, described in The Bible as the flame, the hammer, the light, the source of life, the sword, the treasure, and so much more, isn't just words on a page, but God's living voice drawing us into relationship with Him.

In this message, we're diving into a powerful question: Who, or what, is shaping your thoughts, emotions, and identity From Gutenberg's printing press to today's social media algorithms, disruptive technologies have changed how we see the world. But while algorithms work for profit, God's Word works to transform our lives and set us free. The Word of God, described in The Bible as the flame, the hammer, the light, the source of life, the sword, the treasure, and so much more, isn't just words on a page, but God's living voice drawing us into relationship with Him.

Breakthroughs don't come from one big moment; they're forged in the quiet grind of showing up, day after day, when no one's watching. That same kind of faithfulness has carried our church for 30 years, and now we're stepping into a brand-new season. 30 & Counting: We're Just Getting Started is more than a birthday party, it's a 4-month adventure of fun, mission, and momentum toward the future God is calling us into.

Breakthroughs don't come from one big moment; they're forged in the quiet grind of showing up, day after day, when no one's watching. That same kind of faithfulness has carried our church for 30 years, and now we're stepping into a brand-new season. 30 & Counting: We're Just Getting Started is more than a birthday party, it's a 4-month adventure of fun, mission, and momentum toward the future God is calling us into.

Church in the Park is our annual Sunday celebration where all five worship communities come together for an outdoor service, BBQ, and an afternoon of connection. This year's theme, “Can't Steal My Joy” (Nehemiah 8:10, John 16:22), reminded us that true joy in Christ is unshakable and unstealable.

Church in the Park is our annual Sunday celebration where all five worship communities come together for an outdoor service, BBQ, and an afternoon of connection. This year's theme, “Can't Steal My Joy” (Nehemiah 8:10, John 16:22), reminded us that true joy in Christ is unshakable and unstealable.

The invitation to follow Jesus is not a static invitation nor is it a title we wear. It is an invitation to follow him outside the camp. The world we live gives us empty promises of control, safety, and comfort, but to follow Jesus is to embrace the risk of leaving our city walls and embracing the path of sacrifice, humility, & radical love that Jesus himself journeyed to the cross on our behalf.

The invitation to follow Jesus is not a static invitation nor is it a title we wear. It is an invitation to follow him outside the camp. The world we live gives us empty promises of control, safety, and comfort, but to follow Jesus is to embrace the risk of leaving our city walls and embracing the path of sacrifice, humility, & radical love that Jesus himself journeyed to the cross on our behalf.

Struggles and sin may trip us up, but they do not remove us from the race God has called us to run. With endurance and our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can lay down every weight and keep moving forward. His sacrifice frees us from shame and gives us strength to endure.

Struggles and sin may trip us up, but they do not remove us from the race God has called us to run. With endurance and our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can lay down every weight and keep moving forward. His sacrifice frees us from shame and gives us strength to endure.

The heroes of Hebrews 11 make faith look effortless—but a closer look reveals their paths were anything but easy. Through weakness, waiting, and hardship, each one showed unshakable resilience and faith, proving that Jesus Himself is always better than any promise or outcome we could receive.

The heroes of Hebrews 11 make faith look effortless—but a closer look reveals their paths were anything but easy. Through weakness, waiting, and hardship, each one showed unshakable resilience and faith, proving that Jesus Himself is always better than any promise or outcome we could receive.

We all have patterns we cling to and old ways of thinking, coping, and believing that keep us stuck. Hebrews 10 challenges those defaults, inviting us to think differently about sin, guilt, and repentance. Instead of avoiding the hard truths, it reframes them, leading us to someone better. 

We all have patterns we cling to and old ways of thinking, coping, and believing that keep us stuck. Hebrews 10 challenges those defaults, inviting us to think differently about sin, guilt, and repentance. Instead of avoiding the hard truths, it reframes them, leading us to someone better. 

Changing your mindset isn't easy—but it can change everything. In Hebrews 9, we're invited to move from religious ritual to real relationship, from barriers to breakthrough, and from law to liberty through Jesus. This message is an invitation to stop striving and start living in the forgiveness, full access to God and freedom that Christ secured for us.

Changing your mindset isn't easy—but it can change everything. In Hebrews 9, we're invited to move from religious ritual to real relationship, from barriers to breakthrough, and from law to liberty through Jesus. This message is an invitation to stop striving and start living in the forgiveness, full access to God and freedom that Christ secured for us.

The Bible reveals a radical way of doing relationship:  not as transactional contract but as relational covenant! God leads by example by providing a sacred, enduring promise of love that doesn't expire when we fail. In Hebrews 8, we discover how Jesus mediates a New Covenant that's not transactional, but transformational—one written on our hearts, rooted in grace, secured by forgiveness, and marked not by mutual benefit but by unshakable love.

The Bible reveals a radical way of doing relationship:  not as transactional contract but as relational covenant! God leads by example by providing a sacred, enduring promise of love that doesn't expire when we fail. In Hebrews 8, we discover how Jesus mediates a New Covenant that's not transactional, but transformational—one written on our hearts, rooted in grace, secured by forgiveness, and marked not by mutual benefit but by unshakable love.

Traversing dangerous mountain passes was once the only way to cross the Continental Divide—until the railway provided a secure, lasting route. In the same way, where human effort once struggled to reach God, Jesus now offers a better way as our permanent, trustworthy High Priest.

Traversing dangerous mountain passes was once the only way to cross the Continental Divide—until the railway provided a secure, lasting route. In the same way, where human effort once struggled to reach God, Jesus now offers a better way as our permanent, trustworthy High Priest.

You can go to church, sing the songs, give, serve, follow the crowd—and still be stuck in a spiritual circle of death. In Hebrews 6, we're called to grow, climb, and anchor our lives to something stronger than routine—we're called to pursue Jesus.

You can go to church, sing the songs, give, serve, follow the crowd—and still be stuck in a spiritual circle of death. In Hebrews 6, we're called to grow, climb, and anchor our lives to something stronger than routine—we're called to pursue Jesus.

Like the Fremen in Dune who faced desert struggles and longed for a true leader, we too face life's hardships needing a perfect mediator. Hebrews 5 reveals Jesus as the ultimate High Priest—appointed by God, fully human yet without sin—who entered God's presence once and for all to offer Himself for our salvation. When life feels overwhelming, remember: Jesus stands with you, fights for you, and intercedes before God on your behalf. Jesus is better.