The River Christian Church, Auckland, NZ

Ps Claire dives into Jesus' parable of the ten bridesmaids to reveal that the oil represents the Holy Spirit—and challenges us to stay close to God, be continually filled, and live a life that's ready, not just on the surface but from the inside out.

Pastor Chris Dawson reflects on the life of David, illustrating how he faced every battle with the assurance that the Lord fought on his behalf. It is important to remember that the King ultimately holds the final authority whenever we find ourselves in difficult situations.

We all want to walk in resurrection power, but there's no resurrection without a crucifixion!  Ps Peter Morton shows the powerful link between 'losing our lives' and 'living in Christ'.  

Listen to the Good Friday service sermon shared by Sanjay, Madelein and Barbara. Communion service led by Ps Judy.

Pastor Judy Dawson shares the transformative power of God through resurrection. She emphasises how resurrection not only revives but also recommissions individuals to embrace new purposes in their lives. God has the best restorative plan if we are willing to put down our plans and allow Him to restore.

This Good Friday, we paused to remember the sacrifice, the love, and the hope at the heart of the story. Join us as we reflect on what this day means and why it still matters today.

The gospel doesn't stop with us — it comes to us, but it's meant to go through us. We're called to be people who are equipped for both the battle and the mission: to take ground, bring hope, and see lives set free. Who has God placed near you that feels far from Him? Let's lean in together as we discover what it means to live with purpose, carry the gospel boldly, and make an impact right where we are.

Pastor Judy Dawson brings a challenging message regarding the choice of embracing the valuable treasure that is the Kingdom of God, stressing the importance of daily picking up the cross and walking the narrow road to follow Jesus.

Spending time with God isn't ultimately a question of finding more hours in the day, but of seeking first His Kingdom above all else. For when we get to the heart of the matter, we discover the the matter is truly one of the heart. 

From resetting our priorities to getting practical with habits, this message in our Devoted series by Ps Claire dives into how small, consistent rhythms shape who we become. We explore simple, powerful tools—like habit-building principles and the HEAR Bible reading method—to help move from intention to action.  

Spending time with God isn't ultimately a question of finding more hours in the day, but of seeking first His kingdom above all else. For when we get to the heart of the matter, we discover that the matter is truly one of the heart.

Prophetic Words from Sunday Morning.

Ps Judy Dawson shares the significance of not only being listeners of God's word but also allowing it to transform us. By regularly engaging with Scripture, we establish guardrails in our lives that guide us in making sound choices and decisions.

Ps Peter Morton talks about the importance of rhythms in our lives and how to make our time with God part of our daily and weekly rhythms. 

How do we actually hear God when we read the Bible? In last Sunday's message from our Devoted series, Ps Annika explores four simple but powerful practices that help move Scripture from just words on a page to a living conversation with God.

Ps Peter Morton brings the first part of our Devoted series on spending regular time with God - exploring how we practically walk out Matthew 6:6 - go into your room, close the door, pray to your Father.  

Pastor Judy Dawson offers valuable insights on how to be effective during our time with God. She highlights three important aspects to focus on during our daily devotional moments, emphasising how these practices equip us to face the unseen battles in our lives effectively.

On Sunday we celebrated joining the New Life Churches network with Ps Adam White. We were reminded that real impact doesn't start with activity — it starts with presence. When we draw near to God, everything else begins to align. Presence produces purpose Presence ignites passion Presence clarifies purpose

Please listen to the overall plan for the Year 2026 at The River Pukekohe. Also, Pastor Judy Dawson invites you to dive into the incredible flow of God that flows straight from His throne! Discover how to tap into this divine flow and become a blessing, experiencing an overflowing joy in every aspect of your life and to become a blessing to others. 

The decisions we make will greatly impact our future. Pastor Annika looks at four different responses that we can have towards the Lord and what can happen if we respond well to the Gods prompting.  

Grant shares the challenges and choices from Luke 5, that Simon had to make from following Jesus at a distance to the miraculous catch out in the deep. This message will encourage you to use your gifts to partner with Jesus to build the local Church. 

As we approach the beginning of a new year, perhaps you feel rested and ready for 2026 and you're in a mountain top moment in life. Or perhaps you feel like you're running for your life. Perhaps you have just had enough. Through Elijah's raw, real life experience recorded in 1 Kings 19: 1 - 13, we will explore the broom bush moments, discover our call to a service of simplicity, and finally we will find our and the rest of humanity's destiny is to stand ready at the mouth of the cave.

Ps Peter Morton shares keys to David's unshakeable life from Psalm 16, to give insights into how we can live unshakeable lives in a world that is in upheaval.  

Pastor Judy Dawson shares the significance of each person's role even if it occurs in the dark, cold and in the unseen place. Just as olives are crushed and undergo various processes to yield pure oil for a higher purpose, the Christian journey is filled with challenges. However, Jesus calls us higher to bring life through our death.

Ps Peter Morton draws from Psalms 16, to reveal the secret of David's unshakeable strength in God, and to show us how we can have that same strength in our lives too. 

On Sunday Grant looked at Luke 5 and shared the challenges and choices that Simon had to make from following Jesus at a distance to the miraculous catch out in the deep. This message will encourage you to use your gifts to partner with Jesus to build the local church.

Pastor Judy Dawson shares that the best way to live is to put on love. If we want to grow deeper into the supernatural and walk in power and authority, it all starts with having our hearts shaped by love, just like Elisha did.

As we step into 2026, many of us are carrying too much: old hurts, unmet expectations, lingering guilt, and far too many "open tabs". In this message from 2 Timothy 1, Ps Claire reminds us that God doesn't call us to try harder — He invites us to receive what He's already given. This is an invitation to close the tabs, clear the clutter, and step forward in freedom — not weighed down by the past, but anchored in the grace, mercy, and peace found in Jesus.

Pastor Judy Dawson shares some great insights from Genesis 2 about why it's so crucial to protect the garden of our hearts. She talks about these four rivers and how they nourish us, directs us to our destination, help us bear fruit that blesses others and creates a welcoming space for God to fellowship with us in the garden.

Many people find themselves trapped in cycles of sin and addiction. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can walk in freedom and life. Ps Peter Morton looks at the battles we fight, how we are tempted, and how we can move into a place of victory and overcoming.

Ever asked, "If I've given my life to Jesus, why do I still mess up?" This episode dives into the real, daily battle of temptation and what it means to live as an overcomer. Ps Claire unpacks why victory isn't about willpower, but formation — why holiness leads to wholeness — and why fixing our eyes on Jesus is the key to lasting freedom.

In this message from our Overcomer series, Grant Cullen unpacks Jesus' words to the churches in Revelation and the repeated promise given "to him who overcomes." Drawing from Revelation 3, we're challenged to confront a lukewarm faith — neither hot nor cold — and to examine what is shaping our lives. What does it mean to live unformed by the world but transformed by God? Overcomers don't define right and wrong by culture, opinion, or convenience, but by what God says. They understand that God leads us, and they choose to keep Him central in everything they do. This is a call to wholehearted faith, spiritual discernment, and a life anchored in Christ.

Pastor Peter Morton brings the second part of the series 'Overcomer' - looking at how our status as a new creation sets us free from our old lives, and the victim mindset. 

Ps Peter Morton begins our series 'Overcomer' - looking at how our status as a new creation sets us free from our old lives, and the victim mindset.  

Pastor Judy Dawson kicks off the Overcomer series by sharing some insights on how to truly live as an overcomer from the inside out. She really drives home the idea that who's in the driver's seat of our mind and how the influences around us can make a real difference. And when life knocks us down, she reminds us how important it is to get back up and keep moving forward.

Drawing from Matthew 11:28–30, Ps Symon Drake (Renew Church, Whangārei) reminds us that following Jesus is a carrying faith — not a heavy one, but a holy one. We are called to: Carry our cross, Carry one another's burdens, Carry the yoke of Jesus, and Carry the presence of God into the world. It's an invitation to walk closely with Jesus, to live purpose-built, and to bring His life and love wherever we go.

Pastor Marg Spicer shares an impactful message about the importance of winning those inner battles before we confront our own Goliaths. She really emphasises how crucial it is to tackle those everyday struggles, as they prepare us for the external challenges we face. It's such an uplifting reminder that our inner victories can empower us in the bigger fights ahead!

On Sunday we were honoured to host Ewan Cameron from Open Doors, an incredible organisation supporting persecuted Christians around the world. In this episode, Ewan shares powerful stories of courageous faith and gives us insight into how Open Doors provides practical help—through discipleship, emergency relief, and strengthening local communities. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded of the global Church we're part of.

Grant Cullum emphasises how vital it is to share what we have with the community and to look out for the one in need. Even a small, seemingly insignificant gift can be used by God to make a big difference for many.

Ps Peter Morton shares some keys for how we as a whole church can stand with those who are believing God for healing, and create an atmosphere that's healthy and supportive.

Pastor Judy Dawson concluded the final part of the Healing series by highlighting the importance of being a safe and compassionate spiritual family. She emphasised the need to walk alongside those facing challenges, offering them love and support, throughout their journey, also learning to let things go and not let them stick to us.

This message in our Healing Series looks at how we respond when it seems like God delays in answering our prayers for healing. In seasons of waiting, there are powerful lessons to be learned—about trust, perseverance, and God's greater plan. Though we may not see it, He is always working behind the scenes to bring about His purpose in our lives.

God cares about every part of who we are - body, soul and spirit. In this message, Psalm Annika dives into the kind of healing that reaches beneath the surface: healing the inner self, the heart, and the places we often hide. Through the story of the Samaritan woman, we see how Jesus restores identity and invites us to live as fully loved children of God. When we feel marginalised, discouraged, or worn down, His healing touch reminds us that wholeness comes through surrender - when every part of our life is open to Him. 

God cares about every part of who we are — body, soul, and spirit. In this message, Ps Annika dives into the kind of healing that reaches beneath the surface: healing the inner self, the heart, and the places we often hide. Through the story of the Samaritan woman, we see how Jesus restores identity and invites us to live as fully loved children of God. When we feel marginalized, discouraged, or worn down, His healing touch reminds us that wholeness comes through surrender — when every part of our life is open to Him.

Ps Peter Morton looks at some of the challenges that we can face when we pray for healing, and how to remain solid in our faith despite questions and mystery. 

Ps Peter Morton brings the first part of our new series on Healing - looking at the Biblical foundations for healing, and how it practically outworks in our lives.  

Healing is Supernatural! Pastor Judy Dawson shares that God, our Jehovah Rapha, is our healer and the importance of focusing on the Healer. He has given us the incredible gift of healing upon all who believe in Him, enabling us to heal others.

Pastor Judy Dawson's message, drawn from Psalm 34, focuses on the way prayer unfolds, as described in the chapter. She emphasises how our decisions shape not only our own lives, but also the lives of those around us.

In this message, Ps Claire unpacks the story of the Israelites in the wilderness and the tension we still face today—will we follow the cloud of God's presence, or the crowd of distraction, comparison, and complaint? From the pillar of fire to the voice of the Holy Spirit, we're reminded that God still leads, protects, and provides for His people. Discover how to tune out the noise, refocus your heart, and walk in rhythm with the God who goes before you, one step at a time.

Pastor Judy Dawson draws on Psalm 77 to remind us that it's perfectly normal to bring our raw emotions—anger, doubt, and questions—straight to God as we fight for our faith. The Psalms equip us with the ability to turn those doubts into genuine worship.

Pastor Judy Dawson speaks from Psalm 27. Hope is the default setting for David when trouble surrounded him. Psalm 27 teaches us how to make God as our Light and Salvation in times of fear.