The River Christian Church, Auckland, NZ

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.

God is calling us to build his church, with integrity, prayer and by working together. Pastor Annika shares a challenging message with keys from the book of Nehemiah, encouraging us to build the section of 'wall' that God puts in front of us. 

Psalm 73 wrestles with the question why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer? Ps Peter Morton shares how this Psalm remains so relevant today, and the importance of regular encounters with God to sustain our walk with God and a true perspective on life.

Ps Peter Morton looks through the lens of Revelation 20-22 and encourages and challenges us on what Scripture says is yet to come after the return of Jesus.  

Pastor Judy Dawson speaks from Psalm 137, exploring how we can become captives of our own busy lives, preventing us from stepping into God's mission and working in His vineyard. 

Ps Peter closes out our morning on reporting back from Fiji ministry with a challenge from Isaiah 6.

Pastor Judy Dawson starts the series by speaking from Psalm 1 which sets forth two directions in life for us to choose. Psalm 1 show us, happiness and misery are the fruit of the choices we make in life. 

Ps Peter Morton encourages Dad's (and everyone!) to prioritise prayer in their lives, and looks at 3 powerful things that happen when we pray.  

Pastor Chris Dawson speaks from the life of Moses, our strength comes from the Lord to accomplish everything that He has called us to, as we wait on Him.

This Sunday we had guest speaker Ps Andrew Parrington from Living Well Rotorua, diving into a powerful conversation about God's "Homecoming". Together, we explore what it looks like to invite people back—to church, to the family of God, to the place they truly belong. From the heart of the prodigal son story to the call for us to create a “welcome home” culture, this message will stir your faith and challenge you to play your part in God's invitation. Please note: Due to technical difficulties during Sunday's service, the recording quality is lower than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

God wants us to prosper in all the areas of our lives, the health of our life is dependant on the health of our soul. Pastor Judy Dawson touches on five areas of our life that can have an impact because of our prosperous soul. 

Ps Judy Dawson talks about the 7 Feasts and the different timelines from the Bible that lead up to the Return of Jesus Christ.

Ps Peter Morton continues our 'God Who Is To Come' series - looking at the various timelines in Scripture that lead up to the return of Christ.  

Pastor Annika shares a challenging message on how to live with an eternal perspective, as we await Christ's return. How do we live in the tension between the brokenness of now and the perfect which is to come? 

Ps Peter Morton brings the second part of our series 'God Who Is To Come' - looking at some of the key events that Scripture shows will take place in the end times leading up to and around the return of Jesus.

Ps Peter Morton brings the first part of our series 'God Who Is To Come' - looking at some of the key events that Scripture shows will take place in the end times leading up to and around the return of Jesus.    

Pastor Judy Dawson starts the series by speaking from Matthew 25, how to live a life with eternity in mind and with the mindset of readiness until Jesus comes.