The student ministry of Riverside Community Church in Peoria, Illinois
This is week 1 of our series "Don't Say" We are talking about all things relationships in this series. In this episode Pastor Josh talks about Who should I date? and How should I date? If you are looking to find a relationship with someone or want to learn how to date according to how Jesus wants us to date then give this episode a listen.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in Ephesians 6.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in Ephesians 5.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in Ephesians 4.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in Ephesians 3.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in Ephesians 2.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in Ephesians 1.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in James 5.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in James 4.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in James 3.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in James 2.
Welcome to The Bible Study Podcast. Through out this podcast we will be navigating through different books of the bibles and talking about what is being said in each chapter. Dive in with us to learn more about the Bible and what God is trying to speak to us! This episode we will be in James 1.
In this episode of the YTH Podcast youth leaders David Rios and Cory Manning join Pastor Josh to have a conversation about how God is always working in the season of your life where you don't feel like he is! Join the conversation to hear how we have gone through personal season of life where we didn't think God was working in our life.
In this episode of the YTH Podcast we have Pastor Josh Forsberg with Jeffrey Grimes one of our amazing Youth leaders talking about how God is always with us in the hard seasons of life.
Join us for this episode of the YTH Podcast as we have Pastor Michael Ritchason join us for a conversation about the people we surround ourselves with. We encourage you to lean in and listen to the wisdom that Pastor Michael brings.
In this new episode of the YTH Podcast. Pastor Josh & Miranda Forsberg Talk about how our choices now can dictate our future. Lean in and be ready to listen to what God might want to speak to you!
In the last week of this series. Worship Leader Chayla Huerta gives a little look into her life and how she has chosen to surrender her future and her life to Jesus Christ.
In this episode one of our YTH Leaders Rebecca gives and amazing message on how we are to surrender our hearts to Jesus.
We are starting a brand new series for the month of April. In this series, "I Give Up" we are talking about all the different ways God calls us to surrender to him. Pastor Josh challenges us with surrendering our whole heart to God! Check out this weeks episode and be encouraged.
This easter Sunday we talk about the Resurrection of Jesus but through the eyes of the two criminals on the cross next to Jesus!
In this weeks message Student Leader Sarah Lowe talks about how we need to take our focus from the worldly things and put them on Jesus Christ.
In the Final week of our series "Fix Your Focus" Pastor Josh talks about fixing our focus on Jesus. This world brings so many distractions and it's so easy to focus on the world than to focus on Jesus. Lean into this last message and allow God to speak to you!
In this episode Juan Rios talks about who we are created to be and how it's our job to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all the people we come into contact with. Wanna know how to be intentional in all that you do? Lean and listen to what God wants to speak through you.
Check out this week's message as Pastor Josh talks about how we should be loving people no matter what. How we should be putting ourselves last and others first.
Want to know Lead Pastor Michael's most embarrassing moment? Want to hear advice on how Pastor Michael fixes his focus on Jesus through highs and lows? Check out this episode as we ask Pastor Michael all the questions relating to fixing our focus on Jesus.
This week we started a brand new series called "Fix Your Focus". This week Chayla Huerta gave an amazing message on how we can take our focus off of the things of this world and put them towards heaven and Jesus.
Join Pastor Josh & Miranda Forsberg as they navigate through all the questions this next generation is asking about Relationships.
In this episode of the YTH Podcast we answer all of your questions that you ask regarding relationships. We talk about dating. Setting up healthy boundaries, and how to find someone that points you to Jesus!
Join Pastor Josh and Juan Rios for ep. 10 of the YTH podcast. We're not just talking about the shiny prospect of a "new me"; we're getting real about the gritty work of growth. Our conversation cuts through the clutter of typical resolutions, offering students and young listeners actionable advice on nurturing better habits and making changes that stick. And let's face it, it's the weeds of negative influence that often choke out our potential—we share not only personal stories but also strategies for pruning them away to let our best selves flourish.
Join us in episode 9 of our YTH Podcast as Pastor Josh is joined by Worship Pastor Sam Misigaro. They talk about food, restaurants and the heart of worship and why we worship in a cooperate setting! Lean into this episode as Pastor Sam will encourage you and give you a new perspective on eating out and the reason behind why we worship.
Ever wonder what our Lead Pastor's favorite drink is or what drives him nuts? We've got a lively Q&A session with our lead pastor, where he not only spills the beans on his favorite beverages, but also reveals his proudest moment and biggest pet peeve. It's an unexpected look into his life that might surprise you. Prepare to get to know our pastor on a whole new level.
Navigating life's wilderness seasons can seem like a daunting task, akin to our off-trail hiking adventure in Arizona where the potential of getting lost was always palpable. Yet, like Jesus led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, we too can brave these seasons and find our way through. Join us as we embark on this journey, drawing inspiration, lessons and parallels from the Bible, our own experiences, and our personal relationship with God.Fasting is more than just giving up food or social media, it's about spiritual growth and deepening your connection with God. Inspired by Jesus' 40-day fast. Fasting can be instrumental in spiritual warfare, helping us anticipate and counter the devil's tactics.We also delve into the transformative power of reading the Bible and how it's the perfect antidote to self-doubt. We challenge you to immerse yourself in the Bible for a week and witness the impact it can have on your life. Plus, we'll share a heartfelt prayer for the spiritual growth of youth groups and discuss our excitement for the upcoming Abandoned event. So, prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation that promises to take you on a spiritual journey like no other.
Are you walking the tightrope of faith, proclaiming belief on Sunday but slipping into familiar, comfortable patterns during the week? We dive deep into the journey of Peter, a disciple who found himself in the same predicament, and his eye-opening encounter with Jesus post-resurrection, found in John 21.We begin with Peter's retreat to his comfort zone—fishing—after Jesus' crucifixion. Despite being a professional fisherman, Peter's efforts amount to nothing until Jesus intervenes, resulting in an extraordinary catch of 153 fish. This miraculous event is followed by a breakfast invitation from Jesus Himself—an encounter that brings Peter face-to-face with his Redeemer. The remorse, joy, and subsequent redemption of Peter is a lesson for us all.In the final act of this spiritual saga, we pose the challenge—how authentic is your relationship with Jesus? It's time to step out of our comfort zones and seek a deeper alliance with Jesus, one that extends beyond the Sunday services. Moreover, we urge listeners to let Jesus guide their next steps in their spiritual journey. Whether you're a leader, aspiring to be one, or simply a follower of Jesus seeking a deeper connection, this episode provides valuable insight into living a life true to Him. Tune in and join us as we navigate the treacherous and exhilarating journey of faith.
Ever found yourself dealing with identity loss, drugs or even suicide? We dive into these tough topics head-on, drawing upon our own experiences to offer guidance on maintaining personal standards and boundaries as a means to avoid succumbing to negative influences. This episode conveys heartwarming stories of struggles, resilience, and hope on a journey to integrity.Have you ever considered the influence of your language choices while spreading the gospel, or even when standing before God? In this segment, we spotlight Juan's brilliant 'Green Apple' concept, a tool designed to aid his students in breaking their cursing habits. We ponder the impacts of cursing on language choices and relationships, and how it shapes the way we present ourselves. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the dynamics of consistent faith and lifestyle, the power of habits, and the importance of being at our best in front of God.We emphasize God's forgiveness and redemption, drawing connections with biblical characters who committed mistakes yet were instrumental to God's plans. We urge listeners to approach God just as they are, giving Him the chance to heal and transform them. Moreover, we address the challenges of student ministry and extend our support to those in need, encouraging them to reach out if they need prayer or help with their struggles. Join us in this enlightening voyage and let's navigate these challenges together.
What if the mask you wear every day is preventing you from experiencing the blessings God has you? Tonight, we go deep into the topic of 'Masks' - those false identities we create and hide behind, driven by societal expectations and fear of judgment. We talk about how this fear, the pressure to fit in, and the need to please others can negatively impact our mental health and lead us away from our true selves and from serving God. The truth is, the only opinion that truly matters is God's - human opinions can pull us down, but God's opinion will always elevate us.As we move forward, we bring attention to the journey of finding personal authenticity and self-worth. We examine Galatians 1:10, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and people. So, ask yourself, are your decisions for yourself or for others? Remember, who you are is worth knowing - not just the person you pretend to be. In our concluding segment, we focus on breaking free from being fake. We emphasize how trying to fit in can block us from receiving God's blessings. We encourage you to let go of the masks, discover who God wants you to be and tap into your true potential. Let's pray for the strength to overcome the fear of being our authentic selves and to let go of the need to please others. Emphasizing God's opinion and embracing our authentic selves is the path to true freedom.
Imagine having a heart-to-heart conversation with those you barely know, unraveling your journey of faith and life. Doesn't that sound intriguing? Welcome to a powerful episode where our special guests Cory, Mackenzie, and Derek are ready to do just that. They transport us back to their Sunday school days, their first meeting, and the profound impact of youth service in their lives. Cory paints a vivid picture of his Sunday school experiences, his introduction to the church by a friend.How does one survive an alcoholic and abusive father? Derek takes us through his tumultuous journey, amidst the chaos, he found solace in his grandparents. At a tender age of 13, he veered into paths nobody should, but the rebellious streak in Cory at 18 was a turning point. The duo's journey from rebellion to redemption is a testament to the fact that hope can be found in the most unlikely places.This episode isn't just about heavy narratives. There's a lighter side to it, as we discuss cowboy boots, an amusing allergy incident involving hay. Our guests' stories remind us that God uses our stories to help others. As we delve into their journeys of faith, struggles, redemption, and inspiration to others, the one thing you'll realize is, their path is as unique and so is yours.
Ever wondered how sin can stealthily take the reins of your life and lead you astray from righteousness? We ruminate on this complex issue, sharing our personal battles with sin and the deceptive ease with which it can manipulate our actions. As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we leave you with two challenging questions: what is your sin and where is it leading you? It's time to take back control of your life from sin and find your path back to righteousness.
Struggling to navigate through life's challenges? We've all been there - like Pastor Sam, blindfolded and stumbling through the darkness. In this episode, we unravel the compelling transformation of Saul into Paul. Drawing from Acts 9, 1-9, we illustrate how Saul, a notorious persecutor of Christians, experienced a divine intervention that woke him up to his true calling. We ponder over how God works in mysterious ways, even amidst our distractions and failures.
Who is the biggest bully of all? You might be surprised to find out it's not who you think. Join us as we navigate the treacherous waters of bullying, drawing from deeply personal experiences to explore its effects and get to the heart of why it happens. We firmly believe that bullies might be acting out from a place of personal pain, anger, and distress.We don't just want to talk about the problem, but also the solution. We share how the power of prayer and the act of forgiveness helped manage anger and bring a unique blessing. This isn't a conversation about pointing fingers, but about understanding that hurt from bullying isn't personal and finding ways to assist those who bully. We also discuss the importance of seeking help and finding support if you're caught in the crossfire or if you're the one throwing the punches.We want to invite you to be a part of this conversation and explore the role prayer, forgiveness, and small gestures can play in changing the narrative around bullying. Remember, change begins with understanding, and understanding begins with a conversation.
Ever caught yourself judging others based on outward appearances or erroneous assumptions? We've all been there. It's time to break down this universal habit and explore the possibility of seeing people through God's Eyes.
Remember that time you failed your Spanish class in college? Or that humiliating moment in elementary school when you misspelled a simple word in the spelling bee? Join us as we explore the power of these failures and how they can indeed serve as stepping stones to our growth. We'll unpack our personal histories with failure and provide a fresh perspective on how these experiences shape us for the better. Lastly, we invite you to entertain the compelling idea of "what if". What if we embrace change? What if we open our hearts to Jesus? What if we truly learn from our mistakes and repent? We fervently pray for open hearts and minds as we challenge you to take this moment seriously and consider the possibilities. As we surrender our life to God.
Feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and challenges that come with going back to school? You're not alone. Today's conversation navigates the often turbulent waters of school life, as we highlight the crucial role of leading by example and the influential pull of peer pressure. Juan talks about being a parent fresh from his own experience of guiding a son through high school. Juan and Josh give insight on how a purposeful approach, rooted in Jesus' teachings, can help students enjoy their youth responsibly while maintaining honor and integrity.We also get real about the complexities of maintaining friendships with those who hold different beliefs. We underline the importance of self-judgement, setting boundaries, and the role of accountability systems - all vital tools to avoid compromising our values. This episode also delves into the power of understanding your own identity, your potential impact as a leader, and the pitfalls of leading others down the wrong path. We wrap up with an empowering call to action: the importance of inviting others to church and the transformative impact it can have. With our conversation, we aim to provide the guidance and support needed to navigate these challenges with grace and conviction.
Haunted houses - terrifying or thrilling? When we walk through them, we're confronted with fear and anxiety, but isn't that precisely what we're doing in our daily lives too? Our discussion today unravels the concept of living a 'haunted house lifestyle,' where fear and anxiety control our choices. But here's the good part - just like we know that the scares in a haunted house are mostly predictable, we can also learn to expect the unexpected in our lives, leading to improved emotional stability.Have you ever considered the story of the Samaritan? How it teaches us about selflessness and how focusing on aiding others can help us manage our own struggles? Together, we explore these narratives and their effects on our emotional well-being. We also look closely at the value of self-awareness, and how recognizing our own strengths and weaknesses can lead to acceptance and growth. We wrap up by sharing our experiences in dealing with peer pressure and temptation. We've all made wrong choices, and it's vital to acknowledge and discuss them. Yet, the power lies within making the right decisions. As we surrender our struggles to God.
We are in week 3 of our series In My Feelings. In this message Pastor Josh talks about how your house is valuable and how you need to be careful who you let in and what you let in. Fear, anxiety love to come in but you get to choose if they stay!
Are you ready to unravel some of the most controversial topics in faith communities? Together Juan Rios Jr. and Pastor Josh Forsberg tackling some heavy hitters: premarital sex, pornography, and the society that normalizes these. By pulling from biblical teachings and real-world experiences, we'll dive into why sex has been ordained for a man and woman within the confines of marriage and the spiritual consequences that arise when this sacred act is shared liberally.In a world where pornography can be accessed with just a few taps on a screen, we're facing an epidemic of addiction and distorted sexual perception, particularly among our youth. Juan and Josh will ask the hard questions - what void does pornography fill, and how can we instead forge a deeper relationship with God? We'll also examine the normalization of premarital sex, the pressures young individuals face, and the predatory dangers that lurk behind the screen.But we're not just here to discuss the problems; we want to provide a roadmap for overcoming these challenges. We'll share our insights on how to navigate relationships with self-control, how faith can guide us towards healthier patterns, and how prayer and mindfulness can be potent tools against temptation. We'll discuss how respect for one's self and others can redefine relationships. Join us for an enlightening conversation that aims to inspire, challenge, and ultimately bring us closer to our faith.
We all have our fair shares of ups and downs, but the key is to remember that, much like the changing seasons, these rough patches are never everlasting. It's not easy, but it's important to be honest about our feelings and to keep our faith in Jesus. We invite you to sit in a moment of reflection and prayer. Quiet the noise of your busy life and truly immerse into all that God wants to give you. Open your heart and mind to all that Jesus has to offer.
Ever purchased something on a whim only to regret it later? Ever judged someone without knowing their story? Join us as we journey through our new series, 'In My Feelings', unpacking the emotions that a new school year can stir up. We delve into dealing with change, and the risks of 'following your heart'. Imagine facing a giant, being pushed into corners, feeling alone - sadly, this is the reality for those being bullied. Reflecting on personal experiences, we open up about the dark shadow of bullying and its dire consequences. We underline the urgency of kindness in a world where bullying is rampant, and we discuss the importance of checking our hearts. We challenge the idea of following our own understanding and instead, encourage trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly. We advocate for speaking up against bullying, making it clear that such behavior is unacceptable. Be prepared to reflect, be challenged.
Ever wondered how to hear from God and understand His messages? Ever felt overwhelmed by the mistakes you've made and the need for forgiveness? In our latest conversation with Juan Rios Jr. and Pastor Josh Forsberg, we unravel these mysteries. We talk about how hearing from God is a unique experience for each of us and tackle candid questions from our youth group about the blunders we've made in our spiritual walk. Learning from our missteps and feeling convicted is a potent reminder to seek God's mercy and reinforces the notion that His love is always within reach.Accountability, we believe, holds significant importance in our journey. Join us as we explore this in-depth and discuss the transformative power of forgiveness. We share our insights on how our earthly and heavenly fathers can help guide us towards accountability and discuss the steps we need to take to ensure we don't fall into the same pitfalls again. We stress that no sin is greater than another and encourage using God's word as a guide for our actions.On a quest to hear from the Lord? We share our thoughts on how the practice of journaling and seeking confirmations can bolster your faith and help you navigate life's decisions. We highlight the role accountability plays in aligning our actions with God's will and wrap up our conversation focusing on the intimacy with God. We believe that the Bible, prayer, and everyday life can all serve as channels for hearing His voice.
Ever wondered if God likes cheese? Or what it truly means to commit to a relationship with Jesus? Well, you're in for a treat because we tackle these thought-provoking questions and more in our very first Youth Podcast episode! Join us, Josh Forsberg and Juan Rios Jr, on this exciting journey to provide guidance, wisdom, and spiritual direction for our youth group.We kick off with a hilarious discussion on whether God has a preference for cheese and then shift gears to delve into the deeper topic of the unending love of God. Discover how God's love differs from human love, and why it's essential to fully commit to a relationship with Jesus beyond just praying the salvation prayer. We also emphasize the importance of reading the Bible and applying it to our lives, making it a blueprint for living life to the fullest. Don't miss this engaging conversation, and remember to send us your questions via Instagram @Riverside_Youth, so we can continue providing our youth with the guidance they need.
In this episode Pastor Josh & Miranda Forsberg and Taylor Buhs answer your questions related to dating. Can people date at any age? Are sneaky links bad? How do you have difficult conversations with the person you are dating? What should I look for in a partner? What are some red flags in a relationship?
In this episode Pastor Josh & Miranda Forsberg and Taylor Buhs answer your questions related to sex. Should I desire sex before marriage? Why is it a bad thing to have sex before marriage?