Riverbluff Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Riverbluff Church
Riverbluff is a Disciple-Making church with a strong heart to see every man, woman, and child is given repeated opportunities to see, hear, and respond to the Gospel of Jesus where they live, work, and play.
The Gospel is the greatest news the world has ever known—but for many Christians, sharing that message with others can feel intimidating or overwhelming. We certainly have found this to be the case within DRIVEN.In this message, I want to share with you a journey that the Lord has taken the DRIVEN family on over the past 7 months or so and highlight a number of ways that He has been moving in and through our Students. Some of our students will be sharing about their most recent experiences at FUGE!We will explore what Scripture teaches about why every believer is called to share the Good News of Jesus and discover practical, everyday ways to live out that calling with confidence and compassion. Whether you’ve shared your faith many times or aren’t sure where to begin, this message will encourage and equip you to let your faith speak.I hope you’ll make plans to join me as we learn how God can use ordinary people to share His extraordinary message of hope.Garrett WalkerDirector of DRIVEN Student Ministry_______________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
New Testaments, GOD’s Word calls GOD’s people to bless the place where HE has planted us. This Sunday, we’ll think deeply and practically about what it could look like if we’d focus one month on serving our city.Pastor Joe Still_______________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
My Father is always at His work…”. This reminds me that GOD is always moving in HIS Church, and what I need, are the “spiritual eyes” and the biblical foundation to see it happening!Join me as we look to GOD’s Word and allow HIM to point us to how and where HE is moving in HIS Church known as Riverbluff!Pastor Joe Still_______________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
I imagine many of you have already begun your INDEPENDENCE DAY celebration. Over on our side of town, folks began shooting fireworks at the beginning of this week!Over these last 250 years, GOD has richly blessed these United States of America. When it comes to this nation, “GOD shed His grace on thee,” as boldly proclaimed in the song AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, is an understatement!One of the ways GOD has blessed this nation is by giving us many great leaders at just the right time when they were most needed. The year I was born, John F. Kennedy stepped into the office of President. One of the most important and often quoted statements he made was from his Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961. Near the conclusion of that speech he said: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.” Rather than acting as passive recipients of government benefits, or harsh critics, he challenged ordinary Americans to commit themselves to the success and progress of the nation. It was not a completely original concept.Thousands of years earlier GOD gave that command to HIS people. It is recorded in Jeremiah chapter 29. I’m praying you’ll join us as we give thanks to GOD for HIS blessing on our nation and humbly ask HIM for more. We’ll also look to HIS word to discover the role HE has assigned if we truly want to see HIS future blessings come on our nation!Pastor Joe Still
What a truly wonderful week the LORD gave us at VBS!GOD’S protection over technology and our facilities, (especially HVAC), has been seen by all of us who are “VBS Veterans” here at Riverbluff.More importantly GOD is doing a great work in the lives of so many kids, (and some of their parents). It is so beautiful to see!This Sunday we’ll celebrate that work of GOD and our children will be leading out in a variety of ways this Sunday, leading some of our worship, leading our prayers, and giving testimony to JESUS’ goodness and greatness!You don’t want to miss this!Pastor Joe Still
Freedom has been an illusive longing in the hearts and minds of humanity since we were created and placed in the Garden of GOD, where we quickly chose enslavement to sin! (see Genesis 3)I write this on a national holiday commemorating the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and ensure that all remaining enslaved people were freed. It is a celebration of freedom, marking the end of that heinous practice of legalized human enslavement in this country.We live in a nation that I believe, comparatively speaking, has been appropriately nicknamed “the land of the free”. And we get to celebrate our nation’s birth in just a few weeks. But we don’t have to wait until then to celebrate “freedom”. In fact, every Sunday as we gather, we celebrate the freedom from sin that our Good, Good FATHER gave to us in JESUS!As we gather this Sunday to celebrate GOD as our FATHER, we will also take some moments, on FATHER’S DAY, to honor our earthly fathers, just as GOD commanded us to do. (see the 5th of the 10 Commandments)And since many fathers love “football” in one form or another, we have the Head Football Coach of Fort Dorchester High School joining us this Sunday to talk about the rare and precious gospel partnership GOD has given us. So, I hope you are making plans to join us as we worship THE MOST INCREDIBLE FATHER EVER!Pastor Joe Still
If someone only did a shallow, superficial reading of the first four books of the New Testament, (the Gospels), they would certainly walk away knowing that Jesus did not come to earth looking for perfect people. The lives of those closest to Jesus during His earthly ministry, were pretty much all “hot messes”!When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to Christians in the city of Corinth, he resolutely and tenaciously pointed out this reality in their lives too!“Brothers and sisters, consider what you were when God called you to be Christians. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view. You were not in powerful positions or in the upper social classes. But God chose what the world considers nonsense to put wise people to shame. God chose what the world considers weak to put what is strong to shame. God chose what the world considers ordinary and what it despises—what it considers to be nothing—in order to destroy what it considers to be something… You are partners with Christ Jesus because of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:26–31 (GW)“Don’t you know that wicked people won’t inherit God’s kingdom? Stop deceiving yourselves! People who continue to commit sexual sins, who worship false gods, those who commit adultery, homosexuals, or thieves, those who are greedy or drunk, who use abusive language, or who rob people will not inherit God’s kingdom. That’s what some of you were!” 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 (GW)Hebrews 13:8 declares that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” This means He is still seeking imperfect people!Join us as we explore why an “unwritten rule” at Riverbluff is “NO PERFECT PEOPLE ALLOWED”!Pastor Joe Still____________________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
How to Let God Fight for You - part 2In John 5:17, JESUS said, “My Father never stops working, and so I keep working, too.” In HIS great grace, our GOD has invited us to join HIM where HE is working in our city and in places around the world. We are going to take some moments this Sunday to celebrate just a few of the places HE is moving and the joy we receive when we join HIM!I sure hope you’re making plans to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live as we celebrate and thank GOD for the joy HE brings!We’re also going to finish the message I began last Sunday, learning from the life of Joshua, HOW TO LET OUR GOD FIGHT FOR YOU!Pastor Joe Still____________________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
This Sunday when we gather, we have the great privilege to celebrate with a special group of people in our River-family, they are our recent Graduates. Some earned their high school diplomas, several earned a bachelor’s degree, one earned their Ph.D.!While all these Grads have completed a great challenge, each of them will now step into a new arena where they will face new opponents and battles. That is also true for you!We all are constantly moving from one arena to another where we face new battles and new opponents. That movement is called life!You may be about to enter the arena of college, or the arena of the workplace, or marriage, or parenting, or retirement. Some have entered the arena of battling financial crisis, or job loss, or the arena of chronic illness or debilitating disease. No matter your current arena or the opponent you are facing, GOD has promised His people that HE desires to fight for them if they will let Him!I’m praying you’ll join us as we learn from the life and leadership of a man named Joshua, HOW TO LET GOD FIGHT FOR YOU in the arena you are battling through in this season of life!Pastor Joe Still
This weekend is designated by our nation as Memorial Day Weekend. For many it marks the beginning of Summer and is often celebrated with camping, cookouts, and beach trips. It’s origin is much more somber and serious in nature.While established as a federal holiday in 1971, Americans began to recognize Memorial Day in 1868. Originally known as “Decoration Day” the holiday started with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who died during military service. We will take some moments in our services this Sunday, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we might freely worship and we will pray for our nations “Gold Star Families”.While this weekend is important to Americans for the reasons mentioned above, this weekend is also celebrated by the Church around the world. This Sunday, PENTECOST SUNDAY, marks the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT, 50 days after JESUS’ resurrection!We will celebrate the HOLY SPIRIT’S outpouring and HIS continual work and presence with us. We will also look to GOD’s Word and see HIS purpose, that the HOLY SPIRIT would be an active in “All of Life”, for those who follow JESUS.I will also interview our own Cindy Schirle! She will share her journey of following the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT in “All of Life”, especially into the workplace. I’m praying you’ll make plans now to join us as we celebrate with brothers and sisters around the world the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT and HIS work today in HIS people!Pastor Joe Still____________________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
On May 14, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Benin, Indonesia, Madagascar, Namibia, Vanuatu, and a few other countries celebrated a National Holiday, complete with the closing of schools, banks, and government offices. In Germany, the holiday is called “Christi Himmelfahrt”, which likely brings a smile to us English speakers!“Christi Himmelfahrt” literally means “Christ’s Heavenly Journey” and is a celebration of the day JESUS Ascended back to heaven, 40 days after His resurrection. Like Christmas, in most places, it has been highly secularized, often losing any real connection to the earthly life and ministry of JESUS.Learning this, raised a question for me. “Why don’t we celebrate it?” The Ascension of JESUS back to heaven brought many incredible, tangible blessings to our lives. In fact, after some intense study, I would say that it rivals Christmas Day in the number and power of the blessings it provides us!I’m praying you’ll make plans now to join us for this message, as we celebrate all JESUS has done for us in HIS return to heaven!Pastor Joe Still
4)Proverbs 31:28 tells us something incredible about Godly Mothers. It says, “Her children stand and bless her.” The verses just before, tell us why that would happen: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.” (Proverbs 31:25-27) This is not just some “honorable mention” thrown into the Bible. These words declare the importance that GOD places on the role of a mother. The ways they influence our lives will never be overstated! Mother’s Day is a time to honor our birth moms as well as those “spiritual moms” GOD placed along the way in our lives. We will take time in this service to do just that!As he always does, Satan seeks to distort and destroy the Truth of GOD and the beautiful Works of GOD, and he comes after moms through very masked and malevolent methods. But, defying Satan’s best “mom-destroying-schemes” stands GOD’s Good News for moms!Join me to hear about GOD’s Good News for Moms!Pastor Joe Still____________________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
Why pray?In this message, Pastor Dean Infinger looks at the true purpose of prayer: a tool not for getting what we want, but for wanting what God wants. Join us as we discuss how a posture of 'Thy Will Be Done' transforms our anxiety into peace and our efforts into impact. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your connection with the Father!
Years ago, while attending a Celebrate Recovery Training, I remember hearing the speaker say: “The JESUS of the Bible is in the RECLAIMING, RECOVERING, REDEEMING, REPOSSESSING, RESTORING, business!” And to that I remember saying, “AMEN”!I don’t know of a personal encounter in the Bible that better demonstrates this truth about JESUS, than John 21:15-25. JESUS takes a brief walk with the Apostle Peter and redeems Peter’s greatest failure.Join me as we experience together the reclaiming, recovering, redeeming, repossessing, restoring work of JESUS in our church and in our lives!Pastor Joe Still
. Inferring that Thomas’ mindset was, “yeah, you got to show me before I'll believe anything.” Others have called Thomas the patron saint of skeptics. I heard one pastor who asked, “If we made the apostles into Winnie the Pooh characters who would they be?” Then he suggested that Peter would be Tigger and Thomas would be Eeyore the Donkey, the ultimate pessimistic doubter!Could it be that we are assuming things about the Apostle Thomas that aren’t necessarily true? Could it be that he, and one event from his life, could be terribly misunderstood?Join us for this message, as we look at the unique encounter Thomas had with Jesus one week after the Resurrection and learn how any doubts we have, could be FOREVER CHANGED into deep faith!Pastor Joe Still____________________________________Connect with us: Website: http://www.riverbluff.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverbluffChurch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverbluffchs/How can we pray for you? http://www.riverbluff.org/help/prayer-request Give to the Kingdom work of Riverbluff Church: http://www.riverbluff.org/give
In this message, Dr. Curt Bradford continues our series on lives that were forever changed by their encounter with Jesus. This week, we will look at the disciples who encountered the risen Savior on the road to Emmaus. This story beautifully illustrates the importance of biblical community and discipleship; just as those disciples walked and processed the scriptures together, we are called to grow in faith alongside one another.Join us as we explore how these shared encounters with Christ continue to transform our lives today.
'Father into Thy hands I commit My Spirit!’ And having said this He breathed His last.” (Luke 23:46). For JESUS that ended a day of torture that began in the early morning hours, first at the hands of the High Priest and Sanhedrin. Then mercilessly scourged by Roman Lictors. All of that before enduring the brutality of the Cross beginning at 9AM that same morning.I remind us of all of this, because it dynamically magnifies what I’m about to say next. That is not the end of the story!Yes! Jesus died on that Cross.Yes! Jesus was then buried in a borrowed tomb.But 3 days later HE got up out of that grave! Thank GOD for the greatest event in human history, the Resurrection of HIS Son, JESUS CHRIST!In this message, we'll CELEBRATE HIS RESURRECTION! I believe the LORD has given me a clear presentation of the Gospel to bring and by HIS Grace, that’s what I plan to do!I can’t wait to celebrate with you!Pastor Joe Still
Maundy Thursday - This service is a meaningful and sobering prelude to the Easter weekend, commonly called Maundy Thursday. It is solemn and focuses on Jesus’ last supper with His disciples and His subsequent arrest, rejection, and death. It’s a truly different kind of worship experience that allows us to live out the teaching that Jesus gave His followers to “remember”. This service encourages us to celebrate the Resurrection with greater joy and deeper thankfulness!
Have you ever participated in, or seen “in-person”, a Donkey Basketball game?When I was in High School, I watched members from that year’s Senior Class compete against some specially selected teachers, in a game of Donkey Basketball. It is a “real thing”!While the rules of regular Basketball get slightly altered, the biggest difference is, you ride on the back of a donkey, (that is if you can stay on) and you must be on your donkey to score a basket. It was quite hilarious.While attending that game didn’t have a life changing impact on me, there was a day when a “Donkey Ride” FOREVER CHANGED the lives of all who witnessed it!Join me as we explore the lives of those FOREVER CHANGED by a “Donkey Ride”, and see how it just might FOREVER CHANGE you!Pastor Joe Still
see it”, would bring people great joy. First time viewers, would usually have others crowd around them, offering unhelpful, often contradictory tips like, “cross your eyes”, “squint”, “try relaxing”!But many people were just Magic Eye blind and could never see the 3D shapes!As frustrating as that might have been to some, try imagining what it would be like to be born blind, having never seen anything, and then have someone say and do the right thing to give you the ability to see. It would be spectacular!When JESUS walked among us, “giving sight” to those who were blind, was His most frequently recorded miracle. He loved to do it. He loved giving sight to the physically blind and the spiritually blind. I believe HIS most overlooked, yet frequent miracle in our day, is still “giving sight to the blind”!I’m praying you’ll join me, as we look to JESUS to restore our sight!Pastor Joe Still
Other than being a bit cooler this morning than most mornings this week, it is obvious that Spring has sprung! One way I know this for certain is that each morning when I walk outside, what was formerly my black truck, is now my yellow truck! (Thanks pollen…)All of this also means that the greatest celebration of our faith is only weeks away. Resurrection Sunday is just around the corner!Spring’s arrival also means a flurry of other activities that easily distract us from receiving all the Grace that GOD wants to give us as we lead up to and walk through “Holy Week”. For example, this year in our area, “Spring Break” for public schools coincides with “Holy Week” and many families will take this opportunity for a vacation. Yes, that can be a good thing, but don’t let it cause you to miss something better. Don’t let it cause you to miss a work of GOD in you! If you do take a quick family vacation, be sure to find a church nearby that can still help you walk with JESUS through “Holy Week”!Leading up to “Holy Week”, many Christ followers around the world practice a 40-day spiritual focus called Lent, to prepare their hearts and minds to receive all that GOD has for them as the celebration of JESUS’ Resurrection arrives. Some fast from food or media to sharpen their spiritual senses. Others devote themselves a little deeper to GOD’s Word and JESUS’ journey to death on the Cross and then HIS exit from the tomb 3 days later.To help us all on that journey, this Sunday we’ll begin our Easter Sermon Series entitled “FOREVER CHANGED”. We’ll take these next several weeks leading up to and on through “Holy Week” and explore some one-on-one encounters that Jesus had with different people from all different walks of life. This Sunday, we’ll see JESUS’ encounter with a religiously devout man, who’s life was forever changed in those moments.I hope you’ll walk it with us!Pastor Joe Still
One of the many things I love about GOD’s Word, is that it doesn’t attempt to cleanup or cover up the sin and brokenness of the heroes of our faith. In fact, most often it showcases their human frailty as they made their way through the brokenness of this world.One of the greatest chapters on faith in the Bible is Hebrews chapter 11. Many refer to it as the “Hall of Fame of Our Faith.” As I read through that chapter this week, I was struck by how many of the heroes of our faith had to face war in their lifetime. Most had to be active participants, taking up arms themselves.If most of the heroes of our faith had to face war, we can be sure we will as well. And with GOD’s Word as our foundation and guide, we too can walk through times of war as people of great faith.I pray you’ll join me as we look to GOD for HIS guidance on how to live for HIM in the face of war.Pastor Joe Still
Discover how living generously transforms our perspective, our community, and our relationship with the ultimate Giver.
, we as GOD’s people, need to keep the unique vision and mission HE has given us at Riverbluff continually before us. We need to challenge one another with it, and we need to use it as a standard by which all of our ministries constantly recalibrate.I hope you'll make plans now to join us for this message as we press deeper into GOD’s call for us to be HIS Church together!Pastor Joe Still
Many of you reading this will know that I consider myself a decent “DIY-er”. When I’m at the end of a project and think I’m done, I’ll take a step back to check-out my work. Then I’ll invite Kathy to share her thoughts. From time-to-time Kathy helps me see how I could add one more thing that would really finish off the project well, making it even better!Sometimes walking verse-by-verse through a book of the Bible, like we’ve been doing in Jonah, can be just a little bit like that. The difference is, in this, GOD calls me back to something I thought I had completed. HE shows me something I missed that would truly complete the immersion in that part of HIS Holy Word.HE did that this past week!So, there is one more message from the book of Jonah that I believe the LORD is calling me to bring. Consider this a personal invitation from me to explore one of the greatest culture-healing lessons we can learn from the book of Jonah!Pastor Joe Still
Have you ever watched a movie or been devoted to watching a TV series, and it ended with no resolve? Or the ending just made absolutely no sense? You get to the end of it, and you're like, wait, wait, wait, I paid attention all the way through. I watched the entire season. And we get to the end, and it ends like that? You get to the end and still have so many questions. “Did they get back together?” “Did the good guy live?” “Did the bad guy die?” (Because if you haven't noticed, sometimes they look dead, but they're not really dead!)Are you like me, and you just hate it when something ends like that and there is no “real” resolution?If that’s you, I’ve got some bad news for you. You’re probably not going to be real happy with Jonah chapter 4, because this has the weirdest cliffhanger ending you've ever seen!In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to lament together the abrupt ending of Jonah’s story, but learn something rich and “life-giving” about our GOD.
While it’s easy for passing storms to significantly interrupt and even radically change our lives, it is comforting and encouraging to know that JESUS, who the bible calls “the Author of life” (Acts 3:15) and the “Giver of life” (Acts 17:25) loves life! The whole of scripture tells us that our GOD is “Pro-Life” and celebrates every life!This characteristic of our GOD shows up in a powerful way in the very last verse of the last chapter of the book of Jonah that we have been studying. In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to celebrate life and our “Life-Giving GOD”!It’s gonna be a great day to “be in the River”!Pastor Joe Still
From 2007-2014 the FOX Network ran a reality television series entitled KITCHEN NIGHTMARES. It starred Chef Gordon Ramsay, who is invited by the owners of a failing restaurant to come and spend a week with them, in an attempt to revive the business.Typically, the owner thinks the problem is something like, “their sign isn't bright enough” or “the people in the community just don't know good food when they see it”, or “the servers aren't quite up to snuff”. Typically, the owner believes it’s always someone else who is at fault. But as Chef Ramsay comes in and sees what's really going on, its usually two issues. Number one, it's the owner. And number two, it's the food!Often there are gross moments as Chef Ramsay looks in the freezer and in the refrigerator and discovers maggots or some other off-putting things such as that. Other times they're using a microwave to warm up frozen food, and it's just an absolute disaster. But the shocking point in almost every single episode, there's this moment where the owner and operator is staring reality in the face and they are unwilling to accept it. They're confronted with everything that they're doing wrong and they either cannot or will not see it. And the audience is left thinking, “I'm sure if I were running that restaurant, I would be different!”But the truth of the matter is, that kind of change is hard for all of us, because on some level, it means that we must admit, (drum roll please) that we’re the biggest part of the problem. And that's really, really, hard. It's easier to live in denial than it is to admit that we were wrong about something. And that's why what happens in the city of Nineveh, in JONAH CHAPTER THREE, is so absolutely shocking. Not only is it shocking, it’s miraculous!Why don’t you make plans now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we continue to follow Jonah, and see how the work of OUR RELENTLESS 2ND CHANCE GOD can radically transform a culture, one life at a time!Pastor Joe Still
Have you ever felt a little panicked during a crisis you created? I know I have, and I imagine most of us have. If you have, it means you have something in common with the Prophet Jonah!Last week, while reflecting on Jonah chapter one together, we followed Jonah into a crisis he created when he said “no” to GOD, and in a moment of rebellion did the exact opposite of what the LORD had called him to do. We left Jonah sinking into the depths of the sea just before he was swallowed alive and found himself in the “belly” of a “GOD appointed great fish”! (see Jonah 1:17)It is in that moment that we see the “Panicked Prayer of a Prophet”!Though I am not panicking, I am praying that you will watch or listen, as we continue to follow Jonah, learning how a RELENTLESS GOD relates to Reluctant People!Pastor Joe Still
HAPPY NEW YEAR!I pray that your 2026 has gotten off to a great start and that throughout this New Year, we will all grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our LORD JESUS!When we know JESUS and His grace, we know HE is gracious to always give us a “do-over”, a “Fresh-Start”. But what if our reluctance is what hinders our own “Fresh-Start” in this New Year?The book of JONAH answers that question!I’m praying you’ll make plans right now to join us every Sunday in the first month of this New Year and learn from JONAH that even in our greatest reluctance, GOD is relentless to give us a “Fresh-Start” in the most unexpected ways!Pastor Joe Still
In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues our Christmas teaching series titled CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and we'll hear from several “Riverbluffians” how they are seeing the LIGHT of CHRIST burning bright around them. It will be a great time together closing out 2025 and readying our hearts to step into all that GOD has for us in the new year!
In this message, Pastor Dean Infinger unravels the incredible journey of the Magi—the mysterious wise men who traveled great distances, navigated a treacherous political landscape under King Herod, and followed a single star to worship the newborn King. Discover the courage, faith, and transformative sacrifice of these seekers, and learn how their quest for truth holds powerful lessons for your own journey today.
During this message, Pastor Joe Still lights the “Pink Candle” of Advent representing JOY as we also peer deeply into the lives of those whom GOD chose to be the first to personally meet His Son. Advent invites us to wait with expectation, but it also invites us to rejoice! Few scenes capture this joyful wonder better than the shepherds in Luke 2:8–18. These ordinary, overlooked workers on a hillside become the first to hear heaven’s announcement of Christ’s birth. Their response reveals what true Advent joy looks like.Luke tells us the shepherds were “living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night”—doing their routine work, in the quiet darkness. Into that darkness bursts the glory of the Lord and the voice of an angel proclaiming “good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Advent joy begins not with our effort but with God’s initiative. Joy breaks in as God reveals Himself, even in the ordinary places of life.The angel’s message is specific and personal: “Unto you is born this day… a Savior.” Advent joy is rooted in the reality that God’s salvation is not distant or theoretical. It is for you. The shepherds didn’t have to climb up to heaven; heaven came to them in the form of a baby, JESUS!
Every Christmas we celebrate the coming of” the Light” into the world—candles glow, streets shine, and hearts lift with hope. Yet long before shepherds stood under Bethlehem’s dark sky, the promise of that “Light” was already spoken. Isaiah 9:2 declares, “The people who walk in darkness shall see a great Light—a Light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death.” This ancient prophecy forms one of the clearest bridges between the Old Testament and the Christmas story.Isaiah first spoke these words into a world marked by political fear, military threat, and spiritual confusion. Israel was surrounded by powerful enemies, its future uncertain, and its faith often fragile. Darkness, in every sense, defined their experience. Yet into that bleak reality God promised “Light” —not merely survival, but renewal; not just relief, but redemption. The people walking in despair would not be left there. God Himself would act!Centuries later, Matthew’s Gospel explicitly connects this prophecy to the birth and early ministry of Jesus. Matthew writes that this happened “to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah” (Matthew 4:14–16). In other words, Christmas is not an isolated miracle; it is the long-anticipated fulfillment of God’s promise to bring “Light” to a darkened world.Christmas celebrates the moment when that promised “Light” took on flesh. The baby in the manger was not simply a symbol of hope; He was hope embodied. The “Light” Isaiah foretold was not an idea or a political reform, but a Person. Jesus steps into human darkness—sin, fear, suffering, and death—and illuminates a new way forward. His birth declares that darkness does not have the final word.I’m praying that you’re making plans now to join us every Sunday in the month of December for our Christmas Teaching Series: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. I’m also praying that the “Light” of our LORD JESUS will bring brightness and healing into your life this Christmas, and I’m hopeful you’ll be inviting folks to join you as we gather every Sunday this month and celebrate the Birth of KING JESUS, the “Light” of the World!Pastor Joe Still
This Sunday is the first day of the week that contains the national day designated by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President of these United States, as the day of THANKSGIVING. At Riverbluff, on the Sunday before THANKSGIVING, we traditionally take the day to align our hearts and calibrate our minds on all that we have for which we can be thankful. This Sunday, we will do that, but with a bit of a twist!This Sunday, we will continue in our Teaching Series, “UNEXPECTED”, as we explore another of JESUS’ Parables. The title of this week’s message is “THE WORST THANKS-GIVING…EVER!”In this message, Pastor Joe Still teaches how JESUS shows us how to break the grip of false gratitude and step into Kingdom Thankfulness.
Talents”, and we’ll explore its poignant message this Sunday. In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to discover together how to “Maximize our Lives” the JESUS Way!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues to teach from the Parables of JESUS - something UNEXPECTED about the Kingdom of GOD. This week JESUS reveals something to us about Kingdom Prayer in Luke 18:1-8!
In this message, Dr. Curt Bradford will continue teaching in our series, UNEXPECTED The Parables of Jesus.Curt was Lead Pastor at Riverbluff from 1988-2014. The LORD has multiplied Curt’s mentoring ministry, as he now mentors pastors all around our state. He is currently serving as Point Leader for the Steward Team of the Charleston Baptist Association. Joyfully welcome Curt back to his teaching role with us!Curt will explore the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price and the Parable of the Hidden Treasure, found in Matthew 13:44-45.
This week we have been witnesses to what feels like the miraculous return of 20 living Israeli hostages, along with the bodies of several who died in captivity, and additionally, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees returned to Gaza and the West Bank. I’m not sure many of us thought we’d see this day of freedom come to so many in this war-torn part of our world.The peace and freedom that we are witnessing are both very fragile in these moments, so please continue to follow the Biblical imperative to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. It will only be in peace that all involved might experience freedom.Ultimate freedom is only found in this life, through our Lord Jesus and in His teachings found in the Gospels. This Sunday we continue our journey through the Parables of Jesus as Garrett Walker leads us to explore the Parable of Two Sons found in Luke 15. Both sons have their struggles in life, but only one will walk in freedom, which one may surprise you. I’m sure it shocked those who originally heard Jesus speak those famous words!I can’t wait to hear Garrett open the Word of GOD that can lead us to full and eternal freedom!Pastor Joe Still
the Weeds, recorded in Matthew 13. He points us to GOD’s Sovereignty as HE reveals something of how to live now, in the Kingdom of GOD!In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to JESUS and His teaching, on how we can face our greatest enemy of evil, with the Sovereignty of our GOD
"Avoid Becoming an Unintentional Pharisee"JESUS was genius in His teaching! Matthew 7:28-29 describes how his hearers experienced His teaching: “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one who had authority…”As JESUS’ teaching ministry expanded, He made the decision to frequently use parables as a primary teaching method as Mark 4:1-2 tells us: “AGAIN JESUS began to teach beside the lake. And a very great crowd gathered about Him…And He taught them many things in parables…” His parables focused on the Kingdom of GOD and often employed a very UNEXPECTED twist to awaken the hearts and minds of His hearers so they would draw nearer to Him and His kingdom work.This series of messages is entitled UNEXPECTED. We’ll explore many of the parables JESUS taught.Why don’t you plan now to join us on Sundays at one of our services at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live for each message in this series? I am praying that something UNEXPECTED will happen in our lives and in our church that will bring much glory to GOD and release even more of His kingdom goodness on us, and through us, into our city.Pastor Joe Still
Along with many others in our nation and around the world, I continue to believe that GOD is pouring out HIS Spirit in a powerful way, in our day!Many of you have prayed for such a movement of GOD. Now I am convinced our prayer should be “LORD DON’T PASS US BY”. Two weeks ago, we explored that topic and looked at steps we could take to not be passed by. Last Sunday we looked at a clear pathway to walk out individually so that we are not passed by as the LORD moves powerfully around us.In this message, Pastor Joe Still explores the great prayer of JESUS in John 17. In our LORD’s Prayer, He reveals what could exist in a church that could cause it to completely miss out on a great movement of GOD that might be happening all around it.
While much has been said this week about the political assassination of Charlie Kirk and its potential to catalyze a movement of young Christian conservatives, JESUS tells us no true, lasting change will come to us or to our nation, until Biblical REPENTANCE and FAITH comes!Last Sunday, we focused on a warning, that if we are not mindful and responsive, GOD’s Kingdom, that is all around us, could just pass us by. This Sunday, we explore a proven pathway that can lead us to experience CONTINUOUS KINGDOM BREAKTHROUGH.In this message, Pastor Joe Still lead us to walk that pathway together.
What can we do when so much in our culture is rapidly disintegrating around us?The writer of Psalm 46 faced such times, stating: “earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea… nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble”But then the Psalmist reminds us: “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord…”As did the Psalmist we can turn to GOD!When JESUS walked among us, He called all who would be His disciples to, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…” Matthew 6:33 (NLT)In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to explore together how to follow this great challenge from our Lord. Don’t let GOD’s Kingdom pass you by!
On the opening pages of the Bible, GOD unfolds HIS Blueprint for the best way Human Beings, the crown of HIS creation, can flourish. We call that Blueprint, “The Family”!This Sunday we close out our Summer Teaching Series ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE, examining our FATHER’s meticulously detailed plans for “The Family”.In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to celebrate and recommit ourselves to GOD’S good plan for the foundation on which every other human institution can be strengthened.
I love what J. I. Packer, author of that great book KNOWING GOD once said of theology: "Theology is for doxology and devotion—that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness... Theology is at its healthiest when it is consciously under the eye of God of whom it speaks, and when it is singing to his glory." Dr. Packer taught that theology that didn’t lead us to passionate worship of GOD and deeper devotion to GOD, was ultimately a worthless endeavor.As we continue our study of the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE, my prayer continues to be that it will lead us to passionate worship of our good, good, GOD, and an ever-growing devotion to HIM. This week we will conclude our study of the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT SALVATION and connect it to our ESSENTIAL BELIEFS ABOUT BAPTISM. We will also get to celebrate with one of our students who is following JESUS into baptism.Pastor Joe Still
As of August 14, the death toll stands at 141 from the tragic flooding that took place a month ago in Texas, as the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks. Additionally, 165 people are still reported missing.Once caught in the rapid moving flood waters, victims could not save themselves. They couldn't even call out for help as they struggled to breathe. Their only hope was for someone else on the outside to see their plight and send for help. Any that were saved from the swift water, were saved by the heroic efforts of others.The massive devastation caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River is a picture of the spiritual need of all mankind. Without GOD, we are all headed for certain disaster. We cannot save ourselves, no matter how great our desire or effort; but the good news is, GOD sees our need and HE has sent a Rescuer, One who saves!In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues our Summer Series: ESSENTIAL WE BELIEVE and we turn our attention to GOD’s Great Salvation.
Eighty years ago, this past Wednesday, was the anniversary of the only time nuclear bombs have ever been used in war. And while opinions continue to be sharply divided over whether President Harry Truman’s decision to use nuclear weapons was justified, the human tragedy and global “nuclear fear” accompanying that decision, is not debated by anyone. All of this is but one symptom and manifestation of what we examine this Sunday, as we finish our study on ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS.We said, two weeks ago in Part 1, that GOD’S “Image Bearers” have all been MARRED BY SIN. But that’s not the end of the story! GOD had a plan to redeem and restore the brokenness in HIS beloved “Image Bearers” that is central to fully understanding this essential belief.In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to see GOD’s restoration plan unfold and find the pathway to get in on that plan in the here and now.
The LORD has given us a special opportunity to welcome Pastor & Evangelist, Dr. Frank Reynoso to open GOD’s Word to us!Frank has been involved in ministry for over 30 years. After growing up in the Bronx and living a life of gangs, drugs and crime, Reynoso relocated to Orlando, FL where he accepted Christ in 1992, shortly after began a street ministry in Orlando’s inner city called Answer to Life Ministries. He then co-founded Choice Ministries, a jail ministry where he served as the chaplain for the Orlando County Juvenile Detention Center and directed multiple juvenile delinquent programs for years, including nine years as FCA’s Central Florida’s Urban Director.In September 2015, he was named Regional Inner City Coordinator where he lead responsibilities in New York City’s five boroughs. He also has pioneered the planting of 4 Churches, was President of House of Hope (residential program) and Director of Last Wave Club, a community center. While serving as the Youth Pastor at Shining Light Bible Church he was commissioned as an ordained minister.Frank and his wife, Agnes, have a daughter and reside in Orlando, Florida. Frank is a lover of all sports and a good story, he typically reads a book a week and enjoys watching movies and attending the theatre.
Stating “What’s the point…”, Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 golfer, recently sparked discussions by openly grappling with existential questions about the meaning and purpose of his career and life!Psalm 144:3 poses a provocative question that we should all ponder deeply: “O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?” Psalm 144:3 (NLT)This question and its answer is central to orthodox Christian doctrine. The reformers tried to narrow it down to a single sentence answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism. They stated that: “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” In our day, when what it means to truly be human is under attack from so many cultural forces, it is more important than ever for every follower of JESUS to have Biblical clarity on the answer to this questionIn this message, Pastor Joe Still continues our Summer teaching series: ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE, as we dive into answering this culturally relevant question.
One of the reasons I’m a Christian is because the Christian worldview clearly describes reality. It is not hard to see the impact of sin and evil on the world—injustice, war, oppression, racism, hatred, violence, abuse, rape, murder, addiction, selfishness, and every evil known to humanity. The Bible points out all of this, explaining the cause and proclaiming the only solution!While it is very easy to compare ourselves to people worse than us and think we are doing well, the reality is that it isn’t just the world that has been impacted by sin and evil; you and I have sinned too. I have said careless words that have hurt those I love. At times I have been selfish, insensitive, inconsiderate, proud, rude, and hurtful. I have violated the most foundational command of JESUS, His command to love, and the Bible, as GOD’s written Word, shines a clear light on this as our reality.I love the written Word of GOD because JESUS did. I trust the written Word of GOD because JESUS did, but I also trust it because it absolutely describes reality and the human condition better than any other document!In this message, we’ll conclude our 3-week mini-series on the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT THE BIBLE. I’m praying you’ll join us.Pastor Joe Still
Most of us, when walking into a dark room, immediately begin to run our hand along the wall in search of the light switch. We do this to illuminate the room we’re entering because we don’t want to crash into furniture and break a precious little toe, or something worse!Often, when characters in cartoons get an idea, a little light bulb appears above their heads. This is an indication that they’ve had an illuminating thought, shedding light on their circumstances!You and I are meant to have this kind of experience with God’s Word. God wants to illuminate His Word for us so we’ll know what the Bible means and how its truth fits into our lives. He wants to show us the light switch. He wants us to experience that “ding” of the light coming on as we see a verse in a way we’ve never seen it before.Through this message, I’m praying we all experience some illumination from God, as we gather around His Holy Word to worship HimPastor Joe Still
We are blessed to celebrate the 249th anniversary of our nation’s independence. It began at the signing of that great document known as our Declaration of Independence, signed in Philadelphia, PA, on July 4, 1776. A short 12 years later, on June 21, 1788, another great document was ratified by the 13 original colonies (now states) and the “Constitution” became the official framework of the government of the United States of America. The U.S. Constitution makes the United States a constitutional federal republic. It is a very special form of government, with ultimate authority resting in a written document. It is considered to be the ultimate authority for all laws governing our nation.We as GOD’s people, are also fortunate to have another written document, given to us by GOD Himself, that is to serve as the ultimate source of authority in all aspects of our lives. We know this written document as the BIBLE, GOD’s HOLY WORD!I am grateful, that on the weekend when our nation celebrates the signing of one of our great national documents, we as GOD’s people can come together and celebrate the greatest document ever given to all of humanity. The written Word of GOD!In this message, we'll turn our attention to what we believe about the BIBLE. We will also devote some time to pray together for our nation!Pastor Joe Still
In this message from Pastor Joe Still, we'll examine the teachings from God’s Word about the Humanity of our Lord Jesus. This will also help us remember Him and know Him as He really is; stirring an even greater affection for Him. 2 Peter 1:3 from God’s Word gives us this great promise: “For as you know Him better, He will give you, through His great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: He even shares His own glory and His own goodness with us! (2 Peter 1:3 TLB)
I am so very grateful to GOD for the privilege I’ve had this week to observe our incredible team of Kingdom servants, a.k.a. our VBS Team. The Holy Spirit has worked powerfully through each and every one of them to joyfully magnify JESUS in the hearts and minds of children and students. It has filled me with joy.As we continue in our ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE series, with our time in GOD’s Word this week, focused on JESUS! We’ll explore the mystery that JESUS is 100% GOD and 100% man and what a difference that can make in our daily lives if we embrace that great truth and share it with others.Pastor Joe Still
Dads, it is not too late to tell your family that what you want for FATHER’S DAY is for them to come to church with you!This Sunday we get to celebrate dads at Riverbluff. We’ll have several from our church family sharing some of their heart-felt thoughts about their dads and husbands.We will also continue in our ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE teaching series. This Sunday, we turn our attention to what we believe about JESUS. I am so grateful, that on FATHER’S DAY we’ve landed here in our study, because no one was ever more lovingly devoted to His FATHER, than JESUS!Join us as we celebrate dads and turn our attention to JESUS, who revealed to us the truth about our FATHER in Heaven!Pastor Joe Still
If my math is correct, there are 201 more shopping days until Christmas!!Did that statement surprise you? Are you wondering, “Why on earth is Pastor Joe bringing Christmas up in June?” I think most of us would agree, that for the world, Christmas is the most celebrated of the Christian Holy Days, with Easter coming in second. For many Christ-followers in the “Western World”, those are often the only two Christian Holy Days we celebrate.In the last 5 or so years, through my study of God’s Word, I’ve had a growing a conviction that JESUS would have His disciples add a third Holy Day Celebration to our annual calendars that would on par with Christmas and Easter. That Holy Day is PENTECOST!Through His life and teachings, JESUS showed incredibly great honor for the HOLY SPIRIT and urged His disciples to do the same. JESUS went as far as to say that the HOLY SPIRIT in us, is better than JESUS beside us!While at Christmas, we celebrate the “Incarnation” of GOD on the earth, on Pentecost we celebrate the “Indwelling” of GOD in our lives. I’m praying that you’ll make plans right now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we celebrate the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT in our on-going study of Riverbluff’s “Essential Beliefs”.Pastor Joe Still
The Great Commission…most all of us are quite familiar with the final words our Lord Jesus shared with His disciples, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, instructing them to “go and make disciples.” Indeed, with this command, Jesus gave His followers a “life purpose” that would guide them wherever they would go and with whomever they would speak from that day forward.Certainly, in the years that followed, each of them would boldly proclaim the Good News of Christ Jesus to their friends, families, neighbors, and other communities far and wide. But each of them was led to do so by the Holy Spirit in unique ways.Today, we find ourselves as the eternally grateful benefactors of their decision to adhere to Jesus’ command to make other disciples. Indeed, we are those “disciples of all nations” many generations later. And as His disciples, the Great Commission applies to us as well.Like them, it should give us “life purpose” as well. However, the manner in which we walk out the Great Commission may look, feel, and sound very different as we following His leading in our lives. We are each given a mission designed just for us. The question is: How are we doing with that?During this message, we will celebrate the amazing high school and college graduates from our River family. As we launch them into the next chapter of their lives to share the Good News of Jesus, we will all take an opportunity to consider the role the Great Commission does (or should) play in our lives. And if you aren’t quite sure what your mission is, I will be sharing some practical tips that you can use to discover it.Congratulations to the Class of 2025!Garrett WalkerDirector of Student Ministry
We continue this Sunday with our series on Essential Beliefs. This week we will be focusing on Eternal Security. I have a friend who retired from pastoring, and he often says that one of the enemy's biggest schemes is to steal the joy of Christians.Have you ever had thoughts like: Am I really saved? Did I follow the right steps to gain salvation? How can I go to heaven after what I've done? If you have been robbed of your joy and peace of mind, then this week's message is for you!I’m praying that you’ll make plans now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we study the Truth of God's word on Eternal Security.Pastor Dean Infinger
The previous message in our ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE teaching series, we began with the essential beliefs Christians have about GOD. We continue that journey here in part two of that message!Pastor Joe Still looks at three characteristics that are absolutely unique about our GOD. We’ll see how those unique characteristics deeply impact everything we do!
Our culture seems to have a fascination with celebrities, people who are rich or powerful or popular. We want to know about what they do, how they live, and even what they wear. It’s the topic of many magazines, podcasts, and late night shows.What if one of these could actually interview GOD? He is, after all, the most powerful personality in the entire universe. No one is richer than GOD! It is from His person that everything began, and it is before Him that we will all eventually stand. GOD is a personal GOD, and His story is the greatest story of all. If such an interview could be done, what would it cover? Obviously not details such as His clothes and house. But wouldn’t you like to know what interests GOD most? Wouldn’t a question like, “GOD, what has caused you the deepest hurt, the greatest joy?” spark your interest? Wouldn’t you like to know what GOD is really like?Just because this interview couldn’t actually happen, we shouldn’t ignore the truth that GOD IS A PERSON, who has passions and interests and plans. Join me as we take a deep dive into the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE ABOUT GOD.Pastor Joe Still
Christian Confessions, Creeds, & Core Belief expressions, have been around a very long time, some since the 2nd century. I, along with others would argue that some of the New Testament statements found in the writings of the Apostle Paul, became the earliest Creeds of the Christian Church.Do these hold value for us today?I believe JESUS' half-brother, Jude, would answer, “yes” to that question, because they can help us “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” (Jude 1:3)I’m praying that you’ll engage in this 8-10 week series, as we take a deep dive into the ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE!Pastor Joe Still
When you were growing up, maybe like me, you were taught the prayer, “God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food." Many of us learned at an early age, God's great and God's good!If you've been in church any length time, you’ve heard some pastor or worship leader say, “God is good," and the congregation shouts back, "All the time." Then he'll say, "All the time," and they say, "God is good."But for many who regularly gather in worship of GOD, there is a unspoken question about this matter that plagues their souls. The soul-plaguing question regarding this: “IS GOD REALLY GOOD ALL THE TIME?”Why don’t you join me as we explore this soul-plaguing question?Pastor Joe Still
While Riverbluff’s “Weekly Update” arrives in your inbox every Friday, this one comes on what is the most sacred Friday of the year. It is often called Good Friday. It is “good” because it is the day, over 2,000 years ago, when GOD demonstrated how truly Good and unconditionally Loving HE is toward humanity. HE demonstrated this by sacrificing HIS one and only begotten SON on the Cross of Calvary.Though you and I were not there physically, the Bible says that our sin was. The Apostle Peter writes that Jesus personally carried our sin in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and be made alive to a right relationship with GOD. {1 Peter 2:24} Though there was much sorrow and fear for the Disciples of Jesus on that day, their greatest joy was but three days away. And so it is with us!I’m praying you’ll make plans right now to join us this RESURRECTION SUNDAY , as we celebrate our great joy “BECAUSE HE LIVES”!Pastor Joe Still
Maundy Thursday Communion Service 2025Maundy Thursday service is a meaningful and sobering prelude to the Easter weekend. It simply means we will focus on the Lord’s Supper and what happened the night before Jesus was crucified. It is indeed a somber time but we need to be reminded regularly of what it cost God to save us.
Fun fact: In a healthy human being over half of our body’s composition is water, 60% to be exact. That means that if you weigh 175 pounds you’re walking around with about 105 pounds of water!Even with all of that water, your body still must have an adequate daily supply, or bad things begin to happen in you. Most people don't realize how bad dehydration is for you. When you get dehydrated, you get headaches, you get muscle cramps, your brain even begins to shut down. Your brain has to have water in order for you to think!When JESUS spoke His fifth words from the Cross, “I thirst”, Physicians who have studied and written about His Crucifixion, tell us that JESUS was suffering from severe dehydration. It is amazing that He had the clarity of mind to accomplish all He did, through what He said from the Cross. He did it all for you!Thirst is a shared human experience, but it is not only a need for fluid intake. Every human soul also thirsts. We all thirst for GOD! Unfortunately far too many of us try to quench that with other things that never satisfy the deep thirsting in our souls.In this message, Pastor Joe Still teaches how JESUS' great moment of thirst, can quench the deepest thirsts in our lives.
JESUS FORSAKENNESS means my FORGIVENESS FOR OUR FORGIVENESS, JESUS FORSAKENSUBSTITUTES?The label might read “plant-based meat substitute”, but I’m sorry, there’s just no such thing as a “Garden Burger”; I don’t care who puts one on their menu. “Hamburger” means meat!And please, don’t try to fool me into thinking “carob” is “chocolate.” It never has been nor will it ever be, in any universe!Seems like we have substitutes for everything in our day. Though I am no fan of substitutes in my food, unfortunately I’ve had to turn to them more since my little cardiac event of July ’23!There is one substitute, for which I will be forever thankful, and I pray you will be too. Theologians call it “Sacrificial Substitutionary Atonement”. This is what Jesus did on the Cross for the world, where HE was FORSAKEN by everyone, including His FATHER!In this message, we explore why Jesus cried out “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”Pastor Joe Still
This Sunday, as we continue in our teaching series, “WHAT JESUS SAID IN RED”, we examine the third of the seven, recorded statements, Jesus made while dying on the Cross. This statement, found in John 19:25-27, is a very personal statement of love Jesus makes directly to his mother and one of his very best friends.Jesus endured incredible pain as his organs began shutting down. Even in the midst of that great suffering, Jesus lovingly provides for the long-term care of his mother. Only by using the stake driven through his feet as a cruel step, could Jesus gain every breath needed to speak a word. Pushing Himself up Jesus would utter these loving words of provision and protection for his mom, demonstrating his deep devotion as her eldest son. His words here, though brief, teach us much of what it means for us to love the Jesus way.Early in his teaching ministry, Jesus began teaching His followers that, “TO LOVE”, was the greatest commandment of all. The way He died boldly demonstrated what He had declared. Nobody ever loved like Jesus; and yet He called all who would follow Him, to love as He loved.Consider this is my personal invitation to you, to join me, this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we learn to love the Jesus way!Pastor Joe
The older I’ve grown, the more aware I’ve become, I can learn something new from anyone, if I will listen carefully and truly “be in the moment” with them. My grandkids have been especially helpful in teaching me this lesson!This principle is particularly applicable when it comes to GOD’s Word. Every person who shows up in the scriptures had their story handpicked by GOD to be included in His Holy Word. Each of their story’s deserves our undivided attention, because each can help us see a different facet of our “Good and Beautiful GOD”!I pray you’ll join me as we learn from a dying thief how to have a “Sure Salvation”!Pastor Joe Still
While it may not surprise anyone, I have a number of hard copy Bibles in my personal library, (along with many digital editions)! My favorite Bibles, are the “Red-Letter” editions. They have the words the incarnated JESUS spoke printed in red, which make HIS spoken words really stand out.Yes! I am keenly aware that every word in the Bible was GOD-breathed. But, I also know that every word in our Bibles exists to point us to JESUS; HE said so! “Here you are scouring through the Scriptures, hoping that you will find eternal life among a pile of scrolls. What you don’t seem to understand is that the Scriptures point to Me.” (John 5:39) . Those “red-lettered words” just point me to HIM a little quicker!While there are many red words in my Red-Letter edition Bibles; there are seven red-lettered words JESUS spoke, that carry an even greater weight for me. They were the seven word-phrases that HE spoke while shedding HIS precious blood on the Cross. Those seven words were truly “written in RED”!I pray you’ll make plans now to join us every Sunday leading up to our EASTER CELEBRATION, as we look deeply at the seven statements JESUS made from the Cross.Pastor Joe Still
Have you ever been peppered with the “Why” questions from a young child? Why are clouds white? Why does the car blinker make that sound? Why do birds fly or dogs bark?And during hardship, we can begin asking our own questions. Why did this happen? Will I ever get back to normal? How will this affect the people I love? Why do bad things happen to good people?If you have ever asked these questions, then you will want to watch this message from Pastor Dean Infinger. We will explore the questions that surface “When God’s People Suffer Hardship”.
This Sunday, as we open ourselves up to God’s Word together in worship, I’m excited to say that Dr. Curt Bradford will be leading us!For those of you who are newer to Riverbluff, Curt was Lead Pastor at Riverbluff from 1988-2014. He has also been personally mentoring me since 1981. The LORD has multiplied Curt’s mentoring ministry, as he now mentors pastors all around our state. He is currently serving as Point Leader for the Steward Team of the Charleston Baptist Association. I hope you’ll join me in joyfully welcoming Curt back to his teaching role with us!Curt will continue in our current teaching series. This Sunday we explore what happens “WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE…DO LIFE TOGETHER”, and how it helps us live in the authority JESUS gave us to “overcome every power Satan possesses” (Luke 10:19)!You’ll not want to miss the message, as we continue to grow and live from all the authority our LORD JESUS has given us!Pastor Joe Still
It only takes a few moments with any news source to realize that evil is active in our world today. But, as bad as things are, the Bible says that there is “restraining power” at work, holding back the full measure of evil that could be released on earth. The Apostle Paul wrote to his friends in the church at Thessalonica about this:“I expect you remember now how I talked about this when I was with you. You will probably also remember how I used to talk about a ‘restraining power’ which would operate until the time should come for the emergence of this man. Evil is already insidiously at work but its activities are restricted until what I have called the ‘restraining power’ (of God) is removed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 (Phillips)This is part of the Kingdom Work of GOD happening on earth right now. Just imagine what life would be like if that “restraining power” was not at work.Why don’t you make plans now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we see a very specific role GOD’s Word says each of us who follow JESUS should play in this great “restraining power”?Pastor Joe Still
This morning as I write this, it’s Valentine’s Day. Kathy and I have already exchanged gifts and cards. We’re looking forward to spending the day together, and hopeful we’ll get a nice lunch at a great little Lowcountry restaurant!The Greeting Card Industry is also “hopeful” today. They’re hopeful they’ll make a ton of money off of card sales. I guess, in some small way, I helped fulfill their hope!Though the object of our “hope” can take many forms, ultimately we can’t live long without some kind of real hope or despair sets in. GOD knows this about our hearts, which is why, in His Word, He directs the affections of all our hopes to Heaven!In this message, we look to those hope-filled Words from GOD to learn how we might overcome Satan’s great weapon of despair.Pastor Joe Still
This week, I’ve had conversations with several people who expressed the same concern. I actually don’t recall a week, when this particular topic came up unsolicited, as frequently as it did this week. The topic and concern was over seeing an increased activity of Satan, in our world, but specifically right around them personally, and how it brought on feelings of hopelessness.In the Gospels, we not only see JESUS teaching His followers about Satan, but actually encountering and standing against him. One of the clearest descriptions JESUS gave us regarding the work of Satan is found in John 10:10. About Satan, JESUS said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Satan, seeks to “kill” Hope in our lives by “stealing” GOD’s Word from our hearts and minds.In this message, we turn to GOD’s Word to see how we can grow a “NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS” kind of HOPE!Pastor Joe Still
This week has been a week of extremes!Tuesday was filled with such great joy as our 4th grandchild, Easton Everett Housand was born. He got here with a few minor struggles, but by the grace of God is progressing very well and will be going home very soon!Then came the news of the Wednesday night mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk Helicopter in our nation’s capital, with no survivors. Friends and family of the sixty-seven people that died in the crash are now grieving their great loss, along with much of our nation.All of this reminds me once again, of just how beautiful and fragile, life on this fallen planet can be. It also reminds that every human life is eternal, and will continue forever, even after what we call “death”. Additionally, it reminds me that for me every person, including my new grandson and the sixty-seven souls lost over Washington, there is coming a day of personal judgment before a Holy GOD; what I call the “J-day”!Did those sixty-seven stand before GOD on their “J-day“, holding the robe of JESUS, saying I’m with Him”? (as Pastor Curt so often taught us). Will my new grandson do that on his day? Will the people that you know and love do that on their day? Will the people, with whom you live, learn, work, and play, do that on their day?What will you say on your “J-day”?I hope you’ll join us as we study what we can say in our day, to impact what the people we know and love will say on their “J-day”, forever changing their eternity!Pastor Joe Still
On Monday, January 21, 2025, our nation, and the world, witnessed the peaceful transfer of power as President Trump took the oath of office. This week we’ve witnessed a flurry of political and governmental “shake-ups” that once again reveal the great rift of brokenness in our country.Throughout His Holy Word, GOD makes many “If/Then” declarations, none more renowned than 2nd Chronicles 7:14. Here GOD declares the path His people must walk if they want Him to intervene to bring healing in the land. We desperately need GOD Himself to heal our land!Interestingly, some theologians and a few well-known Bible teachers say that this verse is a promise only for the Jewish nation. While I understand how they arrived at their conclusions on this, I still disagree with them. My disagreement arises because I see the same “path” and all of the principles from 2nd Chronicles 7:14 clearly taught in the New Testament. This means that even if they are right, we can still trust GOD’s New Testament pathway to healing our land. JESUS has given us His Authority to overcome the destructive powers of Satan that are at work even in government and politics. That authority is still found in humility!I invite you to watch or listen to this message as we look to the New Testament’s version of the 2nd Chronicles 7:14 promise from GOD to His people today.Pastor Joe Still
Our culture assigns the title “Religion” to groups of people that adhere to the same beliefs, most often derived from written “sacred scriptures”. The Holy Scriptures of two of the world’s “great religions” begin with the same declaration: “IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH.” (Genesis 1:1)In both Judaism and Christianity, human life, is seen as different from every other form of life on this planet. It is highly valued because our Holy Scriptures inform us that, every single human being who has or will, ever be conceived, was created by GOD, in His image. This foundational, core tenet of our faith, shapes how we view every person on this planet. It demands that we see the incredible value of each and every person!I'm praying you'll engage in this message, as we explore how our culture can be transformed “When GOD’s People…Biblically Value Life”!Pastor Joe Still
Last year one of the many blessings GOD brought into my life was the introduction to a new scripture translation. It is entitled THE PASSION TRANSLATION. I have enjoyed both reading and listening to it.For the last two weeks, I have been meditating on Luke 10:17-20. Here is how the PASSION TRANSLATION reads:17 When the seventy missionaries returned to Jesus, they were ecstatic with joy, telling him, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we commanded them in your name!”18 Jesus replied, “While you were ministering, I watched Satan topple until he fell suddenly from heaven like lightning to the ground.19 Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority.20 However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you belong to God’s kingdom. This is the true source of your authority.” From those times of meditating on GOD’s Word, I believe the LORD has given me clear direction on what our first teaching series of this new year would be. I’ve entitled it “WHEN GOD’S PEOPLE…”. Each week in this series, we will look at a specific way to walk in the Authority from JESUS that enables you to “trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses” that the devil seeks to unleash on you.I'm praying you'll engage in this series, as we take this important journey together!Pastor Joe Still
At the ripe age of 62 there are a lot of things that I remember. I remember playing outside until it was dark. My mom would call us in for dinner and we would beg to play another “kick-the-can” game until we had to come in for the night. I remember our only TV was a console TV with 3 channels and an antenna that was attached to our house. My job was to change the channel – the original remote control! We had one rotary dial phone but it had a cord that could stretch into 2 rooms. When our neighbors brought home the first microwave on our block, my mom told us not to go into the house because it was radioactive. It is important to remember. We have memories that taught us valuable lessons. And we have memories that shape our worldview.I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we explore Deuteronomy 8 and Moses’ charge for the Israelites to Remember the Lord their God.Pastor Dean Infinger
In this message, we continue our Advent journey together and light the fourth Advent candle, the candle representing Love. Fortunately, this coincides with our study of Isaiah 9:6, as we turn our attention this Sunday to another name for JESUS, “EVERLASTING FATHER”! These two biblical truths intersect at JESUS!At first glance, it may seem a bit confusing to call GOD-the Son, the “Everlasting Father”. It feels like it somehow creates conflict in our understanding of the Three Persons of our Triune God-Head, GOD the Father, GOD the Son, and GOD the Holy Spirit.This my personal invitation to you to engage in this message, as we explore this mystery of the Trinity and see the Fatherly love of JESUS displayed in the Gospel of Luke!MERRY CHRISTMAS!Pastor Joe Still
A baby changes everything...I am quite certain many parents would attest to this fact! I can recall many things that changed during the early days after having my own children. They certainly rocked my world in many wonderful ways and continue to do so each day! But the birth of Jesus, well, that was a baby that would change the world for all time!Now, the world would have you believe that Christmas is an ending. The gifts have been given...the celebrations have been had. It is time to move on. But, as Christ-followers, we know that the very first Noel was actually the beginning of a wonderful story...a story of grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation. It most certainly wasn't the end!In fact, the Bible teaches us quite a bit about Life after the Manger from those who encountered Jesus during those first days that I believe can be instructive for us as we navigate the days and months ahead.So, why don't you consider joining us as we explore Life after the Manger and challenge ourselves to view this Christmas as a beginning, not an ending?Garrett WalkerDirector of Student Ministry
I pray that like me, your 2024 Advent celebration is increasing your joy in our LORD, and raising your anticipation of HIS certain 2nd Coming. Just thinking about that washes the heaviness in my heart away and resets my mind to a place of great peace. I hope you’re having similar experiences.This Sunday, in our Christmas Teaching series entitled NO OTHER NAME, we look at the next name that Isaiah 9:6 says, JESUS shall be called. That name is MIGHTY GOD!Part of the “Good News for all people” that the Angels declared to the shepherds that first Christmas night, is that our Savior, who was born in a stable, truly is THE MIGHTY GOD! After His resurrection, shortly before His ascension, JESUS would say; “All power in heaven and on earth is given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) His name MIGHTY GOD means He longs to use that power on your behalf.I invite you to engage with this message, as we see how Christmas is not just about a baby born in a manger, but about the coming of THE MIGHTY GOD whose heart is for you!MERRY CHRISTMAS!Pastor Joe Still
Names matter! Based on information gathered from the Social Security Administration, the “Top Baby Names for 2023” were:For Boys For Girls1. Liam Olivia2. Noah Emma3. Oliver CharlotteBecause names matter, I actually work hard at trying to remember names. I wish I were better at it. It is something for which I regularly ask GOD’s help.While names in our culture sometimes have some importance attached to them, names in the culture into which JESUS came were of utmost importance!In the Bible, there are many passages of scripture giving us many names for JESUS. He has to have so many names to communicate the many beautiful truths about the manifold nature of his incredible Character. I believe that the scripture verse we will look at for the next four weeks is the single most important Old Testament verse about the names of JESUS.I’m praying you’ll make plans now to invite someone to join you for the next four weeks of our Christmas Sermon Series, that I’ve entitled “NO OTHER NAME”. In this first message, we’ll explore why the Bible tells us that JESUS is our “Wonderful Counselor” and discover the incredible, personal implications that name of HIS, has for your life.MERRY CHRISTMAS!Pastor Joe Still
I love that our country devoted a “national holiday” to give thanks to GOD for HIS blessings on us. I pray that on the day of “Giving Thanks”, you were able to take a few moments to reflect on the goodness of GOD in your life and thank HIM for all that HE has done!If for nothing else, I pray you thanked HIM for sending HIS One and only SON, through whom we might have Eternal Life. If you didn’t, each of the next 27 days, between now and Christmas, will be an opportunity to do just that. As a church we’ll begin that journey through this season of ADVENT!This Sunday, the first Sunday of ADVENT, we will begin that journey, by looking at HOW TO PLAN TO HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS! Why don’t you make plans now to join us as we begin our celebration of the first coming of JESUS, and eagerly await the imminent return of our Eminent Savior & Lord?Pastor Joe Still
I don’t know about you, but when I look at the culture around me, here in the country that I love, I don’t see very many people talking, or tweeting, or posting thankful thoughts. In fact, just the opposite seems to be true. About all I see and hear, is griping and grumbling.When JESUS walked among us, He called those who would follow Him to join Him in creating a new culture, the culture of the Kingdom of GOD among us! GOD’s Kingdom Culture is to be a “counter-culture” to the culture of this broken world.Ceaselessly giving thanks to GOD is a hallmark of the lives of those who would join JESUS in His counter-cultural movement. So the holiday (from the words “Holy Day”) we celebrate next week is a wonderful opportunity for those of us who follow JESUS to “Get Our Gratitude On”, and we’re going to warm that up this Sunday!Why don’t you watch or listen to this message as we prep our hearts and minds for THANKSGIVING, through many personal testimonies and much worship in song?Pastor Joe Still
We are in a difficult season for many in our nation, and in our church. We’re still coming through an extremely contentious election season and entering a transition of leadership at the highest levels of government. We’re also entering the holiday season, which for many becomes a time of heavy-heartedness due to loss.All of this brings unique triggers for depression. Just the sheer brokenness of this world keeps some among us stuck in a state of depression.In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to our good, good, FATHER to help us out of our battles with depression in this broken world.
Like many, I am grateful that this election season is almost in our rearview mirrors. While I would never diminish the importance of any election, and hold with conviction that participation is a high privilege and the significant responsibility of every citizen, not every election can be the “most consequential election of our lifetime”!All too often media personalities, political pundits, social media influencers, and the candidates themselves promote the narrative that “human existence hangs in the balance” based solely on the outcome of who is elected this time!For those of us who follow, and put our trust in JESUS there is much in life that will never “be at stake” in any election. I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we look to GOD’s Word for the peace of mind of knowing What’s NOT “on the line” in this Election, for those who trust in HIM.Pastor Joe Still
Every person has some desire to see their life, and the lives of people they love, flourish!GOD’s Word tells us that our lives will flourish as we are “planted in the House of the LORD” (see Psalm 92:12-13).In this message, Pastor Joe Still explores how to best be “planted in the HOUSE OF THE LORD”!
I remember having a conversation with a farmer about ripe fruit. The farmer told me that when you pick fruit that is not ripe, that it can be very difficult. He mentioned that you could hit the fruit with a baseball bat and not dislodge it from the tree. However, when the fruit is ripe you can just brush it with your fingertips and it will fall into your hand.Has someone brushed up against you this week? Have you been bumped into? If so, what kind of fruit did you display? This Sunday we will look at the fruits of the Spirit that Paul wrote about in his letter to the Galatians. Take a look at Galatians 5:22-23. Now ask yourself, do I display this kind of fruit?Pastor Dean Infinger
I believe it was Theologian Dale Bruner who first called the HOLY SPIRIT, the “shy member of the Trinity,” because He doesn't like to draw attention on Himself and He is always gentle. While I have personally found those attributes to be true, the scriptures also point out that the HOLY SPIRIT desires to be very active in our lives, especially helping us guard our minds!In a day when our minds are bombarded with input from all directions, having the “filtering help” of the HOLY SPIRIT is essential to living in the Peace in Christ. I’m praying you’ll engage in this message, as we invite the HOLY SPIRIT to help us guard our minds!Pastor Joe Still
GOD’ Word is replete with accounts of GOD’s people marking HIS goodness with great celebrations and construction of memorial markers! This message will be such a celebration and it will become part of our “Memorial Wall to GOD’s Goodness” in our main hallway. We have so much to celebrate - our 82nd anniversary of GOD planting our church, the provision of a new home and new name 22 years ago, and now the “Burning of our Mortgage” on this property, just to name a few! So you’ll definitely want to be part of this historic celebratory day in the life of Riverbluff Church. There will be lots of singing and many personal testimonies, all declaring the Goodness of our GOD!
One of the realities of storms is they churn up insecurity when they blow into town. Our hearts and minds can be flooded and blown about with all kinds of concerning thoughts.One of the insecurities that Satan repeatedly tries to churn up in us relates to our “Eternal Security”. But, GOD has given us an assurance of our Salvation’s Security in the Person of the HOLY SPIRIT!In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares how we discover how the HOLY SPIRIT SEALS Humanity’s Greatest DEAL!
Many of us were taught to avoid conversational topics like Politics and Religion. I fear that teaching has played a significant role in bringing us to where we are in our culture today; the boiling point!Maybe instead of being taught to “avoid”, we should have been taught “how to”; how to have conversations about such topics, granting respect and honor to those with whom we might disagree. And though, I know I enter “shark infested waters”; I believe the LORD has led me to talk about both Politics and Religion in this Sunday’s message of our ongoing study of the HOLY SPIRIT!In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us as we explore how THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME TO GUIDE YOU INTO ALL TRUTH…EVEN IN THE VOTING BOOTH!
Pentecost - Let the HOLY SPIRIT be Your WORSHIP LEADER - September 15, 2024 by Riverbluff Church
In Matthew Chapter 24, the Gospel writer records JESUS teaching His disciples about the global conditions before His 2nd Coming. There, JESUS tells them (and us), that before His Great Return, “There will be more and more evil in the world…” v12 (NCV). This week’s school shooting in Winder, Georgia, is but one example of the growth of “more and more evil in our world”.How are we as followers of JESUS, called to respond to this rapid intensification of evil all around us? GOD inspired the Apostle Paul to write down instructions for how we are to engage this “evil world” in SPIRITUAL WARFARE. In Ephesians chapter 6 Paul writes “Pray in the Spirit at all times…” v18 (NLT2).Our GOD has not abandoned us to this evil, but has equipped us to be strong in this battle. Prayer is our most prominent and powerful weapon in this fight. It empowers every other weapon in our God-given arsenal. Learning to “PRAY IN THE SPIRIT” is critical for us as we “stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11).Last week we turned to the incredible book of Revelation to learn from the Apostle John how to “PRAY IN THE SPIRIT”. This week we’ll study from that great Chapter 8 of the book of Romans. I’m praying for you watch this message, as we grow together is our capacity to “PRAY IN THE SPIRIT”!Pastor Joe Still
If you have ever seen a fish out of water, you know that it just flops around, wiggling and jumping all over the place. If it's out of water, it's out of its intended environment. The fish is trying to move but it can't go anywhere because it's not in the environment it was made to be in. So it flops and twists and flips, absolutely going nowhere. Why? Because it's trying to be “fishy” in a non-water environment and it wasn't created for that. So no matter how much flipping and flopping it does, all it's doing is running out of breath. The fish will die because it is not in its home.In John 6:33 JESUS said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all.” Followers of JESUS who pray “in the flesh” instead of “in the Spirit”, are like that fish, just flip-flopping around. GOD designed prayer for HIS people, and in HIS design, HIS Spirit gives life to our prayers. The HOLY SPIRIT is the environment that fills our prayer-life with power.I’m praying for you watch this message, as we look to GOD’s Word to learn how to PRAY IN THE SPIRIT!Pastor Joe Still
After my message two weeks ago (August 11, 2024) on the armor of God, the question came, “can we pray the armor onto someone else?” While the answer is, “not exactly”, the heart of that question is “can our prayers help others against the spiritual attacks of our great enemy and his minions?” The answer to that question is absolutely yes!While each of us needs to welcome the reign of Jesus personally in our lives and then keep giving Him more and more room to vanquish the darkness in us where his reign hasn’t been welcomed; our prayers can help each other fight this good fight!Paul instructs us to always keep praying for all of the saints, with all kinds of prayers and requests. He invites us to join in the spiritual battle for the sake of others. One of the ways we join God in transforming the life of someone else is by interceding for them in prayer. To intercede is to stand in the gap for someone. In prayer we intercede by praying prayers for someone they ought to be praying for themselves, but can’t or don’t know to be praying. For instances, an unbelieving friend doesn’t know that he needs his eyes to be opened to the reality of his sin and God’s mercy…so we stand in the gap and pray for this on their behalf. We also do this when we ask for a friend to be set freed from an addiction or wound that causes them to limp through life, never experiencing what God has for them. We are called by GOD to do this and we need to persist in it!Persisting and persevering in prayer on behalf of someone else is a vital part of intercession. We keep on praying the love and the blessing of the blood of Jesus over their life. In Jesus’ name, we pray against the attacks of Satan on their life. We ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where He’s working and what He wants to see accomplished and we pray in agreement with Him. Our prayers for others are powerful and effective and an important way in which God moves their lives. Is there someone for whom you need to be persevering in prayer?I’m praying for you watch this message, as we learn to stand in the gap together in prayer for one another and those we love!Pastor Joe Still
I’ve talked often about growing up in the home of a Residential Home Builder. It gave me the skills to actually build the house Kathy and I have lived in since we married in 1983. One of the skills my dad taught me was how to spot good quality building materials, which is quite important, because all construction products are not created equally. Plywood is one such product!Plywood’s name tells us much about that product! It consists of thin layers of milled wood that have been glued together. The thickness of a “sheet of plywood” determines the number of layers and the amount of glue needed. Not all “plywood manufacturers” use the same quality or amounts of glue in their product, which can end in a poor product, and by extension, a poorly constructed house. When it comes to plywood, high quality glue is essential to a good construction outcome, because it holds so much together!In a similar way, PRAYER IS THE GLUE that holds the ARMOR OF GOD together for SPIRITUAL WARFARE! Prayer is what deploys that ARMOR, and all Christ-followers can have a strong PRAYER-LIFE. If you don't, you are deficient in the strategic area of battle preparation. You can't win in spiritual warfare without it!I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we explore PRAYER AS WARFARE, continuing our journey to live in the presence and power of the HOLY SPIRIT!Pastor Joe
In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues our journey through the Bible, growing to know the Person and Power of the Holy Spirit! Join us as we celebrate the Goodness of our GOD!
Believed to be written in the 5th century BC, Sun Tzu’s, THE ART OF WAR is a military classic. I’ve read that it is still required reading for certain Marine programs, for Navy SEALs, and for Officer Training. It may seem “non-pastoral” to reference this, or to even admit that I’ve read it and it’s in my Kindle library; but it has actually become a popular resource for business leaders in our generation. Principle 18 from Tzu’s ancient war manual instructs student, that for any hope of success in battle, you have to know your enemy and you must know yourself.The Apostle Paul would agree with the truth of that principle. In fact, he instructs every Christ follower in “THE ART OF WAR”; but Paul’s instructions are very different because his identification of our true enemy is Holy Spirit revealed!I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as the Apostle Paul shows us how the HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US FOR THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES!Pastor Joe Still
THE PARABLE OF THE NEW CARA man who had never driven or even ridden in a car, was given the gift of a brand new car. He was so very happy with his new car. He invites his friend over to show them his new car. He shows them the beautiful paint job. He shows them the soft upholstery. He has them sit in it. He points out all the amenities like the stereo system and other optional equipment.But, there's one thing he doesn't understand about his new car; he doesn't understand that it has an engine in it. And so, everywhere he goes, he pushes his new car. Every so often, he's going downhill, so he can jump in and coast. But, that doesn't thrill him too much, because he knows he's going to have to push it up the next hill. And, this car that he thought would be a blessing to him has become a burden to him. And, rather than it carrying him, he’s pushing it everywhere. He's very proud of it—very grateful to have it—most of the time. But sometimes, he wishes he didn't have it at all. And then, somebody says to him: "You know, there's something you don't understand about your car."And, they show him a thing called an ignition switch and show him how to use the key and say, "Put that right in there and turn it." And, he turns it, and hears this surge of power. He says, "What is that?" Well, that's the engine. Now, pull that shifter down to the “D”, and push that pedal down there." And, when he does, his car roars away in a surge of power. And, he says, "this is wonderful, this is incredible”! “Why didn't somebody tell me this sooner?"Now while it may be terribly difficult to imagine in our day that someone could actually be so uninitiated or naïve, and you might be right, until it comes to many Christians and the Ministry of the HOLY SPIRIT!In this message, Pastor Joe Still dives deeper into what truly empowers the Christian life; GOD’s Empowering Presence, the HOLY SPIRIT!
While every week I look forward to the time we gather together to celebrate JESUS and fellowship with one another, I am especially eager for this week’s gathering. This Sunday we have the special blessing of Students leading us in worship and sharing what the LORD has done in them, around them, and through them, at FUGE Camp this Summer!I am also looking forward to our continued journey in our study of the PERSON & POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT.I’m praying you’ll join me as we study what Ephesians 5:15-18 says about being filled with the Holy Spirit.Pastor Joe Still
I pray your celebration of being blessed to live in a nation filled with so many freedoms was filled with joy this Fourth of July. Our national freedom is a remarkable thing to be deeply treasured!So too, is our “Freedom in Christ”!Luke 22 records several discussions Jesus had with His disciples. In verse 35, we read Jesus asking them an interesting question. He told them to think back to the times He sent them out to towns and villages to proclaim the Good News, and He asked them, “Did you lack anything?” to which they replied “No!”The Apostle Paul opens his letter to Christ-followers in Ephesus with these words in Ephesians 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing…”In Acts 1:8, just before ascending back to Heaven, Jesus tells His followers, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses...” Not only do we have “Freedom in Christ”, but along with that “Freedom”, He gave us “Power” by putting His SPIRIT, the HOLY SPIRIT, in us!While the HOLY SPIRIT plays many roles in our lives, according to JESUS the primary role of the Holy Spirit is to witness to Christ and to equip us, the church, to witness for Christ, so “that in everything HE might have preeminence” (see Colossians 1:18). In fact, when we came to put our trust in JESUS, in that moment we were given, “everything we need to live and to serve God” (2 Peter 1:3 NCV).In this message, we'll explore the great debate surrounding “the Baptism in the HOLY SPIRIT”; growing more confident that we already have all we need in JESUS.Pastor Joe Still
This past Wednesday our nation celebrated “Juneteenth”! The holiday, with it’s name derived by combining the month “June” and the ordinal number “nineteenth”, became a national holiday in 2021. While Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day and Jubilee Day has only been celebrated nationally for a few years, it has actually been celebrated since 1866, starting one year after General Gordon Granger publicly read “General Order Number 3” in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865.General Order Number 3 began: “The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.” While the proclamation became law of the land in 1865, it would be many, many years before the freedoms and equities described in the proclamation would begin to become reality. Proving that proclamations must be followed by hard work!In the Four Gospels and in the Book of Acts, JESUS proclaimed the coming of the HOLY SPIRIT in power; detailing how the HOLY SPIRIT would empower the followers of JESUS to live supernatural lives in the Kingdom of GOD in the here and now. JESUS also told us, that we’d have work to do, to live in that power. The HOLY SPIRIT is always willing and ready to do His part. The question is, “Will we do our part that we might once again see the mighty works of the HOLY SPIRIT in our lives, our homes, our church, our neighborhoods, and our nation?”In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to the scriptures for “our part” of partnering with the HOLY SPIRIT to see Him moving in Power!
In this Father’s Day message, Pastor Joe Still will take some moments to honor and pray for dads.As little children, many of us grew up thinking of our dads as strong and powerful. They could lift us over their heads and throw us up into the air, evoking laughter and shouts of joy. It was a trait, for which we were grateful. While we now realize the source of that power was their muscle mass ratio, at the time it seemed almost supernatural!While muscle mass is one source of masculine power, that’s not the only source of power available to dads. In fact, there is a much greater power source available, not only to dads, but to men and women, boys and girls. It’s the same miraculous power we see radiating from the life of JESUS and it is true supernatural power, power that He said is available to all who trust in Him!Consider this your personal invitation to watch this message, as we seek GOD’s Empowering Presence through the promises of JESUS and the testimony of the Scriptures!
Where are your roots? You might have been asked that question a time or two by someone wanting to get to know you a little bit better. How did you respond? Did you tell them your hometown, your college alma mater, or maybe even your neighborhood? Did you share about your family?The Bible speaks about our roots and also a seemingly unrelated concept of wings. We will explore our connection to roots and wings during our time together.This week, we will also acknowledge and celebrate the graduating class of 2024 as they close one chapter and embark upon the next step in the Lord's amazing plan for their lives. We also have a few surprises up our sleeves courtesy of the worship team, too!!Garrett WalkerDirector of Student Ministry
The Apostle John included many truths and statements JESUS made about the PERSON of the HOLY SPIRIT. One of those recurring truths that JESUS points His followers to is a need one must have if they long to see the HOLY SPIRIT moving and growing in their lives, their church, and their community.If your heart is heavy to see a great movement of GOD in you life, I encourage you to listen to this message, as JESUS reveals to us the HOLY SPIRIT He knows and loves!Pastor Joe Still
About ten years ago, news outlets began reporting on an outbreak of “Identity Theft” scams targeting the IRS and our tax returns. In that season the office of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report that “confirmed IRS identity theft cases, and these returns accounted for additional losses estimated to be more than $5.2 billion.” That was for just one year.While the IRS has gotten better at detecting and prosecuting these false tax returns, “Identity Theft” continues to be a growing problem. In April, AARP reported that, “American adults lost a total of $43 billion to identity fraud in 2023”.As disconcerting as those facts are, there is another, even more sinister kind of “Identity Theft” that has been happening for over two-thousand years. It is Satan’s robbing followers of JESUS of the riches that come with our true “Identity in Christ”. JESUS warned His followers about this and promised to send the HOLY SPIRIT to “guide us into all truth” regarding Satan’s destructive plans.In this meassage, Pastor Joe Still teaches how to live under the HOLY SPIRIT’s Identity Theft Protection Plan.
While I’m not a slave to what may be known as the orthodox “church calendar”, I do keep up with it, knowing that millions of my brothers and sisters in Christ live closely tuned into it. With PENTECOST Sunday approaching, I went back and reread a short, but wonderful book by A.W. Tozer entitled, HOW TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.In my opinion, it is a Christian classic and I believe every follower of JESUS can find encouragement and challenge from reading it. In it Tozer states: “The Holy Spirit came to carry the evidence of Christianity from the books of apologetics into the human heart, and that is exactly what He does.” “God took religion from the realm of the external and made it internal.”Elsewhere, Tozer once stated in a sermon, “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.” While I realize the statistical numbers he gives are not truly quantifiable, I believe, unfortunately so, that the spirit of his statement carries much truth.So how do we, as Christ-followers in our day, “get more of the Holy Spirit” in our lives and our churches? Maybe it starts by answering an even more important question.I invite you to engage with this message as we ask and answer a truly important question about ourselves and the HOLY SPIRIT of our LIVING GOD?Pastor Joe Still
Proverbs 31:28 tells us something incredible about Godly Mothers. It says, “Her children stand and bless her.” The verses just before, tell us why that would happen: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.” (Proverbs 31:25-27) This is not just some “honorable mention” thrown into the bible. These words declare the importance that GOD places on the role of a mother. The ways they influence our lives will never be overstated!Mother’s Day is a time to honor our moms as well as those “spiritual moms” GOD placed along the way in our lives. We will take time this service to do just that!I’m also grateful to the LORD for arranging our teaching series on the book of James, to bring us to the last two verses in that great book on Mother’s Day. In my 40+ years in vocational ministry, I don’t know of a more frequent prayer request that moms have shared with me, than asking me to pray with them that GOD would bring back their child who had “wandered away from the truth”!I’m praying you’ll engage with this message as we honor Moms by looking to GOD’s Word to address one of the deepest longings of their hearts, and should for our hearts as well!Pastor Joe Still
In our verse-by-verse journey through the Epistle of James, I am so grateful that the LORD arranged for us to study this passage on the Sunday following the National Day of Prayer. This gratitude exists, because any deeply thoughtful praying, over the serious problems that plague our nation, can sometimes leave one feeling confused, depleted, and maybe even a bit discouraged about the effectiveness of prayer.For “spiritual seekers” that join us on Sundays, or even those new in our faith, our times of praise and prayer can often feel a little weird. For all of us, our early attempts at “praying” left us wondering if we “did it correctly” and wondering if anything would actually come from what we just did. Maybe that still describes your attempts at praying!For others, what they see as “unanswered prayer” has driven them to give up on praying altogether!So how does James, who we have seen give very down-to-earth, practical answers to many difficult issues we face, answer these struggles about prayer?In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares how James answers the problems that plague our prayer life.
“How do we navigate the Hard times in our life”Jesus said in John 16:33"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”We are warned that we will have trouble in this world. As we continue in the book of James, we note that the Bible does not shy away from hard topics. James recognizes that we will all face hardship in one form or another. He then offers practical advice for how to walk through difficult times and persevere. In this message Pastor Dean Infinger leads us to discover James' advice for successful living.
Since the beginning of 2024, we have been digging deep into our study of the book in the Bible written by JESUS’ little brother James. James can pack a “literary punch to the gut” at times. He uses very practical, but very challenging words to call us to a FAULTless FAITH! (Which is the name of our series.)In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks at what many Bible commentators say is James’ hardest hitting group of verses. In fact, several commentators agree that, next to the recorded warnings that JESUS gave to the religious leaders He encountered, this teaching from James is the most abrasive and unexpected in the New Testament.Why don’t you engage in this teaching, as we explore these very potent words the HOLY SPIRIT inspired James to write that we know as James 5:1-6?
As we’ve seen from our study through the first four chapters, James was teaching Christ-followers how to develop a faith without cracks or weakness, a FAULTless FAITH!In this message, Pastor Joe Still turns our attention to the last five verses of chapter four, learning from James how to step into the future with a strong faith!
In this message from Pastor Joe Still, we continue our celebration of the Resurrection of JESUS, as we look at final moments Jesus spent with His followers before ascending into Heaven. The Gospel writer Luke records some of the most exciting and hope-filled words ever spoken by angels to humankind!We'll take time to reflect on three incredibly beautiful words from GOD, delivered by Angels at the Ascension of Jesus, “THIS SAME JESUS…”
This service is a meaningful and sobering prelude to the Easter weekend, commonly called Maundy Thursday. It is solemn and focuses on Jesus’ last supper with His disciples and His subsequent arrest, rejection, and death. It’s a truly different kind of worship experience that allows us to live out the teaching that Jesus gave His followers to “remember”. This service encourages us to celebrate the Resurrection with greater joy and deeper thankfulness!
The Friday before Easter Sunday is known as “Good Friday”. It is a day recognized and celebrated by followers of JESUS all around the world!Some might think, “well it wasn’t such a good day for JESUS”, and while I understand that line of thinking, it truly misses the heart of the Gospel and the heart of our Savior. The scriptures tell us: “FOR THE JOY SET OUT FOR HIM HE ENDURED THE CROSS, DISREGARDING ITS SHAME…” Hebrews 12:2 (NET1).God’s Word doesn’t say that JESUS “enjoyed” the mockery of the phony trials, or the brutal beating known as the “half-death”, or the humiliation and torture of death through crucifixion. It does say there was a “joy” for JESUS through it all!If you’ve personally entrusted your life to Him, you were part of that joy He was experiencing on that first “Good Friday”. What an incredible Savior we have!In this Easter Sunday message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to celebrate all that HE has joyfully done for us. It will increase HIS Joy, and ours
HOPE is not a frivolous nicety to have; it is an essential human need!This message from Pastor Joe Still takes the first step on “THE ROAD TO RESURRECTION HOPE”.
The story is told that Winston Churchill was once attending an official ceremony in London in his later years. Two men sitting behind him recognized him and began to whisper back and forth to each other. “They say Churchill’s quite senile now,” said the one. “Yes, they say he’s doing England more harm than good,” replied the other. “They say he should step aside and leave the running of this government to younger, more dynamic people,” continued the first man. Churchill turned around and in a loud voice added, “They also say he’s quite deaf!”Like Winston Churchill, most of us have had the experience of being attacked with words that judge our hearts and motives. Most anyone who is in the public eye experiences this quite regularly. Teachers, coaches, board members, politicians, business owners, just about everyone has felt the sting of words meant to belittle or attack. This is often the case even within the church. It has been said that the Christian church is the only army that shoots its own wounded. The world is a very painful place to live, but the church is often just as painful—often more so.We see this trend and think it’s simply a fact of life that can’t be avoided, that we must simply learn to deal with words that judge. While that may be true in the world, it should not be the case among followers of JESUS. In this message, Pastor Joe Still teaches from James how to quit playing GOD!
“WHERE DO ALL THE FIGHTS AND QUARRELS AMONG YOU COME FROM?” (James 4:1)What a great question for our day and times!As I write this, I know that our President will be giving his “State of the Union Message” tonight. Any who plan to watch, go into it anticipating “FIGHTS AND QUARRELS” to arise from his talk, as well as from the “other party leader” who will follow with their rebuttal!Also, this week, it seems the Presidential Race has been narrowed to two main candidates. This sets the stage for 8 months, filled with “FIGHTS AND QUARRELS”; but JESUS has better plans for HIS disciples and HE inspired HIS little brother James to show us that better way.Why don’t you watch or listen to this message now and learn from James how to live above the “FIGHTS AND QUARRELS”?Pastor Joe Still
**Please Note: There is a small lapse in the sermon at minute 24:55, due to a power failure.There In 1990, the term “Emotional Intelligence” was coined by two researchers, Peter Salavoy and John Mayer in their article “Emotional Intelligence” in the journal Imagination, Cognition, and Personality. It was later popularized by Dan Goleman in his best-selling, 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence.Goleman described Emotional Intelligence as a person's ability to manage their feelings so that those feelings are expressed appropriately and effectively. According to Goleman, Emotional Intelligence is the largest single predictor of success in the workplace. Goleman’s book rightfully had a significant impact on Human Resourcing in the workplace. The search for people with “High EQ’s” began replacing the search for people with “High IQ’s”!In our day “Emotional Intelligence” is sometimes referred to as “Social Intelligence” or “Relational Intelligence”. Interestingly, James, the little brother of our LORD JESUS, wrote about this topic almost 2,000 years earlier, teaching followers of JESUS how to grow in “Relational Wisdom”!In this message, Pastor Joe Still teaches from James 3:13-18 which shows us how we might all grow in “Relational Wisdom”.
In an age when words have been weaponized like never before, those of us who follow JESUS, must pattern our “way with words” from the clear teachings of GOD’s Word and not the way of the world. No place in the scriptures, are GOD’s instructions for how to use our words more clearly addressed, than in the letter written by James, the little brother of our LORD JESUS!James is an eminently practical letter, and its purpose or its subject or its theme is to show us the difference between a mere profession of faith and a real possession of faith. In our day, that difference shows up most prominently in the ways we wield our words.In this messsage taught by Pastor Joe Still, James shows us how to build a Christ-honoring culture through the way we choose our words!
In this message, Pastor Dean Infinger continues our study of the book of James. The passage focuses on James 2:14-26 which concerns the combination of Faith & Works. As Christians, we can struggle with the topic of works. Often we feel we need to make up for past sins with works. We can desire to earn the grace that God freely gives. Scripture is clear that our salvation is through the work of Christ alone and His sacrifice for our sins on the cross. However, shouldn’t our actions reflect the teachings of Jesus with good works?
"To dwell above with those we love, that will be a glory.But to dwell below, with those we know, that's another story."While I was not quickly able to find who authored that brief poem, their words still hold great truth! If you’ve been in church for any length of time, you know some relationships in the church can be a bit challenging. So how do we grow a church that even the lost would love?In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares how James, the little brother of our Lord Jesus, gives us some very practical relationship tools!
In our study of the incredible letter written by the earthly brother of our LORD JESUS, we have celebrated how “down-to-earth” and practical the counsel is that James gives us for growing a “Faultless Faith”. Unfortunately, James’ practical approach to living the Christian Life, has been misunderstood by some, leading them to a “works-based” pursuit of faith in JESUS.In this message, Pastor Joe Still takes a little deeper dive into the “Gospel Theology” of James, on which every practical admonishment and challenge he makes, is built. It is the key, to unlocking everything James teaches us in his great letter!
God’s Word speaks of our salvation in three different tenses. We have been saved. We are being saved. And, we shall be saved. These do not create contradiction nor tension. All three truths are there. I have been saved, that is, in the past when I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior; I was saved forever from the penalty of sin. And one day, I shall be saved from the possibility of sin, when I go to Heaven. But right now, I am being saved from the power of sin.While I’m confident that Jesus’ half-brother James was interested in all three tenses of our salvation; his letter, that we are walking through, focuses on that present tense of our salvation, being saved from the power of sin. And James shows us, in very practical terms, how GOD’s Word blesses us by accomplishing that in our lives!In this message, Pastor Joe Still teaches from James how to very practically get blessed by GOD’s Word.
Have you ever heard of daredevil Bobby Leach?On July 25, 1911 he became the second person to ever successfully go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Later in his life, Bobby Leach died from surgical complications after slipping on an orange peel, severely damaging his leg. Which once again proves the saying, “It’s the little things that kill you!”Far too often, we live as if “sin” is just a “little thing”!In his great work, THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, puritan theologian John Owen wrote these famous words, "Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you." This is the great warning from the Apostle James in the passage Pastor Joe Still shares in this message... unless we deal with our sin, it will be killing us!
What could be the possible connection between, our suffering, God’s Wisdom, and our faith and doubts?In this message, Pastor Joe Still turns our attention to James 1:5-11 for answers to this question by examining back-to-back verses, the first we love, but the second sinks our souls if we misunderstand what James writes.
The word “FAULT” has several synonyms that provide different shades of meaning. One is “WEAKNESS”, such as a moral weakness. Another is “RESPONSIBILITY”, as in the case of wrongdoing or failure. Yet another meaning is “GEOLOGICAL”, as in the San Andreas Fault.There seems to be no real positive aspect to the meanings associated to the word “FAULT”; but, WHEN you add the suffix “less” to that word, the meaning is completely flipped. It becomes “FAULTLESS”, a word of great strength!That is the work that James, the brother of JESUS, sets out to accomplish in his epistle that bears his name. James was teaching believers how to develop a faith without cracks and weaknesses, a FAULTLESS FAITH!No other New Testament book is quite like James. Catchy, practical, and in your face, the book of James jumps straight into the nitty gritty of daily life. James takes the lofty doctrines of the Gospel and brings them down to earth. James steps on your toes! At times, he punches you in the gut. You can’t read James without being confronted with real life. James wants you to powerfully live out the Gospel you’ve been given, by helping you build a FAULTLESS FAITH!In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads a verse-by-verse study of this incredible book of JAMES, so we might build a FAULTLESS FAITH!
During this service, we sing “WHAT CHILD IS THIS”. I’m not sure if there has ever been a more important question in the history of humanity.The impact that Jesus has had on human history, on the human condition, and on our understanding of the obligations of one human being to another is unmatched, there’s not even a close second. With the coming of Christ, who humbled himself to enter our world as a helpless baby and die like a common criminal, it is now and forever clear that every life matters to God, in the here and now and for all eternityIn this message, we ask the question, What Child Is This? And then see, as the scriptures declare, “Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11).Pastor Joe Still
In this full Christmas Eve service we celebrate the birth of JESUS! In Luke 2, we see the Shepherds “telling everyone” about His birth.We’ll look closely at the Shepherd’s Story this Sunday. Their personal story of JESUS, powerfully demonstrates how HE blessed them, coming to them right in the midst of their brokenness, and gave them new life.Blessed…Broken…Given! Not only is it the Shepherd’s Story, it is also the Gospel Story, and it is the Communion Story.In this Christmas Eve message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to celebrate JESUS' coming to us in our greatest brokenness at Christmas.
Did you know that not everyone likes to be surprised?Social scientists who study such things, tell us that about 1/3 of the gifts we get at Christmas are “surprise” gifts. Things we did not expect! Retailers also tell us that they anticipate people returning about 1/3 of the gifts they receive at Christmas. I wonder if there is some correlation here between gifts we return and gifts that we didn’t expect? (Inquiring minds want to know!) Obviously, some people don’t like surprises!It comes as no surprise to most of us, that at Christmas, because GOD so loved the world, He gave the greatest gift ever! That really wasn’t a surprise. Christ’s coming had been foretold by many prophets of GOD over the course of thousands of years!However, in the gift of sending JESUS, GOD’s great LOVE contained a few surprises that may still surprise you today!In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to explore a few of the surprises found in God’s great LOVE that HE sent that first Christmas!
It’s the third Sunday of Advent and we light the Joy candle.Do you have JOY this Christmas season? Or have you had some moments when you felt your JOY being stolen away? Where do we find JOY? And how do we live in a way that fills us with JOY?In this message, Pastor Dean Infinger leads us to discover true JOY.
It's a special time of year as we approach the day we celebrate our Savior’s birth. This sermon series, titled "God Gives", explores the gifts of Advent... Hope, Peace, Joy, Love.In this message, Pastor Dean Infinger will be lighting the “HOPE” candle. Do you have hope? Hope is often defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. What are you expectantly waiting for this year?
It’s a special time of year as we approach the day we celebrate our Savior’s birth. This sermon series, titled “God Gives”, explores the gifts of Advent… Hope, Peace, Joy, Love.In this message, Garrett Walker, Director of Student Ministry, will be lighting the “PEACE” candle. As we prepare for the coming of Jesus, we remember that Jesus is our HOPE and PEACE.
There is a undeniable connection to GOD’S Grace and Thanksgiving!God’s Grace declares……that IN SPITE OF my deepest FLAWS and even BEYOND my own beliefs about myself...I AM GOD'S BELOVED! …that I am already ACCEPTED, I have already ARRIVED!…that I am COMPLETELY and TOTALLY LOVED by the GOD of all CREATION!…that I have NOTHING to PROVE!…that I have EVERYTHING to IMAGINE!…that now I can LIVE LIFE, Growing in HIS GRACE, so FILLED with GRATTITUDE for all that HE HAS DONE, that I OVERFLOW with GENEROUSLY-THANKFUL words and acts of LOVE!In this messgae, Pastor Joe Still leads us to see How God’s Grace Can Birth Gratefulness In You!
This Sunday is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Christian. We join with churches all around the world to hear GOD’s heart for our global extende family, more than 360 million who suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to explore the words JESUS gave us to live by in a world of persecution.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still takes a look at what Deuteronomy 7 calls “The Faithful GOD”! We’ll learn how FACING the FUTURE with FAITH will require a FAITHFUL GOD!
In my 35 years of serving on staff here at Riverbluff, our LORD has continuously amazed me with the incredible ministry opportunities HE bring to us. One of those amazing opportunities is our partnership with Pastor Brian Miller, his wife Katherine, and the Kingdom work GOD has given them in Medellin, Colombia. Their work of saving babies by rescuing single moms from homelessness through ESTHER’S HOME, is a wonderful Christ-Centered ministry.We’ve had the privilege of sending teams to serve there and several from Riverbluff run a distribution of BEBE’ BEANS COFFEE right here out of our church. All proceeds from the sale of that coffee goes to support the work of ESTHER’S HOME. You can learn more about it all HERE.In this message, Pastor Brian Miller will be bringing the message from GOD’s Word.Pastor Joe Still
Pastor's Picks part 13: Following Christ While Facing WarThis week, we’ve all once again been faced with the atrocities that terrorism and the war that follows can bring. The pain and human suffering that comes is both immeasurable and incomprehensible.What can we, as followers of Jesus on the other side of the world, do? In this message from Pastor Joes Still we'll learn how to follow Christ while facing war.
Here is the truth about human beings, we live either at the mercy of God or the mercy of our circumstances. Many times we’re tempted to think that we’re in control, that we’re self-sufficient. But then something happens, something we can’t control, and in an instant it becomes clear “What a fool I was! I have no control.”But God is involved in all things, and if we can learn to live in that reality, we can live with freedom and confidence that is liberating. We no longer have to live at the mercy of our circumstances because we serve a God who is above our circumstances.In this message, Pastor Joe Still teaches from Romans 8:28 and shares how we can come to know “God… In All Things”!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues in our series, “Pastor’s Picks”. The primary text comes from 2 Samuel 3 where we learn together, “How To Avoid The Death Of A Fool”!
In this message, Pastor Curt Bradford teaches from Romans 15. He shares three essential things disciples of Jesus can use to strengthen their hope.
"How to Disable Disciples"In this message, Pastor Curt Bradford continues teaching in the book of Daniel. He shares the strategies the world uses to try to disable disciples of Jesus AND how disciples can stay strong as a disciple in this world.
In this message from Dean Infinger, we are in the book of Daniel. We will witness the courage of four men from Jerusalem who chose to Stand Firm in the Faith.We live in a culture that serves the idols of success, money, power, fame, and sexual freedom. How do we live as Christians in these times? How do we let our light shine before men? It can be done when we put God first. When we trust the Living God – even when captive in an immoral land.
"But God"In this message, guest speaker Pastor Daniel Norman teaches from the books of Ephesians and 1 Timothy. Daniel shares his personal testimony and journey with God. Daniel came up through Midland Park and Riverbluff. He has served for many years in local churches as worship leader. Daniel plans to serve as Community Pastor and Worship Pastor at Kingdom Church, a new church plant, beginning in January 2024.
In this message, Pastor Curt Bradford shares scripture from 1 Corinthians written to encourage disciples of Jesus to embrace His goals for life. You’ll want to hear the practical suggestions Pastor Curt shares!
I encourage you to read Matthew 16 to prepare for this message. There are so many truths to learn when we observe Jesus and his interactions with the religious elite and his disciples. He gives warnings to his disciples, praises them, and rebukes them. On the journey, Jesus teaches us how to live and leads us to focus our attention on our heavenly father. Pastor Dean Infinger
In this message, Pastor Curt Bradford teaches from 1 Kings 8 on how to stay wholly devoted to the LORD and one another.
This Sunday we welcome Pastor John Henry Corcoran to lead our teaching time in the book of Phillipians. Born in Ireland, Pastor John Henry began his ministry in the early 90's as part of the Presbyterian Church in Tipperary Ireland, leaving his homeland in 1996 to serve in pastoral roles for many years in California. He now calls Edisto Beach home
This Sunday we will look at one of my favorite men from the Bible. We will look at the life of Moses.
As Pastor Joe mentioned last week, I love that the Bible includes the whole story - the good and the not-so-good areas of Moses' journey. Join me this Sunday as we examine part of Moses' story. God had and plan and purpose for Moses' life and He has a purpose and plan for you and me too!
Pastor Dean Infinger
For a Father’s Day gift this year, Kathy gave me “Frameo Digital Photo Frame”! We already had one at home that I think our kids gave Kathy for Christmas, so now, I have one in my office!
The awesome thing about this digital frame is my adult kids now email me photos of them and my grandkids directly to the frame. They just show up! I don’t have to mess with transferring files using Thumb Drives or SD Cards, which I’m horrible at keeping up with. (Yes, I know that sounds lazy…1st world problem and all that!) I just think its super cool to walk in my office and have brand new pics of my family waiting on me. I don’t have to touch it and still get to see the ever unfolding story of my family!
While HE has never needed a “Frameo Frame”, GOD has always been watching over and guiding the unfolding story of HIS “Forever Family”. HE let’s us see it on every page of the Bible. Just like all of us, GOD’s Forever Family is sometimes a bit messy in this life; but unlike us, GOD always perfectly loves and guides HIS Family into HIS Great Story of Redemption, even when they are extremely messy!
In this message, we’ll explore one of the most shocking chapters in the Bible and see how our Great GOD of Grace can lovingly transform and use the most traumatized person to bring HIS Salvation to the whole world! You may just see how to take the first step to deal with past traumas in your own life.
Pastor Joe Still
Have you ever asked for a second chance?
Maybe it was a mistake. Maybe we don't deserve it. But if I could have one more opportunity...
Many times in our world, we do not receive a second chance. We lose the job... the relationship ends... the decision results in disaster.
However, as Christians, we serve a second chance Savior. Jesus knows us and calls us by name into a second chance of new life.
Pastor Dean Infinger leads us as we look at one such encounter and discover that no one is irredeemable in God's sight.
This July 4th our nation will celebrate it’s 247th anniversary as an independent nation, no longer under the oppression of a foreign ruler. Our freedom as a nation is something we should never take for granted and for which we should constantly give thanks to GOD!
But greater than our national freedom are the freedoms we have in Christ!
In this message from Pastor Joe Still will encourage you to celebrate the freedom we have in Christ!
"Pastor’s Picks part 1: When JESUS Turns the Tables"
Welcome to summer at the River!
Starting Sunday, June 25, and running through the month of July, we are beginning a new Sermon Series entitled PASTOR’S PICKS. Each week, Pastor Dean and I will pick one of our favorite Bible stories or Bible passages to share with you. I think it’s going to be a great six weeks; but it won’t be the same without you!
Consider this your special invitation to join us Sundays at 9:30 or 11AM, or watch our livestream at 11AM on riverbluff.live, as we explore John chapter 2 and see the outcome “WHEN JESUS TURNS THE TABLES!”
Pastor Joe Still
You don’t have to look far to discover that our culture today suffers much confusion and conflict over gender issues. Some have even suggested that there is nothing significant to gender, so we should just do away with the idea all together. At times that mindset has been expressed in ways that deny the significance of men in the life of children and their necessity to healthy families. GOD knows the significance of men, that’s why HE created them “male & female” when creating human beings!
GOD certainly expressed how significant men are to children and families, when GOD our FATHER handpicked Joseph to be the earthly father for HIS only begotten SON, JESUS!
What was so significant about the life of Joseph that GOD would choose him for such an incredible honor? And what can we adopt from the life of Joseph that might propel us into living significant Kingdom lives?
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to celebrate Dads and learn from the life of Joseph how to live a significant Kingdom life.
Some of us have begun to discover that the longer we live the less we seem to remember!
This problem also seems to invade our life in Christ. Far too often, the longer we’ve walked with JESUS, the less we seem to clearly recall how truly dark and wretched our sin was. We seem to lose sight of the fact that our sin is what put JESUS on the Cross.
Unfortunately, that forgetfulness seems to show up most often in the way we treat people who don’t yet know the JESUS of the Bible!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to JESUS for best ways to walk with those who are far from GOD but close to us.
All around our nation, students have been celebrating their learning accomplishments through a ceremony we call “Graduation”. These graduation ceremonies are taking place in pre-schools and prominent universities, as well as every kind of learning institution in between. During the course of our lives, we will experience many “graduations”; and not just from institutions of learning, but in every area of life!
Jesus’ first disciples went through multiple “graduations”. In Luke chapter 5 we are invited to the Apostle Peter’s first Graduation Ceremony!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to discover the tests Jesus gave Peter that lead to his first graduation!
Like me, I’m sure there came a moment in the pandemic, when many of you grew tired of the phrase “the new normal”. I will confess though, that there are some new habits in my life that have stuck around because of the pandemic, which I guess you could say are part of my “new normal”.PENTECOST, in Acts 2, is about the “New Normal” GOD intended for all HIS people to live in. The “New Normal” of PENTECOST was not prompted by a pandemic, but by a great and ancient Promise from GOD!Why don’t you engage in this message, as we examine the coming of the Promised HOLY SPIRIT on the day of Pentecost, and see how it might actually point us to a “not so new and not so normal” way to live?Pastor Joe Still
"Are You Just Amazed, or AMAZED & ALTERED?"When it comes to delivering a sermon, I know that GOD only holds me accountable to be faithful to HIS Word. HE does not hold me accountable for the outcomes in the lives of the listeners. Knowing that still doesn’t keep me from sometimes wondering about those outcomes.This Sunday, we come to the end of our 26 week journey through JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount. That sermon had a varying degree of impact on all who heard it. Many were “amazed” by the teachings of JESUS. Others were amazed and forever altered by HIS Words. That is the difference between just staying in the crowd, or stepping out of the crowd to become a disciple of JESUS.I’m hoping you’ll engage in this message, as we see how the Promises of JESUS are for those who let HIS Words not only amaze you, but also alter your life, so that might become an altar for HIS Presence.Pastor Joe Still
While comedians would like us to believe that a day set aside to honor moms is a conspiracy of Greeting Card companies, the Word of GOD calls us to honor moms. For me, Mother’s Day is wrapped in my greatest hope and that gives me great reason to rejoice! That hope is in the Gospel of Jesus. My mom passed from this life to be with our LORD over 8 years ago. So now, when Mother’s Day comes, my thoughts turn to the day that I will see her once again. It will be that great day of Christ’s return. That’s not just a hope for me. It is central to the singular conviction that I have built my entire life upon. So, even though she is not here with me, GOD is still using my mom to sanctify my heart and mind!I’m praying you’ll engage in this message as we honor the moms among us and learn from the Holy Scriptures how their lives reveal the Heart of GOD for us!Pastor Joe Still
Have you ever thought – “does God really love me?” Or have you thought – “how can God love me; I’ve messed up so bad!” I can assure you that God does indeed love you. We will discover the incredible aspects of this love together on Sunday. We will see the heart of God as He gives us an object lesson from the Bible. He displays His heart and His role as our Redeemer. A redeemer who loves us and rescues us from sin and the traps of our world.In this message, Pastor Dean Infinger walks through the story of Hosea and his wife, Gomer!
"The Life-Building Plan of Jesus"Many of you know that I grew up in a home where my dad was a “custom home builder”. While sometimes all that does is make me “slightly dangerous” with power tools, it also equipped me to know that the most successful building projects begin with a really good set of plans!While good house plans are important, they pale in comparison to the importance of JESUS’ plan for building a life prepared to live in HIS Kingdom, the Kingdom of GOD!I pray you’ll engage in this message, as we learn from JESUS how to build our lives on the plans of the Master Architect for LIFE.Pastor Joe Still
"How to be Wary of the Wolves"This world can be a terribly confusing place to call home. If ever a generation need the LORD to once again, “pour out HIS Spirit on all flesh; [so that] your sons and your daughters shall prophesy… it is our generation! And if GOD would do this once again, HIS people need a “Divine Ability” to discern the difference between True & False Prophets.As JESUS begins to conclude HIS great KINGDOM teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, HE gives HIS disciples some very clear warnings. One of those warnings is how to Recognize and Reject False Teachers.In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares how JESUS taught us to deal with “Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing”!
"Entering the Narrow Gate Without Becoming Narrow Minded"In this message, Pastor Joe Still returns to our journey through JESUS’ single comprehensive teaching on how to live now in the Kingdom of GOD; we know it as the Sermon on the Mount!We will look at Matthew 7:13 &-14, which is one of the more controversial and often misunderstood statements JESUS made in the entire sermon. We will see how JESUS makes incredibly exclusive statements, while simultaneously pursuing connection with people that were scandalously inclusive.
In his phenomenal work MERE CHRISTIANITY, C.S. Lewis states:“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” We all, every one of us, live with that “ache” in our souls that Lewis described as “desires which nothing in this world can satisfy”.GOD has the answer for our “ache” and it is what we celebrate at EASTER!In this Easter message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to look at God's answer to our soul's ache: Resurrection.
What we celebrate as PALM SUNDAY began a week that ends with JESUS dead and buried in a borrowed tomb. That Sunday which started with much celebration, closes with confusion and seeds of frustration and disappointment planted. By weeks end, those seeds had sprouted, leading to a city filled with people living with many unmet expectations.Unmet expectations are something that we all face. So what do we do when GOD’s Reality collides with our unmet expectations? I'm praying you'll engage in this Palm Sunday message, as JESUS teaches us how to live in GOD’s Reality with unmet expectations!Pastor Joe Still
"Ask, Seek, & Knock To Find Golden Rule Treasure"In His Sermon on the Mount, JESUS gives us the secret path to discover the great “GOLDEN RULE” Treasure. That path is “ASK, SEEK, & KNOCK!In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to learn from JESUS how to strategically move from judging others to treating them the way we want to be treated!
"To Be The Light We Must Let Go of The Gavel"For decades, the BARNA RESEARCH GROUP has provided incredibly reliable, up-to-date, data-driven information, to help churches understand the current beliefs, thoughts, and trends of the culture into which we are to take the “Good News” about JESUS. Sometime back, David Kinnaman, the CEO of BARNA, wrote a book entitled UN-CHRISTIAN, based on survey results they had collected. The research focused on how non-Christians viewed Christians. They gave participants a number of different words to choose from to describe Christians. 87% of people outside of the Christian faith chose the word “judgmental” to describe Christians. 87%, that’s 9 out of 10 people!As we continue our study of the greatest sermon ever delivered, we come to JESUS teaching His followers, “DO NOT JUDGE…” (Matthew 7:1). In light of these words from JESUS, the aforementioned survey results should shake the souls of every one of us who say we follow JESUS and His teachings!In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to where JESUS teaches us how to build life-giving, judgment-free, world-changing lives that bring Glory to GOD!
The Good News of Jesus for the Anxious!Have you ever been “worried sick”?Being worried sick is more than just a catchphrase. It’s a legitimate health concern! The Mayo Clinic informs us that excessive anxiety can lead to physical problems including high blood pressure, migraines, indigestion, or asthma. Additionally, chronic worry is linked to the development of several mental health conditions, like generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and depression. (I pray these statements didn’t cause you more worry!)In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares an actionable plan to set us free from excessive worry in the here and now! I invite you to engage in this message as Jesus leads us into Kingdom Living that lessens worry!Pastor Joe Still
"How to Choose the Best Storage Unit"Do you know what the biggest difference between that shiny new vehicle, you wish you could purchase, and the one that was crushed in the junk yard yesterday? Time!Everything in the junkyard today, was once an object of value. There was a day when it was bright, shiny, and new, and somebody said, "I want that. I'll pay money for that!" Then a moth got it, rust got it, a thief got it, or it got old, and it ended up in the junkyard. It didn't last. Nobody wants it now.All stuff is that way. All the stuff you have now is going to end up in a junkyard. You're just the “middleman”. The only difference between the merchandise in a junkyard and the merchandise at Neiman Marcus, Best Buy, or BMW is just time. Treasure is junk waiting to happen. If you need a mathematical equation here it is: TREASURE + TIME = TRASH!In light of this reality, JESUS gives his followers a better “Treasure Storage Strategy”! In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares how JESUS teaches us “HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST STORAGE UNIT FOR OUR TREASURES”!
"What Prayer’s Doxology Proclaims"Many of us are familiar with a hymn, often referred to as “The Doxology”. In many Baptist churches, it would be sung immediately following the collection of the offering. The opening line is “Praise GOD from whom all blessings flow.” While many may think that is the only “doxology”, the word itself is defined as “an expression of praise to GOD”. There are actually many doxologies!JESUS concludes the prayer model He teaches to His disciples with a different “Doxology” in Matthew 6:13, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to integrate JESUS’ great doxology into every prayer we pray!
" Lead Us…Deliver Us"In February of 2015, the Seattle Seahawks faced the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 49. The Patriots were leading 28-24 with 26 seconds left in the game. It was second down and goal-to-go with the ball less than two yards from the goal line and the Seahawks had one time out remaining. In their backfield, the Seahawks had arguably the best short-yardage running back that season in Marshawn Lynch, but Coach Pete Carroll called for a passing play. The pass was intercepted in the end zone, ran back out to the 4-yard line, sealing the victory for the Patriots.The question that has hounded Coach Carrol since that day is “Why in the world would you throw the ball on the one-and-a-half yard line when you have, what many consider to be, the BEST short-yardage running back in football? You had everything you needed to win and yet, you gave the game away. What were you thinking?” Before we judge Coach Carroll too harshly, I wonder how many of us live lives of perpetual defeat while having every resource we need to be victorious?In His great teaching on how to pray, Jesus tells His followers to ask their FATHER in Heaven to “Lead” them away from and “Deliver” them from TEMPTATION. This points us to the reality, that GOD has a plan and a path for us to have victory over temptation, if we will access the powerful resources HE gives us.In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to explore JESUS’ plan for us to LIVE VICTORIOUSLY OVER TEMPTATION!
"Forgive AS Forgiven"In our phrase-by-phrase study of “THE LORD’S PRAYER”, what we’ve begun to see is really “THE DISCIPLE’S PRAYER”, JESUS sends a warning with a two-letter word in Matthew 6:12. That two-letter word is “AS”.The warning that JESUS gives on this matter, should stop everyone who follows Him, in our tracks. JESUS teaches that growing a life in the toxic soil of unforgiveness, not only has temporal implications, but also eternal consequences.In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to explore JESUS’ teaching on the eternity-altering, life-changing power of Biblical FORGIVENESS!
In this message, we’ll continue our look into the greatest prayer every taught, found in the greatest sermon ever proclaimed, by the greatest teacher the world has ever known. His name is JESUS!We will also celebrate the two ordinances that our LORD JESUS told us to engage, Baptism and Communion. It is going to be a great time of celebrating the Goodness of GOD together! (If you are participating via livestream or recording, you may want to gather your own elements for Communion in advance. It will allow you to more fully participate in the service!)Pastor Joe Still
"The Prayer that Brings Heaven to Earth"Some of you know that I have long loved J. R. R. Tolkien’s great work, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, both the books and movies. The last of that trilogy is entitled, THE RETURN OF THE KING. Near its conclusion, when it almost looks as if all hope is lost, the true King returns, vanquishing all of the evil forces. A great coronation and celebration follows, with a truly complete peace finally coming over a weary land. And the people of the Kingdom, enter into an enduring rest under the unending rule and reign of the King they love.I love that great work of Tolkien, because it dramatically portrays and even greater story of an even greater King, KING JESUS! While Tolkien’s work is often labeled “fantasy fiction”, there is nothing fictional about the coming return of the One True King of all this earth. And our hearts long for His return.In the greatest sermon ever preached, we find the greatest prayer ever prayed. In that prayer KING JESUS tells His followers the coming of His Kingdom begins with prayer!In this teaching, we'll learn to pray in a way that we see the Kingdom of our LORD and SAVIOR coming in our day, and in our lives.Pastor Joe Still
This Sunday marks 50 years since the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in the United States. It will also be the first observance of NATIONAL SANCTITY OF LIFE DAY, since the Supreme Court overturned that ruling on June 24, 2022. Declaring in that decision, that the Constitution of the United States does not guarantee the right to an abortion! It was a decision for which I give thanks to GOD.It was also a decision that should call the people of GOD to even greater action and deeper commitments to the SANTITIY OF EVERY HUMAN LIFE!In this message, we’ll celebrate our GOD who declares that every life is sacred to HIM. We will do this by being equipped to make a tangible difference in the lives of unborn babies and birth moms in unexpected pregnancies. Several special guests will share with us from their personal experiences in these efforts!Pastor Joe Still
"Overcoming Our 3 Big Problems in Prayer"“PRAYER” has been center stage in our nation, since the January 2nd, Monday night football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. In that game, Damar Hamlin nearly died, immediately prompting prayers, and appeals to the world to pray for his recovery. Which, as you may know, has been quite miraculous!This event has once again stirred public debate about the purpose of prayer, the power of prayer, and the proper place of prayer in public life. It fascinates me that in our journey through the GREATEST SERMON EVER PREACHED, we find ourselves arriving at the GREATEST PRAYER EVER PRAYED!In this message, and for the next several weeks, we are going to dive deep into when JESUS prayed, how JESUS prayed, and what JESUS believed and taught about PRAYER!Pastor Joe Still
The Oppression of ApprovalIn this message, we continue our verse-by-verse study of the greatest sermon ever delivered. It contained JESUS’ greatest invitation to come and live in HIS Kingdom, as well as HIS most comprehensive single teaching on how to live in the Kingdom of GOD in the here and now!Pastor Joe Still turns our attention to Matthew 6:1-6. Here JESUS uncovers the tyranny that seeking the approval of others, can have over our lives!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!Pastor Joe Still leads the gathering of the River-family on the first day of the new year, worshipping GOD together. What a great way to get 2023 started!In this message, he shares his prayer for us for 2023. It centers around 3 Big Truths about our GOD!
Merry Christmas! This family-oriented, Carol, Communion, & Candlelight Service is always one of my favorite gatherings of our River-family. It is very special and truly prepares our hearts to celebrate the first coming, “Incarnation” of our LORD JESUS!I promise that, in a clear and relevant way, we will present the Good News, that JESUS has come to rescue, each and every person, from their own personal brokenness and shame. Again, MERRY CHRISTMAS!-Pastor Joe Still
A Full Christmas – Part 3: Christmas is Fullness of FreedomDepending on who you read, and how they interpret scripture, there are some theologians who point to over 500 verses in the old Testament that point to or describe or reference the coming Messiah of GOD. J. Barton Payne, pointed to as many as 574 verses and Alfred Edersheim found 456 Old Testament verses referring to the Messiah or His times. Conservative estimates say Jesus fulfilled at least 300 prophecies in His earthly ministry.Regardless of the count, many of the prophecies about the coming Messiah speak of one who would “set the captive free” and “break the chains of bondage”. Paul telling the Christians at Galatia about Jesus, wrote, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free…”In this third message in our Christmas series, Pastor Joe Still shares how having a full Christmas requires it to be full of the FREEDOM THAT JESUS BRINGS!
A Full Christmas – Part 2: Christmas is Fullness of the SpiritIn his book entitled “JESUS, CONTINUED…”, J.D. Greear, teaching on JESUS’ incredible statement in John 16:7, does a masterful job of asking and answering the question, “How is the HOLY SPIRIT inside you, better than JESUS beside you?” Grasping the fullness of what JESUS taught about the HOLY SPIRIT is essential to having the fullest Christmas experience ever, because the HOLY SPIRIT is active at every turn of the Biblical Christmas story!In our Christmas teaching series, A FULL CHRISTMAS, we’re exploring the depths of Paul’s brief reference to Christmas in his letter to the church at Galatia. You can read in in Galatians 4:4-7. In this second message in our Christmas series, Pastor Joe Still shares how to have a more fulfilling Christmas through the “FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT”!
A Full Christmas - Part 1: Christmas is the Fullness of TimeWhy, in this season filled to the brim with presents and parties, do we so often end the Christmas season feeling empty?It turns out, the frantic pace, unreachable expectations, and overwhelming amounts of eggnog and sugar cookies don’t leave us feeling fulfilled. Does GOD have a better outcome for you this Christmas?How would you like to take back the season and step into our Heavenly FATHER’S design for Advent? Is it possible to arrive at the end of the Christmas season feeling full instead of empty? What if a few minor changes could yield a significantly different experience this Christmas? In this message from Pastor Joe Still, we'll reflect deeply on GOD’s good plans to exchange the emptiness produced by busyness and fatigue with a life filled with hope, joy, peace, and love this Christmas!
Jesus’ Hope: We’d Get Even Better!I am filled with hope and anticipation about the new, month-long celebration we begin on this Sunday called ADVENT. It is a great season of HOPE entered into by Christians all around the world. It is a season where we reflect on the HOPE JESUS brought into the world that first Christmas day. It is also a season where we rekindle, and renew, the HOPE we have in JESUS’ promised return. It reminds us that, “all our HOPES are in JESUS!While JESUS loves it when we place all our HOPES in Him, He also has HOPES for us! HE has HOPES of how we can flourish in this life until HE returns again, to take HIS rightful place as King over all the earth.We’ve spent the past 10 weeks or so examining those HOPES in HIS message known as the Sermon on the Mount. In this message we'll explore the HOPE JESUS has that we can “Get Even… Better”.Pastor Joe Still
The fourth Thursday in November houses our national day; designated by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President of these United States, as the day every American should give thanks. If we’d be vulnerably transparent, most of us would have to admit that we will not spend much time on “Thanksgiving Day” actually expressing gratitude. In fact, we’d have to go further and confess that we may actually be a gratitude-challenged person.
For followers of JESUS, giving thanks should not be a government assigned day of the year, but a way of life. GOD’s Word has much to say about gratitude and giving thanks. In this message from Pastor Joe Still, we’ll step away from our current sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount and turn our attention to Thanksgiving, not the holiday, but the way of life!
During this service, we’ll get the national celebration of Thanksgiving off to an early start. We’ll celebrate through worship in song! We’ll celebrate through baptism! We’ll celebrate in the study of GOD’s Word! We’ll celebrate through sharing in Holy Communion. We’ll celebrate by taking the Gratitude Challenge!
How to Live Without All the Lies
In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues our journey through JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount. We pick up in Matthew 5:33-37 and learn from JESUS how to “LIVE WITHOUT ALL THE LIES”!
"Jesus on Divorce"
In this message, Pastor Curt Bradford continues in our teaching series based on The Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5-7. This passage is direct teaching from Jesus to His disciples about life as one of His disciples. Christians have the wonderful gift of forgiveness and a relationship with God that lasts forever; but we also have been given a new and grace filled way to live.
When a Lingering Look Brings Hell on Earth
In this message from Pastor Joe Still, our verse-by-verse journey through the Sermon on the Mount brings us to Matthew 5:27-30. Here JESUS addresses how a lingering look leads to lust and unleashes a kind of “hell on earth” for everyone it touches. And, like JESUS always does, HE brings hope and healing into the devastation of desires gone wrong.
ATTENTION PARENTS This message comes with a “PG” rating.
"I Must See the Murder in Me"
As we continue in our series “ETERNITY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS”, in this message from Pastor Joe Still we’ll see the incredible value JESUS assigns to relationships and their critical role in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!
Additionally, JESUS will confront us with the seed of murder we all have in our hearts. HE then shows us how Kingdom living can keep that seed from germinating and rooting itself in our lives
" How to Follow Jesus into the Bible"
In this message on Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (A.K.A.-The Greatest Sermon ever delivered). We will turn our attention to Matthew 5:17-20.
In these verses, we will see Jesus addressing a divisive issue among those following Him in His day that, remarkably, is still a divisive issue in our day. Believe it or not, the source of this controversy is the BIBLE!
Pastor Joe Still shares how Jesus shows us how impossible it is to live fully in The Kingdom of Heaven, apart from the Bible.
Storms like Hurricane Ian have a way of increasing our anxiety and fear.
For those of us who are “In Christ”, GOD our FATHER has given us many promises for our lives as we face storms. HE has also given us a very relevant demonstration through a “storm event” the first disciples faced.
There is much we can learn from their “storm encounter”. We can clearly identify the sources of our own anxiety. We can see what JESUS is doing when we are in a storm. We can also learn what we can do when the storms of life assail us.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to look to JESUS when the “Wind Rages & the Water Rises”!
Handling Hostility to Your Faith
There is no one kinder or more loving or more compassionate or more filled with grace, than JESUS. I love that about HIM! I also love that HE always speaks the truth, even when that truth may be hard to hear.
Last week as we took our first steps into the GREATEST SERMON ever, we saw on full display HIS infinite, marvelous grace, made available to anyone and everyone. It was just such a beautiful picture of JESUS’ Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven!
As soon as HE put that “out there”, HE then tells a hard truth about anyone and everyone who would join HIM in HIS Kingdom as it is coming upon the earth. It is a message about facing opposition and persecution.
In this message from pastor Joe Still, we''ll hear from JESUS how to “HANDLE HOSTILITY” directed toward all who choose life in HIS Kingdom.
This week we take our first big step into the Greatest Sermon ever preached. (And no, I’m not talking about the one I’m going to preach this week!) I’m talking about a single message that JESUS taught, often called THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT!
We’ll look at the part of His Sermon that many consider to be “the introduction”. This part is often called “THE BEATITUDES”.
Looking back over the course of my life and study of the BEATITUDES, I see how the LORD has brought me to a richer place of understanding of these teachings from JESUS, and in so doing, has made His entire Sermon more accessible and life-giving!
Consider this your personal invitation from me to watch or listen to this message as we explore these truly LIFE-GIVING WORDS OF JESUS!
Pastor Joe Still
THE KINGDOM OF GOD'S GRACE
In this message Pastor Dave Hardin continues teaching in our series focused on the Sermon on the Mount. He’ll compare the “old covenant” God had with the Jews of Jesus’ day and the “new covenant” relationship we have now, based upon God’s grace.
Listen now to discover the new identity we have been given in Christ, as disciples of Jesus.
The King and His Kingdom are at Hand
The beginning chapters of the book of Matthew help set the context for the Sermon on the Mount that we will be looking at through this sermon series. Last week pastor Joe talked about the gospel of the kingdom, and a close look at Matthew chapters 1-4 shows Matthew begins to establish the truth that Jesus is the promised King who has come to redeem and renew His kingdom.
In this sermon from Pastor Dave Hardin, we will look at the Scriptures from the beginning chapters of Matthew to see how Matthew shows that Jesus is the king that was promised to come from the ancestry of David, while we also take a look at how Jesus begins to teach and to demonstrate what life looks like within His kingdom.
Jesus chooses a community of disciples who He teaches about His kingship and His kingdom so that they would one day be His kingdom representatives commissioned to spread the good news of the kingdom of heaven and demonstrate what life looks like lived under God’s rule and reign. Today, those of us who are truly disciples of Jesus are given this same commission to share the good news of what God has done through Jesus to begin to redeem and restore His kingdom while we also live our lives in such a way that we demonstrate to the world around us what it looks like to live with Jesus as our true Lord and King.
As citizens of these Unites States it is difficult, if not impossible, for us to fully grasp the relationship between a King and his subjects. True Kings ruled and reigned with absolute authority. An invitation into a King’s presence, and his inner court, to have a glimpse into his personal life, was a rare and deeply treasured gift.
To have a personal relationship with JESUS means to know HIM and love HIM as our KING. JESUS is a KING like no other. HE invites all of HIS subjects into a personal relationship and declares us HIS Friends. HE invites us into HIS inner court, adopts us as HIS own family, and reveals the deepest longings of HIS Heart. HE even shares HIS deepest prayer request with us!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares how we can not only join JESUS in HIS most heart-felt prayer, but how we can also be part of the answer to HIS prayer!
In our day, many will say that “Truth” is a relative term, stating, “you have your truth and I have mine”. They instruct us to find “truth within ourselves”. Statements like these actually defy the very definition of truth, demonstrating that there is a vast difference between truth, and the perception of truth.
This “truth confusion” is not something that has just arisen in our day. Jesus faced it when He walked this earth. The written Word of GOD declares that “truth”, real truth, absolute truth, can be known and Jesus shows us how to know it. Better yet, how to know HIM!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still points us to look to Jesus to know how to know ultimate truth!
I grew up in the era when Muhammad Ali became the world heavy weight boxing champion. If you were around at that time, you might recall that he nicknamed himself "The Greatest". This desire to be known as “The Greatest”, is not limited to professional athletes. It impacts people from every walk of life and every culture in the world, even those who closely followed Jesus. And Jesus, had some very counter-cultural teachings about who would be considered great in His Kingdom.
In this series, Pastor Joe Still shares from scripture, where we see JESUS answer life’s toughest questions!
To be truly seen, and truly known, and truly loved and cared for is a great longing in every human heart. That is GOD’s design for us.
Yet, the world in which we live, seeks to withhold from us that which we so deeply need. It trains us to falsely believe this could never be true for us. So, we stuff that need and we medicate those feelings until our lives one day erupt and spew our fear, frustration, and emptiness on those closest to us.
This happened in the life of Martha, a woman that Jesus loved. After having all she could stand, she cried out to Jesus, “LORD don’t you care...?” And as Jesus did for Martha, He will do for you and for me. He will show us that He sees us and knows us and truly loves and cares for us.
Join Pastor Joe Still in this teaching from Luke 10, as we see how much JESUS truly cares for us!
“Cancel-Culture” is a destructive movement that has actually been around for a very long time, but recently rebranded with this new title. It is the act of publicly shaming someone so they’re cut-off from community and ostracized by the mass of people who do not even really know them. In our day, it has been weaponized using social media platforms!
JESUS gives His followers a stern warning about the “toxic soil” from which “Cancel-Culture” grows. The toxic soil where “Cancel-Culture” takes root and then blossoms is the soil of unforgiveness. The warning that JESUS gives on this matter, should stop everyone who follows Him, in our tracks. JESUS teaches that growing a life in the toxic soil of unforgiveness, not only has temporal implications, but also eternal consequences. JESUS also demonstrates and declares a power far greater than “Cancel-Culture” it is the power of FORGIVENESS!
In this series, Pastor Joe Still shares from scripture, where we see JESUS answer life’s toughest
In Shakespeare’s work, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, we find that famous quote: “The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” The context of that quote is a main character Portia, urging another character Shylock, to have mercy on Antonio’s life. Portia appeals to Shylock based on mercy that comes from Heaven! When it comes to GOD’s Mercy, who exactly is it for and how is it accessed? While we all long for Mercy to be shown us when we need it, how readily do we give it away to others? In Matthew chapter 15, we find Jesus giving his disciples a great test about GOD’S Mercy! In this message, Pastor Joe Still asks how you would do taking Jesus’ Mercy Test.
Anyone who begins to seek after GOD will eventually face difficult questions on that journey. In JESUS’ earthly ministry, He never avoided those. In fact, JESUS masterfully addresses the most difficult questions in life in His everyday encounters with the people he met. Even those who set themselves against Him!
One of those tough questions is: “Is there an unforgivable sin; and if so, what is it?
In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares from Mark 3, where we see JESUS answer one of life’s toughest questions!
This July 4th, we celebrate our nation’s 246th birthday. Throughout these years GOD has truly blessed these United States. We have so much for which to give HIM thanks, and we should!
Even though HIS great blessing has been poured out on our nation, we live in a time of great division and chaos. Our land is in need of healing. While GOD’s plan is for HIS people, the Church, to be HIS instruments of healing in our land. We have allowed that national division to distract us and divide us.
In Acts 4, the Apostles Peter and John stood before the leaders of their nation and declared that, “THERE IS NO OTHER”! “There is no other” through which healing can come. “There is no other” through which salvation can come. “There is no other” to build upon but JESUS!
Join Pastor Joe Still as we look to GOD’s Word for the way to bring healing in the Church of our LORD JESUS and healing to our land.
It’s been an incredible week at Riverbluff’s 2022 VBS! GOD has done some amazing things in the lives of many children, teens, and even the ministry partners!
This week’s theme verse for VBS is Ephesians 2:10. The entire week was all about how GOD, the Master Artist, is working to redeem, reclaim, and transform us, His creation, to the original design He planned for us. We are HIS “Masterpiece” in Christ Jesus!
Disastrously, there is a great soul destroying scheme that the ancient enemy of the LORD has deployed. It sets out to deface and deform GOD’s great work in us. When we succumb to that scheme, much devastation eventually follow; but JESUS has given HIS followers specific ways to overcome this evil scheme!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to look to JESUS for best ways to experience life as the “Masterpieces” HE created us to be!
The history of Father’s Day is interesting. The first known celebration was proposed by Sonora Dodd who had the idea come to her while sitting in a Sunday service on Mother’s Day in 1909. She desired to honor her father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, who as a single parent, raised six children. The first celebration took place in the YMCA in Spokane, Washington, in 1910 with her father present! In 1916, Ms. Dodd would meet President Woodrow Wilson and try to convince him to declare it a National Day. The idea, would be rejected by congress on two different occasions, and it would not gain the status of a nationally recognized day until 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers. It would take six more years before it would become an official National Holiday, when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972. While the official holiday to honor dads may have an ambiguous history, GOD’s plan for a man has been firmly defined since creation! In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to honor and celebrate dads and look to GOD’s Word for HIS clear and incredible plan for every man.
In this life, everyone experiences some discouragement and disappointment. But what do you do when those bring you to the brink of despair?
In this message, Pastor Joe Still follows Elijah through his greatest discouragement and disappointment and discovers how he found the Kindness of GOD on the other side.
One of the great lessons that life teaches us is that failure is certain if you attempt anything, but failure doesn’t have to be fatal! Failure never has to be fatal if you find the pathway to restoration.
In one of the last encounters the Risen Jesus has with his disciples, Jesus reveals the path for restoration in the Kingdom of GOD. He does this in an intimate encounter with the ever-zealous, but now dejected apostle Peter.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still explores how to answer Life’s Great Restorative Question!
I write this on Friday morning seated in our sunroom as a thunderstorm is rolling through. Our sunroom faces into our backyard, and there, stands a large wooden swing set that I built. Our grandchildren love to play on that swing set. As I look outside at those swings, that just yesterday held the joyful bodies of my grandchildren, they are now empty, hanging in a torrential downpour, in the midst of a storm.
Before beginning to write this, I read my newsfeed this morning. In it were the names and faces of the children and the teachers who lost their lives in the horrific tragedy in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. As I looked at their faces and prayed for their families, their parents and their grandparents, my eyes continued to be drawn to those swings outside hanging there in the storm. I thought about similar swings that most likely reside in Uvalde. Swings that now hang in the midst of a different kind of storm, so I prayed!
God’s Word tell us that in this life, storms will come; and these storms may bring great devastation, but there is a way to come through these storms and continue to stand. I pray you’ll engage in this message titled “Standing in Life’s Storms” as we look to Jesus to be with us in our storms.
Pastor Joe Still
Have you had doubts? Have you ever struggled with unbelief? Have you ever thought, if God really loves me then why? Why am I facing this circumstance? Is God really good?
If we are honest, there have been moments when we doubted. I know the Sunday School answer “I’m too Blessed to be Depressed” “I’m too Anointed to be Disappointed”. But on the inside I have some doubts, I have some questions. And we are not alone. The beauty of the Bible is that it addresses these doubts!
In this message, Dean Infinger continues in our series “First Encounters” and he will be specifically looking at Doubt and Unbelief.
With great detail, God’s Word provides us multiple accounts of the “First Encounters” Jesus’ followers had with Him after His Resurrection. These accounts are filled with paths of blessings for our lives today that are rich and incredibly relevant!
Though we continue our First Encounters teaching series, this Sunday we have a special treat. Pastor Curt Bradford will be here leading us to explore one of those unique First Encounters and guiding us to see the full measure of Hope we can have as we faithfully follow the Risen LORD JESUS!
In 1987 the song “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle Rules The World” was released. It was tribute to mothers, and the powerfully influential role they play in our lives. Thousands of extensive studies from all branches of the social and behavioral sciences acknowledge this impact for good or for harm.
The scriptures definitively point out the significant role that mothers and other women played in the Gospel ministry of Jesus and the early church. Their role was so significant that they were the first people Jesus trusted with the news that He had risen from the dead. They were the first eyewitnesses to His Resurrection. They were the first to have verifiable visual hope that we can have everlasting life in Christ Jesus!
In this third message in the series First Encounters, Pastor Joe Still explores from the testimony of scripture, why Jesus first entrusted the message of His Resurrection to moms and other women.
In our day, global peace is highly sought after and yet a most rare commodity. What the Bible calls “Peace”, also known as “Shalom”, is rarer still. It is not just about the absence of war or strife, but about holistic human flourishing.
The Bible names Jesus the Prince of Peace. Jesus is the one GOD sent to bring peace on the earth, that holistic, shalom, kind of peace.
As a group, the disciples’ first encounter with the risen Jesus was all about how His resurrection would bring biblical peace to them and release it into the world. This Sunday, we will examine this first encounter to understand how Jesus longs to bring His Peace into our lives.
In this second message in the series, Pastor Joe Sill shares how to flourish in the Resurrection Peace that Jesus brings.
On that first Easter Sunday, and over the course of the next 40 days, followers of JESUS would have their FIRST ENCOUNTERS with HIM as their Risen SAVIOR and LORD. Those first encounters radically altered the lives of those early followers. They would never be the same!
GOD purposefully captured these first encounters in HIS Word, so that our lives could be transformed by these eyewitness accounts of the Risen JESUS. GOD has much hope, and grace, and joy to bring to us from these first encounters, as we follow JESUS today.
I’m praying you’ll make plans to engage in this message and for the next several messages, as we explore these FIRST ENCOUNTERS!
Pastor Joe Still
This service is a meaningful and sobering prelude to the Easter weekend. It simply means we will focus on the Lord’s Supper and what happened the night before Jesus was crucified. It is indeed a somber time but we need to be reminded regularly of what it cost God to save us.
Over the course of human history there have been many great sentences heard by human ears. I know of none greater than the single sentence recorded in Matthew 28:6; “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” It is the best news ever!
I pray you will join us and celebrate the great news that “HE HAS RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID.”
Pastor Joe Still
This Sunday as we gather, we join with hundreds of millions of Christ followers all around the world to celebrate Palm Sunday. It was that day over 2,000 years ago when JESUS first publicly declared to everyone that He was the long awaited Messiah of GOD.
The day is also the first day of the Holiest week on the Christian calendar, culminating in the celebration of our risen Savior and King. JESUS! (I sure hope you’re making plans to be here for that!)
I’m praying you’ll engage in this message as we unite with brothers and sisters around the world and take our first step into the spiritual journey that is HOLY WEEK 2022.
Pastor Joe Still
There was a line from a song in the 70’s that went “feelings whoa whoa whoa feelings, whoa whoa whoa feelings, again in my life”. The song was all about feeling our feelings. (They just don’t write songs like that anymore.)
Dr. Dallas Willard who has written at length on the subject of how our feelings shape our souls, points out that; “Feelings are a primary blessing and a primary problem for human life. We cannot live without them and we can hardly live with them.” Dr. Willard goes on to say, “Feelings are good servants, but they are disastrous masters.” Though our feelings can at times present great challenges in our lives, they are also central to our spiritual formation and soul health.
Please consider this my personal invitation to you to engage in this message as we explore God’s plan to restore our souls by renovating our feelings.
Pastor Joe Still
Every renovation project that I ever worked on with my dad in his construction business always had some great challenge to present itself. It’s just the nature of renovation work.
The same is true with the work of Soul Renovation that JESUS desires to do in us. One of those great challenges involves our minds!
I pray you'll engage in this message as we look deeply at one aspect of GOD’s Plan to Renovate our Ruined Souls by transforming our minds.
Pastor Joe Still
I have been deeply impacted by the writings of Dr. Dallas Willard. Thus far, in the 21st century, I believe him to be the greatest writer and thinker on the topic of “what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus”!
In his book, THE GREAT OMMISION, Dr. Willard writes, “Jesus brings us reliable information about who we are, why we are here, and what the humanly appropriate motives are for doing whatever we do. First, He informs us that we are by nature unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe. We will never stop existing, and there is nothing we can do about it.” Dr. Willard so aptly explains that every person who is, or has ever lived, is an everlasting soul!
GOD’s Word declares the bad news that every soul has been ruined by sin; but that is not the end of the story. Additionally GOD’s Word proclaims the Good News that for those who trust JESUS as LORD, that HE is their Shepherd and HE Restores Souls!
Consider this your special invitation to engage in this message, as we explore how we can have a Soul Restoring Encounter with GOD.
Pastor Joe Still
In “The Heart of the Matter part 2”, Pastor Joe Still explored Jesus’ first recorded miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee, where He transformed water into wine. We said that as miraculous as that is, it pales in comparison to the miracle that Jesus continues to perform every day, the transformation of a human heart!
In this message, we continue to see HOW JESUS PERFORMS A MIRACULOUS WORK OF HEART, and how He can do that in you!
I don’t think anyone has ever accused me, to my face, of being an “art snob”. Most would probably never describe me as “artsy”. In general, I’d not use those descriptors in a “bio” of myself, but that doesn’t mean I’m never moved or captured by a great work of art.
There is a print of a great painting that hangs in my office, it is Rembrandt’s THE RETURN OF THE PRODIGAL SON. While it has hung there for years, at times, I still find myself deeply moved by it, and once again caught up in that great story Jesus told to help us know the true heart of our Heavenly Father. So yes, I guess I could say that I am a lover of great art!
I know of no greater work of art, than the “Miraculous Work of Heart” that Jesus longs to do in every human soul. That is why we began a new series of messages last Sunday titled The Heart of the Matter. This week we’ll study the first recorded miracle Jesus performed, found in the second chapter of John’s Gospel. There we’ll learn HOW JESUS PERFORMS A MIRACULOUS WORK OF HEART.
Pastor Joe Still
The greatest opportunity, the greatest invitation, ever given to human beings, is to do life together with GOD. It would be a life, where the LORD is my shepherd and I can live without want. A life Jesus said, that would never thirst again.
In His own words, Jesus says that those who would give themselves to Him would receive a “living water”, the Spirit of GOD Himself, that will keep them from ever being thirsty—being driven and ruled by unsatisfied desires—and this “water” will become a spring of life-giving water gushing up into eternal life. That it could become “rivers of living water” flowing from the center of a followers life out to a thirsty world.
In this message Pastor Joe Still explores this life Jesus said He came to give.
Last week we finished our sermon series, “Rebuild” from the book of Nehemiah, and in last week’s sermon Pastor Joe mentioned that Nehemiah was not the end of God’s story. In this message Pastor Dave Hardin will take a look at how the book of Nehemiah reveals God’s overarching plan of redemption, and how that plan continues to unfold in the New Testament through the promised Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
In the book of Nehemiah we can see the continuing pattern of Israel’s disobedience toward God, and his Law given through Moses, despite God’s mercy toward the nation of Israel. The book of Nehemiah ends with further examples of Israel’s disobedience as it closes out the Old Testament Scripture. But, as the New Testament begins, we see God acting in mercy once again. This time though, God’s mercy is demonstrated not just to the people of Israel, but to anyone who would truly believe in the person and work of Jesus Christ for their right standing with God.
This is the continuing story of God’s saving redemption through Jesus Christ that has actually always been in place, even from the time before the earth was formed (1 Peter 1:20)
In this message, Pastor Joe Still brings us to the end of our journey through the book of Nehemiah. We’ll see that the old saying “all’s well that ends well”, sadly, does not apply to this story. This story closes on a pretty sad note.
So what should we take away from this kind of ending. What do we do as God’s people, when in our own story things take a turn for the worse? Where do we go? As we conclude our study in Nehemiah and learn how to press on after “hitting the wall” that you built!
Acts of great personal sacrifice that provide for the needs of others, not only captures our attention, they usually capture our hearts. We are drawn to acts of great selflessness because they stand in such stark contrast to our common experience of human selfishness. These acts call to us that we can be more!
As Pastor Joe Still leads us to continue in our study in Nehemiah, we come to chapters 11 and 12. Here we’ll see an incredible act of selflessness that leads to great glory and honor being lavished on GOD and we’ll learn how our acts of personal sacrifice can be used of GOD to transform others!
In his book COVENANT & KINGDOM, Mike Breen describes these two themes as the “genetic code—the ‘double helix’ of DNA running through the Bible”. I believe he is right. These two themes can be found woven in the whole of GOD’s Word.
While some may describe “Covenant” and “Kingdom” as “theological words”, their more common counterparts are “Relationship” and “Responsibility. “Covenant” A.K.A. “Relationship” is our guide on how to abide in GOD; while “Kingdom” A.K.A. “Responsibility” is all about our service to GOD.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us in our journey through the book of Nehemiah we’ll see the critical role “Covenant” plays in rebuilding the people of GOD.
We're also ordaining four men who have recently decided to engage a new covenant with GOD and with our church, the covenant of being a Deacon at Riverbluff. It is an important day in the life of these men and their families as well as the life of our church. You’ll certainly want to be a part of this day!
Life is a gift from GOD!
In John 10:10 we read the recorded words of JESUS, “…but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.” John 10:10 (NCV). “Life” is central to the message of JESUS’ Gospel. Now look at the context of those words from JESUS. “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness”. John 10:10 (NCV)
The destruction of “Life” as GOD intended, has always been the aim of the Evil One. We can see that work of destruction in the beginning of human history, back when GOD created human beings to bear HIS Image. That destructive work has grown exponentially in our day and continues to disguise itself with lies of “good intentions”.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to celebrate “Life” as GOD intended and explore together how we might defend it in our day. Joining us is Dr. Brian Miller from Medellín, Colombia who runs a crisis pregnancy center in that city called ESTHER’S HOME. Dr. Miller shares with us about the Life-giving Gospel work taking place in that ministry as well as helping us to be equipped to protect and defend GOD’s plan for life, where we live, work, & play!
When Martin Luther launched what has become known as “The Reformation” he began his famous “95 Thesis” with these words: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent, He willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance”.
Repentance is not a “one & done” event in the life of a Christ-follower. It should be an everyday, all of life experience.
In this message Pastor Joe Still provides us with a “tool” that unlocks repentance, leading to a life of Continuous Breakthrough!
In this message from Pastor Joe Still, we return to our study of the book of Nehemiah, picking up where we left off, Nehemiah chapter 9. Nehemiah 9 is the longest recorded prayer in the bible. It is a prayer of Repentance.
Repentance is the beginning point of any lasting life-transformation. Nehemiah 9 provides us with some of the greatest insight into what Biblical repentance looks like.
Listen now as we explore the beauty of true Biblical Repentance and look for how we can apply it in our lives early in this new year.
There is another global celebration happening just a few days into the New Year. This year it falls on January 6. While it is not as well known and the number of revelers will be significantly smaller, it holds rich meaning for those who participate. It is called the celebration of EPIPHANY, some call it 3 KINGS DAY!
While not as widely celebrated by Christ-followers here in the U.S., it is celebrated by millions of Christians around the world. It memorializes the day when GOD revealed HIS SON, the Savior of the world, to the first gentiles. There is much we can learn from the first gentiles who worshipped our Savior.
I pray you engage in this message as we learn from the Wise Men, “How to be All In For JESUS in 2022”!
Pastor Joe Still
This Sunday is the day after we have celebrated Jesus’ birth; but what do we do next? After all the Christmas gifts are exchanged, opened up, put together, and the clothes tried on—what’s next? After all the Christmas gatherings, the parties, the get togethers and festivities are over—what’s next? After Jesus was born, the shepherds came rejoicing, the Magi came with their gifts for Jesus—what’s next? After all the anticipation of His birth, what do we do today, tomorrow, next week, next month, etc? What are some ways to get started out on the right path after accepting the best gift ever, Jesus the Messiah. We will look at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to see how He started out and then we will see how we can be like Jesus.
In this message Pastor Guy Smith leads us to study God’s Word and learn to wait on God’s Timing, because our Father knows best.
In this Christmas Eve message, Pastor Joe Still shares the Christmas story - the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Most of us love to hear someone tell a great story. Those of us who do have discovered a great truth: “all ‘story-tellers’ are not created equally”! Great “tellers” of stories begin with a great opening line that immediately hooks the listener.
I believe the Christmas Story is the beginning of the greatest story ever told. While I love how the Gospel writers Matthew and Luke communicate the accounts of Christmas, JESUS’s telling of the Christmas story is by far the greatest and most memorable version of that greatest of biblical stories.
Consider this your special invitation to engage in this message as we explore the words JESUS used when HE told the Christmas story to a new friend HE met.
Pastor Joe Still
One of the wonderful recurring themes in the first two chapters of both the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke is JOY! Over and over again in those four chapters of the Bible, people are not only finding joy, but GREAT JOY!
So why in our day, is rich, life-changing joy so elusive?
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to look to those who were finding GREAT JOY to see what they can teach us about how JOY can come to us!
Though much of our world loves the “celebration of Christmas”, many seek to remove the only reason for Christmas, while other less militant hearts simply ignore the CHRIST of Christmas! Every year efforts to remove “religious references” of Christmas are undertaken, while simultaneously attempting to keep or co-op specific assets and aspects of Christmas that only come through JESUS!
“Christmas Peace” is one such asset!
Everywhere you look, you can find the world attempting to capture “Christmas Peace”; yet it continues to be elusive. Even for those of us who follow JESUS, there is a great paradox in “Christmas Peace”. As CHRIST followers, living in-between HIS advents, we need to comprehensively embrace the peace JESUS gives us now; while simultaneously, eagerly anticipating, the fullness of peace yet to come!
I’ve heard it said that if Christ-Followers are to thrive in this life we must know we are simultaneously living in the “already and not yet”. Sounds confusing I know, but that’s why we at Riverbluff celebrate ADVENT!
ADVENT is simultaneously a journey into the past and into the future of our Christian Hope. Through it we celebrate two great truths of our faith. First: “GOD was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:19) Second: Jesus said: “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me…” (Revelation 22:12) (NLT2)
This Sunday marks the first day of a spiritual journey that millions of Christ-followers around the world will begin taking together. I’m praying you’ll join us as we unite with brothers and sisters around the world and take our first step into the spiritual journey that is ADVENT 2021.
Pastor Joe Still
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads this special LORD’S DAY at the River. It is the first day of the week our nation has designated to stop and “Give Thanks”. Which we will do when we gather!
It is going to be a day to thank FATHER-GOD for all HE has done for us in Christ Jesus!
We’ll thank GOD with joyful song!
We’ll thank GOD for HIS Word to us as we meditate on it together!
We’ll thank GOD for our calling to Make Disciples as we Commission our OCC shoeboxes!
We’ll thank GOD for our Salvation in JESUS as we share in Holy Communion!
In this message by Pastor Joe Still, we’ll also see how the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST “woos” us out of our “keeping” and into Gospel Giving!
In this message, Dean Infinger continues our study in the book of Nehemiah and look specifically at the subject of identity.
Nehemiah’s trust was in God and his identity was unshakeable in the face of opposition. Our identity is in Christ, but we will discover some of the strategies the enemy utilizes to try and undermine that identity.
The last words Jesus delivered to His followers, as recorded by the Gospel writer Matthew, were a great command followed by an even greater promise. That great promise was, “And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (NLT2). Jesus’ Presence with us is what give us power to carry out Jesus’ great command to “Make Disciples”.
For the past 79 years, Jesus has faithfully blessed Riverbluff Church with His Presence, leading us into opportunity after opportunity to join Him in Making Disciples. This Sunday we celebrate one of those great opportunities to once again join with Jesus in His great work in our city!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still introduces Pastor Jerry Zapata of Gracia Ministries and a great new Disciple Making partnership Jesus is giving us at Riverbluff Church.
As we continue in our series through the book of Nehemiah, it is always good to be reminded that this book falls within the greater context of the “Big Story” of Scripture. In this big story we find that God, following mankind’s rebellion against Him, promises to set things right again through the seed of the woman. That promised seed is Jesus Christ, and all of the Bible is about God’s work through Jesus to redeem the world back to Himself.
Thus, when we take a look at the person of Nehemiah we can see him as a picture of Jesus, the One True Cupbearer to the King, pointing us to the reality and truth of what God has done through Him.
In the process of rebuilding the walls surrounding Jerusalem, Nehemiah not only has to deal with opposition from outside enemies, but also the injustice that the Jews were experiencing from amongst their own people in Jerusalem. As Nehemiah addresses this injustice, it points us to how in Jesus’ day He also had to deal with the injustice that the Jews were experiencing from amongst their own people. Jesus deals with this injustice by stepping into and personally experiencing the greatest injustice that the world has ever known, as He was unfairly tried, unjustly ruled guilty and crucified on the cross. We are also pointed to God’s eternal plan to deal with all injustice in the world through Jesus.
Thus, as we take a look at how Nehemiah deals with injustice, Jesus becomes the true hero of the story. As we deal with injustice in our world and in our lives, we can be reminded and be reassured that God cares greatly about injustice, and has dealt with it through His Son Jesus; and also how He will one day completely do away with all injustice through Jesus. To Him be all the glory!
Pastor Dave Hardin
For a 2nd career my dad launched a construction company called “Still & Still Construction”. Growing up in that home I was privileged to see and even be a part of many “Rebuilding Projects”. I learned that one of the realities of any “Rebuild” is: “there will be opposition”! Sometimes that opposition comes from neighbors, sometimes from inspectors, sometimes from supply chains; but opposition always comes. This actually became a great “Life-Lesson. I learned that every opportunity comes with opposition.
Having served in local churches for 40 years, I know that is true when GOD gives us “Kingdom Opportunities”. Knowing how to face the opposition that comes with opportunities can make all the difference in the outcome.
We’ll walk through Nehemiah chapter four and explore God’s Plan for us to thrive when we face opposition!
Pastor Joe Still
Personal battles in this life often leave us cut off from resources we need thrive. We may see what we need, but because of the rubble that exists, we can’t access what we need. In Nehemiah’s day, God’s people had to clear the rubble and REBUILD THE GATES to have access to what they needed to experience life as the people of God!
In this message from Pastor Joe Still, we’ll reflect on the gates that Nehemiah led God’s people to repair and through God’s Holy Word we’ll see how we can REBUILD THE GATES THAT GIVE US LIFE!
Most everyone I know loves an epic where an average person is swept up into a larger than life story that requires a hero or heroine. There is longing in us for a grand adventure of epic proportions. We’d like to know that we are playing a part in something bigger than ourselves!
All who walk in devotion to GOD have the opportunity to be part of the greatest epic of human history. Nehemiah shows us how to step into that great story!
In this message, we’ll see how anyone and everyone can be part of a great movement of GOD
Pastor Joe Still
An “ideal” marriage, an “ideal” education, an “ideal” job, an “ideal” vacation, even an “ideal” church; these are all elusive goals in this life. While pursuing the “ideal” in any area of life is not necessarily evil in itself, it is easy for an “ideal” to become an “idol”!
So how do we properly place our pursuits of “an ideal”?
We pursue those in the context of the “call of GOD” on our lives. While we’ll always face “real” challenges in that pursuit; GOD’S Word gives us clear paths to deal with what’s real as we pursue HIS Ideal.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still continues in our "Rebuild" series we follow Nehemiah’s journey to GOD’S IDEAL!
I love the promise from GOD to HIS people found in Galatians 6:9 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” It reminds me that life in this broken world will bring a great weariness, but there is a great blessing from the LORD coming at just the perfect time!
In this message, we'll see how on his personal journey, Nehemiah discovers how to walk with GOD toward that ideal blessing. To reach that ideal, Nehemiah had to deal with the reality of much brokenness, broken walls and broken spirits.
We will learn from Nehemiah how to deal with what’s real on our way to the LORD’S IDEAL!
-Pastor Joe Still
Waiting is not easy. We are an instant society; we want what we want and we want it now, but that is not always how God works. Charles Stanley says, “I believe that God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”
In this message from Pastor Guy Smith, we continue through the book of Nehemiah. We see Nehemiah praying and waiting on God’s timing to speak to the king about what the Lord has laid on his heart to accomplish. The Lord has given Nehemiah a heart for his people back in Jerusalem, but he needs the king's permission to take on this “God Sized” task.
Join the River-family as we study God’s Word and learn to wait on God’s timing, because our Father knows best!
Until recently, whenever I’d hear the word “BREAKTHROUGH”, I would almost always celebrate. The context for that word being used seemed to always mean something good was happening for someone I cared about!
This week we continue our journey with Nehemiah. If you’ve read through his story in the book that bears his name, you know that he ultimately has a “breakthrough experience” after receiving some very bad news. From Nehemiah’s life we can learn and follow a pattern that leads to breakthrough when bad news finds its way into our lives.
Join me as we study God’s plan to transform Bad News into BREAKTHROUGH!
Pastor Joe Still
REBUILD! RESTORE! REVITALIZE! REPAIR! RECOVER! REVIVE! REFRESH! Those great words excite my heart and capture my mind. They are Gospel Words!
In these days of tension, turmoil, and tragedy, I think most of us have some place in our life where we’d like to see one of those words find traction. That’s why we’re beginning a new series in the book of NEHEMIAH that we’re entitling REBUILD!
The book of Nehemiah is a testament to God’s faithfulness to His people regardless of their circumstances. It has a wonderful message for contemporary Christ-followers. God is building His church and not even a global pandemic can prevent His work from going forward. We’ll see the importance of God's Word, the reality of opposition, God's power to restore broken lives and the need for prayer.
I pray you’ll make plans to join each week of this series as we see God’s plans for RENEWAL and REVIVAL for those who trust in Him!
Pastor Joe Still
Well it is that time of year once again…BACK TO SCHOOL!
I remember the start of school as a kid. Looking back there seemed to be an annual rhythm. Math class is a good example of that rhythm. Seems like we’d always take the first several weeks of school and review the last few mathematic skills we learned the year before and then we’d begin adding new challenges and learning new skills.
This Sunday we are going back to school to review a most important skill for Disciples of Jesus. It is called PRAISE!
Biblical Praise is not a syrupy-christian-cliché, or a “bury your head in the sand” life-strategy. In Praise we lose our “glass half-empty”, pessimistic worldviews. Praise burns off the “fog” of oppression that clouds our hearts and minds.
In this moment in time, I think we could all use a little refresher course on PRAISE!
-Pastor Joe Still
In this era of pandemics and pandemonium, I’ve heard many people speak of how hard it is to find something good happening around us.
Could it be that the good we’re looking for is waiting to be done by us?
James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote these words, “ to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17) I love the cadence of the KJV in that verse!
Since we are all in need of seeing something good, we are going to look at the GOODNESS OF JESUS in this message. We also have a very special guest joining us to talk about a good thing we can do!
Pastor Joe Still
Though known by several names; The LORD’S SUPPER, The EUCHARIST, HOLY COMMUNION, is the one way JESUS instructed HIS disciples to remember HIS sacrifice for them.
This Sunday we will bring our REFLECT series to a close and share in the Life of our LORD by coming to His Table together.
-Pastor Joe Still
Are you currently walking through a challenge or facing a great struggle?
Is there something you’re wrestling through and you don’t see a way out, unable to see a way around or over the obstacle in your life?
Do you feel you’ve come to a dead end where your back is against the wall and you see absolutely no way out?
In Exodus Chapter 14, GOD’s chosen people, the entire nation of them, find themselves in just such a moment. GOD then gives them HIS plan to deliver them. Their part in that plan was two simple words. “BE STILL!”
In this message, Pastor Joe Still reflects on how our deliverance can come as we embrace that two-word command from our GOD of all Grace!
In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares from his Sabbatical Journey into Psalm 46:10.
Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD”
In our previous message, we began a new series entitled REFLECT. We began the series reflecting on the Heart of God. In this message I want to take us on the other half of that journey and explore what can happen, when in that stillness of Knowing God, we come to know more about ourselves and our Father’s Heart specifically for us.
-Pastor Joe
What makes you tick? What’s at the core of who you are? What drives you to do the things you do? What is your heart?
These are great questions to ask ourselves to help us rightly calibrate our lives. Socrates said: To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom! If you’ve ever seen a counselor, you know that it can be difficult to describe yourself to someone else. At times, knowing the truth about ourselves can be challenging.
Though HE has many attributes, GOD has no difficulty knowing and describing who HE is at the core of HIS Being. HE has no difficulty knowing HIS own Heart. HIS self-description is the most often quoted passage by the writers of the Old Testament and had the greatest influence on the writers of the New Testament. Knowing the Heart of GOD can give you a strength, and a hope, and a peace, like nothing else in this life.
Praying for you, Pastor Joe Still
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On July 4th, our country celebrates 245 years of Independence as a sovereign nation. That freedom was declared in a document crafted by the hands of men and we know it as our Declaration of Independence. That document is considered to be one of our nation's great treasures.
For those of us living in America who follow Jesus, we have an Independence that merits greater celebration than our national sovereignty. We have an Independence, declared not by mere men, but by the GOD of all creation. It is the greatest Independence of all!
In this message Pastor Joe Still explores GOD’s Great Declaration of our Independence.
In this message, Pastor Curt Bradford to open God’s Word. He teaches on Jeremiah 17:5-8 and share two ways God has made grace available to all of humanity.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
In this message, Pastor Dave Hardin explains the message of the Gospel and what its ultimate purpose is (to transform lives for the glory of God).
He also shares the relationship between the gospel, our gospel identity, and our obedience.
Pastor Curt Bradford leads us in this message, as he shares how we must REMEMBER the spiritual realities that impact our present realities.
The Way of the Harvest Laborer
In this message guest speaker Craig Tuck teaches from Matthew 9:35-38. You will hear practical way we can proclaim the gospel right where we live, work, and play.
How do we KNOW JESUS?
In this message Pastor Guy Smith teaches from Hebrews 1:1-4. You'll be encouraged to listen to Jesus because of who He is and to follow Him in all we do.
While GOD’s Word has much to say about prayer, it speaks with much greater frequency about praise. For some, praise is thought to be primarily a component of prayer, while to others it is mostly connected to music or singing. While praise can flow in prayer or through singing, the picture the Bible paints of praise is far more immense.
One of the great images of praise is described in Psalm 22. There we discover that GOD is “enthroned on the praises” of HIS People. The old King James versions translates it as GOD “inhabiting the praise” of HIS People. Praise is a special place where we as HIS People get to experience HIS Living Presence.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still leads us to PRAISE GOD together and find our lives FLOURISHING in HIM!
One of my favorite passages of scripture to meditate on about JESUS, is not found in one of the four Gospels, but in the second chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. It is a beautiful six verse summary of the Gospel of GOD that reveals JESUS, the “King of Kings”, as the most humble servant. (Philippians 2:5-10)
JESUS’ life, teaching, ministry, and sacrificial-death flowed from HIS Heart to serve all of humanity. While living as mankind’s greatest servant, HIS Life simultaneously defined what human flourishing could be through a “with GOD life”!
Let me encourage you engage in this message, as Jesus shows us how FLOURISHING COMES THROUGH SERVING OTHERS
Pastor Joe
Not long ago I read an article that sought to offer some solutions to the problem of over-crowded prisons. It provided the readers with lots of comparative statistics and some of the numbers were quite staggering.
That same week I had been reading in Matthew chapter 18, and the thought came, “as staggering as the numbers of people incarcerated might be, it doesn’t come close to the numbers of people whose hearts are locked in a prison of unforgiveness! Far too often, that condition of unforgiveness is born from strife in families, turning spouses against one another, or children against the parents.
Jesus said He came to “set the prisoners free”! He has “Kingdom Keys” to give us that unlock the doors to the prison of unforgiveness, and give us freedom to live in the joy of GOD’s Forgiveness.
Let me encourage you to watch this message as Jesus shows us how we can FLOURISH IN FORGIVENESS!
Pastor Joe Still
Dr. Karl Menninger, who in the 1920’s founded the Menninger Clinics that designed many breakthrough treatments for those who battle mental illness, once stated: “Money giving is a very good criterion, in a way, of a person’s mental health. Generous people are rarely mentally ill.”
Millennia before Dr. Menninger made his famous quote, King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 11:25 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” God’s plan for HIS People to Flourish, is uniquely built upon HIS intent that they grow in generosity.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares HOW WE CAN FLOURISH IN GOD’S GENEROSITY.
FLOURISH part 10 - How the Holy Spirit Helps You Flourish - April 25, 2021
When our children were very young, somewhere between two and three, they both went through the “I do it” phase. Most kids go through it. It is a normal part of development where they assert some independence. In those moments, they did not want our help!
Though some of us never seem to break out of that “I do it” phase, help is something we all need in this life. That is ultimately true in our spiritual lives. GOD never intended for us to “do it ourselves”. That’s why HE sent JESUS and it is why JESUS, before ascending back to Heaven, promised that HE would send a HELPER, the HOLY SPIRIT!
If we truly want to FLOURISH in this life, we will never do it without the HOLY SPIRIT’s Help!
This week we explore why Jesus told his followers it is better for us to have the Holy Spirit inside us than Jesus beside us.
Pastor Joe Still
Psalm 92 is known as a Psalm for the Sabbath. It is a Psalm about God’s people worshipping, overcoming, and flourishing. Verses 12-15 focus on how the LORD’s Righteous Ones flourish.
“The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:12-13 (ESV)
The first and last images given in scripture are of God’s People flourishing in the LORD’s presence in a garden of beauty and plenty. That is the eternal destiny of all of GOD’s people. There is a place where we as HIS people flourish even now. It is when we come into the presence of our LORD to worship and honor HIM together!
I hope you’ll join us as we continue in our teaching series—FLOURISH!
Pastor Joe
A phrase that was common in our home when our kids were young was “don’t assume”! While our son Taylor was very little, (he’s now 28 and a Tech Sergeant in the USAF), when intending to use the word “assume”, he would instead say “exhume”. Truthfully, when we “assume”, we often dig up things that invite death!
Making assumptions without having all the facts has often been the source of much human misery. Rich friendships and even marriages, have been destroyed by assumptions that were made before all the facts were known.
Making “assumptions” about GOD, or what HE is doing in a given situation, can lead us into fear, discouragement, and all manner of sorrow and suffering. Jesus came to remove our “need” to make assumptions about GOD. HE came to fully show us the FATHER, and through that revelation bring us lasting joy.
In this message, we’ll look at JESUS’ plan for us to flourish in HIS Joy by releasing our failed assumptions about GOD.
- Pastor Joe Still
The Friday before Easter Sunday is often called “Good Friday”. It is “good” because it is the day, over 2,000 years ago, when GOD demonstrated how truly Good and unconditionally loving HE is toward humanity. HE demonstrated this by sacrificing HIS one and only begotten SON on the Cross of Calvary.
Though you and I were not there physically, the Bible says that our sin was. The Apostle Peter writes that Jesus personally carried our sin in His Body on the cross so that we might die to sin and be made alive to a right relationship with GOD. {1 Peter 2:24} Though there was much sorrow and fear for the Disciples of Jesus on that day, their greatest joy was but three days away. And so it is with us!
In this Easter message, Pastor Joe Still presents the beauty of the Good News of Jesus in a clear and relevant way.
Our country’s ongoing obsession with the “Royal Family” of England fascinates me, especially since we fought a war over two-hundred years ago to get them off our backs! Being over two-hundred years removed from those experiences, we in America have no real life experience with Kings and Kingdom rule.
I believe that lack of real-life experience, has made it difficult for us to embrace Jesus’ teaching about the Kingdom of God. Without a strong point of reference for Kings and Kingdoms, I think we often miss something that was central to Jesus’ Gospel Message.
This Sunday, as we remember and celebrate Palm Sunday, we’ll turn our attention to the great message that Jesus declared as He rode into town that day on a donkey. Jesus was declaring before the people and the rulers of Israel that He was the long awaited Messiah King. They didn’t comprehend what this King’s Kingdom would look like, so they rejected it and missed out on the greatest invitation ever extended to humankind.
In this teaching, we look at Jesus as King and examine His plan for how our lives can FLOURISH now in the Kingdom of God!
Pastor Joe
Like many of you, I grew up hearing the phrase “practice makes perfect”! Over the course of my life, I’ve invested much time “practicing” several different pursuits, and as of yet, I’ve not become “perfect” at any of them. Have I gotten better at many of them? Sure I have!
Along the way I’ve learned that pursuing perfection is not the best use of our time, because according to the Word of GOD, only in JESUS can we be made perfect. This means we no longer need to pursue what JESUS has already done for us in the sight of GOD.
So what do I need to pursue? The Apostle Peter, who knew all too well that perfection is only found in JESUS, exhorts us to “Grow in Grace” (2 Peter 3:18). Throughout His Word, GOD gives us pathways for Growing in Grace. I like to call them “Grace-Ways”. These Grace-Ways actually involve “practices”. Not practicing for perfection, but to fully access all the Grace that JESUS makes available for us to flourish even in this broken world.
In this message, we’ll look at “Practices” that help us appropriate more of GOD’s Grace, giving us the strength we need to flourish in our Lord.
Pastor Joe Still
FLOURISH part 4 - FROM FAILURE TO FLOURISHING
Have you ever done something or said something that greatly disappointed someone you loved? Perhaps promising to be somewhere at a certain time and you weren’t. Or said, “You can count on me” and they did, but you failed to do your part. Or, said “I’ll never tell”, but you did.
Failure, and the disappointment that comes with it, are part of what it means to live in a fallen world. All of us have failed others and had others fail us. The deeper the love for the one who failed you, the deeper the disappointment you feel and the deeper the shame of the one who failed. But with GOD, failure is not a destiny; it is just an event.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still examines a moment of great human failure and how a walk with Jesus can move us from failure to FLOURISHING.
One of the many spaces in our lives that has changed significantly in this Pandemic, has been where and how we work. Many began working from home for the very first time. Some businesses and organizations have actually reported increased productivity from employees in these environments. Some cultural scientists who focus their attention on workplace environments are telling us that those environments, are now, forever changed. That they will never go completely back to normal, but will instead experience a “new normal”.
What has not been changed by this Pandemic, is GOD’s plan for work. Some people mistakenly think that “work”, is part of the curse that came, at the “fall of man” in Genesis 3. Actually, “work” existed before the “fall” occurred. GOD assigned work to Adam after putting him in the Garden. It was part of GOD’s “very good” purpose for Adam to flourish in that beautiful place called Eden.
GOD’s Word tells us that HIS purposes do not change. HE still plans for work to lead us to flourish, even in a fallen world. In this message, Pastor Guy Smith leads us to look to GOD’s Word at GOD’s plan for HIS people to FLOURISH IN THE WORKPLACE!
Pastor Joe Still
FLOURISH - part 2 - How a Masterpiece Flourishes
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Recently, one of the big stories in the news, was an unexpected scientific discovery of life flourishing beneath Antarctica’s floating ice shelf. NBC news reports that finding life thriving in such a harsh environment “has biologists baffled”.
Jesus told those who followed Him that they would find themselves living in “harsh environments”. Jesus also promised that in Him, His followers could flourish in such hostile circumstances.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to GOD’s Word to learn how to FLOURISH in a world filled with hostile environments.
Flourish - part 1 - Our Father's Hand in our Flourishing ___
FLOURISH! That is such a great word that is filled with hope.
Everyone that I know, in some way, longs for a life that flourishes. If we have children and grandchildren, we have great hope that life for them will flourish. At Riverbluff we often pray for human flourishing in our city.
No one takes greater delight in our flourishing than GOD our FATHER! In fact, HIS plan for our lives has flourishing as its great aim. HE has a great growth plan for our flourishing that HE oversees directly and engages personally. FATHER-GOD is so “hands-on” in this process that Jesus describes HIM as the Vinedresser or Gardener of our lives. GOD has made everything in HIS great creation, and HIS intent is that it would flourish.
For anything to flourish, it must produce fruit. Our Heavenly FATHER’s plan for each of us is not to just bear fruit, but that we would bear much fruit that remains. In GOD’s economy, that’s what it means for us to flourish.
JESUS MISUNDERSTOOD – Part 6: HOW JESUS BRINGS “ORGANIC” CHANGE
Vegetable gardening can be hard work; but some fresh slices of a vined ripened tomato, between white bread with some Dukes mayo, on a warm summer day, is a great reward for the labor. Though we haven’t had a vegetable garden in years, I’m still amazed at the beauty and wonder of “organic growth”! It is a process that defies the natural order of decay.
When Jesus clarified for His disciples who He was and how life in Him could overcome the “natural decay” of our souls, He described an organically growing life. In His “I AM THE VINE YOU ARE THE BRANCHES” teaching recorded in John 15, Jesus shows us how a “decay conquering” life, can only be found in an intimate organic connection with Him.
Watch now as we learn from Jesus how to let Him be our source of life in a world of constant decay!
Pastor Joe Still
JESUS MISUNDERSTOOD – Part 5: HOW JESUS BRINGS LIFE TO WHAT’S DEAD IN YOU
When you hear the word “Resurrection”, what first comes to mind? Is it Easter? Or, maybe the 2nd coming of Christ? While those must be the greatest of earthly events; when we think “Resurrection” our first thought should not be of an event, but of a Person, the Person of Christ.
In trying to clarify the truth about Himself and about the Resurrection, Jesus said, “I Am The Resurrection”! If we only see Resurrection as an “already happened”, or “can’t wait until it happens” event, we’ll miss out on what Jesus wants to do in our lives right now.
As The Resurrection, Jesus desires to raise up anything that we’re dead in right now! In this teaching we’ll look to God’s Word and see: HOW JESUS BRINGS LIFE TO WHAT’S DEAD IN YOU!
Pastor Joe Still
JESUS MISUNDERSTOOD – Part 4: How Jesus Becomes the Good Shepherd for Our Souls
ROBBED! If you’ve ever been robbed, you know the feelings of personal violation and the concerns for personal security. Kathy and I have been robbed twice in our nearly thirty-eight years of marriage. Though the circumstances were very different each time, the aftermath of feelings were very similar. Jesus knows how this world, in all its brokenness, seeks to rob life from us, “to steal and kill and destroy”; not only in our physical lives, but our spiritual and emotional lives as well. Jesus came into this world, to be our GOOD SHEPHERD, to give us life, real and abundant life!
Join me as we learn together how to let Jesus be the life-giving Good Shepherd to our souls!
Pastor Joe Still
JESUS MISUNDERSTOOD - Part 3: How Jesus Overcomes Your Darkness
“DARKNESS”! That word can often bring fear to our hearts.
As children, we’d need a night light to give us peace so we could rest. As adults, though the “darkness” of night can still stir fear; other kinds of “darkness” bring us greater concerns. In our broken world, we see the “darkness” increasing at alarming rates and we fear for our children. As we age, we fear the “darkness” of disease that might attack our minds.
This battle with “Darkness” is paramount in the STORY OF GOD, as found in HIS Holy Word. Dealing with “Darkness” is the first recorded act of GOD known to humanity. (Genesis 1:1-5) Jesus taught that ultimately, GOD would sends all of evil into and inescapable “Darkness” from which there is no return, while GOD’s Children will dwell with HIM in HIS Marvelous Light for all of eternity.
We all, everyone on the planet, battles our own personal darkness from which Jesus came to set us free. It is a battle we fight every day. I pray you’ll join us this Sunday morning at 11AM for our Livestream Service, as we look, and JESUS shows us and tell us how HE delivers us from our darkness now!
-Pastor Joe Still
JESUS MISUNDERSTOOD part 2: How Jesus Heals Your Harried Heart
January 17, 2021
As I have had opportunity to visit in many homes over my nearly 40 years in ministry there’s a phrase that I’ve seen time and time again. Sometimes it is on a refrigerator magnet, or embroidered on a pillow, or cross stitched in a picture frame. The phrase is “GOD BLESS THIS MESS”!
That’s a prayer I find myself quickly whispering often in these last days. Interestingly, that’s one of the great desires of our LORD Jesus. He came to “Bless the Mess”. He came to show us how to live so the mess doesn’t end up managing us; but, like so much of what Jesus came to accomplish, this part of His plan is so very misunderstood.
Jesus has a plan to heal hearts harried by the mess of this world, whether it was a mess of our own making or that of another. That plan is rooted in who HE is. To have access to that healing you must know HIM for who HE says HE is.
That’s the goal of our teaching series, “JESUS MisUNDERSTOOD”. We want to allow JESUS to speak for Himself and declare exactly who He is and why He came. I hope you’ll join with us this Sunday morning at 11AM for our Livestream Service as we let Jesus describe Himself and His mission through a second of seven “I AM” statements He makes in the Gospel of John.
Pastor Joe Still
JESUS MISUNDERSTOOD - Part 1: Bread of Life, John 6
Have you ever felt misunderstood, felt like a person or a group of people really didn’t "get" where you were coming from?
2,000 years ago, a man walked among us named Jesus. Ever since, people have debated, “who this Jesus really is”. In His day, Jesus was often misunderstood; even by those who followed Him. 2,000 years later Jesus is still very often misunderstood; sometimes even by those who seek to follow Him.
So who is He?
Most everyone seems to have some opinion about who Jesus is. Some base their opinion on what others have written about Jesus, some base their opinion on what others have told them about Jesus, and some base their opinion on what they’ve seen on the History Channel!
But who did Jesus say He is?
That's the question we’ll explore together in our series JESUS MISUNDERSTOOD, as we look at the 7 "I am" statements made by Jesus in the gospel of John. We’ll see Jesus declare to the world exactly who He is. Having a clear understanding on who Jesus says He is, will radically impact your life today and into eternity.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I continue to pray for you, the prayer I prayed over you on Christmas Eve. I pray you that you will have a Romans 8, No Condemnation, No Fear, No Despair, No Withholding, No Abandonment 2021!
The last message that I shared with you in 2020 came from the Revelation that Jesus gave to the Apostle John, while he was isolated on the Isle of Patmos. Like John’s isolation, we too are beginning a New Year experiencing isolation because of the Pandemic. I have personally drawn much strength this past week from one statement Jesus made that is recorded by John in Revelation 21:5, “Behold, I am making all things new.”
This Sunday, with Jesus Words in mind, I want us to explore how we can all begin anew in 2021. Jesus desires to make something new in you, for you, and of you, in this New Year.
Pastor Joe Still
Christmas. HIS Coming... Raised Satan's Rage. part 6 - December 27, 2020 by Riverbluff Church
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The GOD of Christmas and of all Creation longs for people to know HIM. HE desires that we know the truth about HIM, so HE revealed HIMSELF, since we could know HIM no other way.
When GOD took on flesh in Jesus, HE befriended a man we know as the Apostle John. Through his writings, we know that John wholeheartedly loved Jesus and knew that Jesus deeply loved him. Inspired by GOD, John wrote the most concise and profound description of GOD, “God is love.” (1 John 4:8 & 16) John also wrote the best-known verse in the Bible. It describes the great lengths, this GOD who is love, would go to so that we might personally know HIM and love HIM. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
A love that great requires a befitting response!
In Matthew’s account of the Christmas story, Pastor Joe Still shares how we can learn much from formerly pagan Astrologers about what a proper response to GOD’s Love looks like.
When was the last time, while reading, watching, or listening to the news you became overwhelmed with joy? That isn’t a common occurrence for most of us. Sometimes news may bring joy to some people while simultaneously bringing sorrow to others. Like the news during election coverage.
So, when was the last time you learned of news that was broadcast that brought joy to everyone? Is that even possible? Could a news broadcast bring joy to all people, in all places, in all generations?
It has happened!
The Gospel of Luke records GOD sending the greatest News Anchor in all of human history with the greatest news that was actually so good that it can bring joy to “all the people”; every person from every place, in every generation. That news is “JESUS has come”!
In this message by Pastor Guy Smith, we focus on the JOY that HIS COMING makes available to everyone. Let's to explore the “Good News of Great JOY that will be for all the people”!
Christmas – HIS Coming Guides Us in the Way of Peace
December 6, 2020
In this message by Pastor Dave Hardin, we continue our Advent Journey through our Sermon Series, “HIS COMING…”! This week as we light the Candle of Peace, we turn our attention to how HIS COMING BRINGS US PEACE!
One of the many people Matthew introduces in his account of the Christmas story is Joseph, Jesus’ adopted earthly dad. He was an ordinary man, a carpenter from Nazareth, but he had an extra-ordinary encounter with an Angel sent by GOD. When Joseph heard the words of the angel, he knew that his role was not simply to care for Mary, but to help raise the child who would bring about peace for all humanity. “For He will save His people from their sins.” This child would be the way GOD would bring peace between Himself and man, through the forgiveness of sins.
This “Christmas Peace” within Joseph would sustain him in caring for Mary and raising Jesus. He was able to be at peace within himself because he was about GOD’s Kingdom work. Joseph would be one of the first recipients of one of his adopted son’s great promises, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives…”. As we learn from everyone introduced in the Christmas narratives, GOD’s Peace does not mean the absence of conflict, but the presence of God in the midst of conflict!
ADVENT is simultaneously a journey into the past and into the future of our Christian Hope. Through it we celebrate a truth about GOD, “For GOD was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself…” (2 Corinthians 5:19) The word ADVENT means “coming” or “arrival” and central to our faith is the “double-Advent” of Jesus. His First Advent occurred in a stable in Bethlehem and His Second Advent could occur at any time. This double focus on past and future prepares us to celebrate the birth of Jesus, while filling our hearts with eager anticipation of the return of Christ as King, coming back to rule and reign over His creation forever. At Riverbluff, we lead our church family and encourage individual households to participate fully in the month-long celebration of Advent. We do this as a means of appropriating all the Grace GOD has ready for us to receive. It rekindles our desire to see our Lord’s return while simultaneously keeping us focused on the true meaning of Christmas throughout the “mad holiday rush”! In this message, Pastor Joe Still begins our Christmas teaching series entitled “HIS COMING”. Each Sunday we’ll look at another provision of Grace the coming of Jesus made available to those who trust in Him. This week we’ll look at the “HOPE” that came into the world at Christmas and the blessings it can have for all who will receive the Christ of Christmas.
A Day to Give Him Thanks
November 22, 2020
We are filled with gratitude for all that GOD has done on our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER Journey!
I’ve had many conversations with so many in our River-family who have given testimony that ABBA-FATHER has truly begun a good work in their lives and that they are communing with HIM in prayer in new and fresh ways. Even in this “unprecedented” year of 2020 we have so much for which we can be thankful!
In this services, Pastor Joe Still will lead us to take time to express our thanks to GOD for the great things HE has done and is doing in our lives and in Riverbluff Church. We will give thanks to HIM for HIS Saving Grace as we witness baptism. We will give HIM thanks for raising up spiritual leaders among us as we ordain four new deacons. Through sharing in the Lord’s Supper, we will personally thank JESUS for HIS great sacrifice, which has made possible our friendship with GOD!
40 Days of Prayer - Part 6: HOW CAN I ASK GOD FOR HEALING?
November 8, 2020
Throughout our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER journey, we’ve seen GOD tell us in HIS Word that HE greatly desires that we make our requests known to HIM, asking HIM for what we need. We’ve also seen in many passages GOD promising to hear our prayers and that HE will answer our prayers. We see this promise to answer, in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you…” GOD promises to answer our prayers, but sometimes HIS answer is “NO”!
There are many examples in the Bible where GOD says “no” to men and women who were strong in their faith. GOD said no to some prayers Abraham prayed. GOD said no to Moses, no to Daniel, no to Elijah, no to Peter, no to Paul. GOD even said no to Jesus.
In this message, Pastor Joe Still explains what do we do when GOD tells us “NO”? How do we move ahead in relationship and intimacy with HIM? We’ll be looking to GOD’s Word to answer these important life questions!
40 Days of Prayer - Part 6: HOW CAN I ASK GOD FOR HEALING?
November 8, 2020
In Exodus 15:26 GOD’S people are instructed to “listen carefully to the LORD your GOD…because I am the LORD, who heals you.” Our GOD is a GOD who heals. This is who HE is and it is what HE desires to do in the lives of HIS people. Our great frustration in knowing HIM personally as HEALER is rooted in the false belief that we can approach HIM for healing on our own terms. GOD gives promise of healing but it is established in HIS premise. With every promise of GOD there is a premise from GOD and that is true for healing.
Join us as Pastor Joe Still continues our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER Journey. This week we will look at GOD’s directed pathway to come to HIM and ask for Healing!
40 Days of Prayer - Part 5: PRAYING MISSIONALLY
November 1, 2020
As Jesus taught His disciples to pray, one of the things he told them was to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”.
The overall story of the Bible shows that from before creation God has always had a plan to put the world right and receive the glory that He so wonderfully deserves by re-establishing His kingdom through His One-and-only Son, Jesus Christ. Throughout Scripture we also see that God has always been creating a people to whom He would reveal His glory and through whom he would reveal His glory to the world in the carrying out of His kingdom mission. One essential aspect of participating in God’s kingdom mission is prayer, which is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray that God’s kingdom would be experienced here on earth as it is in heaven.
In this sermon Pastor Dave Hardin shares from the beginning of the book of Acts where we can see the that Jesus tells His disciples that they will be empowered through His Spirit to be used of Him in His kingdom mission, and then we see the disciples gathered together devoting themselves to praying about God’s kingdom mission. We, as disciples of Jesus and as the family of Riverbluff Church, have been empowered by God’s Spirit and commissioned to be a part of God’s kingdom mission as well, and we too must devote ourselves to praying for His kingdom mission. This is what we call missional praying, and it is one key way that we are all called to participate in God’s kingdom mission for His glory throughout our community, our country and throughout the world.
40 Days of Prayer - Part 4: FINDING A GREAT RHYTHM FOR PRAYER
October 25, 2020
So much of life is lived in rhythm. Sunrise has a rhythm. Our moon has a rhythm. Tides have a rhythm. Ocean waves have a rhythm. Music has rhythm. Walking has rhythm. And even our heartbeat has a unique rhythm.
When most things in life are working well, they are in rhythm. The same can be said about prayer. A prayer life when it’s working well will have a sweet rhythm about it!
In this message Pastor Joe Still continues our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER Journey, we’ll take some time to consider a great rhythm for prayer using the “Disciple’s Prayer” that Jesus gave us.
40 Days of Prayer - Part 3: HOW TO TALK TO A GREAT-MULTIFACETED GOD
October 18, 2020
I remember hearing somewhere that “diamonds are a girl’s best friend”. Wasn’t that a line in a song? If so, I’m sure it predates me. (Yes, I could google it to find the details, but my focus is more about diamonds than the song.)
All the world over, diamonds are thought of as a rare and beautiful commodity. In most cultures, they are highly valued. Their value is contingent upon many factors. One of the factors is the “cut” of the diamond. Often the more “multifaceted” the cut, the greater the value. The multifaceted cut allows greater refraction and reflection of light, which many think adds something to the beauty of a diamond.
Our GOD is beautiful for many reasons! I believe part of what makes HIM so beautiful to us are HIS Multifaceted nature and characteristics. I’ve found that my delight in GOD has grown as I’ve learned how to commune with our Great-Multifaceted GOD in prayer!
As we continue our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER journey, we’ll look at some practical ways to connect with GOD in prayer by taking into account HIS Multifaceted Greatness!
~ Pastor Joe Still
40 Days of Prayer - Part 2: Knowing the God You're Talking To
October 11, 2020
I am told that when “The Wizard of Oz” hit the big screen in 1939 it was thought to be a visual masterpiece. Not only were the visuals great, it also had many memorable lines in it, such as “We’re not in Kansas anymore”! I think we can all relate to that right now. Another great line from the movie is “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” It comes from the lips of The Great and Powerful OZ, who deeply desires to be unseen and remain unknown, but gets outed by Toto who pulls back the curtain. In Matthew 6:6, Jesus said, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Unlike the character in the movie, our GOD wants to be known. Though HE is currently “unseen”, GOD, our FATHER, greatly desires for us to know HIM in prayer. The Big Question for this Sunday is, do I really know who I’m talking to when I pray?
~ Pastor Joe Still
40 DAYS OF PRAYER KICK-OFF!
October 4, 2020
Everyone I know loves getting gifts from time to time. Things like new clothes, new tools, or new electronics. What most of us don’t like is the “USER MANUAL” you often must read before you can quickly enjoy your new prize. Manufacturers discovered our frustration, and fearing that we might be harmed by our new possession, resulting in legal action against them, they created QUICK START GUIDES. These are truly a blessing to owners of a new gadget!
In this message, we begin our 40 DAYS OF PRAYER Journey, I want to give you a QUICK START GUIDE to the wonderful gift GOD has given us in Prayer!
-Pastor Joe Still
UNITY: WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? - September 20, 2020
Contained within the word “UNITY” is the word “IT”. Not only is IT within the spelling of UNITY, IT is also essential to successfully live in IT! According to the Apostle John, IT is the “secret sauce” of UNITY. In this message, Pastor Joe Still shares the recipe of that secret sauce. To quote the Psalmist, “Come taste and see…”!
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September 27, 2020
Proven Paths for Growing in Prayer
Would you like to grow more confident that GOD hears you when you pray?
Would you like to grow in your capacity to see GOD answer your prayers?
Would you like to grow in your ability to hear GOD giving you guidance in decision making?
Would you like to grow a real, live, conversational relationship with GOD?
Would you like to grow in your ability to ask GOD for healing for yourself and others?
Would you like to grow in your ability to quickly release anxiety and live with Peace of mind?
Would you like to grow in feeling forgiven, ditching the guilt and shame you feel?
Do you really, earnestly, desire any or all of these?
If you answered YES to that last question, I hope you’ll join us as we look at Proven Paths for Growing in Prayer.
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September 13, 2020
How to Love God with Your Mind in a World That's Gone Mad
n 1963, Hollywood released a movie entitled “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World”. It was a comedy about the pursuit of stolen cash by a diverse and colorful group of strangers. In our day that could be the title for the year 2020. It truly seems as if our world has gone mad.
How does the Word of GOD direct disciples of Jesus to set our minds while living in a world that feels like it is crumbling around us? Watch now as Pastor Joe Still helps us look to the LORD for answers.
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Life Beyond Belief - September 6, 2020
In this teaching by Pastor Joe Still, we will study an interesting passage from 2 Kings 13
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August 30, 2020
Sheltering... Where? Part 5: How to Shelter in God's Revelation
In this message Pastor Joe Still closes out our journey of learning from Job how to SHELTER IN THE LORD. Like you, I pray we never again face a “Shelter in Place” order; but if we do, I pray we’ve all grown in the knowledge that GOD our FATHER is the only sure and certain shelter in whom we can place our trust.
This week we watch as GOD Himself speaks directly to JOB. GOD answers Job’s questions and accusations with a flurry of questions of His own. GOD’s questions reveal some things about HIMSELF that transform Job forever. This revelation gives Job a renewed and even deeper trust in the LORD, while radically altering how Job views his circumstances.
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Sheltering... Where? Part 4: Finding the Perfect Shelter
August 23, 2020
In the fourth message in the series, "Sheltering... Where?" Pastor Joe Still continue our journey with Job and we see where he found the Perfect Shelter for all times! We'll be reading from Job 19.
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In this message, we continue our journey with Job, learning how to Shelter in the LORD. Jesus told His followers "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows..." John 16:33 (NLT2). In this season of global pandemic and national unrest we are all experiencing the truth of our LORD's prophetic Words. These earthly "trials and sorrows" are at times so overwhelming that it feels like we've been knocked down by them.
This week we'll examine how Job "gets up" after being knocked down by a string of overwhelming tragedies that left him down but not out! We'll learn from Job how Sheltering in GOD enables us to"get up again and keep going" when "we get knocked down".
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SHELTER...WHERE? Part 1: HOW TO FIND A STRONG SHELTER JOB 1-42 August 2, 2020
As we move through what feels like "storm" after storm, I want to lead us to examine the life of a man of faith, who endured multiple, simultaneous "storms". This man's name was Job. Though he endured waves of calamity I pray none of us will ever know, we can learn from Job how to find a true and certain Shelter from the storms of life we will encounter.
We'll walk with Job as he asked some of life's most difficult questions in his struggle to find Shelter. Questions like "Why do those fully devoted to GOD often suffer so much?", "Where is GOD when we suffer?", and many more.
I pray you'll join me every Sunday in August as we learn from Job where we can find a Shelter to whether any storm. If you have friends and family far from God yet close to you, this would be a great journey to invite them to take with you. We'll display the beautiful Gospel of Jesus each week.
-Pastor Joe Still
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July 26, 2020
UNDIVIDED, Part 3: WALK HUMBLY
This message concludes our 3-week City-Wide teaching series, UNDIVIDED. My prayer is that this series will have been used by the LORD as "baby-step #1" that launches us as God's people to reject any racism, prejudice, or bias that still has a foothold anywhere in our hearts. Also that we would begin a vibrant journey of proactively joining GOD to "DO JUSTICE" through a fresh and heightened "LOVE of MERCY". None of that will happen, and I fear our land will continue to suffer much trauma, unless we as the people of GOD begin to once again "WALK HUMBLY" with our Good and Beautiful GOD.
-Pastor Joe Still
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JULY 19, 2020
UNDIVIDED, Part 2: LOVE MERCY
In the second part of our city-wide series, UNDIVIDED, Pastor Joe Still focuses on the message from Micah 6:8 to LOVE MERCY.
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July 12, 2020
UNDIVIDED, Part 1: DO JUSTICE
On Sunday, July 12, we will begin a new sermon series called UNDIVIDED. I have been honored to collaborate with over 25 other pastors from Charleston area churches to make this a City-Wide Sermon Series. We’ll be taking 3 weeks in each of our churches to “unpack” the powerful Old Testament verse; Micah 6:8! That verse is actually Micah’s answer to a list of soul-searching questions the prophet asked himself in verses 6-7. Questions like, “With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high?” (When I read those verses I feel like I’m peering into the prophet’s spiritual journal.) Micah answers his questions in verse 8; “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, but to DO JUSTICE, to LOVE MERCY, and to WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD.”
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July 5 2020
God's Part and the Believer's Response to Government.
In this Fourth of July message, Pastor Guy Smith shows us what the scriptures say about God's supremacy. Sharing from Romans 13, we'll see how God has ordered our world and what our responsibilities are to honor and obey those in authority over us.
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June 28, 2020
Is There Hope for My Broken Heart
In this message on HOPE, Riverbluff Elder Jimmy Sanders shares from Luke 24:13-34.
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GOD WANTS TO DO SOMETHING NEW… …IN YOU
{ Isaiah 43:18-19 }
In this message by Pastor Joe Still from Isaiah 43, we'll see that GOD is at work bringing “much good” out of the intense struggles we are living through. There are also some steps we must take to join HIM in HIS great work.
Included in this service are a few moments spent recognizing and celebrating our recent graduates from high schools, as well as colleges and universities. We are so very proud of each of them and their accomplishments!
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Beating the Odds: Jesus Beat the Greatest Odds Stacked Against Us Through His Crucifixion & Resurrection
In the closing message in this series, Pastor Joe Still teaches from Psalm 22, showing us the fulfillment of the prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
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By Beating the Odds Jesus Defeats Doubt...
This week in our teaching series BEATING THE ODDS, we explore events recorded in Matthew 11, as Jesus teaches using Old Testament prophecies about HIMSELF and HIS cousin John the Baptist. We'll see how Jesus uses these ancient prophetic predictions and applies them to HIS own life and ministry as authenticating that HE is the promised Messiah of GOD! We'll also see how this teaching from Jesus can help us defeat doubts that every devoted follower of Jesus will face in this life; especially in "pandemic times"!
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This week in our teaching series "BEATING THE ODDS", Pastor Joe Still explores the Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah 42 through the events of Jesus life and teaching recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 12 chapter 12. Isaiah's prophecy, given 700 years before His coming, perfectly describes the purposes for His coming as Jesus actually lived them out! All of those purposes had your personal redemption and the salvation of the whole world as their ultimate goal!
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In the final message in the "Connect" series, Pastor Joe Still finishes strong in Ephesians 6 by showing us what BODACIOUS PRAYING looks and feels like.
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This morning we begin a 2-3 week series entitled CAPITALIZE! One of the great strategies the Evil One uses in our lives is “divide and conquer”! He tempts us to compartmentalize our lives which keeps us from capitalizing on the Grace God gives us. So, over the next few weeks, we’ll explore how to capitalize in life whether we’ve been given much or just a little.
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Today we join our hearts together to celebrate the Goodness of God!
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We continue our summer teaching series COLLIDE, we examine the life of a powerful political and military leader. Though he actually asked one of the most important questions recorded in the Gospels, his propensity for “people pleasing” caused him to miss the greatest opportunity of his life. As we study his encounter with Jesus, we will take some time of introspection to examine our own lives and see how our tendencies toward people-pleasing may be robbing us of life transforming, GOD-moments!
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In this third message in the COLLIDE series, Pastor Joe Still shares how the LORD has a personal word for each of us from the unique account found in the fourth chapter of John’s Gospel. What began as a daily chore turned into a radical, life-transforming encounter. John recounts the events of a despised, disheartened, and discarded woman, whose life COLLIDES with the Good News Jesus has for her personally as she meets him at a well.
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I’m excited to be launching our July teaching series that we’ve entitled “COLLIDE”. Each week we’ll examine a life that was on a collision course with GOD-in-the-Flesh! We’ll see how through that face-to-face encounter their habits or hurts or hang-ups were forever transformed and their world view forever reshaped. We’ll also see how Jesus still meets those needs in the lives of those of men and women today. This morning we’ll see what happens when our doubts “COLLIDE” with Jesus. It may seem strange but I’m praying for you and me to have a gospel-transforming collision today.
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This morning Pastor Guy Smith will open God’s Word to us and lead us to think about GOD’s great plan for HIS people to pray for and bless the place where HE has planted us.
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Today we continue our journey through the book of Ephesians where God’s Word calls us to UNITY!
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Often on Father’s Day we think about gifts for dad. This morning we’ll take some time to gaze at the very first gift ever given by our FATHER and opened by humanity. It may very well be the best gift ever given by our FATHER and the best gift any father can give.
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In this sermon by Pastor Joe Still we look into Paul's magnificent prayer for the Ephesian church found in Ephesians 3:14-19. In this prayer Paul prays that they would be granted power through the Holy Spirit to comprehend and know the immeasurable depths of God's love for them in order that their lives would be transformed to the glory of God.
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Today we will also celebrate God’s Goodness to us as a church as several from our family share about what the LORD has already done as well as some new Kingdom adventures in which HE is inviting us to join HIM.
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Please know that today will be different in order and form. And, even though the “preaching” will not feel normal today, (I know some of you are thinking “it’s never normal around here”), we will be proclaiming the Good News of God’s marvelous Love through the vision that HE has given us for ministry as a church. I’m praying that GOD will stir our hearts today to commit for the first time, or recommit afresh, to be the church GOD has called Riverbluff to be in our “AOA”, in our City, in our Nation, and in the uttermost parts of our World.
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In this sermon by Pastor Joe Still we look at Ephesians 2:11-22. Here we see God continue to carry out His plan, after the resurrection of Jesus, through His people that are known as the Church. Through Jesus, God has united both Jews and Gentiles into one Body as His people for His possession and His purposes. God calls the church to live out of their identity as a people united by God and for God. This unity serves as an apologetic of God's grace and goodness to the world.
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In this sermon, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and all of the wonder and glory of this miraculous event. God raised Jesus from the dead. This means that faith in Him is not futile! In fact, putting our total trust in Jesus and building our lives around His teachings is the only effective and hope-filled way to live in this increasingly challenging world. The irrefutable resurrection of Jesus makes trusting Him for everything in life the best decision anyone will ever make.
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On this Sunday before we gather to celebrate the greatest day in history, EASTER, we open God’s Word to a defining moment in the earthly life of Jesus. Palm Sunday was the first time Jesus would publicly accept the title of King. However; He wouldn’t live out that role in the long-awaited, religiously-anticipated way. Jesus would be King, but He would be a different kind of King, ushering in an unanticipated method of ruling and reigning. Yes, He would come and crush His enemies. He would not do this from a position of power, but through a humility and self-sacrifice never before seen in all of human history. Instead of imposing His rule on anyone, He would extend to all the opportunity to personally choose to make Him their King. All who make that choice, Jesus then grants the right to become co-heirs with Him in His Glorious Kingdom! The ultimate question in life is, “Have you made Jesus your King?”
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This morning we are privileged to have Dave Hardin open God’s Word to us. Dave is constantly commending books to me that he’s been reading about the Gospel of Jesus. It is a topic he is very passionate about! I’m looking forward to his leadership among us today. Dave will also be leading a team from Riverbluff back into Cuba this week. We will have the privilege of praying over this team in today’s service.
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This morning we continue into our 6-week campaign to CONNECT with the whole message of the Gospel. We are learning to apply the Gospel of Jesus to every area of our lives. We’re learning to “preach the Gospel to ourselves” and to each other so that we’ll be even more effective at sharing the Gospel where we live, work, and play.
Today we turn our attention to four simple “Taste-Tests” of the Gospel in our lives. This morning the invitation from the LORD is found in Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
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This morning we are going to turn our attention to the sanctifying power of the Gospel. We’re going to explore one life issue today to see how we can practically apply the Gospel’s life-changing power to every area of life.
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At Riverbluff we believe the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST is the hope of the world and that HIS Church is the instrument through which God has chosen to display and proclaim that GOSPEL. From cover to cover the Bible is about the GOSPEL. Dave Harvey has stated that “Everything in Scripture is either preparation for the Gospel, presentation of the Gospel, or participation in the Gospel.”
But what is the Gospel?
Because many Christians are under the deceptive misconception that “the Gospel” is really only for the “lost” we are launching a 6-week intensive effort to equip ourselves in the “Whole-Gospel”. We want to make the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST EXPLICIT; first in our own lives and families, second in Riverbluff Church, and then where we live, work, and play! “The Gospel” will be our focus as we gather over the next six weeks to worship The ONE who is the GOSPEL. Another key component of our journey into the Gospel will be Small Group studies here on campus and scattered all over our community. In those groups we’ll use an incredible DVD driven resource entitled THE EXPLICIT GOSPEL. You will miss out on so much of this experience if you are not in a group. So please, don’t miss out!
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Today we continue in our CONNECT series, exploring the wonderful book of Ephesians. This morning we explore the incredible beauty of GOD’s desire to rescue everyone. The Bible calls that “Salvation”! This morning we look at what GOD is saving us from, what GOD is saving us to, and what GOD is saving us through.
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This morning, as we continue our CONNECT series, we turn our attention to the KINGDOM AUTHORITY GOD has granted us now. Today we focus on Ephesians 1:19-23.
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Today Pastor Curt Bradford will be continuing in our series through Ephesians we’ve entitled CONNECT. Today the biblical focus will be on one of the great prayers the Apostle Paul prayed for the local church there in Ephesus. It is a prayer I have been praying for us since we began this series and today I’m praying many of you will begin praying this prayer for yourself and for one another!
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Today we continue our journey in Ephesians exploring God’s will that all who follow His Son Jesus would confidently wear the title of “Saint”!
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Today we continue in our CONNECT series, exploring the wonderful book of Ephesians. This morning we ask the question “What would my life look like if it had God’s Blessing on it?” We’ll focus our attention on the third verse of the first chapter. There is much good news for us today in that one verse. I’m praying our heart are ready to receive it!
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This morning we begin a verse-by-verse study of Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, we’re entitling CONNECT. This letter, written from a Roman prison, is not aimed at correcting an error or heresy like several of Paul’s other letters. Instead, Ephesians connects us to the riches, to the abundance, and the fullness we have “in Christ”. It reveals our inheritance, telling us what we own “in Christ”. It will teach you who you are, how rich you are, and how to use those riches, for God’s glory.
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Today we join with brothers and sisters all across our country to celebrate the Sanctity of Life. We have rapidly devolved into a society of “Retail Relationships” (ditching relationships requiring sacrifice in pursuit of those more useful than costly). This stands against GOD’s declaration that HE created every human being in HIS image, “in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 (NLT) This means there are no gradations in the image of God. In terms of gifting, resources, and opportunity, everyone is different. In terms of dignity and value, everyone is the same. As Francis Schaeffer once said, ‘There are no little people.’ GOD’s creation declaration demands that no one is ignorable or disposable. Every person, whether a Nobel Prize recipient or a child with special needs, is a carrier of an everlasting soul. Today we celebrate every life and the GIVER of Life!
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This morning we take a look at new opportunities and challenges the LORD has clearly spoken to HIS people known as Riverbluff. And this evening we gather to celebrate these opportunities and to “brain-storm” together how we are going to embrace each one!
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On this EPIPHANY SUNDAY, we see the RESOLVE of the Magi from the east who came seeking the newborn King. We learn from them that living with RESOLVE is far better than living with regret from making resolutions.
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John 1
The day after Christmas has become one of the busiest days of the year for retailers, but they're not delighted! It has become the day when people flock to the stores to unload the stuff they unwrapped the day before. As much as the day after Thanksgiving has been labeled "the day for shopping"; the day after Christmas has become known as the "day of returning". In fact, the National Retail Foundation estimates that this year, over 40 percent of people who received Christmas gifts will end up returning something they were given. Most of us know that it's like to open a gift and discover it to be something we didn't really need and don't really want. In John chapter 1 we're told that Jesus, who was fully God, laid aside His crown and the privileges of being God, and came to this earth in the flesh. Christmas is the celebration of the greatest gift ever given - "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son." The question is, how would that gift be received? Have you really received God's gift? Or like so many other Christmas gifts, did you return it? In this sermon, we'll look to God's Word and explore what it means to truly receive God's Great Gift at Christmas.
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John 1
As we continue in our series GIFTS at CHRISTMAS we look to the writings of the Apostle John to discover some great, Un-ANTICIPATED GIFTS, found that first Christmas.
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Revelation 22:12-13, 20-21
Christmas is a time when some of us get excited about giving gifts, but almost all of us get excited about receiving gifts. Some of those gifts we may have been anticipating all year long and we receive them with great joy! However; we’ve all probably experienced “gift remorse” when we didn’t get exactly what we hoped for, but instead got something we needed. In those moments many step into the “return” line, hoping to trade up. Join us every Sunday in the month of December as we explore the beauty and events of Christmas as told by the Apostle John. You might discover it would be better to ask for what we need this Christmas, instead of settling for what we want. In so doing, we might find the Best Gift Ever! Hope you’ll join us and bring family and friends. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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2 Samuel 22
Spiritual formation surveys consistently point out that people say the single most powerful contributing factor to their spiritual growth is not transformational teaching, or being in a small group, or reading deep books. It was not energetic worship experiences, or finding meaningful ways to serve. It was suffering!
This past Thursday we celebrated the National Holiday of THANKSGIVING. In homes all over our nation some people stopped and maybe finished the sentence “I am most thankful for…”. That sentence usually ended with a reference to a special relationship, or a new job, or birth of a child, or some other kind of good blessing. But, in some very rare moments a few spoke words like, “I’m now grateful for my battle with cancer…”, or I’m grateful for that time in prison because…”, or “I’m grateful for the suffering that taught me that God can really be trusted.” They have a different kind of Thanksgiving!
The chance to trust God when trusting isn't easy is only possible because certain truths remain unchanged: God remains sovereign, grace beats sin, prayers get heard, the Bible endures, heaven's mercies spring up new every morning, the cross still testifies to the power of sacrificial love, the tomb is still empty, and the Kingdom that Jesus announced is still expanding in this broken world. God is still in the business of bringing something very, very good out of something very, very bad. This is how a different kind of Thanksgiving can exist. In this message we seek Him.
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Colossians 2:7
Two different groups of people stand in marked contrast when it comes to this time of the year. One group, the modern psychiatric community warns us that the period between Thanksgiving and New Years is “the single most stressful time of the year”. They tell us that, as a nation, stress levels go up significantly. The other group that informs us about this time of the year is the Pilgrims of 1621. They had just endured one of the harshest of winters on record and suffered much loss. Instead of sending out a warning about the next winter they celebrated by giving thanks to God for having seen them through such difficulty. Over the years I have discovered that the Pilgrim’s habit of giving thanks is a far better stress reliever than sending out a warning. So instead of shouting a warning, what we’re going to do is declare our thanks to our Good and Beautiful God for all HE has done and is doing in our lives.
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Luke 10:25-37
In this sermon we continue our TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH series examining another core characteristic of the kind of church through which Jesus says He will change the world. Today, from the teachings of Jesus, we’ll see that a Transformational Church LIVES GENEROUSLY!
It’s interesting to me that noted scholars in the discipline of human psychiatric care have made some incredible claims about this topic of “GENEROSITY”. Dr. Carl Menniger, who, in his day, was one of the top psychiatrists in the nation said, "Giving is a criterion of mental health. Generous people are rarely mentally ill." Dr. Nathaniel Branden says “There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self-esteem, the more likely one will be to treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity.” These claims simply acknowledge clear truths from God’s Word.
Today we turn our attention to an event from the life of our Lord Jesus, recorded by the Gospel writer Luke. In this encounter with a lawyer of His day, Jesus tells a story revealing three different attitudes about generous living. Let’s see what the Lord has for us today from His Authoritative Word!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Acts 1:8
As Curt Bradford continues our TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH series; we’ll reflect on our Lord’s Word recorded by Luke, the physician, in Acts 1:8. Jesus makes it clear that His Life Story and Message are too powerful and too full of hope to keep to ourselves. If you’ve been transformed by the good news of His Grace, you have a story to share with the world! Today we’ll see that any true TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH of Jesus will be filled with disciples who boldly share “the story” of Jesus and how He is the best thing that has ever happened to them!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
John 17
In this sermon we examine a very intimate time of prayer from the life of Jesus. John 17 is the longest prayer of our Lord recorded in the scriptures and it is one of His last before His crucifixion. In this prayer Jesus reveals His heart for what His Church should become. In vivid detail our Lord describes the primary traits of the Transformational Church He would leave behind, through which He could change the world!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Hebrews 13:15-16
In this sermon we continue our series exploring the traits of a TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH. Pastor Terry will be leading us into God’s Word today as we see how transformational churches actively embrace Jesus through worship. I am so grateful to God for Pastor Terry’s leadership in so many areas here at the River.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
John 15:1-8 & 16
In this sermon by Joe Still, we continue our series exploring the mark of a TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH as we turn our attention to prayer. The scriptures clearly display, and church history testifies to the truth, that Transformational Churches are Prayerfully Dependent Churches!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
This morning we continue our TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH Series as we examine God’s call for His Church to be led by Life-Giving Leaders!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
John 13:34
This morning we begin a new teaching series entitled TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH! “Transformation” is what happens when God gets hold of the life of an everyday person. He transforms them with the Gospel. Every thought and action begins to change. Values and attitudes change. They change from living for self to dying to self. And people notice. Soon, life focuses solely on the mission of Christ. “Church” is the gathering of transformed people to celebrate our LORD, learn together from His Gospel, and then scatter to participate in His mission. The church is God’s chosen instrument to spread the Gospel. It is His people engaged in His mission to carry His message into their culture and every culture. The local church is not an outdated idea but a necessity in our day. I still believe in the church not because of its perfection, but because of her Lord! Combining these two words and viewing them from GOD’s perspective while infusing them with His Life and Power, you get something even more compelling. TRANSFORMATIONAL CHURCH is His “Plan A” for bringing Hope and Salvation to the World. There is no “Plan B”! I pray you’ll be here each week this fall as we look to GOD’s Word to discover His Design for a local church that transforms lives and communities so that the name and fame of Jesus might be more widely known.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Psalm 29
This morning, in the wake of hurricane Florence, Pastor Joe Still leads us to consider how God strengthens his people to live lives that demonstrate that they are disciples of Jesus. If we are one of God’s children then we have access to the endless strength of our all-powerful Father. God’s Word reveals him as a loving Father who gives strength to his children as strength is needed to accomplish his plans and purposes through their lives for his glory. Psalm 29:3; 11 tells us that “the LORD gives his people strength, and blesses them with peace when they believe and act on the promises of his Word!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Galatians 6 & Matthew 25
This morning we bring our “UNSHACKLED” series to a close. Today we apply Paul’s warning of “do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” to one of the greatest slave masters of Christ followers in our day. His name is Possessions.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Galatians 5:1
In this sermon by Joe Still we take a look at the freedom that Jesus Christ offers from our efforts to try to measure up to the man-made requirements of religion. The journey of making a disciple begins with sharing the “Good News” that Jesus, the beloved Son of God, came to set every man, woman, and child free from the shackles of sin. Jesus came to break the chains of religion and set us free from those soul-crushing efforts of trying to be good enough. This morning we celebrate the One who died, conquered death, was raised to life to set us free!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Galatians 5:1
In this sermon by Joe Still we continue our end of summer teaching series that we began last week; UNSHACKELD! Last week we followed Paul and Barnabas on their first Church Planting, Missionary Journey into the Roman province of Galatia, (modern day Turkey). After some years pass, Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote a letter back to those churches to correct a perversion of the Gospel of Jesus that had crept into their lives. They had become deceived in their understanding of God’s Salvation coming “only” through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. They had begun to add “religion” to the Gospel. We saw last week in that letter to the Galatians that Jesus had come to set us free from the shackles of religion. When the deception of religion creeps into the Gospel, a crippling “identity-crisis” is never far behind. A prominent symptom of that crisis is a toxic-concern over “what others think about me”. Paul shows the churches that Jesus came so we could live UNSHACKLED from that fear!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Acts 13-14 & Galatians
In this sermon by Joe Still we begin a new teaching series entitled UNSHACKLED. Inspired by the Spirit of God, Paul writes a letter to the churches he and Barnabas had planted in the cities and towns of Galatia. This letter was to groups of Christians who were adding legalistic rules and stipulations to the pure and simple message of the Gospel, that Jesus saves us from our sin and reconciles us to God. It is a letter we need to read and re-read ourselves. It is so easy in this life to make the same mistakes. Christians and churches in our day are making the same decisions that trade the gift of grace for chains we were never meant to bear. So Paul reminds us that Jesus sets us free from Gospel distortions and distractions, and He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us live UNSHACKLED. (I believe this will be a great series to invite your un-churched or formerly-churched friend to attend with you!)
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Romans 11:33-36
In this sermon we are privileged to have Dave Hardin open God’s Word to us. I love Dave’s missionary heart. He inspires me to think missionally. I’m grateful for the day the LORD brought Dave, Michelle, Meg, Shannon and Kallie to The River.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com
This morning we bring our “GOSPEL-ing” series to a close. It has been great to hear all the stories of life transformation and mission engagement from our River-family. This morning we’ll hear from several others who are finding ways to live out and display the hope they have in the whole Gospel. We’ll also look to God’s Word to see HIS Heart for HIS Church to thrive as we “GOSPEL” together.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com
Luke 10:1-2 & Matthew 9:35-38
In this sermon by Joe Still we continue our series, GOSPEL-ing and reflect on the essential role of prayer in all “GOSPEL-ing” efforts. We’ll also hear from some of the “Laborers” the LORD sent out recently from among our very own River-family.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Matthew 16:18
In this sermon by Joe Still we continue our series “GOSPEL-ing”. We turn our attention to God’s call to take the Gospel of Jesus to every nation (people group) on the earth. Today we’ll hear from many from our River-family who have answered God’s call. We’ll think together about God’s heart for the nations and see how the New Testament church supported global “Gospel-ing” church planting efforts.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Philippians 1:25-27
In this sermon by Joe Still we begin our new teaching series entitled “GOSPEL-ing”. Over the next several weeks we will celebrate the numerous opportunities God is giving our River-family to demonstrate and declare the Good News of Jesus. We’ll also challenge one another to increase our awareness of “lostness” around us as well as communicate some new opportunities and strategies for addressing that “lostness”. We do this from a heart that longs for everyone to have numerous opportunities to see, hear, and respond to the Gospel where they live, work, and play; never having to come to our campus or one of our meetings to have that happen. We simply want every man, woman, and child to come to saving knowledge of our Good and Beautiful God!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com
Psalm 33:12
In this sermon by Pastor Joe Still, he writes, “I spent some moments this week re-reading and reflecting on a few of the founding documents of our nation; as well as additional writings by some of the Founders and other great leaders in its history. One of those documents was the Declaration of Independence. The concluding paragraph of that document has only two sentences, one of which is quite long. It’s the only sentence that declares our independence using the word “independent”, and it’s used three times.” “We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.” (www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript) As clear as this sentence makes it that our Founders intended this nation would be completely “independent” from Great Britain, the full document clearly declares a total “dependence” on the Creator God. Like so many others, I fear that as a nation, we have departed from that dependence. So this week my prayer is “Sovereign LORD, as you allow us to celebrate our independence as a sovereign nation, please restore our nation’s dependence on YOU. For YOU alone are the One who has created all men and women equal and have endowed us all with the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. YOU alone have made our country great. Please dear LORD, return our nation to YOU.”
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In this sermon by Joe Still we look to God’s Word to find how HIS Grace Reigns over our circumstances and how we as a church can embrace God’s Grace for a broken world!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com
2 Corinthians 11:16-12:10
This morning Pastor Joe Still press deeper into our commitment to live out the command of GOD found in Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one comes short of the GRACE of God.”
As your Pastor this weighs heavy on my heart and I’ve been praying and asking GOD to give each of us a great burden to live that out with one another and in the lives of every person where we live, work and play. Today we turn our attention to GOD’s plan for His amazing Grace to Reign over our weaknesses. The Apostle Paul became so overwhelmed by the beauty and power of GOD’s Grace to transform him that he ceased boasting about any strength he had and would only boast about his weaknesses. He began this new way of living because he discovered he had access to the power that raised Jesus from the dead only through the Grace GOD would give him. Paul emptied himself of every belief that his strength of personality, or masculinity, or experience, or intellect, or pedigree could empower him more than the Wonderful Grace of GOD. So this morning we look to Jesus as our strength sowe might face our weaknesses head on!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Matthew 18:21-35
We continue our journey this morning into GOD’S “Wonderful Grace”! Last week we saw how GOD’S Grace can and will Reign over our sin and failures, over our religious striving, and over our secrets and our shame. Today we turn the coin over to see Jesus teaching His followers that the extent to which we are willing to give Grace to the person whose hurt us the most and deserves it the least; reveals the extent to which we have actually received GOD’S Grace.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Romans 5:20-21
In this sermon by Joe Still we explore the truth of God’s reigning grace that Paul shares in his letter to the church in Rome. At the end of Romans chapter 5, after making a comparison to the power of sin, Paul concludes with this great thought: “GRACE WILL REIGN” (Romans 5:21 HCBS) When GRACE REIGNS guilt is erased! When GRACE REIGNS relationships are healed! When GRACE REIGNS weaknesses are overcome! When GRACE REIGNS bitterness is broken! When GRACE REIGNS shame is covered! When GRACE REIGNS disappointments are diminished! When GRACE REIGNS brokenness is redeemed! Our biggest problem with GRACE is our familiarity with explanations “about it” without the corresponding personal experiences “in it”. My prayer is that in the month of June we will all take a fresh look at God’s Amazing GRACE like we’re seeing it for the very first time!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
1 Peter 1:13-19
In this sermon we continue to study scriptures that point us to the truths about our good and beautiful personal GOD. In His Word, He reveals that He loves us just as we are. He will accept us and receive us “as is”, in whatever condition we find ourselves. But, He loves us too much to leave us that way. Not only has He determined to perfect us and bring us into His perfect presence forever, He has also determined to begin His perfecting work in us right now. He has given us new life now! Today we embrace the sanctifying work of our personal GOD!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Romans 8:28-37
In this sermon we continue to think together about what it means to be loved by a personal GOD, we’ll reflect on HIS great passion FOR US. The Bible declares this truth: our GOD is for us!
Thanking God when I think of you convinced that HE is “for you”!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Psalm 16
In this sermon, we continue our spring teaching series personal GOD and turn our attention to a personal GOD who is NEAR US. It is consistent teaching throughout the written Word of God that HE is always near HIS children. Scriptures like Joshua 1:9 (ESV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” and Psalm 119:151 (ESV) “You are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.” These verses give our hearts courage and hope, but so often our “feelings” send us a different message. In moments of honest disclosure most of us confess that there are times our journey with GOD feels more like an episode from “Where’s Waldo”. Our hearts struggle with thoughts like: “If God is always with us, why is HE so hard to find?”, “If the LORD says HIS sheep know HIS voice, why doesn’t HE talk to me?”
The TRUTH is that just like in a “Where’s Waldo” book where Waldo appears on every page but to the untrained eye is difficult to recognize amidst the business and clutter of the pictures, so it is with GOD amidst the business and clutter of our lives. We must train ourselves to recognize the GOD WHO IS NEAR US. We explore those life rhythms.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Matthew 6:13
In this sermon we continue our series “Personal GOD”. This morning we celebrate our personal relationship with FATHER-GOD and HIS plans and pathways to “DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE”!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Psalm 91
In this sermon we continue to study the scriptures that reveal the truth about our good & beautiful personal GOD. Today we delve into Psalm 91. In it we find the scripture Satan quoted when he tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Satan twisted God’s Word on how God PROTECTS His own. That continues to be a significant scheme Satan uses to distort the truth about our personal GOD and lead many followers of Jesus astray. This morning we equip ourselves to stand firm against one of the great deceptions of the enemy of our souls as we see how our personal GOD PROTECTS HIS OWN!
Music coutesty of hooksounds.com.
1 John 4:7-12,16-19
In this sermon we will look at how our PERSONAL GOD … “LOVES”. In 1 John 4, the Apostle John says that “God is love.” God doesn’t just love us. He is love. He is the definition of love. And the greatest example or model of love is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sometimes we think that if we fail one more time, or sin again, or lose our temper, or think another impure thought that God is going to take His love back. But He does not work that way. Romans 8 says that, “NOTHING can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” This is one of the greatest promises we can hold onto and find comfort and security from. In Christ, here is our reality: We are His beloved! May we all live in Him without fear, for perfect love – God’s Love – casts out all fear!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
1 Kings 19:11-13, 1 Samuel 3:1-10
In this sermon we begin a brand new teaching series entitled, “PERSONAL GOD.” Most everyone has, or has had, a personal relationship with someone who is “life-giving.” They help fill life with hope and joy! Personal relationships like that can be hard to come by.
The Gospel writer John records stating, “I came so [people] can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John later records Jesus saying, “And this is the real and eternal life: That they know You, the one and only True God…” Jesus clearly tells us that having a personal relationship with God is not only possible, but that growing to know Him more intimately and more personally is how we find the life we’ve always wanted. According to Jesus, because of His Resurrection, everyone can have a close, personal relationship with this very PERSONAL GOD. Unfortunately, many people attempt to create their own “personal god.” That “god” only serves their personal whims, and no matter how perverse their behavior might become, never ever has a word of correction for them. That is not the PERSONAL GOD that Jesus knew, loved, and obeyed! We hope you will join us every Sunday morning in April and May as we meet and grow to know the PERSONAL GOD that Jesus knew and displayed. This morning we will focus our time on the PERSONAL GOD … who SPEAKS! Our Good God loves to speak to us in a variety of ways. The main question is: Are we listening? Are we “tuning out” distractions (other voices) and “tuning in” to His Voice? In other words, is His Voice the Loudest Voice in our lives? We will look into His Word at how this can be a reality in our lives.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
1 Peter 2:21
In this sermon we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the central holy-day in the Christian calendar and the day God powerfully declared Jesus of Nazareth to be the Christ, the Son of the Living God! Because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection; we can have forgiveness of our sin, a new life now, an eternal destiny with God in Heaven forever, and the presence of God now through the Holy Spirit. It is believably amazing! That’s why we celebrate this day!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com
John 12:12-19
In this sermon we conclude our teaching series “ALL IN”. Today is the Sunday before we celebrate the Resurrection. On this specific Sunday, a little over 2,000 years ago, Jesus allowed Himself to be paraded through the streets of the capitol city of Jerusalem and celebrated as the long awaited Messiah from GOD. This day was already a special day on the Jewish calendar. It was a day that played a pivotal role in their celebration of Passover, which is the greatest of all Jewish celebrations. On this Sunday before Passover, Jewish families would select the very best lamb and bring it into their family to dwell with them. Four days later they would sacrifice that lamb.
It is not insignificant or coincidental that on this day, for the first and only time, Jesus would allow Himself to be brought into the hearts of the people as their long awaited Messiah. They had no idea that Jesus was positioning Himself to be ALL IN as the ultimate sacrifice for their sins and the sins of the whole world. This account, found in all four Gospels, can empower us as Christ followers to be “ALL IN” for the sake of the Gospel, the salvation of our family and friends, and for the Glory of God!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Luke 23:32-43
In this sermon we continue our teaching series “ALL IN”. That phrase describes the life of our Lord and Savior. Last week Dr. Jeremy Sin helped us see that Jesus was ALL IN for ALL PEOPLE from ALL PLACES! This morning we see that Jesus is ALL IN for ALL PEOPLE in ALL CONDITIONS and in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. Jesus is ALL IN for Pagans & Priests, Image Consultants & Immigrants, Addicts & Architects, Barbarians & Bankers, Prostitutes & Popes, Congressmen & Convicts! Jesus is also ALL IN for the Condemned.
The Gospel writer Luke records the astonishing exchange between Jesus and one of the men being executed next to Him. While hanging on the cross between two criminals, in the final moments before His death, Jesus gives all of Himself to a condemned convict. Jesus is ALL IN for ALL PEOPLE at ALL TIMES. The way our Savior died assures us that He is ALL IN for us no matter our condition or our circumstance!
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Guest Speaker, Dr. Jeremy Sin
In this sermon we explore Jesus’ ALL IN LOVE for ALL PEOPLE from ALL PLACES. As a preschooler my mom taught me a song that had a verse that said: “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the World…” In Revelation 7, God’s Word gives us a glimpse of our eternal future gathered with people “from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb” celebrating in worship. Jesus taught us that it is God’s will that none should perish but that all should come to believing faith. When Jesus walked among us He celebrated the great faith of people who were very different from His nationality and culture. Jesus even stated that the greatest faith He had seen was not from among His own people, but from a foreign soldier (Matt. 8). When Jesus walked this earth He lived and taught that God His Father, who created all men and women in His Image, loves and desires to bless all peoples of all races from all places and He commanded His Disciples to do the same. That command continues for all Disciples of Jesus today. Jesus calls us to demonstrate and declare the Gospel of God’s love to people among us from different cultures and nations who are “the same kind of different” as we. This morning I pray we all hear the Heart of our Good & Beautiful God for PEOPLE FROM ALL NATIONS LIVING AMONG US. Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Luke 9:51-56 & Matthew 5:43-46
Jesus loves people—all people. He loves the Manic and the Magnificent, Pagans & Priests, Historians & Haters, Pharisees and Financiers. Jesus loves Addicts & Architects, Barbarians & Bankers, Image-Consultants & Immigrants. He loves the Lovable & the Unlovable, Rejects & Radiologists, Prostitutes & Police. When Jesus walked the earth He was compassionate and merciful toward people from all walks of life. He still is today! What would it be like for you to have a personal encounter with that Jesus? Anyone can! Music courtesy of Hooksounds.com.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 & John 14:2
As hard as humanity is trying to put a “bold face” on things, as a whole we’re not doing so great. Just take one of our vital signs and you’d see. The rate of antidepressant use has gone through the roof in the last 20 years. They have become the third most commonly prescribed drug. (Please don’t misunderstand, I believe in medication; but it says something about us when depression is a leading cause of disability on a global scale.) Ultimately, how you envision your future impacts your current experience more than anything else. What if you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you love any day? What if you believed a great and glorious goodness was coming to you? If you did, you would have a hope that would see you through anything! That is why Jesus came. HE came to RESTORE! Jesus came to restore everything we have lost and even everything we never had, but that for which our souls continuously ache. And though the complete and total Restoration will not come until He returns, He has left us His plans for that Restoration to begin in us in the “here and now”. Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Matthew 5:13-16
As hard as humanity is trying to put a “bold face” on things, as a whole we’re not doing so great. Just take one of our vital signs and you’d see. The rate of antidepressant use has gone through the roof in the last 20 years. They have become the third most commonly prescribed drug. (Please don’t misunderstand, I believe in medication; but it says something about us when depression is a leading cause of disability on a global scale.) Ultimately, how you envision your future impacts your current experience more than anything else. What if you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you love any day? What if you believed a great and glorious goodness was coming to you? If you did, you would have a hope that would see you through anything! That is why Jesus came. HE came to RESTORE! Jesus came to restore everything we have lost and even everything we never had, but that for which our souls continuously ache. And though the complete and total Restoration will not come until He returns, He has left us His plans for that Restoration to begin in us in the “here and now”. Music courtesy of hooksounds.com
Micah 6:8 & Genesis 38
As hard as humanity is trying to put a “bold face” on things, as a whole we’re not doing so great. Just take one of our vital signs and you’d see. The rate of antidepressant use has gone through the roof in the last 20 years. They have become the third most commonly prescribed drug. (Please don’t misunderstand, I believe in medication; but it says something about us when depression is a leading cause of disability on a global scale.) Ultimately, how you envision your future impacts your current experience more than anything else. What if you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you love any day? What if you believed a great and glorious goodness was coming to you? If you did, you would have a hope that would see you through anything! That is why Jesus came. HE came to RESTORE! Jesus came to restore everything we have lost and even everything we never had, but that for which our souls continuously ache. And though the complete and total Restoration will not come until He returns, He has left us His plans for that Restoration to begin in us in the “here and now”. Music courtesty of hooksounds.com
Luke 8:4-15
As hard as humanity is trying to put a “bold face” on things, as a whole we’re not doing so great. Just take one of our vital signs and you’d see. The rate of antidepressant use has gone through the roof in the last 20 years. They have become the third most commonly prescribed drug. (Please don’t misunderstand, I believe in medication; but it says something about us when depression is a leading cause of disability on a global scale.) Ultimately, how you envision your future impacts your current experience more than anything else. What if you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you love any day? What if you believed a great and glorious goodness was coming to you? If you did, you would have a hope that would see you through anything! That is why Jesus came. HE came to RESTORE! Jesus came to restore everything we have lost and even everything we never had, but that for which our souls continuously ache. And though the complete and total Restoration will not come until He returns, He has left us His plans for that Restoration to begin in us in the “here and now”. Music courtesty of hooksounds.com
Matthew 5:9 As hard as humanity is trying to put a “bold face” on things, as a whole we’re not doing so great. Just take one of our vital signs and you’d see. The rate of antidepressant use has gone through the roof in the last 20 years. They have become the third most commonly prescribed drug. (Please don’t misunderstand, I believe in medication; but it says something about us when depression is a leading cause of disability on a global scale.) Ultimately, how you envision your future impacts your current experience more than anything else. What if you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you love any day? What if you believed a great and glorious goodness was coming to you? If you did, you would have a hope that would see you through anything! That is why Jesus came. HE came to RESTORE! Jesus came to restore everything we have lost and even everything we never had, but that for which our souls continuously ache. And though the complete and total Restoration will not come until He returns, He has left us His plans for that Restoration to begin in us in the “here and now”. Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
Malachi 3:7-12 & Philippians 4:19
As hard as humanity is trying to put a “bold face” on things, as a whole we’re not doing so great. Just take one of our vital signs and you’d see. The rate of antidepressant use has gone through the roof in the last 20 years. They have become the third most commonly prescribed drug. (Please don’t misunderstand, I believe in medication; but it says something about us when depression is a leading cause of disability on a global scale.) Ultimately, how you envision your future impacts your current experience more than anything else. What if you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you love any day? What if you believed a great and glorious goodness was coming to you? If you did, you would have a hope that would see you through anything! That is why Jesus came. HE came to RESTORE! Jesus came to restore everything we have lost and even everything we never had, but that for which our souls continuously ache. And though the complete and total Restoration will not come until He returns, He has left us His plans for that Restoration to begin in us in the “here and now”.
Music courtesy of hooksounds.com
As hard as humanity is trying to put a “bold face” on things, as a whole we’re not doing so great. Just take one of our vital signs and you’d see. The rate of antidepressant use has gone through the roof in the last 20 years. They have become the third most commonly prescribed drug. (Please don’t misunderstand, I believe in medication; but it says something about us when depression is a leading cause of disability on a global scale.) Ultimately, how you envision your future impacts your current experience more than anything else. What if you knew that God was going to restore your life and everything you love any day? What if you believed a great and glorious goodness was coming to you? If you did, you would have a hope that would see you through anything! That is why Jesus came. HE came to RESTORE! Jesus came to restore everything we have lost and even everything we never had, but that for which our souls continuously ache. And though the complete and total Restoration will not come until He returns, He has left us His plans for that Restoration to begin in us in the “here and now”. Music courtesy of hooksounds.com.
In this stand-alone sermon we explore Jonah chapter 1, and take a look at the idea of running from God. Music courtesy of HookSounds.com.