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Restoration | John 21 | Week 7 of RED LETTERS You don't have to earn your way back to Jesus. You can live out of His love, not strive for it. In the final week of our RED LETTERS series, we turn to John 21 (NIV) for a powerful encounter between the risen Jesus and one of His closest disciples, Peter. Peter had denied Jesus three times. Now, after the resurrection, Jesus meets him on the shore, shares a meal with him, and asks him a question three times: “Do you love me?” This isn't just a conversation about Peter's failure. It's a story of forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration. Jesus doesn't leave Peter defined by his worst moments. Instead, He restores their relationship, reminds Peter of his calling, and invites him once again to follow. Through Peter's story, we discover an important truth: Jesus came that we may live out of His love, not strive for it. We don't have to spend our lives trying to prove we're good enough for God. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can receive His love, walk in His forgiveness, and live out the calling He has placed on our lives. In this message, we'll explore three responses to Jesus' invitation: FACE THE FIRE — Bring your failures into the light, receive God's forgiveness, and stop allowing shame to keep you from Him. FEED THE SHEEP — Love and serve others, helping people discover the love of Jesus. FOLLOW JESUS — Stop striving to earn God's love and trust Him with your life, your future, and your next step. As we close the RED LETTERS series, Jesus' words to Peter become His invitation to us: “Follow me!” No matter where you've been or how you've fallen short, your failures don't have to be the end of your story. Jesus invites you into a restored relationship with Him and a life shaped by His love. Scripture: John 21 (NIV) RED LETTERS is a series exploring the words Jesus spoke in the Gospels and discovering how those words can still impact and transform our lives today. If this message encouraged you, like the video, subscribe to our channel, and share it with someone who needs to be reminded of God's restoring love. #Restoration #RedLetters #John21 #Jesus #Forgiveness #Grace #FollowJesus #ChristianSermon #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Family Pastor, Pat Kenna. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Kingdom Or Bust  | Matthew 13:44-50 | Week 6 of RED LETTERS What if discovering Jesus changes the value of everything else? In week six of our RED LETTERS series, we turn to one of Jesus' most powerful teachings about the Kingdom of God in Matthew 13:44–50 (ESV). Jesus describes the Kingdom as a hidden treasure and a pearl of great value. Two people discover it in completely different ways, but their response is the same: everything else is revalued because they have found something worth everything. But what exactly is the Kingdom? And what does it mean for us today? The Kingdom of God isn't simply a place we're going someday. It is God's reign breaking into the world through Jesus, the King. The King has come, and where Jesus is recognized, trusted, and obeyed, His Kingdom becomes visible. Pastor J.C. also explores Jesus' encounter with the Rich Young Ruler in Matthew 19:16–22 and Paul's words in Philippians 3:7–8. What separates the person who joyfully gives everything for the Kingdom from the person who walks away sorrowful? It's not ultimately about what they give up—it's about what they believe they are gaining. And Jesus ends His teaching with the sobering picture of the net: a reminder that the Kingdom is already here, but there is also a day when the King will return and every person will answer to Him. So the question isn't simply “Is the Kingdom worth everything?” The question is: Who is your King? In this message, you'll discover: -What Jesus means by the Kingdom of God -Why the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven describe the same reality -Why you can't separate the Kingdom from the King -What the treasure and pearl teach us about surrender -What the Rich Young Ruler teaches us about competing kingdoms -Why following Jesus is ultimately about value, not just sacrifice -What Jesus' parable of the net teaches us about the coming judgment -Why the invitation of Jesus is to surrender our kingdom and receive His “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field...” — Matthew 13:44 (ESV) The Kingdom is worth everything. The King is coming. Will you choose the Kingdom now? RED LETTERS is a series exploring the words Jesus spoke in the Gospels—and discovering how those words can still impact and transform our lives today. #RedLetters #KingdomOrBust #KingdomOfGod #Matthew13 #Jesus #KingdomOfHeaven #Surrender #Faith #ChristianSermon #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Creative Pastor, J.C. Letterman. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Faith To Forgive | Luke 17:1-6 | Week 5 of RED LETTERS How do we forgive when forgiveness feels impossible? In week five of our RED LETTERS series, Pastor Pat takes us to Luke 17:1–6 (NIV), where Jesus speaks directly to His disciples about stumbling blocks, sin, repentance, and forgiveness. Jesus doesn't pretend that relationships will always be easy. He warns His followers to be careful about the way they live, calls them to confront sin, and commands them to forgive—even when the offense happens again and again. The disciples' response is simple: “Increase our faith!” This message explores what biblical forgiveness really looks like. Forgiveness isn't pretending something didn't happen or calling something wrong “right.” It's a vertical commitment to trust God with justice, followed by a horizontal movement toward restoration when repentance takes place. And sometimes forgiveness means dealing with things that have taken root deep within us. Jesus' picture of a mulberry tree points us toward the kind of faith that can uproot old patterns and make room for God's way to grow in our lives. In this message, you'll discover: -Why Jesus takes stumbling blocks and our influence on others so seriously -The difference between forgiveness, reconciliation, and simply avoiding conflict -Why biblical forgiveness involves both truth and grace -What it means to trust God with justice and vengeance -How faith can help us uproot deep patterns of unforgiveness -Why Jesus' desire for forgiveness is ultimately freedom and restoration RED LETTERS is a series exploring the words Jesus spoke in the Gospels—and discovering how those words can still impact and transform our lives today. Who do you need to forgive? Maybe today is the day you stop carrying the offense and begin trusting Jesus with the work of forgiveness and restoration. #RedLetters #TheFaithToForgive #Luke17 #Forgiveness #Jesus #Faith #Restoration #ChristianSermon #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Family Pastor, Pat Kenna. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Love Your Enemies | Matthew 5:43-48 | Week 4 of RED LETTERS What if Jesus actually meant what He said? In week four of our RED LETTERS series, we turn to one of Jesus' most challenging teachings: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” In Matthew 5:43–48 (NIV), Jesus calls us to a radically different way of living—one that goes beyond loving the people who love us back. He challenges us to love our enemies, pray for those who hurt us, and reflect the character of our Heavenly Father in the way we treat others. The words of Jesus aren't always easy to hear. But they have the power to transform the way we respond to conflict, hurt, disagreement, and even the people we would rather avoid. RED LETTERS explores the words Jesus spoke in the Gospels and asks a simple question: What would happen if we actually lived by the words of Jesus? If this message challenged or encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. #RedLetters #LoveYourEnemies #Matthew5 #Jesus #Sermon #Christianity #Faith #Love #Forgiveness #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Family Pastor, Pat Kenna. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Choosing The Better Portion | Luke 10:38-42 | Week 3 of RED LETTERS What happens when doing things for Jesus becomes more important than simply being with Jesus? In week three of our RED LETTERS series, we turn to Luke 10:38–42 and the familiar story of Mary and Martha. Through the words of Jesus, we discover that it’s possible to be busy serving, doing good things, and even welcoming Jesus into our lives—while becoming distracted from Jesus Himself. Martha was serving Jesus, but her service had become anxiety, frustration, and resentment. Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Jesus called what she chose the “good portion.” This message explores what it means to slow down, pay attention to what is happening within us, and remember that our identity isn't found in what we accomplish for God. We don't work our way into the Father's love; we live and serve from the love we have already received. In this message: - How good things can become distractions when they pull us away from Jesus - Why an unattended inner life can turn service into anxiety and resentment - How Jesus lovingly meets us in the places we're struggling - What it means to choose the “better portion” - Why receiving from Jesus must come before doing for Jesus - How abiding with Jesus becomes a lifelong practice “But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” — Luke 10:42 (ESV) The invitation is simple: First, receive. Then, respond. First, be with Him. Then, work from that relationship. First, remember that you are loved. Then, go love others. In to heal. Out to love. If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that they don't have to hold everything together. #RedLetters #ChoosingTheBetterPortion #Luke10 #MaryAndMartha #Jesus #Abiding #SpiritualGrowth #EmotionallyHealthySpirituality #ChristianSermon #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Creative Pastor, J.C. Letterman. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

A Theology of Suffering | John 9:1-7 | Week 2 of RED LETTERS Why does suffering happen? Where is God when we're hurting? And how should we respond when someone else is walking through suffering? In Week 2 of our RED LETTERS series, we turn to John 9:1–7 (NIV), where Jesus encounters a man who had been blind from birth. Rather than getting caught up in the question of why this suffering happened, Jesus redirects His disciples toward what God is doing—and toward an opportunity to bring healing, mercy, and love. RED LETTERS explores passages from the Gospels where Jesus spoke, discovering how His words can still challenge, transform, and shape our lives today. In A Theology of Suffering, we wrestle honestly with the reality of suffering and learn how to trust God when life hurts. But we also consider the other side of suffering: What do we do when we're not the ones hurting? How do we enter into the suffering of others when our own lives are going well? Charles Spurgeon captured this challenge beautifully: “It is ours, not to speculate, but to perform acts of mercy and love, according to the tenor of the gospel.” Jesus calls us away from simply asking questions about suffering and toward being present, compassionate, and practical—bringing the love of Christ to people who are hurting. Sometimes we may not get the answers we're looking for. But Jesus shows us a better question: How can we love, serve, and bring the presence of God into someone's suffering? If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. #RedLetters #TheologyOfSuffering #Suffering #Jesus #John9 #Faith #Hope #Christianity #Church #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Family Pastor, Pat Kenna. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Know His Voice | John 10:7-10 | Week 1 of RED LETTERS What does the voice of Jesus sound like—and how do we learn to recognize it? In Week 1 of our RED LETTERS series, we begin exploring the words Jesus spoke in the Gospels and discovering how those words still have the power to impact and transform our lives today. In this message, “Know His Voice,” we look at John 10:7–10 (NIV), where Jesus describes Himself as the gate for the sheep. Jesus reminds us that His voice leads us toward life, freedom, and purpose. But in a world filled with competing voices, distractions, and opinions, learning to recognize and follow the voice of Jesus is essential. Jesus still speaks. The question is: Are we listening? RED LETTERS is a journey through the words of Jesus—words spoken thousands of years ago that still speak directly into our lives today. If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear the voice of Jesus today. #RedLetters #KnowHisVoice #John10 #Jesus #HearingGod #FollowJesus #AbundantLife #ChristianSermon #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Family Pastor, Pat Kenna. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Jesus Came To Save | Matthew 1:21 Before we dive into the words of Jesus, we need to understand who Jesus is and why He came. In this special prelude to our new Red Letters sermon series, we turn to Matthew 1:21 (NIV) and discover the purpose behind Jesus' coming: He came to save. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus spoke words that challenged, encouraged, confronted, and transformed the people around Him. And those same words still have the power to transform our lives today. But before we explore what Jesus said, we first have to understand who He is and what He came to do. Jesus didn't simply come to be a teacher, moral example, or historical figure. He came to save His people from their sins. As we begin Red Letters, this message lays the foundation for everything that follows. The words of Jesus matter because of who Jesus is—and His mission was always centered on bringing salvation and restoration to a broken world. “And you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21 (NIV) This is where the story begins. Jesus came to save. Join us as we begin Red Letters and discover how the words of Jesus can still speak into our lives, transform our hearts, and change the way we live today. If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. #RedLetters #JesusCameToSave #Jesus #Salvation #Matthew121 #Gospel #ChristianSermon #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

God Has A Plan For You | TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD (Week 4) What do you do when it feels like everything is falling apart? Where is God when the situation seems hopeless? In week four of our TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD series, we journey through the story of Esther and discover a powerful truth: even in the darkest hours, God has a plan. Esther 4:14 reminds us that God can place us exactly where we are for a purpose. As the story unfolds in Esther 8–9, what seemed like an impossible situation begins to turn. The Jewish people faced destruction, but God made a way—and their mourning was ultimately turned into victory. Maybe you're facing a situation today that feels hopeless. Maybe you can't see how things could possibly work out. Esther's story reminds us that God is still working, even when we can't see Him, and He is able to make a way when there seems to be no way. There is hope in the darkest hours. God will make a way. 📖 Esther 4:14; 8:1–2; 9:2–4 (NIV) If this message encourages you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that God is still working in their story. #TruthInAGreyWorld #GodHasAPlanForYou #Esther #Hope #Faith #GodsPlan #ChristianSermon #Bible #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Are You a Child of the Lie OR the Promise? | TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD (Week 3) What defines who you are—and whose voice you believe? In week three of our TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD series, we explore the difference between living as a child of the lie and living as a child of the promise. In a world where truth can feel increasingly blurred, Jesus reminds us that there is a real enemy who lies, deceives, and seeks to distort what God says about us and the world around us. Through John 8:44 and 2 Timothy 3, we look at the deception and spiritual confusion that can shape our lives when we reject God's truth. But Scripture doesn't leave us there. Deuteronomy 7 reminds us that we belong to a God who chooses, loves, keeps His covenant, and faithfully fulfills His promises. The question isn't simply, "What do I believe?" The deeper question is: Whose voice am I listening to, and am I living like a child of God's promise? We close with the powerful reminder from Jude 1:24–25 that God is able to keep us from falling and present us blameless before His presence with great joy. Scriptures referenced: 📖 John 8:44 📖 2 Timothy 3:1–5, 7, 9 📖 Deuteronomy 7:6–9, 12–13 📖 Jude 1:24–25 (NIV) If this message encouraged or challenged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear the truth in a grey world. #TruthInAGreyWorld #ChildOfThePromise #Jesus #Truth #Faith #Bible #ChristianSermon #Deuteronomy7 #John844 #Jude #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Doers Of The Word | TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD (Week 2) Hearing God's Word is only the beginning. The real question is: Will we live it? In week two of our TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD series, we explore what authentic faith looks like in everyday life. James reminds us that faith isn't measured by what we know—it's revealed by how we live. God's truth isn't meant to be admired from a distance; it's meant to transform us from the inside out. Through James 1:22-25, James 2:14-24, and Matthew 7:24-27, this message challenges us to move beyond simply listening to Scripture and become people who obey it. Like the wise builder who built his house on the rock, a life rooted in obedience to Christ will stand firm when the storms come. Following Jesus isn't about checking religious boxes—it's about allowing His Word to shape our decisions, relationships, priorities, and purpose every day. "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." — James 1:22 (NIV) If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who wants to grow deeper in their walk with Christ. #TruthInAGreyWorld #James #FaithInAction #DoersOfTheWord #BibleTeaching #ChristianLiving #JesusChrist #Faith #RiverviewChristian #Sermon This week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

Eternal Truth | TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD (Week 1) In a world where truth seems to change with every opinion, trend, and headline, is there anything that remains constant? Week one of our TRUTH IN A GREY WORLD series begins by exploring the unchanging nature of God's truth. In Eternal Truth, we discover that truth isn't something we create or redefine—it's found in the eternal Word of God and ultimately in Jesus Christ. Looking at John 1:1–5, Psalm 119:89, and 1 Peter 1:3–5, this message reminds us that while culture changes, God's truth stands forever. His Word has never failed, His promises remain secure, and our hope is anchored in the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If you're searching for a solid foundation in an increasingly uncertain world, this message is for you. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope and a firm foundation today. #TruthInAGreyWorld #EternalTruth #John1 #Psalm119 #1Peter1 #BiblicalTruth #JesusChrist #ChristianSermon #Faith #Hope #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Lead Pastor, John Letterman. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

ON MISSION: HOW TO GET INVOLVED | Week 4 of the "ON MISSION" Series Following Jesus means more than believing—it means joining Him on His mission. In the final week of our ON MISSION series, Pastor Scott, our Online Pastor and Nazarene Missions International (NMI) President, challenges us to move beyond awareness and into action. Through Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:18–20, we're reminded that every follower of Jesus is called to be His witness—whether across the street or across the world. This message highlights the incredible work God is doing through the Church of the Nazarene around the globe, including educational institutions, churches, child development centers, clinics, and hospitals that are sharing the love of Christ in both word and deed. You'll also hear the sobering reality that billions of people have still never heard the name of Jesus, making the Great Commission as urgent today as ever. Whether you're called to pray, give, go, or send, there is a place for you in God's mission. In this message you'll discover: ~What Jesus' Great Commission means for every believer ~How God is transforming lives through Nazarene Missions ~Why the mission is still urgent today ~Practical ways you can get involved in reaching the world for Christ "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses... to the ends of the earth." — Acts 1:8 (NIV) If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who has a heart for God's mission. #OnMission #GreatCommission #Missions #Nazarene #NMI #Acts1 #Matthew28 #ChurchOfTheNazarene #JesusChrist #Faith #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Online Pastor, Scott Rambo. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

ON MISSION: TO THE WORLD | Week 3 of the "ON MISSION" Series Our mission doesn't stop at our neighborhood—it reaches the nations. In week three of our ON MISSION series, we welcomed Church of the Nazarene missionaries Rev. Geraldo & Waner Nunes, who are currently serving in Cambados, Spain. Through Pastor Jesus Guerrero's live translation, Rev. Geraldo shared his powerful testimony of growing up in a home marked by abuse, fear, and hopelessness. But everything changed when two missionaries from Portland, Oregon entered his life, introducing him to Jesus and giving him hope for a different future. What began as one act of faithful obedience has impacted generations. Today, Geraldo and Waner have served as pastors, teachers, and missionaries around the world, and their children are now serving Christ as pastors and missionaries as well. Their story is a powerful reminder that when we say "yes" to God's mission, we never know how many lives—and future generations—He will reach through our obedience. In this message you'll discover: • The life-changing impact of faithful missionaries • How God brings hope into the darkest situations • Why the Great Commission is still our mission today • How one act of obedience can transform generations "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." — Matthew 28:19 If this message encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today. #OnMission #Missions #ChurchOfTheNazarene #Spain #Missionaries #GreatCommission #JesusChrist #ChristianTestimony #Faith #Hope #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Nazarene Missionaries to Spain, Geraldo & Waner Nunes. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show

ON MISSION: TO LOVE | Matthew 22:37-40 | Week 2 of the "ON MISSION" Series What does it really mean to be on mission with Jesus? In Week 2 of our ON MISSION series, we explore the second half of Riverview Christian's mission statement: "Out to love." Jesus doesn't simply call us to love those around us—He sends us into the world to demonstrate His love through our words, our actions, and our lives. Together we'll discover God's mission through four key movements: • The Command — Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV) Love God with everything you are, and love your neighbor as yourself. • The Plan — Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV) Jesus' Great Commission calls every believer to make disciples of all nations. • The Map — Acts 1:8 (NIV) The Holy Spirit empowers us to be Christ's witnesses wherever we are—from our neighborhoods to the ends of the earth. • The Practice — Acts 2 (NIV) The early church shows us what it looks like to live on mission together through the power of the Holy Spirit. Whether you're exploring faith or have followed Jesus for years, this message will challenge and encourage you to move beyond simply attending church and begin living as someone sent by Jesus to love the world around you. Series: ON MISSION (Week 2) If this message encouraged you, be sure to Subscribe, and Share it with someone who needs hope today. #OnMission #ToLove #GreatCommission #LoveGodLovePeople #Acts1 #Matthew28 #Church #Sermon #ChristianFaith #RiverviewChristian This week's message is from our Family Pastor, Pat Kenna. Let's Connect: http://bit.ly/3XbRE9T Free Access To RightNow Media: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/rccreading Social Media: @riverviewchristian on Facebook and Instagram Website: riverviewchristian.church Support the show