RiverLife Fellowship

Every day, we're presented with opportunities to point people to Jesus, not just through what we say, but through how we live. In Romans 12–13, Paul invites us to become living sacrifices, joyfully surrendering our lives to worship God.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade explores what it means to live in a way that points people to Jesus and discover the unique gifts God has placed...

Through the story of Nathanael and other moments in the Gospels, we discover that Jesus sees us before we see Him, calls us to remember His faithfulness, and invites us to expect greater things than we imagine.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores what it means to follow Jesus by learning to watch Him work in this series: Living the Gospels.   For more information, vi...

In the Passover Seder, there is a chair of Elijah. It is a seat completely empty, intentionally reserved for a divine guest. It represents holy anticipation. It is a tangible, visual declaration that says: "We are ready for God to move, and we have made physical room for Him to do it." The empty chair is a beautiful picture of making space for the Holy Spirit. We are meant to live with that empty...

God invites us to partner with Him by sharing the good news of Jesus and living lives that reflect His grace. As we continue through Romans, we discover that God uses both our words and our lives to draw people to Himself, often at just the right time.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade explores how every believer is sent as a beautiful messenger of the Good News and is challenged t...

What made Andrew and John leave everything to follow Jesus? His invitation to them is a doorway into the profound meaning of "the Lamb of God," how the Holy Spirit helps us recognize Jesus, and the difference between simply believing in Him and truly following Him. Jesus' invitation is still the same today: "Don't fear, follow."    Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores t...

John reinforces early in his gospel Jesus is the light of the world. There are three difference aspects to how this plays out. First, we need Jesus to be the light of our perspective. Second, we need to pursue the light; because where there is light, there is no darkness. Lastly, Jesus invites us to participate with Him in being the light to the world.   Join us in Mooresville as Pastor Cory Meade...

What if the greatest evidence of the resurrection isn't just an empty tomb, but a heart filled with supernatural peace? This peace empowers us to live with confidence, clarity, and inner peace in every circumstance.   Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger explores how Jesus' resurrection not only proves He is alive, but also makes peace with God possible.   For more information,...

In Jesus' time, marriages were arranged by the fathers. After the agreement, the groom returned to his father's house to prepare for his bride, while they had little direct contact. Instead, the bridegroom's friend helped prepare the bride. This tradition beautifully illustrates our role in helping to prepare the Bride of Christ and ultimately becoming that Bride.    Join us in Mooresville as Head...

We all know what it's like to get caught in the cycle of wanting to do what's right, only to find ourselves falling back into the same struggles. In Romans 8, Paul reveals that true freedom comes through the power of the life-giving Spirit. With the power of the Spirit we can walk confidently as adopted sons and daughters, free from condemnation.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan Meade c...

When discussing a new revelation on fasting which was right for the time in Mark 2, Jesus used the metaphor of the wineskin. New wine cannot fit into an old wineskin. In saying this, Jesus modeled a way of moving into new revelation. We all go through personal and community transition, but change can be challenging. How do we adapt when God is moving us into a new season or a new wineskin?   Join...

The Christian life doesn't revolve around moving from dependence to independence. Rather, it motes from spiritual immaturity to walking in partnership with God. Jesus' grace invites us into the Kingdom, while the Father's love shapes our identity. The Holy Spirit's fellowship leads us to live as sons and daughters who faithfully steward and partner is what is God's.   Join us in Mooresville as Hea...

As we celebrate independence, it's easy to believe that freedom comes from relying on ourselves. But in Romans 7, Paul reveals a surprising truth: the Christian life isn't about trying harder or becoming better through our own efforts. The law exposes our need for Jesus, but only a life of dependence on Him brings true freedom from sin, shame, and striving.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor R...

The resurrection of Jesus isn't just the foundation of our faith, it's the power that makes the entire Christian life possible. Everything Paul has taught about maturity, unity, spiritual gifts, and love depends on one historical event. Christ is risen—and because he lives, everything He promised is possible.    Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger concludes his series on 1 Cori...

Every one of us will face rivers we have never crossed before. Some are joyful, some are painful, and some are unexpected. But every river has one thing in common. God already owns both sides. He is not surprised by what is happening in your life. He is not pacing on the opposite shore, wondering whether you'll make it. He is already there, preparing the way for you.   Join us in Mooresville as He...

As followers of Jesus, it's easy to slip into thinking we have to earn God's approval through our own efforts. Yet, Romans reminds us that the purpose of the Law was never to save us, it was to reveal our need for a Savior. God's grace has always pointed us toward faith in Jesus, and why freedom is found not in self-reliance, but trusting Him completely.   Join us in Wilmington as Head Pastor Ryan...

Scripture reveals that praying in tongues strengthens the believer, deepens our intimacy with God, helping us pray according to His will, and lifting our hearts towards the realities of heaven. This heavenly gift can renew out spiritual lives and draw us closer to the presence of God.   Join us in Chapel Hill for the next installment of the series through 1 Corinthians as Head Pastor Matthew Bolli...

Many believers struggle when seasons change. We often cling to a role, a title, a ministry, or to how God previously used us. When those things change, it can feel like we've lost something vital. It's important not to get stuck in a past season, because our identity isn't based on what was. The Holy Spirit encourages us to stay open and ready for new assignments that come our way.   Join us in Mo...

Many of us find ourselves stuck in cycles of sin, bad habits, and frustrations, focusing on our failures and trying harder to overcome them. But Romans reminds us that through Jesus, grace now reigns where sin once ruled. Because the power of sin has been broken, we are free to live a new life marked by holiness and righteousness.   This week, Head Pastors Ryan and Mary are on a missions trip to M...

There is a powerful tension in Scripture: We are called to remember God's works, but not to live in them. Isaiah captures this beautifully: "Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new..." (Isaiah 43:18–19). The problem is not remembering God's faithfulness or even the difficult times, but trying to live there. Graveyards are not meant for t...

Faith in Christ is not a life without disappointment. Our hearts long for fulfillment, and the promises of Scripture for healing, provision, and abundance sometimes build anticipation towards a certain end. God's timing is not our own, but even when we feel disappointed by an outcome that we were hoping for not coming to be, we can trust that He will be glorified in the end.   Join us in Mooresvil...

We've been given the gift of being reconciled to God, made right by the sacrifice of Jesus. In that gift is an opportunity to give some of that inheritance to the people around us.   Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Trey Burke continues this series in Romans with a message unpacking Romans 5:1–18.   For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: media@riverlifefellowship....

In a world overflowing with information, God still speaks words that bring strength, encouragement, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14 explores the purpose of New Testament prophecy, how it reveals the heart of God, why it must be tested, and how its ultimate goal is to point people to Jesus.    Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger continues his series on Corinthians by exploring how...

All of us have fallen short of God's standard, and no amount of good behavior, religious effort, or trying harder can make us right with Him. The good news is that we have a loving Father that made a way through faith in His Son, Jesus.   Join us in Wilmington for the next installment in his series on Romans as Head Pastor Ryan Meade shows us how God's grace meets us in our greatest need, offering...

Paul reminds us that without love, even the most impressive gifts and acts of service lose their eternal value. Spiritual gifts may reveal the power of the Holy Spirit, but love reveals the character of God.    Join us in Chapel Hill for the next installment of his series on Corinthians as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger teaches us why love is the foundation of Christian maturity and the defining ma...

As we walk through the hardships of this life, the Lord reminds us that He is the provider of all good things, and that He has not forgotten us. Once we have tasted that goodness, it becomes an anchor for us to continue the walk. Even in the hard times, we can remember that the Lord is good, and we can know that nothing else will compare.    Join us in Mooresville as guest speaker Kathy Campbell r...