Rio Vista Church Sermons

Our discussion of generosity continues with 2 Corinthians chapter 9. Worship giving, or the tithe, puts your money in right relationship with God, while Missional or free will giving puts your money in right use for the Lord. Generosity exposes our heart.

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of our church, we take a look back at its rich history while looking ahead to the next 75 years. Paul's message from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 is that the gospel makes you generous. That's a hard word, but a good one.

There are some hard words in scripture, and we don't mean hard to pronounce. Some words are just hard to hear, especially when we trust the canon of our culture more than the Bible. However, God brings those hard words so we might have freedom in life.

Faced with false teachers trying to lure away the Corinthian believers, Paul responds with a blunt discussion of how he had suffered for the gospel. As hard as it is to hear, Christians should expect to suffer. But God will always bring life out of death.

When it comes to the life of a Christian in this world, the goal is fruitfulness. Genuine faith will bear fruit. How do we get our minds off our condition and focused on bearing fruit for God? By seeing the Christ of the cross as the Christ on his throne.

Does what we do matter? Yes, of course. If that makes us afraid, Pastor Matt Lomenick shares the following with us in this week's message: "The good news is, the God who made you will give you purpose in life and he will give you peace in death."

Weakness, sorrow, and suffering: three words that describe a lot of human existence. Our impulse is to do whatever we can to avoid or escape from them. Paul teaches us to focus on what remains when everything mortal falls away; The life of Christ in us.

Obedience. That's a word to strike fear into the hearts of most churchgoers. We know it's important to obey God, but why? Understanding why we practice obedience frees us from fear of failure and doesn't contradict the gospel of grace.

After pouring himself into starting the church at Corinth, Paul faced opposition from some of the very same people he loved so much. The only way to deal with that kind of heartache and stress is to have faith in a God who brings resurrection.

At the very beginning of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he addresses an issue of truthfulness. Some had accused him of saying one thing and doing another. The Holy Spirit through Paul gives us answers about transparent living and accountability.

At the start of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul raises the issue of suffering. Tom Hendrikse asks and answers two questions many believers have when facing hard times. Why do we suffer? And where do we find hope in the midst of our suffering?

Paul's letter to the Corinthians ends with a few business matters and personal mentions of some who were vital to his ministry. Pastor Tom Hendrikse shares his story about the path that led him to our church and asks, who is in your Faith Hall of Fame?

The heart of the Christian faith is a promise. God promises that just as he brought Jesus back from the dead, so he will also resurrect you. Even better, Paul says that the bodies we pick back up will be infinitely better than the ones we lay down.

We live in uncertain times in a scary world. The 24-hour news cycle delivers dark despair to our smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. Is there hope? Yes! For what can the world take from us that God will not restore at the resurrection?

The resurrection of Christ is the heart of the gospel. If Jesus did not return from the dead, we are doomed to a pitiable life of self-denial culminating in a meaningless death. Can you be sure of the resurrection? Absolutely. This week we explain how.

A discussion of gender roles is vital for the church, but gender roles have so often been abused that we're afraid to have it. Because this week's passage has been part of the controversy, Pastor Matt gives a thoughtful, thorough answer from God's word.

Paul continues with his instruction to pursue love, specifically that we would be unified in our diversity through love for each other and for God. A message about not letting our gifts and differences divide us, that we would always build each other up.

You could perform the greatest deeds imaginable, demonstrate every possible gift, but if you do not have love, you are empty and your deeds are meaningless as far as God is concerned. This part of Paul's letter isn't just for weddings--it's for all of us!

In this week's passage from his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul deals with issues of respect and gender roles in public worship. And we find ourselves dealing with the sensitive issue of gender identification. A moving and heartfelt message.

Who or what is your greatest desire? Will it result in a temporary crown in this life or an imperishable one in eternity? This week, Paul explains how gaining control over ourselves--which is a fruit of the Spirit--is vital to reaching that eternal prize.

There's no question that we love our sense of entitlement. Looking out for ourselves is baked into our humanity. This week, the Apostle Paul tells us that life isn't about what's good for us, it's about what's good for the gospel. Live to share it!

Paul takes on the topic of meat that was offered to idols. Now before you go check this one off the list, you should realize that the principles being taught are timeless and apply to things other than meat and idols. Strengths and weaknesses abound.

What sexual ethic does the Bible teach? What is permitted, and what is not? And what about same sex attraction? What does God ask of those who are gay? Marriage, singleness, and celibacy are all part of this week's message. Not graphic, but adult themes.

It shouldn't take much to make the case that the world around us is broken. Sickness, death, sorrow, and pain are all a part of our everyday reality. There is a better place: heaven. What makes it better, though? Dr. Sam Lamerson answers that question.

God's sexual ethic versus the sexual ethic of the world around us. One leads to freedom and the other to bondage. Is it true that sex is just an appetite, like hunger? How do we recover from our past and safeguard our future?