Rio Vista Church Sermons

Real faith shows up in real ways in our real lives. This week, Tom Hendrikse explores how we ought to live differently when it comes to disputes and lawsuits. The wisdom of the world is once again diametrically opposed to the wisdom of God.

What is the value of community? In this week's text from 1st Corinthians, Paul writes about the community of faith protecting itself. From what? From the dangers of hypocrisy. If we allow it to remain without opposition, it will eventually poison us all.

The wisdom of the world says to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. This wisdom of God says to be humble and not more proud of yourself than you ought to be. Pastor Tom Hendrikse explains why we should right-size our egos--and how to do that.

Foolishness and wisdom, it's easy to tell them apart, right? Maybe not. Paul declares that the ability to discern between foolishness and wisdom comes from the Spirit of God. So the question is, are we listening to Him or are we deciding for ourselves?

The message of the cross seems foolish, to those who are perishing. Paul's letter to the Corinthian church declares this, even as it makes clear to us that this same message is our only source of power. God's wisdom can only be found through the gospel.

Believers at Corinth were divided by which prominent teacher they chose to follow. Paul chastised them for this disunity. He declared Jesus had sent him to preach the gospel, but not with eloquent speech lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Corinth was a wealthy, liberal port city much like Fort Lauderdale. Paul's letter opens by sharing how thankful he was for the church there, and reminding them that they would find their true security in their relationship with God.

In the story of finding a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son, you have a father, his son, the father's servant, and the son's bride. The church is both the bride and the servant in this story, and we are each asked a question: Will you go?

Ownership is a word that provokes feelings of pride and responsibility. Determining who owns something is a cornerstone of our legal system. Who owns what we have: our time, talents, and treasure? Here's a hint: it's not us.

Money is a topic often avoided around churches, but Jesus had no such reluctance. He tells us quite plainly why we shouldn't invest in the temporary things of this world and why we SHOULD invest in the kingdom of heaven--then explains why we often don't.

What is the value of the kingdom of God? For that matter just what IS the kingdom of God? Pastor Tom Hendrikse answers the second question but Jesus answers the first. Because only the man from heaven could accurately say what the kingdom of God is worth.

We wrap up looking at the new heavens and the new earth with a message about the new city. John's vision is a picture that delivers a powerful message: the new city isn't a place, it's people. People with their God not far off, but at their center.

The description of the heavenly city communicates more than its appearance. It tells us that the city is made up of living stones, those are the church--the bride of Christ. It is also the fulfilled promise of the perfection that was lost back in Eden.

Life in the new heavens and the new earth is described poetically in the book of Revelation, but practically and comforting as well. Looking ahead to the world that will be should give us strong motivation to share the Gospel with those who are thirsty.

The world that was, the one created in Genesis chapter one, ended in a great flood of judgment. The world that is, the one we live in, will also end in judgment one day. We should be waiting for, and hastening, that great and singular day of the Lord.

Noah and the ark. What is that story about? God's judgment and salvation? True, but it's also about a man who valued, loved, and trusted God enough to be faithful and patient, no matter what. He is our example of how to live in a world bound for judgment.

The story of Noah and the ark prompts many questions, but it also ASKS some questions, which are far more important. Do people think you're just a little bit crazy? And when the judgment of God brings destruction, on which side of the door will you be?

The lines of Cain and Abel (through Seth) blend as they intermarry. The eventual result is a violent and corrupt world that turns away from God. Through the godly line of Seth comes Noah, a faithful man who builds an ark that saves God’s people.

The story of Cain and Abel divides humanity into two genealogies. Cain kills Abel, then runs away from God, founding his own city of men, the end of which is complete corruption. Seth, the son who replaces Abel, worships God and looks for His city.

We believe that God has designed our souls, and as the designer of our souls He knows best what they need. He sent His son into the world to be our Savior, whom He uniquely designed to meet our needs, also. (Christmas Eve Service)

Where did evil come from? Or more to the point, why did God, who made absolutely everything and is in control of absolutely everything, ordain that evil should enter into the world? A story of evil, temptation, and ultimately grace and redemption.

Our Creator has designed us to live our lives in an all-of-the-time act of worship to Him. What we worship reflects the deepest desires of our heart. The question put to us, then, is what do we worship?

The sixth day of Moses' account of creation reveals three things about us: We were made for relationship with God, we were made to do the work of God, and we were made to enjoy the rest of God. Every one of those things requires an investment of time.

The Rhythm of Grace is the pattern of the gospel. All we’ve done is attach language to its various expressions. Living in the Rhythm of Grace is learning to apply this gospel pattern to every situation until it becomes the operating system for your life.

Guest speaker Pastor Alan Platt from Pretoria, South Africa, brings a special message on church collaboration and compassion for the city.