River City Community Church

Spiritual gifts, particularly gifts of speech, have seen abuses. However, the abuses do not invalidate the gifts or their role in private and community life. What role do spiritual gifts of speech play in a vibrant community seeking to love God and one another?

A casual reading of the Bible reveals a great deal of what we’d call supernatural activity. What is the modern reader to think of the supernatural accounts? What should be the expectations of Christians today? This message outlines a biblically balanced view that challenges us to believe and experience more.

One of the last statements Jesus made was that his followers would receive power. What did he mean? What does spiritual power look like in the everyday experience of followers of Christ?

Many people reject the idea of a devil or a spiritual enemy. The concept clashes with their scientific, modern worldview. But does rejection of a spiritual world come at a cost? This message outlines a worldview that includes a spiritual reality, a spiritual enemy, and what a person must do to be on the winning side.

Around the world, worship is practiced in many different ways by many different cultures. Jesus described a life of worship that is unique, powerful, and transcendent of culture and time. What is the point of worship and how can the Spirit-filled life transform how we practice worship?

The Spirit-filled life is a life of Spirit-filled prayer. The early followers of Christ valued prayer as a central aspect of their faith communities. In our busy, scientifically driven world, have we lost some of the power that prayer provides? This message will explore why prayer is vital and what it means to “pray in the Spirit.”

“This will change your life” is a standard marketing phrase, one that, because of overuse, and abuse, may be received with skepticism. What does the phrase mean in relation to the Christian faith? Is the claim of life-change true? And if so, how is it experienced?

The Christian life is, above all, a supernatural experience. What can we do to understand this life—a life so radically different than to what we’re accustomed? How do we move beyond what is touched, seen, and smelled, to the reality of God’s Spirit inside of us?

Some feel their role as an American citizen is reduced to a ballot that doesn’t reflect their values. Some people feel a sense of political hopelessness, while others respond with hyper-patriotism. What should be the proper role of a Christian citizen when the political climate doesn’t reflect their faith?

Some warning signs are obvious, or should be, but are still ignored. What are the warnings we need to heed regarding our faith? And, how can we practice greater awareness, making wiser decisions, so our relationship with God is healthy and secure?

We’ve all been told, “Do your best,” because we’ve all had times when we were tempted to give less. You may believe that your effort doesn’t matter, or isn’t noticed, or that “just doing enough” is okay. What if we’re wrong? How would life be different if someone is noticing, and our effort does matter, and doing our best is always the best approach?

How we view God and our perception of how He views us, has a huge impact on how we live our lives and how we view others. For a Christian, there is nothing more important than knowing “who we are in Christ.” This “knowing” affects our “seeing,” and changes everything!

We all have limitations. But, we are not affected in the same way by our limitations. Some people overcome and move forward, while others stand still. How can a right view of God frame how we see our limitations and our possibilities?

Some things are worth repeating. The topic “truth” is one that is repeated in the Bible. Jesus described himself as “the truth.” Are ideas that the Bible calls “truth” important today? Or, has culture progressed so that what was once called truth is no longer true? This message will explore a Christian’s relationship and responsibilities to truth.

We all go through phases. Whether we are aware of it or not, we were most successful when someone noticed us, and helped us, not according to what they wanted, but what we needed at the time. This message will look at how God faithfully attends to us and how we can reciprocate this love to others.

Everyone will face challenges to their convictions. Sometimes the challenges are actually threats which warn of severe cost. What do we do in these moments, particularly when our faith is the conviction being challenged? This message looks at an example of courageous living that ended with an inspiring result.

On Mother’s day we remember and celebrate the influence of moms. When at her best, mom is a person to be admired. However, she also is someone to be emulated. What can mom teach us about how to influence and build-up the people around us?

We live in a world where people struggle to find true fulfillment. The normal routes people try are roadblocks. But once in a while we hear those stories which remind us that it’s possible for our lives to have real meaning. What can we learn from the life of Jesus and the unique path He laid for true and lasting fulfillment?

Vision is about seeing. Vision can change you. Whether or not you consider yourself a visionary person, a vision of God can provide a person with incredible motivation and direction for living. It is the “So what?” of faith.

Fear is something we all experience. Fear is a powerful emotion and can also be a mindset that colors the way we see the world and limits our opportunities. What can a faith mindset teach us so we can break free of fear.

Regardless of the economic climate, money and finances are the top stressors facing most Americans. How should faith impact our relationship to money, and what can we do to find freedom to pursue that which matters most.

Do you have faith to move mountains? Jesus challenged his followers to believe for the impossible. What are the qualities of mountain moving faith and how far away are we from doing what we might consider impossible?

The Easter story is probably the best-­told story in history. What does this Easter holiday mean to Christians and how does it intersect the real lives of those seeking to understand, and believe?

The struggle for power has been the root cause of many evils. The Scripture presents a model for power that is not destructive, but peaceful, transformative, and beneficial to all. What can we learn about this power and how God wants to use it to impact the world around us.

From its inception, Christianity was a movement that went viral. Early believers had certain qualities that led non-­believers to change their mind and join the faith. What were the qualities of this infectious faith and how can we live consistent with those qualities today?