River Valley Church Podcast

We’re so glad you’re joining us today as we continue our journey through the book of Acts in our series, Ordinary People. Extraordinary Mission . In this episode, Justin walks us through Acts 10, a powerful story of conversion — not just for Cornelius, a devout and moral man — but also for Peter, who is still learning what it means to fully live out the gospel. We’ll see that true conversion alway...

In this week’s message from Acts 9:1–19, we explore the dramatic and humbling conversion of Saul of Tarsus—the man who once ravaged the early church and approved of Stephen’s death, but who became Christianity’s most passionate missionary. We see that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and calling. Saul’s story is not just about a sudden change of mind—it’s about a sovereign interruption by...

In this message, we explore the powerful story of Stephen from Acts 6:8-15 and 7:54-60. Despite facing false accusations and martyrdom, Stephen’s bold faith in the face of suffering serves as an example for us today. Join us as we look at three key aspects of his life: What Stephen said, What Stephen saw, and What Stephen did, and reflect on how his unwavering hope in Christ, even in the darkest m...

This week we had the privilege of hearing from one of our very own, Logan Phillips! Logan leads a Life Group and plays bass guitar at River Valley. Logan has a ministry background and has been a pastor in NH and VA. This week he shares about the importance of walking with God. Check it out! ✝️ RIVER VALLEY CHURCH "Practicing the Way of Jesus Together." 📲 FOLLOW US Website: http://www.ri...

As the early church explodes in growth, a crisis brews beneath the surface: certain widows are being overlooked, and tensions between cultural groups threaten the church’s unity and witness. In this week’s episode, we explore Acts 6:1–7 and discover how Spirit-led leadership, humble service, and biblical structure come together to meet real needs and fuel gospel expansion. ✝️ RIVER VALLEY CHURCH &...

What does it look like when the Spirit of God shapes a community? In this message from Acts 4:32–5:11, we see two powerful snapshots: one of radical generosity flowing from unity in Christ, and another of sobering judgment on spiritual hypocrisy. The early church was marked by open-handed love—and also by the seriousness of truth and integrity. As we explore the story of Ananias and Sapphira, we’r...

In this message from Acts 4:1–31, we explore the courage of Peter and John as they boldly proclaim the gospel in the face of arrest, threats, and opposition. Their Spirit-empowered witness echoes through history—from the early church to modern-day examples like Dietrich Bonhoeffer. What fuels that kind of boldness? And what keeps us from living it out today? Join us as we’re reminded that gospel b...

In this message from Acts 3, we explore the story of a lame man healed at the Temple gate—and how this miracle reveals something far greater than physical restoration. Through the lens of Peter’s bold proclamation, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,” we’re invited to consider the upward power of Jesus’ name, the forward promise of future restoration, the inward healing of...

Today we were joined by guest speaker, Sam Huggard, sharing about what it means that we are "Raised By Dying" from Colossians 3:1-11.  ✝️ RIVER VALLEY CHURCH "Practicing the Way of Jesus Together." 📲 FOLLOW US Website: http://www.rivervalleychurch.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivervalleynh/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rivervalleynh/ 🎁 GIVE Help to support o...

This week’s message explores the beauty and power of Spirit-empowered community as seen in Acts 2:42–47. The early church wasn’t built on programs or personalities—it was built on devotion: to God, to one another, to prayer, and to life together. In a culture that often values independence, we’re reminded that following Jesus means belonging to His people. Real transformation happens not in isolat...

The day of Pentecost marked a transformative point not just in early Christian history, but in the course of spiritual existence. In Acts 2, we witness an extraordinary event where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, not only empowering them but also unifying diverse cultures. This story is more than a piece of historical interest; it's a timeless reminder of God's power to int...

We embark on a 14-week journey through the book of Acts, the dynamic sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Much like how epic sequels build on their predecessors by raising stakes and expanding narratives, Acts takes the foundational events of Jesus' resurrection and propels them into a global mission through the early Church. As we delve into Acts 1:1-11, we witness the transition from Jesus' e...

This Easter Sunday we explore how the resurrection not only validated Jesus’ teachings but also demands a response from each of us. Whether you are a believer, a seeker, or a skeptic, this Easter Sunday is an opportunity to reflect on the transformational power of the risen Jesus and the hope it offers. Our invitation is simple: explore, engage, and allow yourself to be open to the life-changing r...

In this final week of our series, "Rich Toward God: Living Generously In Light of Eternity," we explore the transformative power of grace on our relationship with money. Learn how the giving pattern of the early church provides a powerful blueprint for us today as we strive to reflect God's grace in our financial lives. By examining our attitudes and practices around generosity, we...

This week we tackle a topic that weighs heavily on many hearts: financial stress . Grounded in Luke 12:22-34, we'll explore Jesus' teachings on anxiety, provision, and the profound connection between our finances and our faith. It's intriguing how money, a common subject in everyday conversations, often becomes a sensitive topic within the church. Yet, Jesus frequently addressed mon...

This past Sunday we kicked off a brand new, three-week series, "Rich Toward God: Living Generously In Light of Eternity." For Week One, we delve into the parable of The Rich Fool from Luke 12, challenging our understanding of wealth and possessions. This message encourages us to shift our focus from worldly accumulation to living a life rich in faith and generosity. Discover how aligning...

Over the past several weeks, we’ve uncovered some incredible truths about the Gospel. In this grand finale, we look at the subject of The Kingdom of God. The Gospel isn’t just about our personal salvation—it’s about God’s plan to rescue and restore everything under King Jesus. In this message, we’re looking at Revelation 21:1-5, where we see the breathtaking vision of what’s to come: a new heaven...

Today, we continue our message series by diving into Mark 1:14-15, where Jesus begins His ministry with a simple but powerful call: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” What does real faith look like? How is repentance more than just feeling sorry? These two things are at the heart of following Jesus. Grab a Bible and let’s explore what it means to truly trust and turn to Him. Let’s dive in! ⬇️ ✝️...

This week at River Valley Church, we continued our series What Is the Gospel? by unpacking the heart of the Good News — Jesus’ work on the cross. We explored how, though we’ve all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, God provided a way for us to be rescued through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The incredible truth is that God is both just and the justifier — He deals with our sin while also of...

At River Valley Church, we’re all about growing as disciples of Jesus, not just in belief but in the daily rhythms of our lives. In this message, guest speaker Tommy Riley walks us through Colossians 3:1-17, where Paul reminds us that transformation isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the daily process of putting off the old and putting on the new. As we seek to follow Jesus, the means of...

Have you ever bent the rules just a little—like overstaying a parking meter—and shrugged it off as no big deal? It’s easy to treat sin the same way, like a minor infraction rather than something that deeply affects our relationship with God. But what if sin is more than just a cosmic parking ticket? What if it’s a rebellion against the very One who created us? Today, we’re diving into Genesis 3 to...

Whether you're tuning in from around the corner or across the globe, we're thrilled to have you join us today. In this episode, we're diving into a powerful message on worship, delivered by our guest speaker, Steve Aldrich. Explore how worship isn't confined to a place, but is instead an intimate expression of love rooted in truth and genuine connection with God. ✝️ RIVER VALLE...

What does it mean to say that God is righteous? Is it just an abstract idea, or does it shape how we see the Gospel and live our lives? This week, we continue our series, "What Is the Gospel?" by focusing on God’s character as perfectly righteous. Drawing from Exodus 34:6-7, we’ll see how God balances justice and mercy in a way that no human could. ✝️ RIVER VALLEY CHURCH "Practicing...

Have you ever thought about the different ways people view God? Is He a distant clockmaker, a cosmic therapist, or perhaps a moral policeman? In this week's message, we dive into Romans 1:18-20 to explore how God reveals Himself through creation. Together, we’ll uncover the beauty and responsibility of seeing God as our Creator—one who is not only powerful and holy, but deeply personal. Join...

Join us over the next nine weeks as we explore the foundational role of the gospel in our faith journey. Whether you’re a seasoned Christian, new to faith, or just exploring, this series offers insights into how the good news of Jesus not only provides salvation but also guides us toward deeper spiritual alignment. Join us as we seek to answer the question, "What Is the Gospel?" ✝️ RIVER...