Riverlife Messages

Pastor Sam shares honestly about the challenge of staying focused in a world full of distractions. Drawing from Matthew 4 and the example of St. Anthony, one of the Desert Fathers, this message unpacks what it looks like to create "wilderness moments" in our daily lives: those intentional spaces where we can seek God without distraction. But here's the thing: when we step into the wilderness and G...

We've all been there—thinking "I really should pray more" or "I'd love to serve somewhere"—but somehow never quite getting around to it. Pastor Jo gets real about the gap between our good intentions and actually doing something about them, and spoiler alert: you're not alone in this struggle! In this third week of the Vision series, Jo unpacks what it truly means to be part of the church (hint: it...

Ever noticed how trees just seem to have it sorted? They're not rushing about, yet they're constantly growing, providing shade, and bearing fruit. This message unpacks how God invites us to be like those trees—deeply rooted, firmly established, and fruitful in every season. Diving into Psalm 1's picture of the blessed person who delights in God's Word, this isn't about ticking religious boxes; it'...

Ever looked out a plane window and suddenly seen the landscape from a completely different perspective? That's the heart of this message as we launch into a new season as a church. Joe shares how God is inviting us into a time of formation and preparation—not passive waiting, but active readiness for what's coming. Drawing from Isaiah 40:31, the message unpacks four key movements: waiting on the L...

Ever felt like the church has a bit of a PR problem? Between 'bus ministry' confessions and decreasing trust in institutions, it's fair to say we're navigating some choppy waters. But here's the thing: God's not surprised by any of this, and He's still calling us to be His witnesses. This message unpacks what a Christlike witness actually looks like—spoiler alert, it's less about street evangelism...

Ever tried bargaining at a street market? Most of us are pretty ordinary at it (especially if you're anything like Pastor Petrea in Thailand!). But here's the thing—we often bring that same bargaining mindset into our relationship with God, and it's robbing us of the joy that comes from true surrender. In this seventh instalment of the Faith Habit series, we explore the habit of Generosity, lookin...

Ever noticed how New Year's resolutions tend to fizzle out by week three of January? (Apparently 80% of them do!) The same can happen with our spiritual disciplines unless they take root deep in our souls. This message dives into why community is one faith habit we simply can't afford to skip. Drawing from Acts 2:42-47, we discover what holy community looked like for the early church—devoted to te...

We're a church that loves one book—but what are we actually doing with it? In this message, we explore the difference between reading Scripture to know Scripture versus reading it to know Jesus. It's a crucial distinction that changes everything. The average Aussie watches nearly three hours of telly a day (no judgment—this is a safe space!). But what if we invested even a fraction of that time in...

In this episode of our “Faith Habits” series, Pastor Ian Walton invites us into the often-overlooked discipline of solitude, describing it as “spiritual gym” for apprentices of Jesus. Starting from 1 Timothy and Psalm 46:10, he reminds us that while physical training has value, training in godliness has value for all things, both in this life and the life to come. Solitude, he explains, is not lon...

Fasting is not usually the first faith habit people want to pick up, yet Scripture treats it as a normal rhythm in the life of a disciple. In this message, Pastor Sam Bricknell unpacks the spiritual discipline of fasting and shows how it can become a joyful expression of hunger for God rather than just an uncomfortable religious exercise. Sam begins with a personal story about training for a 25 km...

Prayer is often treated as a last resort, a spiritual panic button, or a way to get what we want. In this message in our Faith Habits series, on Prayer , Pastor Jo helps us see prayer the way Jesus does: as the language of relationship, intimacy, and partnership with God. Beginning with the desire for mentors and trusted voices, we are reminded that there is no one who knows us better than God Him...

In this first message of the year, Pastor Jo launches a series on “faith habits” by exploring the practice of Sabbath and why it still matters today. Beginning with the experience of New Year busyness and chronic exhaustion, he names the deep longing we all have for moments when “everything is as it should be” and shows how Sabbath is God’s invitation into that kind of rest. Tracing Sabbath throug...

This Christmas sermon, Christmas for All: Christmas for Us , invites us to face the reality of our fractured world and our own inner restlessness, using the humorous yet unsettling image of giant summer spiders as a metaphor for the “angry, injured” fears that hide behind the headboard of our souls. From global crises to family tensions and personal struggle, Pastor Jo names the ache for peace tha...

In this Christmas message, “Christmas for All: The People of God,” Pastor Sam Bricknell reflects on how easily the season becomes busy, stressful, and spiritually thin, and how Jesus invites his people into something deeper. Beginning with a light-hearted confession about his former “Grinch” attitude, Sam shares how personal circumstances and the example of his grandparents have reshaped his view...

The message takes us on a journey from the Garden of Eden to the humble manger in Bethlehem, illustrating God's unwavering plan for unity and peace among all people. Amy and Alex delve into the significance of Jesus's birth, not just as a historical event, but as a pivotal moment that continues to impact our lives today. They explore the themes of prophecy, unity, and the unexpected ways God works...

Join us as Pastor Nick Riddel unpacks the rich tapestry of the Christmas narrative, set against the backdrop of a bustling German Christmas and the vibrant streets of Brisbane. Nick reflects on the profound humility and faith of Mary, a young girl from Nazareth, chosen to carry the Messiah.  Through the lens of Luke 1, we delve into the angel Gabriel's announcement and Mary's courageous response,...

Join us for this message as we dive into the heart of discipleship, exploring what it means to be both a mentor and a mentee in the journey of faith. As we explore this idea, we unpack the biblical model of discipleship through the story of Elijah and Elisha. In this mesage, Pastor Nate Cutcliffe explores the dynamic duo of Elijah and Elisha, showcasing how their relationship provides a blueprint...

In this message, one of our elders, Chris Knott, takes us on a journey from a Sydney café to ancient Philippi, exploring the radical call to humility and servanthood in the Christian life. With a blend of humour and depth, we dive into the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, discovering how true greatness is found in serving others. Join us as Chris shares an unexpected encounter in Sydney t...

In this episode, Pastor Petrea Taylor leads us into the heart of what it means to be a prophetic church. Join us as we explore how prophecy isn't just for the Old Testament prophets but is a vibrant and essential part of modern church life. Petrea shares her journey of being woken up at 2am to pray for a community she hadn't yet met, illustrating the power of prayer and prophecy in building love a...

In this message, we hear from Director of the Queensland Baptist Movement, Jason Elsmore. Join us as we dive into the heart of Riverlife's journey, celebrating the past and looking forward to a future filled with hope and purpose. Join us as we explore the power of prayer, fasting, and the courage to shine a light on Jesus in an ever-changing world. Jason begins with a heartfelt tribute to the ded...

Join Senior Pastor Jo Leutton with this message as we explore the quirky nature of memory and its connection to living an authentic Christian life. Discover how trusting in God's faithfulness can transform our daily walk and impact future generations. In this light-hearted yet profound message, we dive into the fascinating world of memory and its role in our spiritual journey. Our host reflects on...

In this message, Pastor Aimee Cowan dives into the heart of Christian community and explores how love, inspired by Christ, can transform our lives and those around us. Join us as we unpack the beauty and challenges of living in unity, embracing our unique gifts, and loving others into wholeness. Grab a cuppa and settle in as we chat about the joys and quirks of being part of a Christian community....

In this message, we dive into the heart of what it means to be part of a vibrant church community. Join us as we explore how each of us is uniquely gifted to contribute to the body of Christ, and why unity doesn't mean uniformity. Ever wondered what your role is in the grand tapestry of the church? Senior Pastor Jo Leutton unpacks Ephesians 4:1-16, revealing how God equips us all differently to bu...

In this message, we dive into the concept of church as family, exploring how our spiritual DNA connects us in ways that transcend our earthly lineage. Join us as we unpack the Apostle Paul's prayer for the Ephesians, revealing how God's love and purpose bind us together as one big, diverse family. Senior Pastor Jo Leutton shares a reflection on what it means to belong to God's family. We explore E...

In this message, Alex Walker takes us on a journey through the pitfalls of entitlement and convenience, and how they can sneakily edge us away from true lordship under Christ. With a dash of humour and a love for Coca-Cola, Alex challenges us to rethink our daily choices and align them with God's will. Join us as Alex shares his love for Coca-Cola and convenience store deals, using them as a sprin...