Riverside Church Sunday Message

We begin 2026 looking ahead, and exploring what it might look like to take steps forwards in our faith in Jesus in the year to come. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Nathanael Ballew speaks on Ephesians 6:18-20 as part of our Army of Us series. It’s easy to forget the hidden weapon for the battle. Maybe we could remember just how powerful this army really is. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Tim Chilvers speaks on Ephesians 6:13-17 as part of our Army of Us series. Sadly, throughout history, the church has done a lot of harm. But maybe it's because the church has picked the wrong weapons. Maybe we should choose some different weapons to fight the good fight? Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Judy Moore speaks on Ephesians 6:10-13 as part of our Army of Us series. What battles are you fighting, and why? Maybe we should choose the right battles! And maybe we should remember who we fight with. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Tim Chilvers speaks on Deuteronomy 7:1-6, 16 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “You must destroy them totally.” A passage that raises deep ethical and theological questions. How do we approach texts that seem to endorse violence or even genocide? And what can they show us about God’s justice, holiness, and mercy? At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know...

Sarah Auger speaks on Leviticus 11 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “These are the animals you may eat…” Why does the Old Testament include such detailed food laws and clothing restrictions? We’ll explore their meaning in Israel’s story, and consider whether they have any relevance for us today. At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as...

Tim Chilvers speaks on Mark 10:17-30 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, come follow me.” How should we view our possessions? So we really have to be willing to give away everything? At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across...

Ben Pearson speaks on Romans 8:28 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “In all things God works for the good…” This verse has encouraged countless believers, but it’s often misunderstood. Does it mean everything in life is automatically good? Or is Paul pointing to a deeper assurance of God’s ultimate purposes at work? At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to kn...

Judy Moore speaks on Luke 14:25-27 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “Anyone who does not hate father and mother… cannot be my disciple.” Did Jesus really mean we should hate our families and even ourselves? Together we’ll wrestle with these shocking words and discover what wholehearted discipleship truly looks like. At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to k...

Nathanael Ballew speaks on Genesis 38:1-30 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “Come now, let me sleep with you.” A disturbing and often-overlooked story. We’ll face its difficult themes head-on, asking what it reveals about the human heart, God’s purposes, and the need for redemption in even the darkest places. At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jes...

Sarah Auger speaks on Philippians 4:13 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” A verse often quoted as a motivational boost, but what did Paul really mean? We’ll explore how this passage is less about winning or achieving, and more about finding deep contentment in every circumstance. At Riverside we are on a journey together to help...

Judy Moore speaks on Jeremiah 29:11 as part of our Fridge Magnet Christianity series. “For I know the plans I have for you…” This much-loved verse is often applied to individual success and prosperity. But in its original context, it spoke to a whole community living in exile. What does “hope and a future” mean when life doesn’t go to plan? At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people...

Tim Chilvers speaks on John 15:1-11 as part of our Risked It series. What if following Jesus isn’t about doing more, but daring to remain where the deepest transformation takes place? At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find...

Tim Chilvers speaks on Acts 11:19-23 as part of our Risked It series. Everyone loves hearing good news. What could happen if we played our part in being bringers of hope? At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more abou...

Tim Chilvers speaks on Matthew 25:14-30 as part of our Risked It series. Life involves risk. Will we choose fear that holds us back, or trust that leads to growth? At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about River...

TEACHING SERIES: Pity the Fool TITLE: David BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 31 August 2025 Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 24:2-4 & 24:8-25 It is foolish to rely on our own achievements to define our success. May we repent once again from this and give all the glory to God. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help...

TEACHING SERIES: Pity the Fool TITLE: Absalom BY: Jenny Barthow DATE: Sunday 24 August 2025 Bible Passage: 2 Samuel 15:1-18 & 15:30-34 It is foolishness to never be satisfied and to try to claw for more. Trust that God gives you what you need and has placed you where you are. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey to...

TEACHING SERIES: Pity the Fool TITLE: Nabal BY: Ado Muronzi DATE: Sunday 10 August 2025 Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 25:2-42 How do we invite the Holy Spirit to give us the fruit of gentleness when our foolishness leads us towards anger? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and...

TEACHING SERIES: Pity the Fool TITLE: Saul BY: Andy and Emma Davies DATE: Sunday 10 August 2025 Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-14 God gives us clear directions through the Bible and puts people around us to keep us from making foolish mistakes. Do we pause to listen to their wisdom and advice? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are...

TEACHING SERIES: Pity the Fool TITLE: Solomon BY: Ben Pearson DATE: Sunday 27 July 2025 Bible Passage: 1 Kings 3:3-15 The wisest person that ever existed still made mistakes. How much more do we need to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in our own lives? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get...

TEACHING SERIES: Reset TITLE: Resetting to Maturity BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 20 July 2025 Bible Passage: Philippians 10:3-16 We’ll explore what true spiritual growth looks like as we journey from transformation to Christlikeness. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and Romans 12, we’ll look at what it means to answer the call to grow deeper in character, resilience, wisdom, and love. God doesn’t just wa...

TEACHING SERIES: Reset TITLE: Resetting to Change BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 13 July 2025 Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Life doesn’t always go as planned, but we can trust that God is always present and His promises never fail. He is the unshakable rock on which we build our lives, the only secure foundation. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still...

TEACHING SERIES: Reset TITLE: Resetting to Faithfulness BY: Jeff Lucas DATE: Sunday 5 July 2025 Bible Passage: John 21:1-22 We walk with Peter as he encounters the risen Jesus on the shores of Galilee. After failure and disappointment, Jesus invites Peter—and us—back into purpose through grace and remembrance. This sermon focuses on how faithfulness begins by remembering what God has already done....

TEACHING SERIES: Reset TITLE: Resetting to Resilience BY: Jeff Lucas DATE: Sunday 05 July 2025 Bible Passage: 1 Kings 19:1-18 We journey with Elijah as he faces exhaustion, fear, and isolation, yet finds strength in God’s quiet presence. His moment of rest shows us how to build emotional and spiritual resilience in the face of burnout and discouragement. God doesn’t shame Elijah for his weakness....

TEACHING SERIES: Reset TITLE: Resetting to Joy, Jesus and Fun BY: Jeff Lucas DATE: Sunday 5 July 2025 Bible Passage: Luke 15:22-27 Discover how joy, laughter, and celebration are essential to life with God. Through the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and prodigal son, Jesus shows that heaven throws a party over every person who returns to Him. We explore Scriptures that affirm God’s joy-filled h...