RiverValley Church - Sermons

As we begin a new year, this message casts vision for who we are and why we exist as River Valley Church. What is our purpose? What shapes our decisions, ministries, and priorities—and what keeps us focused as we seek to love Jesus and make disciples together? In this sermon, we walk through the four foundational “big rocks” that define the DNA of River Valley Church: • Christ-Centered — centered...

True joy isn’t momentary happiness—it’s the deep, lasting joy that comes through reconciliation. In Genesis 44–45, we see God’s sovereign plan restore broken relationships through Joseph, pointing us to the greater joy found in being reconciled to God through Christ.

In Genesis 22, God tests Abraham with an unthinkable command—one designed not to destroy him, but to reveal his heart. Scripture shows again and again that God tests His people: to shape us, refine us, and draw us into deeper trust and obedience.

This week we begin the Advent season by tracing the theme of hope back to its roots in Genesis. Long before a manger in Bethlehem, God promised a Redeemer through the line of Abraham—calling him out of idolatry, sorrow, and struggle to establish a people and bless the whole world. In Genesis 11–12, God steps into Abram’s lostness and says “I will”—I will lead you, bless you, and through you bring...

What was the world like in the days of Noah—and why did Jesus say His return will look the same? In this message, Pastor Dave Barber walks through Genesis 6, exploring humanity’s rapid multiplication, the normalization of sexual depravity, rising wickedness, and God’s grief over sin. Noah lived with obedience, faith, and endurance in a culture that mocked God. His life is a warning—and an invitati...

In this week’s message, Foundations in Genesis: “Raising Cain” (Genesis 4), Rev. Dave Barber explores the first story of life outside Eden — where sin takes root and bears fruit. From Cain and Abel’s offerings to the first act of murder, we see how jealousy, anger, and pride reveal the ongoing effects of the Fall. Yet even in judgment, God’s grace is present. Join us as we uncover what it means to...

In this week’s message, “The Results of the Fall,” we walk through Genesis 3 and see how one act of rebellion introduced hiding, shame, fear, blame, and deceit into human life. The world God created was perfect and good, yet the moment humanity chose to define good and evil on their own, everything fractured.

In this week’s message, Pastor Dave continues exploring God’s design for men and women. Looking at Genesis 2, Ephesians 5, and 1 Timothy 2, he unpacks how God calls men to lead through sacrificial service and women to help with strength and wisdom. Together, they reflect Christ and His church through mutual submission, honor, and partnership. True biblical leadership isn’t about control—it’s about...

Before sin entered the world, God called man to work and keep the garden and woman to be a strong helper—a partnership marked by unity, respect, and shared purpose. Though the fall distorted these roles, God’s design still reflects His beauty: men leading sacrificially, women helping powerfully, and both working together to display Christ and His church.

This week, Pastor Dave explores Genesis 2 and God’s perfect design for humanity—our need for rest, our intricate design, and the freedom of choice. Even in a broken world, true life and peace are found only in Jesus Christ.

This message looks at God’s design in Genesis 1:27: “Male and female He created them.” Pastor Dave Barber unpacks the difference between God’s truth and the enemy’s lies, reminding us that people are not our enemy—Satan is. With clarity and compassion, he explains how gender and marriage are rooted in God’s good creation, why His design is for our flourishing, and how we can live with both truth a...

This week we continue our new series Foundations in Genesis by looking deeper into the very first verse of the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis not only answers questions about creation but also points us to our need for Christ—the true hope promised from the very beginning.

This week we launch our new series in Genesis, starting with the very first four words: “In the beginning God.” Pastor Dave Barber shows why Genesis is the foundation for faith, gender, marriage, leadership, and life itself—reminding us that everything begins with God.

Why pride is a problem in everyone, and how Jesus Christ alone is the cure. In this video you will see that the sin of PRIDE is the sickness that kills the fear of the Lord. Either fear of the Lord will kill your pride , or pride with kill your fear of the Lord