The Riverchase Readings

Philippians 4:4–9 offers a powerful invitation to live with joy, peace, and clarity of mind rooted in Christ. Paul urges believers to rejoice always, bring their anxieties to God through prayer, and dwell on what is true, honorable, and pure. This passage is a call to cultivate a life centered on God’s presence and promises, not on fear or chaos. When we fix our minds on Christ, the peace of God w...

In John 16:16–28, Jesus promises a joy that sorrow cannot erase and death cannot defeat. He tells His disciples that their grief will turn into joy, a joy rooted in His resurrection and secured by their access to the Father. This passage reminds us that our deepest desire for lasting joy is fulfilled not in this world, but in communion with the risen Christ.

John 15:1–11 is Jesus’ call to remain deeply connected to Him, like branches to a vine, because true spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through abiding in Him. He invites His followers into a relationship marked by love, obedience, and the joy that flows from union with Him. This passage promises that those who abide in Christ will not only bear fruit but also experience a joy that is full...

Psalm 17 is a heartfelt prayer by David, seeking God's protection and justice amid persecution. He asserts his integrity and pleads for deliverance from arrogant enemies, trusting God's steadfast love. The psalm culminates in a profound hope of beholding God's face in righteousness, reflecting a deep longing for divine presence and eternal communion

In this passage, Paul tells us that God‘s ultimate love is displayed in the cross of Jesus Christ. The amazing message is that while we were yet sinners Christ still died for us.

This is one of the more well-known passages in the Bible. It is painted on the eyeblack of football players, hoisted on signs inside a stadium, or quoted by most Sunday school classes. What does John mean when he explains to us, "For God so loved the world..." In this podcast, we will delve into this passage and learn about God's love.

In this passage, we learn one of the more fundamental teachings on the nature and character of God. John tells us simply, "God is love." We learn that God loved us preemptively, and we respond that we should love Him and love one another.

"In today’s episode, we walk through the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel — a story of deep longing, disappointment, and unexpected grace. As Jacob and Leah both wrestle with unfulfilled desires, we see that only God can truly satisfy the human heart. Their story reminds us that even in life's greatest disappointments, God is quietly weaving redemption."

This Psalm is well known in Jewish and Christian thought. This Psalm is used as a prophecy of Christ in Acts 2 and Acts 13. It reminds us that God's anointed will be resurrected and rescued. It is a reminder to us that all good things come from God.

In this episode, we dive into one of Jesus’ most beloved parables—the story of the Prodigal Son. It’s a tale of rebellion, repentance, and the radical grace of a waiting father. We’ll explore what this story tells us about God’s heart for the lost and the older brother’s struggle with grace. Whether you feel far from home or close but bitter, this parable has a word for you.

In this story, Jesus encounters a woman who anoints his feet with alabaster ointment and wipes his feet with her hair. This woman demonstrates how people who are forgiven of much tend to love more.

In Matthew 18, we encounter one of Jesus's most difficult commands and teachings. Jesus tells us that we must forgive others as God has forgiven us. This is a tall order for us! In this reading, Jesus tells an extraordinary parable about an unforgiving servant.

In Luke 15, we get a true picture of the heart of God. More than any other passage in the Bible, we see what God truly cares about. God wants all to be saved. Each individual is of infinite importance to God. In this reading, Jesus tells two parables, "The Lost Sheep" and "The Lost Coin," to illustrate this point.

One of the great questions of the Old Testament is, "Who can enter the Lord's presence?" In this Psalm, David takes up this question and gives us some great teaching and insight.

In today’s podcast we look at Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Jesus. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to the tomb on Sunday and find that Jesus has been raised.

In Romans 6, Paul explains how the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus make sense of baptism. Our broken story of sin and alienation is transformed into the story of Jesus's victory over death by the resurrection. Baptism unites us to Christ, and in Him we receive resurrection life.

In 1 Corinthians 15, we are introduced to the oldest segment of our New Testament. Paul is delivering to the Corinthian brethren a very old creedal statement that probably dates back to 39 AD or even earlier. This is significant because Christ was probably crucified in 33 AD. Some scholars think this statement found in 1 Corinthians 15 dates back to within two years of Jesus's crucifixion.

In John 21 we witness Jesus's third post resurrection apprearance to the disciples. In this fascinating story we will see Peter receiving forgiveness and a new commision while around a charcoal fire. Listen to hear about the significance of that charcoal fire.

In this Psalm, David laments Israel's massive moral decline. It seems that no one is righteous in their actions. He laments how some are taken advantage of and are mistreated. David has confidence that God will be their refuge and that God will set things right.

In today’s episode we travel to Calvary with Jesus. We witness the love of Christ as he dies willingly as our sacrifice.

James presents Abraham as the example of one with faith that works. Faith that is not manifested in obedience is not true faith. His faith was completed or "fully grown" by his works.

Some have wondered why Abraham was willing to go through with the sacrifice of Isaac. The Hebrew writer fills in the blanks by letting us know that Abraham believed that God could raise Isaac from the dead. Abraham had a belief in the life giving power of God.

Genesis 22 is one of the more challenging and moving passages in the Bible. God gives Abraham the greatest test of all by asking him to offer his only son, the son he loves, back to God as a burnt offering. God was never going to allow Abraham to go through with this, but Abraham proves to God that he is obedient and faithful. In this story we see a picture of the cross of Jesus.

Psalm 13 is a psalm of lamentation. David is crying out, asking the question, "How long, O Lord?" David is in great distress and wants God to act. He will end this Psalm with a quiet confidence in God's faithful love.

In 1 Corinthians 11 we find a tradition passed down to Paul concerning the Lord's Supper. Paul gives us the institution narrative, much like what we find in the Gospels, but he adds some serious challenges to the Corinthian church. How one partakes of the Supper was of upmost importance to Paul.