Riverside Church, Birmingham, Uk

TEACHING SERIES: Lifehacks SERMON TITLE: How To Have A Future That’s Bright BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 27th August 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Proverbs: # Chapter 11, verses 14 # Chapter 14, verse 22 # Chapter 16, verse 1-3 # Chapter 19, verse 21 EXCERPT: When facing decisions, we all want to know what is the best choice to make. How do we know? Where do we go for guidance for the future? Join us to explore some principles of what wise guidance for the future looks like, and how to avoid some pitfalls that will really hurt. 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcomi

TEACHING SERIES: Lifehacks SERMON TITLE: How To Use Words For Good BY: Ado Muronzi DATE: Sunday 20th August 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Proverbs: # Chapter 3, verses 9-10 # Chapter 8, verse 18-19 # Chapter 10, verse 2-4 # Chapter 30, verse 8 EXCERPT: Is there a way to use our money and resources in a way that honours God and makes us partners with Him in the work that He is doing in the church and around the world? Instead of trying to gain the world, could we be the ones that add colour and flavour? How can we truly be the salt in the earth and a bright light on a hill for all to see. 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that y

TEACHING SERIES: Lifehacks SERMON TITLE: How To Disagree Well BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 13 August 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Proverbs: # Chapter 6, verses 19 # Chapter 10, verse 12 # Chapter 16, verse 28 # Chapter 26, verse 17 EXCERPT: Disagreement and conflict is a normal part of life. In fact, friction and conflict can be good as ideas are challenged and refined. But how do we do this well? Author Patrick Lencioni once said, ‘Seek to bring light not heat to the conversation.’ Join us to explore how we can disagree well. 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming

TEACHING SERIES: Lifehacks SERMON TITLE: How To Use Words For Good BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 6th August 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Proverbs: # Chapter 11, verses 12-13 # Chapter 12, verse 18 # Chapter 13, verse 3 # Chapter 17, verse 27-28 EXCERPT: We’ve all done it – said things that we really, really regret. How can we discover some lasting wisdom to help us use words well, so that we build others up more than we tear them down? 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this co

TEACHING SERIES: Lifehacks SERMON TITLE: How To Listen In A World Of Noise BY: Mel Lynch DATE: Sunday 30th July 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Proverbs: # Chapter 12, verses 1 # Chapter 12, verse 15 # Chapter 13, verse 13-14 # Chapter 15, verse 31-32 EXCERPT: The old saying goes, ‘you have two ears and one mouth for a reason!’ In our distracted world, everyone has an opinion and wants others to know about it. But maybe true wisdom listens more than it speaks. What would it look like to be known as a good listener? 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to

TEACHING SERIES: Lifehacks SERMON TITLE: How to be a Friend That Brings Life BY: John Goodliff DATE: Sunday 23th July 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Proverbs: # Chapter 3, verses 27-31 # Chapter 17, verse 9 # Chapter 17, verse 17 # Chapter 18, verse 24 EXCERPT: “A diminishing circle of friends is the first terrible diagnostic of a life in deep trouble.” (David Whyte) In an age of isolation and online connection, true friendship can be tricky. And yet, perhaps we need friendship more than ever. In Proverbs we catch a glimpse of the perils of unwise friendship, and the huge befits of friends who bring life. 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home amon

TEACHING SERIES: This Little Light of Mine SERMON TITLE: Desperate Times BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 16th July 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Revelation | Chapter 3 | Verses 14-22 EXCERPT: The last few years have shown that we can’t presume that our standards of living will always keep in increasing. But should that really be our goal anyway? For the ancient followers of Jesus, they had mistaken material comfort and wealth as being the central thing in life. And John reminds them that true riches come not from physical wealth but from following Jesus. 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, even

TEACHING SERIES: This Little Light of Mine SERMON TITLE: The Open Door BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 9th July 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Revelation | Chapter 3 | Verses 7-13 EXCERPT: We live in a world in which success is the goal, regardless of the cost. For followers of Jesus, sometimes our lack of success can be disheartening. And it can be easy to forget that Jesus values faithfulness over success. For these ancient readers, John reminds them that even though they feel weak, he has placed before them an open door. And they just simply need to faithful in following Christ. Because, at the end of the day, faithfulness is success. 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We h

02/07/2023 | This Little Light of Mine | On The List | Tim Chilvers by Riverside Church

TEACHING SERIES: This Little Light of Mine SERMON TITLE: Going Old BY: Judy Moore & Michelle Rawlins DATE: Sunday 25th June 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Revelation | Chapter 2 | Verses 18-29 EXCERPT: G.K. Chesterton once said, ’Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about.’ What he means is that many of us change our beliefs and values throughout our lives. And, future generations will also look at many of the values our society hold dear with similar incredulity. And so, how do we know we are right? Let’s not be so quick to dismiss the wisdom from the many generations who have lived before us. Perhaps the best way to navigate the future is by going old-school and embracing again the teaching and wisdom from years gone by. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is true of us online. We are on

TEACHING SERIES: This Little Light of Mine SERMON TITLE: Setting On The Fence BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 18th June 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Revelation | Chapter 2 | Verses 12-17 EXCERPT: Have you ever tried to sit on a fence? It can get uncomfortable pretty quickly! The word ‘compromise’ comes from the idea of making a mutual promise and commitment – two different views, coming together. There are so many times when such a thing is necessary and good. And yet, sometimes, compromise means settling for things that aren’t good, like trying to sit on a fence. For these ancient followers of Jesus, it seems that they were compromising in a really unhealthy way. They were trying to live in two camps – following Jesus, whilst tolerating evil at the same time. And John reminds them that sitting on the fence is neither comfortable, or a good thing in the long-run. 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

TEACHING SERIES: This Little Light of Mine SERMON TITLE: Clinging on For Life BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 11th June 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Revelation | Chapter 2 | Verses 8-11 EXCERPT: Going through hard times can be one of the biggest barriers to faith in Jesus. And sometimes when followers of Jesus suffer, questions start emerging about whether God is there, or at work. For these ancient followers of Jesus, John reminds them that the opposition and suffering they face won’t last forever. And that, one day, they will receive a prize that will help them to keep clinging on now, despite the struggles they face. 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will

TEACHING SERIES: This Little Light of Mine SERMON TITLE: Love That Shines BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 4th June 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Revelation | Chapter 2 | Verses 1-7 EXCERPT: In the UK, what is the church known for? In a recent survey (talkingjesus.org), the most common positive responses were: friendly, caring, hopeful and generous. And yet, at the same time, the church is also known for being hypocritical and narrow-minded. As John writes to Christians in the ancient city of Ephesus he is encouraged by some of what he sees – the good things they’re doing; their hard work; their perseverance; and their inability to tolerate evil. In a sense, they ‘hate’ the right things. And yet, at the same time there is one big thing they are missing – love. What would it be like to for the church to be known for both love and hating evil at the same time? Is it possible? 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 g

TEACHING SERIES: This Little Light of Mine SERMON TITLE: Where to Look? BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 28th May 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Revelation | Chapter 1 | Verses 1-20 EXCERPT: When you sit in the dark for long enough, your eyes become accustomed to it. It doesn’t seem so dark anymore. Perhaps the same is true for our society? Have we become so accustomed to one way of life that we get used to it? For the first readers of the book of Revelation, they faced a real danger – in the middle of opposition, the temptation to settle down to a life of comfort in the Roman Empire was so attractive. And yet, the light of Christ shines like a lighthouse – brightly revealing the darkness and guiding to safety. What would it look like for followers of Jesus to then shine this light brightly, like lampshades in a dark world? 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 grow as his followers across

TEACHING SERIES: What are You Running From? SERMON TITLE: What Does God Thinks of My Enemies? BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 14th May 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Jonah | Chapter 4 | Verses 1-11 EXCERPT: This whole book is aimed at those who think that God loves us – our country etc – and therefore is against our enemies. It’s a powerful drama confronting the racism, nationalism, sectarianism, tribalism in our hearts. The Jonah figure is us. The strength of his emotional collapse at the mercy shown to his enemies is striking. And yet, we witness the same tribalism and division every day in world (e.g. on social media) – how do we respond? God’s question, at the very end of the book, leaves us hanging. It’s a question about the posture of our lives, that we all need to ask. Should I not be concerned about that great city? 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 grow as his followers acro

TEACHING SERIES: What are You Running From? SERMON TITLE: Is Change Possible? BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 7th May 2023 ‘BIBLE PASSAGES: Jonah | Chapter 3 | Verses 1-10 EXCERPT: What does ‘repentance look like in practice? Nineveh was a brutal and horrific enemy…we are meant to identify with Jonah about wanting them to be wiped out. And yet, here in chapter 3, they seem to repent. What is true repentance like? And what would revival look like in our society today? 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you

TEACHING SERIES: What are You Running From? SERMON TITLE: Does God Really Hear Our Cry? BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 30th April 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Jonah | Chapter 1, verses 17 to Chapter 2, verse 10. EXCERPT: Inside the fish, Jonah prays. It is noticeable, though, that Jonah doesn’t really acknowledge or confess his sin. It’s almost as if he is more interested in his own rescue, than admitting his error? Maybe he hasn’t quite grasped the bigger picture about how wide God’s grace is. It is only by the end of the prayer that we actually get to God’s grace – his steadfast love. It’s at this point that Jonah is released back to the land of the living. When Jonah is finally alone with God, and finally admits what God is like, then salvation comes. We sometimes say sorry to escape consequences, rather than actually being sorry. Maybe this is what Jonah is doing? Maybe it’s only when God is all we have left, that we discover God is all we need. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together i

TEACHING SERIES: What are You Running From? SERMON TITLE: What are You Running from? BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 23 April 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: Jonah | Chapter 1 | Verses 1-16 EXCERPT: The book of Jonah is not about the fish! It’s actually a mirror on our culture and our hearts. It’s about any group of people/person that we think ‘they deserve God’s justice & judgement more than they deserve his grace’. For Ancient Israel, they would have identified with Jonah and would not have wanted Nineveh to repent. Jonah is running from God’s grace and mercy, whereas the (pagan) sailors discover they need it. What about us? 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 grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will f

TEACHING SERIES: Distinct SERMON TITLE: We need to Talk BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 16 April 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: James | Chapter 5 | Verses 13-19 EXCERPT: Surely confession can’t be that important? The journalist Dorothy Dix was quoted as saying “confession is always weakness”; but is this really true or might confession be one of the most powerful things we can do? How often are we really honest with those closest to us? Really, really honest….telling them the things we know are embarrassing, hard and let our guards down so they see the real us, the bits that aren’t quite as shiny as we’d like them to be. Do we prefer to stick to the Instagram perfect pictures, where everything is filtered to perfection? Yet this is what we have been called to do to help us grow in our relationship with God and help us live fully in the freedom that God intended for our lives. James helps us to realise there is great power in confessing the things we struggle with so we can live fully in the light of Jesus. Wel

TEACHING SERIES: Distinct SERMON TITLE: The Power of Prayer BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 2nd April 2023 BIBLE PASSAGES: James | Chapter 5 | Verses 13-19 EXCERPT: How should we pray and does it even work? The Christian author Pete Greig said, in response to the question of who prays nowadays “Everyone prays. Even non-Christians pray. The difference when Christians do it is they are climbing into the lap of their heavenly Father!” Prayer can be a mystery. Why are some prayers seemingly answered and others not? However, what if we reimagined what many seem to have allowed prayer to become, a wish list of what we think should happen, and instead turn it into a powerful relationship with an ever present loving Heavenly Father. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity o