Riverlife Messages

Riverlife Baptist Church
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Weekly messages from Riverlife Baptist Church in Brisbane, Australia. Riverlife is a church that desires to be a family embracing the Father's presence, releasing empowered people to declare and demonstrate Christ's kingdom.

  1. Lent: Journey Toward Jesus

    2H AGO

    Lent: Journey Toward Jesus

    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 God's light starts shining, it also highlights the dark corners we'd rather ignore. The good news? This journey isn't about shame or guilt. It starts and ends with the Father's voice from Matthew 3: "This is my child, whom I love, and with whom I am well pleased." Whether your wilderness looks like a rocking chair, a morning coffee, or five minutes in the car, this message challenges us to be steadfast and intentional with God during Lent. It's not about becoming holier—it's about becoming more aware that we're already loved children of a Father who delights in us. Bible Verses Referenced: Matthew 4:1-11 Matthew 3:16-17 Colossians 4:2 Genesis 4:7 Hebrews 12:1 Colossians 3:5 Matthew 18:9 James 4:7   CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    36 min
  2. Vision 2026: Stepping In

    5D AGO

    Vision 2026: Stepping In

    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's not about the building). Using powerful imagery from Matthew 16 and 1 Corinthians 12, he paints a picture of the church as a body where every single person—yes, even you—has an essential role to play. The message explores five practical areas where we can move from intention to action: connecting with others, serving in ministry, engaging in church life, giving generously, and growing deeper in faith. Joe reminds us that we're not just bricks in a building or random body parts floating around—we're carefully placed by God himself, each one valuable and necessary. Bible Verses Referenced: Matthew 16:13-201 Peter 2:4-51 Corinthians 12:12-31Hebrews 11  CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    35 min
  3. Vision 2026: Grow Deeper, Serve Together

    FEB 10

    Vision 2026: Grow Deeper, Serve Together

    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's about training our attention and affection on Jesus so we're transformed from the inside out. The message explores three key areas for the year ahead: spiritual renewal (putting down deep roots through practices like prayer and fasting), discipleship (growing strong through intentional formation), and kingodm family and community (serving together to bless others and glorify God). As we look forward to the Lenten season to our community blitz and more, there are practical invitations to grow deeper and serve together; not because we have to, but because that's how God designed us to flourish. The challenge? Start with one thing. Ask God what your first step is, and trust that as we grow together, He'll make us stronger than we could ever be alone. Bible Verses Referenced: Psalm 1:1-42 Corinthians 3:16-18Ephesians 3:14-19Isaiah 61:1-4John 15 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    39 min
  4. Vision 2026: Deeper, Stronger, Further

    FEB 2

    Vision 2026: Deeper, Stronger, Further

    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 Lord, being renewed in strength, mounting up with wings like eagles, and running without growing weary. It's about trading our limitations for God's limitless energy, getting His perspective on what He's building, and walking faithfully in the daily rhythms that prepare us for breakthrough. As the church celebrates 60 years of ministry, there's a sense that God is preparing us for multiplication—whether that's church planting, revitalising other congregations, or creating new spaces for people to encounter Jesus. The challenge? Will we embrace change as renewal, invest in the next generation, and trust God's timing as He shapes us for what's ahead? Bible Verses Referenced: Isaiah 40:31 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    32 min
  5. Faith Habits: Witness

    JAN 27

    Faith Habits: Witness

    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 with a Bible in hand and more about authentically living out Christ's love in everyday moments. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:9-12 and Romans 12:9-21, we discover that being a "chosen race" and "royal priesthood" means our lives should demonstrate God's character in tangible ways. The challenge? Living counter-culturally by blessing those who curse us, feeding our enemies, and choosing peace over being right. It's about becoming communities of hospitality in a culture of hostility—whether that's inviting a neighbour over for the cricket (or tennis!) or simply praying for that person you struggle with. The message reminds us that people judge our message by how we live our lives. When our conduct matches our confession, we become credible witnesses who help others catch a glimpse of the God who loves them. Bible Verses Referenced: Genesis 12:1-3Luke 1:1-41 Peter 2:9-12Romans 12:9-21Colossians 4:5-6Matthew 5:13-161 Corinthians 11:1Hebrews 1:1-32 Corinthians 5:18-20 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    39 min
  6. Faith Habits: Generosity

    JAN 27

    Faith Habits: Generosity

    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, looking at three ways we live with God: bargaining, obedience, and generosity. The Macedonian church shows us what it looks like to give generously even in severe trials, not because they had heaps to give, but because they'd first given themselves to the Lord. The message unpacks how the rich young ruler walked away sad because he couldn't let go of his comfort, whilst the poor widow gave everything with joy. Generosity isn't waiting for God to prompt you—it's actively asking Him, "What can I do?" It starts with obedience (like tithing our first fruits), but goes far beyond to surrendering our time, talents, and treasure completely. The challenge? Stop bargaining with the Creator of the universe and start trusting Him with your whole heart. Because He's already given everything for you. Bible Verses Referenced: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9Matthew 19:16-22Mark 10Mark 12:41-44Luke 18Luke 21 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    38 min
  7. Faith Habits: Community

    JAN 20

    Faith Habits: Community

    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 teaching, fellowship (koinonia), breaking bread, and prayer. Unlike any footy club or social group, Christian community is bound together by the Holy Spirit, transcending our differences and creating something truly transformational. The message includes a powerful personal story from six months in Italy, where isolation nearly derailed everything, but intentional community brought restoration and hope. We're reminded that Satan's strategy is to isolate us from the herd, but God's design is for us to gather—daily, joyfully, in homes and in the temple. The challenge? To move beyond surface-level "shallows" conversation into the depths, to initiate connection, and to show up with gladness and generosity. When we commit to community, God takes care of the growth. Bible Verses Referenced: Acts 2:42-471 Peter 5:8Acts 3Preached Sunday 18 January 2026. CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    40 min
  8. Faith Habits: Scripture

    JAN 20

    Faith Habits: Scripture

    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 into the practice that actually nourishes our souls? This isn't about guilt-tripping anyone into a rigid Bible-reading schedule. It's about discovering how Scripture serves as a diving board into the deeper things of God. The message tackles some important questions: Is the Bible just a manual for getting life right? How do we avoid replacing a relationship with the living God with a relationship with the written Word? And what does it actually mean to let Scripture "read us" rather than just us reading it? You'll discover how Scripture reveals God's character, shows us our need for redemption, and ultimately points us to Jesus. Plus, practical tips for engaging with the Bible whether you're a seasoned disciple or just starting out. Bible Verses Referenced:  Philippians 4:6-72 Timothy 3:14-17John 1:1John 5:39Matthew 4:4Psalm 1:1-4Colossians 3:16Preachind on Sunday 18 January, 2026. CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    32 min
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About

Weekly messages from Riverlife Baptist Church in Brisbane, Australia. Riverlife is a church that desires to be a family embracing the Father's presence, releasing empowered people to declare and demonstrate Christ's kingdom.

Information

  • Creator
    Riverlife Baptist Church
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    450
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2018 Riverlife Baptist Church
  • Show Website
    Riverlife Messages