Riverlife Messages

Riverlife Baptist Church

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. Mother's Day: You are Loved - Penny Leutton

    5D AGO

    Mother's Day: You are Loved - Penny Leutton

    Ever wondered what it's like to grow up knowing God is real but not quite knowing how to make it official? Our guest speaker Penny, takes us on a journey through her story, complete with big feelings, and the kind of honesty that makes you feel like you're having a coffee with a friend.   She opens up about being that kid who desperately wanted someone to ask if she wanted to become a Christian (spoiler: someone finally did), and how a kind woman named Aunty Jenny faithfully showed up week after week to disciple a completely silent nine-year-old. But this isn't just a sweet childhood story—it's about discovering that God wants to be part of our whole lives, not just an insurance policy against hell. The message takes a vulnerable turn as she shares about losing her brother at 16 and experiencing Jesus sitting with her in grief. She doesn't shy away from the hard stuff—spiritual warfare, tragedy, big questions, but points us back to the truth that God's love is bigger than anything we face. Whether you're waiting to be asked, using God as a safety net, battling the enemy, or walking through grief, this message reminds us that we're invited into God's family—not because we deserve it, but because that's just how much He loves us. **Bible Verses mentioned in the message:** 1 John 3:1 John 3:16 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    26 min
  2. Alive In The Spirit: You're Gifted - Ian Walton

    MAY 5

    Alive In The Spirit: You're Gifted - Ian Walton

    In the final instalment of the "Alive in the Spirit" series, we dive into the practical reality of spiritual gifts. Using a creative chocolate distribution demonstration (that may or may not have involved some rule-breaking), this message explores how the Holy Spirit equips each believer with unique gifts, not for personal consumption, but for the common good. You'll discover the difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual fruit, why some gifts feel more like burdens than blessings, and how your unique flavour matters in stewarding what God's given you. The message covers everything from what may seem like "ordinary gifts" like teaching and administration, through to what some would describe as "extraordinary ones" like prophecy and healing. All of which are needed for a fully functioning body of Christ. The key takeaways? Discover your gifts by asking trusted people and trying new ministries. Develop them through practice and mentorship. Deploy them in effective action, because if your gift remains hidden, there's a genuine lack in the body and in the world. With love as the essential motivation, we're called to be tools, not toys, in God's hands. **Bible Verses Referenced:** 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 27-28 Romans 12:6-8 1 Peter 4:10 Ephesians 4 1 Corinthians 13 Ephesians 2:10 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    38 min
  3. Alive In The Spirit: He's Here! - Jo Leutton

    APR 13

    Alive In The Spirit: He's Here! - Jo Leutton

    Ever wondered what actually changes after Easter? This message kicks off a new series leading up to Pentecost, unpacking what it means when the Holy Spirit doesn't just visit but actually moves in permanently. Using everything from Doctor Who references (yes, really) to Paul's letters, we explore how the Spirit transforms us from the inside out. When we say yes to Jesus, we don't just get forgiven: we become dwelling places of the living God. That's not just poetic language; it's the power that raised Jesus from the dead, taking up residence in you. The message traces God's desire to dwell with His people, from the garden, to the tabernacle, to the temple, to Jesus Himself, and finally to us. We're not floating off to some cloudy heaven; God is recreating heaven and earth, and the Spirit is preparing us for that reality starting now. There's an invitation here: to make space for the Spirit, to ask for more of Him, and to live in the freedom He brings. No performance required, no earning necessary—just an open heart asking to know God more deeply. Bible Verses Referenced: John 14:15-17 Acts 2:37-39 Romans 8:9-11 2 Corinthians 5:17 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 1 Corinthians 3:16 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Romans 8:12-17 Romans 8:1-4 John 15 Luke 11:5-13 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    35 min
  4. Lent: Choosing the Way of Humility - Jo Leutton

    MAR 23

    Lent: Choosing the Way of Humility - Jo Leutton

    Ever feel like you're constantly trying to prove yourself? This message is a breath of fresh air. We dive into what true humility actually looks like: not grovelling or self-deprecation, but having a realistic view of ourselves through God's eyes. The message traces an incredible journey through the Apostle Paul's transformation from a self-assured persecutor to someone who called himself "the foremost of sinners." We see how his growing humility didn't diminish his impact, it amplified it. At the heart of it all is Jesus, who "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped." His scandalous humility - choosing servanthood over status, death over dominance - becomes our roadmap for living free from the world's expectations. We also meet Moses the Strong, a Desert Father whose journey from violent bandit to compassionate minister shows us that transformation is possible for anyone. The message wraps up with practical challenges: How do you treat people who can't add anything to your life? Can you bless someone this week without anyone knowing? Bible Verses Referenced:  Romans 12:1-3 Acts 15:36-41 1 Corinthians 15:9 Ephesians 3:8 1 Timothy 1:15 Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 20:25-28 Matthew 23:12 1 Peter 5:5-6 James 4:10 Ephesians 4:2 Matthew 11:28-30 Galatians 2:20 CONNECT WITH RIVERLIFE CHURCH HERE AT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riverlifebaptistchurchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverlifeBaptistChurchWebsite: https://riverlifechurch.org.au

    38 min

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.