Philippians 4:6-9 provides a blueprint for living from a place of peace, and emphasizes that peace itself is from God and surpasses all our understanding. Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble and sorrow, but we can be hopeful and continue living in peace because he has overcome the world through his life, death, and resurrection (John…

Have you ever had a big decision to make? How did Jesus make decisions, big or small? Do you think he ever questioned his decisions, like choosing Judas? If we are truly "following Jesus," we want to make decisions about our life in the same way that he did. Here's what we know: He only did what he saw the Father doing, and he never made any decisi…

There is much wisdom to be gleaned from the life of Elijah, and we as a community have different perspectives the Lord has given us to offer fresh revelation when we come together and learn as a body. Join us in Mooresville for the first installment of "Voices of the Congregation," a new series featuring three messages from various members of our c…

In the midst of the external and internal conflict that is prevalent in the world around us, we need to understand the significance of standing firm in God's peace. Ephesians 6:10-18 focuses of the vital role of the "shoes of peace" in our spiritual armor and reminds us of our need for the Good News of Peace. Scripture shows us that the nature of G…

I once heard the Lord say to me, "I am real and I am always speaking." This is the starting point with learning to hear the voice of God: If God is Truth and Reality, then everything else is a lie and counterfeit. He is real, and He is always speaking, the issue is not a speaking issue, but a listening and a hearing issue. Join us in Chapel Hill as…

Elijah, nearing his end on earth, tested Elisha's commitment, yet Elisha refused to give up. (2 Kings 2:1-14). Elisha focused on inheriting Elijah's prophetic spirit and remained steadfast despite distractions. Today, this story warns us about all the voices and who and what we should focus on. Staying focused on what the Holy Spirit is doing, pers…

David wrote, "The same way a loving father feels towards his children—that's but a sample of [God's] tender feelings towards us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you." (Psalms 103:13). If you are going to know Jesus, you need to know His Father. If you are going to follow Jesus, you need to follow the leading & guidance of the Father, also…

Like Elijah, some of us have had powerful encounters with God, yet we might feel like nothing came from them. Maybe you've experienced outcomes that seem the opposite of what you expected and find yourself in a cave. If so, you are in a redefining moment. What the Holy Spirit does in our cave moments will define the rest of your life. Join us in Mo…

Be filled! Pastor Ryan starts recapping last week's message discussing the significance and relevance of water baptism as seen in Jesus' personal experience, commission to us, and in examples through the book of Acts. The transformative power of baptism in the Holy Spirit, is coupled with, yet distinct from water baptism. Baptism in the Holy Spirit…

Follow Jesus. Follow the path that he has designed for your life. Don't fall for the comparison trap. Follow Jesus in the way that he has designed you to have an intimate relationship with him. In Psalm 139:24, David asks God to "see if there is any path of pain I'm walking on...." Jesus wants to free you from pain in order that you might follow Hi…

We are in a time where there is a greater fear of what is happening in the world than the fear of the Lord. Jesus delighted in the fear of the Lord, we don't fear anything else. The fear of the Lord is awe, not terror of Him. It turns us away from chaos to His awesomeness. God's goodness is a threat to anything that threatens us. Join us in Mooresv…

Jesus came to his Disciples and said, "Follow Me" They laid down their lives (plans, careers, etc.) in exchange for His. How can we do this today? What does this look like? It's often referred to as living in the "upside down, wrong-side out kingdom." In this message we will explore the depths of the Kingdom of Heaven and it's application to our li…

We often picture Elijah in moments of power. But in 1 Kings 19:1-4, we see a different side of him: tired, afraid, disappointed, and vulnerable. Vulnerability often surfaces after moments of victory, after we've shared our hearts, or after significant failure. During these times, our emotions can be heightened, making us more susceptible to negativ…

It's really great when we receive the desires of our hearts. But what happens when we don't? Here we examine some Biblical takeaways on the things we want and how God works in the midst of our prayers for these things. Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Cory Meade shares a message on trusting in God's best for our lives. For more information, v…

When you read the Bible, there is potential for this living book to transform your heart, mind, and perspective. One of the surest ways He does this is through His revealed, written Words in the Scripture. However, you need to understand that the Old Testament is written as "types and shadows," all pointing to a coming Messiah: Jesus. Join us in Ch…

At Mount Carmel, Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal and challenged the people, setting the stage for a national revival. It is one of the most epic stories in the Bible. Before the fire fell, Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord. Today, we have an altar. Our altar represents our devotion—our love for God and His love for us. It means our life …

Romans 13:11-14 and Matthew 5:14-16 emphasize the call to live honorably and let our good deeds shine as a testament to our faith. We also see through Jesus' example, how Christ brought light to those in darkness through healing, prophecy, and loving the outcast. We can use those examples to be proactive in our approach to living out our faith, and…

We are all in the process as followers of Jesus of a metamorphosis of sorts. However, at some point we have to get out of the cocoon. If you ever want to fly and find the freedom to soar with Jesus in the Spirit, have courage to "let this mind be in you which was also in Christ" and fly! Join us in Chapel Hill as Senior Pastor Matthew Bollinger con…

We all have a voice to use. Even if you feel like you don't have a specific outlet for your voice, you have been equipped and empowered to use yours in a variety of different contexts. Join us in Mooresville as guest speaker Cory Meade shares some Biblical examples of how to (and how not to) use your voice. For more information, visit riverlifefell…

Beginning with Genesis 1, God establishes light's ability to overcome darkness as He declares, "Let there be light." Jumping to John 1, we see that Jesus is the true light of the world, and we are called in Matthew 5 for be a light ourselves, shining in a world filled with darkness. Despite the presence of darkness, light will always prevail. As Ro…

The Father is serious about a "sound mind" and we need to take it seriously in love & grace. This message is being emphasized across the Body of Christ in the U.S. right now to remind us and prepare us. Remember these lyrics from the old hymn: "On Christ in the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand..." How is your foundation? Is it b…

Why is Elijah important for us today? Elijah lived in a time of significant spiritual and societal upheaval, much like our own, marked by widespread idolatry, moral decline, corrupt leadership, and a divided nation. Just as God had an answer in Elijah's time, He has one for today. Elijah's life is a pattern for how God prepares us for the "Elijah A…

Hebrews 12:1-11 establishes that divine discipline plays a vital role in our spiritual growth. We see God's corrections as signs of His live and commitment to our development as His loved children. Looking at the word "discipline" in the Greek, we also gain insight into practical steps for training for the race of life, drawing parallels to the tra…

Every follower of Jesus carries the Presence of God through the Holy Spirit, and each person plays a critical part in reflecting Christ to the world. By the Spirit, God is uniting us together in love, revealing Christ to the world, and building His church. Join us in Chapel Hill as special guest speaker Mark Andringa unpacks this with us. For more …

Elijah changes the destiny of a nation (1 Kings 17), and God is calling people today to shift the destinies of individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, states, and nations. The prophetic is "a light shining in a dark place" (2 Peter 1:19). The Holy Spirit seeks to raise people who don't just talk about the darkness but bring the l…

Hebrews 11 delves into the "Hall of Faith" and its inspiring examples of Biblical heroes. Before diving into these legendary figures, we must first revisit Hebrews 10:35-39, reflecting on the initial fire and boldness we felt when we first embraced Jesus, despite trials and persecution. We are encouraged to remember the promises of God and to live …

In addition to the freedom Jesus released to us through the Cross, He also gave us abilities to equip us for our unique ministry assignments in the marketplace. To be fully effective, we must reject pretense and insecurity, and instead know and own the "facts that matter" of our life's testimony. Join us in Chapel Hill as Dr. Noah Manyika unpacks t…

It is easy to be disenfranchised or angered by the way of the world. However, Jesus came to reveal the glory of God on Earth today. The prophet Isaiah declares that the whole world is filled with the Glory of God. Let us set our eyes on that truth rather than allowing the world to corrupt and distract us from God's goodness and glory. Join us in Mo…

Chapters 4 through 10 of Hebrews as we uncover how Jesus surpasses all human High Priests before him. Unlike them, Jesus serves without the limitations of weakness. His sacrificial offering, culmination in his death and resurrection, grants us direct access to God's mercy and grace allowing us to come boldly into his presence. Jesus not only fulfil…

God uses suffering as a handmaiden for sanctification. In the midst of suffering, we learn to get to know Him more, and we learn that we are not alone. Join us in Chapel Hill as guest speaker Carole Peele with Ignite Movement shares keys for walking through suffering and experiencing God's sanctification. For more information, visit riverlifefellow…

It's easy to declare, "God is good all the time," when life is smooth, but what about during war? How do we perceive His goodness when the stench of death is in the air? How do we trust in His goodness when we face the possibility of our death? Even when surrounded by our enemies, knowing that the Lord is with us right here and now is all we need. …

Hebrews 4:14-16 extends an invitation to us, to come without fear or shame into the presence of God, not only despite, but in the midst of our shortcomings. Jesus himself is our Mercy Seat and meets us when we are vulnerable and exposed and provides us with mercy and grace. If you've ever wrestled with feelings of unworthiness or struggled with hid…

Understanding the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues with biblical clarity can empower us in utilizing the gift of tongues to glorify God. Depending on someone's background or experiences, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues sometimes is not experienced in its fullness in a believer's life. Join us in Chapel Hill …

In our walk with God, we encounter resistance on a daily basis from the world as it tries to pull you away from what the Lord has for us. Surviving in this fallen world requires persisting. Sometimes, we need a reminder about our blessings and about how important the presence of the Lord is in our lives. Join us in Wilmington as Cory Meade continue…

What kind of house we build for God is a question asked in the Book of Isaiah and again in the book of Acts. Particularly in this season, what kind of house we set our course upon to build for God is important. Christ being the cornerstone is central. As we demonstrate the heart of humble servant and gain more understanding of the commitment and lo…

"Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came up to him and said, 'Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.'" (Luke 11:1 NLT). Prayer should be birthed out of relationship with the Father. In the gospels, you see Jesus demonstrating this and teaching his disciples as well. Join us in Mooresv…

Jacob famously wrestled with God, demanding a blessing from Him. In life, we can often experience moments of wrestling in the midst of moves of God, and it can feel like God is leaving us in the dust. As we reflect on an amazing year at Camp Morley, we look at Jacob and God struggling together, and what happens when we persist with God. Join us in …

In Mark 12:28-34, Jesus quoted the Shema, one of only two prayers specifically commanded in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). The first word of the Shema is "Hear." In Hebrew, "Shema" means hearing, understanding, and obeying. When the prayer begins with "Hear, O Israel," it calls us to attentiveness and action. The Holy Spirit seeks those who…

While encounters with the Lord are transformative, and highly valuable, they won't sustain us by themselves. As seen in Hebrews 3:3-35, the Israelites hardened their hearts and turned away from the Lord on multiple occasions even after seeing miracles for over 40 years. The author of Hebrews leverages the Israelites' experience to remind us to not …

In a society that has a tendency towards individualism and isolation, God has given an invitation for the church to learn to live together in community and to prioritize connection over division. There is a gift for hearts when we learn to live connected rather than disconnected. Join us in Chapel Hill as guest speaker Andy Squyres unpacks a revela…

There are many voices worldwide, but too many are just echoes. You were made to be a voice in your generation, not an echo. You'll never find your authentic voice by chasing trends, imitating others, or letting culture or the devil define who you are. God shouts His truth but whispers His secrets. To find our genuine voice, we have to bend to hear …

We know that God is good (Ps. 119:68, Luke 18:18-19) and that he loves to give us good gifts (Jam. 1:17, Matt. 7:7-11). We also know that we are God's beloved children and heirs (Gal. 4:6-7). With those truths we can communicate with our loving Father, asking Him with boldness and confidence for the things that are in our hearts and those which we …

Understanding the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues with biblical clarity can empower us in utilizing the gift of tongues to glorify God. Depending on someone's background or experiences, the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues is sometimes not experiences in its fullness in a believer's life. What if there is an inv…

The youth of RiverLife recently returned from Camp Morley. The theme this year was Unveiled: "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord," (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV). There are four veils which were removed by the sac…

The voice of the Lord is powerful! As believers, we all have the ability to hear His voice as we see in John 10, where Jesus says, "My sheep hear My voice and they follow me." As we grow in an understanding that we can hear the voice of God, we can also begin to grow and move in the prophetic. The purpose of prophecy is to release edification, exho…

The world is waiting to see the children of God be revealed, so those crippled by life can leap up, walk, and praise God so that they may enter the temple with us. In order for the children of God to be revealed, they must know who they are, know what they know, and what they are capable of walking out. Join us in Chapel Hill as special guest speak…

Wisdom is having life skills and making sound decisions to navigate life effectively. It involves thinking ahead of time and being prepared (Proverbs 6:6-8). There is heavenly wisdom for our finances, time, health, and spiritual lives (Proverbs 21:20). In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus talks about the future and reveals how we can be better prepared for …

Prayer is and will always be relationship-based. It is through relationship with the Father that we can make prayer intimate and meaningful. We see this invitation by Jesus in Matthew 6:9. Join us in Wilmington as special guest speaker Pastor Marlin Mogusu shares a message about the heart of prayer. For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.c…

In Matthew 24 and 25, Jesus teaches about the end times, the need to be ready for His return, and the final judgement. He emphasizes the importance of being watchful, faithful, wise, and compassionate as we wait for His second coming. In the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, Jesus gives us the key to living in the end times: Live in the wisd…

"So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners but you are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household," (Eph. 2:19). You carry a revelation of God that others need to hear. Go and spread the good news. Join us in Mooresville as special guest speaker Jim Hill shares about his mission to Mongolia and our profound authority as emi…