In Psalm 100, we are reminded that thanksgiving is the gateway to God's presence. Offering thanks and praise to God brings us closer to Him, just as the Old Testament sacrifices of thanksgiving did. Giving thanks can still require sacrifices today and even come out of hardship. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, allowing us to come directly …

In the Bible, "hope" means "confident expectation." It doesn't mean 50/50, it is a 100% confidence that He who Promised is faithful! Abraham and Sarah walked in hope, David running for his life walked in hope, Israel in exile for 70 years lived in hope... confident expectation! Today, God has called the church to be a beacon of hope. Despite the ha…

Grace is like a river. It is so beautiful it takes your breath away. It's a deep sapphire blue with an almost magnetic pull that draws you in. Yet, it is also very dangerous. We don't fully understand the River's significance, but it is central to our identity, direction, and destiny. The River of Grace flows "from the throne of God and of the Lamb…

The Book of Ephesians is a treasure chest of truth. After introducing the glory of this treasure, Paul prayed for us to receive the spirit of wisdom and revelation—not just wisdom or revelation for a specific situation. His prayer wasn't for a momentary insight but a continual, flowing river of wisdom and revelation. Unlike a cupful, this river is …

Worshiping Jesus is our #1 priority as Christians and as a church. When we gather, "everyone has a song, hymn, or spiritual song" (Ephesians 5:16) from your heart to bring. Whether it's sung from the stage or from your seat, we are all a vital part of the atmosphere of praise and adoration. Join us in Chapel Hill as Matthew Bollinger continues his …

In the Kingdom model, extravagance really comes from the heart. Jesus, himself, models this in his ministry, and we see it applied in the parables in Luke 15. When we, as believers, are presented with an opportunity to give, how should we respond? Join us in Mooresville as guest speaker Cory Meade encourages us to align our thoughts with those of H…

Having "eyes to see" is a theme that runs throughout the Old Testament, and one that Jesus echoes in His teachings. What we discuss today is specifically having eyes to see God's glory, even when it doesn't look so glorious. Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Cory Meade encourages us to cultivate a recognition of God's glory in everything. For …

The heart of our church is to be a home for the Lord's presence—a true dwelling place for him. We're committed to cultivating a grace-filled culture in our lives and ministry to realize this vision. A central teaching of the New Testament is that grace isn't just for salvation; it's for every day, enabling us to live godly lives, love others well, …

In Ephesians 6:10-13, Paul reminds us that our true battles are spiritual, not merely against flesh and blood. As we navigate the complexities of daily life—be it in our families, workplaces, or personal relationships—we are encourages to recognize the unseen forces at play. We are invited to understand that peace is not just a passive state but an…

What would happen in society if people were swept up by the unconditional love of God? Join us in Chapel Hill as campus leader Michael Pham unpacks the reality of God's unconditional love toward us. For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: media@riverlifefellowship.comΑπό τον River Life Fellowship

God has a vision for your life, many visions, and he will reveal them to you. Embracing His direction brings clarity, understanding, and motivation. Every path and purpose from God is filled with hope and grace, even through times of sorrow. His Presence and Grace from Psalm 16:11 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 form the foundation of our lives and the hear…

Jesus calls us to persevere in our calling, even in the midst of disappointment and discouragement, as illustrated in the story of Ezra. Our setbacks do not define our journey; instead, they can lead us to deeper faith and reliance on God's presence. In a world that often feels chaotic, we are encouraged to reflect on out assignments and represent …

The Church is and can continue to be a "house of God:" a "habitation that leads to a visitation," corporately and for individuals. It is the very gateway to the heavenly realm! Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger dives into Jacob's ladder to understand how to prepare our hearts for whatever God wants to do next. For more informa…

At its heart, the Kingdom of God is about living under God's leadership. It's not just a future event or a distant concept; Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God was "at hand" (Mark 1:15), accessible and present. This means that for us today, it's something we seek and live out actively. And when we do, the mysteries of the Kingdom will be revealed …

The metanarrative of Scripture is simply this: God is a Father who created sons and daughters with whom He not only desired to live, but also in whom he desired to live. Beginning with Adam and continuing with Abraham, the Father visited His creation in order that He might dwell among them. Therefore, His visitation became His habitation. Today, we…

What does it mean, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated" (Romans 9:13). This speaks of God's plan to work through Jacob, who valued the spiritual inheritance that came through his grandfather, Abraham, while Esau seemed to have little value for his inheritance. It's not about personal hatred but about God's purpose in choosing Jacob to carry …

Grace is a very common topic in the Church. So often when developing a belief system about Grace, we ignore the second half of the Grace message, choosing only to focus on the celebration of the forgiveness of our sins. But, there is empowerment in the power of grace for how we are to live our lives. Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Cory Mead…

The Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur, is a holy day in the Bible that symbolizes the Lord's purification of His people. Under the Law in the Old Covenant, it included rituals and the sacrifice of two goats: one for the sins of the priests and another for the sins of the people. However, we no longer need sacrifices or rituals because Jesu…

Jesus Christ was and is fully God and fully Man. As His followers, we don't have to choose between spirituality and humanity—our experience is meant to be both. Our humanity is part of who we are. In the resurrection, we won't stop being human; instead, we will be transformed into the fullness of what God always intended: redeemed, glorified, and p…

Jesus sends us out into the world with His peace, as seen in Matthew 10. That peace is not only a part of God's character but also a vital aspect of the Gospel, and we are invited to embody and share this peace in our communities. In a world filled with turmoil, we are called to bless others with the peace we've received, as illustrated in Ephesian…

The Book of Psalms contains a beautiful prophetic picture of what God desires His house, the church, to be. It is meant to be a place of rest, peace, joy, satisfaction, protection, and abundance. But above all, the defining characteristic of God's house is His tangible presence. It is in His presence that the church finds its fullness. Join us in C…

In this life, there will be pain and strife, trials and tribulations. But, praise be to the God of all comforts (2 Corinthians 1:3). As we walk through the valleys of life and face circumstances which try our patience and faith, we have an opportunity to lean on the Holy Spirit, and look to God as our source of comfort. We will suffer as a fact of …

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…