Riverwood Church - Waverly, IA: Sermons

Mark 11 tells two stories that intertwine to form one larger picture. In the first story, Jesus curses a fig tree and in the second, Jesus cleanses the temple.

Launch Sermon PlayerJesus, once again, shows his power when healing the blind man, Bartimaeus. More importantly, he shows us how to love those that we might consider unlovable. Even more than that, Bartimaeus gives up one of his only possessions to seek healing from Jesus. What person/people are in your life that you could go […]

Launch Sermon PlayerJames and John approach Jesus asking if they may be seated at his right and left hand in glory. While sincere, this question is based in selfishness. When you live life in a selfish way, you continue to act selfishly even after humbling experiences. Happy Mother’s Day! Good mothers often give up their desires […]

Launch Sermon PlayerWhen the rich, young ruler approached Christ and asked “What must I do to be saved,” Jesus responded by telling the young ruler to give away everything he owns and follow Him. Even the disciples were surprised when Jesus comments how it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of […]

Launch Sermon PlayerJesus showed that he could heal many people simply by touching them. Is it a surprise that parents are pushing their children towards Him in hopes of healing or blessings? Yet, when the children started surrounding Jesus, the disciples were quick to rebuke the parents for surrounding Him with these children. Listen as […]

The topic of divorce can be a sticky subject. It has affected many of us, so to hear some of the Scriptures teaching on divorce can be painful. And yet on Riverwood’s “Baptism Sunday,” Pastor Erin Bird walks us through Jesus’ teaching on divorce from Mark 10:1-12, showing us how this subject actually points us to the love and faithfulness of Jesus. So listen in to be encouraged to trust Jesus.

Easter is the highlight of the Christian Calendar. Without Resurrection Sunday, there is no Christian faith. Join us as Pastor Erin Bird walks us through John 10:1-18 to help us appreciate the resurrection of Jesus and learn how it can change your life over 2000 years later.

As part of our reflective Good Friday service, Pastor Erin shared briefly from John 10:17-18 about the willingness of Jesus to give His life for ours, helping us appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice and enable us to worship Jesus on Easter Sunday all the more.

If you’ve ever anticipated doing something extremely difficult, you might have felt nervous, hesitant, or even tried to delay the suffering. Yet Jesus, knowing what lie ahead of Him, walked willingly with determination toward Jerusalem. How did He do it? In this Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor Erin Bird shows us what enabled Jesus to resolutely move toward Jerusalem where mocking, torture, and death awaited Him, in the hopes that it will fill you with an awe of Jesus and a motivation to love those around you. So go grab a Bible and listen in as Erin walks us through Luke 19:28-40

Often in life, we “want it all.” We want to buy expensive things without spending much money. We want to lose weight while still eating as much as we desire. In other words, we want to have our cake and eat it too. We carry this attitude into our relationship with God. We want God’s blessing while still living however we want. But in Mark 9:43-50, Jesus warns us that to truly follow Him and live the life God has for us, it might require us to take some difficult steps. Listen in to learn how to truly live “all for the gospel.”

There are others in the world believing and working along side you, claiming God and his promises. Pride and and inward eye can mar that picture of Gospel Teamwork. Today Elder Ed Pavelec walks through Mark 9:33-42 teaching on this idea

The Transfiguration is a famous story from the pages of the Bible. But could there be more to the story than just a “shining” Jesus? Listen in as Pastor Erin unpacks Mark 9:2-13, helping us see Jesus like never before.

Sometimes in life, paradoxical phrases lead us to deep truths. For instance, "Less is More" or "The way out is in" are phrases that sound like paradoxes, but in the right moment, they can give you clarity. In Mark 8:27-9:1, the twelve disciples hear Jesus state what, to them, feels like a paradox. But upon closer inspection, we discover a deep truth that can completely change our lives in 2021. What is that truth? Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird explains.

Many people turn to the teachings of Jesus for encouragement, guidance, and reassurance. But what do you do when Jesus gives a warning? You listen and take it to heart! In this week’s sermon, Pastor Erin Bird expounds upon the warning Jesus gives in Mark 8 and what we need to watch for in our own lives in 2021.

All people are looking for some sort of “Jesus” to save them from their loneliness, or their past, or their addiction, or their fears, or from whatever. As John Calvin famously put it: “The human heart is an idol factory.” And so in this search for rescue, the “idol factory" turns romantic partners, or money, or fame, or a whole host of things into its own “personal Jesus.” But rather than look for something or someone to rescue us, we need to look to the one and only Jesus who already loves us, and not just in a general sense (because He loves everyone), but in a very unique and personal sense. So listen in as Pastor Erin Bird shows us from two different-yet-similar stories from the book of Mark just how Jesus displays this unique and personal love toward you.

Have you ever had a crisis of faith? A time in life where you doubted God’s goodness, or power, or even His existence? Perhaps you are there right now. In this week’s sermon, Pastor Erin Bird introduces us to a woman found in Mark 7:24-30 who had every right to doubt God’s goodness or power, and yet she displays a big faith in Jesus. Listen in to discover the four ways you, too, can grow to have a big faith in God as well.

For our annual Vision Sunday, Pastor Erin takes some time to look back at all the things God did in 2020 (and it’s a lot of really big things!), as well as where he and the Elder Team believe God is calling us in 2021. While this sermon is primarily aimed at the Riverwood Church family, it is a great message for anyone who has supported Riverwood in the past or is considering making Riverwood their home church in the future.

The “Great Commission,” found in Matthew 28:18-20, are some of the last words Jesus uttered on earth. It is a very famous passage. But what many Christians don’t realize is this passage, which talks about “going” and “baptizing” and “teaching” only contains one command. What is that command? Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird concludes our “Praying the King’s Agenda” series as part of Riverwood’s 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.

Obedience is hard. It feels confining. It feels joyless. It doesn’t feel very fun. So just how does a Jesus-follower actually obey the King’s Agenda without hating their faith and life?

In order for a follower of King Jesus to “pray” the King’s Agenda, he or she must first “hear” the King’s Agenda. But how does one actually hear the King’s Agenda? Listen in as Pastor Erin shares from Matthew 28:18-20 as well as several other passages just how to do that.

When Jesus was born, the angels declared His earthly arrival to shepherds. Inside of their short song are all the other themes of Advent - Hope, Peace, and Joy. But there is one more theme their song helps us see, and it is one of the most important themes in all of the world. Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird helps us hear about God's Love through the Angel's Song.

For many people, 2020 has been a really hard year. We’ve battled a pandemic. We’ve experienced cultural tension over politics, race, masks, and more. And some people have personally battled health issues, the loss of a job, the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or some type of trauma. So the idea of having “joy” this Christmas season seems like an impossibility. Yet joy is within reach. Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird shows us how we can find joy even in the most difficult circumstances by learning from Mary’s “Christmas” Song found in Luke 1:46-55.

Many people find themselves longing for something in life that will give them peace. It might be a longing to be married, or be a parent, or to have a certain amount of wealth, or finally get that dream home. Whatever it is, we yearn for this external person or item to bring us internal peace. And yet, it doesn’t work. Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird shows us from the Christmas Song Zechariah sings in Luke 1 where inner peace is truly found.

For many people, 2020 has been a really hard year. Whether because of the pandemic, politics, loss of a loved one, or our own personal crisis, we long for this season to pass. And yet, the Bible commands us to “Give thanks in all circumstances.” How are we supposed to do that in a year like 2020? Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird walks us through the “impossibles” of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, helping us discover how we can still give thanks in the midst of intense struggle.

Life is full of tension. If you have parents, a spouse, kids, coworkers, or classmates, you have experienced tension. But “tension” isn’t just found in relationships. You can also find it in politics, on social media, and even in church. And oftentimes, when we encounter tension, we seek to resolve it. However, some “tension” can't be resolved. In fact, there are some arenas in life where you should “intentionally” remain in “tension.” Listen in as Pastor Erin Bird walks us through one such tension that should exist within a church.

Many people globally are living with fear due to the coronavirus, while many Americans are living with anxiety over the upcoming Presidential election. And this doesn't include the hard things happening in many people's lives personally that are causing stress, worry, and more. Thankfully, God's Word speaks into our fear and anxiety, helping to bring peace. Listen in as one of Riverwood's elders, Ed Pavelec, takes us to several passages in Scripture to bring encouragement during our troubled times.

Back in His day, Jesus was a celebrity. When a person in our day and age meets a celebrity, they want a selfie, or an autograph, or even some advice. But in Mark 6:53-56, we see the people do something very different when they see Jesus - something that any Jesus-follower in 2020 should also do. What is it? Listen in to "The Fame of Jesus" to find out.

Ever had an embarrassing moment where you are holding your phone in your hand, and yet think "Wait... where is my phone?" Suddenly, you begin looking all around for your phone, checking your pockets or reaching into your purse, when about 5 seconds later you realize your foolishness. Anyone? Yeah, us neither. But other people have missed what is right in front of them, such as some of the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day. And if we are not careful, we can make a very similar mistake they made when it came to faith. So to avoid "missing the forest for the trees," listen in as Pastor Erin Bird takes us through Mark 7:1-23.

Have you ever thought you saw someone out in public only to discover it wasn’t actually them? Or perhaps you had a conversation with someone, only to later learn who they actually were. We’ve all done it, making a mistake about a person's identity. In Mark 6:45-52, we see the author give several clear clues of who Jesus truly was, but His disciples will completely miss the clues. But if you can catch these clues to Jesus’ true identity, it can help you through your most difficult times. So listen in as Pastor Erin Bird shares “Trust I Am.”

Life is full of inconveniences. Whether it is having to gas up the car when you are late for a meeting, coming home after a vacation to a broken refrigerator, or taking care of a puking child at 3:00 am, life is full of inconvenient moments. But did you know love is also rarely convenient? In this message from the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Erin Bird helps us see that if a person is going to love like Jesus loved, they have to be ready to love in the inconvenient moments.

In John 20:21, Jesus told His followers that just as His Heavenly Father sent Him to bless the world, He was sending His followers to do the same. But what does it look like for a Jesus-follower to be "sent"? Pastor Erin Bird walks us through Mark 6:7-13, showing us eight details about what it looks like to be sent by Jesus to be a blessing.

When a typical person faces doubters or haters, the natural reaction is to want to insult or hurt the person back. But is this the reaction a Jesus-follower should display? Join us as Pastor Erin Bird walks us through Mark 6:1-6 as we learn how to live like Jesus when faced with doubters, mockers, and haters.

In case you haven't noticed, our world is really divided. We are arguing about masks, race, politics, and boneless chicken wings. What our world needs (besides more chicken wings!) is for Jesus-followers to step out of the arguments and begin loving people like Jesus loved people. In this week's sermon, Pastor Erin Bird walks us through Mark 5:21-42, looking at two miracles where we discover how Jesus showed love to the miracle recipients more than just giving healing. And if you follow Jesus, these are ways you are called to love as well.

In our current political and cultural climate, the lives of certain people don't seem to matter. Some Republicans don't seem to think certain Democrats are worth much of anything. Some Black Lives Matters adherents don't think too highly of Trump supporters. And many Twitter users are ready to cancel anyone who doesn't agree with them 100%. In Mark 5:1-20, Pastor Erin Bird shows us that anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus HAS to be pro-life. And not just pro-babies, but pro-human. But how are you supposed to love someone who holds the complete opposite political or philosophical as you? Listen in to learn how.

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Ed Pavelec, one of the elders of Riverwood Church, completes our "Summer of Psalms" sermon series with an encouraging message from . Listen in to learn how to "taste and see that the Lord is good!"

The world is open and exposed, yet the Lord provides us a place to hide. Ed Pavelec teaches from Psalm 91, that we are safe and secure in God's sovereign protection. Listen in!

One of the Bible’s central themes is the worship of God! In this week's message, Worship Leader Jake Epley will walk us through , a praise psalm that teaches us the basics of praising God for who He is and what He’s done.

What does it mean to love the Bible? Guest Speaker Shane Klein teaches on , sharing perspective on the psalmist's love for God's Word and how we ought to as well!

Launch Sermon PlayerGuest Speaker, Shane Klein, teaches from Psalm 147 as part of our “Summer of Psalms” series.

At his lowest point, King David fell into terrible sin, was confronted by God's word through the prophet Nathan, and had to repent of his disobedience. His poignant expression of contrition in Psalm 51 can serve as a model for the Jesus-follower when he or she falls short of God's standards. Guest Speaker Jacob Tews leads this study of Psalm 51, looking in detail at its context and application for our lives.

These are complicated times. We live in a difficult, confusing, and often frustrating age, and more now than ever does the world desperately need households led by godly dads. Guest teacher and Minneapolis church planter Patrick Ray shares a Father's Day message from , as well as insight on #BlackLivesMatter, police reform, community well-being, and how we as Jesus-followers ought to respond in light of what the Bible teaches.

Do you ever find yourself seeking a rest from life's daily grind through things like Netflix, YouTube, disc golf, or even drinking coffee? In this week's message, Matt Townsley walks us through which shows us that God is our protection, provider, and power. If you a desire to seek true rest from the stressors of this world, listen in to know what it means to "be still" and know a God who loves you more than you can imagine.

This will be our first Sunday back for in-person gatherings! While we are excited to be together again, most of us have undoubtedly been through some turbulent times. To some extent, we've all encountered loss, grief, frustration, and suffering within the span of these last few months. In this week's message, Worship Leader Jake Epley will walk us through , a lament that teaches us that in the midst of depression and discouragement, our only hope is found in God alone who truly satisfies.

Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about work? Is it wise to put in 40 hours and be done? Is working overtime punishment or pleasing in the eyes of God? In this week's message, Matt Townsley walks us through showing how overconfidence and overworking can lead to an unfulfilled life. So, if you have a desire to work at home or in the office in a way that honors God, listen in!

The parable Jesus tells in Mark 4:21-25 is often referred to as "The Parable of the Lamp." But as you'll hear in this sermon from Pastor Erin Bird, the gospel story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the lamp to the parables.

In this week's passage, Jesus surprises his listeners (and us, the readers) by declaring that true family isn't the one you're physically born into, nor is it the racial group you identify with, nor is it even our best friends at work or on a sports team. Rather, Jesus declares that true family comes through the gospel. To hear more, listen in as Pastor Erin Bird walks us through Mark 3:20-35.

We all long to be chosen. To be selected by a team, company, or that special someone feels like we have worth, and value, and are loved. So you can imagine when Jesus chose His twelve disciples, those twelve guys were on top of the world. But in truth, to be chosen by Jesus is actually very, very humbling. Why? Listen in to discover how the calling to follow Jesus is a humbling event, and yet a moment that also instills us with a very different type of confidence.