Riverbend Podcast

A signature Riverbend message: Pastor Dave does some chalk-talk and gets into the reality of 'messy grace', and some Greek - including a more expanded view of the words 'gentleness' and 'near'.

What can one of the most popular Christmas carols ever written teach us about the sacredness of the hope and anticipation? Dave examines the timeless carol "O Holy Night," and challenges us to rediscover the holiness of Christmas.

Can a Civil-War era Christmas Carol teach us about our struggles with unmet expectations, crushed hopes and the reality that bad things can happen - even to good people? Dave takes us inside a richly poetic gem to find historic and timeless answers.

We examine the meaning behind the music, the songs of Christmas, starting with an examination of the controversial lyricist of 'Joy to the World' who understood the Psalms and saw evidence of joy in all Creation.

Using the story of the Last Supper and Matthew 26:20-25, Young Adults Pastor Travis Taylor examines the struggle to live in the imperfection of our lives.

This Thanksgiving, can we be thankful for change - even when it's not we want, and especially when it's hard? Featuring original songs by Casey McPherson and arrangments by Carlton Dillard.

Pastor Dave reveals ideal - and possibly impossible - generosity with Romans 12:17-21. Kill them with kindness? Yeah, that's just the start...

Giving our best is hard - and not necessarily because of the obvious pains of sacrifice. Pastor Dave uncovers a few other barriers that come from our deepest desires to do good for others.

What things are so important to us that we'd practically obsess over them - almost to a point of superstition? What do we worship? Pastor Dave dives in and gives us a glimpse at what it means to offer our best.

We inevitably go thru life with some struggle and suffering. In the conclusion of this series using Colossians 3, Dave offers another ingredient in 'the secret sauce' to help us get thru.

The struggle is all too real for just about everyone who risks loving - but is it worth it? How do we get through this life of struggle with love as a solution? Pastor Dave takes us through the confusing, difficult to know and do reality of love w/ Colossians 3:14-15.

Pastor Dave channels TV icon Mr. Rogers as a reminder of how we are instructed to live: forgiven by Christ; forgiving towards others. Colossians 3:12-13 provides stellar instruction.

The struggle is real... to live in unity, peace and harmony. Is it our hardwiring to be with others that are alike, or is there a better way? And why? Continuing studies in Colossians 3 - Col. 3:11.

Our words matter - every single one - and they always have, always will. Dave takes a look at five timeless reasons why while also offering a helpful(?) Top 10 church cussing list.

Chalk-talk w/ Pastor Dave takes us from the Garden of Eden - when shame entered the world - to today, offering observations on why we experience shame, and most importantly, what to do about it.

This series begins by examining the root issue of why life can seem so challenging, complex, frustrating and full of struggles. Using Colossians 3:1-4, Pastor Dave points us to two essential rules to help us survive the struggle.

What is worship and what is music's role in it? Featuring Riverbend staff members and select pieces of music, the nature and understanding of worship is center-stage.

Pastor Dave celebrates Riverbend's 40th anniversary with the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, and in doing so, he reaffirms Riverbend's vision - one that continues today: a community where anyone, from aspiring saint to cynical skeptic, is welcome to come experience God's Grace:

What makes Riverbend so grateful, so thankful now, and over the 40 years of its existence? Dave digs into a classic story from Jesus.... and adds a twist.

There is a specific DNA to every church, and Riverbend is no exception. Using Luka 15 and the story of the Prodigal Son, we look at the roots - the core DNA - of the calling of Riverbend from its humble beginnings to today.