The USA Firestarters, an outreach team from Youth With a Mission (YWAM) Kona took over our Sunday service in Wilmington. Join us this week as the team shares testimonies about how God has been using them across Ohio and North Carolina to share the Gospel. The team also shared personal testimonies and a timely message about Jesus' sacrifice and what…

Enoch's walk with God illustrates bridal love—intimacy, devotion, and union with the Lord. The Bible states in Genesis 5:24, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." To walk as Enoch did means to live in bridal love—maintaining our hearts devoted, seeking His presence, and longing for the day when we, too, will be caught up in per…

Not only are we created by God to do individual good works, but we are made to do good works as a community of believers (Eph. 2:10). The ability to set aside differences or disagreements with your fellow believers is crucial for building a healthy church body, and responding to hostility with grace is an essential skill. Join us in Mooresville as …

Salvation does not only mean you've been saved from condemnation. Rather, it's an invitation from God to live a better life, and to participate in the work of bringing His kingdom. But, in order to do that effectively, we need to follow the commands of Jesus and to build our lives on Him. Join us in Wilmington as Pastor Andy Squyres invites us to l…

We all confront serpents in our lives. The Biblical narrative draws a connections between serpents and obstacles, hardships, and life outside of God's presence. What are we to do when we are confronted by these serpents in our lives? How do we crush the serpent's head underfoot, as God proclaimed? Join us in Chapel Hill as guest speaker Dr. Nick Go…

"Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear." Matthew 11:28-30, TPT Join us in M…

Breath is intrinsically linked with life, but we really want God's breath inside of us. His breath, or ruach, is both life giving and life empowering. When we allow God's breath and Spirit reside in us, we can live an empowered life. Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Cory Meade encourages us to allow God's breath to fill us up and power us fro…

Listening and obeying the Holy Spirit can solve many problems and help you uncover your purpose. Jesus often repeated, "He who has an ear, let him hear," a call to hear and know His Voice, appearing 16 times in the New Testament. While we are designed to hear God's voice, we don't recognize it when He speaks, but as our Father, He will teach us if …

Jesus is Lord, but what does that mean in our daily lives? In both the Old and New Testaments, "Lord" is a title that signifies authority, ownership, and relationship. Yet, for many, the idea of Jesus as Lord can feel distant—like a ruler behind castle walls rather than a close and present Master. In Matthew 8, the first time Jesus is called Lord i…

Since the days of the Apostles, the Biblical authors have emphasized the soon coming return of Christ. Even the New Testament ends with Jesus' words, "Yes, I am coming soon!" (Revelation 22:20). This begs the question, "How can we prepare?" Jesus tells us in Matthew 25. God is preparing His church for whatever is about to happen next. Join us in Ch…

God is looing for people who have a heart to hear Him. However, genuinely hearing Him requires us to overcome some obstacles. The world and the devil have never been more relentless in their efforts to distract us and stir up our fleshly desires, making it harder to tune into His voice. While God has given us the ability to hear Him, it's up to us …

Known for its hard work, patient endurance, and bold stance against evil, the church in Ephesus had a lot to celebrate. Yet, in Revelation 2, Jesus calls them out—not for what they did, but for what they lost: their first love. Could they have been distracted by the pleasures, culture, and busyness around them? Could their focus on the "what" have …

In the Bible, what are angels, why were they created, and what is their purpose? In Hebrews 1, the emphasis is that Jesus is superior to the angels. We also learn a lot about the angels' ministry to us as Christians. Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger dives into a series of systematic teachings through the book of Hebrews. For …

One of the biggest barriers into fulfilling the law of Jesus (Matthew 22:34-40) is our worldly mind. When operating in our worldly mind, we react as a human would when circumstances are challenging. However, Christ has given us a renewed mind, that we may be transformed and produce the fruit of the Spirit, even in the most challenging of situations…

Jesus warns us that in this world, we will have trouble. But, he also assures us that through Him we will have victory. We are living in a time where the world could benefit from that victory, which only comes through relationship with the Lord. Join us in Wilmington as guest speaker Cory Meade encourages us to walk the streets laid before us by Je…

The Book of Hebrews is a prophetic Word for our church this year. It's goal, firstly, is to elevate Jesus as superior to everything else, worthy of all our trust and devotion. Secondly, the author of Hebrews seeks to prepare and challenge the readers to remain faithful to Jesus despite hardship and persecution. We have exciting times ahead and chal…

One of God's greatest blessings is the gift of His voice. Humanity is designed to hear and recognize Him. Even when we fail, feel disappointed or angry, and pull away in confusion, God continues to call us, seeking to restore the relationship. It's tough to hear Him in difficult times when pain, loss, or sorrow make Him feel distant. Yet, Jesus ent…

As we enter a new year filled with anticipation and hope, we are drawn on the call to know Jesus more deeply. Reflecting on Ephesians 1:16-23, we're reminded that seeking God is a lifelong journey—a pursuit that requires more than knowledge or effort. Paul's prayer for the Ephesians reveals a powerful truth: it takes the Spirit of wisdom and revela…

When God created man and woman, His first act was to bless them—a profound truth revealing His heart and out greatest need. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible unfolds as a story of blessings—blessings declared, promised, anticipated, and experienced. God desires us to prosper and be in good health (3 John 1:2). For those in Christ, every spiritu…

The Lord has been establishing His work among us in incredible ways over the past two years. From securing a church home and celebrating baptisms to building relationships and commissioning missionaries, we've seen His faithfulness. This is a time to rejoice in what has been accomplished while remaining expectant for what's ahead, holding our dream…

Just as another year comes to a close, so ALL of World History is approaching its end. Revelation 20-22 gives us a glimpse into what the future holds for us all with Jesus. Join us in Chapel Hill as we celebrate the New Year with Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger's message of hope. For more information, visit riverlifefellowship.com To contact us: medi…

Getting to experience the love of the Father is one of the principle joys of the Christian walk. It is a foundational element of our faith, an anchor for us to fall back on. When we grow in God's love, we learn how to walk like Christ. Join us in Mooresville as Pastor Andy Squyres discusses how experiencing God's love on a regular basis is an impor…

After 400 years from the close of the Old Testament, Jesus' birth issued a new beginning for all humanity. Through the story of Joseph, we discover that with every ending there is always hope to something new to begin. Join us in Chapel Hill as Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger recaps 2024 with the Lord's message of hope for the new year. For more info…

RiverLife Wilmington is celebrating its first year of weekly services full of establishing moments, challenges, and God's provision. In many ways, the past year has not looked like what was expected. The life and journey David, one far from what he may of envisioned, is a reminder to us to not let unmet expectations keep us from what the Lord has f…

The Father has a surprise for you. He has a gift for you right now. It's the gift of faith. Like Mary, respond with "Be it unto me according to your Word." And, you will step into the greatest surprise of your Christian life. Join us in Chapel Hill for our Christmas service, and a special message from Head Pastor Matthew Bollinger about our Christm…

With the birth of Christ and the Christmas story, there were many Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled. One of the greatest fulfillments was "a child shall be born and His name shall be Emmanuel," which is translated into God with us. We have a High Priest that came into this world to be with us in all of our sufferings, trials, and even our fa…

Sometimes a word from the Lord seems to die. Disappointment tries to set in, but Elisha raising the young boy from the dead provides a model for us to resurrect the Word of the Lord from the dead. Join us in Chapel Hill as special guest speaker Will Gelling shares an encouragement to us when we find ourselves facing disappointment in the aftermath …

God has called each of us, given us a purpose, and shared His blueprint for His plan. Our physical and spiritual environments play crucial roles in shaping the trajectory of our lives. While our earthly surroundings influence us, the greater reality is that being seated in heavenly places in Christ should profoundly shape who we are and how we live…

The season of Advent is a time of reflection and anticipation as we celebrate Christ's birth. Advent reminds us that the hope we celebrate is not just for the future, but for today, as we embrace the salvation, peace, and joy found in Jesus. For believers these blessings are already ours, while for those who have not yet believed, there remains a h…

Imagine hiring an architect to design your home. You'd share your vision for what it should include, and the architect would create a detailed plan to bring it to life. Similarly, Ephesians shows us the features of a life built according to God's design. Ephesians equips us to live intentionally, grounded in the truth of God's work and His eternal …

We can choose the lens through which we view the world: a lens of ungratefulness or a lens of thankfulness. The lens of ungratefulness can lead us into a negative mindsets like fear and envy, often fueled by the world around us. In contrast, choosing thankfulness not only aligns us with God's will but also brings peace and health benefits. Just as …

Often, worship is a sacrifice. What do you have to give to the Lord in praise? Even when we feel tired, worn out, sick, or discouraged. In addition, in our oversaturated media generation, we have our own tastes and preferences. People comment, "I just didn't connect with the worship team's style." But... what about worship that is centered on Chris…

God, in His loving kindness, takes delight in giving us, His children, good gifts (Luke 12:32). Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God's abundant generosity as He pours blessings out upon the Earth. When humanity responded with taking that generosity and hoarding it, God responded with more generosity as He sent His son to die for us. We don'…

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: [email protected]بقلم 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…