Riverside Church Sunday Message

Nathanael Ballew speaks on Romans 12:4-16. as part of our Life series.  ‘Connection is the key to human thriving.' (Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales and Professor Robert Waldinger, from a report about the dangers of hyper-connectivity called ‘The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World’) We live in a society in which there is greater recognition about the dangers of hyper-connectivity. We’re always connected, but less and less content. Always on, but never at rest. Maybe the solution is to reassess who, or what, we are connected with? Join us for a for this four-week series re-evaluating some key 'connections' in our lives, based in Romans 12. Journey with us as we discover four key areas of connections that we commonly forget.  At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Tim Chilvers speaks on Romans 12:3. as part of our Life series.  How do you really see yourself?In the second talk of our Connected Life series, we explore Romans 12:3 and the challenge to think of ourselves with “sober judgment.” In a culture where we are so often dominated by pride or insecurity, this message shows how God’s grace frees us from both. When we begin to see ourselves through the lens of God’s mercy, it changes not only how we view ourselves, but how we live and relate to others.At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk 

‘Connection is the key to human thriving.'(Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales and Professor Robert Waldinger, from a report about the dangers of hyper-connectivity called ‘The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World’)We live in a society in which there is greater recognition about the dangers of hyper-connectivity. We’re always connected, but less and less content.Always on, but never at rest. Maybe the solution is to reassess who, or what, we are connected with?Join us for a for this four-week series re-evaluating some key 'connections' in our lives, based in Romans 12. Journey with us as we discover four key areas of connections that we commonly forget.

Tim Chilvers speaks on Esther 7-8. as part of our Conspiracy series.The book of Esther ends with a victory feast - and a body count. The villain is impaled. God is never mentioned. An entire people group celebrates their survival. And you’re left wondering what to do with it all. Where is God in stories like this? What do you do when the “good guys” don’t look entirely good? And what happens when you realise the line between hero and villain might run through your own heart? Esther refuses to give easy answers. Instead, it invites you into something deeper — a posture of humility in a world obsessed with being right, and a stubborn, defiant hope when everything feels dark.At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Nathanel Ballew speaks on Esther 7-8. as part of our Conspiracy series. Many of us love a conspiracy theory, but there is really one conspiracy FACT behind them all. Even when we can’t always see his hand at work, ‘In all things, God works silently, yet certainly’ - Susanna Wesley In an age obsessed with conspiracy theories and hidden agendas, we often find ourselves searching for what’s real—yearning for a truth that cuts through the noise. Join us for a five-week series where shadows loom large, motives are mixed, and danger is never far away. Yet woven through every twist is a deeper story: a truth that sets you free. Behind the schemes, the whispers, and the unseen threats, there is a hand at work. A hand guiding, aligning, and redeeming — even when it seems silent. The ancient biblical story of Esther reminds us that God is present in the gaps, active in the shadows, and faithful in the uncertainties. Across five weeks, Conspiracy uncovers the hidden workings of God in a world that feels out of control, revealing that the greatest truth is not the one shouted the loudest, but the one quietly shaping history. At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Judy Moore speaks on Esther 3 - 6. as part of our Conspiracy series. In a story full of intrigue, pride, danger, and surprising reversals, we see how God works quietly behind the scenes—through prayer, patience, courage, and ordinary faithfulness. As Haman’s pride swells and Esther risks everything with the words “If I perish, I perish,” we’re invited to ask where God might be at work in our own lives when He feels hidden. What if you are exactly where you are for such a time as this? Join us for a five-week series where shadows loom large, motives are mixed, and danger is never far away. Yet woven through every twist is a deeper story: a truth that sets you free. Behind the schemes, the whispers, and the unseen threats, there is a hand at work. A hand guiding, aligning, and redeeming — even when it seems silent. The ancient biblical story of Esther reminds us that God is present in the gaps, active in the shadows, and faithful in the uncertainties. Across five weeks, Conspiracy uncovers the hidden workings of God in a world that feels out of control, revealing that the greatest truth is not the one shouted the loudest, but the one quietly At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Sarah Auger speaks on Esther 1-2. as part of our Conspiracy series. A lavish party, a reckless king, a silenced queen, and a young woman quietly carried into a story far bigger than she realises, the book of Esther opens with chaos, power plays, and deeply human decisions. God’s name is never mentioned, yet His fingerprints are already all over the story, working through flawed people, broken systems, and moments that feel anything but holy. When life feels out of control and certainty is hard to find, this ancient story reminds us that God is still at work. Join us for a five-week series where shadows loom large, motives are mixed, and danger is never far away. Yet woven through every twist is a deeper story: a truth that sets you free. Behind the schemes, the whispers, and the unseen threats, there is a hand at work. A hand guiding, aligning, and redeeming — even when it seems silent. The ancient biblical story of Esther reminds us that God is present in the gaps, active in the shadows, and faithful in the uncertainties. Across five weeks, Conspiracy uncovers the hidden workings of God in a world that feels out of control, revealing that the greatest truth is not the one shouted the loudest, but the one quietly At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Tim Chilvers speaks on 2 Timothy 1:6-7. as part of our Courage, dear heart series. A 3-week Vision series focussed on one key passage: 2 Timothy 1:6-10. We will introduce our key verse for the year: ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’ (2 Timothy 1:7) ‘”Courage, dear heart," and the voice, she felt sure, was Aslan’s.’ (C.S. Lewis, the Voyage of the Dawn Treader) As we stand at the threshold of a new season, we’re invited not to shrink back, but to step forward with steady hearts and lifted heads. Courage, dear heart is a three-week journey of living with confidence and boldness in a time that calls for fearless faith. Instead of timidity, we choose to trust. Instead of hesitation, we choose to move. Instead of retreat, we choose to seize the opportunities placed before us in this pivotal moment of history. Take courage, dear heart. The moment is now. At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Tim Chilvers speaks on 2 Timothy 1:7. as part of our Courage, dear heart series. A 3-week Vision series focussed on one key passage: 2 Timothy 1:6-10. We will introduce our key verse for the year: ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.’ (2 Timothy 1:7) ‘”Courage, dear heart," and the voice, she felt sure, was Aslan’s’ (C.S. Lewis, the Voyage of the Dawn Treader) As we stand at the threshold of a new season, we’re invited not to shrink back, but to step forward with steady hearts and lifted heads. Courage, dear heart is a three-week journey of living with confidence and boldness in a time that calls for fearless faith. Instead of timidity, we choose to trust. Instead of hesitation, we choose to move. Instead of retreat, we choose to seize the opportunities placed before us in this pivotal moment of history. Take courage, dear heart. The moment is now. At Riverside we are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Tim Chilvers speaks on 2 Timothy 1:6-10. as part of our Courage, dear heart series. Ever had to take a step into the unknown, when you can’t see what lies ahead? As we enter a new year, we explore what it means to live with courage rather than fear. Drawing on Paul’s words to Timothy and the gentle call of God to “take heart,” we’ll discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to face uncertain times with faith, hope, and boldness — not just to endure, but to advance. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

We begin 2026 looking ahead, and exploring what it might look like to take steps forwards in our faith in Jesus in the year to come. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Nathanael Ballew speaks on Ephesians 6:18-20 as part of our Army of Us series. It’s easy to forget the hidden weapon for the battle. Maybe we could remember just how powerful this army really is. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Tim Chilvers speaks on Ephesians 6:13-17 as part of our Army of Us series. Sadly, throughout history, the church has done a lot of harm. But maybe it's because the church has picked the wrong weapons. Maybe we should choose some different weapons to fight the good fight? Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

Judy Moore speaks on Ephesians 6:10-13 as part of our Army of Us series. What battles are you fighting, and why? Maybe we should choose the right battles! And maybe we should remember who we fight with. Find out more about Riverside Church & plan your visit: riverside-church.org.uk

TEACHING SERIES: Fridge Magnet Christianity TITLE: Deuteronomy BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 16 November 2025 Bible Passage: Deuteronomy 7:1-6, 16 “You must destroy them totally.” A passage that raises deep ethical and theological questions. How do we approach texts that seem to endorse violence or even genocide? And what can they show us about God’s justice, holiness, and mercy? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-church.org.uk/ Useful Links: ONLINE (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/RiversideChurchBirmingham

TEACHING SERIES: Fridge Magnet Christianity TITLE: Leviticus BY: Sarah Auger DATE: Sunday 9 November 2025 Bible Passage: Leviticus 11 “These are the animals you may eat…” Why does the Old Testament include such detailed food laws and clothing restrictions? We’ll explore their meaning in Israel’s story, and consider whether they have any relevance for us today. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-church.org.uk/ Useful Links: ONLINE (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/RiversideChurchBirmingham

TEACHING SERIES: Fridge Magnet Christianity TITLE: Mark BY: Tim Chilvers DATE: Sunday 2 November 2025 Bible Passage: Mark 10:17-30 “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then, come follow me.” How should we view our possessions? So we really have to be willing to give away everything? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-church.org.uk/ Useful Links: ONLINE (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/RiversideChurchBirmingham

TEACHING SERIES: Fridge Magnet Christianity TITLE: Romans BY: Ben Pearson DATE: Sunday 26 October 2025 Bible Passage: Romans 8:28 “In all things God works for the good…” This verse has encouraged countless believers, but it’s often misunderstood. Does it mean everything in life is automatically good? Or is Paul pointing to a deeper assurance of God’s ultimate purposes at work? Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-church.org.uk/ Useful Links: ONLINE (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/RiversideChurchBirmingham

TEACHING SERIES: Fridge Magnet Christianity TITLE: Luke BY: Judy Moore DATE: Sunday 19 October 2025 Bible Passage: Luke 14:25-27 “Anyone who does not hate father and mother… cannot be my disciple.” Did Jesus really mean we should hate our families and even ourselves? Together we’ll wrestle with these shocking words and discover what wholehearted discipleship truly looks like. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-church.org.uk/ Useful Links: ONLINE (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/RiversideChurchBirmingham

TEACHING SERIES: Fridge Magnet Christianity TITLE: Genesis BY: Nathanael Ballew DATE: Sunday 12 October 2025 Bible Passage: Genesis 38:1-30 “Come now, let me sleep with you.” A disturbing and often-overlooked story. We’ll face its difficult themes head-on, asking what it reveals about the human heart, God’s purposes, and the need for redemption in even the darkest places. Welcome: What's true of Riverside Church when we meet together in-person is still true of us online. We are on a journey together to help people get to know Jesus and grow as his followers across Birmingham and beyond. Riverside is a church made up of people from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences all with one thing in common; our discovery of God and His amazing love. We hope you will feel at home among us and that you will find our weekly services, events and groups welcoming and relevant to your life. Whoever you are, whatever you believe, you're so welcome in this community. To find out more about Riverside Church please visit our website: https://riverside-church.org.uk/ Useful Links: ONLINE (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/RiversideChurchBirmingham