Rio Vista Church Sermons
675 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsFrom its base in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Rio Vista Church serves to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. These are our weekly messages.
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Episodes
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 10
January 22, 2017 14:00 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MBLiving as the renewing agents of God requires us to surrender absolutely everything to God (in whom we gain absolutely everything). It's scary; something we have to do every day. But why is it scary for you? And what would it take for you to give it away?
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 9
January 15, 2017 14:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBThe Bible calls Jesus the Lamb of God. Where does that come from and what does it mean? In the same way, as we have to know who we are not, for the Gospel to change everything, we must know who Jesus is.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 8
January 08, 2017 16:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBWhen we live for God's mission, we are his renewing agents in this world, bringing the Gospel to individuals for their personal renewal and renewing the world itself. One required attribute is humility: Knowing who we are and who we are NOT.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 7
December 31, 2016 23:00 - 25 minutes - 11.9 MBFrom the murderous act of a savage tyrant, King Herod, it seems unlikely that we will find a word of comfort. Dr. Warren Gage examines the prophecy fulfilled by Herod's slaughtering children, and that trail leads us to the God of all comfort.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 6
December 25, 2016 16:00 - 25 minutes - 11.5 MBJohn 3:16 is the best-known verse in the Bible; even unbelievers recognize it. The original Greek gives an indication what word the writer was emphasizing the most. It's the word "so," a word of measure, and God's measure is vaster than we can comprehend.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 5
December 24, 2016 22:00 - 21 minutes - 9.84 MBAn understanding of what Christmas is begins with sorting out what Christmas is not. Pastor Tom Hendrikse has one shining example of the latter, in the "fake vs. real" debate. This recording is from our Christmas Eve 2016 service.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 4
December 18, 2016 14:00 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBWe marvel at Mary's willingness to be God's servant, and rightly so. What of Joseph, however? God's plan to save his people would cost Joseph everything as well. In the end, Joseph considered God's plan to be worth everything he had. And it was--and is.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 3
December 11, 2016 16:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBGod is making everything new again, through Jesus Christ and his power in us as renewing agents. This renewal won't finish until the Second Coming, but this mission is worth our giving everything to it. This week we see a perfect example of this in Mary.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 2
December 04, 2016 14:00 - 40 minutes - 18.8 MBJohn the Baptist is one of the most significant characters in the Bible. As we go through the season of Advent, the time of longing for our King to come, looking at John's ministry clearly shows how God brought all of prophecy together in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel Changes Everything Part 1
November 27, 2016 14:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBJesus told his disciples that he would return someday to make all of creation new again. Those who believe the gospel, who are already made new on the inside, should live expectantly, looking for his return to happen at any time. But do we? If not, why?
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 52
November 20, 2016 16:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBThorn in the flesh is an evocative phrase. The emotional context is usually negative. You want to avoid a thorn in the flesh, or remove it, and get past it as fast as possible. Paul has a different perspective. Thorns are given to us by God for a purpose.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 51
November 13, 2016 16:00 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBYou become like your gospel. While there is only one true gospel, there are any number of false ones. The true gospel of grace alone through faith alone because of the work of Christ alone is the only one that can produce a balanced life.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 50
November 06, 2016 16:00 - 24 minutes - 11 MBWhat does the gospel inspire? We've seen it inspires generosity and makes us cheerful in giving. This week our study shows that the gospel anchors us to Christ and in doing so sets us free. When Christ is our home, we stop seeking the world's approval.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 49
October 30, 2016 13:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBOur discussion of generosity continues with 2 Corinthians chapter 9. Worship giving, or the tithe, puts your money in right relationship with God, while Missional or free will giving puts your money in right use for the Lord. Generosity exposes our heart.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 48
October 23, 2016 15:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBOn the occasion of the 75th anniversary of our church, we take a look back at its rich history while looking ahead to the next 75 years. Paul's message from 2 Corinthians chapter 8 is that the gospel makes you generous. That's a hard word, but a good one.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 47
October 16, 2016 15:00 - 39 minutes - 18.1 MBThere are some hard words in scripture, and we don't mean hard to pronounce. Some words are just hard to hear, especially when we trust the canon of our culture more than the Bible. However, God brings those hard words so we might have freedom in life.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 46
October 09, 2016 15:00 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MBFaced with false teachers trying to lure away the Corinthian believers, Paul responds with a blunt discussion of how he had suffered for the gospel. As hard as it is to hear, Christians should expect to suffer. But God will always bring life out of death.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 45
October 02, 2016 15:00 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBWhen it comes to the life of a Christian in this world, the goal is fruitfulness. Genuine faith will bear fruit. How do we get our minds off our condition and focused on bearing fruit for God? By seeing the Christ of the cross as the Christ on his throne.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 44
September 25, 2016 15:00 - 25 minutes - 11.9 MBDoes what we do matter? Yes, of course. If that makes us afraid, Pastor Matt Lomenick shares the following with us in this week's message: "The good news is, the God who made you will give you purpose in life and he will give you peace in death."
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 43
September 18, 2016 15:00 - 38 minutes - 17.4 MBWeakness, sorrow, and suffering: three words that describe a lot of human existence. Our impulse is to do whatever we can to avoid or escape from them. Paul teaches us to focus on what remains when everything mortal falls away; The life of Christ in us.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 42
September 11, 2016 15:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBObedience. That's a word to strike fear into the hearts of most churchgoers. We know it's important to obey God, but why? Understanding why we practice obedience frees us from fear of failure and doesn't contradict the gospel of grace.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 41
September 04, 2016 15:00 - 43 minutes - 19.7 MBAfter pouring himself into starting the church at Corinth, Paul faced opposition from some of the very same people he loved so much. The only way to deal with that kind of heartache and stress is to have faith in a God who brings resurrection.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 40
August 28, 2016 15:00 - 38 minutes - 17.7 MBAt the very beginning of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, he addresses an issue of truthfulness. Some had accused him of saying one thing and doing another. The Holy Spirit through Paul gives us answers about transparent living and accountability.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 39
August 21, 2016 13:00 - 33 minutes - 15.4 MBAt the start of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul raises the issue of suffering. Tom Hendrikse asks and answers two questions many believers have when facing hard times. Why do we suffer? And where do we find hope in the midst of our suffering?
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 38
August 14, 2016 15:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBPaul's letter to the Corinthians ends with a few business matters and personal mentions of some who were vital to his ministry. Pastor Tom Hendrikse shares his story about the path that led him to our church and asks, who is in your Faith Hall of Fame?
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 37
August 07, 2016 15:00 - 37 minutes - 17.4 MBThe heart of the Christian faith is a promise. God promises that just as he brought Jesus back from the dead, so he will also resurrect you. Even better, Paul says that the bodies we pick back up will be infinitely better than the ones we lay down.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 36
July 31, 2016 15:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBWe live in uncertain times in a scary world. The 24-hour news cycle delivers dark despair to our smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions. Is there hope? Yes! For what can the world take from us that God will not restore at the resurrection?
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 35
July 24, 2016 13:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBThe resurrection of Christ is the heart of the gospel. If Jesus did not return from the dead, we are doomed to a pitiable life of self-denial culminating in a meaningless death. Can you be sure of the resurrection? Absolutely. This week we explain how.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 34
July 17, 2016 13:00 - 36 minutes - 16.8 MBA discussion of gender roles is vital for the church, but gender roles have so often been abused that we're afraid to have it. Because this week's passage has been part of the controversy, Pastor Matt gives a thoughtful, thorough answer from God's word.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 33
July 09, 2016 22:00 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBPaul continues with his instruction to pursue love, specifically that we would be unified in our diversity through love for each other and for God. A message about not letting our gifts and differences divide us, that we would always build each other up.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 32
July 02, 2016 22:00 - 43 minutes - 19.8 MBYou could perform the greatest deeds imaginable, demonstrate every possible gift, but if you do not have love, you are empty and your deeds are meaningless as far as God is concerned. This part of Paul's letter isn't just for weddings--it's for all of us!
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 30
June 19, 2016 13:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBIn this week's passage from his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul deals with issues of respect and gender roles in public worship. And we find ourselves dealing with the sensitive issue of gender identification. A moving and heartfelt message.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 29
June 12, 2016 13:00 - 37 minutes - 17.2 MBWho or what is your greatest desire? Will it result in a temporary crown in this life or an imperishable one in eternity? This week, Paul explains how gaining control over ourselves--which is a fruit of the Spirit--is vital to reaching that eternal prize.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 28
June 05, 2016 13:00 - 39 minutes - 17.9 MBThere's no question that we love our sense of entitlement. Looking out for ourselves is baked into our humanity. This week, the Apostle Paul tells us that life isn't about what's good for us, it's about what's good for the gospel. Live to share it!
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 27
May 29, 2016 15:00 - 31 minutes - 12.5 MBPaul takes on the topic of meat that was offered to idols. Now before you go check this one off the list, you should realize that the principles being taught are timeless and apply to things other than meat and idols. Strengths and weaknesses abound.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 26
May 22, 2016 15:00 - 39 minutes - 18 MBWhat sexual ethic does the Bible teach? What is permitted, and what is not? And what about same sex attraction? What does God ask of those who are gay? Marriage, singleness, and celibacy are all part of this week's message. Not graphic, but adult themes.
The Better Place
May 15, 2016 13:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBIt shouldn't take much to make the case that the world around us is broken. Sickness, death, sorrow, and pain are all a part of our everyday reality. There is a better place: heaven. What makes it better, though? Dr. Sam Lamerson answers that question.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 25
May 08, 2016 13:00 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBGod's sexual ethic versus the sexual ethic of the world around us. One leads to freedom and the other to bondage. Is it true that sex is just an appetite, like hunger? How do we recover from our past and safeguard our future?
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 24
May 01, 2016 15:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBReal faith shows up in real ways in our real lives. This week, Tom Hendrikse explores how we ought to live differently when it comes to disputes and lawsuits. The wisdom of the world is once again diametrically opposed to the wisdom of God.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 23
April 24, 2016 15:00 - 32 minutes - 15 MBWhat is the value of community? In this week's text from 1st Corinthians, Paul writes about the community of faith protecting itself. From what? From the dangers of hypocrisy. If we allow it to remain without opposition, it will eventually poison us all.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 22
April 17, 2016 15:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBThe wisdom of the world says to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. This wisdom of God says to be humble and not more proud of yourself than you ought to be. Pastor Tom Hendrikse explains why we should right-size our egos--and how to do that.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 21
April 10, 2016 15:00 - 36 minutes - 16.9 MBFoolishness and wisdom, it's easy to tell them apart, right? Maybe not. Paul declares that the ability to discern between foolishness and wisdom comes from the Spirit of God. So the question is, are we listening to Him or are we deciding for ourselves?
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 20
April 03, 2016 15:00 - 41 minutes - 19.1 MBThe message of the cross seems foolish, to those who are perishing. Paul's letter to the Corinthian church declares this, even as it makes clear to us that this same message is our only source of power. God's wisdom can only be found through the gospel.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 19
March 27, 2016 15:00 - 29 minutes - 13.5 MBBelievers at Corinth were divided by which prominent teacher they chose to follow. Paul chastised them for this disunity. He declared Jesus had sent him to preach the gospel, but not with eloquent speech lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 18
March 20, 2016 15:00 - 42 minutes - 16.8 MBCorinth was a wealthy, liberal port city much like Fort Lauderdale. Paul's letter opens by sharing how thankful he was for the church there, and reminding them that they would find their true security in their relationship with God.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 17
March 13, 2016 15:00 - 33 minutes - 13.4 MBIn the story of finding a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son, you have a father, his son, the father's servant, and the son's bride. The church is both the bride and the servant in this story, and we are each asked a question: Will you go?
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 16
March 06, 2016 14:00 - 27 minutes - 11.2 MBOwnership is a word that provokes feelings of pride and responsibility. Determining who owns something is a cornerstone of our legal system. Who owns what we have: our time, talents, and treasure? Here's a hint: it's not us.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 15
February 28, 2016 16:00 - 39 minutes - 15.8 MBMoney is a topic often avoided around churches, but Jesus had no such reluctance. He tells us quite plainly why we shouldn't invest in the temporary things of this world and why we SHOULD invest in the kingdom of heaven--then explains why we often don't.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 14
February 21, 2016 14:00 - 34 minutes - 13.9 MBWhat is the value of the kingdom of God? For that matter just what IS the kingdom of God? Pastor Tom Hendrikse answers the second question but Jesus answers the first. Because only the man from heaven could accurately say what the kingdom of God is worth.
Living in the Rhythm of Grace Part 13
February 14, 2016 14:00 - 31 minutes - 12.6 MBWe wrap up looking at the new heavens and the new earth with a message about the new city. John's vision is a picture that delivers a powerful message: the new city isn't a place, it's people. People with their God not far off, but at their center.