Sermon Series

Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel

July 7, 2024

Wisdom From Above - Part 2 | Message from Pastor Mel Life Changing Faith - The Book of James Bottom Line: Believers in Jesus Christ are to love the wisdom that comes from above and to reject any infiltration of the wisdom of this world into their lives because it only leads to separation from God and His amazing plan. Intro: 1. God's wisdom leads ultimately to good outcomes. James 3:13; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 2:6-8; Proverbs 3:5-6 a. God's wisdom naturally "shows up" in real life. v.13 b. God's wisdom is done in meekness v.13 Meekness: -not weakness -not about a prideful display of your intelligence or your "superiority" -Biblical meekness is seen in a person's desire that all the glory must go to God. 2. God's wisdom fights against jealousy and selfish ambition. James 3:14-18; 1 Corinthians 1:25; James 1:5 Adopting the wisdom of the world results in.... Loss of Focus | Lack of Perseverance | Not Serving | Avoiding Personal Time w/the Lord | OK w/ Offensive Actions | Reduced Desire for Teaching | Ignoring Internal Toxins | Numb to Sin & False Teachings Around You The Beautiful Qualities of Wisdom from Above: James 3:17 Sincere | Impartial | Full of Mercy... good fruits | Open to Reason | Peaceable | Pure

Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel

July 14, 2024

Danger of Discontentment | Message from Pastor Mel Bottom Line: Discontentment is as old as sin itself. We must find in Christ all that we need and be content in every situation we find ourselves in as God moves us toward becoming a better person that is passionate about accomplishing God's goals for our lives. 1. Discontentment puts you in conflict with others and God. James 4:1-3 "Contentment": Being satisfied, thankful, and joyful for what you have through Christ with no need or demands for more. It is a powerful quality that aids a person in conquering all the circumstances of life. If Jesus Christ is your preeminent (superior to all others) passion, then it… A. Resolves the war within you v. 1 B. Reduces the war with others. v. 1 C. Reveals the way we should pray. v. 2-3 2. Discontentment is fueled when we align ourselves with the thinking of this world. James 4:4-6 “Friendship with the World” (Worldliness): When a believer exhibits actions, attitudes, or opinions that violate principles or commands in God’s Word. A. Friendship with the world = compromising what is right. v. 4 B. Compromising what is right = opposing God. v. 4 C. Opposing God = restricting the work of the Holy Spirit in us. v. 5 D. Restricting the work of the Holy Spirit = developing destructive pride. v. 6 3. Our contentment in Christ will be fueled by a humble, submissive spirit! James 4:7-10 Plan of Action: A. Submit to God. B. Resist the devil C. Draw near to God. D. Take steps toward purity E. Be willing to move from "brokenness" F. Remember the reward

Taming The Tongue | Message from Pastor Mel

May 5, 2024

Bottom Line: We, as believers with genuine faith, must be committed to honoring and obeying God in WHAT we say and the WAY in which we communicate with those around us. Intro: 1. Get your communication under God's control... completely! James 3:1-2 a. Teachers - Realize your _________________ v. 1 b. Believers - Realize your _________________ v. 2 2. Consider the impact of how you communicate... soberly. James 3:3-5 3. Identify the destructive tendencies in your communication.. humbly. James 3:6-8 4. Deal with your n eeded "speech changes"... aggressively. James 3:9-12 Now What? 1. Pray humbly asking the Lord to convict you of changes you need to make in your communication. 2. Ask a spouse or close friend which tendency exist in your life reassuring them that you won't become retaliatory or defensive.

Battling Against Worldliness with Pastor Mel Svendsen

July 21, 2024

Battling Against Worldliness with Pastor Mel Svendsen Bottom Line: ”Friendship with the world” is often equated with ”worldliness” in a believer’s life. Knowing we must live in and evangelize this world is not the same as agreeing with this world’s system and values when they are in conflict with Scripture. 1. Worldliness is when we respond favorably to the destructive thinking/ideology of this world! James 4:4-6 “Friendship with the World” (Worldliness): When a believer exhibits actions, attitudes, or opinions that violate principles or commands in God’s Word in order to avoid rejection by this world. A. Friendship with the world = compromising/ rejecting what is right. v. 4 B. Compromising what is right = opposing God. v. 4 C. Opposing God = restricting the work of the Holy Spirit in us. v.5 D. Restricting the work of the Holy Spirit =developing destructive pride. v. 6 2. Worldliness in our lives will be overcome by a humble, submissive, committed spirit! James 4:7-10 "We must remember that the purpose of prayer is not to persuade a reluctant God to do our bidding…The purpose of prayer is to align our will with His, and in partnership with Him, to ask Him to accomplish His will on this earth." Plan of Action in Battling Worldliness: A. Submit to God. verse 7 B. Resist the devil. verse 7 C. Draw near to God. verse 8 D. Take steps toward purity. verse 8 E. Be willing to move from "brokenness".verse 9 F. Remember the reward. verse 10

Putting Money In Its Place | Pastor Mel Svendsen

August 18, 2024

Defining Real Faith

April 28, 2024

Defining Real Faith | Pastor Mel Life-Changing Faith! - The book of James Bottom Line: A person with a real faith in Christ respond with a growing passion to follow God's truth and change the world for Christ. Intro: "Saving" Faith: Growing confidence and conviction that the work of Jesus Christ on the cross was a payment for your sin and that His resurrection authenticated this truth. "Living" Faith: Trusting and obeying God in all circumstances because God is in control and promises a good result. - The Christian is saved through faith. Eph. 2:8-9 -The Christian is to walk by faith. 2 Cor. 5:7 -The Christian pleases God by faith. Heb. 11:6 -The Christian is to follow God's individual leading by faith. Romans 14:23 An illegitimate faith... 1. Dead Faith - faith that doesn't change you. James 2:14-17 a. Dead faith doesn't save you. v14 b. Dead faith doesn't serve others. v. 15-17 An illegitimate faith... 2. Demonic "faith" - faith that doesn't submit to God's truth. James 2:18-19 A legitimate faith.. 3. Dynamic Faith - Faith that bears fruit in God's kingdom. James 2:20-26 a. Abraham's example - Prioritizing God and His calling above all things. James 2:20-24 b. Rahab's example - serving God in adverse, difficult situations. James 2:25-26

Rejecting Favoritism

April 21, 2024

The Danger of Self Deception

April 14, 2024

Recipe for Healthy Communication - Pastor Mel

April 7, 2024 • Pastor Mel Svendsen

Recipe for Healthy Communication - Pastor Mel Life Changing Faith - Book of James Bottom Line: Healthy communication strategies are essential in building healthy relationships. The Word of God gives us a plan by which we can relate in a godly way to one another and avoid a great deal of relational hurt. Intro: The World's "Way" of Communicating: 1. Be easily offended by the slightest wrong committed against you. 2. Become angry and outraged. 3. Move from addressing the problem to attacking the person. 4. Resort to full name calling and negative labeling. 5. Speak over the other person, cutting that person off at every turn. 6. Ruin the reputation of the person that disagrees with you. (canceling.) A. Believers should communicate in godly ways... no exceptions! James 1:19 B. A basic essential strategy for godly communication consists of three parts. Jam 1:19-21 Three basic perts of godly communication: 1. Quick to Listen 2. Slow to Speak 3. Slow to Anger Closer Look: Quick to Listen/Slow to Speak. v. 19 a. "both ways" strategy...both individuals committed to listening. b. Implies a desire to understand...and identify with the other person. c. It conveys a commitment to truly understand the problem before rushing to a solution. Slow to Anger. v19-20; Eph. 4:26;31 Where does our anger come from? 1. Past Hurts -Heated Situations can remind us of past hurts - We can lash out to prevent future hurt -We can learn the wrong lessons from past experiences -We can grow up with anger and think it's normal. 2. World View: Our Belief Structure Life: Supposed to be fair, but it's not People: Out to get me Self: I dislike myself and will take it out on you God: God is ignoring me and my problems and my life seems like it's out of control. Now what: Identify anger detonators and pray that God will give you the strength to remove them.

Life-Changing Encounters!

March 31, 2024 • Pastor Mel Svendsen

Bottom Line: The resurrections of Christ is the greatest event in human history. It powerfully declares God's love for us and His desire to pursue us, deliver us, and change us by the power of Jesus' death and resurrection. 1. Jesus' encounter with the thief on the cross. Matthew 27:44 Initial heart condition: Mocked Jesus Life Change: Jesus Remembers Me; Luke 23:41-43 The Thief: Demonstrates the power of God's amazing grace! "We must never forget the thief of the cross. He is often used as an encouraging example of a "deathbed" conversation, but certainly, much more is involved. Instead of seizing his last opportunity to be saved, perhaps it was his first opportunity! And think of the courage needed to confess to Christ openly before that derisive mob. However, when one interprets the passage, one thing is clear; where there is life, there is hope." Wiersbe 2. Jesus' encounter with the Roman centurion. Mark 15:20,39 Initial heart condition: Crucified Jesus Life change: Truly this man was the Son of God; Mark 15:38-39 The Centurion: Validates the universal invitation of God's good news! 3. Jesus' encounter with Thomas the Disciple. John 20:23 Initial heart condition: Hardened heart of disbelief. Life change: My Lord and my God; John 20:28 Thomas the Disciple: Highlights Jesus invitation to evaluate the evidence and work through your doubts! Jesus invites all of us to evaluate the evidence like he did with Thomas... Belief - Life Changing Faith: Placing your faith in the fact that Jesus died on the cross to pay for the wrongs (sins) that you have committed and, in response, deciding to live your life for Him! Ephesians 2:8-9

Getting Wisdom From God - Part 2

March 10, 2024 • Pastor Mel Svendsen

Getting Wisdom From God - Part 2 | Pastor Mel Svendsen Bottom Line: Following God logically means following His wisdom and truth. Knowing that God's wisdom is far superior to human wisdom.. we should seek. love and obey the wisdom God desires to give us. 1. Long for and love God's wisdom! James 1:5 Wisdom: Rightly applying knowledge to real life situations and problems in a way that honors and obeys God. Textual Points in v. 5" a. Lacks Wisdom: takes humility to realize that. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 b. Ask God: go to God's wisdom first and foremost. Proverbs 9:10 c. Generously: God doesn't hold wisdom back from those who seek it. d. Without Reproach: God never despises or resents us for asking for wisdom. 2. Seek wisdom with the right frame of mind- No Doubting. James 1:5-6; Prov. 3:5-8; Mark 9:21-24 Important to distinguish between: Proverb: Wise way in which we should live that will increase the possibility of a wonderful, desired outcome. Promise: Something that according to God's Holy character He will fulfill... as He promised according to His plan. Giving wisdom when we ask Him to is a promise from His Word. Faith, no doubting means: When it is a promise, God will do it. When it is a personal prayer request, we should never doubt that God is able to do what we ask, but remembering that He is not obligated to do it! 3. Have a rock-solid conviction that God is able to deliver on His promises. James 1:6b-8 4. Guard against a negative impact on your walk when things go "positive." James 1:9-11 -Poor Man - exaltation The favor one finds from the Lord in relying and trusting on God for day to day sustenance. -Rich Man - humiliation The foolishness of falling for the deception of riches and their fleeting value. Now What? | Never turn away from God's wisdom. || Never rationalize following the world's wisdom, which is foolishness. ||| Always be amazed at how awesome out God is.

Getting Wisdom From God

March 3, 2024 • Pastor Mel Svendsen

Getting Wisdom From God | Life Changing Faith - Book of James Bottom Line: Following God logically means following His wisdom and truth. Knowing this is far superior to human wisdom, we should see, love, and obey the wisdom God desires to give us. 1. Long for and love God's wisdom! James 1:5 Wisdom: Rightly applying knowledge to real life situations and problems in a way that honors and obeys God. "In trials, we need wisdom a lot more than we need knowledge. Knowledge is ray information but wisdom knows how to use it. Someone once said that knowledge is the ability to take things apart, but wisdom is the ability to put things together." Textual Points in v. 5: a. Lacks Wisdom: takes humility to realize that. 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 b. Ask God: Go to God's wisdom first and foremost. Proverbs 9:10 c. Generously: God doesn't hold wisdom back from those who seek it. d. Without Reproach: God never despises or resents us for asking for wisdom. 2.Seek wisdom w/ the right frame of mind-No Doubting! James 1:5-6;Proverbs 3:5-8;Mark 9:21-24 Important to distinguish between: Proverb: Wise was in which we should live that will increase the possibility of a wonderful, desired outcome. Promise: Something that according to God's Holy character He will fulfill...as He promised according to His plan. Giving wisdom when we ask Him to is a promise from His Word. Faith, No Doubting Means: When it is a promise, God will do it. When it is a personal prayer request. we should never doubt that God is able to do what we ask, but remembering that He is not obligated to do it! 3. Have a rock-solid conviction that God is able to deliver on His promises. James 1:6b-8 Now What? - Never turn away from God's wisdom! - Never rationalize following the world's wisdom which is foolishness! - Always be amazed at how awesome our God is!

Understanding Trials!

February 25, 2024

Life Changing Faith - Book of James Bottom Line: God works in our lives through difficult trials to accomplish His purposes and bring us to a mature faith. 1. Trials are part of life but remind us that God is at work! James 1:2-3a Trials: Hardships which God either permits or causes in our lives to accomplish His purposes if we respond in godly obedience. Textual Points in v. 2 a. "Count It" - consider it - new way of thinking, knowing there is a sovereign God. Romans 12:2 b. "All Joy" -because God promises a good result. Romans 8:28 c. "When" - not "if", reminder that in a fallen world, our rebellion against God has consequences. Roman 8:18;22-23 d. "Various Trials" - we need to understand that trials arise in a number of ways. 2. God's intentional purpose is to grow us as Christians! James 1:3b-4 Test: A process used for evaluation or diagnosis with a goal of improvement. God "test" us not for His sake, but for our sake. He knows our spiritual condition perfectly. A Steadfast Faith (hupomone): Living courageously obedient to the principles of God's Word, no matter what the circumstances. Conclusion: Who God is and where God wants to take me gives me joy no matter what God utilizes.

Pursuing A Godly Identity!

February 18, 2024

Pursuing A Godly Identity! Life Changing Faith - The Book of James Intro: The Book of James Written by: James Date: 46-50 A.D. Theme: Faith in Action Key Verse: "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17) Outline of James: 1. Yes of Faith (1:1-18) 2. Characteristics of Faith (1:19-5:6) 3. Triumph of Faith (5:7-20) Bottom Line: The most significant and most accurate way to define a person entails understanding that person's deepest held, core, foundational beliefs. For the believer that is found in our connection and relationship with Jesus. 1. A godly, wise identity is best realized by focusing on the awesome person Christ. James 1:1 Defining your identity is all about... -your core-foundational beliefs that are shaping you as a person. - They determine the way you think; opinions, moods and reactions. -They control your use of resources and your attitudes toward them. - They answer where you came from, why you're here, and where you're going. I am ... (my identity in Christ): 1. a follower (servant) of Jesus Christ - John 12:26 2. Set free by Christ's work on the cross. John 8:32-36 3. Here to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 4. Adopted into God's family. Romans 8:15 5. A co-heir with Christ. Romans 8:17 6. Seated with Christ (Authority) Ephesians 2:6 2. A godly, wise identity is best nurtured in a humble heart and mind. James 1:1 A major obstacle to a healthy identity: Having a Deflated view of God and an Inflated view of myself

Faithful to the Finish | Pastor Mel

February 11, 2024

Faithful to the Finish | Pastor Mel Svendsen Riverview's 11 AM Service with Pastor Mel Svendsen Bottom Line: The Lord is constantly at work in our lives as He seeks to bring us into conformity to the image of Christ. That process of sanctification is one that God promises to finish in our lives! 1. God Himself is the one who sanctifies us! -God through the Holy Spirit... a. Frees us to further us! b. Revives us to renew us! c. Expects from us as He empowers us! Important terms involved in our salvation: Justification: The act of declaring a person righteous before God by their faith in Jesus Christ. In the eyes of the law, nothing can be held against them and nothing is punishable. Romans 5:1 Sanctification: The twofolds act of sanctification imputes the holiness of Christ at salvation as well as beginning the process by which Christians grown to be more and more like Christ in their thoughts and actions. 2 Peter 3:18 Glorification: God's final removal of sin from the life of believers so that they stand faultless before Him in glory in eternity. Either at death or at Jesus' coming, we will have direct and unhindered access to God's presence throughout eternity. Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17 2. God wants to sanctify every facet of our lives! -1 Thessalonians 5:23 "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our humans existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, 'Mine!'." - Abraham Kuyper; Pastor/ Theologian 3. God through sanctification is preparing us to meet Christ face to face! 1Thessalonians 5:23; 1Thessalonians 3:12-13 4. God's promise of sanctification will not fail or change! 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Ephesians 5:25-27