The ___________ That Stole Christmas! - Riverwood Church Community

The ‘Intentions’ that Stole the New Year!

December 29, 2024 • Brittany Petkau • Proverbs 25:28, Luke 14:15–24, Philippians 3:12–16, Matthew 21:28–31

Are your good intentions stealing your future? As the new year approaches, we often reflect on where we are versus where we want to be, coming up with plans for change. But intentions alone, no matter how noble, can blur our vision, rob us of action, and leave us stuck. Through Jesus’ teaching and some wise proverbs, we’ll discover how to bridge the gap between intention and action and step boldly into the life God is calling us to live.

The ‘Cares’’ That Stole Christmas!

December 15, 2024 • Todd Petkau • Mark 4:19, 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22

In this sermon, we dive into the powerful impact of "cares" that steal our peace, joy, and spiritual productivity. Using the story of a monkey and a banana, we reflect on how we often hold onto worries, desires, and anxieties, keeping us from true freedom. Through Jesus' teaching in Mark 4:19, we see how these cares can choke God's word in our lives, leaving us distracted and unproductive. We’ll explore how to let go of these burdens for a more abundant life.

The ‘Expectations’ That Stole Christmas!

December 8, 2024 • Todd Petkau • Luke 1:18, Matthew 7:7–8, Isaiah 40:31, James 1:5, Luke 3:15

This message takes us on a journey of discovery, exploring the power of expectations and the way that unmet expectations can rob us of the joy and peace God intended. In The Expectations That Stole Christmas, we explore how important expectations are, how dangerous expectations are, and how to right-size and realign expectations during this pressure-filled season.

The 'Celebrations' that stole Christmas!

December 1, 2024 • Dunstan Gomes • Ecclesiastes 3:4, Luke 1:26–38, Psalm 16:11, Nehemiah 8:10, John 15:11

Have you ever wondered what the true meaning of Christmas is beyond the gifts and festivities? This sermon dives into the powerful message of hope, peace, and love brought by Jesus’ birth. Drawing from scriptures like Luke 2:14 and John 1:9, it explores how His coming offers light in darkness and transforms lives today. Join us to reflect on how this season can ignite your faith and inspire change in your heart and relationships. Come and rediscover the purpose of Christmas!

The ‘Izations’ That Stole Christmas!

November 24, 2024 • Todd Petkau • Luke 2:10–12, Matthew 10:34, Isaiah 9:4–7, Matthew 4:23

There has been a crime committed! It has taken 1700 years to pull off! Who are the festive-felons? Three siblings, none-the-less! In this message, we trace the history of Christmas and reveal the identity of this sinister gang! However, we will do more than just identify them – we will lay out an effective strategy for stealing Christmas back in this first of four installments of our series!