Riverbluff Church Sermons

It only takes a few moments with any news source to realize that evil is active in our world today. But, as bad as things are, the Bible says that there is “restraining power” at work, holding back the full measure of evil that could be released on earth. The Apostle Paul wrote to his friends in the church at Thessalonica about this: “I expect you remember now how I talked about this when I was with you. You will probably also remember how I used to talk about a ‘restraining power’ which would operate until the time should come for the emergence of this man. Evil is already insidiously at work but its activities are restricted until what I have called the ‘restraining power’ (of God) is removed.” 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 (Phillips) This is part of the Kingdom Work of GOD happening on earth right now. Just imagine what life would be like if that “restraining power” was not at work. Why don’t you make plans now to join us this Sunday at our service at 9:30 or 11AM, or in our livestream service at 11AM on riverb

This morning as I write this, it’s Valentine’s Day.  Kathy and I have already exchanged gifts and cards. We’re looking forward to spending the day together, and hopeful we’ll get a nice lunch at a great little Lowcountry restaurant! The Greeting Card Industry is also “hopeful” today.  They’re hopeful they’ll make a ton of money off of card sales. I guess, in some small way, I helped fulfill their hope! Though the object of our “hope” can take many forms, ultimately we can’t live long without some kind of real hope or despair sets in. GOD knows this about our hearts, which is why, in His Word, He directs the affections of all our hopes to Heaven! In this message, we look to those hope-filled Words from GOD to learn how we might overcome Satan’s great weapon of despair. Pastor Joe Still

This week, I’ve had conversations with several people who expressed the same concern. I actually don’t recall a week, when this particular topic came up unsolicited, as frequently as it did this week. The topic and concern was over seeing an increased activity of Satan, in our world, but specifically right around them personally, and how it brought on feelings of hopelessness. In the Gospels, we not only see JESUS teaching His followers about Satan, but actually encountering and standing against him. One of the clearest descriptions JESUS gave us regarding the work of Satan is found in John 10:10. About Satan, JESUS said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Satan, seeks to “kill” Hope in our lives by “stealing” GOD’s Word from our hearts and minds. In this message, we turn to GOD’s Word to see how we can grow a “NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS” kind of HOPE! Pastor Joe Still

This week has been a week of extremes! Tuesday was filled with such great joy as our 4th grandchild, Easton Everett Housand was born. He got here with a few minor struggles, but by the grace of God is progressing very well and will be going home very soon! Then came the news of the Wednesday night mid-air collision of American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk Helicopter in our nation’s capital, with no survivors. Friends and family of the sixty-seven people that died in the crash are now grieving their great loss, along with much of our nation. All of this reminds me once again, of just how beautiful and fragile, life on this fallen planet can be. It also reminds that every human life is eternal, and will continue forever, even after what we call “death”. Additionally, it reminds me that for me every person, including my new grandson and the sixty-seven souls lost over Washington, there is coming a day of personal judgment before a Holy GOD; what I call the “J-day”! Did those sixty-seven stand b

On Monday, January 21, 2025, our nation, and the world, witnessed the peaceful transfer of power as President Trump took the oath of office. This week we’ve witnessed a flurry of political and governmental “shake-ups” that once again reveal the great rift of brokenness in our country. Throughout His Holy Word, GOD makes many “If/Then” declarations, none more renowned than 2nd Chronicles 7:14. Here GOD declares the path His people must walk if they want Him to intervene to bring healing in the land. We desperately need GOD Himself to heal our land! Interestingly, some theologians and a few well-known Bible teachers say that this verse is a promise only for the Jewish nation. While I understand how they arrived at their conclusions on this, I still disagree with them. My disagreement arises because I see the same “path” and all of the principles from 2nd Chronicles 7:14 clearly taught in the New Testament. This means that even if they are right, we can still trust GOD’s New Testament pathway to healing our la

Our culture assigns the title “Religion” to groups of people that adhere to the same beliefs, most often derived from written “sacred scriptures”.  The Holy Scriptures of two of the world’s “great religions” begin with the same declaration: “IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH.” (Genesis 1:1) In both Judaism and Christianity, human life, is seen as different from every other form of life on this planet. It is highly valued because our Holy Scriptures inform us that, every single human being who has or will, ever be conceived, was created by GOD, in His image.  This foundational, core tenet of our faith, shapes how we view every person on this planet.  It demands that we see the incredible value of each and every person! I'm praying you'll engage in this message, as we explore how our culture can be transformed “When GOD’s People…Biblically Value Life”! Pastor Joe Still

Last year one of the many blessings GOD brought into my life was the introduction to a new scripture translation. It is entitled THE PASSION TRANSLATION. I have enjoyed both reading and listening to it. For the last two weeks, I have been meditating on Luke 10:17-20. Here is how the PASSION TRANSLATION reads: 17 When the seventy missionaries returned to Jesus, they were ecstatic with joy, telling him, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we commanded them in your name!” 18 Jesus replied, “While you were ministering, I watched Satan topple until he fell suddenly from heaven like lightning to the ground. 19 Now you understand that I have imparted to you my authority to trample over his kingdom. You will trample upon every demon before you and overcome every power Satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm you as you walk in this authority. 20 However, your real source of joy isn’t merely that these spirits submit to your authority, but that your names are written in the journals of heaven and that you bel

At the ripe age of 62 there are a lot of things that I remember. I remember playing outside until it was dark. My mom would call us in for dinner and we would beg to play another “kick-the-can” game until we had to come in for the night. I remember our only TV was a console TV with 3 channels and an antenna that was attached to our house. My job was to change the channel – the original remote control! We had one rotary dial phone but it had a cord that could stretch into 2 rooms. When our neighbors brought home the first microwave on our block, my mom told us not to go into the house because it was radioactive. It is important to remember. We have memories that taught us valuable lessons. And we have memories that shape our worldview. I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we explore Deuteronomy 8 and Moses’ charge for the Israelites to Remember the Lord their God. Pastor Dean Infinger

In this message, we continue our Advent journey together and light the fourth Advent candle, the candle representing Love. Fortunately, this coincides with our study of Isaiah 9:6, as we turn our attention this Sunday to another name for JESUS, “EVERLASTING FATHER”! These two biblical truths intersect at JESUS! At first glance, it may seem a bit confusing to call GOD-the Son, the “Everlasting Father”. It feels like it somehow creates conflict in our understanding of the Three Persons of our Triune God-Head, GOD the Father, GOD the Son, and GOD the Holy Spirit. This my personal invitation to you to engage in this message, as we explore this mystery of the Trinity and see the Fatherly love of JESUS displayed in the Gospel of Luke! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Pastor Joe Still

Christmas Eve 2024 - full length service

A baby changes everything...I am quite certain many parents would attest to this fact! I can recall many things that changed during the early days after having my own children. They certainly rocked my world in many wonderful ways and continue to do so each day! But the birth of Jesus, well, that was a baby that would change the world for all time! Now, the world would have you believe that Christmas is an ending. The gifts have been given...the celebrations have been had. It is time to move on. But, as Christ-followers, we know that the very first Noel was actually the beginning of a wonderful story...a story of grace, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and reconciliation. It most certainly wasn't the end! In fact, the Bible teaches us quite a bit about Life after the Manger from those who encountered Jesus during those first days that I believe can be instructive for us as we navigate the days and months ahead. So, why don't you consider joining us as we explore Life after the Manger and challenge ourselves

I pray that like me, your 2024 Advent celebration is increasing your joy in our LORD, and raising your anticipation of HIS certain 2nd Coming. Just thinking about that washes the heaviness in my heart away and resets my mind to a place of great peace. I hope you’re having similar experiences. This Sunday, in our Christmas Teaching series entitled NO OTHER NAME, we look at the next name that Isaiah 9:6 says, JESUS shall be called. That name is MIGHTY GOD! Part of the “Good News for all people” that the Angels declared to the shepherds that first Christmas night, is that our Savior, who was born in a stable, truly is THE MIGHTY GOD! After His resurrection, shortly before His ascension, JESUS would say; “All power in heaven and on earth is given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) His name MIGHTY GOD means He longs to use that power on your behalf. I invite you to engage with this message, as we see how Christmas is not just about a baby born in a manger, but about the coming of THE MIGHTY GOD whose heart is for yo

Names matter! Based on information gathered from the Social Security Administration, the “Top Baby Names for 2023” were: For Boys             For Girls 1. Liam                   Olivia 2. Noah                 Emma 3. Oliver               Charlotte Because names matter, I actually work hard at trying to remember names. I wish I were better at it. It is something for which I regularly ask GOD’s help. While names in our culture sometimes have some importance attached to them, names in the culture into which JESUS came were of utmost importance! In the Bible, there are many passages of scripture giving us many names for JESUS. He has to have so many names to communicate the many beautiful truths about the manifold nature of his incredible Character. I believe that the scripture verse we will look at for the next four weeks is the single most important Old Testament verse about the names of JESUS. I’m praying you’ll make plans now to invite someone to join you for the next four weeks of our Christmas Sermon S

I love that our country devoted a “national holiday” to give thanks to GOD for HIS blessings on us.  I pray that on the day of “Giving Thanks”, you were able to take a few moments to reflect on the goodness of GOD in your life and thank HIM for all that HE has done! If for nothing else, I pray you thanked HIM for sending HIS One and only SON, through whom we might have Eternal Life.  If you didn’t, each of the next 27 days, between now and Christmas, will be an opportunity to do just that.  As a church we’ll begin that journey through this season of ADVENT! This Sunday, the first Sunday of ADVENT, we will begin that journey, by looking at HOW TO PLAN TO HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS!  Why don’t you make plans now to join us as we begin our celebration of the first coming of JESUS, and eagerly await the imminent return of our Eminent Savior & Lord? Pastor Joe Still

I don’t know about you, but when I look at the culture around me, here in the country that I love, I don’t see very many people talking, or tweeting, or posting thankful thoughts. In fact, just the opposite seems to be true. About all I see and hear, is griping and grumbling. When JESUS walked among us, He called those who would follow Him to join Him in creating a new culture, the culture of the Kingdom of GOD among us! GOD’s Kingdom Culture is to be a “counter-culture” to the culture of this broken world. Ceaselessly giving thanks to GOD is a hallmark of the lives of those who would join JESUS in His counter-cultural movement. So the holiday (from the words “Holy Day”) we celebrate next week is a wonderful opportunity for those of us who follow JESUS to “Get Our Gratitude On”, and we’re going to warm that up this Sunday! Why don’t you watch or listen to this message as we prep our hearts and minds for THANKSGIVING, through many personal testimonies and much worship in song? Pastor Joe Still

We are in a difficult season for many in our nation, and in our church.  We’re still coming through an extremely contentious election season and entering a transition of leadership at the highest levels of government. We’re also entering the holiday season, which for many becomes a time of heavy-heartedness due to loss. All of this brings unique triggers for depression. Just the sheer brokenness of this world keeps some among us stuck in a state of depression. In this message, Pastor Joe Still looks to our good, good, FATHER to help us out of our battles with depression in this broken world.

Like many, I am grateful that this election season is almost in our rearview mirrors. While I would never diminish the importance of any election, and hold with conviction that participation is a high privilege and the significant responsibility of every citizen, not every election can be the “most consequential election of our lifetime”! All too often media personalities, political pundits, social media influencers, and the candidates themselves promote the narrative that “human existence hangs in the balance” based solely on the outcome of who is elected this time! For those of us who follow, and put our trust in JESUS there is much in life that will never “be at stake” in any election. I invite you to watch or listen to this message, as we look to GOD’s Word for the peace of mind of knowing What’s NOT “on the line” in this Election, for those who trust in HIM. Pastor Joe Still

Every person has some desire to see their life, and the lives of people they love, flourish! GOD’s Word tells us that our lives will flourish as we are “planted in the House of the LORD” (see Psalm 92:12-13). In this message, Pastor Joe Still explores how to best be “planted in the HOUSE OF THE LORD”!

I remember having a conversation with a farmer about ripe fruit. The farmer told me that when you pick fruit that is not ripe, that it can be very difficult. He mentioned that you could hit the fruit with a baseball bat and not dislodge it from the tree. However, when the fruit is ripe you can just brush it with your fingertips and it will fall into your hand. Has someone brushed up against you this week? Have you been bumped into? If so, what kind of fruit did you display? This Sunday we will look at the fruits of the Spirit that Paul wrote about in his letter to the Galatians. Take a look at Galatians 5:22-23. Now ask yourself, do I display this kind of fruit? Pastor Dean Infinger

I believe it was Theologian Dale Bruner who first called the HOLY SPIRIT, the “shy member of the Trinity,” because He doesn't like to draw attention on Himself and He is always gentle. While I have personally found those attributes to be true, the scriptures also point out that the HOLY SPIRIT desires to be very active in our lives, especially helping us guard our minds! In a day when our minds are bombarded with input from all directions, having the “filtering help” of the HOLY SPIRIT is essential to living in the Peace in Christ. I’m praying you’ll engage in this message, as we invite the HOLY SPIRIT to help us guard our minds! Pastor Joe Still