What does it actually mean to be adopted into God’s family?In Romans 8, Paul says that we have not received a spirit of slavery and fear, but the Spirit of ADOPTION...the Spirit that reminds us that we are God’s children. But if we’ve been adopted by God, what should that change about the way we live?In this *BIG CHURCH EXCLUSIVE* message, Reyn explores what it means to live with the heart of the adopted and why adopted people become adopting people. Through Romans 8, personal stories of adoption, and one very difficult kitten that USED to be named Okapi, we discover how God’s grace, acceptance, forgiveness, and love should overflow into the way we treat our families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.You have been chosen. You have been welcomed. You have been given a family. Now go show the world what family you belong to :)📖 Romans 8:15–17“You have received the Spirit of adoption…”#Christianity #Romans8 #Adoption #Jesus #ChristianSermon

Why does God allow suffering?

In this episode of The Christian Call, Lillie and Stella have an honest conversation about one of the hardest questions Christians—and especially teenagers—can ask: If God is loving and powerful, why does He allow us to experience pain, loss, loneliness, disappointment, and suffering?

Drawing from their own experiences with family struggles, loneliness, friendship, disappointment, and seasons when they felt like God was distant, Lillie and Stella talk openly about what they’ve learned on the other side of difficult seasons.

They explore questions like:

• Why does God allow suffering?
• What do we do when we feel abandoned by God?
• Can hardship actually produce growth?
• How do we keep our past from controlling our future?
• What role does God place other people in during our struggles?
• How can our own pain eventually help someone else?

Most importantly, this conversation is a reminder that feeling alone doesn't mean you are alone—and the struggle you're in isn't necessarily the end of your story.

Sometimes we don't get to understand the “why” until much later. But even when we can't see what God is doing, we can trust that He is still there.

If you're walking through a difficult season right now, we hope this conversation reminds you: God hasn't given up on you. Your story isn't over. And your struggle may one day become the very thing God uses to help someone else.

🎙️ The Christian Call: The Big Questions
📍 Riverbend Church | RBYouth

#WhyDoesGodAllowSuffering #ChristianPodcast #TeenFaith #ChristianTeens #Faith #God #Suffering #Christianity #Hope

What if someone paid a debt you could never afford to pay?In 2016, John Oliver and "Last Week Tonight" purchased $15 million of medical debt owed by 9,000 people—and then erased it. Thousands of people who woke up owing money suddenly owed nothing.That story gives us a picture of something even bigger: what Jesus has done for us.We carry debts in all kinds of ways—not just financially, but relationally, emotionally, and spiritually. We keep track of what people owe us. We cancel people. Sometimes we even become our own debt collectors.But Scripture says that through Jesus, our debt of sin has been canceled. It wasn't negotiated down. We didn't earn it. We didn't deserve it. It was paid in full.And because we've been forgiven, we're called to forgive others.Don't cancel the person. Cancel the DEBT. After all, that's what Jesus did for YOU :) #forgiveness #Jesus #Christianity #Christian #sermon #cancelculture #debt #grace #mercy #Colossians2 #Colossians3 #Romans5 #Jesuspaiditall #Christianyouthsermon #Christianmessage #RBYouth

What do you do when someone hurts you?

It’s easy to hold onto the anger, resentment, and bitterness—especially when you feel like you have every right to be upset. But what if holding onto that hurt is actually keeping you trapped?

In Ephesians 4, Paul tells us to “get rid of all bitterness” and instead choose kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Delaney challenges us to recognize how bitterness hurts God, hurts us, and ultimately hurts the people around us—and how Jesus offers us a different way.

Bitterness holds you back. Forgiveness moves you forward.

Because hurt people hurt people… but forgiven people forgive people.

📖 Ephesians 4:30–32

#RBYouth #Forgiveness #Bitterness #Ephesians4 #ChristianYouth #Jesus #Faith

What is RBYouth really all about?

As we look ahead to another year of ministry, we’re going back to the heart of why we do what we do. Every event, Sunday, Bible study, small group, discipleship opportunity, social post, and crazy youth group activity has a purpose.

Our mission is simple:

DISCOVER. DEEPEN. DEPLOY.

We want students to discover the good news about Jesus, deepen their faith and relationship with Him, and deploy into the world to share that good news with others.

But this year is about more than programs. It’s about becoming a community where everyone is loved, accepted, included, and invited in—and where we live out the unity Jesus prayed for in John 17.

As we step into a new year, we’re believing for something BIG: that students would know Jesus, grow deeper in their faith, live boldly for the gospel, and become an example to the people around them.

Here’s to the best year ever. 🙌

#RBYouth #YouthMinistry #ChristianYouth #Jesus #DiscoverDeepenDeploy

What does the Bible actually mean by purity?

Purity isn't just about what you do—or how you look on the outside. Biblical purity starts in the heart. Jesus cares about our motives, our thoughts, our character, and what's happening beneath the surface.

In this message, we explore 1 Timothy 4:12, Matthew 5:8, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 24, and 1 John 1:9 to discover what it really means to live with a pure heart.

The challenge is simple: Does the outside of your life match what's happening on the inside?

And here's the good news: biblical purity isn't about pretending to be perfect. Jesus doesn't throw away people who are polluted or imperfect—He makes them clean.

If you've ever struggled with hypocrisy, hidden things, fear, guilt, or wondering whether God can really forgive you, this message is for you.

📖 Key Scriptures:
1 Timothy 4:12
Matthew 5:8
Matthew 23:27–28
Proverbs 4:23
Psalm 24:3–5
1 John 1:9
Hebrews 10:10
Titus 2:14

The Example Series: Speech • Conduct • Love • Faith • Purity

#BiblicalPurity #ChristianSermon #1Timothy412 #PureHeart #YouthMinistry #Christianity #Jesus #Faith #Bible #Sermon #RBYouth

What is faith... really?

Hebrews 11 is one of the most famous chapters in the entire Bible, but it's often misunderstood. In this message, we walk verse-by-verse through the "Hall of Faith" to discover what Biblical faith actually looks like—and why it's still worth living today.

You'll learn from the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, and many others who trusted God even when they couldn't see the outcome.

Whether you're struggling with doubt, wondering if following Jesus is worth it, or simply wanting to grow in your relationship with God, this message is for you.

Scripture: Hebrews 11

In this message you'll discover:

• What Biblical faith really is
• Why faith isn't blind
• How faith changes everyday life
• Why God honors faithful obedience
• What the heroes of the Bible teach us today

If this message encouraged you, consider subscribing for weekly Bible teaching, youth messages, and practical encouragement for following Jesus.

#Faith #Hebrews11 #BibleStudy #Christian #Jesus #Sermon #ChristianTeaching #Bible #YouthPastor #Church #RBYouth

What if we've been using the word "love" completely wrong?We say we love tacos... and we love our families.Those obviously aren't the same thing.So what did Jesus actually mean when He commanded us to love one another?In this message, we unpack the biblical meaning of love through 1 Corinthians 13, explore the Greek words for love (eros, phileo, and agape), and discover why Jesus' definition of love is far more than a feeling—it's a life of sacrificial commitment.Whether you're struggling with relationships, wondering what real love looks like, or simply wanting to grow closer to God, this message will challenge the way you think and live.Scripture:• 1 Corinthians 13• 1 Timothy 4:12• John 15:13• Romans 5:8• 1 John 4:8👍 If this message encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing it with a friend who needs to hear it.#Christian #Jesus #Love #BibleStudy #Faith #YouthSermon #1Corinthians13 #Agape #Church #ChristianLiving #RBYouth #ReynHarpole #ATX #YouthGroup

You are an example whether you realize it or not.In this message, D$ challenges students to rethink what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Using Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 about being the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” we learn that our choices, actions, and attitudes represent something bigger than ourselves.Your conduct matters. The way you treat people matters. The way you live when nobody is watching matters.The world doesn’t just hear about Jesus through our words — they see Him through our lives.Are you being salt and light?📖 Matthew 5:13-16#RBYouth #TheExample #SaltAndLight

What if one of the most powerful forces in your life isn't your talent, your grades, or your influence—but your WORDS?In Week 1 of our summer series, "The Example," we explore the first challenge from 1 Timothy 4:12: "Set an example for the believers in speech."Using a shocking story of Marie Antoinette, the powerful imagery of James 3, and the teachings of Jesus, we discover that our words can build people up or tear them down, create peace or start conflict, spread life or spread poison.The Bible teaches that our speech is more than communication—it's a reflection of what's happening inside our hearts, which is a reflection of the heart of GOD Himself. If we want our words to change, our hearts must change first.📖 Main Scriptures:• 1 Timothy 4:12• James 3:3–12• Matthew 12:34• Ephesians 4:29Whether you're a student, parent, or leader, this message will challenge you to consider the impact your words have on the people around you and point you toward the true source of lasting transformation: Jesus.#RBYouth #TheExample #YouthSermon #ChristianYouth #StudentMinistry #BibleTeaching #James3 #Speech #WordsMatter #SpeakLife