Riverside Youth

Imagine having a heart-to-heart conversation with those you barely know, unraveling your journey of faith and life. Doesn't that sound intriguing? Welcome to a powerful episode where our special guests Cory, Mackenzie, and Derek are ready to do just that. They transport us back to their Sunday school days, their first meeting, and the profound impact of youth service in their lives. Cory paints a vivid picture of his Sunday school experiences, his introduction to the church by a friend.

How does one survive an alcoholic and abusive father? Derek takes us through his tumultuous journey, amidst the chaos, he found solace in his grandparents. At a tender age of 13, he veered into paths nobody should, but the rebellious streak in Cory at 18 was a turning point. The duo's journey from rebellion to redemption is a testament to the fact that hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

This episode isn’t just about heavy narratives. There’s a lighter side to it, as we discuss cowboy boots, an amusing allergy incident involving hay. Our guests’ stories remind us that God uses our stories to help others. As we delve into their journeys of faith, struggles, redemption, and inspiration to others, the one thing you’ll realize is, their path is as unique and so is yours.

Ever wondered how sin can stealthily take the reins of your life and lead you astray from righteousness? We ruminate on this complex issue, sharing our personal battles with sin and the deceptive ease with which it can manipulate our actions. As we reflect on our spiritual journey, we leave you with two challenging questions: what is your sin and where is it leading you? It's time to take back control of your life from sin and find your path back to righteousness.

Struggling to navigate through life's challenges? We've all been there - like Pastor Sam, blindfolded and stumbling through the darkness. 

In this episode, we unravel the compelling transformation of Saul into Paul. Drawing from Acts 9, 1-9, we illustrate how Saul, a notorious persecutor of Christians, experienced a divine intervention that woke him up to his true calling. We ponder over how God works in mysterious ways, even amidst our distractions and failures.

Who is the biggest bully of all? You might be surprised to find out it's not who you think. Join us as we navigate the treacherous waters of bullying, drawing from deeply personal experiences to explore its effects and get to the heart of why it happens. We firmly believe that bullies might be acting out from a place of personal pain, anger, and distress.

We don't just want to talk about the problem, but also the solution. We share how the power of prayer and the act of forgiveness helped manage anger and bring a unique blessing. This isn't a conversation about pointing fingers, but about understanding that hurt from bullying isn't personal and finding ways to assist those who bully. We also discuss the importance of seeking help and finding support if you're caught in the crossfire or if you're the one throwing the punches.

We want to invite you to be a part of this conversation and explore the role prayer, forgiveness, and small gestures can play in changing the narrative around bullying.  Remember, change begins with understanding, and understanding begins with a conversation. 

Ever caught yourself judging others based on outward appearances or erroneous assumptions? We've all been there. It's time to break down this universal habit and explore the possibility of seeing people through God's Eyes.

Remember that time you failed your Spanish class in college? Or that humiliating moment in elementary school when you misspelled a simple word in the spelling bee? Join us as we explore the power of these failures and how they can indeed serve as stepping stones to our growth. We'll unpack our personal histories with failure and provide a fresh perspective on how these experiences shape us for the better. 

Lastly, we invite you to entertain the compelling idea of "what if". What if we embrace change? What if we open our hearts to Jesus? What if we truly learn from our mistakes and repent? We fervently pray for open hearts and minds as we challenge you to take this moment seriously and consider the possibilities. As we surrender our life to God.

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressures and challenges that come with going back to school? You're not alone. Today's conversation navigates the often turbulent waters of school life, as we highlight the crucial role of leading by example and the influential pull of peer pressure. Juan talks about being a parent fresh from his own experience of guiding a son through high school. Juan and Josh give insight on how a purposeful approach, rooted in Jesus' teachings, can help students enjoy their youth responsibly while maintaining honor and integrity.

We also get real about the complexities of maintaining friendships with those who hold different beliefs. We underline the importance of self-judgement, setting boundaries, and the role of accountability systems - all vital tools to avoid compromising our values. This episode also delves into the power of understanding your own identity, your potential impact as a leader, and the pitfalls of leading others down the wrong path. We wrap up with an empowering call to action: the importance of inviting others to church and the transformative impact it can have. With our conversation, we aim to provide the guidance and support needed to navigate these challenges with grace and conviction.

Haunted houses - terrifying or thrilling? When we walk through them, we're confronted with fear and anxiety, but isn't that precisely what we're doing in our daily lives too? Our discussion today unravels the concept of living a 'haunted house lifestyle,' where fear and anxiety control our choices. But here's the good part - just like we know that the scares in a haunted house are mostly predictable, we can also learn to expect the unexpected in our lives, leading to improved emotional stability.

Have you ever considered the story of the Samaritan? How it teaches us about selflessness and how focusing on aiding others can help us manage our own struggles? Together, we explore these narratives and their effects on our emotional well-being. We also look closely at the value of self-awareness, and how recognizing our own strengths and weaknesses can lead to acceptance and growth. 

We wrap up by sharing our experiences in dealing with peer pressure and temptation. We've all made wrong choices, and it's vital to acknowledge and discuss them. Yet, the power lies within making the right decisions. As we surrender our struggles to God.

We are in week 3 of our series In My Feelings. In this message Pastor Josh talks about how your house is valuable and how you need to be careful who you let in and what you let in. Fear, anxiety love to come in but you get to choose if they stay! 

Are you ready to unravel some of the most controversial topics in faith communities? Together Juan Rios Jr. and Pastor Josh Forsberg tackling some heavy hitters: premarital sex, pornography, and the society that normalizes these. By pulling from biblical teachings and real-world experiences, we'll dive into why sex has been ordained for a man and woman within the confines of marriage and the spiritual consequences that arise when this sacred act is shared liberally.

In a world where pornography can be accessed with just a few taps on a screen, we're facing an epidemic of addiction and distorted sexual perception, particularly among our youth. Juan and Josh will ask the hard questions - what void does pornography fill, and how can we instead forge a deeper relationship with God? We'll also examine the normalization of premarital sex, the pressures young individuals face, and the predatory dangers that lurk behind the screen.

But we're not just here to discuss the problems; we want to provide a roadmap for overcoming these challenges. We'll share our insights on how to navigate relationships with self-control, how faith can guide us towards healthier patterns, and how prayer and mindfulness can be potent tools against temptation. We'll discuss how respect for one's self and others can redefine relationships. Join us for an enlightening conversation that aims to inspire, challenge, and ultimately bring us closer to our faith.