
Engaging with Fear and Faith
Recently, I have begun reading more theological non-fiction than I ever have before - works by C. S. Lewis, N. T. Wright, and others. So...

Walking Through Fire
With the entire state on fire, the last thing that Oregonians want to think about right now is more fire. That’s why, when I started...

What's Love Got To Do With It? Everything!
Loving God and loving others are so closely related that they cannot be separated. Over the years I've heard people say, "God and I are...

Freedom of Fellowship
I've been thinking a lot lately about comparison and how we've justified it in the church. I spoke with a couple of different friends...

A Psalm of Praise
PSALM 98 Sing a new song to the LORD, for He has performed wonders; His right hand and holy arm have won Him the victory. The LORD has...

I Just Can't Wait Anymore!
Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. I was with my family the other night at a minor league baseball game. We were waiting in line...

Church and Softball
Last Sunday, July 9th, was Youth Ministry Sunday at Riviera Baptist Church. As part of that, we had the Youth Worship Team lead the...

Pleasing God
Here at the church we have a number of growth groups - small groups of people who come together sometime throughout the week with the...

The Daunting Proposition of Non-Belief
Today in our Western society, there are many scholars who attack the identity of Christ. Some say Jesus was merely a good moral teacher,...

Climate Change and Stewardship
Instead of asking "How's the weather?”, many people these days are asking, "How's the climate?” With the recent U. S. withdrawal from the...