Two Rivers Church - New Bern

This week in our Living Hope series, we're looking at 1 Peter chapter 3 and talking about the surprising idea of finding joy in suffering. Peter encourages believers to stay faithful, even when it's hard, and reminds us that our hope in Christ gives us strength no matter what we face. Suffering isn't the end of the story. In fact, it can be a way God shapes us and shows His love to others through us. Come ready to be encouraged and challenged as we learn what it means to follow Jesus with joy, even in the struggle.

This week we’re diving into 1 Peter 2:4–9, a passage that reminds us who we are and whose we are. We’re called living stones, a holy priesthood, and God’s own possession. We’ll talk about what it means to be built into something bigger than ourselves and how that changes the way we live, serve, and show up in a world that desperately needs hope.

This Sunday we are diving into the last half of chapter one in 1 Peter. We’re talking about what it means to be marked by God through a life of holiness. We are reminded that holiness isn't just about avoiding sin, but it’s about living in response to the grace we’ve received. God calls us to be set apart, to think differently, and to live with purpose. As we continue our Living Hope series, we’ll explore how holiness shapes the way we live, love, and reflect the heart of God in a broken world.

This week we’re kicking off our new series Living Hope, going through the book of 1 Peter. Peter opens his letter with a powerful reminder that even in the middle of trials, we’ve been given a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus. It’s not just something we look forward to later but a truth that shapes how we live right now. Join us as we unpack what it means to be chosen, refined, and full of joy even when life feels anything but easy.

This week, Tim Cole dives into James 2, a powerful reminder that God’s people are called to see beyond appearances. In a world that often favors the polished and powerful, Scripture reminds us that favoritism has no place in a life shaped by genuine faith. We’re often tempted to judge a book by its cover, but God looks at the heart and He calls us to do the same. James 2 challenges us to respond with mercy instead of bias, and with love instead of labels. Let this passage become more than just a verse. Let it shape the way you see people, live your faith, and reflect the heart of Christ.

In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, Paul’s words in Romans 12:1–2 call us to something radically different, a surrendered life. In this sermon, we explore what it means to give up control, to resist blending in with the values of the world, and to allow Christ to transform us from the inside out. It's not about behavior modification; it's about total transformation. Discover how a renewed mind leads to a renewed life, and how surrendering to God is the key to walking in His perfect will.

This Sunday in our Life Verse series, we explore John 15, where Jesus says, "I am the true vine." It's a powerful reminder that life and growth come not from doing more for Jesus, but from abiding in Him. Too often, we confuse activity with intimacy or working for Jesus without actually being with Him. This message challenges us to slow down, reconnect, and remain in the One who gives true life. Discover what it means to live from connection rather than for performance.

This week in Life Verse, we’re diving into Acts 13:36–37 where it says King David served God’s purpose in his own generation. That’s a big statement. It means he lived with intention, walked with God, and made a real impact right where he was.

So here’s the question: What does it look like for us to do the same? To live a life that’s aligned with God, to show up with purpose, and to leave something behind that actually matters?

In this sermon, we’re talking about what it means to walk with God daily and live in a way that serves His plan for our generation. Because you weren’t just made to exist. You were made to make a difference.

This week we start a new series called Life Verse, where we dive into the verses that shape our faith and guide our lives. We begin with one of the most beloved passages in all of Scripture: Psalm 23, focusing especially on verse 1 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” What does it truly mean to have the Lord as your Shepherd? And if He isn’t leading your life...who is? Join us as we explore the deep comfort, trust, and challenge found in this powerful verse, and ask the life-shaping question: Who is your shepherd?

This week wraps up The Abide Framework series and in this series we’ve talked about our mission statement and how we are adding portions to it to encapsulate more of the Christian life Jesus is calling us to. Based on the Great Commission, this message reminds us that discipleship isn’t just about knowing the right things, it’s about doing them. It’s about loving and walking with the people God’s already placed in our lives, not just reaching the lost but growing with the found.

If you’ve ever wondered what everyday obedience and real discipleship look like, this one’s for you.