So, what is Riverbend Church of God?

Simply said, Riverbend Church of God is a community of Christ Follower's. We are a group of likeminded individuals who strive to live our lives by the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.

The church is an opportunity for us to practically apply the teaching and understanding of the Gospel.

What do you believe?

Riverbend is a member of the Church of God in Canada, and as such, we hold to the doctrines of the Church of God, Anderson, Indiana.

We understand that the core of the malaise in the human condition is sin. We are born in to sin. From the time we are conceived, we are bent to having our own way - and doing our own thing. This want for self drives our will to do harm, to cause grief and create a less than utopian world. But, thanks to God, it doesn't have to be like this. God sent us an example of a different type of living by sending his own son, Jesus Christ.

We believe that Jesus Christ came to save us from ourselves. A central tennant to the teachings of Christ were captured in the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That simple idea summed up the character of Christ and gave an example of a mode of conduct foreign to the human will.

That's great, but what does it mean?

It means we don't have to rely on ourselves and our selfish nature to solve the problems around us.

Christ came to change our hearts. He came so that we could have life now - and a better life. He came so that we could have a future and a reason for hope.His life was an example of how we can live and how we should live.

There are many religions and most of them are similar to what you're
saying. What makes yours so special?

Well, nothing in ourselves makes our 'religion' special. Riverbend Church of God is simply and extension of the teachings of Christ, another Christian church. It's the part about Christ that makes Christianity as a whole special - not just Riverbend.

Jesus Christ was the only 'religious' figure to proclaim that he was the Son of God. Pretty bold statement. It becomes less of a bold statement when you investigate the history and legitimacy of his time on earth. If you want to learn more about Christ and the historical accuracy of his existence, we encourage you to read .

A lot of Christians do bad things, why would I want to be a Christian?

Christianity is a set of teachings. We, as Christians, ascribe to the teachings of Jesus Christ. There have been many actions throughout history ascribed to the teachings of Jesus Christ that were less than Christian. The key to remember in all of this is what was said earlier - the malaise in the human condition is 'sin'. As humans, we sin. It's a fact of humanity. Christianity is an opportunity to learn how not to sin and change the way we think and act.

The apostle Paul, in speaking to the Ephesians said:

So, we are still human, with the nature of humanity, but our goal is to be more Christ like. As in everything, there are those who still have much to learn and those who have learned much.

Ok, you've tweaked my curiousity, how do I learn more?

That's what we're here for, to foster learning and relationships. The Church is a place for discussion and learning. We encourage you to send us your questions, or come and visit us and ask questions in person - whatever you feel most comfortable with.

Most importantly, we encourage you to get a Bible and do your own research. If you do not have a Bible or are unable to afford one, please let us know and we will find a means of supplying you with one.