Underground Students Audio Podcast

Join us in episode 9 of our YTH Podcast as Pastor Josh is joined by Worship Pastor Sam Misigaro. They talk about food, restaurants and the heart of worship and why we worship in a cooperate setting! Lean into this episode as Pastor Sam will encourage you and give you a new perspective on eating out and the reason behind why we worship. 

Ever wonder what our Lead Pastor's favorite drink is or what drives him nuts? We've got a lively Q&A session with our lead pastor, where he not only spills the beans on his favorite beverages, but also reveals his proudest moment and biggest pet peeve. It's an unexpected look into his life that might surprise you. Prepare to get to know our pastor on a whole new level.

Navigating life's wilderness seasons can seem like a daunting task, akin to our off-trail hiking adventure in Arizona where the potential of getting lost was always palpable. Yet, like Jesus led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, we too can brave these seasons and find our way through. Join us as we embark on this journey, drawing inspiration, lessons and parallels from the Bible, our own experiences, and our personal relationship with God.Fasting is more than just giving up food or social media, it's about spiritual growth and deepening your connection with God. Inspired by Jesus' 40-day fast. Fasting can be instrumental in spiritual warfare, helping us anticipate and counter the devil's tactics.We also delve into the transformative power of reading the Bible and how it's the perfect antidote to self-doubt. We challenge you to immerse yourself in the Bible for a week and witness the impact it can have on your life. Plus, we'll share a heartfelt prayer for the spiritual grow

Are you walking the tightrope of faith, proclaiming belief on Sunday but slipping into familiar, comfortable patterns during the week?  We dive deep into the journey of Peter, a disciple who found himself in the same predicament, and his eye-opening encounter with Jesus post-resurrection, found in John 21.We begin with Peter's retreat to his comfort zone—fishing—after Jesus' crucifixion. Despite being a professional fisherman, Peter's efforts amount to nothing until Jesus intervenes, resulting in an extraordinary catch of 153 fish. This miraculous event is followed by a breakfast invitation from Jesus Himself—an encounter that brings Peter face-to-face with his Redeemer. The remorse, joy, and subsequent redemption of Peter is a lesson for us all.In the final act of this spiritual saga, we pose the challenge—how authentic is your relationship with Jesus? It's time to step out of our comfort zones and seek a deeper alliance with Jesus, one that extends beyond the Sunday services. Moreover, w

Ever found yourself dealing with identity loss, drugs or even suicide? We dive into these tough topics head-on, drawing upon our own experiences to offer guidance on maintaining personal standards and boundaries as a means to avoid succumbing to negative influences. This episode conveys heartwarming stories of struggles, resilience, and hope on a journey to integrity.Have you ever considered the influence of your language choices while spreading the gospel, or even when standing before God? In this segment, we spotlight Juan’s brilliant 'Green Apple' concept, a tool designed to aid his students in breaking their cursing habits. We ponder the impacts of cursing on language choices and relationships, and how it shapes the way we present ourselves. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the dynamics of consistent faith and lifestyle, the power of habits, and the importance of being at our best in front of God.We emphasize God's forgiveness and redemption, drawing connections with biblical charact

What if the mask you wear every day is preventing you from experiencing the blessings God has you? Tonight, we go deep into the topic of 'Masks' - those false identities we create and hide behind, driven by societal expectations and fear of judgment. We talk about how this fear, the pressure to fit in, and the need to please others can negatively impact our mental health and lead us away from our true selves and from serving God. The truth is, the only opinion that truly matters is God's - human opinions can pull us down, but God's opinion will always elevate us.As we move forward, we bring attention to the journey of finding personal authenticity and self-worth. We examine Galatians 1:10, reminding us that we cannot serve both God and people. So, ask yourself, are your decisions for yourself or for others? Remember, who you are is worth knowing - not just the person you pretend to be. In our concluding segment, we focus on breaking free from being fake. We emphasize how trying to fit in c

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 aller

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

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 empowerin

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 w

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

We all have our fair shares of ups and downs, but the key is to remember that, much like the changing seasons, these rough patches are never everlasting. It's not easy, but it's important to be honest about our feelings and to keep our faith in Jesus. We invite you to sit in a moment of reflection and prayer. Quiet the noise of your busy life and truly immerse into all that God wants to give you. Open your heart and mind to all that Jesus has to offer.

Ever purchased something on a whim only to regret it later? Ever judged someone without knowing their story? Join us as we journey through our new series, 'In My Feelings', unpacking the emotions that a new school year can stir up. We delve into dealing with change, and the risks of 'following your heart'. Imagine facing a giant, being pushed into corners, feeling alone - sadly, this is the reality for those being bullied. Reflecting on personal experiences, we open up about the dark shadow of bullying and its dire consequences. We underline the urgency of kindness in a world where bullying is rampant, and we discuss the importance of checking our hearts. We challenge the idea of following our own understanding and instead, encourage trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly. We advocate for speaking up against bullying, making it clear that such behavior is unacceptable. Be prepared to reflect, be challenged.

Ever wondered how to hear from God and understand His messages? Ever felt overwhelmed by the mistakes you've made and the need for forgiveness? In our latest conversation with Juan Rios Jr. and Pastor Josh Forsberg, we unravel these mysteries. We talk about how hearing from God is a unique experience for each of us and tackle candid questions from our youth group about the blunders we've made in our spiritual walk. Learning from our missteps and feeling convicted is a potent reminder to seek God's mercy and reinforces the notion that His love is always within reach.Accountability, we believe, holds significant importance in our journey. Join us as we explore this in-depth and discuss the transformative power of forgiveness. We share our insights on how our earthly and heavenly fathers can help guide us towards accountability and discuss the steps we need to take to ensure we don't fall into the same pitfalls again. We stress that no sin is greater than another and encourage using God'

Ever wondered if God likes cheese? Or what it truly means to commit to a relationship with Jesus? Well, you're in for a treat because we tackle these thought-provoking questions and more in our very first Youth Podcast episode! Join us, Josh Forsberg and Juan Rios Jr, on this exciting journey to provide guidance, wisdom, and spiritual direction for our youth group.We kick off with a hilarious discussion on whether God has a preference for cheese and then shift gears to delve into the deeper topic of the unending love of God. Discover how God's love differs from human love, and why it's essential to fully commit to a relationship with Jesus beyond just praying the salvation prayer. We also emphasize the importance of reading the Bible and applying it to our lives, making it a blueprint for living life to the fullest. Don't miss this engaging conversation, and remember to send us your questions via Instagram @Riverside_Youth, so we can continue providing our youth with the guidance they need