By The River

Season 2. Ep. 7 - Why Church Planting Matters: An Interview With Our First Church Planting Resident

In this episode of By The River, Pastor Cliff Sims sits down with Jonathan Henry, our first Church Planting Resident, to talk about why church planting is at the heart of our mission. They discuss what Jonathan has learned in his first quarter of the residency program, the incredible need for new churches in Atlanta, and how God is already at work through local ministry and global missions.

Season 2. Ep. 6 - Bold Faith, Gentle Spirit: How Christians Defend the Faith Like Jesus

In this episode of By the River, Pastors Cliff and Scott talk about what it means to boldly defend the faith “once for all delivered to the saints” while still obeying Scripture’s call to gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). They discuss Jesus’ radical command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Luke 6), why true strength in Christianity is never expressed through violence or demeaning speech, and how the early church’s prayer for boldness in Acts 4 shapes our witness today. Together they ask: What does bold Christianity really look like, and how can we speak truth with courage and compassion in a hostile world?

Season 2. Ep. 5 - What Does a String of Celebrity Deaths Teach Us About Legacy?

In this thought-provoking episode of By the River, Pastor Cliff reflects on the recent deaths of cultural icons like Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and what their passing teaches us about legacy, faith, and eternity. Drawing from Genesis 4 and the story of Cain, we explore the difference between building a name for ourselves and living a life surrendered to God. What does Scripture say about the things we leave behind? Are our achievements lasting if they're not rooted in Christ? Tune in as we wrap up our “Summer of Wisdom” series and ask the most important question of all: what kind of legacy will you leave? Perfect for listeners seeking Bible-based insight on life, death, and what really matters.

Season 2. Ep. 4 - Texas Floods & Other Disasters | How Should Christians Think and Respond?

When floods, earthquakes, or fires devastate entire communities, how should Christians respond? In this episode, Cliff and Scott dive into a timely and difficult topic: natural disasters and the Christian response. With over 100 confirmed dead and many still missing in the recent Central Texas floods—and another deadly flood just yesterday in New Mexico—we’re asking the big questions.

Season 2. Ep. 3. - Psalm'ish | Father, Don't Let Me Go

In this week’s By the River podcast, Pastor Cliff shares a raw and honest reflection on repentance, temptation, and the kind of prayer we pray when we feel like we’re barely holding on. Drawing from his personal journey and Romans 8:1, this episode explores the ongoing struggle with sin, the comfort of God's love, and the desperate cry, “Father, help me! Don’t let me go.”

Season 2. Ep. 2 - What Is Wisdom? Biblical Insight from Proverbs and Psalms

In this week’s episode of By the River, pastors Cliff and Scott sit down to talk about biblical wisdom—what it is, where it starts, and how we can actually live it out. Drawing from the deep wells of Proverbs and Psalms, this conversation explores the difference between worldly knowledge and godly wisdom, why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding, and how to navigate life with spiritual discernment.
Whether you're facing tough decisions, trying to grow in faith, or just want to understand Scripture more clearly, this episode will help you walk in wisdom that lasts.
Key Scriptures include Proverbs 1:7 (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge”), Psalm 111:10 (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”), Proverbs 3:5-6 (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”), and Psalm 1 (“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked…”).
In this episode, we explore what biblical wisdom really is and how it’s different from intelligence, how Proverbs and Psalms work together to form a life of wisdom, real-life examples of trusting God instead of leaning on our own understanding, and the power of humility, listening, and spiritual obedience.
By the River is a weekly podcast that flows from the heart of The River Church in North Decatur, Georgia—exploring the Scriptures and walking the ancient path of Jesus together. Subscribe and join us every week as we seek truth, wisdom, and spiritual growth.
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Season 2. Ep. 1 - Psalm'ish | Father, I'm yours. Do what you want with me.

Season 2, Episode 1 – "A Prayer That Changed Everything"In this powerful season premiere of By The River, Pastor Cliff Sims shares the raw, personal story of how a simple prayer of surrender transformed his life forever. From a youth retreat to an awkward goodbye at McDonald’s, Cliff reflects on the cost of following Jesus, the depth of God's grace, and what it really means to say, “Father, I’m Yours.”
This episode is perfect for:
Christians seeking spiritual growth
Listeners exploring faith and obedience
Anyone who’s asked, “What does it really mean to follow Jesus?”

Episode 46 - Church Merge One Year Anniversary!

Celebrating One Year: The Church Merge AnniversaryIn this special episode of By the River, we reflect on the incredible journey of our first year as a merged church family. Join us as we share stories, lessons learned, and how God has been at work among us. It’s a moment to remember, give thanks, and look ahead to what’s next.

Episode 45 - The Beastly Kingdoms of the World V. The Kingdom of God

Throughout history, the kingdoms of this world have had a troubling tendency to become beastly—driven by power, greed, and oppression. But why? Is it simply the nature of power, or is there something deeper at work in human nature?
In this episode of By The River, Scott and I dive into these tough questions: How does the Kingdom of God—under the rule of the Son of Man—offer a radically different vision of power? Why does God allow beastly kingdoms to rise and fall before fully establishing His reign? What might He be teaching His people through this pattern? And most importantly, in a world still ruled by the beast, how can the church faithfully bear witness to the Kingdom of Christ?
Join us as we explore Scripture, history, and the call to live as citizens of a kingdom not of this world.
🎧 Listen now and be challenged to see the world—and the church’s role within it—through the lens of God’s eternal kingdom.

Episode 44 - The Church and Culture: Called to Conform, Confront, or Transform?

How should the church engage with the culture around it — by standing apart, taking control, or transforming it from within? In this episode, we explore the relationship between the church and culture, asking the hard questions:
Is the church called to separate from culture, dominate culture, or transform culture?
How did Jesus and the early church engage the culture of their day?
What happens when the church confuses the gospel with cultural traditions?
Why is contextualizing the gospel essential in a diverse, post-Christian society?
How can the church create authentic community that challenges the broken patterns of the world?
We'll look at Scripture, history, and the mission of the church to understand what it means to be a transforming presence — not by seeking power, but by living out the values of the kingdom of God in the everyday rhythms of life.
Whether you're a church leader, follower of Jesus, or someone curious about how faith intersects with culture — this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to be the church in the world today.