Riverbend Community Church Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Riverbend Community Church
Friends of Jesus - Delays Are Not Denials Joseph Velarde Download On Palm Sunday, Pastor Joe continues the Friends of Jesus series by looking at Jesus’ friendship with Lazarus and what it reveals about the heart of Christ. In John 11, we see that Jesus is not a transactional or distant friend, but a real friend—one who loves deeply, knows when to stay, knows when to go, and leans into our sorrow.
This message reminds us that God’s delays are not His denials. Even in seasons of silence, grief, and waiting, Jesus is still at work for a greater glory. As we enter Holy Week, we’re invited to bring our laments to Him, trust His timing, and remember that we never suffer alone. Jesus is the friend who comes near in our pain and leads us with love all the way to the cross—and beyond.
Friends of Jesus - Sitting at the Feet of Jesus Joseph Velarde Download In this message, Pastor Joe continues the Friends of Jesus series by looking at Mary’s friendship with Jesus and what it teaches us about closeness, grief, worship, and meaningful connection. In a world where many feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, and relationally stretched thin, Mary shows us a different way—one marked by sitting at the feet of Jesus, bringing Him our sorrow, and pouring out what is most valuable in worship.
Through Mary’s story, we see that Jesus meets us in our grief, weeps with us in our pain, and invites us into a deeper friendship with Him. This sermon is a call to exchange unhealthy expectations for intimacy with Jesus, create space for real friendship, and live in a way that is courageously countercultural.
Friends of Jesus - Life Giving Friendships Joseph Velarde Download In this message, Pastor Joe continues the Friends of Jesus series by exploring how healthy, life-giving friendships are formed and sustained. In a culture facing a growing loneliness crisis—especially among men—we’re reminded that we were created for deep, meaningful relationships.
Looking at Jesus’ friendship with Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, this sermon highlights what helps friendships truly flourish: honesty, humility, and honor. Through Martha’s story, we see that Jesus doesn’t reject our personality or wiring—He redirects our focus, inviting us into deeper communion with Him and others.
This message challenges us to stop pushing friendship to the margins of our busy lives and instead build it into our everyday rhythms. As we follow Jesus, we’re invited not only to receive His friendship, but to intentionally create space for relationships that reflect His love.
Friends of Jesus - Finding Friendship In the Way of Jesus Joseph Velarde Download In this opening message of Friends of Jesus, Pastor Joe looks at the friendship Jesus shared with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, showing that Jesus not only ministered to others, but also made space to be ministered to by friends. In a world marked by loneliness and busyness, this sermon invites us to consider who our “Bethany people” and places are—those relationships and spaces where we find belonging, refuge, and encouragement. As we follow the way of Jesus, we’re challenged to build friendship into everyday life and make room for deeper community with both Jesus and others.
“Love Descends” (Isaiah 56:1–8) Michael De Selm Download Sermon Summary: Love Descends (Isaiah 56:1–8)
In this powerful message, Michael DeSelm shares his personal journey through suffering, healing, and grace, culminating in the life-changing declaration that he is cancer-free. Anchored in Isaiah 56, the sermon reveals a core truth of the gospel: we don’t climb our way to God—God comes down to us.
Through the stories of the foreigner and the eunuch, we see that God meets both our fear of exclusion and our sense of shame with radical belonging and purpose. The kingdom of God is not built on performance, rank, or earning approval—it runs on grace. Belonging comes before behavior. Welcome comes before transformation.
Ultimately, this message points to Jesus, who embodies this descending love—crossing boundaries, embracing the outsider, and giving His life while we were still sinners. Because love descends, there is room for everyone in God’s family.
Journey to Bethlehem - Joseph and Mary's Response Joseph Velarde Download Pastor Joe continues through our December series, "Journey to Bethlehem" by looking at Joseph and Mary's response to the journey God had for them...
Riverbend Gathering - November 30th 2025 Pastor Joe Velarde Download This Christmas, our move to Bethlehem, PA reminds us of the very first “Journey to Bethlehem” — where God’s promise became our hope. This Advent, we’ll follow that same journey of faith, worship, and new beginnings.
Riverbend Gathering - November 23rd 2025 Pastor Joe Velarde Download This week Pastor Joe concludes our teaching series “Home”, along with the celebration of having our first official gathering at our new church home!
Online Gathering (November 16th 2025) Joe Velarde and Christopher Dean Download Joe and Chris continue the "HOME" teaching series by discussing Nehemiah 4, and what it means to have a God-centered posture in the midst of opposition.
Online Gathering (November 9th 2025) Joe Velarde and Lisa Jones Download Pastor Joe and our Special Needs Coordinator, Lisa Jones continue the story of Nehemiah, and discuss Lisa's "portion of the wall"... her desire and passion to serve those in the special needs community.
Online Gathering (November 2nd 2025) Joe Velarde and Christopher Dean Download Hear from Lead Pastor, Joe Velarde and Creative Arts Pastor, Christopher Dean as they discuss where the Riverbend Community has been... and how our journey continues to inform our mission to live for Jesus and love the Valley.
This Sunday we have a guest Speaker, Brennen Sullivan (area director for Priority One Men’s Ministry) teach on Hebrews 12:1-2 and how we run our race with faithful endurance!
Pastor Joe kicks off a new teaching series, “Conjunction Junction” by looking at Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. This Sunday we look at the default state of the human condition, how God loved us in spite of that, and the life of abundance we are called to in Christ Jesus.
Rich McDaniel concludes our series “Foundations for Kingdom Living” by giving an overview of Christ’s sermon on the mount - detailing 7 “Eureka” moments throughout.
We conclude Matthew 7 in “Foundations for Kingdom Living” as Pastor Chris teaches through verses 13-29. Jesus warns the proud and comfortable to end his sermon on the mount.
Join us at 10:30 AM as Michael De Selm teaches through the next section of Matthew 6:1-4
Join us at 10:30 AM as Wilson Tuero teaches through the next section of Matthew 5:33-37.
Rich McDaniel continues to teach through the sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:27-33) Looking at the destructive nature of adultery and unfaithfulness, and conversely, the fulfillment that comes from faithfulness to God and to your spouse (present or future).
Join us at 10:30 AM as Jesse Velarde teaches through the next section of Matthew 5:21-26.
Join us at 10:30 AM as Rich McDaniel teaches through the next section of Matthew 5:13-20, that those who follow Christ are to be the salt of the earth and light of the world.
Matthew 5:1-12, Ed Hanna teaches through Christ’s introduction to the sermon on the mount, the Beatitudes.
Join us at 10:30 AM as Rich McDaniel teaches on an overview of the Sermon of the Mount from Matthew 5-7. This will kickoff our new teaching series "Foundations for Kingdom Living".
Join us at 10:30 AM as Pastor Joe shares about the communion and commission we are called to in Jesus Christ.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more This Sunday we will be concluding our teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress". Looking at the relational reality of following Jesus.
We continue our series, “Practice Makes Progress” by looking at the integration of physical fitness in the life of a Christ follower. Pastor Joe interviews John Huie about his journey with fitness, and how he sees his physical fitness as a way to bless those around him.
This Sunday we will be continuing our teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress". Jason McDaniel will be sharing on Matthew 6, and how we bring alignment to God's vision in personal finances.
This Sunday we will be continuing our teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress", looking at the John 5:1-14, and Jesus challenge “DO YOU WANT TO BE HEALED?”
This Sunday we will be continuing our teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress", looking at the importance of EMOTIONAL HEALTH in the life of a Christ follower.
This Sunday we will be continuing our teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress". Tom Miller from Safe Place Ministries will continue to teach us about reality of and practices for Mental Health in the life of a Christ follower. Update - Pastor Joe to teach gathering
This Sunday we will be continuing our teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress". We will be having 3 baptisms! Pastor Joe will also be inviting Tom Miller from Safe Place Ministries to talk about Mental Health. Streaming begins at 10:30 AM!!
This Sunday we will be continuing our new teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress". Pastor Joe will be continuing through Matthew 4, looking at the Christ's temptation in the desert, as well as the understanding and application of scripture in the life of a Christ follower.
This Sunday we will be continuing our new teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress". Pastor Joe will be teaching on Matthew 4, and the specific practice of fasting and praying in the life of a Christ follower.
This Sunday we will be beginning our new teaching series, "Practice Makes Progress". We hope you can join us!
Join us for an online only gathering this Sunday! Pastor Joe will conclude our teaching series, "The Gift" by looking at the obedience of Joseph and Mary, and what that means in our own faith journey in 2024. LIVESTREAM begins at 10:30 AM! Hope you can watch along with us!!
This Sunday we will be continuing our Christmas teaching series, “The Gift”. Pastor Joe will be looking at the third gift presented to Jesus in Matthew 2: Myrrh... a gift for a the one who came to die, that we might have a right standing with God. We hope you can join us for one of our Christmas Eve Gatherings!
This Sunday we will be continuing our Christmas teaching series, “The Gift”. Pastor Joe will be looking at the second gift presented to Jesus in Matthew 2: Frankincense... a gift for a HIGH PRIEST! We hope you can join us!
This Sunday we will be continuing our Christmas teaching series, “The Gift”. Pastor Joe will be looking at the first gift presented to Jesus in Matthew 2: Gold... a gift fit for a KING! We hope you can join us!
This Sunday we will be beginning our teaching series, “The Gift”. King Jesus’ birth was announced by angels, attended by shepherds, and acknowledged by 3 Wise Men who honored Jesus with gifts: Gold for the everlasting King; Frankincense for the Wonderful Counsellor; Myrrh for the Mighty Warrior; and Worship for the Prince of Peace. This Christmas, we’ll reflect on the true meaning of those gifts and ask ourselves: What do these gift mean for me and those around me?
This Sunday we will be concluding our teaching series, “Known and Loved”. Matt Kay from CRU Church Movements will look at the final leg in missional community... to be SENT in alignment with Christ's purpose for your life. We hope you can join us!
Join us as we continue through our teaching series, "Known and Loved". Michael De Selm will be speaking on the next component of authentic gospel centered community: To be ENCOURAGED in the reality of Jesus' gospel.
This Sunday we will be continuing our teaching series, “Known and Loved”. I will be speaking to kick off the series!! Elder Drew Dolan will be teaching through the first leg in the tripod of missional community... TO BE KNOWN by God and by a community of believers.
This Sunday we will kickoff a new teaching series based around Riverbend's vision for community groups. Pastor Chris will teach on 1 John 4:9-17, and how we are called to love one another because God loves us.
This Sunday we will conclude our series, “Foundations for the Valley”. We have an exciting Sunday gathering planned this week - a family style gathering that will include Foundations (Erin will be reading "Moses and the Big Rescue"), The Climb (Drew will be giving an update on our youth ministry), and CRU (Grace, Julianna, and Billy will share about Lehigh CRU).
This Sunday we will continue our series, “Foundations for the Valley” by looking through the passages of Jeremiah 29:4-7 and Matthew 5:14-16. Pastor Joe will teach about what it means to LET OUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS.
This Sunday we will continue our series "Foundations for the Valley" looking ahead to the excited new chapter God has for our church community. Pastor Joe will be continuing through Numbers 15, and looking at God's commands for the Israelites once they settle in the promised land.
This Sunday we will continue our series "Foundations for the Valley" looking ahead to the excited new chapter God has for our church community. Pastor Joe will be continuing through Numbers 14, and looking at the consequences of rebelling against the one true God.
This Sunday we will continue our series "Foundations for the Valley" looking ahead to the excited new chapter God has for our church community. Pastor Joe will be teaching through Numbers 14, and the people’s rebellion upon hearing conflicting reports about the promised land.
This Sunday we will continue our series "Foundations for the Valley" looking ahead to the excited new chapter God has for our church community. Pastor Joe will be teaching through Numbers 13, and the contagion of courageous faith vs. paralyzing fear.
Join the Riverbend community as we look at how God has moved in our church’s past, as well as look forward to a new season. We are officially 14 years old!!
This Sunday Michael De Selm concludes our series, Love Has Won, teaching through John 21 and Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter after being denied.
Church partner Matt Kay ( from CRU Church Movements) shares on John 20, and Christ’s appearance before his disciples following his resurrection.
Pastor Joe shares on John 20, Jesus resurrection and appearance before Mary, as well as an exciting new season for Riverbend Community Church.
This Sunday we are excited to hear from Bethann Miller (from Safe Place Ministry). She will be sharing on John 19, and "A Tale of 3 Kingdoms: Understanding whee belief systems collided onto the cross." We hope you can join us
This Sunday we will be hearing from our church planting partner, Wilson Tuero! He will be speaking on John 18:28-40 and Jesus before Pilate.
This Sunday we will have a stand alone teaching with Jeff Hodges (one of Pastor Joe's mentors from Smyrna, GA!!) He will be speaking on Luke 19:1-10 and being called to the miraculous. His message will focus on living with a Spirit led intentional presence in order to build relationships and share the gospel.
This Sunday we will be continuing through our "Love Has Won" Series, Pastor Joe will be focusing on Peter's denial of Jesus Christ during his trial. (John 18:15-27)
Join us as we continue our teaching series, Love Has Won. Pastor Chris teaches through John 18:1-14 - and Christ’s betrayal and arrest.
Join us for our online (only) gathering this Sunday, June 25th 2023! Speaker Rich McDaniel will conclude Christ's prayer for all believers in John 17.
This Sunday we will be continuing through our "Love Has Won" Series, Joe will be focusing on Christ’s prayer for his disciples in John 17.
This Sunday we will be continuing through our "Love Has Won" Series, Joe will be focusing on the first part of Christ’s prayer in John 17.
Join us as we continue through our teaching series, "Love Has Won". Special speaker Shad Gilbert will be joining us - teaching through John 16:16-33. Streaming begins Sunday, May 28th at 10:30 AM!
Join us as we continue through our teaching series, "Love Has Won". Pastor Joe will be looking at John 16:5-15, and Christ's words regarding his departure from his disciples, as well as the arrival of an advocate, the Holy Spirit. Streaming begins Sunday, May 28th at 10:30 AM!
We are looking forward to another exciting Sunday as we have more baptisms! Joe plans on doing a short recap of the latter half of John 15… and will continue into John 16:1-4 and the power of the advocate that helps us hold to our faith in suffering.
This Sunday we will be having our Mother's Day gathering -- Christy Hanna will share about the rest that inevitably comes from the recognition of God's ultimate sovereignty in our lives.
This Sunday we will be continuing through our series "Love Has Won" with Pastor Joe teaching through what true friendship with Jesus Christ means for his followers in John 15.
This Sunday we will be continuing through our series "Love Has Won". Richard McDaniel will be our special speaker... looking to give valuable insight for the next few chapters we will be journeying through (John 13-17), as well as the example Christ set for his disciples in John 13.
Join us at 10:30 AM on Easter Sunday as we kick off a new teaching series, “Love Has Won”: a transformative journey through the last days of Christ's ministry here on earth, as told in the Gospel of John. This series seeks to dive deep into the heart of Jesus’ final words and actions, marked by His unconditional love for all. As we look to celebrate Jesus' victory over sin and death, this series will be a powerful reminder of the hope and redemption that are available to us all through Christ. Join us as we explore the life-changing message of love that Jesus gives us, and learn how to respond to Him with our lives today.
Join us as we continue our teaching series, "B.E.G." Pastor Joe will be looking at what it means to "live sent" - As Christ commanded in Acts 1:1-8 and Matthew 28:16-20.
Join us as we continue our teaching series, "B.E.G." Pastor Joe will be looking at what it means to equip people for works of service - as Paul writes in Ephesians 4:7-8;11-16.
Join us as we continue our teaching series, "B.E.G." Speaker Jesse Velarde will explain the need for belonging within the context of a local church community.
Join us as we begin a new teaching series, "B.E.G.". We will be looking at the necessary pillars in a healthy church community.
Join us as we continue through the “I Am” series. Lead Pastor Joe Velarde will conclude with Jesus' statement: "I AM the Vine" from John 15.
Join us as we continue through the “I Am” series. Special speaker, Matt Kay will be teaching through John 14 and Jesus' statement: "I AM the way, the truth, and the life".
Join us as we continue through the “I Am” series. Our very own Mike De Selm will be teaching through John 11 and Jesus’ statement, “I Am the resurrection and the life”. We will see you at 10:30 AM!
Join us as we continue through the “I Am” series. Pastor Joe will be teaching through John 10:11-21 and Jesus’ statement, “I Am the good shepherd”. 10:30 AM
Join us at Riverbend on Sunday Jan 29th as we continue through Jesus' "I AM" statements. This week pastor Joe will be teaching on John 10:7-10 - "I AM the Gate".
Join us at Riverbend on Sunday Jan 22nd as we continue through Jesus' "I AM" statements. This week pastor Joe will be teaching on John 8:58 - "Before Abraham was born, I AM".
This Sunday we will be continuing our "Walk This Way" series as Pastor Joe teaches through John 4:1-26 and Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. This message will inform us about God's heart toward the "unloveable" and how we can hope to be led in His ways toward those we aren't "supposed" to love. We hope you can join us this LIVE @ 10:30 AM
This Sunday Pastor Joe will give a short devotional on John 3:26-36. We hope you can join us for our Fall Fun Sunday! (10:30 AM This Sunday)
Join us this Sunday as we continue through "Walk This Way" a series on the gospel on John. Pastor Joe will be teaching through John 2:13-25 - Jesus' interaction with the Pharisee, Nicodemus.
Join us this Sunday as we continue through "Walk This Way" a series on the gospel on John. Pastor Joe will be teaching through John 2:13-25. We hope you can join us!
Join us this Sunday as we continue through "Walk This Way" a series on the gospel on John. Guest speaker Mark Cote (from Safe Place Ministry) will be teaching through John 2:1-12 and Jesus turning water into wine. We hope you can join us!
Join us this Sunday as we continue through "Walk This Way" a series on the gospel on John.
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the release of the book "The Invitation: Keys to strengthening your marriage" from our very own Bethann Miller and Amy Velarde!
Audio recorded at Riverbend Community Church on April 10th, 2022. Today we celebrate Jesus, our Savior - Looking at his ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We hope you can join us!
LIVESTREAM for Riverbend Community Church on March 27th, 2022 (10:30 AM). Jesse Velarde will be teaching through Ecclesiastes 9:11-18 and Godly wisdom.
Originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church on March 20th, 2022. Pastor Joseph Teaches through Ecclesiastes 9 and the hope in life for those who know Jesus.
Michael De Selm continues to teach through Ecclesiastes 8, and God's ultimate authority in our lives.
Originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church on March 6th, 2022. Pastor Joseph Velarde teaches through Ecclesiastes 7, and the realities of wisdom vs. folly.
On Sunday, February 27th, Riverbend will have a “Lehigh Cru take-over day” during our worship gathering. Cru is a campus ministry on Lehigh’s campus and is a supported ministry of our Riverbend family. Students who are a part of our community will lead worship and give testimony to what God is doing in their lives and on campus. We hope you can join us to celebrate how God is at work at Lehigh University!
This Sunday we will continue our teaching series, “Chasing the Wind” series, as will look at Ecclesiastes 6:10-12, asking what we set our hands to in life - and how it will inform a “Kingdom impact”.
Join us this Sunday as we continue through our teaching series, "Chasing the Wind" - Group leader Michael De Selm teaches through Ecclesiastes 4 - and the reality of two being better than one.
Join us this Sunday as we continue through our teaching series, "Chasing the Wind" - Pastor Joe continues to teach through Ecclesiastes 3 - looking to answer how to live justly in an unjust world.
This audio was originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church on January 23rd, 2022. Pastor Joe continues to teach through Ecclesiastes 3 and the reality of changing seasons.
Originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church on January 16th, 2022.
Join us for week 3 of “Chasing the Wind” as Pastor Joe will teach through Ecclesiastes 2:12-26.
Where do you find peace in troubled times? Work? Wealth? Wisdom? If we spend our lives searching for meaning, value and purpose in these things alone, then why do we feel such emptiness, despair, and confusion? Join us for an online only gathering this Sunday, January 2nd, 2022 as we kick off the new year with a series called: Chasing the wind.
Originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church on December 5th, 2021. Pastor Joe teaches through Matthew 1:18-25 and the miracle of “God With Us”.
Originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church on 11.28.2021. This week Pastor Joe teaches through Psalm 30, and invite Michael De Selm to share a testimony of thanksgiving throughout the last year.
Originally recorded on November 21st, 2021 at Riverbend Community Church in Allentown. Jesse Velarde teaches through Psalm 95.
Pastor Joe speaks on Psalm 136, and the ever present reminder that God’s love endures forever.
LIVE at 10:30 AM on November 7th! During the month of November, we will be taking a journey through the Psalms of thanksgiving. This Sunday we will be focusing on Psalm 100. We hope you can join us!
We will be looking at the supernatural power provided through the Spirit as we seek to glorify God and bless others! The gathering will end with a packing party to help resource Afghan refugees who have come to the Lehigh Valley.
This Sunday Matt Kay teaches through Revelation 21, and the hope that comes from focusing on God's promise to make all things new.
This Sunday we take a look at Revelation 12, and what it means to stand firm in the midst of fierce opposition from the devil, our flesh, and the world.
This Sunday we will be continuing our new teaching series, "Future Church". Pastor Joe will be teaching through Revelation, and a glimpse into what the church of tomorrow will be! Join us LIVE at 10:30 AM - Sunday, October 10th.
This Sunday we will be continuing our new teaching series, "Future Church". Pastor Joe will be teaching through 1 Timothy 4, and what it means to set our sights and direction on the person and example of Jesus Christ. Join us at 10:30 AM!
This Sunday we will be continuing our new teaching series, "Future Church". Pastor Joe will be sharing a short message and interviewing Charlie Detellis from New Missions (a ministry partner in Haiti). We hope you can join us!
Pastor Joe will be teaching through Acts 15, and the tangible difference of using our platforms as “influencers” vs. making a Jesus-led impact in the life of others.
Today's message will focus on Acts 4:13-30 - and a prayer for boldness in proclaiming the gospel within the early church.
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Learn more The Future Church series kicks off today! It’s time to dream again about what the church could be. This vision is intended to come from Christ himself. So what does He want from His church and how do we reclaim it? Join us as we journey through the New Testament to discover how the ancient paths inform the future church. Today's message will focus on Jesus vision for the church in Luke 4:14-30. We hope you can join us!
This Sunday we will be continuing our new teaching series, "Future Church". Michael De Selm will be teaching on the mission of the church, different types of love, and what it tangibly looks within a church community (1 Corinthians 13). We hope you can join us!
On August 1st, we will be hearing from Safe Place Ministry's Bethann Miller, and the act of freely submitting to God in order to be made well.
The "Freedom Starts Today" series is inspired by the 90 day devotional (of the same name) by John Elmore. This book encourages us to practice confession and repentance daily, in order to live lives worthy of our calling. We hope you can join us!
The “Freedom Starts Today” Series is based on the 90 day devotional (of the same name) by John Elmore. This book encourages the practice of confession and repentance daily, in order to live lives worthy of a higher calling.
The "Freedom Starts Today" series is inspired by the 90 day devotional (of the same name) by John Elmore. This book encourages us to practice confession and repentance daily, in order to live lives worthy of our calling. We hope you can join us!
On July 11th, we invite you to hear from Riverbend Worship Leader, Michael De Selm. He will be sharing about freedom from shame, and the ministry of reconciliation.
The "Freedom Starts Today" series is inspired by the 90 day devotional (of the same name) by John Elmore. This book encourages us to practice confession and repentance daily, in order to live lives worthy of our calling. We hope you can join us!
Join us this July 4th to hear from our creative arts pastor, Christopher Dean. He will be sharing his personal story of transformation and freedom by God's power.
The "Freedom Starts Today" series is inspired by the 90 day devotional (of the same name) by John Elmore. This book encourages us to practice confession and repentance daily, in order to live lives worthy of our calling. We hope you can join us!
*Within today's sermon there is a clip from season 2 of "The Chosen". We strongly encourage you to watch BOTH amazing seasons of this series for FREE at www.thechosen.tv/app
This week Pastor Travis continues through the book of Hebrews, teaching through 13:1-7.
For more discussion around this sermon and other teachings, go to www.riverbendonline.org/discuss
Jesus becoming human is the one of the most powerful and comforting acts ever done. We see that God isn’t callous, uncaring, and powerless about our suffering and human condition. He puts Himself in the middle of it, endures it, and allows death to come to Him in order to destroy the power of death. And so He makes a way for us not to taste the sting of death for all of eternity, and gives us more than words to turn to in the midst of our suffering; we have a person, Jesus.
At the conclusion of the book of Jonah, we see a man who misses the magnitude of God’s mercy, and a beautiful picture of God’s compassion. Jonah’s anger stems from his enemies repenting and drawing near to God. God reminds and shows Jonah how just as He was willing to meet Jonah at thelowest points, He is willing to do the same for the lost people of Nineveh. We are left hanging with a question and a challenge- will Jonah, and ourselves, join God in loving those who don’t yet know Him?
For more information about Riverbend Community Church, please visit our site at www.riverbendonline.org
This audio was originally recorded for the Riverbend livestream on Sunday - October 11th, 2020.
This audio was recorded for the Riverbend Community Church livestream on Sunday, October 4th 2020. Teaching Series - In It Together: A Study on Ephesians 4. (Ephesians 4:17-24 - "Our Life In Christ")
This audio was originally recorded for a Riverbend Community Church gathering on Sunday, September 27th 2020.
Content originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church for Sunday, September 20th 2020.
This audio was originally recorded at Riverbend Community Church on Sunday, September 13th, 2020.
Have you ever felt you were past the point of no return? Peter’s life is a case study showing that redemption is possible for us all, no matter how much we’ve blown it, or how far we’ve fallen. — Sermon recorded at Riverbend Community Church on Sunday, July 12th 2020.
Trusting In Turbulent Times Series - The Heart of Restoration recorded at Riverbend Community Church on Sunday, July 5th 2020.
Trusting In Turbulent Times Series - In Weakness: Paul continues in his letter to the church in Corinth, boasting in his weakness -- recognizing that it is in his frailty and limits where God's power will flourish. What is your "thorn"?
This week, Pastor Travis teaches through 2 Corinthians 11:5-15. Paul’s credibility is once again called into questions by false teachers. His response gives light to his character, motivation and overall direction in light of his ministry.
This Sunday, we look at 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 looking at Paul's response to accusations of his ways of ministry, and bringing light to an ever present awareness of spiritual warfare.
We continue through our series by looking to 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 — looking at what it means to give God your best “from your less” — and the importance of growing in the grace of giving.
In the wake of the difficult and tense racial justice issues going on in our country this past week, we took a break from normally going through 2 Corinthians in this series to align ourselves with on how Scripture speaks to the topic of race. We take time to remember God’s image in every person, what He has called us to as ministers of reconciliation of the world back to Him, and how the beautiful diversity of race is reflected in His eternity.
2 Corinthians chapter 7 gives some insight into the type of relationship that Paul has with the Corinthian church. It was not always an easy one- Paul had to give some severe words to them. To some relationships, this could cause fractures and distance, from each other and from God. But Paul’s words were from a place of concern for their holiness, for what ways and to what extent they belong to God. And we learn that the right response to this kind of loving advice is not to express temporary sorrow and continue on, but that we are to see it as an invitation to godly sorrow, the kind that brings us to a changed lives living after God’s heart. And we rejoice in the fact that we are invited into this kind of mending of relationship with God through his kindness and forgiveness extended out to us through Jesus.
2 Corinthians chapter 5 gives us an anchor for the motivation and purpose of the Christian life is-and it centers on our reconciliation with God. We are motivated by the God of the universe who sought relationship with us, to the point of the cross. And we are given purpose in our Christian life as we seek for others to have that kind of relationship. Our goals and our inspiration are eternity-driven, not circumstance-driven. While this sometimes results in behavior that may not make sense to a worried and anxious world, it also sprouts within us the kind of hope that very world needs right now. We ask ourselves if we are being made into a new self that is able to be a wellspring of hope for this new kind of world we find ourselves in.
Each Mother’s Day, a topic that is often at the forefront is the personal sacrifice that each mother makes to see their children flourish. This sacrifice is something that ultimately reflects God’s heart for us as He exercises His tenderness and care towards us in giving Himself over to death for the sake of our eternal life. And in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18, we hear that this same self-sacrifice is what Paul feels towards the Christians in the early church. Even when death is at work temporarily, life is at work eternally as God’s good news goes forth. When we have our perspective focused on this eternal life, the afflictions, no matter their size by the world’s standards, are “light and momentary”. So then, moms, Paul, and God alike make their sacrifices knowing that their pain is ultimately for gain.
Even though Paul has made it his life’s mission and work to love and serve people, the relationships that are such a gift to him also bring grief. He faces criticism to come his way about his leadership, and the fact that he doesn’t come with the same kind of credentials as others. Paul uses these criticisms to emphasize some of the greatest truths of the gospel in 2 Corinthians chapters 3 and 4: We are not sufficient in and of ourselves, but we are sufficient because Jesus’ work on our behalf was sufficient. We can have confidence in ourselves because of Jesus’ competence. God made a way for us not only to see His glory in spite of our sinfulness, but allows us to reflect this same glory. Paul emphasizes that there is a freedom in the Lord because of salvation in Christ- in many ways, and for him in particular there is freedom from the criticisms (and the compliments) that people may give him. He understands that anything that he has comes from the mercy of the God who loved us and gave Himself for us.
The series through 2 Corinthians continues with chapters 2:12-17. Pastor Travis led us through some main themes of the letter: that there is victory even through the suffering, that believers are entrusted with the message of the gospel to others, and that the message of the gospel is to be presented with sincerity and not for profit. Even though the Corinthian church has seen its share of setbacks and suffering, there is a hope that cannot be shaken through Jesus’ ultimate victory that He invites us to share in.
This week, Pastor Travis continues through 2 Corinthians 1 - Highlighting the hope derived from God’s promises — Promises that have been fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
This Easter is almost certainly unlike any in our lifetimes. We are more physically scattered than any before, but as we discuss in 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, there is a hope and comfort that extends beyond the physical and anchors itself in the fact that God can, has, and will raise the dead. Echoes of the empty tomb fill this passage, as Paul encourages a people who are facing sufferings and afflictions. When we contemplate the resurrection, our primary source of comfort, and leave behind the secondary sources of comfort, we can see meaning in the grief. When we tap into this source of comfort, we are empowered to connect with others by coming alongside them in support to strengthen them. As we come to understand how Christ endured the heaviest grief for all of us and rose victorious, we are now empowered to labor alongside others to bear the griefs of this world.
This week, we look at Palm Sunday and see the celebrating that is going on as Jesus enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-16). The people really are celebrating for the wrong reason- they think that political salvation is coming to them in the form of Jesus. Little do they know that their celebrating is for something far greater- their eternal salvation from the punishment of sin. It is a profound moment as Jesus enters into suffering willingly, as the joy that God has in making a way for us to know Him outweighs the pain that must come to pave that way. On this side of the cross, we can now celebrate for the right reason- that when Jesus comes into Jerusalem, we have a person to anchor our hope in and to lay our burdens on. We can celebrate that Jesus came for us, and we can celebrate others as we see that Jesus came for them too. As we contemplate the value that Jesus sees in each person, we can better care for the needs, desires, and eternities of those around us.
In our second week of 2 Corinthians 5: 14-21, we focus move our focus from our motivation for the Christian life to the realities of what that Christian life is (verses 17-21). It is a life that has been reconciled with the God of the universe, and therefore seeks to bring that reconciliation to all people and all things. A life that has gone from being led by the old to being led by the new. It’s a life lived as an ambassador of Christ- one representing His priorities, desires, and intentions. These things flow out of a life that is clothed in the righteousness of Christ, a garment we are able to wear because of how he exchanged it for our covering of sin.
As we continue to meet virtually and things around the world come to a halt, we are reminded of the motivation for Christian ministry for those who believe in and follow Christ in 2 Corinthians 5 (verses 14-16). While we may feel a natural fear for our earthly lives in these times, the gospel reminds us that Jesus died the spiritual death we should have died, so that we wouldn’t have to. This act of love urges us, compels us, to reach out to a world with the offer of one who is strong enough to conquer our fears, even of death, and loves us enough to free us from the debt we owe because of sin. Christian ministry involves seeing people in light of the eternity that is written on all of our hearts.
This Sunday we continue through our series, "For The Valley" by looking the importance of praying for the Valley. We Christ urging to Ask, Seek, and Knock within Luke 11.
This week, we explored how we can be For the Valley by being a people who operate out of a place of rest- that in doing so, we are less distracted, less concerned about our own status and appearance, and more fully able to invest in those around us. We saw how the book of Hebrews, in chapters 3 and 4, compares Christ-followers to those who followed Moses in the Old Testament. Although the people alongside Moses saw what amazing things God had done, they eventually “hardened their hearts”- they stopped believing that, no matter what they were up against, God was strong enough and that He was for them. This turned them against one another and cost them their God-promised rest. Jesus, as a better and more perfect Moses, has made a way for us to enter a more lasting rest that God offers us. But the same thing threatens that rest- disbelieving or being distracted from the fact that God hasn’t abandoned us with our problems, our shame and our sin. We can “strive to enter” His rest as a part of the fight of the Christian life- both with individual practices of spiritual nourishment but also in encouraging others against sin’s deceit.
March 1st, 2020 - Pastor Travis teaches through Acts 1:6-11 and the necessity of allowing the Holy Spirit to inform not only a “vertical” relationship with God, but also to seek out “horizontal” relationships with others in response to Christ’s love for us.
This week we had former Riverbend elder Matt Kay visiting us from the church they have planted in NYC: Hope East Village. We looked at Jeremiah 29, the context of which is God addressing an Israelite people who just found out that they weren’t to be in exile in Babylon just 2 years (as a false prophet was previously saying), but actually it was going to be 70 years. An entire lifetime. The way God addresses them in chapter 29 gives us a vision for the way we live our lives wherever it is we find ourselves. Be present. Invest in people in that place. Seek the well-being and shalom for the community around you. It can be easy to always think of, and be wrapped up in, the “next step”, and when we do that, we miss out on the fullness of what God is doing in our present situation- both through us and to us.
This week we started a series called “For the Valley”. Often, Christians are characterized more by what they are against rather than what they are for. Looking at Jesus in Matthew 9:35-38, we see that he is moved deeply when he sees people that are spiritually needy. He is the shepherd that was foretold in the Old Testament, but not just to those who are “in” with God, but to those who are far from Him. We are to be like him in this way, proclaiming the invitation to the family that a lost world was always created for. With nearly 1 million people of the Lehigh Valley, there are hundreds of thousands of our neighbors who look to things other than Jesus as their shepherd. Rather than look down on these people or ignore them, the Church is to be like Jesus and have compassion on them, pray for them, and be laborers in the harvest of bringing them to an awaiting Savior.
Throughout the New Testament, the early Christian church was marked by followers with lives steeped in generosity. Many of these people were in extreme poverty, like the Macedonian people Paul uses as an example in 2 Corinthians 8-9. These people, though they had little resources, gave relief to other Christians and funded Paul’s mission trips to much wealthier areas and churches. It is in this context that Paul encourages the (much wealthier) Corinthian church to be generous in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. The heart of Paul’s message is not to shame them for their greed, but to paint a picture of what they are missing out on when they do not give generously. When we give cheerfully, we share in the love of God for others- who for our sake gave up the riches of the entire universe to become poor in the form of Jesus (2 Cor 8:9). There will always be questions of “how much” or “in what situations” when it comes to giving, and instead of having firm answers here, these are better answered by further examination of our heart and motives. Does our giving create a burden on the lifestyle we would want for ourselves? Does our giving bring us joy as we see how God uses it to further His gospel message? Does our giving cause us to be reminded of the fact that nothing is ours?
Pastor Joe looks at the story of Joseph, and his foresight in saving during a season of plenty, to save many lives during a season of famine.
The Roman government often exploited its citizens in cruel ways. Rather than instructing the church in Rome to rebel or leave, Paul tells them to give to this government what is owed (taxes, respect, honor). However, Paul warns them not to owe anything, a warning against voluntarily going into debt. While so commonly accepted in our culture, debt is still something Christians ought to view as counter to the freedom that God desires in our lives and should seek to get out from debt- with wisdom in borrowing and wisdom in repayment. Paul also reminds the church that because of Jesus’ costly act of purchasing the church with his blood, we have an unpayable debt to love one another.
Continuing the series “In God we trust – the heart of money”, we see Paul’s warnings to the church about the ever-present temptation of greed in 1 Timothy 6. Greed is an affront to God, because what God desires for us is a contentment that says “I have more than enough”, but greed says “I will never have enough”. We constantly strive to live financially as our friends, family or culture say we should. We end up walking down an uncertain, ever-shifting, never-ending path and missing out on “that which is truly life” that comes through acknowledging that all that we have is from God, for God, and ultimately to God.
The new sermon series that kicked off is called “In God We Trust – the heart of money”. While many think very secularly about their finances and their resources, the Bible actually talks about these more than almost anything else. This is because how we think about and use our money reveals much about our heart. Money promises a fleeting, worldly freedom, but really ensnares us with worries and anxieties. God intends us to have a life of stewarding and mastering these resources that he’s given to us, experiencing a life with the freedom of knowing that all is from Him and to Him and for Him.
The new sermon series that kicked off is called “In God We Trust – the heart of money”. While many think very secularly about their finances and their resources, the Bible actually talks about these more than almost anything else. This is because how we think about and use our money reveals much about our heart. Money promises a fleeting, worldly freedom, but really ensnares us with worries and anxieties. God intends us to have a life of stewarding and mastering these resources that he’s given to us, experiencing a life with the freedom of knowing that all is from Him and to Him and for Him.