This week at 2Rivers, we wrapped up our Joy Reclaimed series with an encouraging reminder that joy isn’t something we earn or fake. It’s a fruit of the Spirit that grows as we walk closely with Jesus — even in the middle of worry, stress, or uncertainty.

In this message, Pastor Ron Cathcart walks through Philippians 4:4–9, showing us how to rejoice in all things, worry about no things, pray about everything, think about the right things, and focus on the King of Kings. It’s a timely word for anyone who’s felt the weight of anxiety or the pull of fear and longs to experience the peace of God again.

If you’ve been searching for real, lasting joy, this one’s for you. Lean in and be encouraged — the Lord is near.

📖 Scripture: Philippians 4:4–9

💬 Message: Joy Maintained and Sustained

📍 Recorded live at 2Rivers Church, O’Fallon, MO

🕊️ Our mission: We exist to help people become passionate followers of Jesus.

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What’s weighing down your joy?

In Philippians 3, Paul invites us to a joy deeper than fleeting happiness, one that’s rooted in releasing burdens never meant for us to carry.

In this message, Pastor Nick Tallo continues our Joy Reclaimed series with “Joy in the Release.” From the image of a backpacking trip to the power of surrender, we discover that joy blossoms when we let go of the weight of performance, fame, and our past. Paul, writing from a prison cell, urges us to “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1). This isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges—it’s about finding a settled confidence in Christ that transcends every circumstance.

Key Takeaways:

Release Performance-Based Living – Paul warns against putting confidence in human effort, reminding us that salvation is by grace through faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). True joy comes when we stop striving to earn God’s love and rest in what He’s already done.

Release Past Achievements and Failures – Paul considers his past accomplishments “loss” compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Whether it’s victories or regrets, clinging to the past weighs us down. Joy comes when we press forward into what lies ahead.

Embrace God’s Purpose – Joy is found in living out God’s grace and purpose—making Him known in every facet of life (Philippians 3:14). When we release our own plans and embrace His, we step into the freedom of true joy.

If you’ve been carrying the weight of performance, control, or comparison, this message is a call to let go. Because until you release what doesn’t last, you’ll never experience the joy that does.

Scripture: Philippians 3

Series: Joy Reclaimed (Week 3 – “Joy in the Release”)

Speaker: Pastor Nick

2Rivers Church

#JoyReclaimed #Philippians3 #2RiversChurch #JoyInChrist #FaithOverPerformance

What does it really take to live with lasting joy? In week two of our Joy Reclaimed series, Pastor Brandon Johnson unpacks Philippians 2 and shows us that unity leads to joy—but unity can’t happen without humility.

Through personal stories, Paul’s words to the church in Philippi, and the example of Jesus Himself, we’re reminded: pride will mess things up, but humility keeps us aligned with God’s design.

In this message, you’ll discover:

Why pride destroys marriages, teams, and even churches

How humility opens the door to unity and joy

The model of Jesus: He came down, got down, laid down His life—and was raised up

What it means to daily humble ourselves and choose God’s way over our own

Whether you’re watching from the room or online, this is a call to walk in humility and experience the joy only Jesus can give.

Scripture: Philippians 2:1–11

Series: Joy Reclaimed | Week 2

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Do you find yourself chasing happiness but still coming up empty when life gets hard? Happiness is a temporary emotional state, easily swayed by circumstances, events, or experiences. It can be sweet—but it’s fleeting. Joy, on the other hand, is far deeper. It’s a steady, abiding sense of well-being and contentment rooted in a relationship with God. Unlike happiness, joy transcends circumstances, sustains us through trials, and overflows in worship and gratitude.

In our new series, "Joy Reclaimed," we’re walking through the book of Philippians to uncover how to experience joy that endures, even in the hardest seasons. Written from a jail cell, the Apostle Paul shows us the stark contrast between temporary happiness and lasting joy in Christ. Facing possible death, Paul demonstrates that true joy doesn’t depend on what’s happening around us but on who we belong to.

In this message, Pastor Ron Cathcart will help us explore:

The difference between fleeting happiness and biblical joy.

Why circumstances don’t get to define our joy (Philippians 1:12–14).

How God can use adversity to bring about surprising outcomes (Philippians 1:15–18).

The power of perspective in shaping our response to challenges (Philippians 1:19–21).

The freedom and peace that flow from knowing our eternal destination (Philippians 1:22–26).

At 2Rivers, our mission is to help you become a passionate follower of Jesus so you can experience the life He designed for you—and inspire others to do the same.

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**Resources mentioned during the sermon:**

- Paul's letters in the New Testament can be explored through the **2Rivers Church app** with a reading plan of Philippians.

- Reference Scriptures: Philippians 1:4, 2:2, 4:1, 2:17-18, 3:1, 4:4

**To connect with us on other platforms, check us out on:**

Facebook: /2Riverschurch

Instagram: /2Rivers_Church

For more resources, visit our website at [www.2riverschurch.com] (http://www.2riverschurch.com).

#2riverschurch #jesusistheleadstory #joyinadversity #bookofPhilippians #biblicaljoy

If recent tragic events have left you shaken, hurting, or searching for answers, you’re not alone. Many of us wrestle with these deep and difficult questions. In this message, we take an honest look at:

Why there is so much brokenness in our world

Why God allows evil to exist

How followers of Jesus can respond with faith and hope

Pastor Nick Tallo takes us through passages like Genesis 3, Mark 7, and Ephesians 6, to see how Scripture speaks to the tension between God’s sovereignty and human free will. We’ll also discover how sin entered the world, what that means for us today, and how God’s plan of redemption through Jesus changes everything.

Along the way, we’ll draw strength from promises like Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:8—reminders that God is working for good even in the darkest moments, and that we can set our minds on His truth.

This message is for anyone wrestling with grief, confusion, or doubt. Together, we’ll explore how to process tragedy, how to respond like Jesus did, and how to anchor our hearts in what is eternal, not temporary.

At 2Rivers, our mission is simple: We exist to help people become passionate followers of Jesus. If you’re ready to take steps of faith in the middle of life’s hardest questions, we’d love to walk with you.

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Resources from this message:

Genesis 1–4; Ecclesiastes 9:3

Romans 8:28 & Philippians 4:8 as keys to aligning with God’s truth

Habakkuk 1:2–3 & Isaiah 55:8–9 as reminders to trust God’s bigger plan

Connect with us:

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Instagram: /2Rivers_Church

Website: www.2riverschurch.com

Have you ever wondered if all spiritual paths lead to God—or if Jesus is really the only way? With so many voices and beliefs out there, it’s easy to feel confused. In this week’s message from our Spirituality Redefined series, Pastor Nick Tallo shows us how Jesus brings clarity in the middle of spiritual confusion.

Looking at passages like John 17:1–3, Hebrews 1, and John 14:6, we see that eternal life isn’t about chasing after every spiritual idea—it’s about knowing God through Jesus. The Bible doesn’t present Jesus as just another good teacher but as the one true way to life with God.

This message is an invitation to move beyond vague spirituality and step into an authentic relationship with Jesus—the one who came to us with grace, truth, and life.

At 2Rivers, our mission is simple: we exist to help people become passionate followers of Jesus. We’d love for you to join us on that journey.

Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for more content that will help you follow Jesus.

Like, Share, and Follow so others can experience the hope and truth found in Him.

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Are you searching for spiritual truth in a world filled with confusion? This message unpacks key insights on truly knowing God beyond mere spiritual curiosity. Have you ever wondered, "Who is God and how can I know that He is real?" This episode of our sermon series, Spirituality Redefined, dives into the divine mystery of who God is and how He reveals Himself to us.

Discover why spiritual curiosity isn't enough and how vague faith will never truly satisfy (Acts 17:24-27, Ecclesiastes 3:11). Pastor Ron Cathcart takes us on a journey, exploring God's unique nature and His revelation through creation. Understand attributes like God's omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence (Isaiah 40:25, Psalm 19:1-4), and why these matter to your spiritual journey. 

Beyond recognition, there is a profound relationship with God that awaits you through Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15-20, Romans 8:14-17). The longing for a deeper connection is a divine imprint in our hearts. As we delve into the complexities of God's nature and promises, be inspired to seek not just awareness but a relationship with the One True God. This God, incomparable and beyond human comprehension, unveils His eternal power and divine nature through the very creation we inhabit.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform shallow acknowledgment into a life-changing relationship. The message is simple: God desires a personal relationship with you through His Son, Jesus Christ. 

At 2Rivers, our mission is to help you become a passionate follower of Jesus so you can experience the life He intended for you and encourage others to do the same. 

Don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button to stay updated with our content ⏩.

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Facebook: /2Riverschurch

Instagram: /2Rivers_Church

And for even more resources, visit our website at www.2riverschurch.com.

In a world full of spiritual options and endless voices, how do we find truth that actually satisfies? Many say they are “spiritual but not religious,” yet vague faith and curiosity alone can’t fill the deep longing of the human heart.

In Acts 17, Paul stands in Athens surrounded by idols, philosophers, and seekers. He boldly points beyond empty religion and vague spirituality to the One True God—the Creator, the Giver of life, and the Judge of all the earth. True spirituality isn’t about feelings, rituals, or manmade images; it’s about knowing and worshiping the God who revealed Himself in Jesus Christ.

This message explores:

✅ Why spiritual curiosity by itself will never be enough

✅ The danger of settling for vague, undefined faith

✅ How true spirituality is found in knowing the God who made us and raised Jesus from the dead

Blaise Pascal once wrote that every human heart carries an infinite abyss that only God Himself can fill. The same is true today—our search for meaning finds its end in Him.

📖 Scripture: Acts 17:16–31

🎯 Series Goal: Finding clarity in a culture of spiritual confusion

At 2Rivers, our mission is to help you become a passionate follower of Jesus so you can experience the life He intended for you and encourage others to do the same. 

Don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button to stay updated with our content ⏩.

LIKE ✔️, SHARE 📢, and FOLLOW for more videos like this one to stay informed and prepared for any emergency!

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And for even more resources, visit our website at www.2riverschurch.com.

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In a world where complexity often overshadows simplicity, we find ourselves yearning for clarity and purpose, especially within the church. Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of life, longing to return to the basics? In this closing sermon of our "Church Reimagined" series, discover how the early church's dedication to simplicity can redefine your spiritual journey today.

The Book of Acts reveals invaluable lessons about how the early believers, fresh from the teachings of Jesus, focused on fundamental practices like the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). These simple yet profound commitments empowered the early Christian church to grow and thrive, encouraging believers to persist in their faith with clarity and conviction.

Join Pastor Nick Tallo as he explores two key takeaways: why simplicity was God's design from the start and how it creates clarity in both personal lives and church communities. He emphasizes that simplicity focuses the mission, protects from burnout, and multiplies impact—inviting you to reimagine what it means to be part of a church that's not about complexity, but about being intentional and uncluttered in our faith.

Experience a message that will inspire you to focus on the core practices that deepen your relationship with Christ and others. At Two Rivers Church, our mission is to help you become a passionate follower of Jesus so you can experience the life He intended for you and encourage others to do the same.

Stay connected with us by hitting that SUBSCRIBE button to keep receiving content that enriches your spiritual walk. Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and FOLLOW for more insightful videos that guide you toward a fulfilling life as a passionate follower of Jesus.

**Resources mentioned during the sermon:**

- Bible Passage: Acts 2:42, Acts 28:30-31

- Book Recommendation: "Simple Church" by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger 

To connect with us on social media, find us on:

- Facebook: /2RiversChurch

- Instagram: /2Rivers_Church

For more resources, please visit our website at [www.2riverschurch.com](http://www.2riverschurch.com).