"Old Things" | Pastor Ryan McVety

In Episode 1 of The River Worship's Season 11, Pastor Ryan McVety challenges us to step boldly into the new by shedding the weight of "Old Things." Drawing from Ephesians 4 and Galatians 5, this sermon explores how God calls us to leave behind habits, mindsets, and circumstances that no longer serve His purpose in our lives.

Key Highlights:

🔑 Powerful Insights on Letting Go: "Just because something is familiar, convenient, or comfortable doesn’t mean it belongs in your life anymore."

🔑 A Call for Bold Resignations: Instead of making resolutions for 2025, consider quitting the things that weigh you down—fear, depression, jealousy, and more.

🔑 Walking with the Spirit: Discover what it means to walk by the Spirit daily and experience true freedom in God's presence.

Let this message inspire you to invite God into every part of your journey, as Pastor Ryan reminds us: “Nothing God can do for you compares to the gift of His presence.”

✨ Don’t miss this transformative word for your life!

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Pastor Ryan McVety delivered an impactful message titled "Set a Fire" based on John 10:10. He reminded us that while the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came to give us life in abundance. Pastor Ryan challenged us to fix our focus on God, not on negativity, criticism, or offense, which the enemy uses to steal our joy. Instead, he urged us to magnify the Lord, allowing His consuming fire to burn away everything that tries to steal our peace and purpose.

Key Points:

Magnify the Lord

Guard Your Joy

Light a Fire

Live It Out:

This week, intentionally shift your focus by magnifying the Lord whenever negativity or criticism arises, replacing it with praise for who God is and the blessings in your life. Guard your joy by being mindful of the "little things" the enemy uses to distract and discourage you, choosing not to let offense take root. Spend time in worship, prayer, and reflection, asking God to set a fire in your soul that renews your passion and focus on Him.

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Pastor Ryan McVety shared a moving message titled "The Wind and Waves," based on Matthew 7:24-27. He reminded us that storms come to everyone—wise or foolish—but what makes the difference is the foundation we stand on. Pastor Ryan encouraged us not to fear the unexpected winds or relentless waves of life because, with God as our Rock, we can stand firm. He also shared how God can use even the fiercest storms for our good and His glory.

Scripture Focus:

Matthew 7:24-27

Isaiah 54:17

Acts 27:14

Mark 4:35-41

John 3:16

Key Points:

The Wind and Waves are Coming

The Wind and Waves Will Not End Your Story Do Not Fear

The Wind and Waves Anymore

Live It Out: Reflect on the storms in your life—those unexpected winds and relentless waves. Are you standing on the Rock or trying to face them on your own? This week, invite God to strengthen your foundation. Spend time in prayer, asking Him to reveal how He’s using your challenges to shape you and glorify His name. Step out in faith, trusting that He is greater than the storm and will see you through. And above all, remember: you don’t need to fear the wind and waves when the One they obey is with you.

We were honored to have guest speaker Pastor Brendan Witton, who shared a powerful message titled “Rescue Ship Christianity.” Pastor Brendan spoke from Matthew 28:18-20 and challenged us to see ourselves not as passengers on a cruise ship focused on comfort but as part of a rescue mission—one where we are called to share the gospel and bring people to Jesus. He reminded us that, though we share the message, it's ultimately God who does the saving.

Scripture Focus:

• Matthew 28:18-20

Key Points:

1. Cruise Ship Christian or a Rescue Ship Christian
2. Negative Cycle:
   1. Phase 1 = Duty
   2. Phase 2 = Discouragement
   3. Phase 3 = Distraction
3. The 7 Languages of Evangelism:
   1. Confrontational Evangelism
   2. Friendship Evangelism
   3. Service Evangelism
   4. Testimonial Evangelism
   5. Apologetic Evangelism
   6. Prayer Evangelism
   7. Invitational Evangelism

Live It Out:

• Take some time to reflect on the role you play in God’s mission. Are you on a cruise ship, focused on comfort, or a rescue ship, committed to bringing others to Jesus? Consider how you can share God’s love through the unique ways He’s equipped you. From friendship and service to prayer and invitations, God has given us many ways to reach out. This week, ask God to show you where He’s calling you to step out, and trust Him to do the work of saving.

Pastor Ryan McVety’s message, “Don’t Give Up the Fight,” was a powerful reminder that God steps in when we reach our breaking point. Drawing from stories like the prodigal son, Paul and Silas in prison, and the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Pastor Ryan emphasized that when we run out, God runs in. He encouraged us to surrender our struggles to God, trust in His presence, and call on Him in our darkest moments. Even when we can’t see a way through, God is fighting for us and working behind the scenes to bring us victory.

Key Points:

1. When You Run Out, God Runs In

2. He Is In It With You

3. Call On Him

Are you feeling weighed down by the struggles you’re facing? This week, take a moment to surrender the battles you can’t fight alone. Reflect on the areas of your life where you’ve been trying to do it all yourself and give those over to God. Pray specifically for His strength, His guidance, and His intervention. Remember, when you run out, God runs in. Lean into the truth of His promises: He is in it with you, He’s fighting for you, and He’s more than able to bring you through. As you trust Him, let your praise break the chains and declare victory over your life!

Step First | Pastor Ryan McVety | Season X Episode 7

In this powerful message, Pastor Ryan McVety dives deep into the journey of trusting God's timing and stepping out in faith. Using Psalm 37:23-24 and other key scriptures, Pastor Ryan reveals how we often get stuck in seasons of waiting due to fear and doubt, but God calls us to move forward step by step.

3 Key Points from the Sermon:

1. Trade your “what if” for a “what now” We often focus on “what if” scenarios in our lives, but God is asking us to say “what now” and follow His voice. Like a GPS, God sees the full path, and missing His voice can delay the journey. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
2. It never looks like what it will be Our circumstances may not always reflect the blessing ahead, but faith means trusting the process. You can’t skip steps—faith is built one step at a time. (Psalm 119:105)
3. Go, then I will show you God often reveals the next step after we take the first. Faith means obedience before the outcome. Pastor Ryan encourages us to step forward in faith, trusting that God will reveal the full picture in time. (Psalm 37:23-24)

Join us in this transformative message as we learn to step out of fear, trust God's process, and move towards His promises.

Talk Ain’t Cheap | Mark 5:21-34 | The River Worship

In this powerful message, we explore the story of the woman with the issue of blood, a testament to how faith can lead to breakthrough. Her words gave her the courage to step out and receive her miracle.

What are you speaking over your life?

Key Points:

1. Talk the Right Talk – What you say to yourself shapes your belief. Are you speaking faith or doubt? Stop giving the enemy so much credit. Trust that God will do what He promises.

2. Your Talk Determines Your Walk – Faith is like going to the gym—it only works when it’s painful and when you use it. Will you step out for your miracle, or stay stuck in your mess?

3. Touch the Heart of God – It wasn’t the physical touch that healed her; it was her faith. True faith moves God’s heart and puts belief into action.

Join us as we dive deeper into this message of faith, action, and healing!

Pastor Ryan brought a good word for us tonight. In the midst of all the busy-ness of the world around us. In all the things that we are doing for the Lord, for our family, in our work environment there are so many details that can consume our attention and we can get pulled away from the ONE THING in our lives that give us peace, joy and wisdom. Are we listening to what Jesus Christ is saying to us? He speaks to us in a still small voice and if we are too busy to hear we will miss what Jesus has to say. Pastor Ryan reminded us in his sermon to Stay Close to Jesus, by being in His presence by having the heart of Mary who chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and LISTEN to what He had to say. May we all remember to have the heart of Mary and sit in the presence of the Lord.

Guest Speaker Pastor Chris Durso’s message, "Come Before Winter," delivers a powerful reminder that our pain doesn’t define us and that God’s help is always on the way. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4:9-21, Pastor Chris teaches us to let go of past hurts, embrace our assignment, and trust that even in difficult seasons, God's strength is with us. Listen to the full message here!

Scripture Focus:

2 Timothy 4:9-21

Key Points:

1. Winter is coming, but Help is coming first.

2. Your hurt will not define you.

3. Even when you’re hurt, you’re still assigned.

Live It Out:

Where in your life are you allowing past hurt or abandonment to hold you back? Remember, your pain doesn’t define you—God’s purpose does. Reflect on an area where you need to release those who’ve deserted you, just as Paul did. Let go of bitterness and embrace the help God is sending before your 'winter.' Ask yourself: How can you move forward with grace, trusting that God's strength is with you, even when others leave?

In this episode, Pastor Moses explores the often-overlooked details of what it truly means to follow Jesus, drawing from Matthew 26:30-35 and 1 Peter 5:6-11. Let's dive into four powerful choices we can make when following Jesus:

1. Choose Allegiances Over Energy: When times are uncertain, our faith is tested. It’s easy to follow Jesus when the atmosphere is charged with energy, but true allegiance comes from the heart. Learn why passion is fleeting, and how true discipleship is built on obedience—even when it’s hard.
2. Choose Weakness Over Strength: Embracing our weaknesses is key to experiencing God’s power. In a world that often forbids anything but optimism, we discuss why it's important to bring our anxieties and struggles to God. Weakness is not a barrier but a doorway to deeper healing and connection with Him.
3. Choose Formation Over Formulas: Following Jesus isn’t about getting the words or actions perfectly right; it’s about letting Him form our hearts. Jesus invites us to know Him—not as a puzzle to solve, but as a relationship to grow. Discover why formation is more powerful than any spiritual "formula."
4. Choose the Journey Over the Moment: A life with God is about the long journey, not just one spiritual high. We live to exalt Him in both good and bad seasons, knowing that we walk this life with God by our side. Dive deeper into how humility shapes true worship and what it means to trust God to do what we cannot.

Join us for an honest and heartfelt discussion about these important aspects of discipleship, and be encouraged to look beyond the surface in your walk with Jesus.