Riverbend Podcast
New: Exploring God’s Promises - New Decisions, New Direction
Friends of Jesus - Delays Are Not Denials
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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 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)
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)
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.