"When Jesus Goes First" - 5 p.m. The River Service

Rev. Billy Cerveny challenges common misconceptions about mission and spiritual maturity by reframing what it means to “go” in the Christian life. Using vivid analogies and Scripture from Matthew 4 and the Great Commission, he explains that mission is not about achieving a higher spiritual “trim package” or comparing ourselves to others, but about recognizing that Jesus Himself is on mission—and invites us to follow Him into what He is already doing. Billy emphasizes repentance as a Spirit‑empowered reorientation away from self‑rule and toward Christ’s kingship, allowing believers to see their everyday lives as sacred ground for God’s work. The sermon calls listeners to embrace mission not as striving or performance, but as participation in God’s ongoing redemptive activity right where they are.