Stay In The Story | Tom Golden

stay in the story

admin July 22, 2025 Pastor Tom preached from John 4:34, where Jesus tells His disciples, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” After speaking with the woman at the well, Jesus was physically tired, even parched. Yet when the disciples encouraged Him to eat, He reminded them that His real sustenance came from completing the work God had given Him. Read More … Sometimes life feels exhausting—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But Pastor Tom reminded us that just as Jesus was spiritually fired up even in physical weakness, we too can find strength by staying connected to God’s story for our lives. He then shared about Mary, the mother of Jesus, showing us what it looks like to stay in the story all the way through. From the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle after Mary urged Him to help, to standing at the foot of the cross as her son died, Mary stayed present—even when her heart broke. At the cross, Jesus entrusted her to John, the one He trusted most, because He knew the weight she carried. And Mary kept going, all the way to the day of Pentecost, where she experienced the Holy Spirit and felt her son’s presence again. Pastor Tom closed by encouraging us: when it feels like you can’t go one more step, that might be the moment when Jesus brings out the best. Stay in your story of faith. No matter who or what comes and goes—God is not finished yet. Bible Verses John 4:34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages

Can I Get It All Back?

can i get it all back

Have you ever felt like you lost something spiritually—and wondered if you could ever get it back? In this message, Pastor Tom Golden walks through Ezekiel’s vision of dry bones and the hope God offers to restore what’s been broken or stolen. Through personal stories and powerful moments in history, we’re reminded that even when everything seems lost, God is still in the business of restoration. Whether it’s your faith, your peace, or your purpose—through Jesus, you can get it all back.

He Knew | Andie Dixon

He knew - Andie Dixon

Before you were formed in the womb, Jesus knew you. Andie Dixon shared how every detail of our existence—our gifts, personalities, and passions—was purposefully planned by God.

He Knows | Derek Ponder

He knows - derek ponder

There’s something powerful about remembering that God knows. He knows the pain we’ve walked through, the dreams we’ve let go of, the questions we wrestle with, and the future He’s already prepared. This series reminds us that when life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or unfair—God is not surprised. He knows the plan. He knows our name. He knows what we need. And He never stops working for our good.

…Because Jesus Knows What He Is Doing, Pt 2

jesus knows what he's doing part 2

Pastor Tom opened this week by briefly revisiting Part 1 of the series: it’s easy to say “Jesus knows what He’s doing” when life is going well—but much harder to say it in the middle of pain, loss, or confusion. Still, the truth remains: Jesus always knows what He’s doing.

In Part 2, Pastor Tom took us into John 6, where we find three powerful moments that show Jesus’ wisdom and intentionality in our lives.

Father’s Day 2025

River Life celebrated Father’s Day with messages from three of our leaders—Tom Golden, Nick Scarpati, and Glenn Kight—each offering a heartfelt and challenging word to honor dads and point us to our heavenly Father.

Plus Jesus Equals Peace

Plus Jesus equals peace

In this message, Pastor Tracey Baldeo shares a powerful word about true peace—the kind that stays even when life falls apart. Through Scripture, personal stories, and the reminder of the Good Shepherd, we’re invited to find rest for our souls in Jesus alone. Peace isn’t the absence of trouble—it’s the presence of Christ.

Decisions Vs Commitments

Decisions vs commitments

Pastor Tom challenged us to go beyond just deciding to follow Jesus—to live fully committed to Him. The enemy is all in on distracting you. Are you all in for Christ?

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” — Matthew 16:26