Can Jesus Really Do The Impossible? | Pastor Tom Golden
In his sermon, Pastor Tom Golden affirmed that Jesus can do the impossible in our lives, focusing on transforming our inner selves and reminding us of His unwavering presence and power.
The “I am” That Is In You | Derek Ponder
Discover the transformative power of the Great “I Am” and how a relationship with God can exceed all expectations and perform miracles in our lives.
It’s Hurricane Season | Andie Dixon
Andie Dixon focused on the power and importance of prayer. Andie began by addressing a common issue: many people struggle with prayer simply because they don’t practice it.
Thank You, Dad! | Pastor Tom Golden | Father’s Day
admin June 17, 2024 Today’s sermon at River Life Church, titled “Thank You, Dad!”, was a heartfelt tribute to fathers. Pastor Tom Golden began by expressing gratitude to his own father, who was present in the crowd, and extended this thankfulness to all dads, encouraging them to receive a thankful heart. Read More … Pastor Tom emphasized the phrase “by faith,” often found in Paul’s writings and highlighted in Hebrews. He reminded us that, like Abraham, it is by faith we overcome our sins and struggles, and it is by grace we are saved. Fathers are thanked not because they are perfect, but because they rise again after falling, returning to God with faith. God is like a father to us, bearing our burdens and leading us with love and grace. Dads often feel the weight of responsibility, but this is a sign of their leadership. A good dad prioritizes his wife and children, sharing his burdens with God and his family. Drawing from Ephesians 4:27, Pastor Tom encouraged fathers not to give the devil an opportunity to grab hold in their lives. He thanked them for being present in church and resisting the devil’s attempts to lead them astray. The sermon concluded with the story from Luke 8:41-42, where a father’s faith and determination led Jesus to bring his daughter back to life. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of a father’s faith and persistence. Pastor Tom’s message was a moving reminder of the importance of faith, resilience, and the pivotal role fathers play in their families. He called on all fathers to share their burdens with God and their families, and to remain strong in their faith, knowing they are not alone. Bible Verses Hebrews 11:88 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 2 Corinthians 6:1818 And,“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters,says the Lord Almighty.” Hebrews 13:5-65 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”[a]6 So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Ephesians 4:27and do not give the devil a foothold. Luke 8:41-42 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages
Stop It! | Pastor Tom Golden and Emily Lewter
admin June 10, 2024 Pastor Tom Golden began today’s sermon by addressing the common struggles of fear and anxiety that lead many of us into sin. He candidly asked the congregation, “How many of us sinned before church?” and “How many of us have a legit fear of something?” These questions set the stage for his powerful message: the simple yet profound advice, “STOP IT!” He challenged us to reflect on our thoughts and behaviors, urging us to cease actions driven by fear and anxiety. Read More … Pastor Tom Golden began today’s sermon by addressing the common struggles of fear and anxiety that lead many of us into sin. He candidly asked the congregation, “How many of us sinned before church?” and “How many of us have a legit fear of something?” These questions set the stage for his powerful message: the simple yet profound advice, “STOP IT!” He challenged us to reflect on our thoughts and behaviors, urging us to cease actions driven by fear and anxiety. Emily Lewter then delivered her “Five Minutes of Fire,” sharing her perspective on Psalm 1:1. She emphasized how easily we can become consumed by the minutiae of life, such as raising children, and lose sight of the joy that comes from focusing on God. Her message reminded us to prioritize our spiritual well-being over worldly concerns. Pastor Tom resumed his sermon by exploring why humans often follow the flesh, attributing it to our desire for instant gratification. He reiterated his key message, “Just STOP IT,” and emphasized the importance of staying close to God to resist the enemy. Using the example of David, a sinful man who wrote most of the Psalms, Pastor Tom highlighted the power of repentance. David’s greatness lay in his ability to recognize his sins, repent, and use his experiences to teach others. He warned against becoming comfortable with worldly ways, stating, “If it’s not from God, it’s not good.” When stressed, many of us turn to unhealthy habits like shopping, drugs, eating, or anger. Instead, Pastor Tom urged us to “STOP IT” and seek God. Reflecting on the Ten Commandments, he noted that eight of them essentially tell us to “STOP IT.” He encouraged us to seek God’s guidance with life’s questions rather than turning to people who do not follow God. The closing message was clear and powerful: “Today, stop it. Stop seeking the things of the world.” Bible Verses Psalm 11 Blessed is the onewho does not walk in step with the wickedor stand in the way that sinners takeor sit in the company of mockers, Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages
It’s Time To Take Out The Trash | Pastor Tracey Baldeo
admin June 3, 2024 In today’s impactful sermon titled “It’s Time to Take Out The Trash,” Pastor Tracey Baldeo invites us to confront and relinquish our burdens to Jesus. Drawing from scriptures like 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 113:7-8, Romans 8:38-39, John 13:6-9, Matthew 16:18, and Luke 23:40-43, Pastor Tracey illustrates how Jesus meets us in our lowest moments and elevates us to new heights. Read More … Pastor Tracey begins by explaining the concept of a comedy in theater, where the story transitions from a low point to a high point, paralleling the journey of the disciples. Initially, the disciples were ordinary fishermen, deemed “unschooled and ordinary” by the Pharisees. Despite their humble beginnings, Jesus chose them to change the world. One striking example is when the disciples argued about who was the greatest among them. Jesus responded by humbly washing their feet, emphasizing that none were superior. When Peter initially refused, Jesus told him that unless he allowed Jesus to wash his feet, he would not belong to Him. This act symbolized the necessity of letting Jesus into our messy lives rather than presenting a façade of perfection. Pastor Tracey further highlights the story of the repentant thief on the cross from Luke 23. Jesus promised him paradise based on his faith alone, without requiring any rituals or acts. This underscores the grace and acceptance Jesus offers to those who come to Him in faith. To vividly illustrate our burdens, Pastor Tracey placed eight full trash bags on the stage, symbolizing the hidden or overwhelming trash in our lives. We can attempt to hide or manage this trash ourselves, often leading to exhaustion, or we can bring it to Jesus. He has promised to lift us from our low places and raise us to new heights. In conclusion, “It’s Time to Take Out The Trash” is a call to let Jesus into our lives, with all our imperfections and burdens. By doing so, we allow Him to transform our lows into highs, leading us to a more profound and elevated existence in His grace and love. Bible Verses 1 Samuel 2:88 He raises the poor from the dustand lifts the needy from the ash heap;he seats them with princesand has them inherit a throne of honor.“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;on them he has set the world. Psalm 113:7-87 He raises the poor from the dustand lifts the needy from the ash heap;8 he seats them with princes,with the princes of his people. Romans 8:38-3938 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 13:6-96 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Matthew 16:1818 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Luke 23:40-4340 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages
Think Happy Thoughts | Pastor Tom Golden
admin May 27, 2024 In today’s heartfelt sermon titled “Think Happy Thoughts,” Pastor Tom Golden guides us through the importance of positive thinking rooted in biblical teachings. Using scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 10:5, Psalm 118:24, and Acts 26, Pastor Tom emphasizes the need to align our thoughts with God’s truth and to seek joy and gratitude even in challenging circumstances. Read More … Pastor Tom begins by discussing 2 Corinthians 10:5, urging believers to demolish every bad thought and take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. He explains that negative thoughts are like arguing with God and should be stamped out as they do not honor Jesus. By praying for Jesus’s help, we can overcome these destructive thoughts and focus on the positive. He then reflects on Psalm 118:24, highlighting King David’s ability to rejoice despite his many adversities. Even on the day he lost his son to sin, David honored God, acknowledging that it was still the day the Lord had made. This powerful example shows us that gratitude and joy can prevail even in our darkest times. Pastor Tom shares a personal story about his wife, Krista, who needs surgery on her neck. Initially, he struggled with negative thoughts, questioning if such a challenging day could truly be the day the Lord had made. However, he overcame these thoughts by focusing on Jesus’s eternal presence and unchanging nature, remembering that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This shift in perspective allowed him to think about victory and salvation instead of despair. The sermon continues with a discussion of Acts 26, where Paul, imprisoned and standing before a king, expresses his happiness to be there because he knows his suffering is temporary. Paul’s joyful outlook, despite his circumstances, serves as a profound reminder that our hope and joy lie in our future with Jesus. In conclusion, Pastor Tom emphasizes that bad thoughts are a choice and encourages us to take those negative thoughts and stomp them out. By focusing on good thoughts—Christ’s power, salvation, and victory over our situations—we can cultivate a mindset of joy and gratitude. “Think Happy Thoughts” is a powerful call to renew our minds with God’s truth and to embrace each day with a heart full of faith and thankfulness. Bible Verses 2 Corinthians 10:55 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Psalms 118:25The Lord has done it this very day;let us rejoice today and be glad. Acts 2626 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. 6 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today. 7 This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me. 8 Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?9 “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[a] ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’“ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I
Can you have an EXPERIENCE with JESUS? | Jesus is REAL | Pastor Tom Golden
admin May 20, 2024 In today’s continuation of the “Jesus is Real” series, Pastor Tom Golden addresses the pivotal question, “Can You Have an Experience with Jesus?” Drawing from John 1:1, John 1:3, and Acts 9:5, Pastor Tom illuminates the reality of God’s presence and the transformative potential of encountering Jesus in our daily lives. Read More … Pastor Tom begins by affirming the reality of God, reminding us that God is ever-present and steadfast, never leaving or forsaking us. He underscores that God is the embodiment of love and the ultimate “real deal.” This foundational truth sets the stage for understanding the significance of experiencing Jesus personally. Referencing John 1:1, Pastor Tom explains that the “Word” John speaks of is Jesus, emphasizing that from the very beginning, Jesus was with God. He reinforces this with John 1:3, stating that everything in creation came through Jesus and without Him, nothing was made that has been made. This highlights Jesus’s integral role in the creation and sustaining of life. Pastor Tom acknowledges that sometimes, as humans, we may fail to notice Jesus’s presence. However, he reminds us that everything in our lives comes through Jesus. We are not mere accidents of nature; Jesus intentionally created us and desires to be intimately involved in our lives, celebrating our joys, sharing in our sorrows, and being present in every moment. The sermon takes a dramatic turn with the story of Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, as recounted in Acts 9:5. Initially, Saul did not recognize Jesus and even harbored hatred towards Him. However, his profound experience with Jesus changed his heart and led to his transformation into Paul. This story illustrates that even those who are distant or opposed to Jesus can have life-altering encounters with Him. Pastor Tom encourages the congregation to take a step towards experiencing Jesus personally. He suggests spending just five minutes in quiet reflection, asking Jesus to reveal Himself and work in their lives. By quieting our minds and opening our hearts, we can invite Jesus to make His presence known and experience the profound impact of His love and guidance. In conclusion, Can You Experience Jesus is an invitation to recognize and embrace the reality of Jesus’s presence in our lives. Pastor Tom’s message challenges us to seek personal experiences with Jesus, assuring us that such encounters can transform our hearts and deepen our faith. Bible Verses John 1:11 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:33 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Acts 9:55 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages
Parent God’s Way | Mother’s Day | Tara Boddie
admin May 13, 2024 In her sermon titled “Parent God’s Way,” Christian counselor Tara Boddie shed light on the challenges and responsibilities of parenting with a focus on trusting God’s guidance. Drawing from Scripture, including verses such as 1 John 4:16, Proverbs 22:6, and Proverbs 3:5-6, Tara addressed the reality of navigating parenthood while dealing with personal traumas and life’s uncertainties. She emphasized the importance of recognizing that our lives belong to God and that we are called to manage them according to His will. Read More … Tara highlighted the unpredictability of life and the necessity of making managerial decisions throughout our journey, including in our role as parents. She emphasized that just as we don’t get to choose the circumstances of our lives, we also don’t get to choose the nature of our children. Instead, God entrusts us with the responsibility of raising them according to His instruction. Acknowledging the challenges of parenting, Tara reminded the congregation that children are a ministry and that raising them can sometimes be a thankless job. She emphasized the importance of expressing unconditional love to our children, mirroring God’s love for us. Additionally, Tara stressed the significance of providing guidance and discipline, highlighting the need for intentional training over resorting to harsh punishment. Furthermore, Tara encouraged parents to empower their children and trust them to make their own choices, just as God empowers us with gifts, talents, and free will. She emphasized the importance of granting children mercy and grace, recognizing that they will eventually grow beyond our control. In essence, Tara’s sermon provided a roadmap for parenting rooted in unconditional love, guidance, empowerment, and trust, reflecting God’s own relationship with us as His children. Bible Verses 1 John 4:1616 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. Proverbs 22:66 Start children off on the way they should go,and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 3:5-65 Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;6 in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight. Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages
Jesus Is Real | Part 4 | Pastor Tom Golden
admin June 25, 2024 One Sentence Sermon: There is a God. In the latest installment of the “Jesus is Real” series, Pastor Tom Golden delves into the profound truth of Jesus’s existence and the enduring love of God, even in the face of human doubt and denial. Drawing from a rich tapestry of scripture, including Luke 14:28, John 20:29, Hebrews 11:1, Romans 1:20, Colossians 1:16, and Psalm 19:1, Pastor Tom leads listeners on a journey of faith and discovery. Read More … The sermon begins with a candid acknowledgment of life’s challenges and the difficulty of perceiving God’s presence in the midst of adversity. Yet, Pastor Tom reminds us that despite our doubts and denials, God’s love remains constant and unwavering. Through the story of Doubting Thomas in John 20:29, Pastor Tom highlights the transformative power of faith, emphasizing Jesus’s affirmation of those who believe without seeing. He explores the essence of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1, portraying it as the unwavering confidence in the unseen reality of God’s existence and divine nature. Drawing from Romans 1:20 and Colossians 1:16, Pastor Tom eloquently illustrates the intricate beauty of creation as a testament to God’s eternal power and divine craftsmanship. He challenges listeners to recognize God’s handiwork in the world around them, from the soil beneath their feet to the stars above. Furthermore, Pastor Tom discusses how scientific discoveries affirm the existence of God, particularly through the concept of “fine-tuning” in the universe. He shares insights into how scientists, once skeptical of faith, are now acknowledging the impossibility of life without a divine creator. In conclusion, “Jesus is Real Part 4” serves as a poignant reminder of God’s enduring presence and love in our lives, even amidst doubt and uncertainty. As we journey through life’s trials and triumphs, may we find solace and strength in the unwavering faith that Jesus is indeed real, and His love knows no bounds. Bible Verses Luke 14:2828 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? John 20:2929 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Hebrews 11:1Faith in Action11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Romans 1:2020 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Colossians 1:1616 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. Psalm 191 The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Romans 1:2828 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages