… Becasue Jesus Knows What He’s Doing | Pentecost Sunday
Life is good because Jesus knows what He’s doing—even when it doesn’t feel like it.
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.
On a Mission | Wk 2
This week’s message reminded us to stay diligent and faithful to the mission God has called us to. Drawing from the lives of Peter, Jesus, and even real-life heroes like SSG Roy Benavidez and Michael Jordan, we learned the importance of perseverance, purpose, and hope.
On a Mission | Week 1
Before you can live on mission, you need to know who you are. You are not an accident. You are God’s creation—fearfully, wonderfully made—and He doesn’t make junk. You were created on purpose, with purpose, and for a mission only you can carry out.
Look On The Bright Side | Easter Sunday
This Easter, Pastor Tom reminded us that no matter what we face—pain, betrayal, anxiety, or suffering—we can still look on the bright side, just like Jesus did.
Jesus Wasn’t Just Joyriding | Palm Sunday | Pastor Tom Golden
This Palm Sunday, Pastor Tom reminded us that Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem wasn’t just a moment of celebration—it was a purposeful and prophetic act. As people laid down palm branches and shouted “Hosanna” (which means “save us”), Jesus wasn’t joyriding into town; He was carrying a burden.
Did You Read The Directions For That? | Week 2
In this week’s message, Pastor Tom reminds us that no matter what we face in life, the directions for that are already written in God’s Word. The Bible isn’t just an old, dusty book—it’s alive, powerful, and full of wisdom, encouragement, and hope. Romans 15:4 tells us that everything written in Scripture is there to teach us. The question is: will we learn the easy way—through God’s Word—or the hard way?
Did You Read The Directions For That? | Week 1
What does it truly mean to love our neighbor? This week, Pastor Tom challenged us to move beyond religious formality and embrace the radical love exemplified by the Good Samaritan. He reminded us that God’s directions, found in scripture, are the blueprint for a life of purpose and compassion. Are we reading the instructions?
It’s A Jungle Out There wk 2 | Keep Your Eyes On Your Tour Guide
Pastor Tom continued the It’s a Jungle Out There! series with a powerful message centered around one truth: Keep Your Eyes on the Tour Guide.
Happy New You | Week 3 | I Dare You To Be Happy
admin January 28, 2025 In Week 3 of the Happy New You series, Pastor Tom Golden challenged us to dare to live a happier, more fulfilled life in Christ by experimenting with spiritual growth. Using Proverbs 29:18 as a foundation, he explained that happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion but is rooted in living according to God’s Word and embracing His vision for our lives. Download Spiritual Growth Plan Read More … Pastor Tom introduced a practical spiritual growth plan to help guide us through 2025. This plan focuses on seven key areas: food, finances, vocation, reading, sharing, relationships, and exercise. Each week, we are encouraged to evaluate our progress and make adjustments, experimenting with new ways to deepen our faith and align our lives with God’s purpose. He emphasized the importance of intentionality, encouraging us to use resources like reading plans, scripture research, and even tools like Siri or AI to explore the meaning behind biblical principles. For instance: Food and Exercise: Honor God with your body, as it is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Finances: Avoid the burden of debt and steward resources wisely (Proverbs 22:7). Vocation: Work wholeheartedly for the Lord, knowing He is your ultimate reward (Colossians 3:23-24). Reading: Let God’s Word guide you daily (Psalms 119:105). Sharing: Do good and share with others, pleasing God through your generosity (Hebrews 13:16). Relationships: Value the friendships and connections God has placed in your life (Proverbs 27:10). Pastor Tom also shared the story of King Josiah from 2 Kings. Josiah purified the temple and removed all false idols, demonstrating the importance of eliminating sin and distractions from our hearts. We, too, must identify the “bad and ugly” in our lives and surrender it to Jesus. To illustrate perseverance and hope, Pastor Tom shared the inspiring story of Cleveland Chandler, a man born into poverty who pursued education against all odds, ultimately becoming a Harvard professor. His story exemplifies how faith and determination can lead to unimaginable blessings. Pastor Tom left us with this challenge: Dare to embrace God’s plan for your life. Take small, consistent steps, trusting in His guidance, and watch as He transforms you into the “happy new you” He created you to be. Bible Verses Proverbs 29:1818 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Philippians 3:1414I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Psalm 1:11 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 119:105105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Give Now YouTube Follow Us Share Related Messages