The First Word from First Church

This week, Pastor Dave tackles something about the Gospel that is hard for goodhearted people to understand, and in which to take comfort. Is the Gospel exclusive or inclusive? Aren’t we all equally bound for heaven, regardless of the religion that we might follow in this life? Hear what God tells about our faith, and why it is a comfort for us. If you want some background, take a look at John 3:1...

Join us for Useful, as Pastor Dave talks about the short letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon, and the impact that the message for Christians about bondage and freedom impact the world to this very day. Thank you again for joining us for this episode of The First Word from First Church.

Hear Pastor Dave talk about “God’s Seating Chart.” We hear about Jesus’ advice about choosing a seat at a banquet, and about making up a guest list for our own banquet tables.

God had told his people, for many years, how a Holy Sabbath should be. Isaiah and other prophets spoke it for him, messages about mercy, generosity, grace, and love. Some people loved the rules more. Hear about Jesus showing a different picture of the Sabbath, and how we are called to celebrate a Shabbat Shalom to this day.

This week, hear Pastor Dave talk about Heroes of the Faith, and how they are witnesses to the race that is the Christian life set before us. Some are well-known heroes, others may be names or stories less familiar to us. If you have the chance, review Hebrews 11:29-12:2, in your favorite Bible, whether on paper, online, or in your favorite Bible app. Enjoy the storytelling.

Keep the Lights On! Hear Pastor Dave talk about “Advent in August,” and how awaiting the risen Lord coming again is so different from Advent before Christmas. You might want to review Luke 12:35-40, and maybe read through the hymn Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. Thank you again for tuning in to our podcast; please subscribe to the channel.

Hear about the “Disciples’ Prayer.” You probably know it already, but hear more about it from Pastor Dave. In learning about it, we learn about how to pray in general, too. May God bless you, in and through your prayers.

Welcome to this episode of The First Word from First Church. Pastor Dave is speaking about Jesus’ extension of the definition of neighbor, through the story of the Good Samaritan.

Pastor Dave is celebrating Independence Day weekend, as are so many across the land. Hear him speak about Endowed by Our Creator; about the true source of our freedoms as Americans, and our even greater freedoms as subjects of the Kingdom of God.

Hear Pastor Dave talk about the Sweet Fruits of the Holy Spirit. For background, you might want to read Chapter 5 of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. We pray that the Spirit will inspire you to seek His Word, His Presence, and His advocacy in prayers.

The Trinity. Christians have been accused of being polytheists. Some Christians have “disconnected” the three Persons of God, when the Trinity became too difficult to understand. Heresies ensued. 1,700 years ago, a Church Council was called to settle what the Church would believe about the Three-in-One that is God.

Join us for the Wind and Fire of the Holy Spirit, come upon the Church at Pentecost! Hear about the story that launched 3,000 baptisms in the first day!

Hear about Paul and Silas, and a couple of faith heroes of more recent centuries, “singing in darkness” about their faith. Be encouraged to do the same, for yourself, for others, for God. If you wish to have the story fresh in mind before hearing the message about it, you might want to read the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 16, verses 16-34.

What is worth your life? On Memorial Day, we remember and thank God for many who risked, and ultimately sacrificed their lives for our nation and the liberty of others. Hear Pastor Dave talk about laying down one’s life, whether for the ideals of our nation, or for a much grander and eternal Kingdom.

Hear about fishing… with the guidance of the risen Lord! Take a look at the Gospel according to John, chapter 21, for a preview and background, if you’d like.

If you’re from Missouri, you’re familiar with the “Show Me State” motto on the license plates. Thomas the Twin was the one who voiced honest doubt several times in the Gospel stories. Hear about honest doubt becoming strong faith, when confronted with incontrovertible evidence. Enjoy the story.

Hear again the story of that first Easter morning. Hear how the disciples at home received (or not) the news from the faithful women who went to the tomb. Rejoice, and shout Hallelujah!

The story of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is pretty well known… The palms, the coats on the road, the shouts of acclamation… and a King on a donkey. Hear Pastor Dave explain why a donkey, and talk about why our Lord sent two men, just to fetch a donkey.

48. Anointed with Love David Buchanan Download

47. Lenten Midweek April 9

Hear Pastor Dave talk about one of Jesus’ famous parables: The Prodigal Son. For this message, we rename it “The Forgiving Father,” as it is the Father who is the true main character and model for life. Enjoy!

Lent Midweek April 2

44. Lenten Midweek Meditation March 26 David Buchanan Download

For this week’s Lenten Midweek Meditation, hear Pastor Dave read and talk about the Narrow Door, through which we are helped by our Lord and Savior.