First Assembly NLR Audio Podcast

On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you? Most people spend their lives chasing happiness—thinking the next purchase, promotion, relationship, or breakthrough will finally bring lasting joy. In this message, as we continue studying Philippians Chapter 4, we'll look at one of the most quoted verses in the Bible and discover what Paul really meant when he said, "I can do everything through him who give...

Life is difficult when you live under pressure! Stress keeps building, your mind won't slow down, and it feels like one more thing might push you over the edge. This message continues our study of Philippians chapter 4. You will learn how to find peace in the midst of pressure. If you've been carrying more than you can handle, this message is for you!

This message kicks off our new series on Philippians chapter 4! We encourage you to read it repeatedly through this series and allow the Lord to speak to you! How do you handle conflict in the church? No matter who you are or what the conflict is about, you must resolve conflict biblically. If we get this right, First NLR can continue being a safe, healthy, encouraging place for people to experien...

What Do You Do When Life Doesn't Go As Planned? Life is full of unexpected moments. Some bring joy, others bring pain, confusion, and questions. You make plans, you prepare for your future, you believe everything is going to work out, and then everything changes. In this powerful Easter message, you'll discover what it means to trust God in the middle of life's "Saturday seasons," the space betwee...

What would you do if God asked for something that's important to you? What if he asked for your time, your plans, or your resources? In this message, we look at the final week of Jesus' life. Days before His death and resurrection, Jesus gave an unusual command to his disciples. You will discover how ordinary obedience can set the stage for an extraordinary moment!

Life doesn't always go the way you plan. In moments of disappointment or confusion, it can feel like Jesus is nowhere to be found. This is the last message of our series, Face to Face with Jesus. You'll discover what happens when Jesus meets you in the middle of your disappointment. You may not see Him, but He's closer than you think!

Have you ever prayed and heard nothing? You asked, you waited, and God seemed quiet. In this message, we'll look at the story of Lazarus and discover a powerful truth: no matter how desperate your situation seems, God is still working. If you find yourself in a season of waiting, this message is for you!

Almost is one of the saddest words in the English language. You almost made it, but didn't quite get there! In this message, we'll look at a man who was almost all-in. He wanted eternal life, but wasn't willing to give Jesus full control. You'll discover that following Jesus isn't about almost serving Him. It's complete surrender in every area of your life. Don't settle for almost!

It's hard to describe our church. We have people from every background—different denominations, different races, different stories. It's a beautiful picture of what Heaven will look like! In this message, we'll look at the story of Matthew—a tax collector no one thought belonged. From two simple words, you will discover that Jesus doesn't look at labels, past mistakes, or public opinion. He sees p...

If you only had 30 seconds to tell someone what it meant to follow Jesus, what would you say? In this message, we'll look at a private conversation between Jesus and a man who was successful, intelligent, and popular. But in spite of his achievements, he still felt something was missing. You'll discover that following Jesus isn't about rules, religion, or reputation, but about a transformed life a...

In our loud, divided world, it's easy for people to feel pushed aside and ignored. In this message, we'll explore the story of Zacchaeus and discover how Jesus treats people others exclude. In a divided world, Jesus still stops, sees, and reaches out! You'll discover that no one is too broken, too different, or too far gone for Jesus. If you've ever felt excluded - or if you've wondered how to lov...

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to make quick money decisions you later regret? A few clicks, a little impulse, and suddenly your budget is blown. This message continues our series, What Jesus Says About Your Money. You'll learn why slowing down, counting the cost, and resisting impulse can completely change your financial future—and bring real freedom and peace. This message is practical, bi...

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for money to take control of your life? How you live, bless others, and obey God is often shaped by your financial situation. In this message, we continue the series What Jesus Says About Your Money by learning our second life-changing word. When debt piles up, stress grows, and freedom can feel farther away than ever. But you will discover an incredibly practi...

Does it ever feel like financial stress is always there? No matter how hard you try, does money make you worry? With rising costs and constant uncertainty, money can create worry and pressure in your life. In this message, we begin a new series called What Jesus Says About Your Money—a practical and encouraging look at how God's wisdom brings peace, clarity, and freedom. This series isn't about pr...

In this message, we kick off the new year by discovering how we can become—and stay—a Healthy Church. Whether you're new to our church family or have been part of First NLR for years, this message is an important reminder of your role in keeping our church healthy and strong. It's also a great message to share with your friends and family. They'll clearly see who we are and what we're about.

When was the last time life delivered an unexpected, devastating disappointment? Everything was going well - until trouble caught you by surprise. In this message, you'll hear the remarkable story of a family in our church who was struck by tragedy. Their perspective will inspire you and help you learn how to respond when disappointment hits without warning. If 2025 has been a difficult year, this...

For some, Christmas is a time of joy and laughter. For others, it's a reminder of pain, loss, or loneliness. But the powerful story of Christmas is that God came to us. In this Christmas message, Pastor Rod shares that Jesus is Immanuel, "God with us," and reminds us that even when life feels broken, uncertain, or dark, God has never left you. He is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Fa...

When was the last time you felt overwhelmed and stressed out? Do you feel that way this Christmas season? In this message, you will learn what happens when you live without peace—fear rises, doubts grow, and life feels uncertain. But you'll also discover the good news: Jesus is the Prince of Peace. His presence replaces your chaos with a calm confidence! If you have been overwhelmed by pressure, a...

Are holidays with your family complicated? Unrealistic expectations, sibling rivalries, and strained relationships can make the season feel heavy. This weekend, you will discover a powerful promise: Jesus is your Everlasting Father—a perfect, loving Father who never leaves, never hurts, and never gives up on His children. If your family situation is messy or painful, this message will be incredibl...

Have you ever faced a problem only God could fix? In this message, you'll discover that Jesus is our Mighty God — the God who opens doors, performs miracles, and shows up right on time. When life feels overwhelming, He is strong, powerful, and fully in control! If you need a reminder that God is bigger than your problems, this message will encourage your spirit and build your faith.

Have you ever had a big decision to make and wished you knew what to do next? Knowing where to go, what to say, or what to choose is difficult! In this message, you will discover that Jesus is your Counselor. He doesn't just give advice — He already knows your future and has a plan for your life. If you've been searching for direction, this message will remind you that you can trust God's plan!

This time of year, it's easy to get caught up in the parties, presents, and lights of the season. But Christmas isn't about any of those things — it's about Jesus. This message is the start of a new series called Jesus Is… where we'll look past the traditions and focus on who Jesus really is and why He came.

Have you ever felt like your life was too broken for God to use? In this message, we'll go back to the very beginning—the story of Creation—and see how it connects to Jesus. You'll see that from the start, God has been turning emptiness into purpose and chaos into peace. If you feel like your life is a mess, this message will remind you: God isn't intimidated by your chaos—He works miracles in it.

In this message of our Tipping Point series, you'll see how one act of obedience can change generations. We will trace our church all the way back to the cross and discover how every story started with someone who said yes. It is a fascinating journey! You will have an opportunity to be the tipping point for someone else's eternity. We take a special offering to partner with Project Rescue as they...

Have you ever had one moment that changed everything? One decision. One encounter. One act of obedience. This message kicks off our new series - Tipping Point. You will learn how key moments in life can change the course of eternity!