First Assembly NLR Audio Podcast

Can one person make a difference?  In the Bible, and in our lives, we can see how one person, who is dedicated to a cause, can change the world.    If we don't do anything, will it stop God's plan?  No, but it would rob us of the chance to be involved in what God is doing.

A Rube Goldberg machine is a deliberately complicated way to perform a simple task.  It is a chain reaction that starts with something simple.  We can all be part of God's process.  We are a strategic link in a chain reaction that can and will touch and change the world.

One person can make a huge difference for God in the world.   If we could see in advance how we could make a difference, we would sign up in a heartbeat.  But we have to choose obdedience, knowing that God will use us in ways we cannot even imagine right now.  In this series, Pastor Rod will look at the power of one person to set in motion a chain of events that can have a powerful effect on the w...

What is normal?  Are you normal?   Society and church have changed a lot over the years, but what is supposed to be normal?   What does a normal family look like, according to the Bible?

What is normal for a church?  What is God's definition of what is normal for a church? What can we do to get back to and preserve that?

Christians are called to be the representatives of Jesus in a sin-filled world.  The Apostle Paul told the church to live a life worth of that calling.  He described what that looks like in Ephesians chapters 4, 5, and 6.  One of the biggest challenges in the church today is that too many Christians act normal instead of the new normal Paul describes.  In this message, Rod Loy talks about what Pau...

When you live a life worthy of the calling, if you are truly committed to Jesus, it shows in the way you speak.  People should be able to listen to you and know something is different. But what is supposed to be normal for a Christian?

What is "normal"?  What you consider normal is different depending on where you are, and who you are with.  What is normal in one place would be weird somewhere else.  What used to be normal no longer is.  What is normal for a person who is a follower of Christ?

What you are concerned about says a lot about your values.  What are you concerned about?  How does it line up with what God is concerned about?

It's funny, isn't it?  We should be able to learn from other people's mistakes and failures.  We should be able to read a story or see it as it happens with someone else and apply it to our own lives.  We should, but often we don't.   What does it usually take for us to learn life lessons?  What can we do about it?

Life on the run - running from God.  It's not a physical thing - you aren't literally sprinting.  It's more of a decision to ignore His plan for your life.  There is a predictable pattern that develops in the life of a person who runs from God.  Looking at a famous story in the Bible, we'll see this pattern and what it means for us.

What is a hypocrite?  Someone who pretends to be something they are not.  They seem to practice religion, but really, they are just playing games.  Jesus calls them lukewarm. 

No circumstance, attack, or pressure is greater than the power of God.  No enemy can stop God's plan for you!  Quit letting news channels, politicians, and gloomy Facebook posts determine your outlook on life.  They aren't the ones that are in control!

When a Christian becomes soley focused on doing things for God rather than being a child of God, it can become dangerous.  While we should work for Him, we were *designed* for relationship with Him!

Our culture tells us that a little sin is okay.  It won't hurt us.  But small compromises lead to major failures.  What can we learn from Jesus' message to the church in the ancient city of Pergamum?

When you find yourself in the middle of a battle, when you are facing your biggest struggle, Jesus is there.  He's right there with you - reminding you He is greater than anything you face.

Have you ever been more in love with Jesus than you are right now?

Struggling with depression? You're not alone! In this message, we conclude Roller Coaster Living with Elijah's lowest moment. You'll be encouraged.

Sometimes, the roller coaster of life wears you down.  You don't think you can take it anymore.  The lows make you forget the highs.  In moments of dispair, it's hard to remember everything God has done.  How should we handle these dips in our life's roller coaster?

It's one of the most famous stories from the Bible.  Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal.  How was Elijah able to have the confidence to face what seemed to be overwhelming odds in this showdown?

When things are going from bad, to good, to bad, to great, to worse, it's a roller coaster of life that can wear you out.  Some of us have been there.  Some of us are there.  Every time it seems like things are going to get better, something else happens.  How do you deal with the lowest of the low points of life?

The roller coaster of life can be unpredictable, and it can be easy to lapse into fear and worry.  We explore how God sustained the prophet Elijah through an impossible situation.

Dr. Beth Grant, founder of Project Rescue, a ministry that rescues, educates, and supports women and children who were ensnared in the human trafficking industry.  Her message is challenging and convicting!  We cannot sit on our hope!

You can't "kind of" follow God's plan, or "kind of" pursue His vision.  If you serve Him with half your heart, you're not serving Him.  God wants a monopoly on your life.  He wants exclusive possession and total control.

One decision or action can set in motion a series of events that ends up in you being trapped.  In this message, we hope to help you open your eyes and see the process - how Satan tricks and traps you.