First Assembly NLR Audio Podcast

Unspoken tension. Broken trust. Years of silence. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone—and there's hope. In this powerful message from our Family Mechanics series, Pastor Rod shares how the biblical story of Jacob and Esau offers a roadmap to healing fractured relationships. Whether you're dealing with unresolved conflict between siblings, parents, spouses, or children—this message will help...

Is your home filled with laughter and love—or frustration, division, and silence? In this powerful message from our Family Mechanics series, we will explore the story of Joseph's wildly dysfunctional family and show how God can take broken relationships and bring healing, restoration, and unity.

There are a few constants in life - things you can't change even if you try. One of those constants is aging - every day you get older. No matter how hard you try, wrinkles come, bones ache, and youthful beauty slips away. If becoming old is inevitable, how do you become the best old person you can be? As we continue our series, "Family Mechanics", we will look at Paul's words in 2 Timothy. Togeth...

Are you letting God take the wheel, or are you trying to navigate life's chaos on your own? In this powerful kickoff to our Family Mechanics series, we explore how prayer, God's Word, and active faith can keep your family on the right road—even when life throws you curves.

Telling the truth doesn't always go well. People get offended and defensive when you point out an area of their life that needs to change. Hearing a difficult truth often feels like being attacked. But as followers of Jesus, how should we handle telling and receiving these truths? In this message, as we conclude looking at Paul's letter to the Galatians, we consider the third life-changing questio...

Do you feel worn out, tired, and stuck? Does it seem like no matter how hard you try, you can't succeed? When you rely on your ability instead of God's power, you are headed for an epic disaster. In this message, we continue looking at Paul's words to the church in Galatia. You will discover another life-changing question and learn how to avoid the danger of depending on yourself.

In our world, success is measured through popularity, possessions, and power. The more you have, the more successful you are. We all face the temptation to get more, be more, and do more. But as biblical Christians, we must live differently. If you are tired of trying to prove yourself and want a more fulfilling way to live, we have 3 questions that can change your life! This message starts a new...

This message concludes our "Come Home" series. You will be challenged to consider how you treat prodigals. Are you the obstacle standing in the way of their homecoming? Be ready to change!

In this message, we will focus on a different character in the prodigal son story - the father. He didn't respond the way you might expect when his son came back. He didn't lecture. He didn't condemn. He didn't argue. He welcomed his son home with open arms and an epic celebration. 

At FirstNLR, we want to make it easy for people to come back to Jesus. We want our words, actions, and attitude to open the door for prodigals to become life-long followers. To do that, we must make the path home easy for people to follow. This message continues our Come Home series. Together, we look at the obstacles that keep people from coming home and the path that leads them back. This is an...

What really happens when someone runs from God? In this message, we explore Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son and uncover the predictable pattern that follows spiritual rebellion. From leaving the safety, security, and blessing of home to facing loss, shame, and isolation—this teaching walks through every stage of what it looks like to turn away from God. This message reveals the dangers of runni...

You often hear me say, "Blessing follows obedience." Obedience in your finances, marriage, ministry, and workplace will lead to God's blessing in your life. Sadly, many people discover the opposite principle is just as true - consequences follow disobedience. In this message, we finish looking at David's epic failure. After a painful cover-up, David foolishly thought he got away with sin. When his...

Have you ever felt unseen? Like your prayers go unnoticed and your situation is too far gone? In the story of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), we're reminded that no one is invisible to God. A blind beggar sitting on the side of the road, overlooked by everyone else, caught the attention of Jesus with just one thing—his faith. What miracle or impossibility have you given up on? This message is a call t...

It's inevitable: you will make mistakes, sin, and mess up. When that happens, you have two choices: cover up or confess. There's a lot riding on your decision. In this message, we continue learning from a monumental mistake in David's life. Because he decided to cover up instead of confessing, he faced horrible consequences. You will learn a practical path to make things right so you don't experie...

At FirstNLR, a core value is: The Bible Is Our Guidebook for Living. We believe the entire Bible should be used to guide us through the journey of life. Even when the truths are difficult to hear, The Bible is Our Guidebook for Living. This message begins a challenging series. We will discuss a topic that will make many people uncomfortable. In spite of the difficult topic, it's one we need to add...

In this message, we finish looking at the greatest jailbreak in history! Paul and Silas were faced with an incredibly difficult situation. Their response will challenge you to face trouble and heartache in a different way.  This is a great message to share with others!

There is a common saying, "Show me your friends and I will show you your future." Although it's a cheesy cliche, the lesson is true - your future can be predicted by your relationships. In this message, we continue learning from the greatest jailbreak in history! Paul and Silas were faced with extreme difficulty and responded with worship and praise - it was a powerful display of faith. But the de...

What has been the hardest day of your life? Out of all the difficult moments you could have picked, why that one? Did someone close to you pass away? Did you lose your job? Did your kids walk away? Whatever it was, we've all faced seasons of difficulty. In this message, we begin a new series focusing on an incredible story from the life of Paul and Silas. We will look at one of the most amazing pr...

In this message, we will learn a biblical command that may seem unreasonable and difficult to follow: Rom. 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. As we conclude our study of Romans 12, this counter-cultural command will give you a life-changing way to think!

We live in a world obsessed with pride. You are told to stand out, be the best, and never admit weakness. Culture celebrates self-promotion, competition, and the need to prove your worth. Pride is ugly and has devastating effects. In this message, as we continue looking at Romans 12, we come to a verse where Paul confronts pride and challenges you to live a life of humility. In a world of self-pro...

Everyone experiences moments of victory and moments of defeat. No matter who you are, there will be times of pain and times of celebration. The difference for the follower of Jesus is, you are not alone! This message continues our series, "Buckle Up". You will be challenged to: Rom. 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. You will discover practical and effective ways to...

As we continue looking at Romans chapter 12, we come to verses 13 and 14: Rom. 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Paul's words are a clear and straightforward command for each of us - it's time to be generous and hospitable. In this message, you will learn practical ways to follow Paul's command. You will also be presented with the opportunity to put generosity in...

In this message, as we continue "Buckle Up", we look at Romans chapter 12, verses 11 and 12: Rom. 12:11 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Get ready, this message is going to be very, very challenging. It could also be absolutely life changing. We pray you will discover or re-discover a pass...

In the Church, we all play a role in reaching lost people and making life-long followers of Jesus. There are no superheroes, A-listers, or lone warriors - we come together to form a team that Paul calls "the body of Christ" (1 Cor. 12). This message continues our series, "Buckle Up". We learn how God designed His Church to accomplish His mission by using people just like you! Buckle up - we've got...

When someone says, "Buckle Up", you know there is something ahead you need to prepare for. It may be a challenge, a difficulty or a hard truth, but no matter what it is, you need to buckle up! This message kicks off a new series: "Buckle Up". At FirstNLR we believe in being Biblical Christians - the Bible should guide how we talk, act, and treat others. In this series, we dive deep into Romans cha...