First Assembly NLR Audio Podcast

We have had a lot of requests for the song Pastor Brad wrote for the Arkansas District Council Ordination Service, so we are making it available for download here.  It's a great song about living the dream God wants for you!

It's not easy when plans for life don't work out - when everything you thought you could be, should be, and would be isn't, won't be, and doesn't look like it ever will be.  What message does God have for us in these times?

After hearing the stories of the ladies involved in human trafficking, Pastor Brad wrote this song.  We wanted to share it with you.  We took an offering, but please keep them in your prayers!

For years, people have used those little yellow notes to remind themselves or others of all kinds of things. If God left a post it note for you, what would He say?  What would He want you to remember?

Is life not going as you expected? It's not fair.  It hurts. You ask, why me? What did I do to deserve this? Has God forgotten me? If God is supposed to be a loving God, how could this happen? 

Pastor Rod finishes "Average Pete" with one of the most encouraging passages in the entire Bible. If you've messed up or failed, there's still hope for you!

The story of Peter is one of high highs and low lows.  On one hand, he walked on water with Jesus, and on the other, he denied he even knew him when it mattered most.  Why are the low points included in the Bible?  It may be so we can see the danger signs that lead to ultimate failure.  By taking a closer look at the story, we can identify and avoid those same mistakes in our lives.

Why did Jesus, the Son of God, wash the feet of His disciples? What was He trying to teach them, and us?

The apostle Peter is known to history as a great leader of the early church.  But early on, he was basically a loudmouth fisherman.  At one point, Peter chastized Jesus for predicting strife ahead for his followers.  Jesus gave him a harsh public rebuke, calling him Satan.  Ouch! Why did Jesus do that?  He wanted his followers at the time, and today, too, to understand that following Him carries a...

Why should we forgive?  How do we forgive?  What does it mean to forgive?  This is a subject we need to talk about often because this one issue often keeps people locked in the past - in a cycle of bitterness, anger, hurt, and regret.  Unforgiveness paralyzes families, destroys marriages, and ends long-term friendships.  Excuses don't change the fact that not forgiving hurts you, not the person yo...

It's a famous story - when Jesus walked on the water during a storm, and it's Pete, average, normal, regular Pete, who briefly walks on the water with Jesus.  What can we learn from this encounter during our storms of life?  

There is a cost to following Jesus.  So many people miss out on the adventure, because they aren't willing to obey and sacrifice.  They opt out and never really make a difference. 

Bible characters sometimes seem like superheroes - bigger than life people in extraordinary circumstances, like Moses, Noah, David, or Daniel in the lion's den.  The truth is, though, people in the Bible made mistakes, said stupid things, and often acted foolish.  Through this, God shows  us He can use anyone, even an average joe like Peter,  a rough fisherman from a tiny town.

In this message, Pastor Rod talks about the signs of a healthy church.

Pastor Brian Dollar finishes up the Five for the Fight series with this message on Ephesians 6:10-17 - what is the full armor of God?

The apostle Peter warns us that Satan is constantly looking for ways to attack Christians.  He says we should expect it and be alert.  But he also gives us a promise we can find in God!  

Sometimes in life you may feel overwhelmed with loneliness, like nobody understands you, or that nobody else is with you. It's almost like it's you against an entire army. Today we take a look at a passage of scripture that can help! Today's verse is 2 Timothy 4:18

Sometimes in life, it seems like the odds are stacked against us.  Sometimes we try to come up with our own plans that can get us in more trouble.  In this message, Rod Loy looks at three principles for fighting when the odds are against you.

You lose your job, you have an unexpected medical expense, sales go down, scholarships fall through, you get a tough report from the doctor, you are called in for a meeting...what's your normal first reaction?  Fear.  You don't know what's next.  You don't know the answers.  In this message, Rod Loy looks at what to do when you realize you are in the middle of a fight, and you're not sure what to...

We are in a fight.  We are in a war.  But we are not fighting against each other, progress, other churches or followers of Jesus, culture, politicians, or even against sinners.  The Bible says our struggle is against the Devil and his forces of evil. The church in America has often been distracted from the right fight.  In this series, Pastor Rod is going to share insight into five different scrip...

Are you disappointed?  Sometimes we feel disappointment if we don't get what we want for Christmas, but it is usually a lot deeper.  What happens when you are disappointed with life?    How do you deal with it?

This is Pastor Brad's original theme song for our new Five for the Fight series, which starts in January 2011.  Go ahead and download the song and start listening!  This is going to be an inspiring, energetic way to start the new year!    

Pastor Rod ends the giant series with this inspiring message.  Just like the underdog David, you can defeat the giants in your life! Your victory will inspire others to tackle their giants.

One of the most powerful speeches in the Bible was delivered by a young shepherd boy.  It was undoubtedly inspired by God.  It's just 124 words long, but filled with meaning.  If you are facing a big challenge, a struggle, a giant in your life, you need to make this speech your declaration and your prayer!