First Church Williamsport

God's past provision of a way forward with the Israelites in Egypt is proof that God will provide a way forward today even when it seems impossible. Place your faith in the reality of Christ more than the circumstances around you.

God creatively provides a way where there seems to be no way in the deserts of life. The celebration of the Lord’s supper where we recognize Christ as the Lamb of God is a powerful experience of this reality.

God is in this desert season of life, just like He was with Moses in the Desert of Sinai. Even though we quickly realize we're out of control amidst things like a global pandemic, we can use this time as an opportunity for transformation and come back stronger. What is one thing you could do to learn more about God in this current season of life?

By studying Luke and Acts, we find that the lives of Jesus and Paul have major parallels. This intentional literary design by the author of both of these Biblical books shows that anyone, even someone like Paul who regularly persecuted Christians, has the ability to make a difference for the Kingdom. This opportunity means more now than ever in our world that desperately needs love and light. Get...

The Christian life is messy. But the wonderful mystery is that God still moves in the midst of that, so we can share the Good News of Jesus' love.

The early Christians were regularly hunted down and persecuted for their faith. With their lives on the line, what they needed was courage to remain faithful. That courage could only come from one source -- God. Those early followers of Jesus were strong in conviction and valued their faith more than their earthly popularity. When our hope is greater than our fear, and we have the boldness to ask...

The early Christians were a people who lived in God’s truth and took advantage of the opportunities that God gave them to share the Gospel message no matter what the circumstances. By living into God’s truth today we seek to take advantage of the opportunities God is giving us in hard times to share the Gospel message.

In God's Kingdom, miracles alleviate suffering or trouble. Many miracles have the power to change the course of our lives forever. This week's sermon also includes testimony from Payton, who shares how God's presence miraculously transformed her perspective on love and purpose, which ultimately saved her life. How can you point someone to Jesus this week?

The original Chrisitan movement was effective because of the way it related to and loved its context; it was different in its approach which made it all the more attractive to unbelievers. Only when the Gospel cuts our heart can we become more devoted to God, devoted to apostolic teaching, and devoted to being love on the move in our community. How do you see yourself committing to devotion to the...

When we experience change and God's transformation, it can often be confusing and difficult. Just like the disciples at Pentecost, we too are living in a new church culture. But we are given an opportunity to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to foster community by loving the individuals around us. How can you live into being sent into this community in order to build the Church? Acts 2:40-47 (NASB)...

It is not enough to not be racist. We must be anti-racist. How can you pursue justice in the face of racism? Life Application: DO NOT: Ignore the problem. Make excuses. Be silent. Do nothing. Stay neutral. DO: Lament. Listen. Learn. Love. Repent. Model the love of Christ. Pray. Relate. Show up. Cry arm in arm with those suffering and hurting.

A new type of church is being born today. What's your part in it? Life Application : Here are some possible next steps: —Prayer Walk: Walk through your neighborhood and pray for your neighbors —Disciple's Journey: What's your next step in our Disciple's Journey experience? Commit to taking it. —Spread positivity: Commit to loving your neighbors in tangible ways like baking, writing letters, o...

Pure religion goes to the rescue of vulnerable people, including orphans and children in foster care. Life Application: Everyone can do something. What's your 'something'? You can support the efforts of DWELL orphan care by: 1) Prayer Support -- Commit to praying for the children in foster and adoptive care, for those children in need of families, for the families who are fostering and adopting, a...

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”   Life Application: How is God calling you to share the g...

The peace of Jesus transcends our circumstances.  Life Application: How has your relationship with Jesus been affected by doubt? How can you be a witness to Jesus by caring for the needs of others?

Jesus understands and heals our wounds. He strengthens us to continue the journey. Life Application: Where do you need strength in your faith journey?

Jesus restores people who fail. Life Application: Meditate on your life. What failure is keeping you from faithfully following Jesus?

The Resurrected Jesus offers peace to any who are afraid, no matter where they are. Life Application: What's a fear you have? Ask God to help you realize and experience His peace, and for the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome all fear.

We know the Risen Christ comes to us in hard times because He did the same for Mary at the empty tomb.   Life Application: Where do you need to linger longer in order to experience the Risen Christ?

There are times of heroic discipleship. But more often than not, most disciples are called to more mundane acts to usher in the King Life Application: Ways to share and prepare the Way of the Lord this week: 1) In Worship: Make an effort this week to share in all of the worship opportunities of Holy Week 2) In Service: Choose to serve someone this week in a way that you show them God’s love, no ma...

Miracles occur where the Holy Spirit is present. Life Application: Pray every day this week: For self:  “Lord, may my heart be so aligned with yours that I do what you did (and more) in the power of the Holy Spirit.” For the church: “Lord, fill First Church with the anointing of your Holy Spirit that we may do what you did, and more."

How can you experience transformation in your emotions through Christ? Resources: Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

You don't need superpowers to defeat the evil powers of this world. You just need the anointing power of the Holy Spirit, which we all have access to! Life Application: Experience the full anointing of the Holy Spirit in order to do what Jesus did. How?           1) Pray and ask God for Holy Spirit anointing and unleashing           2) If you are not baptized, consider taking this step.          ...

We can use Jesus' model of solidifying His identity as the Son of God to form and live out our spiritual identity. Life Application: What are you bound to because of your identity? How do you uncover and address your own hypocrisy?

The good life is found not in demanding for ourselves, but in emptying ourselves for others. Life Application: What is a step you can take this week to join with God in His plan? How can you empty yourself in order to experience the good life with things like your time, your finances, or your heart?