First Free Methodist - FFMC

We all know what commitments or duties we have. What about our devotion? More than commitment or duty, devotion invites us into something deeper. In devotion we are changed by gratitude and generosity working in the grace of God. This week we discover the power of devotion.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Lost Son) is one of the most well-known stories Jesus told. We should wonder why we are fixated on the "lost" son more than the forgiving father as portrayed in this story. It is a powerful story of forgiveness and grace offered to those who welcome it and even resist it.

All of us wonder why things happen the way they do. Sometimes it is about something that creates joy and wonder while, at other moments, it is pain or grief. Trying to know "why" is hard work. Perhaps there is a different way to live where God's Spirit provides all we need.

We live in one of the most polarizing times in recent memory. We argue about politics, religion, relationships, and so much more. What matters most in these times when we are pushed and pulled by so many? This week's episode opens us up to a new way of being followers of Jesus in a polarized age.

We all face temptation. Sometimes it is on a small scale, and other times it can destroy lives and relationships. The greatest temptation of all is to believe that one has no temptations. This week, we dive into how temptation comes to us and what to do about it.

We all face temptation. Sometimes it is on a small scale, and other times it can destroy lives and relationships. The greatest temptation of all is to believe that one has no temptations. This week, we dive into how temptation comes to us and what to do about it.

When is Jesus at His best? The passage of scripture for today's episode might lead us to believe that it is when Jesus is glorified in power and appears with Moses and Elijah on a mountain. Could the lesson of this story be about the moment when people were "amazed" at Him? If it is, then Jesus is at his greatest down in the valley with all of us.

Legalism is always a danger in any religion. Christians are not called to follow a law but a Savior, Jesus. Knowing the difference between following a law versus following a person can make all the difference. When we follow Jesus, we can let go of rule-keeping and rest in a life of grace led by Jesus.

Jesus' parting words to His followers are to go and make disciples. What is a disciple, and how does one go about making one? This week's episode explores how being a follower of Jesus makes us uniquely able to do what Jesus asks of us.

Generosity is a key practice to living as a follower of Jesus. Giving can open doors of thanksgiving and even more giving if we will just trust God's promise to guide us. This week's episode explores how the practice of giving can change our lives in so many ways.

We all face the reality of growing. Sometimes growing older demands much of our attention, especially early in our life and late in our life. What about growing other parts of our lives? This week's episode puts the attention on our spiritual growth and why it matters.

Time is one of the few things in life we cannot find more of. When faced with making time for what is important, it is easy to let urgent things get in the way of the most important things. The worship of God can be easily crowded out in our daily lives. This week's episode explores why the worship of God just might matter the most.

How do the followers of Jesus live during a time of "anything goes”? It may seem like a question for today, but it was also the same question Christians struggled with 2,000 years ago. This week's podcast episode explores the seldom-read book of Jude with its surprising truth for us and the age in which we live.

The story of the Magi visiting the young Jesus is a rich story which often gets lost in the Christmas celebration. The Magi represent a deep expression of love and worship as they bring their three gifts to the Christ child. This week's episode explores how those gifts offer us an example of how we should give our own gifts to Jesus today.

From "God bless you!" to " Count your blessings", the word "blessing" has come to mean many things. Most everyone would like a blessing to be sure! What is a blessing and how does it come to us? Is it just another word for luck or enjoying God's special favor? This week's episode explores what it means to be blessed and how we see blessings in a new light.

Repentance can make us stop in our tracks. We then have to wonder about where to go from there. John the Baptist tells his own listeners to focus on generosity as a response to repentance. He says that these acts of gratitude are "worthy" fruits of repentance.

We are usually more in touch with feelings of remorse and regret than we are with repentance. The first two words focus on emotions of guilt and shame while repentance places the focus squarely on changing our behaviors and practice. Remorse and regret may lead us to repentance but, they are not the same. This week's episode explores the hope which can be found in repentance.