First Pres Orlando Sermons

Dr. Case Thorp | 1 Peter 2:9-17 The 250th anniversary of our country is significant, indeed, and Christianity has played a key role in her formation. Of course, we want Christianity to play a key role going forward, even as our nation diversifies. What, then, is the allegiance we hold as citizens of a nation and citizens of God's Kingdom? What is the difference between nationalism, of which w...

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 3:9-22 We are not built to understand everything. The big picture would overwhelm us, but we ARE built to pursue the biggest thing - eternity with God. He made us in a way that our hearts long to find Him...

Pastoral Intern Ben Willsey | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Time is a tremendous challenge for us. It moves slow at points and too fast at others. We never seem to have enough and we know ours will one day run out. God, thankfully, orders the seasons of our lives - our "times" (Psalm 31).

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-14, 17, 23 These are three common visions of a life that can overcome the curse. We cling to them because they are something to do in the face of the challenges and sadnesses of a broken world. If I can just enjoy enough, become smart enough, or work hard enough, perhaps I can escape the chaos of the curse. But there is only one thing that can mend a broken w...

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 We will often use bubbles to hide in to protect ourselves from reality - to make ourselves believe this is really home when it is not. We are nomads. No amount of wisdom or laughter or commercial success will change that. However, if death is a reality, then life becomes a gift - a privilege - and a purposeful endeavor. 

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 It's a question that has plagued the human mind from the beginning. Ecclesiastes is an exploration of that question beginning with the circular nature of life - that no matter how hard we try, we won't get answers. But is he looking in the right place?

Dr. Paul Gibson | Acts 1:1-11 Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:4, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised...the Holy Spirit." The disciples had this promise, but still had to wait until the day of Pentecost to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How did the disciples handle this period of waiting? How do we handle the in-between of living in God's promises th...

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 3:7-12 Building on the message from May 3, the church at Thyatira faced false teaching as well, and they did something about it - those who would not accept discipline were thrown out of the church. We have to realize why we have theological and doctrinal standards. These protect the Church while equipping the next generations. Strategic Priority 2!

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 1:3-7 Paul writes of the rich legacy of faith he was left by particular women, an important theme on Mother's Day.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:18-29 It is becoming increasingly hard to identify as a Christian and not take some heat for it or be faced with hostility. This was the situation for Thyatira as well. God writes to that church to encourage them to stand firm and to watch out for false teachers. This is why elders and deacons matter in the life of the church. Truth and doctrine must be guarded car...

Rev. Tanner Fox | John 11:38-44 Jesus reveals the power He has over death in this story with Lazarus. The same power that will bring Him back from the dead, defeating our final enemy and inviting us to walk in newness of life! Even after He is brought back to life, He is still wrapped in the grave clothes that He died in and needs the help of others to lay those aside and to truly embrace His resu...

Dr. Jack Peebles | John 20:19-29 The risen Jesus appears to fearful, uncertain disciples - not with judgment, but with peace. His resurrection presence turns locked rooms into places of commissioning. Easter does not end at the empty tomb; it continues as the risen Christ sends ordinary people into the world, breathing new life and purpose into them. 

Dr. David Swanson | James 4:1-10 People seem angry these days and it's mostly because they can't get what they want. On this Confirmation, we are grateful, because in the words of the Rolling Stones, you now have "what you need."

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, 47-58 Paul lays out an important apologtic for why we believe the resurrection is true. When we do, then we will act today based on what we believe will happen in the future. Even in tough times, will still have the "fury of hope."

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 19:28-40 The details surrounding Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem give us many clues about what was to come, but also His divine nature.

Dr. David Swanson | John 19:28 We are a thirsty people, but little quenches. Jesus' words from the cross reveal our own thirst and the depths of His own suffering to quench it.

Dr. Case Thorp | Deuteronomy 8:10-18 Work can become an idol that distracts us from intimacy with God. What is a good theology of work that aligns such work to Kingdom purposes and doesn't become that illusive idol we serve?

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 145:4, 13-21 As we point to the next 150 years, we can take great comfort in God's dominion and faithfulness through ALL generations. Our task is to continue to love Him well, to desire Him fully in all the challenges of life, and to take seriously the charge to commend Him to the next generations. 

Dr. Jack Peebles | Psalm 145:1-12 It would be tempting to stand on the precipice of such a milestone and pat ourselves on the back, but David makes it clear that praise belongs to One and only One. He is the reason we are still here after 150 years. The good and the bad, He has used it all, so we appropriately praise Him today as we point to the future.

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 90:1-12 As we get ready to celebrate 150 years, Psalm 90 offers us a helpful reset on the important things to remember at such a time—who we belong to, who is in charge, who is making a mess of it, and why such reflection matters.

Rev. Alexa Holcomb | Revelation 22:1-5 When we think about our call to global mission, we often think (rightly!) about being obedient to the Great Commission. But do we reflect on the beauty of that promise fulfilled, that heaven will be full of people from all nations and cultures of the world we live in now? It is essential to what makes heaven, heaven–the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption...

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 6:30-34 Jesus' words in Matthew 6 discuss our fears and insecurities, things that often keep us from being full participants in God's Kingdom work. Jesus flips it around when He says if we'll seek Him first - jump in - we'll wind up with the very thing we worried about to begin with.

Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 4:11-13 It is increasingly difficult to faithfully live the Christian life in this culture, but if we have any shot, we have to focus on being equipped and prepared, something the church is called to do.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ephesians 4:1-6 Ephesians gives us a beautiful picture of moving from death to life in Christ while also offering us a vision of what this life ought to look like! After Paul describes all who are being brought in, Jews and Gentiles alike, he moves to reveal the nature of the calling of the Christian. Before we are sent into the world with fruits of the Spirit, we are to practice...

Dr. David Swanson | Colossians 3:17 We value doing things for the Lord to the best of our ability. We do that in the knowledge of our sin and brokenness, trusting that God will use our meager efforts for His glory.