First Pres Orlando Sermons

Dr. Case Thorp | So if Christ has overcome our sin, then what's the point of the law now? Romans 3:20

Dr. David Swanson | Jesus declares that it's over, but we don't fully grasp what that means.  It means the work of our redemption (chapter 3) is over - there is nothing left for us to do - but we seem to struggle in getting that message.  We have not appropriated it into our lives which, in turn, keeps us from fulfilling the purpose for which God redeemed us - HIs Kingdom and His glory!...

Dr. David Swanson | We are careful in our relationship with God. We want to go part way, but not all the way. We don't want to be so committed that others think us strange. So we hold back. We don't use our gifts. We don't really, fully commit. Jesus did. It's time for us as well. Luke 23:44-49

Dr.  David Swanson | The two thieves provide a stark contrast in how people approach Jesus.  One is the way of death  - blame and self-righteousness, the other is humble - and the way of salvation - which are we?  Luke 23:35-43

Dr. David Swanson | As the embodiment of sin, Jesus knew the complete rejection of the Father - he was the "derelict" of the Father - on our behalf. Mark 15:33-37

Dr. Jack Peebles | Build on ideas about the Body of Christ - family of God - community (neighborhoods, vocations).  John 19:25-27

Dr. David Swanson | We must reflect on the truth that we are culpable in the death of Jesus.  We are the ones who "grip the spear and watch the blood and water flow." Luke 23:26-34

Dr. David Swanson | Looking at idolatries, we thirst for the things of God, but we try to quench them with many other things.  Only in Christ do we find the living water that quenches all thirst. John 19:26-30

Dr. David Swanson | The Law of God demands our perfect obedience, a requirement that is beyond us.  Will use this to talk about the Fall (and idolatries) as we lead into Lent. Matthew 22:37-40

Dr. Case Thorp | God created us, but He also created ALL things - and it was ALL good - pointing us to the cultural mandate to use His good creation in being "productive" -  creating culture in ways that point back to Him. Genesis 1:31

Dr. David Swanson | Looking again at creation, we are made in his image.  Will build on our identity and giftedness/uniqueness in understanding our purpose - and how we use that to glorify God. Genesis 1:27

Dr. David Swanson | Building on the power of water in life (creating power, waves, undertow, etc), we remember the power of our baptism - an outward sign and seal of what has happened inwardly - the gift and FIRE of the Spirit within us. Matthew 28:19-20

Dr. David Swanson | Starting with chapter one of the four chapter gospel, we look at the nature of God as Creator and  Sustainer of all things. Psalm 86:8-10, 15

Dr. David Swanson | While there are many temptations in life regarding things in which we hope, the singular hope of my life - and of the world - is Jesus Christ.  Romans 14:7-9

Rev. Tanner Fox | The Christian story offers hope to a world unlike any other story. Each new year, folks have a renewed sense of hope that they and the world around them can be just a bit better, smarter, thinner, more successful, etc. than the year before. But in Christ, there is a better story, a better motivation, a sustainable path of growth. In Christ, the fate of this world is secure. The t...

Dr. David Swanson

Dr. David Swanson | We all have moments in life that cause us to question what we believe and why. Christmas is that way for many as year after year, we are brought near to the incarnation.  Is this the Son of God? The hymn was written by a devout Christian as he lay near death, contemplating the things of God while reading His Bible. He wound up writing many other beloved hymns, but it was out of...

Dr. Jack Peebles | Originally intended as a poetic retelling of Psalm 98 published in 1719, and eventually put to music in 1836, “Joy to the World” became one of the most famous creations by Isaac Watts and Christmas hymns of all time. His desire was to offer a view of the Psalm through a Christological lens, connecting the first and second comings of Jesus. As we see Christmas within the larger s...

Dr. David Swanson  | Following WW2, Vietnam and other painful moments, the world buzzed with the Cold War, fearing that true peace would never come. The authors wrote Do You Hear What I Hear as a reminder of what God had said and revealed - the goodness and light coming in Jesus.  Isaiah 9:2-7

Dr. David Swanson | In a time of Irish/English strife, this hymn was oddly written by a firely newspaper editor who had a vision for bringing ALL people together.  This is the gift of the gospel.  It's the most inclusive faith in the world. Luke 2:8-14

Dr. David Swanson | Our series concludes heading into Thanksgiving weekend with a look at prayers of thanksgiving. Growing in our thankfulness may be one of the most important dynamics to our life in Christ. Colossians 1:10-14

Dr. David Swanson | Paul prays for the mature in faith that they, having been loved in Christ, would realize their call to serve in Christ's Kingdom. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

Rev. Tanner Fox | Our need to ask others to pray for us - the joy of praying for one another. Romans 15:30-33

Dr. David Swanson | We all tend to be rather impatient people, and that extends to our life in Christ - and our prayer life.  However, when the love of God is poured out into our hearts by faith, our patience can grow.  We do not have to demand immediacy as we know God is already at work, loving us fully. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

Dr. David Swanson | We are in a season where people are searching for hope, but that hope seems to be elusive.  It was the same in Paul’s day, leading him to pray for the Roman Christians that they might look to God as the true source of hope, one grounded in the Scriptures, generating deeper faith and the fruit of joy and peace.  When our foundation is the God of hope, our hope for the future ove...