First Pres Orlando Sermons

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Kings 18:18-21 True transformation is only possible when we have truly yielded to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. Do we want to change or do we just say that, instead desiring in our hearts to keep doing the very same things?

Dr. David Swanson | Joshua 1:1-9 As we move into this series on the transforming power of God, we have to understand how it works and why we sometimes fight it.

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 16:11-15 Lydia's baptism gives us a perfect window into baptism as inclusionary event, family event, community event.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Joshua 2:1-3  The Lord wrote an amazing story about Rahab's life with unexpected twists and turns. How might the Lord be writing your story?

Bret Allen | Luke 2:18-19

Dr. David Swanson | Isaiah 57:14-16, 18-19 The birth of Christ can seem like folklore of fairy tale at times, raising as many questions as it answers. How do we know that this child really was God? How does this moment help us answer some of the bigger questions life? Jesus helps us crack the code. He is the means by which we understand everything else and so we make Him Lord. Merry Christmas!

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 1:5-22, 62-64 Zechariah becomes our example of one who has lost the wonder, the "magic" of faith – and for us – of Christmas. He is told about a great thing, but he is the ultimate skeptic. The season of Advent is a time to remember the wonder of God, the incarnation of God, and the hope of all it means so that, like Zechariah, our mouths are opened in praise.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:8-14 The simple words of th angels to the shepherds resonate with us and seem almost impossible. How can we stop being dominated by fear and anxiety? it is a complex issue, but one in which Christ bears great hope.

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Isaiah 9:2-7 With the birth of Christ, God reveals that his plan of redemption finds its fullness in a child. Darkness is no more because of the character and eternality of this man Jesus, who is the light dawning as living hope. We don’t manufacture optimism in challenging circumstances, we choose hope even when there’s no evidence that circumstances will get better–because the...

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:1-7 In a world that encroaches on us from every side, how can we make room for Christ this Advent?

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 9:9-13 Matthew 9 shows us how a life can be transformed from one burdened by money to one centered in generosity.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Romans 5:1-8 Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Chronicles 29:16-17 Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 6:24 As we look at Creation, Fall, Redemption and Restoration as a lens for money, God is the creator of our money. He makes the money and it is His ever after it passes from His hand into ours. We are called to invest it as He directs so a lack of generosity is not just being greedy, but an act of robbery. 

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 22:17-21 It all ends with a warning not to add to or take from the elements of the story that has just been completed – the Biblical story – the story of God's plan to redeem and save us in Jesus. On Reformation Sunday, we remember Sola Scriptura.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Revelation 22:12-16 John hears this last reminder from the glorified Christ. He'll be here shortly, and we need to be ready for the bright Morning Star.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 22:7-11 Through all that John has seen now, he is still tempted to worship the angel!! Impossible, but true. We must rightly order worship.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 22:1-6 The work of salvation is a holistic experience where Jesus is making, "All Things New." The Bible takes us from the curse of a garden to the blessing of a garden city as the world is renewed by the saving grace of Jesus. 

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 21:9-14; 22-27 Now the measurements of the new Heaven and earth are revealed – and it is perfect. Only those whose names are in the Book of Life may enter.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 21:1-4 Just as the Bible started with the freshness of the garden, the Biblical story now ends with a new beginning – a new city – the new Jerusalem.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 20:11-15 This is a picture of the final accounting – the books are open – before the great holiness of God. 

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 20:1-10 Much confusion exists over what the "thousand year" period will be – and what it means for us.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Proverbs 15:1-4, 18 Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” When it comes to reflecting the image of Christ on a daily basis, are we a thermometer or a thermostat? Do we act and respond gently to conflict in order to turn down the heat? Or, do we react harshly and make matters worse?

Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 19:11-21 Which dinner party are you joining? Earlier in chapter 19, we had the great invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb! In this week's section, we have a different supper. The Supper of the Father – The culmination of the judgment and wrath of God. Which dinner party are you headed to?

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 19:1-10 After all the calls to come out and all the judgement on those who do not, God reveals himself as the Victor with a roar from heaven. John then points us to the coming wedding of the groom and His Bride – and the feast that will follow. Who will be invited?