First Pres Orlando Sermons

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 18:4-8, 21-24 Babylon is symbolic of all the worldly things that we have trusted, the things we have put our hope in apart from Christ. Now, God calls us out of it for Babylon is about to be destroyed. One day, all the things we see now – social, political, sexual, national - that the Beast has used to seduce people away from God – it will all crumble. It will be &qu...

Dr. Jack Peebles | Revelation 17:1-8, 18:1-3 From chapter 17-19, we are encouraged to be ready for the bridegroom – to prepare. We meet the "mother of prostitutes – the world trying to lure us away from God. John even marvels at her beauty. Powered by Satan we rejoice that one day, all her lovers will hate her, too.

Dr. Case Thorp | Revelation 16:1-21 Revelation 16 is a pretty offensive text in today's culture. We don't like to dwell on the judgement of God, and the resulting punishments that ensue. And yet, the battle of Armageddon, long presented by our pop culture as a cataclysmic disaster, is really a great expression of God's grace and mercy.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 15:1-8 From the Seven Angels in 15, we get the victory song – The song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. The glory of God is sung about, in unison, by the angels who bring the good news of victory, which is also the devastating news of defeat. This is the victory and defeat that has been spoken of and prophesied for generations. We receive the song of Moses and the La...

Dr. David Swanson | Text: Revelation 14:1-5 Finally, out of all this chaos, we see a mountain – it is Mt. Zion and a glimpse of God's coming victory – one in which all the power of the world will no longer hold any allure for us.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 13:1-8, 15-18 We get a glimpse of the beast ready to come out of the sea representing the evil power of Rome at the time, but speaks to us of the nations and institutions that are aligned against the kingdom of God.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 12:1-17 The apocalyptic narrative continues and we are introduced to a new character, “the woman clothed by the sun.” She gives birth to what seems to be the great enemy of the dragon. Making sense of Rev 12 means we need to look back at Genesis 3, the initial curse of the serpent, in which God promised the seed of the woman who would come to strike his head.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Revelation 11:1-13, 15 In Revelation 11, we have a picture of the Church’s role in the world. Within the crunch of two kingdoms colliding, the Church is called to witness!

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 10:1-11 Rev 10 is a restatement of things found in many different places in Scripture - its the same, single story with the same message using the same method - and the Church has the same sweet yet bitter call to keep proclaiming that message.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 8:13 As the angels blow the remaining trumpets, we find the work of the enemy bringing deceptive teaching and false gods – but all still under the control of Christ. These are the enemy's weapons and we see them even today. 

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 8:6-12 As the angel blows the first four trumpets, we are reminded of Joshua 6 and the blowing of the trumpets – they announce the coming of the Lord to do battle – and the same things in Rev 6 and 7 are repeated. The trumpets are a warning to people in regard to where they are placing their trust for those things will eventually be burned up. 

Dr. Case Thorp | Revelation 7:4-14 The heavenly chorus of Revelation 7 is our call and aim. Experiencing God's presence is so valuable, and often at the expense of understanding and studying our faith. 

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 2 Pentecost is to be remembered and celebrated, the day the Spirit was poured out even as it is today!

Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 6:1-9 The opening of the seven seals unleashes God’s Kingdom, which is met with resistance. In the midst of this collision, the most powerful thing we can do is to join our voices with creation in praying, “Come!” to Jesus.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 5:9-14 While it may seem impossible to us, by the victory of the Lamb, we will reign with him, even now!

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 5:3-8 This shows us the Lion of Judah and the victory that will be His, the only one worthy to open the scroll. 

Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 4:1-11 The Roman authorities persecuted the early church due to their countercultural faith in Christ. And, the visions given to John for the church were about to increase in intensity. What does God show John to communicate to His people? A heavenly throne room with God on the throne. How are the early church and the church today supposed to respond to opposition and...

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 3:1-6 On the surface, they looked alive, but were dead. Are we living faith for appearance, or are we truly growing on the inside?

Rev. Tanner Fox | Revelation 3:14-22 In this passage we have two well known biblical moments. Jesus brings the church to an awareness of their "lukewarm" engagement with his Kingdom and the destruction it brings. And yet, he "stands at the door and knocks" inviting them into a beautiful life of relationship. We look to Revelation 3 to be diagnosed, made aware, and invited into...

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, 47-58 Easter Sunday: In a world short on hope, Easter brings it to us in full measure. It points us to stringless death, swallowed suffering, material newness, and person newness.

Dr. David Swanson | Hebrews 5:11-6:3 As we reflect in this Lenten season on our sin and failures in following Jesus, we remain faithful, persevering for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom. This leads to the "better things" of the mature Christian life, the fruits of the Spirit.

Dr. Case Thorp | Hebrews 10:32-39 Patience is the theme for the day – as we mature, we must remain patient in the process.

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 119:67-75 Though we don't like to think of it, our experiences of suffering are often what lead to our maturing. Through hardship, God refines us and grows us.

Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 6:10-17 In our quest to follow Christ, we have the Helper, but we battler the Hinderer. Paul's text make that clear, but we are also equipped for that battle. Christ faced the enemy and so will we, but we do so in the full confidence of His victory.

Rev. Rachel Toone | Matthew 6:13 As we grapple with our sin and God's call to obedience, we must grow in our understanding of temptation. Why does God allow it and how can we stand strong through it?