firstChristian Norfolk | Sunday Messages

Tim DeFor | If you could wish for two things what would they be? I don't think the answer changes much over the history of humankind. Probably most would desire some combination of health, wealth and/or happiness. These can all be a real blessing and solve many problems, however a wise man of ancient days sees these things differently. Maybe he is on to something.

Tim DeFor | Everyone who marries wants a lasting loving marriage, filled with happiness, contentment, and companionship. Yet, 40% of first marriages, and over 50% of all marriages tragically end in divorce. The health of a marriage impacts the health of every area of life, making who and/or if you marry the second most important decision in your lifetime. Does the ancient godly wisdom of Proverbs...

Tony Burke | Is it possible to live counter to culture and love one another like Jesus instead of ostracizing, boycotting or shunning one another when things don't go our way?

Randall Coffin | What comes to mind when you think of something that is disgusting, repulsive, or something you just can't stand? If God answered this question, what would be on his list? Do you think God's list includes hazards that affect our lives and keep us from living our best lives? When you discover wisdom, do you truly see what love has got to do with it?

Tim DeFor | Heart disease is the leading killer in the US for men and women. It is a silent killer that develops over time. Everybody wants a healthy heart. Millions of books, blogs, videos and articles sell their ideas of what diets, sleep patterns, exercise, and even ways of thinking and speaking are best for your heart. Even more important than the physical condition is the spiritual condition...

Tim DeFor | Whether in the office or field, on the road or roof, at home or away, everyone wants their work to be productive, pleasing, and purposeful. People have written thousands of books on how to win at work, but no matter what you do without this one principle, you miss out on the greatest gains.

Tim DeFor | What is your why? When the path gets hard, it helps to remember why you took the hard path, to remember the destination, the view from the mountain lookout. Often wisdom doesn't come easy. Wouldn't it be better to just take the path of least resistance? A wise father tells us why gaining wisdom is worth the squeeze.

Tim DeFor | Whether in the office or field, on the road or roof, at home or away, everyone wants their work to be productive, pleasing, and purposeful. People have written thousands of books on how to win at work, but no matter what you do without this one principle, you miss out on the greatest gains.

Tony Burke Do all the important lessons in life have to be learned the hard way?

Kent Edwards | In the face of opposition and experiencing failure it is easy to get discouraged in sharing Jesus with others. This was true for the disciples and it is still true today. In the face of repeated and multifaceted ministry discouragement, how can we remain encouraged?

Tim DeFor | Understanding the Bible is serious business. Christians are to handle the Word of truth correctly, so God would approve and we will not be ashamed. If so, how seriously do you think God takes own his quoted words being twisted? This week, we look at three things God said that commonly get misused and how we can untwist them.

Tim DeFor | When tragedy descends, some well-meaning friend will often say "everything happens for a reason". They are saying that even though we don't know how, God is behind the events for our good, after all "God works  all things for the good of those who love him," right? The answer may not be what you've been led to believe.

Randall Coffin  |  God won't give you more than you can handle. This phrase has been often said to encourage someone going through challenging stuff. It sounds Biblical. Is it from the Bible or a twist on scripture?

Tim DeFor | "Judge not, lest you be judged!" is a favorite verse of Christians and non-Christians alike. Does that mean anything goes? If not, how can Christians address sin without disobeying Jesus and destroying their walk and their witness?

TIm DeFor | Many see the hardships in America as God's judgment on our moral decay. As God's people, how should we respond? Getting it right can bring times of refreshing. Getting it wrong can lead us to misplace our hope. How can we be sure we aren't twisting God's great promise to "heal the land"?

Randall Coffin | When reading the Bible, we must discover the original message for the first recipients before drawing conclusions about how it applies to our modern setting.

Tim DeFor | "I love Jesus, but I don't like the church." Have you ever heard (or thought) something like this? Your not alone. Sometimes the church doesn't look or act like Jesus. If so, would Christians, and the world be better off without the church? 

Tim DeFor | Christians claim the Bible to be the true Word of God. It is were we get our foundational understanding of God, ourselves, life, the world, and everything in it. Some see this as ignorant, seeing the Bible as nothing more than a man-made collection of stories and religious rules. In a modern world full of skeptics, is it reasonable to believe the Bible is the true, authoritative and li...

Tim DeFor | Easter is the most important celebration for followers of Jesus. It's all about Jesus' resurrection from the dead. This is such an extraordinary claim, that in today's world, it isn't hard to find skeptics. Is it reasonable to believe in the resurrection? What does the early evidence tell us? What difference does it make anyway?

Tim DeFor | If you walked with Jesus as he encountered people at work, at home, on the street, you would witness how one conversation can change a life forever. Before he left, Jesus commissioned his followers to share his life-giving message with others. What can we learn from Jesus' conversations and can our conversations still change lives?

Randall Coffin | Learning to love like Jesus and share our faith starts with a having a deep connection with Jesus.

Tim DeFor | Do you ever wonder if your giving matters? If it makes a difference? Sure, it may help keep the lights on and pay the bills, but does it really matter if you give or not? God owns everything, so he really doesn't need your money? So, why give? The benefits to giving to the mission of the church may not what be what you think.

Family members fighting causes problems. When there is infighting in God's family it can have eternal consequences. With so much at stake, how can Christians encourage one another to reconcile? The answers may surprise you.

Tony Burke | Muhammad Ali, who earned the nickname "The Greatest", was famous for saying "Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion."  The apostle Paul certainly persevered and suffered as he followed Christ's example.  Was living the rest of his life as a champion what kept him going?  As followers of Christ, how can we live a goal oriented life with eternal impact?

Tim DeFor | When racing, going off course can cost a trophy. When hiking, it can get you lost. In faith, not staying on course will cause you to miss out on the greatest gift and greatest goal of life. Too often others, even with good intentions will try to lead you back to the well worn path that leads to a spiritual dead end. How can Christians stay on course on their journey of faith?