firstChristian Norfolk | Sunday Messages

Tim DeFor | The difficulties of the last few years have increased stress and impacted the effectiveness of the local church. How can Christians, especially leaders, live like Jesus and encourage others through challenging circumstances?

Tim DeFor | Are Christians any more self-less than anyone else? If Christ has made a difference in our lives, shouldn't our lives look different? Then why is it often hard to tell the difference? How are Christians meant to be different and what would the outcome be? The answers may surprise you.

Tim DeFor | Following Jesus can bring more troubles than expected in this life, especially from those who strongly oppose Christ. Attacks and hardships may seem like the enemy is winning, but could it be that our troubles are part of God's plan to bring triumph? How can Christians see persecution as spiritual opportunities?

Tim DeFor | The Church in America was negatively impacted from 2020-2022, having Church participation retreat faster than ever. It isn't hard to think of the difficult times that contributed. But, great churches can thrive despite hardships. How can great churches continue to advance no matter the circumstances?

Randall Coffin | God has designed us to need one another and he built a community for us to belong. We really are better together. 

Tim DeFor | Where do you see yourself in 1 year, 10 years, 20 years? Is it even possible to predict? How much control do you have over your future? Could it be that the best way to look ahead is to actually look up?

Tim DeFor | Paul encourages followers of Jesus "to forget what is behind" and move forward. But if we do that, could we be missing out on so much God has for us. What role does remembering the past play in growing us as God's people?

Tim DeFor | It's the thought that counts, right? Sometimes a gift, though possibly extravagant, doesn't seem very well thought out. It seems...not right. It doesn't fit. It isn't what you asked for. It brings more trouble than comfort. It isn't what was expected. It doesn't seem like it would bring joy. But could it be that the giver had you in mind all along when sending the Perfect Gift.

Randall Coffin | Out of his profound love for you, God gave Jesus, the greatest gift. Through Jesus, God offers salvation to all who believe. This underscores the sacrificial nature of God, emphasizing the universal reach of his love, and the glorious potential for eternal life through faith in Jesus.

Tim DeFor | Are you good at guessing gifts by the packing? At white elephant exchanges, sometimes the best gifts come in the least flashy packages. Israel didn't expect the promised king to show up as he did. He wasn't what they expected, but he was exactly what we all needed. 

Tim DeFor | Have you received a gift, not realizing that it was so much better than you ever expected? Way better than the extra bonuses that infomercials promise, when we receive the perfect gift of Jesus we get more than we may initially think. But what could possible make the perfect gift of Jesus even better?

Kiah Jackson | Sometimes we might expect something in return for labor. We might even compare ourselves to others. Why is it so hard to celebrate God's generosity in others lives? Why do we think we deserve Gods generosity?

Tim DeFor | You might think that an extreme gift would evoke exceptional gratitude. This isn't always the case. Why is it that sometimes the most blessed show the least thankfulness? And why are those seemingly distant from God sometimes the ones who are the most thankful?

Tim DeFor | Jesus said it was hard for rich people to follow him. So why did Zacchaeus, a rich, sinful, crooked business man, will few friends and hated by many joyfully give up so much of his wealth after one encounter with Jesus?

Randall Coffin

Tim DeFor | If you observe Christians over time, you will know that faith doesn't always stick. But when it does stick, it can fuel God's people to change the world, one life at a time. This week we explore the question, What does sticky faith look like and how do we make faith more sticky for ourselves and others?

Tim DeFor | Gathering Sunday morning as God's family is powerful. But how does God desire to use Monday-Saturday to change the world? It may not be what you think.

Tim DeFor | How can a gathering of unique individuals with dramatic differences dispel darkness and change the world? Hint: It doesn't come naturally.

Tim DeFor | Does the book of Acts describe old history or guide to us to a new story? Does what happened 2,000 years ago matter for today and the future of firstChristian? It depends...

Randall Coffin | WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS. Have you experienced that doomed feeling? You know the feeling — "This is going to get harder." This can be overwhelming unless we make room for God. With God, the mess can be transformed to a message of God's love and salvation. With God, we can walk in true freedom.

Tim DeFor | Sometimes God's promises may seem like impossible dreams. Around every corner is another obstacle and you are powerless against overcome them. In times like these, what are we to do? We can find some answers from Paul and his companions on a wild autumn cruise in the Mediterranean Sea.

Tim DeFor | Do you ever feel like God is calling you to something impossible? With all the obstacles and dangers, how are Christians supposed to fulfill our calling? It takes two things, and you are only responsible for one.

Tim DeFor | God's tells us that listening to wise counsel can protect us from danger. So why would a Christian willingly ignore repeated warnings from Holy Spirit lead people? The answer is clear, and uncomfortable.

Tim DeFor | When you think of success, you may think of things that can be measured with numbers: how many sales, how much income, how many customers, how many first place ribbons. But is that how successful ministry is measured? If not, how? The answer is simple, but not easy.

Tim DeFor | Our sin diseased culture is deadly? How can our decaying culture be cured? Is amputation the only answer? The disease is familiar, but the radical cure may be a surprise.