firstChristian Norfolk | Sunday Messages

Tim DeFor | The meaninglessness and uncertainties of life breed anxiety. Troubles and dangers surround the good and the wicked, the wise and the fool. People with hearts filled with evil and madness torment others all their days. So, how can the godly enjoy life in such a toxic environment?

Tim DeFor | Sometimes it is hard to respect those in authority. They can seem incompetent, ungodly, and and out of touch. Their decisions cause others harm, and yet they seem to prosper. How should God's people respond? It may not be as simple as you think.

Tim DeFor | In business, branding is worth billions. In life, reputation can mean lasting success or impending disaster. You can't control other people's opinions, the ups and downs of life, or the conflicts that arise. So, how can you build your brand that will survive and thrive for generations to come?

Tim DeFor | How much would you hate life if you had everything your heart desired, but weren't able to enjoy it? Sadly, that is spinout causing pothole on the road of riches. Could it be that when our focus becomes getting more and better, we miss out on the best?

Tim DeFor | So many problems, and so much pain comes from the grip of stuff and grasping for more money, from the executive in the C suite to the day laborer in the field. But, seeing the disease is only one step toward a cure. This week, I suggest a cure, based on the observations of the second wisest man to have lived.

Is church a safe place? Solomon puts a sign over the door to the house of God "Caution! Watch your step!" What dangers could there be and how do we avoid them? It probably isn't what you think.

Is a horribly hard life worth living? It can be, with the right perspective.

Marshal Hardy 

Tim DeFor  |  Christmas is about family. But not just in the way that you may think. Christmas isn't just about getting together with those you grew up with, it is about celebrating the family God gave us through Christmas.

Tim DeFor  |  God wasn't just going to send us Good News, His plan was to bring it to us Himself.

Randall Coffin | You're not alone. God is with you in every moment of your life. The birth of Jesus is a clear reminder of God's presence. Whether you are on a mountain top or in the lowest valley, God is there. Experience Jesus. Experience God. He is with you.

Tim DeFor | If you've hurt someone you know loves you, you've likely felt the heart brokenness of them turning away. You hope the relationship isn't beyond repair and you long for forgiveness. But what if the other person doesn't want to forgive? What if it is God you have hurt? Is God reluctant or eager to forgive?

Tim DeFor | Is your hope just wishful expectation? It depends. Hope can be a prelude to devastation, or a divine gift that we all long for. Which is yours?

Randall Coffin | Clocks are everywhere. We hang them on the walls, wear them on our wrists, and put them just about anywhere to help us know the exact time. As accurate as clocks are, most of our experiences aren't scheduled. Even the scheduled moments don't always turn out the way we expect. There is one thing true of God for every moment. He has been there with you.

If you could do anything you desired and have every extravagance, you may be considered a success, but would you find fulfilment? One who walked that path may be the best person to get advice from, even if his conclusions are flawed.

Tim DeFor | We respect wise people. We are taught to pray for wisdom. But what can wisdom really do for us? It may be better than foolishness, but wisdom has its limits.

A big good harvest in the fall is what farmers hope for in the spring. But it takes more than hope; it takes intentional effort. The same is true in your spiritual life. But how can we cooperate with God for a great spiritual harvest? It's simple, but not easy.

Tim DeFor | Have you experienced the monotony of life? Is there such a thing as true fulfilment? In the end, will this short life really be worth it? Hard questions seek honest answers, not easy ones.

When it seems harder than ever to live in truth, how can we share the encouragement we all need? It is simple, but it ain't easy.

Do you ever get more than you bargained for, in a good way? Could it be that faithfulness to the truth of Jesus has even more benefits than we first expected? John seems to think so.

In Christ, you are called an OVERCOMER. A person is not able to be an overcomer without something to overcome.

So much of identity, the way that we think about it in our culture, tends to change. If you base your identity on your looks, your net worth, or your influence, you could find yourself in trouble. Because at any moment, you could experience a change that wreaks havoc on your life. Living in this fragile state plagues us with anxiety. God wants something better for your life. It all starts with Jes...

Do you look like your dad? If you are a child of God, you will. Your life will increasingly reflect God. But what does it look like to live as God's children? It is simple, but it ain't easy.