The First Word from First Church

Here we have “another witness” to just who this Jesus of Nazareth really is. His cousin announces to the crowds, and then to a couple of the first Disciples, the arrival of the Lamb of God. The video version of the complete worship service is available at www.suttonfirstchurch.net.

John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance. So, why would his cousin Jesus come for baptism? Yet, it happened anyway. With a very special cast of witnesses. Hear Pastor Dave talk about why the Church didn’t have to invent baptism, but how the meaning changed with John.

On the first Sunday after Christmas, Pastor Dave talks about the meaning of “the WORD became flesh,” as the Evangelist John opens his Gospel. Find out what it means to call Jesus the “Logos” of God.

Here is the Christmas Message delivered at First Church at the late Christmas Eve service. We pray that God has something to teach, to inspire, and to comfort in Pastor Dave’s words at this holy season.

Our “Blue Christmas” at First Church has nothing to do with music by Elvis, although he sang some beautiful spiritual songs. Our Blue Christmas comes out of the tradition of “Longest Night” observances. As start to get longer about December 21, so we look toward recovering the Light of the World in our hearts, coming out of the darkness of grief of many kinds. If there is a lot of “blue” in your C...

Hear about Mary’s Burden of Joy, in this episode of The First Word from First Church. Take a look at Luke, Chapter 1, for the story of Mary’s visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, and her song of praise. Hear about joy, and the burdens that may may intermingle with a call to joy.

76. Prepare the Way Pastor David Buchanan Download

On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, which is also Christ the King Sunday this year, hear Pastor Dave talk about giving thanks to… and for the King of Kings. Hear just how great a proclamation Jesus makes when He says, “I AM the Bread of life.”

Pastor Dave speaks about the Second Letter of John (usually shown in our Bibles as 2 John). Hear about the “elect lady,” and who she and her children might be. Hear about guarding the love of Christ and each other in the Church, from those who would subvert the message that binds us together. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The First Word from First Church.

This week, hear about God’s “jealousy” for his people. Hear about loving neighbors enough, not to learn of their religions, but to teach them of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for joining us. Please give us a five-star rating, and follow our podcast to get the new posting (nearly) every week. May God bless you.

For this All Saints Sunday, hear Pastor Dave talk about what it really means to be one of the “saints” of God. Hear about the earnest nature of adoption, when Paul writes about it. Hear of the challenge and blessing of being called by God, in Christ’s Name.

Join us to hear Pastor Dave talk about the Reformation… of us, and of the Church. The Reformation didn’t end in the 16th Century. It should be continuing in each of us today, as well as in the Church. Thanks for joining us!

Hear Pastor Dave talk about two healing stories, from many years apart. Naaman, commander of the army of Syria, and the “tenth leper,” each received healing by God’s grace. Hear about the faith leading up to each, and the faith resulting from God’s gifts of grace.

We hear (and perhaps sing) a lot about God’s grace, expressed and given through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is more grace! Long before Jesus walked the earth, and for those who do not know Him. Hear Pastor Dave talk about Grace: Common and Amazing.

This week, in light of recent tragic events, Pastor Dave talks about persecution and martyrdom, as predicted by our Lord Himself. Hear what a martyros really is, and what we are called to do and be.

This week, Pastor Dave tackles something about the Gospel that is hard for goodhearted people to understand, and in which to take comfort. Is the Gospel exclusive or inclusive? Aren’t we all equally bound for heaven, regardless of the religion that we might follow in this life? Hear what God tells about our faith, and why it is a comfort for us. If you want some background, take a look at John 3:1...

Join us for Useful, as Pastor Dave talks about the short letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon, and the impact that the message for Christians about bondage and freedom impact the world to this very day. Thank you again for joining us for this episode of The First Word from First Church.

Hear Pastor Dave talk about “God’s Seating Chart.” We hear about Jesus’ advice about choosing a seat at a banquet, and about making up a guest list for our own banquet tables.

God had told his people, for many years, how a Holy Sabbath should be. Isaiah and other prophets spoke it for him, messages about mercy, generosity, grace, and love. Some people loved the rules more. Hear about Jesus showing a different picture of the Sabbath, and how we are called to celebrate a Shabbat Shalom to this day.

This week, hear Pastor Dave talk about Heroes of the Faith, and how they are witnesses to the race that is the Christian life set before us. Some are well-known heroes, others may be names or stories less familiar to us. If you have the chance, review Hebrews 11:29-12:2, in your favorite Bible, whether on paper, online, or in your favorite Bible app. Enjoy the storytelling.

Keep the Lights On! Hear Pastor Dave talk about “Advent in August,” and how awaiting the risen Lord coming again is so different from Advent before Christmas. You might want to review Luke 12:35-40, and maybe read through the hymn Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. Thank you again for tuning in to our podcast; please subscribe to the channel.

Hear about the “Disciples’ Prayer.” You probably know it already, but hear more about it from Pastor Dave. In learning about it, we learn about how to pray in general, too. May God bless you, in and through your prayers.

Welcome to this episode of The First Word from First Church. Pastor Dave is speaking about Jesus’ extension of the definition of neighbor, through the story of the Good Samaritan.

Pastor Dave is celebrating Independence Day weekend, as are so many across the land. Hear him speak about Endowed by Our Creator; about the true source of our freedoms as Americans, and our even greater freedoms as subjects of the Kingdom of God.

Hear Pastor Dave talk about the Sweet Fruits of the Holy Spirit. For background, you might want to read Chapter 5 of Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. We pray that the Spirit will inspire you to seek His Word, His Presence, and His advocacy in prayers.