The First Word from First Church

The Trinity. Christians have been accused of being polytheists. Some Christians have “disconnected” the three Persons of God, when the Trinity became too difficult to understand. Heresies ensued. 1,700 years ago, a Church Council was called to settle what the Church would believe about the Three-in-One that is God.

Join us for the Wind and Fire of the Holy Spirit, come upon the Church at Pentecost! Hear about the story that launched 3,000 baptisms in the first day!

Hear about Paul and Silas, and a couple of faith heroes of more recent centuries, “singing in darkness” about their faith. Be encouraged to do the same, for yourself, for others, for God. If you wish to have the story fresh in mind before hearing the message about it, you might want to read the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 16, verses 16-34.

What is worth your life? On Memorial Day, we remember and thank God for many who risked, and ultimately sacrificed their lives for our nation and the liberty of others. Hear Pastor Dave talk about laying down one’s life, whether for the ideals of our nation, or for a much grander and eternal Kingdom.

Hear about fishing… with the guidance of the risen Lord! Take a look at the Gospel according to John, chapter 21, for a preview and background, if you’d like.

If you’re from Missouri, you’re familiar with the “Show Me State” motto on the license plates. Thomas the Twin was the one who voiced honest doubt several times in the Gospel stories. Hear about honest doubt becoming strong faith, when confronted with incontrovertible evidence. Enjoy the story.

Hear again the story of that first Easter morning. Hear how the disciples at home received (or not) the news from the faithful women who went to the tomb. Rejoice, and shout Hallelujah!

The story of Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is pretty well known… The palms, the coats on the road, the shouts of acclamation… and a King on a donkey. Hear Pastor Dave explain why a donkey, and talk about why our Lord sent two men, just to fetch a donkey.

48. Anointed with Love David Buchanan Download

47. Lenten Midweek April 9

Hear Pastor Dave talk about one of Jesus’ famous parables: The Prodigal Son. For this message, we rename it “The Forgiving Father,” as it is the Father who is the true main character and model for life. Enjoy!

Lent Midweek April 2

44. Lenten Midweek Meditation March 26 David Buchanan Download

For this week’s Lenten Midweek Meditation, hear Pastor Dave read and talk about the Narrow Door, through which we are helped by our Lord and Savior.

For this Second Sunday in Lent, hear Pastor Dave talk about mountains and valleys, from the sublime to the mundane, from the Mount of Transfiguration to a sick boy in a village on the way to Jerusalem. Hear about God’s presence at every point of what can be the roller coaster of life.

This is the first of our weekly “midweek meditations” by Pastor Dave for the season of Lent. Watch (listen?) for our posting in the middle of each week, reflecting on some part of our Lenten journey in preparation for Easter.

“Tempted at Our Weak Spots,” which are sometimes what we regard as our strong spots! Hear Pastor Dave speak about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, and how we need to work against Satan’s temptations in our lives.

Welcome! Hear Pastor Dave talk about the church in Corinth, and false beliefs that troubled that church then, and still trouble the world of “theological academia” today. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 for a preview, if you’d like. We pray that you enjoy the message, and that God has a blessing for you in it.

Hear the story of the first presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. Two special prophets were awaiting his arrival, and made special announcements: the Messiah has come!

Hear Pastor Dave talk about the calling of Isaiah. Hear him talk about being called, whether his own calling or those of each of us.

Why is English so poor, compared to koine Greek? We only have one word for “love,” while the writers of the New Testament had four! Which one is “true love?” Listen and Learn!

“Recovering the Word.” Hear about the people of Jerusalem, rebuilding the walls under the governorship of Nehemiah. A workman had found the scrolls of the Law, the books of Moses, in the rubble of the walls. Hear about the people’s reaction, when Ezra read the Word aloud to them for the first time in a generation. If you want to read ahead, look at Nehemiah 8:1-12.

Pastor Dave talks about the “characters” present in the first Nativity scene. How might we respond and act, in the same challenging situations as those who were present in Bethlehem? Hear our Christmas Eve reflection.

Join us for the message of Blue Christmas. If your Christmas is difficult because of a loss in your life, or someone you know is having a troubled Christmas, please join us for Pastor Dave’s message about the returning of the light.