The First Word from First Church

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.

Join us for the Third Sunday of Advent, traditionally the Sunday of Joy. Hear Pastor Dave talk about Mary’s song of joy, when greeted by her cousin, Elizabeth. Hear about The World Turned Upside Down. Enjoy!

Hear about “Preparing the Way of the Lord,” as called for by the Prophet Isaiah, and echoed by John the Baptist. It’s more than rolling out the red carpet for the conquering hero. Take a quick look at Luke 3:1-6 if you’d like, before listening to the message (although you don’t really have to).

Welcome to our First Advent podcast episode. Hear why Jesus calls us to be “standing watch” during this season, and every season. You may want to read the Scripture passages first: Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36. Relax and enjoy Pastor Dave’s message to kick off your Advent season.

Samuel warned the people, “If you want a king like the other nations, this is what you’ll get!” Unlike the kings of the nations, our King is a loving and giving King. Hear the message about why we can say that with confidence.

Here’s our episode entitled Hold Fast! Pastor Dave talks about Hebrews 10:11-25 in particular, with Mark 13:1-8 in the background. “Hold fast to the faith!” encourages the writer of Hebrews. Hear about holding fast, and the value of being part of the worshiping community.

This week, hear Pastor Dave talk about the only thing that we, as Christians, are to fear. Many are fearful in our nation right now. Many are also putting their trust in the wrong places. Hear how a proper, holy fear leads us to place our trust where it truly belongs.

The Church: Reformed, being Reformed, and Reforming in its own turn. Hear Pastor Dave’s message about our role as the Church, being reformed by God, and reforming the world around us on God’s behalf.

Find out why we gather on Sunday mornings, or other times. What are we really here to do? The Scriptures for this message are 1 Chronicles 16:23-31, John 4:21-24, and Revelation 4:6-11.

Pastor Dave talks about evil, hardship, and grief. How can God allow such things to happen? If you want to prepare, the Scripture lessons are Job 23:1-7, Psalm 22:1-11, and Hebrews 4:12-16. Trivia question: When did Jesus quote the first verse of Psalm 22? Thanks for looking up this episode of The First Word from First Church. Subscribe to the podcast, to be notified of new postings. Please give u...

Hear Pastor Dave talk about the G.O.A.T. Apologies to Patriots fans; it’s not about Tom Brady, although football gets mentioned a little bit. Hear both the Children’s Message and the Sermon, about being servants first, and how humility is a trait to be emulated. Hear too, how we need to be children… ready to care for others, and to be cared for by our Lord. The messages are based on Mark 9:30-37,...

Pastor Dave talks about why James called the tongue “a fire ignited by hell.” Hear about fresh water overpowering salt water, steering life with the tongue, and why Simon Peter was the disciple with his foot in his mouth. You might want to prepare by looking at James 3:1-12 and Mark 8:27-33.

Join in listening, as Pastor Dave explains the connection between healing and salvation, as only Jesus can bring us. Hear about the time that Jesus all but called a woman a dog…

If you want a preview of the Scripture basis of Doers after God’s Heart, take a look at the letter of James, chapter 1, and the Gospel according to Mark, chapter 7. Pastor Dave speaks about the difference between what God would implant in our hearts, and what the heart will spew out, if we are left to our human impulses.

Do you know what a “panoply” is, for a Christian in God’s service? Some soldiers call it the “battle rattle.” Hear Pastor Dave tell of the “Gospel armor,” recommended by the Apostle Paul.

Who is this character “Wisdom” in the Bible, and in The Shack? We look for wisdom, wittingly or not, in many directions in our lives. God provides Wisdom for us, and stands ready to guided us in seeking it.