First Christian Church of Brazil Indiana Sermons

In this episode of FCC Talk, hosts Jon Rhoades and Dan Stribling from First Christian Church explore how God can transform tragedy into triumph, using the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk as a poignant example. Amid national unrest, they discuss the Christian response—condemning violence while emphasizing love, outreach, and welcoming newcomers to church. Drawing from Scripture like Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, and Romans 12:21, they highlight how God works through hardship to soften hearts, draw people to faith, and overcome evil with good. Whether you're grappling with personal loss or cultural division, this conversation offers hope, reminding us that suffering points us back to Jesus and the church as a hospital for the hurting.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Greetings

00:01:00 - Acknowledging the Tragedy of Charlie Kirk's Assassination

00:02:54 - Condemning Violence and Discussing Political Implications

00:03:00 - How God Works Through Terrible Events for Good

00:03:55 - Stories of People Returning to Church Amid Crisis

00:06:16 - The Christian Response: Welcoming Newcomers and Outreach

00:08:50 - The Church as a Hospital in Times of National Uncertainty

00:10:14 - Personal Reflections on Tragedy and God's Control

00:11:26 - Suffering as Part of Life and Running Back to Jesus

00:14:05 - Funerals vs. Weddings: Fertile Ground for the Gospel

00:17:23 - Real-Life Examples of Church Hurt and Healing

00:19:00 - Everyone Carries Burdens: Leading with Empathy

00:20:36 - Emotions as Motivators, Truth as Anchor

00:22:30 - Biblical Lessons: Joseph's Story and Overcoming Evil

00:24:35 - Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good

00:25:25 - Overcoming Evil with Good (Romans 12:21)

00:26:24 - The Real Enemy: Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6)

00:27:22 - Loving Those Who Celebrate Evil

00:29:58 - Final Thoughts: Turning the Other Cheek and Bold Faith

00:30:45 - Closing Encouragement and Call to Action

Subscribe for more faith-based discussions on Christian living, biblical wisdom, and responding to current events. What are your thoughts on finding God's purpose in tragedy? Comment below! #ChristianPodcast #CharlieKirk #GodInTragedy #FaithResponse #BibleStudy #ChurchOutreach

Dive into Biblically Literate Episode 6: Understanding the Background of the New Testament with Jon Rhoades from First Christian Church! Explore the rich historical context that shaped the New Testament, from the Persian period to Roman rule. Learn how the intertestamental period, Greek influence, Maccabean Revolt, and Jewish sects like the Pharisees and Sadducees set the stage for Jesus’ ministry. Discover how God’s love and promises unite Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their Bible knowledge and understand the cultural and historical roots of Christianity.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:30 - Purpose of Understanding the Bible

01:24 - God’s Character

03:07 - Persian Period

03:59 - Greek Influence

06:04 - Maccabean Revolt & Hanukkah

08:16 - Roman Rule

09:29 - Nero & Temple Destruction

10:24 - Greco-Roman Beliefs

13:12 - Jewish Sects

15:44 - Unity in Christ

18:11 - Closing Thoughts

Subscribe for more biblical insights! Leave a comment or email Jon at [email protected]. Visit us at First Christian Church! #NewTestament #BibleStudy #Christianity #BiblicalHistory

Join CJ Muston in this powerful kickoff to the "Building Your Faith" series at Worship Uncoiled, delivered on September 14, 2025. Drawing from Matthew 7:24-27, CJ unpacks the parable of the wise builder who constructs a house on bedrock versus the fool on sand, urging us to create a strong, resilient, useful faith that lasts through life's storms. Through personal stories of building chicken coops, turkey structures, and greenhouses, CJ illustrates how we must first clear out shaky beliefs, loose soil, and unstable ideas—like transactional love from Jesus or limiting connection to daily Bible reading checklists—to dig down to bedrock foundations. Explore how Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount challenge us to examine our practices, embrace unconditional love, connect deeper beyond routines, and love others as our final commandment. Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, this message empowers you to make your faith your own, forgive freely, and build on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Don't miss this life-changing sermon—subscribe for more faith-building content, hit the like button if it resonates, and share how you're clearing rubble in your life in the comments! #BuildingFaith #WorshipUncoiled #CJMuston #Matthew7 #StrongFaith #BedrockBeliefs #JesusFoundation #ResilientFaith #FaithThatLasts #ClearShakyBeliefs #LoveOthers #SermonOnTheMount

Join Pastor Chris Gregg as he dives deep into 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 in this eye-opening sermon titled "The Table of Grace." Discover how every table tells a story—from Thanksgiving tables of family history to wedding tables of joy and covenant, and even tables of division where some are left out. In Corinth, the Lord's Table was supposed to proclaim Jesus' sacrifice, grace, and unity, but instead, it revealed selfishness, pride, and division among the wealthy believers feasting with lavish food and wine while humiliating the poor slaves who arrived hungry.

Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 10:16 about the cup of thanksgiving as participation in the blood of Christ and the bread as participation in the body of Christ—more than a ritual, it's fellowship with Christ and His church. Summarizing the series: Chapters 1-4 on divisions, 5-7 on relationships like singleness and marriage, 8-10 on cultural distractions, and 11-14 on corporate worship issues.

Explore Corinth's Communion Chaos: Gatherings doing more harm than good, with the rich getting drunk and the poor going hungry. It's not the Lord's Supper you're eating (v.20)! Learn how the Lord's Table corrects our selfishness, proclaims Christ's sacrifice on the night He was betrayed—breaking bread, giving thanks, "This is my body for you," the new covenant in my blood—remembering the past, receiving grace now, and anticipating His return.

Paul calls us to examine our hearts: Eating in an unworthy manner brings judgment, discerning the body, avoiding grudges, ignoring others, or treating it as routine snack time. Some became weak, ill, and died— but self-examination realigns us with Christ, disciplined so we're not condemned.

Ultimately, the Lord's Table unites us in Christ: Wait for one another, eat at home if hungry, rich and poor side by side, old and young sharing the cup, as family sharing grace—not consumers. Practical applications: Prepare with prayer, reconcile bitterness, remember the sacred vs ordinary, see the gospel in action, and live it Monday through Saturday.

In Corinth, the table told the wrong story of greed and humiliation, but Paul redirects to grace and unity: Jesus' body broken for healing, blood poured for forgiveness, sacrifice uniting one body, one church. Final challenge: Are you telling the story of your selfishness or Christ's grace? Don't miss this powerful message—subscribe for more Bible insights! #1Corinthians11 #LordsTable #Communion #ChurchUnity #JesusSacrifice #ChrisGreggSermon

Join Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church, and co-host CJ Mustin in this eye-opening episode of FCC Talk, posted on September 12, 2025! Dive deep into spiritual growth as they reveal 3 powerful, scripture-based ways to transform your faith: deepening your knowledge of God through Bible study (2 Peter 3:18), cultivating obedience and love (John 14:15), and engaging in Christian communities for unity and maturity (Ephesians 4:15). From dissecting Bible verses in context, challenging cultural norms, to prioritizing Jesus over routine, this discussion will challenge and uplift you—whether you're a student, parent, or lifelong believer. Plus, get the inside scoop on fall vibes, student ministry kickoffs, Worship Uncoiled Sunday nights (open gym at 5 PM, full program 6-8 PM with meals, games, prizes, authentic worship, and small groups), and how to connect at First Christian Church. If you're ready to grow closer to God, obey His commands with love, and build real Christian community, hit play now! Subscribe for more inspiring talks on faith, Bible truths, spiritual formation, and church life. Email [email protected] to volunteer or learn more. #SpiritualGrowth #BibleStudy #ChristianCommunity #FaithJourney #WorshipUncoiled #FirstChristianChurch #FCCtalk

Dive deep into the Bible's most profound question: Why did Jesus have to die? In this eye-opening episode of Biblically Literate, hosted by Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, we unpack God's word in its original context from Genesis to the Gospels. Explore the foundational story in Genesis 1-3: God's good creation, the Garden of Eden, the tree of life, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam's formation from dust (adamah), the serpent's deception, sin's entry, exile by cherubim and flaming sword, and the wages of sin as death (Romans 6:23). Discover how death means separation from God, the source of life, and God's severe mercy in preventing eternal corruption.

Journey through the Old Testament: the tabernacle as Eden on earth with garden imagery, pomegranates, trees, cherubim curtains; animal sacrifices in Leviticus 17:11 for atonement (kipper - to cover or ransom); the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 with two goats - one sacrificed for purification, the scapegoat bearing iniquities into the wilderness (Isaiah 53:6 fulfilled); temple in Jerusalem with veil and altar like flaming sword.

See how it all points to Jesus: the Word tabernacled among us (John 1:14), sinless yet made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); His crucifixion in Luke 23 - innocent affirmed by Pilate and Herod, swapped for guilty Barabbas, forgiving persecutors, promising Paradise to the criminal, temple curtain torn, darkness over the land (Amos 8:9). Fulfilling prophecies like Zechariah 9:9 (triumphal entry), Jeremiah 7:11 (temple cleansing as den of robbers), Passover new covenant with body and blood; quoting Psalm 31:5; absorbing sin's wage as the ultimate scapegoat (1 Peter 2:24); superior high priest in heavenly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:11-14, Hebrews 2:9).

Understand redemption: all have sinned (Romans 3:23-25), justified by grace through propitiation by His blood; redemption through His blood (Ephesians 1:7); Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4); God's love while we were sinners (Romans 5:8). His resurrection overcomes death, opening Eden's gate.

Whether you're studying God's loving nature, justice, mercy, or how He interacts with us, this episode connects the dots on sin, death, sacrifice, atonement, and eternal life in Christ. Perfect for families exploring the Bible together!

Like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Biblically Literate episodes! Leave comments below - would you like a deeper dive on free will and the tree? Email Jon or rate us 5 stars on your podcast app. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get podcasts. Posted September 9, 2025. #WhyDidJesusDie #BiblicalTruth #GenesisToGospels #Atonement #JesusSacrifice #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #YouTubeBible #SinAndSalvation #EdenExile #Scapegoat #Crucifixion #Resurrection #Romans623 #Leviticus1711 #Isaiah536 #Hebrews91114

Dive into this powerful sermon by Jon Rhoades on 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), where Paul urges believers to be imitators of him as he imitates Christ. Explore the complex, controversial topics like head coverings for women while praying or prophesying, the meaning of 'head' (kephalē) as source, leader, or supremacy, and the hierarchy: Christ as head of every man, man as head of woman, and God as head of Christ. Jon wrestles with cultural backgrounds from Greco-Roman settings, Jewish norms, and Old Testament references like Numbers 5:18, Isaiah 47:1-3, Genesis 24:64-67 (Rebekah's veil), and even the Apocrypha's Susanna 13:31-33 for historical context on modesty and authority.Discover how this passage fits into Paul's broader letter on worship order and decorum (chapters 11-14), emphasizing unity amid diversity, self-denial, holding to traditions, and equality in Christ (echoing Galatians 3:28 and Ephesians 5:22-24 on marital roles). Learn why men shouldn't cover their heads, the disgrace of uncovered women or shaved heads, long hair as glory for women but dishonor for men, and the symbol of authority because of the angels. Jon challenges progressive views that prioritize experiences over Bible teachings, urging us to avoid reading cultural beliefs into the text and focus on glorifying God over personal expression.Bible professor Craig Blomberg calls this the most opaque New Testament text – and Jon unpacks it unfiltered! See how creation order (woman from man, all from God), nature's teachings on hair, and appeals to judge for yourselves promote God-centered humility, not demeaning women. Connect to themes of freedom tempered by love, avoiding promiscuity signals, building up the body of Christ, and edifying through spiritual gifts and the Lord's Supper without self-centered displays.If you're grappling with gender roles, hierarchy, authority in worship, or making church about God not us – this is a must-watch! Drop your opinions at the cross and seek God's way for harmony in marriages, church governance, and daily life. Subscribe for more Bible-deep dives, like if this resonated, and comment your thoughts below. #1Corinthians11 #HeadCoverings #BibleSermon #GenderRoles #WorshipAboutGod #PaulLetter #ChristianPodcast #ModestyInChurch #CreationOrder #ImitatorsOfChrist

Referenced article: https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/5-uncomfortable-issues-church-needs-start-talking-about/

Join Jon Rhoades and Dan Stribling on FCC Talk as they dive deep into uncomfortable subjects every church Christian needs to talk about more—addiction, sexuality, sincere doubt, mental illness, and loneliness. From AA meetings and therapy sessions avoiding church gossip on alcoholism and smoking, to loaded topics like premarital sex condemnation, sexual identity struggles, brokenness, frustration, sinful desires, and flawed marital expectations. Hear raw stories of pastors hiding sincere doubt despite apologetics and prayer, feeling hollow in worship songs while questioning God's goodness and ethically questionable Bible parts. We tackle mental illness stereotypes keeping struggles silent and unresolved, pushing beyond prayer-alone failures to encouraging environments with professional help, spiritual healing, and physical healing. Plus, uncover the isolation affecting lonely people, senior pastors, and priests—lacking open communication, vulnerability, honest fellowship beyond free coffee and donuts in the fellowship hall. Addressed with humility, understanding, and grace as fellow hospital patients, not museum curators. This eye-opening podcast episode is a must-listen for believers seeking safe spaces to share burdens and find they're not alone. Available now on your favorite podcast platforms and YouTube—subscribe, like, and comment your thoughts below! #ChurchStruggles #AddictionInChurch #SexualityAndFaith #ChristianDoubt #MentalHealthInChurch #OvercomingLoneliness #FCCTalk

Dive deep into Matthew 7:13-14 with Jon Rhoades on Biblically Literate Episode 4! Discover what Jesus really meant by "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." As the Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, Jon unpacks the Sermon on the Mount in its original context, connecting it to the broader story of Scripture like Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Psalms 1, Proverbs' Lady Wisdom vs Lady Folly, Isaiah 59:7-8, and Zephaniah 3:3.

Explore key biblical concepts: the Golden Rule, Law and Prophets, fulfilling the Law, remazim (intentional nods to Old Testament passages), chiastic structure, heart transformation over outward obedience, the way of peace (shalom), false prophets as ravenous wolves, and the paradox of Jesus' easy yoke amid hardship (thlibo meaning affliction). Learn how Jesus critiques Pharisees' superficial righteousness and calls for genuine fruit-bearing faith, echoing James 2:14-17 and Matthew 5:20.

Jon draws parallels to stories like the 12 spies in the Promised Land (Joshua and Caleb's faith), Moses' commands, and God's inclusive invitation yet exclusive truth in John 14:6 and Ezekiel 18:32. This isn't just Bible study—it's an invitation to examine your path: Are you on the narrow way of denying self, relying on God, and experiencing eternal rest, or the wide gate of cultural acceptance and destruction?

Perfect for anyone seeking to become more Biblically Literate! Whether you're studying God's word, exploring Tanakh connections (Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim), or wrestling with spiritual principles like blessing vs curse, life vs death, this episode reveals God's nature as a holy, merciful Father desiring transformed hearts.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & KidZone Story (Israelites, 12 Spies, Joshua, Caleb)

2:45 - Sermon on the Mount Context (Matthew 5-7, Luke's Sermon on the Plain)

5:30 - Golden Rule & Law and Prophets (Matthew 7:12, 5:17)

8:15 - Fulfilling the Law: Heart vs Checklist (No Murder/Adultery Expanded)

12:00 - Two Paths Tradition (Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs, Remazim)

16:20 - Isaiah, Shalom, Jesus' Yoke (Matthew 11:28-30)

20:10 - Beatitudes & Persecution (Matthew 5:3-12)

23:45 - False Prophets & Fruits (Matthew 7:15-20, Jeremiah 23, Zephaniah)

27:30 - Narrow Gate as Jesus Himself (John 14:6, Ezekiel 18:32)

30:00 - Application & Closing Invitation

Subscribe for more episodes unpacking Scripture in context! Have questions or verse requests? Email [email protected] or comment below. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube. #NarrowGate #Matthew71314 #SermonOnTheMount #BibleStudy #BiblicallyLiterate #JesusTeaching #OldTestamentConnections #HeartTransformation #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney

Discover the powerful message in CJ Muston's sermon on 1 Corinthians 10: Put God First. Dive into two key themes - we should not put anything in our lives above or in between us and God, and we should not be the reason someone else steps further away from God. Drawing from Paul's warnings against worshiping false gods, learn why we must run away from anything that comes between us and God. Explore verses like 1 Corinthians 10:14-15, 10:23-24 on how everything is permitted but not beneficial, and how we must build others up and look out for each other instead of seeking our own advantage.

Understand how living out our faith directly affects people around us and their ability to put God first. From eating everything sold in the marketplace (1 Corinthians 10:25-27) without questions for conscience's sake, to ensuring our actions don't get in the way of an unbeliever following Jesus. Featuring insights from For King and Country's "Broken Halos" quote: "Way too shy to bear our souls, so we shout opinions, but nobody listens." Delve into 1 Corinthians 10:28-31 on respecting others' conscience, limiting our freedom to show respect to others and God, and doing everything for God's glory.

CJ Muston challenges: Don't offend Jews, Greeks, or God's church (1 Corinthians 10:32-33). Please everyone, look out for many so they can be saved. Reflect with prayers like: "God, is there anything in my life more important than you? Please give me clear direction on steps to put you first again." And "God, are there interactions I need to change so people are drawn closer to you and not pushed further away?"

God wants to be close to you and first in your life - and in the lives of those around you. Perfect for believers seeking to live faith without pushing others away. Subscribe for more inspiring sermons, like and comment below! #PutGodFirst #1Corinthians10 #ChristianSermon #BuildOthersUp #GodsGlory #FalseGods #LivingFaith #DontOffend #ForKingAndCountry #BrokenHalos