First Christian Church of Brazil Indiana Sermons

Pastor Dan Stribling continues the Words Matter series with a powerful message from James 2:1-17. He opens with a personal gym class story about being picked last and feeling overlooked, then asks the hard question: Have we become the ones showing partiality to others? Discover why mercy triumphs over judgment and how real faith moves into action.

We are called to show no partiality because we have received mercy. Mercy is not just something we receive — it is something we practice. Mercy moves.

If this message encouraged you, like, comment below with one way you can show mercy this week, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

00:00 - Intro: Gym Class & Feeling Overlooked

02:31 - Have We Become the Ones Overlooking Others?

04:09 - Scripture Reading: James 2:1-17

06:42 - Show No Partiality: The Rich Man and the Poor Man

17:39 - Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment (The Heart of the Message)

21:54 - Faith Without Works is Dead

25:01 - Real-Life Mercy: The Story of Luana

28:49 - The Good Samaritan – Mercy That Moves

31:56 - Closing Prayer & Challenge

32:57 - Time of Invitation

Welcome to First Christian Church Brazil! We are a church in Brazil, Indiana passionate about following Jesus, teaching the Bible, and making disciples who make disciples. Subscribe for weekly sermons from Senior Minister Dan Stribling and more from our church family.

#JamesSeries #MercyTriumphs #NoPartiality #FaithInAction #James2 #DanStribling #FirstChristianChurchBrazil

Jon Rhoades | Biblically Literate: Pride as the original sin exposed in Ezekiel 28. The rival religion of self-exaltation vs. Christianity’s self-denial at the cross. What every Christian parent and family leader needs to understand about the spiritual battle for your home in 2026.

In this episode of Biblically Literate, Children and Family Minister Jon Rhoades walks through Ezekiel 28:12-17 and shows that the first sin in the universe was not disobedience in the garden — it was pride in heaven. Using the king of Tyre as a prophetic picture, Scripture pulls back the curtain on the fall of the anointed guardian cherub and reveals why pride is not merely a personality flaw but the original cosmic rebellion.

Jon contrasts the two rival religious systems fighting for your allegiance today: one built on self-expression, self-exaltation, and the celebration of pride, and the other built on the self-denial of the cross. He explains why these two cannot peacefully coexist and shows how the humble love of Jesus at the cross remains the only power that defeats pride at its root.

This teaching is especially urgent for husbands, dads, and parents who are trying to lead their families in a culture that is actively discipling their kids toward self as the highest authority.

Key themes covered:

• Why pride is the original sin that predates Eden
• The prophetic description of Satan’s fall as an anointed cherub
• Self-exaltation vs. self-denial: the two irreconcilable systems
• How the cross of Christ defeats pride
• Practical application for Christian families and parents

Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments: Where do you see the spirit of pride showing up most in your own life or family right now?

New episodes of Biblically Literate every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday around 7pm Eastern.

Biblically Literate is a ministry of First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana.Follow us @fccbrazilQuestions or connection: [email protected]

Are you relying on church attendance for Christian parenting? Learn why passive faith leads to complacency in your home.

Many parents operate under the assumption that simply attending church guarantees their children will remain faithful. Jon Rhoades challenges this mindset by looking at the biblical account of Israel, where a generation lost their connection to God despite their history. This video is for parents who want to move beyond surface-level habits and understand the active effort required to pass on true belief.

You will gain a clear perspective on the dangers of cultural complacency and why raising faithful children requires more than just consistent attendance. We examine the specific patterns that lead to spiritual decline so you can avoid them in your own family. By grounding your approach in biblical history rather than tradition, you can better protect the spiritual legacy you are building for the next generation.

Subscribe for weekly Christian parenting insights, and share in the comments: what is one intentional step you take to nurture faith at home?

Most Christian parents assume that taking their kids to church and being decent people is enough. But Judges 2 shows us it only took ONE generation for Israel to forget God completely and turn to idols. In this episode, Jon Rhoades breaks down the warning every Christian parent needs to hear right now.

If you’re a parent who feels like you’re doing the best you can with a busy job, long commute, and young kids, but you’re still worried about your children’s faith in today’s culture — this episode is for you.

We look at:

• Why passive parenting is no longer enough

• The difference between outsourcing faith and active discipleship

• How to have real conversations with your kids without being paranoid

• Practical ways to point your children to Jesus in everyday moments

This isn’t about guilt. It’s about hope — and the gospel that actually transforms hearts.

Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments: What’s one specific way you’re going to be more intentional discipling your kids this month?

New episodes every Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at 7PM Eastern.

Subscribe for more biblical teaching that helps you understand Scripture and live it out.

@ fccbrazil | First Christian Church | Brazil, Indiana

Discover the biblical covenant of the rainbow and the original promise God made after the flood. Learn the true historical significance.

This video explores the origin of the rainbow within scripture, examining its purpose as a sign of a divine promise to never destroy the earth with water again. If you are looking to understand the biblical covenant behind this symbol, this breakdown provides the necessary context and theological background. We analyze the scriptural narrative of the flood to clarify what the rainbow actually represents.

Many people are unaware of how the cultural meaning of the rainbow has shifted over time. By looking at the original text, we can separate modern redefinitions from the ancient intent. Understanding the meaning of the rainbow requires looking back at the narrative of Noah and the specific terms of the agreement established by God. This study is designed for those who want to ground their understanding of biblical symbolism in the text itself.

Subscribe for weekly biblical study breakdowns, and comment below on which scripture passage you want to explore next.

The real meaning of the rainbow in Genesis 9 goes far beyond “no more floods.” God set His bow in the clouds as a retired weapon of judgment — a powerful sign of mercy that points straight to the cross. In this episode of Biblically Literate, Children and Family Minister Jon Rhoades reveals the ancient warrior-bow language, why the rainbow points upward, how it connects to God’s glory in Ezekiel and Revelation, and why the enemy has always tried to counterfeit what God creates.

You’ll discover:

• Why “bow” never meant a pretty decoration in the ancient world

• The visual prophecy of the rainbow aimed at heaven (and what it means for the cross)

• How to teach your kids the real story instead of the counterfeit version

• Why this changes how you see God’s mercy, judgment, and covenant

If you’re tired of surface-level explanations and want honest, deep Bible teaching that drives everything back to Jesus, this is for you.

Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments — what’s one thing you learned about the rainbow today that you didn’t know before?

Like and subscribe to Biblically Literate for more real stories behind the stories in Scripture.

Follow @fccbrazil on social media. For more resources or to connect with First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, visit fccbrazil.org.

Learn how to keep God's Word in your heart and let it guide your daily life. This Bible teaching explains what truly rules us.Many people hear scripture, but few allow it to shape their character. In this message, we examine James 1:17-27 to understand why our speech and actions are the clearest indicators of our inner spiritual condition. If you want to align your life with biblical truth, this study provides practical steps to move from hearing to doing.We explore the heart of man and why God desires His truth to take root deeply within us. By applying this Bible teaching, you will gain clarity on how to cultivate a consistent Christian faith that reflects what you believe. This message serves as a guide for anyone seeking to ensure their daily habits match their profession of belief.If you would like to be baptized, join our church family, or submit a prayer request, please email [email protected]. Subscribe for weekly Christian faith encouragement and share your thoughts on the passage below.Key Scripture: James 1:17-27 ESVMain Points:Receive the WordRespond to the WordReveal the WordTimestamps:00:00 - Words Matter: Opening Hook01:15 - The Words We Use Every Day (20,000 vs 6,000 & "Fine.")06:50 - Scripture Reading: James 1:17-2717:00 - The Mirror Illustration: Seeing What Needs to Change28:05 - Dan's Personal Testimony: The Picture That Changed Everything (Operation Christmas Child)34:20 - Closing PrayerIf this message encouraged you to move from hearing to doing, like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. We are First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana—passionate about helping people encounter the transforming power of God's Word.#wordsmatter #JamesSeries #DoersOfTheWord #James1 #FirstChristianChurchBrazil #DanStribling #FCCBrazil

Are your spiritual feelings actually divine guidance? Learn how to distinguish between personal emotions and the Holy Spirit.Many believers assume that strong impressions or feelings are always from God. This video examines what the Bible actually says about discerning spirits and why not every emotional experience originates from the Holy Spirit. If you have ever questioned the source of your internal impressions, this study provides a necessary framework for evaluation.We explore the biblical mandate for testing spirits to ensure your faith remains grounded in scripture rather than subjective feelings. Understanding this distinction is vital for anyone seeking authentic divine guidance in their daily life. By applying these principles, you will gain clarity on how to navigate complex spiritual experiences without being misled by your own impressions.Chapters:0:00 Just Because You Feel Called… Does Not Mean It’s From the Holy Spirit1:55 The Sadie Robertson Huff Example on John Chris’ Podcast3:16 Test the Spirits — 1 John 4:1 Command3:52 Acts 16: The Slave Girl Who Spoke Truth but Had the Wrong Spirit5:59 What Scripture Actually Says About Women Teaching & Authority6:45 How God Has Used Women Powerfully Throughout the Bible7:37 Elder Authority vs. Bold Public Witness — Applying It to Today8:27 Three Practical Tests for Any Sense of Calling9:57 Why We Need Spiritual Counsel & Mature Believers10:40 Test #2: Does It Contradict Scripture or Bear the Fruit of the Spirit?11:06 Test #3: What Does the Whole Bible Say About Roles in the Church?11:25 A Direct Challenge to Men in Leadership12:08 Final Encouragement & SubscribeSubscribe for weekly biblical study breakdowns, and comment below with your thoughts on how you discern spiritual impressions in your own walk.Not every strong feeling or claim of being "called by God" is actually from the Holy Spirit. In this episode of Biblically Literate, Jon Rhoades (Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church) teaches the biblical test from 1 John 4:1 to discern true Holy Spirit callings from deceptive spiritual experiences — even when the words sound true and the platform is big.
Using Acts 16 and the early church’s encounter with a slave girl who spoke accurate words but operated under the wrong spirit, Jon shows why testing the spirits matters more than volume, feelings, or public platforms. Learn how to protect your faith, your family, and your discernment when you sense a strong inner leading toward ministry, preaching, life change, or speaking out.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The clear command to test every spirit (1 John 4:1)
• Why even true-sounding messages can come from the wrong source
• How the Bible distinguishes between real Holy Spirit callings and deceptive ones
• Practical steps to test your own sense of calling against the full counsel of Scripture
• Why this test is essential in today’s podcast, platform, and “God told me” culture
If you’ve ever felt a strong pull toward ministry or a big spiritual decision, this message will help you respond with wisdom instead of reacting to feelings alone.
Subscribe for more straight Scripture teaching that connects the Bible to real life, family, and ministry. Drop your biggest takeaway or a time you had to test a “calling” in the comments below — I’d love to hear it.
Follow First Christian Church on all platforms @fccbrazil

Navigating a complex Father's Day reflection can be difficult. This video offers perspective on the unseen efforts of good fathers.

Father's Day often brings a mix of emotions, whether your experience with fatherhood is positive, painful, or complicated. This discussion acknowledges those varied feelings while grounding the conversation in biblical wisdom. We look at what it truly means to step into the role of a provider and protector, focusing on the responsibility and self-sufficiency required to lead a family well.

Whether you are looking for encouragement or simply trying to process the day, these insights aim to honor the unseen labor that often goes unnoticed. We examine quotes and scripture that highlight the weight of parenting responsibility, helping you find meaning in the day regardless of your personal history.

Subscribe for weekly reflections on faith and family life, and share your own thoughts on what makes a father figure impactful in the comments below.

Senior Minister Dan Stribling delivers a powerful Father's Day message on the weight of fatherhood and the rest Jesus offers weary dads. From Matthew 11:28-30, Dan unpacks why fathers often feel crushed by the burden of providing, leading, protecting, and carrying their family's spiritual health — and why we were never meant to carry it alone.

In this encouraging sermon you’ll discover:

• Why the “shield” of fatherhood eventually cracks (and why that doesn’t mean you’re weak)

• How Jesus invites you to bring Him the weight you’ve been carrying

• The difference between fighting for your family and trying to be their savior

• Why strong fathers know where to take the burdens they carry

• The best gift you can give your wife and kids: a life that rests in Christ

If you’re a dad feeling tired or overwhelmed today — this message is for you. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

Full service from First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana.

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Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 • Psalm 55:22 • Nehemiah 4

Chapters:

00:00:00 – Happy Father’s Day & Opening

00:02:20 – The Weight of a Father (Shield Analogy)

00:06:50 – We Were Never Designed to Carry It Alone

00:08:40 – Main Text: Matthew 11:28-30

00:11:40 – We Are Called to Fight (Nehemiah)

00:14:20 – Cast Your Burden on the Lord (Psalm 55:22)

00:17:00 – Jesus Offers Himself, Not Just Relief

00:19:30 – Strong Fathers Point Their Families to the Savior

00:21:20 – Closing Prayer & Encouragement

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First Christian Church Brazil, Indiana

Senior Minister: Dan Stribling

Connect with us:

📧 [email protected]

🌐 fccbrazil.org

📱 @fccbrazil on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube

#FathersDay #Fatherhood #DanStribling #WeightOfAFather #Matthew11 #ComeToMe #RestForYourSoul #FCCBrazil #ChristianSermon

Learn how Christ in relationships changes the way we view authority. Discover a biblical perspective on submission using Colossians 3:17.

Dan Stribling examines the true meaning of authority within a faith-based context. Many people misunderstand the biblical concept of submission, often viewing it as a self-serving tool, but this teaching clarifies how Christ-centered authority actually functions to serve others. This discussion is designed for anyone seeking to align their personal connections with scriptural principles.

By applying the lessons from Colossians 3:17, you can build healthier dynamics grounded in humility rather than power. Whether you are navigating marriage or general friendships, understanding Christ in relationships provides a roadmap for mutual respect and spiritual growth. The teaching emphasizes that true leadership mirrors the sacrifice of Christ, moving away from worldly definitions of control.

We invite you to reach out if you would like to be baptized, join our church, or request prayer. Subscribe for weekly biblical teaching breakdowns, and comment below on which relationship topic you want us to cover next.

Can Mike Lee Mormonism arguments align with traditional Christian doctrine? Explore the theological debate surrounding church definitions.

This video examines Senator Mike Lee's recent efforts to have the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially recognized as a Christian denomination. We analyze the specific arguments presented regarding this classification and how they interact with established biblical teachings. If you are interested in the intersection of politics and theology, this breakdown clarifies the core disagreements between these religious perspectives.

By comparing Article of Faith 8 and other religious texts against standard biblical doctrine, the video highlights why many Christians struggle to distinguish between these faiths. You will learn the specific criteria often used to evaluate Christian denominations and why this recognition remains a point of intense theological debate. We look at the documents cited by proponents to help you understand the framework of their arguments.

Subscribe for weekly theological breakdowns, and comment below on how you define the boundaries of Christian doctrine.

Does God speak through new words, dreams, or prophecies today? Examine how biblical literacy shapes your understanding of scripture. Jon Rhoades addresses the tension between the belief in continuing revelation and the conviction that the Bible is the final word from God. This discussion is designed for believers who want to clarify their theological foundation regarding how God speaks today. By comparing modern claims of prophecy and scripture, we aim to provide a clear framework for evaluating spiritual experiences against established Christian doctrine. Increasing your biblical literacy requires careful study of how communication from God has functioned historically. This session helps you navigate the complex relationship between personal revelation and the sufficiency of the written Bible. Whether you are a student of theology or simply seeking to understand Christian doctrine better, this analysis offers practical tools for discernment. Subscribe for weekly Bible study breakdowns to sharpen your understanding of scripture, and comment below on how you approach the topic of hearing from God.