First Church Podcast

Because we've been wronged, we often feel justified in holding back forgiveness for the people who have sinned against us. But Jesus made it clear that our forgiveness from God is directly tied to our willingness to forgive others.

When we make a list of the most serious sins, pride probably doesn't show up at the top of the list. But it is one of those "dead flies" - a seemingly small distraction that can actually be a very serious deterrent to a thriving relationship with God.

Little things can get in the way of great successes in our lives. In this first message in the Dead Flies series, Abraham challenges us to make a once-and-for-all decision to follow Jesus and leave no opportunity to turn back.

When struggles, battles, and circumstances come at us in life we are often tempted to fight back in the natural realm. But the Apostle Paul tells us that though we are human, we don't wage war as humans do - in the natural. We wage war in the spiritual with faith, worship, and prayer.

We all want to be winners in all areas of our lives, but which area is the most important to win? In this message in the Winning series, Abraham challenges us to win in relationship with God, pleasing God, and trusting in God.

What separates winners from those who come in second, third, and even last? Often they have the same natural ability and talent, but those who win do so because they want it more - they hunger for the win. Pastor Daryle Williams challenges us to get hungry for God's presence so we can come out on top.

The Bible tells us that when trials, tests, and temptations come, we should consider it an opportunity for great joy. That runs counter to our human nature. Pastor Daryle Williams encourages us to take a different perspective and allow God to strengthen us and make us better through our sufferings.

Freedom is never free - and freedom always comes with consequences in other areas of our lives. We have a free country because people all throughout our history were willing to pay the price. So what kind of freedom are you pursuing? If you want God's freedom, He asks that we love Him and keep His commandments.

What happens when your Fresh Start doesn't come? Abraham in the Bible was promised a fresh start, but it didn't come until he was 100 years old. In this final message in the Fresh Starts series, Abraham LaVoi challenges us to remember 3 important things while waiting for our fresh start.

Can you get a fresh start when you've hit rock bottom? In this message in the Fresh Starts series, Pastor Daryle Williams encourages us with the Biblical story of Ruth, who hit rock bottom and yet found a fresh start and great success.