First Orlando - Horizon West Podcast

What does it look like to trust God when following Him puts you at odds with the culture around you? In this Week 3 message from the Far From Home series, Pastor David Branch walks through Daniel 3 and the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to explore the enemy of faith, the test of faith, and the object of faith. Discover why pride is the greatest threat to genuine faith, how God uses difficult seasons to shape our character, and why unwavering conviction is built on God’s character rather than our circumstances. Most importantly, see how the fourth man in the fire points us to Jesus, the One who is worthy not just of our appreciation, but our complete allegiance. This encouraging message will challenge you to stand firm, trust God through life’s challenges, and find hope in His presence no matter what you face.

(10/25/2026)

In week two of Far From Home, we continue studying Daniel 1 and wrestle with a question every follower of Jesus eventually faces: How do I follow God in a culture that doesn’t? Through Daniel’s example, we see that faithfulness is not found in withdrawing from culture or conforming to it, but in engaging it while remaining grounded in our convictions. Daniel learned the language and customs of Babylon, served with excellence, and participated in the world around him, yet he refused to compromise his allegiance to God. This message explores the important balance between participation and conviction, challenges common responses to cultural pressure, and encourages us to identify where we may be drifting toward isolation, assimilation, or domination. Discover how Daniel’s resolve can help us live with courage, wisdom, and faithfulness wherever God has placed us.

(10/18/2026)

What does it actually look like to live on mission in everyday life? In this message from John 20, we explore Jesus’ words to His disciples after the resurrection and discover how His peace empowers us to live with courage in a culture that often resists faith. Jesus not only offered peace in the face of opposition, He also gave His followers a model to imitate. Through the rhythms of incarnation, demonstration, and proclamation, we learn how to invest in our community, serve people with compassion, and share the life-changing story of what God has done in our lives. Whether you feel ready or completely unprepared, this message will encourage you to take practical steps toward reaching one more person with the hope of Jesus through the ordinary moments of everyday life.

(10/04/2026)

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to make a difference for God, share your faith, or live on mission in everyday life? In this message from Luke 24:44-49, Pastor David Branch explores two reasons believers can move forward with confidence: we have truth we can trust and power we can depend on. By examining the historical case for the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of the Holy Spirit, this sermon shows why the empty tomb changes everything and why we do not have to rely on our own strength. Discover how obedience, prayer, and dependence on God empower us to engage the people around us with courage, confidence, and the hope of a risen Savior.

(09/27/2026)

After the excitement of faith fades and life gets busy, how do we stay motivated to reach one more person with the hope of Jesus? In this message from the One More series, we explore Mark 16:14-16 and discover three powerful realities that fuel a life of mission: we know the pain of needing Jesus, we know the joy of meeting Jesus, and we know the eternal stakes. Through Jesus’ interaction with His disciples, we see how compassion grows when we remember where we were before Christ and what He has done for us. This message challenges us to move beyond hesitation and into action, sharing our faith with humility, urgency, and love so that others can experience the hope, freedom, and new life found in Him.

(09/20/2026)

Why do you exist? In this opening message of the One More series, we explore Jesus’ final instructions in Matthew 28:16-20 and discover the purpose that gives meaning to every part of life. Jesus calls His followers to focus on helping people follow Him and leading others to do the same, making a difference wherever they live, work, and spend their time. This message challenges us to move beyond distraction, comfort, and personal ambition to embrace a purpose that reaches far beyond ourselves. Learn how ordinary people can play an extraordinary role in impacting lives, why every person matters, and how living for one more person to know Jesus can transform the way we see our everyday opportunities.

(09/13/2026)

How do we cultivate unity among imperfect people? In this message from the Connected series, Pastor David Branch unpacks Ephesians 2:19-22 and shows how lasting unity is built on something far greater than shared preferences, personalities, or backgrounds. Using Paul’s picture of the church as God’s family, this sermon explores the foundation of our unity in the gospel, the expression of our unity through relationships and a shared commitment to God’s Word, and the mission of our unity as a witness to the world around us. Discover how Jesus brings different people together, why authentic community requires intentionality and commitment, and how a united church can demonstrate the hope and power of the gospel to its community.

(08/30/2026)

What do our kids really need from us? In this message from the Connected series, Pastor David Branch explores Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and discover three essential ways parents and grandparents can influence the next generation: by having the right perspective, setting the right priorities, and committing to an intentional plan. Through practical encouragement and personal stories, this sermon reminds us that we are not simply raising children, we are raising future adults who will one day influence generations after them. Learn how everyday moments, consistent modeling, and a focus on loving God can help build a lasting legacy of faith and character in your family, no matter what stage of the parenting journey you are in. For additional parenting resources go to:

https://www.firstorlando.com/parent/

(08/23/2026)

In Part 2 of our “Connected” series, Matt Heard speaks about “Framing a Flourishing Marriage.” He takes a look at 4 priorities every couple can focus on as they pursue a marriage that is patterned after God’s original design described in Genesis 2:24-25: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” He emphasizes that healthy marriages don’t just happen — they require intentionality and work which results in something beautiful and rewarding. When a couple prioritizes Concentration, Commitment, Companionship, and Communication in their relationship, they will experience a climate of attentiveness, durability, intimacy, and authenticity which are foundations of a flourishing marriage.

(08/16/2026)

From the very beginning, God designed people for connection, and family plays a central role in that purpose. In this opening message of the Connected series, Pastor Trey Hildebrant explores Genesis 1 and God’s original design for marriage, family, and relationships. While sin has damaged the family and left many carrying wounds, disappointments, or brokenness, there is hope through Jesus. Discover how every family can reflect God’s character, multiply His influence, and experience redemption through the gospel. Whether you are married or single, a parent, grandparent, foster parent, or longing for family, this message offers practical encouragement and a reminder that with God’s help, a healthier future is possible. There is grace for the past, hope for the future, and one simple prayer that can change everything: “Lord, build this house."

(08/09/2026)