• 69. Grace Common & Amazing
    Oct 6 2025
    We hear (and perhaps sing) a lot about God’s grace, expressed and given through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is more grace! Long before Jesus walked the earth, and for those who do not know Him. Hear Pastor Dave talk about Grace: Common and Amazing.
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    11 mins
  • 68. Persecution & Martyrdom
    Sep 30 2025
    This week, in light of recent tragic events, Pastor Dave talks about persecution and martyrdom, as predicted by our Lord Himself. Hear what a martyros really is, and what we are called to do and be.
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    16 mins
  • 67. Exclusive or Inclusive
    Sep 16 2025
    This week, Pastor Dave tackles something about the Gospel that is hard for goodhearted people to understand, and in which to take comfort. Is the Gospel exclusive or inclusive? Aren’t we all equally bound for heaven, regardless of the religion that we might follow in this life? Hear what God tells about our faith, and why it is a comfort for us. If you want some background, take a look at John 3:16, and John chapter 14 (“I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.”).
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    12 mins
  • 66. Useful
    Sep 8 2025
    Join us for Useful, as Pastor Dave talks about the short letter from the Apostle Paul to Philemon, and the impact that the message for Christians about bondage and freedom impact the world to this very day. Thank you again for joining us for this episode of The First Word from First Church.
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    13 mins
  • 65. Seating Chart
    Sep 1 2025
    Hear Pastor Dave talk about “God’s Seating Chart.” We hear about Jesus’ advice about choosing a seat at a banquet, and about making up a guest list for our own banquet tables.
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    16 mins
  • 64. Holy Sabbath
    Aug 26 2025
    God had told his people, for many years, how a Holy Sabbath should be. Isaiah and other prophets spoke it for him, messages about mercy, generosity, grace, and love. Some people loved the rules more. Hear about Jesus showing a different picture of the Sabbath, and how we are called to celebrate a Shabbat Shalom to this day.
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    15 mins
  • 63. Heroes
    Aug 20 2025
    This week, hear Pastor Dave talk about Heroes of the Faith, and how they are witnesses to the race that is the Christian life set before us. Some are well-known heroes, others may be names or stories less familiar to us. If you have the chance, review Hebrews 11:29-12:2, in your favorite Bible, whether on paper, online, or in your favorite Bible app. Enjoy the storytelling.
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    22 mins
  • 62. Keep the Lights On
    Aug 15 2025
    Keep the Lights On! Hear Pastor Dave talk about “Advent in August,” and how awaiting the risen Lord coming again is so different from Advent before Christmas. You might want to review Luke 12:35-40, and maybe read through the hymn Let the Lower Lights Be Burning. Thank you again for tuning in to our podcast; please subscribe to the channel.
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    13 mins