The scene in the letter to the Galatian church now shifts to an earlier event in the city of Antioch. This was one of the largest and most influential cities in the Roman Empire at the time, and Christianity had grown quickly. Peter visits Paul and seems to feel confident in his conviction that Jews […]
Paul recalls that, while visiting Jerusalem, the issue of circumcision as necessary for conversion to Christianity (apparently an issue for the Galatians at the time) was never brought up or made to be a “deal-breaker” – even for his Greek companion at the time. The question of who’s “in” and who’s “out” (and how to […]
This message was focused on the character, Sadness, from the movie Inside Out and explored what Scripture has to say about the emotion we often try so hard to avoid. About this Series: Inside Out Four times each year, when a fifth Sunday occurs in a month, we do something special at First Friends: we suspend our normal […]
After a few years of listening, learning and preparation, Paul decides to pay a visit to Peter in Jerusalem. This surprise visit must have been quite a shock to Peter, but the men spend 15 days getting to know one another and hearing each others’ stories. We find out that the churches in Judea had […]
This was a unique Sunday as we arrived to our church building in the morning only to find that we had no power! For our 8:30 service, we worshiped in the gym using hymnals, a piano, and an acoustic guitar, since it was the room with the most natural light. Sunday School classes then met […]
In the opening sentences of his letter to the Galatians, Paul is clear that two themes will be crucial at the outset: apostleship and gospel. In addition to establishing his authority to act as an apostle for the early churches, Paul emphasizes the necessity of guarding the purity of the gospel. Listen in to learn […]
On Easter Sunday, we take one last look at a few “fresh starts.” In this sermon, we see three different interactions with the resurrected Christ: Thomas, Mary and Peter. Jesus met each of them, exactly where they were, and offered each what they needed to move forward in faith.
***[For audio only, select the headphones icon above the video on the right side]*** About this Series: All of us need A Fresh Start from time to time. Sometimes we suffer the consequences of our own poor choices. Sometimes we suffer because of the choices others make. Sometimes we are the victims of chance, or […]
***[For audio only, select the headphones icon above the video on the right side]*** Sampson is one of the strongest people in Scripture, from a physical standpoint. However, from a moral and relational standpoint, his weaknesses are apparent and consistent. This sermon explores the final scenes of his life, including his relationship with Delilah, and […]
***[For audio only, select the headphones icon above the video on the right side]*** This man went from a persecutor of Christians to a leader among them. Saul got his “fresh start” when Christ met him on the road to Damascus. What can we learn from the life Saul/Paul lived before and after his enlightening […]