First Assembly NLR Audio Podcast

Many people claim to follow Jesus. But this weekend, we will explore a more difficult question: Does your faith show up in the way you live? Real faith is more than words. It changes the way we serve, love, obey, and care for others. It's something people can see!

Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? Don't worry - you aren't alone. In this message, we'll continue our series, Faith That Works, by looking at a challenging command from James that will transform your relationships, your family, and your faith.

Life has a way of testing your faith. It's easy to trust God when everything is going well. But what happens when life gets difficult? This message starts our new series, Faith That Works. You'll discover how to find strength, hope, and joy—even when the pressure is on. If you're facing a challenge or walking through a difficult season, this message will encourage you.

In this message, Jason Frenn shares powerful stories of God working through us regardless of the resources we have, reminding us that our limitations are never a limit to what God can do. He also focuses on the importance of forgiveness, encouraging us to release the hurts we've been holding onto. A lack of forgiveness could be the very thing keeping you from what God has planned for you.

Most people pray for success - a better job, more opportunities, greater influence, or even financial blessing. But can success be dangerous? In this message in the Lessons From the Early Church series, we'll discover how success can quietly pull your heart away from God. You will learn how to stay humble, grateful, and focused on what matters most.

Who is welcome in God's family? The answer seems obvious, but it's harder to live out than you may think. In this message, we continue Lessons from the Early Church by looking at a moment that changed the Church forever. We'll discover what it means to see people the way God sees them. This message will challenge you to consider if you truly believe that Jesus is for everyone!

Have you ever wished for a second chance? Maybe it was a conversation you wish you could do over, a decision you regret, or a season of life you'd like to rewrite. Looking back, those moments are extremely painful! In this message, we discover a powerful truth: God specializes in second chances. His grace is greater than your failure, and His plans aren't limited by your past. No matter what you've done, God has a second chance waiting for you!

This message, Pastor Rod will share valuable lessons for life, ministry, and relationships. Some were learned in times of victory, and others were learned in times of disappointment. We pray they will all provide meaningful perspective, wisdom, and encouragement. You'll be challenged to think and act differently!

Is God the top priority in your life? It's a difficult question, but it's necessary to consider. God does not want anything to come before Him! This message continues our series, Lessons from the Early Church. We will look at a shocking story that will challenge where you place God in your priorities. Together we will learn to give God every area of our life and make Him #1.

Hear this powerful message from Dr. John Easter. Are you open to what God could be calling you to?

People hate to wait. Fast food, high-speed internet, and same-day delivery all serve the same purpose - eliminate the wait. Sadly, many people have this same mentality when it comes to their relationship with God. This message starts our new series: Lessons From the Early Church. We begin by discovering the power of waiting on God! Through the Early Church's example, you will learn how unity and expectation can transform lives.

Life doesn't always go the way you plan. There are moments when it feels overwhelming, uncertain, and painful. In this message, we will look at a powerful promise in the Bible - one you can hold onto in every season of life! If you need encouragement and hope, this is perfect for you.

At some point in life, everyone has asked: Will I have enough?  Enough money. Enough strength. Enough peace. Enough for whatever comes next. In this message, we're looking at one of God's most powerful promises from Philippians 4:19: My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. When fear says you won't make it, remember: God is your source. If you've been carrying worry about the future, this message is for you!

On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you? Most people spend their lives chasing happiness—thinking the next purchase, promotion, relationship, or breakthrough will finally bring lasting joy. In this message, as we continue studying Philippians Chapter 4, we'll look at one of the most quoted verses in the Bible and discover what Paul really meant when he said, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Happiness, joy, and contentment aren't found in perfect circumstances. They are found in the strength of Christ.

Life is difficult when you live under pressure! Stress keeps building, your mind won't slow down, and it feels like one more thing might push you over the edge. This message continues our study of Philippians chapter 4. You will learn how to find peace in the midst of pressure. If you've been carrying more than you can handle, this message is for you!

This message kicks off our new series on Philippians chapter 4! We encourage you to read it repeatedly through this series and allow the Lord to speak to you! How do you handle conflict in the church? No matter who you are or what the conflict is about, you must resolve conflict biblically. If we get this right, First NLR can continue being a safe, healthy, encouraging place for people to experience Jesus!

What Do You Do When Life Doesn't Go As Planned? Life is full of unexpected moments. Some bring joy, others bring pain, confusion, and questions. You make plans, you prepare for your future, you believe everything is going to work out, and then everything changes. In this powerful Easter message, you'll discover what it means to trust God in the middle of life's "Saturday seasons," the space between what He promised and what you see. Because even when it seems quiet, God is still working.

What would you do if God asked for something that's important to you? What if he asked for your time, your plans, or your resources? In this message, we look at the final week of Jesus' life. Days before His death and resurrection, Jesus gave an unusual command to his disciples. You will discover how ordinary obedience can set the stage for an extraordinary moment!

Life doesn't always go the way you plan. In moments of disappointment or confusion, it can feel like Jesus is nowhere to be found. This is the last message of our series, Face to Face with Jesus. You'll discover what happens when Jesus meets you in the middle of your disappointment. You may not see Him, but He's closer than you think!

Have you ever prayed and heard nothing? You asked, you waited, and God seemed quiet. In this message, we'll look at the story of Lazarus and discover a powerful truth: no matter how desperate your situation seems, God is still working. If you find yourself in a season of waiting, this message is for you!

Almost is one of the saddest words in the English language. You almost made it, but didn't quite get there! In this message, we'll look at a man who was almost all-in. He wanted eternal life, but wasn't willing to give Jesus full control. You'll discover that following Jesus isn't about almost serving Him. It's complete surrender in every area of your life. Don't settle for almost!

It's hard to describe our church. We have people from every background—different denominations, different races, different stories. It's a beautiful picture of what Heaven will look like! In this message, we'll look at the story of Matthew—a tax collector no one thought belonged. From two simple words, you will discover that Jesus doesn't look at labels, past mistakes, or public opinion. He sees potential, purpose, and people worth loving. If you've ever wondered whether you really fit in, this message is for you!

If you only had 30 seconds to tell someone what it meant to follow Jesus, what would you say? In this message, we'll look at a private conversation between Jesus and a man who was successful, intelligent, and popular. But in spite of his achievements, he still felt something was missing. You'll discover that following Jesus isn't about rules, religion, or reputation, but about a transformed life and a real relationship with Him.

In our loud, divided world, it's easy for people to feel pushed aside and ignored. In this message, we'll explore the story of Zacchaeus and discover how Jesus treats people others exclude. In a divided world, Jesus still stops, sees, and reaches out! You'll discover that no one is too broken, too different, or too far gone for Jesus. If you've ever felt excluded - or if you've wondered how to love people the way Jesus does - this message is for you!

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to make quick money decisions you later regret? A few clicks, a little impulse, and suddenly your budget is blown. This message continues our series, What Jesus Says About Your Money. You'll learn why slowing down, counting the cost, and resisting impulse can completely change your financial future—and bring real freedom and peace. This message is practical, biblical, and relevant for every stage of life. If you've ever felt pressure to buy now, upgrade faster, or keep up with everyone else, this message is for you!

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for money to take control of your life? How you live, bless others, and obey God is often shaped by your financial situation. In this message, we continue the series What Jesus Says About Your Money by learning our second life-changing word. When debt piles up, stress grows, and freedom can feel farther away than ever. But you will discover an incredibly practical way to live that leads to freedom! This message isn't about shame or pressure. It's about learning how to live with integrity, discipline, and peace. If you are currently experiencing financial pressure, this message is for you! It's time to step into the freedom God has for your future.

Does it ever feel like financial stress is always there? No matter how hard you try, does money make you worry? With rising costs and constant uncertainty, money can create worry and pressure in your life. In this message, we begin a new series called What Jesus Says About Your Money—a practical and encouraging look at how God's wisdom brings peace, clarity, and freedom. This series isn't about pressure or guilt. It's about learning a better way to live—God's way—so you don't have to carry the weight alone. Together we will learn 3 words that have the power to completely change your financial life! 

In this message, we kick off the new year by discovering how we can become—and stay—a Healthy Church. Whether you're new to our church family or have been part of First NLR for years, this message is an important reminder of your role in keeping our church healthy and strong. It's also a great message to share with your friends and family. They'll clearly see who we are and what we're about.

When was the last time life delivered an unexpected, devastating disappointment? Everything was going well - until trouble caught you by surprise. In this message, you'll hear the remarkable story of a family in our church who was struck by tragedy. Their perspective will inspire you and help you learn how to respond when disappointment hits without warning. If 2025 has been a difficult year, this message can help reshape your perspective and give you hope as you look toward 2026!

For some, Christmas is a time of joy and laughter. For others, it's a reminder of pain, loss, or loneliness. But the powerful story of Christmas is that God came to us. In this Christmas message, Pastor Rod shares that Jesus is Immanuel, "God with us," and reminds us that even when life feels broken, uncertain, or dark, God has never left you. He is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, and He is with you.

When was the last time you felt overwhelmed and stressed out? Do you feel that way this Christmas season? In this message, you will learn what happens when you live without peace—fear rises, doubts grow, and life feels uncertain. But you'll also discover the good news: Jesus is the Prince of Peace. His presence replaces your chaos with a calm confidence! If you have been overwhelmed by pressure, anxiety, or conflict, this message will remind you that Jesus brings peace.

Are holidays with your family complicated? Unrealistic expectations, sibling rivalries, and strained relationships can make the season feel heavy. This weekend, you will discover a powerful promise: Jesus is your Everlasting Father—a perfect, loving Father who never leaves, never hurts, and never gives up on His children. If your family situation is messy or painful, this message will be incredibly encouraging!

Have you ever faced a problem only God could fix? In this message, you'll discover that Jesus is our Mighty God — the God who opens doors, performs miracles, and shows up right on time. When life feels overwhelming, He is strong, powerful, and fully in control! If you need a reminder that God is bigger than your problems, this message will encourage your spirit and build your faith.

Have you ever had a big decision to make and wished you knew what to do next? Knowing where to go, what to say, or what to choose is difficult! In this message, you will discover that Jesus is your Counselor. He doesn't just give advice — He already knows your future and has a plan for your life. If you've been searching for direction, this message will remind you that you can trust God's plan!

This time of year, it's easy to get caught up in the parties, presents, and lights of the season. But Christmas isn't about any of those things — it's about Jesus. This message is the start of a new series called Jesus Is… where we'll look past the traditions and focus on who Jesus really is and why He came.

Have you ever felt like your life was too broken for God to use? In this message, we'll go back to the very beginning—the story of Creation—and see how it connects to Jesus. You'll see that from the start, God has been turning emptiness into purpose and chaos into peace. If you feel like your life is a mess, this message will remind you: God isn't intimidated by your chaos—He works miracles in it.

In this message of our Tipping Point series, you'll see how one act of obedience can change generations. We will trace our church all the way back to the cross and discover how every story started with someone who said yes. It is a fascinating journey! You will have an opportunity to be the tipping point for someone else's eternity. We take a special offering to partner with Project Rescue as they save women and children from sexual slavery in the Ivory Coast.

Have you ever had one moment that changed everything? One decision. One encounter. One act of obedience. This message kicks off our new series - Tipping Point. You will learn how key moments in life can change the course of eternity!

Have you ever gone through a season when worship felt hard - when joy seemed distant and your song was gone? As we finish our Lost and Found series, we'll talk about what to do when life's pain, pressure, or disappointment silences your worship. You'll see how God can restore your joy and give you a new song -even before your situation changes. If you've been walking through a hard season, this message will remind you: it's time to sing again.

Following Jesus doesn't mean blending in. He calls us to live differently — set apart from the world. In this message, you will rediscover the power of separation. When you choose God's way over compromise, your life becomes a reflection of His holiness — and people can't help but notice the difference. If you struggle to live faithfully in a culture of compromise, this message will encourage and challenge you to stand strong.

Have you ever seen someone shout during worship? Was it weird? Did you wonder why they were so excited? Throughout life, we cheer for success and celebrate victories — but when it comes to worship, we stay quiet. In this message, we'll look at the story of Jericho. God's people shouted in faith before the walls fell, and their obedience led to victory.

Have you ever felt like following Jesus wasn't what you signed up for? Maybe you expected blessing, peace, and success — but instead, life got harder. In this message, you will rediscover the purpose for your pain. If you've been questioning where God is through your struggle, this message will give you fresh strength and hope.

Too many followers of Jesus are known for anger, frustration, and negativity. But that isn't who we are called to be. Instead, you should shine with joy! This message starts our new series called "Lost and Found." We will discuss a few things Christians have lost and desperately need to find again! We begin with something simple, but powerful: your smile.

Have you ever felt different after spending time with God? Time in His presence is powerful. In this message, we'll finish our series on the life of Moses by looking at the time he left God's presence glowing. The change was so intense, everyone noticed! When you spend time with God, people should know it! His peace and strength should shine through your life in ways everyone can see. This epic story will leave you inspired and challenged to spend time in God's presence!

Have you ever felt stuck and unsure of which way to go? In this message, we're continuing our series on Moses. You'll see how God guided His people through the wilderness and how He still gives direction today. If you're facing uncertainty about your future, God's guidance is closer and clearer than you think.

Have you ever been disappointed by someone you trusted — a friend, leader, or family member? In this message, we're continuing our series on Moses with one of the most heartbreaking moments in his journey. If you've ever been let down, this message is for you. You'll discover how to turn to God and trust His promises when people fall short.

Have you ever faced a season when it seemed like God was letting the wrong side win? In this message, we're looking at a pivotal moment in the story of Moses. God had a plan for His people and their enemies — a plan that would reveal His power and bring ultimate victory. If you've ever questioned what God is doing when life feels unfair, this message will remind you: His timing and plan are perfect.

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed — like trouble is closing in from every side? This message continues our Moses series. You'll see what happened when God's people were trapped between an army and the sea — and how God made a way where there was no way. If you feel surrounded by pressure, pain, or problems, this message is for you. Even when you can't see the path forward, God still has a plan.

God sees injustice — and. He doesn't ignore it. As we continue our series on Moses, you'll see how God brought judgment to Pharaoh and freedom to His people — and how He still brings justice and deliverance today. As a Christ follower, you don't have to live in fear because Jesus brings freedom!

We all want God to make things obvious — a sign in the sky, a voice from the clouds, or a burning bush moment. But often, God's direction comes through gentle reminders - not breathtaking miracles. In this message - as we continue learning from the life of Moses - you'll discover how excuses hold you back and how immediate obedience unleashes God's power. If you've ever felt unqualified or unsure, this message is for you!