First Pres Orlando Sermons

Rev. Alexa Holcomb | Ecclesiastes 10:16-20How do we live faithfully under authority, especially when we don’t agree with its leadership? How can the reality of Christ’s kingship transform our ability to live here and now?

Dr. Case Thorp | Ecclesiastes 9:7-12On the heels of death, the Teacher reminds us yet again that life is gift and joy!

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 9:3-12The Teacher reminds us in stark terms that death is our ultimate end and the judgement that comes with it. 

Dr. Paul Gibson | Ecclesiastes 8:14-17The Teacher wrestles with a number of things he does not understand or think fair. We cannot know the mind of God, so we enjoy Him and His blessings.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, 23We are never going to be able to figure out the reasons for why God acts as He does or why things happen to us in life as they do. The point Solomon makes is that, in all of it, learn from it. Be wise. Trust in what God is teaching.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 6:1-2Ecclesiastes 6 sort of seems like more of the same. The teacher is naming the nuances of evil that pervade a life of finitude. In this case, a person is given great amounts of all the things that ought to delight the heart, and yet, they are "unable to enjoy." We will think on the nature of enjoyment and contentment in a finite world.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 "The love of money is the root of all evil" but those who understand where it comes from and who live with that perspective will find pleasure and enjoyment in the provision of God. 

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:1-7The Teacher gives us an appropriate warning to worship rightly, an important admonition in a time where we have lost our sense of the holiness and wonder of God.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Ecclesiastes 4:1–12The Teacher says that in a world of pressure, comparison, and quiet loneliness, life “under the sun” can leave us isolated - even among others. Companionship is a gift, but it cannot satisfy our deepest longing for meaning. It points us beyond ourselves to the God who alone gives life its purpose.

Dr. Case Thorp | 1 Peter 2:9-17The 250th anniversary of our country is significant, indeed, and Christianity has played a key role in her formation. Of course, we want Christianity to play a key role going forward, even as our nation diversifies. What, then, is the allegiance we hold as citizens of a nation and citizens of God's Kingdom? What is the difference between nationalism, of which we hear much, and patriotism? How does the Bible show us how to prioritize God and love one's country?

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 3:9-22We are not built to understand everything. The big picture would overwhelm us, but we ARE built to pursue the biggest thing - eternity with God. He made us in a way that our hearts long to find Him...

Pastoral Intern Ben Willsey | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8Time is a tremendous challenge for us. It moves slow at points and too fast at others. We never seem to have enough and we know ours will one day run out. God, thankfully, orders the seasons of our lives - our "times" (Psalm 31).

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-14, 17, 23These are three common visions of a life that can overcome the curse. We cling to them because they are something to do in the face of the challenges and sadnesses of a broken world. If I can just enjoy enough, become smart enough, or work hard enough, perhaps I can escape the chaos of the curse. But there is only one thing that can mend a broken world.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:12-18We will often use bubbles to hide in to protect ourselves from reality - to make ourselves believe this is really home when it is not. We are nomads. No amount of wisdom or laughter or commercial success will change that. However, if death is a reality, then life becomes a gift - a privilege - and a purposeful endeavor. 

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:1-11It's a question that has plagued the human mind from the beginning. Ecclesiastes is an exploration of that question beginning with the circular nature of life - that no matter how hard we try, we won't get answers. But is he looking in the right place?

Dr. Paul Gibson | Acts 1:1-11Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:4, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised...the Holy Spirit." The disciples had this promise, but still had to wait until the day of Pentecost to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How did the disciples handle this period of waiting? How do we handle the in-between of living in God's promises that are not yet fulfilled? The truth is that "The Waiting is the Hardest Part."

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 3:7-12Building on the message from May 3, the church at Thyatira faced false teaching as well, and they did something about it - those who would not accept discipline were thrown out of the church. We have to realize why we have theological and doctrinal standards. These protect the Church while equipping the next generations. Strategic Priority 2!

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 1:3-7Paul writes of the rich legacy of faith he was left by particular women, an important theme on Mother's Day.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:18-29It is becoming increasingly hard to identify as a Christian and not take some heat for it or be faced with hostility. This was the situation for Thyatira as well. God writes to that church to encourage them to stand firm and to watch out for false teachers. This is why elders and deacons matter in the life of the church. Truth and doctrine must be guarded carefully.

Rev. Tanner Fox | John 11:38-44Jesus reveals the power He has over death in this story with Lazarus. The same power that will bring Him back from the dead, defeating our final enemy and inviting us to walk in newness of life! Even after He is brought back to life, He is still wrapped in the grave clothes that He died in and needs the help of others to lay those aside and to truly embrace His resurrected life in Christ. How might this metaphor become an invitation to each of us?

Dr. David Swanson | James 4:1-10People seem angry these days and it's mostly because they can't get what they want. On this Confirmation, we are grateful, because in the words of the Rolling Stones, you now have "what you need."

Dr. Jack Peebles | John 20:19-29The risen Jesus appears to fearful, uncertain disciples - not with judgment, but with peace. His resurrection presence turns locked rooms into places of commissioning. Easter does not end at the empty tomb; it continues as the risen Christ sends ordinary people into the world, breathing new life and purpose into them. 

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, 47-58Paul lays out an important apologtic for why we believe the resurrection is true. When we do, then we will act today based on what we believe will happen in the future. Even in tough times, will still have the "fury of hope."

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 19:28-40The details surrounding Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem give us many clues about what was to come, but also His divine nature.

Dr. David Swanson | John 19:28We are a thirsty people, but little quenches. Jesus' words from the cross reveal our own thirst and the depths of His own suffering to quench it.

Dr. Case Thorp | Deuteronomy 8:10-18Work can become an idol that distracts us from intimacy with God. What is a good theology of work that aligns such work to Kingdom purposes and doesn't become that illusive idol we serve?

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 145:4, 13-21As we point to the next 150 years, we can take great comfort in God's dominion and faithfulness through ALL generations. Our task is to continue to love Him well, to desire Him fully in all the challenges of life, and to take seriously the charge to commend Him to the next generations. 

Dr. Jack Peebles | Psalm 145:1-12It would be tempting to stand on the precipice of such a milestone and pat ourselves on the back, but David makes it clear that praise belongs to One and only One. He is the reason we are still here after 150 years. The good and the bad, He has used it all, so we appropriately praise Him today as we point to the future.

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 90:1-12As we get ready to celebrate 150 years, Psalm 90 offers us a helpful reset on the important things to remember at such a time—who we belong to, who is in charge, who is making a mess of it, and why such reflection matters.

Rev. Alexa Holcomb | Revelation 22:1-5When we think about our call to global mission, we often think (rightly!) about being obedient to the Great Commission. But do we reflect on the beauty of that promise fulfilled, that heaven will be full of people from all nations and cultures of the world we live in now? It is essential to what makes heaven, heaven–the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption, the tree of life bearing leaves that heal the nations. Do we long for that future glory? Are we participating here and now in that reality, of the new family we become in Christ?

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 6:30-34Jesus' words in Matthew 6 discuss our fears and insecurities, things that often keep us from being full participants in God's Kingdom work. Jesus flips it around when He says if we'll seek Him first - jump in - we'll wind up with the very thing we worried about to begin with.

Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 4:11-13It is increasingly difficult to faithfully live the Christian life in this culture, but if we have any shot, we have to focus on being equipped and prepared, something the church is called to do.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ephesians 4:1-6Ephesians gives us a beautiful picture of moving from death to life in Christ while also offering us a vision of what this life ought to look like! After Paul describes all who are being brought in, Jews and Gentiles alike, he moves to reveal the nature of the calling of the Christian. Before we are sent into the world with fruits of the Spirit, we are to practice the bonds of belonging with fellow believers.

Dr. David Swanson | Colossians 3:17We value doing things for the Lord to the best of our ability. We do that in the knowledge of our sin and brokenness, trusting that God will use our meager efforts for His glory.

Dr. David Swanson | John 12:1-8God has lavished His love and grace on us sacrificially. As His people, it is therefore incongruous that we would not also be lavishly generous in our lives.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Mark 10:35-45In Mark 10, Jesus said that He came to serve, not to be served. That is the true mark of leadership, focusing on serving others and lifting them up. The best leaders often are never heard of because they make their lives about serving others.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Psalm 130The Advent season throws into sharp contrast both joy and sorrow. How do we make space for the sadness and sorrow inherent in our world during the Christmas season? How do we hold that together with the joy of these times? We look to the Psalmist for guidance, and remind ourselves that together we must watch and wait for the coming of our beloved savior, Jesus.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 2:1-12The One the Magi traveled to meet was understood to be of infinite worth — a King. As such, they gave sacrificially even as God was giving to them.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 2:8-18The shepherds remind us that the good news of Christ’s birth is for the lowly and overlooked. Their joy turned into proclamation, showing us how encountering Jesus transforms ordinary lives into living witnesses of God’s glory.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 1:26-38Throughout Scripture, we encounter many angels, but especially in the Advent season. What's up with Gabriel and the legions who sang to the shepherds? It is the gift of a supernatural world we pay so little attention to in our lives.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 3:1-6Advent is NOT Christmas. We do not start with Joy to the World but with John the Baptist in the wilderness and darkness - calling people to prepare.

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 90:1We value the multi-generational nature of the church, believing God uses every generation in the church's life to impart both love and wisdom.

Dr. David Swanson | Philippians 2:1-4We belong one to another in the Body of Christ, and caring for one another is our first order of service. We love each other deeply, especially in times of crisis.

Dr. David Swanson | Jeremiah 29:2-11Our church is only one year older than the city of Orlando (essentially our region). We have grown up together and we have served her well. Jeremiah continues to be a clarion all to continue to do just that - love the city.

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 3:16-17Our first core value is first among equals - the one on which the others are derived - the truth/foundation of God's Word.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Philippians 2:1-4What then is a life of humility? What is the gift of a life of downward mobility, lowliness, making much of others and of God while thinking very little of the self? Could it be the blessed freedom that we so desperately long for? Could a life of humility, manifesting as a continual love of God and neighbor, be to us a gift of peace and rest far greater than any we have sought or found on our own? May we be filled with grace to know the true gift that lies in lives patterned after the humility of our Savior. 

Rev. Tanner Fox | Philippians 2:5-11There is no greater characteristic worth dwelling on in the person of Jesus than His humility! It is the deepest root and most primary source of life to the great tree that is our Savior. For from this posture of humility flows all of His perfect person and work. Submission, obedience, Tenderness, Meekness, love, care, grace, sacrifice… each of these flow from the beautiful and humble heart of Christ. He takes the punishment and penalty of the pride of our lives and offers us in return His perfect peace by restoring us to the humility we were made for.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Genesis 1:26-28Humility is the most natural posture of Adam and Eve. They did not think too little of themselves, nor too much. Their lives were full of delightful humility, knowing who they were, who made them, and what they were made for. Their lives were characterized by dependency as a feature of the great system of God’s creation, not a bug that needed to be fixed. Pride comes like a poison infecting and affecting all that is rightly ordered in the world, and we are left hopelessly self-concerned.

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Jonah 3:10; 4:1-4Instead of being amazed by God’s power to use him to cause the city of Nineveh to repent, Jonah is angry that God would save people he hated. Jonah has missed the point completely. In light of God’s grace for me, what does God’s grace mean for others?

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Jonah 1:1-12, 17The great story we may remember of Jonah the prophet of God being swallowed by a big fish might give us the sense that he was being punished for running away from God, but what if this is actually a means God uses to grow Jonah in grace? What does God’s grace mean for me?