Episodes
-
April 23, 2023. Now What: Acts of the Apostles. Week 3.
Today we’ll see how the early church provides a model for a healthy church today. A key component to all the elements present in this snapshot of the early church is relationships with each other and with God. What can we imitate from their model?
-
April 16, 2023. Now What: Acts of the Apostles. Week 2
Peter, on the day of Pentecost, boldly shared his experience. He demonstrated that God has always been in the business of resurrection. God resurrects people and churches.
-
April 9, 2023. Now What: Acts of the Apostles. Week 1.
All the post-resurrection disciples of Jesus did was tell the story of their experience with Jesus. They were still learning the vast implications of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
-
April 2, 2023. Boot Camp for the Soul: Celebrate and Wait. Week 6.
At the completion of a boot camp, one is tempted to reward oneself with rich dessert or a week off from exercise. Boot camp is not an end to itself, it is preparation for what is to come. We celebrate the completion of the Lenten journey with the crowds around Jesus, but we are reminded the…
more -
March 26, 2023. Boot Camp for the Soul: Dead End. Week 5.
There comes a point in every challenge or attempt to make a change where it seems difficult to continue, as if hope is gone. God breathes hope into the most hopeless of situations. Jesus returns life to the lifeless. God takes our dead ends and makes them into a place to turnaround.
-
March 19, 2023. Boot Camp for the Soul: Redefined. Week 4.
We are all defined by or as something. Descriptors such as beautiful/ugly, intelligent/dumb, funny/boring, rich/poor, tend to be used to define us. The people in Jesus’ day did the same thing. The man in John 9 was defined by his blindness until Jesus healed him. Jesus takes our imperfection,...
-
March 12, 2023. Boot Camp for the Soul: Hydrate. Week 3
When our spiritual sources of hydration seem to run dry, how can we turn to God for living water? Rev Martha Scott preaches from John 4:5-42.
-
March 5, 2023. Boot Camp for the Soul: Reset. Week 2.
If we fail in the many temptations we face, is it possible to begin again? The change boot camp brings about means leaving behind some of our old habits, prejudices, and weaknesses. The gospel calls this “being born again,” and this spiritual rebirth offers us a new start.
-
February 26, 2023. Boot Camp for the Soul: The Need for Change. Week 1.
Our journey for transformation through boot camp begins with recognizing the need for change. The temptation story of Jesus gives us a glimpse three human traits for which we are often tempted. Psalm 32 reminds us that it is in the shelter of God’s grace that we recognize our need for change. It…
more -
February 19, 2023. Transfiguration Sunday: Eyewitnesses.
February 19th was Transfiguration Sunday, a day in the church calendar for us to remember when Jesus’ identity was revealed in glory on the mount of transfiguration. Peter, James, and John were eyewitnesses to this magnificent event and shared their story to give people hope. We too are...
-
February 12, 2023. New Year, Same Promises: God's Promise of Freedom. Week 6.
The choice God gave the Israelites echoes through to us today: choose life or death. To choose life means to “attach” oneself to God which seems the opposite of freedom. But to choose “death” means to attach oneself to all whims we may experience. Freedom is a gift we must choose.
-
February 5, 2023. New Year, Same Promises: God's Promise of Guidance. Week 5.
God’s promise of guidance reminds God does not leave us without direction. We may find it challenging to discern God’s will and way forward but the guidance of the grace of Christ remains an unchanged promise.
-
January 29, 2023. New Year, Same Promises: God's Promise of Blessing. Week 4.
“Blessed” is a word that gets lost in translation. God’s promise of “blessing” has nothing to do with cause and effect, nothing to do with a state of ease or material or emotional “blessing,” but has everything to do with the acceptance we have in Christ’s love for us.
-
January 22, 2023. New Year, Same Promises: God's Promise of Ministry. Week 3.
Much to our disappointment Jesus never called us to a life of ease. Instead, Jesus called us to serve. God’s promise of ministry is that we have a purpose, a job, a calling.
-
January 15, 2023. New Year, Same Promises: God's Promise of Faithfulness. Week 2.
God’s faithfulness to us is not dependent upon our faith in God or our ability to be “full of faith.” There is freedom and joy in realizing God is faithful even when we’re not.
-
January 8, 2023. New Year, Same Promises: God's Promise of New Life. Week 1.
When we come to Jesus in a commitment of faith or baptism we are effectively dying and rising again, just as Jesus did at his resurrection. This “new life” is a gift and promise from God. Our role is to accept it and begin to move toward this new life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
-
November 27, 2022. The Road to Bethlehem: A Vision of Hope. Week 1.
Isaiah and the Psalmist cry out “Let us go up to the house of the Lord.” There are echoes of hope for better days, for peace, for calm, for a ceasing of war. How is Isaiah’s vision of hope relevant for us today?
-
Nov 6, 2022. Face to Face: The Riddle of Resurrection. Week 2
The encounter with the Sadducees proves There’s no such thing as a dumb question” and “I don’t know” are perfectly acceptable answers. Sometimes the answer to the question is found in the question itself. Resurrection is about more than immortality.
-
October 30, 2022. Face to Face with Jesus: Out on a Limb. Week 1.
The story of Zacchaeus challenges us to ask are we willing to go out on a limb for Jesus? Are we willing to risk total transformation or play it safe in our comforts?
-
October 9th, 2022. What NOT to Pray: The Reckless Prayer of Thanksgiving. Week 2.
After healing ten lepers, only one returned and fell at Jesus’ feet in thanks. The leper didn’t have eloquent words: his actions were his grateful response. How can our actions show gratitude for what Jesus has done in our lives?
-
October 2nd, 2022. What NOT to Pray: Increase My Faith. Week 1.
In Luke 17, the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. Many of us feel like the disciples felt, inadequate in our own faith so we pray for more. But Jesus’s response suggests what we don’t need more, we just need exercise what we do have.
-
September 25, 2022. RE:Think Happiness. Week 4.
Contentment is a game-changer for a happy life. Wanting more, bigger, better, and faster, breeds perpetual discontent. Contentment is the answer to the pursuit of happiness.
-
September 18, 2022. RE:Frame Prayer. Week 3.
Reframing prayer calls us to ask a revealing question: for whom am I, are we, unwilling to pray? This sermon challenges us to see the scope of our prayers as a barometer of our understanding of God’s reach.
-
September 11, 2022. RE:imagine Regret. Week 2.
Regret can trap us in the sorrow and remorse of what did – or did not – happen in our lives. It is not something to be “lived with,” but something to share. This Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's...
-
September 4, 2022. RE:concile Relationships. Week 1.
Relationships take work. It’s easy to walk away from a relationship when conflict or estrangement arises, but followers of Jesus are called to do the hard work of reconciliation. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To...
-
August 28, 2022. Faith: In the Meantime. Week 4.
Parting words matter! The writer of Hebrews addresses sacrificial living. What difference does that make in our lives? Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's checkpoint (August 28), click here.
-
August 21, 2022. Faith: Unshakable. Week 3.
The writer of Hebrews was trying to get down to what really mattered for the Christians to whom he wrote. He writes of a loving God who creates, renews, and transforms and shares that our faith can be shaken and emerge even stronger. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions…
more -
August 14, 2022. Faith: Standing On Their Shoulders. Week 2.
The writers of Hebrews reminds his readers of those who went before them. They endured hard times, making it through their difficulties by carrying the baton of faith. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this...
-
August 7, 2022. Faith: A Firm Foundation. Week 1.
The letter of Hebrews is a document about remaining confident in Christ in the face of persecution, imprisonment, and loss of property. It reminds us that when we turn away from faithfulness, our faith can be rekindled. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to...
-
July 31, 2022. The Path That Leads to Life ...
What path are you following in life? Jesus instructs us to follow a path of mutual love. What does that look like? Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's checkpoint (July 31), click here.
-
July 24, 2022. Prophets and Kings: Disciples Repent. Week 6.
The story of Hosea offers a rich metaphor for the infinite love and grace of God. Although Hosea’s experiences are shocking, he becomes a living image of God’s unwavering love to his unfaithful people. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think...
-
July 17, 2022. Prophets and Kings. Disciples Stand In Compassion. Week 5.
Amos was tasked with speaking a hard truth, and wrath was coming! God was angry because the people had forsaken their call to live with love and compassion. How can wrath and compassion co-exist? What does it mean to live with love and compassion? Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts,...
-
June 19, 2022. Prophets and Kings. Week 1.
Elijah was a “man of God,” but he was burned out, at the end of his rope, and mad at God. It’s okay not to be okay. But then what? Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's checkpoint (June 19), click here.
-
July 10, 2022. Prophets and Kings: A Disciple's Standard Is Love. Week 4.
God told Amos he was about to measure the people, and they would be found failing in faithfulness. They would, therefore, be judged. They didn’t like Amos’s message! We want God’s judgment about evil and people who hurt us, but what does God’s judgment feel like when it’s aimed at us? How does…
more -
July 3, 2022. Prophets and Kings: Disciples Are Humble. Week 3.
Sometimes we don’t like the path God leads us down because it might be too hard or too easy. It might require us to condescend our status or our comforts. Our pride is also at stake. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's…
more -
June 26, 2022. Prophets and Kings: Disciples Are Learners. Week 2.
Elisha was willing to walk away from the life he knew. He was “all in,” and he valued the importance of apprenticeship and mentoring. How is learning part of discipleship? How can spiritual mentors make a difference? Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to…
more -
June 12, 2022. Wisdom's Call.
Wisdom is more than just head knowledge -- it’s a way of living with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and with the Holy Spirit. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's checkpoint (June 12), click here.
-
June 5, 2022. A Great Gift and A Powerful Challenge
Pentecost is the birthday of the Church. What does that mean to us today? Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's checkpoint (June 5), click here.
-
May 29, 2022. Life's Most Important Question: "Who Do You Say I Am?"
This is the question Jesus put to his own disciples on the trail outside Caesarea Philippi one day: Who do you say that I am? If you are a follower of Jesus, this is one of the most important questions you will ever have to think about and respond to. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture,...
-
May 22, 2022. Revelation Revealed: Full Circle. Week 5.
The concluding scene in Revelation closely resembles the beginning scene of Genesis 1. Revelation brings us full circle with God’s overarching plan to bring new life. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this...
-
May 15, 2022. Revelation Revealed: In the Making. Week 4.
The resurrection of Jesus was only the beginning of making things new. We are all still "works in progress," and God is still in the process of bringing about a new way of life. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To...
-
May 8, 2022. Revelation Revealed: A Vision of the Church. Week3.
The apostle John’s vision of the church reminds us we are called to be a great multitude of diverse people, all with our baggage, hang-ups and habits, yet all connected and pointing to the one who loves, accepts, and forgives us all Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and…
more -
May 1, 2022. Revelation Revealed: A Vision of Worship. Week 2.
Through worship, we embody and enact what takes place in Revelation 5:11-14. The challenge for us is to remember who’s on the throne at the center. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's checkpoint…
more -
April 24, 2022. Revelation Revealed: Beginning With the End. Week 1.
The Book of Revelation may perplex, scare, confuse or intimidate us. It may make us wonder what Jesus’ resurrection has to do with life here and now. When we better understand the context of Revelation, we can see how much we have in common with the early church. We can cling to the hope we have…
more -
April 17, 2022. Character Counts: Week 7.
Christian character doesn’t live in defeat. Despite the negative forces and influences in our lives and world, Christian character always remembers the victory of life over death, in this life and the next. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think...
-
April 10, 2022. Character Counts: Humility. Week 6.
Jesus never sought his own ambitions. To be like Jesus is to assume a mindset of humility. True humility is the gift of seeing yourself and others the way God sees you and others. This Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon.…
more -
April 3, 2022. Character Counts: Faith. Week 5.
Paul (the greatest missionary of all time) admitted that he didn’t have all the answers. He, too, was striving for more confidence in Jesus. Faith is a journey -- not a destination. It is something we grow into. This Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us...
-
March 27, 2022. Character Counts: Reconciliation. Week 4.
Christian character reconciles our heart and mind with the heart and mind of Christ. To reconcile our values and beliefs with Christ, we need to allow Christ’s values to overshadow our own. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through…
more -
March 20, 2022. Character Counts: Holiness. Week 3.
Holiness does not mean flawlessness. Holiness for followers of Jesus refers to living in unity with the Holy Spirit over, above, and beyond the worldly influences that would divide our hearts and minds. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think...
-
March 13, 2022. Character Counts: Discipline. Week 2.
To follow Jesus means to mimic Jesus. To mimic Jesus begins with having a relationship with Jesus. Through discipline (training), we more closely resemble Jesus. Our Mid-Week Checkpoint uses scripture, thoughts, questions, and a prayer to help us think through Sunday's sermon. To view this week's...
About this show
Weekly Sermons from First Farragut
Hosted by
Amber Lloyd
Categories