The First Stream Podcast

This week's message takes us into the heart of Jesus' farewell discourse in John 14, where we encounter a profound truth: sometimes God's greatest gifts come through departure, not presence. We explore the disciples' fear of abandonment as Jesus announces His leaving, a fear that resonates deeply with our own experiences of feeling directionless or forgotten by God.

This week's exploration of 1 Peter 2 confronts us with one of life's most fundamental questions: Who are we? Drawing from the apostle Peter's letter to persecuted churches scattered across Asia, we discover that our identity isn't found in our achievements, social status, or personal struggles, but entirely in Christ.

How does understanding that Revelation was written to encourage persecuted believers rather than terrify them change the way you read apocalyptic passages in Scripture? Find out in today's episode. 

This powerful reflection challenges us to move beyond treating Easter as a single-day celebration and instead embrace it as a transformative season that reshapes our entire lives.

This powerful exploration of Matthew's resurrection account reminds us that we are all searching for something to fill the void within our hearts. Through the angel's four profound statements to the women at the empty tomb, we discover timeless answers to our deepest questions.

This sermon explores the contrast between what the crowds expected from Jesus on Palm Sunday and what He actually came to accomplish. Through examining the two signs the people gave—throwing down their cloaks (echoing Jehu's anointing) and waving palm branches (recalling Judas Maccabeus's victory)—we saw how easily we can create a messiah in our own image rather than following the true Messiah.

This exploration of Matthew 19 confronts us with one of the most challenging questions in the Christian life: what are we holding onto that keeps us from fully embracing God's kingdom? Through the familiar story of the rich young ruler, we discover that eternal life isn't just another item to add to our spiritual checklist—it's a complete transformation of everything we value.

In Matthew 12, we encounter a profound challenge to our understanding of religious observance and genuine faith. The passage reveals Jesus healing a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath, sparking controversy with the Pharisees who valued strict adherence to religious law above compassion. What makes this story so compelling is the realization that the Pharisees were not heartless legalists—they genuinely believed they were honoring God through their meticulous rule-keeping. Yet in their zeal to protect God's honor, they missed God's heart entirely.

This powerful exploration of Matthew 9:35-38 invites us to reconsider how we see the world around us. The passage reveals Jesus moving through towns and villages, teaching, preaching, and healing, but what truly stands out is the deep compassion that moved Him. This wasn't a passing sympathy or fleeting concern. The original language suggests a gut-wrenching, stomach-turning response to the suffering He witnessed. Jesus looked at the crowds and saw them as sheep without a shepherd, people who had been failed by those meant to care for them.

This exploration of Jesus' final temptation in the wilderness confronts us with one of humanity's most seductive tests: the temptation of power. Building on Jesus' 40-day fast and His responses to earlier temptations about provision and protection, we encounter the devil's ultimate offer—all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship. What makes this passage from Matthew 4 so profound is not just what Satan offers, but what lies beneath it: the spiritual forces and principalities that influence earthly power structures. We're reminded that our struggle isn't merely against flesh and blood, but against unseen rulers of darkness that have operated since the fall.

This week's exploration of Matthew's account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness reveals something profound about the battles we face in our own spiritual lives. We discover that the enemy's oldest trick isn't questioning our identity directly, but rather questioning God's love and provision for us.

This exploration of Matthew 17 and the Transfiguration invites us behind the divine curtain to witness who Jesus truly is. The message challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives: How long has it been since we've been so touched by God's presence that it had a noticeable effect on us? Like Peter, we often get caught up in doing rather than abiding, working in God's presence rather than simply resting in it.   When God's voice thundered from the cloud commanding us to listen to His Son, it was a divine correction: stop talking, stop working, and simply listen. This account reminds us that God's glory isn't found by chasing experiences around the world—it's as close as Jesus is. We're invited to see Him transfigured not just on the mountain in glory, but also on the cross in humility, because both reveal the fullness of God's love for us.

This message draws us into the heart of what truly matters in our faith journey by exploring 1 Corinthians 2. Using the relatable metaphor of moving from one home to another, we're challenged to examine what we're taking with us as we transition through different seasons of life and faith. Just as moving forces us to sort through our possessions and decide what's worth keeping, we must ask ourselves: what attitudes, traditions, and mindsets are we carrying forward? The answer is beautifully simple yet profoundly challenging—the gospel of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Psalm 15 poses a profound question that reshapes how we think about our relationship with God: what kind of person dwells in His presence? This isn't about meeting requirements or proving our worthiness—it's about recognizing the transformation that happens when God's presence dwells within us.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips      

This exploration of Isaiah 42 takes us deep into the heart of God's promise to His people in exile, revealing truths that resonate powerfully with our own lives today.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips    

A sermon from Ephesians 3 and being God's new creation family.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

A sermon from the first Sunday after the Epiphany.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

A sermon for Epiphany 2026.      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

"The light shone in the darkness, but the darkness did not overcome it."   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips    

A message from the Rev. Ken Aycock     Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

What can we learn from Joseph and his "yes" to God? Listen to find out.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

The song the shepherds heard, that still rings out today.      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

The Second Sunday of Advent, and our second in our series "Peace on Earth" from Isaiah 11.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

Where can we find hope for peace in our world? At the Mountain of the Lord's house.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips      

What is our hope in a world of chaos? How can we hold on to hope when it seems evil is winning? Daniel's vision holds the key to our hope in a hopeless world.    Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips    

The resolution of Daniel's dillemma and Darius' distress, leading to God's praise.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

When our faith is tested, how do we respond?      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

When the world is against you, what will you hold firm to?      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

A reflection on what it means to be measured by God.      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

When kingdoms stand on a narrow precipice, what will God say of them?    (Forgive the poor audio quality in this episode)     Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

God resists the proud, but exalts the humble - no matter how long it takes for them to see the light.      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

Nebuchadnezzar, and the madness that leads to belief.      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

The testing of faith in the midst of fire.      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

What could make a man risk his life? A God worth living for, and a God worth dying for.    Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

In response to his dream, Nebuchadnezzar attempts to re-write the future, but to what end? How do we still attempt to do this today, and how do we respond?      Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

What was the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream? How does it give us hope in a day where empires rise and empires fall? In this episode, we look at God's purpose working through history, to bring about His plan and His kingdom.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips    

How does Daniel's prayer of praise give us hope to face our toughest trials? Join us as we unpack the next verses in the story of Daniel.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

Where do we go for wisdom when the best the world has cannot provide an answer? Join us as we continue in Daniel to learn how to get wisdom from above.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

How can we resist being conformed to this world? Where do we draw the line? Daniel and his friends faced a similar issue when exiled in Babylon, and the risk they took for faithfulness gives us guidance today on how to remain true to God while in a strange land.     Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

How do we remain faithful as exiles and pilgrims in this world? Join us as we begin to study the Book of Daniel, and enduring faith in changing times.     Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

How do we deal with possessions and wealth? What did Jesus have to say about greed? Join us today as we consider this topic from the Gospel of Luke.    Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips

How do we deal with anger from the Bible? Join us today as we look at Jesus's words in the Sermon on the Mount to deal with our anger. Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

Guilt is something we have all experienced at one time or another, but how can we be rid of it? What can set us free from the guilt within? Join us today in Psalm 32 as we see how God puts our disordered hearts back into order. Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

When we step out in faith, God shows us that he has a purpose, a promise, and a plan for us. Join us as we unpack these aspects from Abram's journey in Genesis.   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips    

What is one of the best jobs God gave humanity? Today we learn how motherhood reflects God's image to the world around us. Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips    

What is our Christian hope? We will be resurrected in real bodies, but also in a real place! Join us as we look at the pictures of heaven out of the Book of Revelation. Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Outro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Outro by Caleb Phillips  

What is the hope of Easter for each one of us today? Pastor Richard walks us through the hope we have of a real resurrection in Jesus. Follow us online!   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Intro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Intro and outro by Caleb Phillips  

What does Jesus mean by "it is finished?" Join us today as we look at how these words mean that the work is done once and for all, and once for all. Follow us online!   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Intro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Intro and outro by Caleb Phillips  

Where do the humanity of Jesus and the divinity of Jesus meet? Here on the cross in the fifth saying.    Follow us online!   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Intro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Intro and outro by Caleb Phillips  

"My God, My God, why have you abandoned me?" What do these words of Jesus mean when considering Psalm 22? Join us this morning as Pastor Michael continues our series through the Seven Sayings of Jesus from the Cross.      Follow us online!   Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/2kaaancn X : https://x.com/CAChurchMobile  YouTube https://tinyurl.com/y5s8k6j7   Intro music: “Coffee and Conversation” by Audio Insider Intro and outro by Caleb Phillips