Videos

Easter 2013 Sermon – Define The Relationship

We’re all fans of Easter. I mean, it’s the biggest event on the Christian calendar, right along with Christmas. We like it. We like Jesus’ role in Easter too. But do we like Jesus the way we like the Phoenix Suns or Cardinals? The Doobie Brothers sang, “Jesus is Just Alright with Me.” They were fans. But is that what Jesus wants from us—to be “Jesus fans?” What happens when our team’s not winning, or Jesus doesn’t come through for us like we want him to? What then? Perhaps we need to define the relationship.

Are we fickle fans or faithful followers? I’ve decided that I don’t want to be a fan.

03/24/13 Message – Shouting in the Temple

Sermon 3-24-13 “Shouting in the Temple” from First Christian on Vimeo.

The first thing Jesus did when he entered Jerusalem for the final time was go to the temple. There were children there shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” We believe every child should have the opportunity to know Jesus like this. God’s Word says:

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families; he leads forth the prisoners with singing.” (Psalm 68:5-6)

This is a picture of the heart and character of God. As His People, we must model and reflect this same heart. In Arizona, there are 1500 children in the Foster Care System who do not yet have families to care for them. They live in shelters or group homes. Could the Church, the People of God, be the answer to this problem? Could we be the families God has in mind for these children? If not us, then who?

03/17/13 Message – Praying Outside the Box

Prayer, as far as God is concerned, cannot be contained in any of our traditional, cultural, or even religious boxes. God wants us to pray outside the box—for everyone, even kings, and especially the unsaved. We have direct access to Him through Jesus, our mediator who has purchased all of us from our slavery to sin. King Jesus is looking for men whose hands are dedicated to his purposes. He wants us to lift up our dedicated hands in prayer, not being hindered any longer by the anger that often controls us.