FPC Houston's Sermons: Recent Episodes
First Presbyterian Church Houston
Join us each week to hear sermons from Sunday worship services at FPC Houston as well as companion podcasts associated with certain sermon series.
Today, we're looking at Esther to see how God gives us courage when we need it most. Her story challenges us to step up, put others first, and bring justice right where God has placed us.
SERMON SERIESStories We Don't Grow Out Of
The stories of the Hebrew Scriptures are far more than just childhood tales. By leaning into these familiar narratives, we discover a fresh, lifelong perspective on faith that points us directly to the way of Jesus
Preaching Pastor: Courtney McLaughlin
Today we are looking at how Boaz's sacrificial love for Ruth restored what death had destroyed. We'll explore how this story points to Jesus and reminds us that everyone has a place in God's family.
Scripture: Ruth 4.1-4
Preaching Pastor: Curtis Bronzan
This morning, we are turning to the story of David and Goliath to explore how daily, quiet faithfulness builds the spiritual courage we need to face life's modern giants.
Spcripture (1st Samuel 17)
Preaching Pastor: Jeanmarie Tade
The stories of the Hebrew Scriptures are far more than just childhood tales. By leaning into these familiar narratives, we discover a fresh, lifelong perspective on faith that points us directly to the way of Jesus
Sermon Scripture: Genesis 50.15-21
Preaching Pastor: Curtis Bronzan
This week, God invites you to use the imagination He gave you to step into a gospel story. Let yourself be transported to dusty streets and bustling town squares. Allow this story to come to life so that you can encounter our living King, Jesus, and hear His call upon your life.
This week we will practice a form of prayer called the Examen. Throughout the centuries, people have discerned God’s direction for their lives through this practice. By sitting and attending to what we otherwise might miss in the busyness and chaos of our days, the Examen helps us to notice what is stirring within us and reflect upon what God is doing in our lives. When we recognize who God created us to be, we have the raw material for discerning His unique call and design for our lives.
This week we enter into a time of being. Too often we find our identity and worth in doing, to the neglect of being. What seems to take up your time? What are you busy doing or thinking about from the moment you wake up until the moment your head hits the pillow? This is where the practice of Recollection and Centering prayers will help guide a time of stillness before God, allowing you to be in God’s presence.
This week we are going to try a prayer practice known as prayer walking. Some people do their best thinking and praying while moving. This type of intercession allows people to intentionally go to their site of concern: the office, your church, your neighborhood, the conference room, the hospital, government buildings, or even your child’s bedroom. For your first time with this prayer practice, feel free to simply walk outside your home around your neighborhood.
Our second week’s prayer practice is Breath Prayer. Just as we need a continual supply of air to breathe, Breath Prayer reminds us we also need continuous breaths of God throughout our day.
As you listen to the passage, notice if any attributes or names for God jump out. Pair this with your inhale. Then pair your exhale with a deep desire of your heart related to the text. Remember, you can continue this practice even once you are finished listening to the podcast.
Our first week’s practice is Lectio Divina: the “divine reading” of Scripture. As we repeat this practice of prayer throughout the week, we will prayerfully listen to a passage read slowly and repeatedly. Let us come with joyful expectancy, trusting the Lord’s heart is to make His Word come alive to us through His Holy Spirit.