Sermons - First Church: Recent Episodes
First Church of Christ, Altoona, PA
Some may misunderstand or even reject our testimony, but we are called to stay courageous in sharing our faith with others.
The most powerful way to lead others to Christ is by living a life of integrity, where your character remains above reproach.
We can have an unwavering commitment to our faith in Jesus Christ, even in the face of challenges.
By surrendering his life to God, Paul had no fear of missing out on anything. He was already doing the work God had created him for, and it provided everything he needed.
Followers of Jesus will be shaped and formed to be like Jesus. As you know Christ more, your life will resemble Him.
Our God is with us, and His plan will never fail. It must be our daily posture that we trust God with our lives. He will provide for us now and for all eternity.
People are listening and watching you live your every day life, so live in a Christ-like manner.
Constructive and healthy conflict is essential for growth. If we seek God and keep him at the center of our conflicts, we can claim the promise of Romans 8:28.
We need to ensure that we do not turn our spiritual leaders into idols, but rather focus on Christ as our true example.
We can be courageous in sharing the good news of Jesus, knowing that while some may reject it, others will find salvation and joy through it.
The early church exemplified servant leadership by addressing practical needs while prioritizing spiritual ministry.
What is your name? Are you the “Most Excellent Theophilus” (lover of God) or are you “Philautos” (lover of self)?
We must wait and depend on the power of God in order to accomplish our calling from God.
Our debt is reconciled through the cross, and God alone is able to save us as a result.
Every follower of Jesus has a part to play in the life of the Church. Let each and every one of us commit ourselves to living a Christlike life for the Kingdom of God.
Christian faith isn't a sprint, but a marathon - a lifelong journey of sanctification to become more like Christ.
In the person of Christ and in the company of our Christian brothers and sisters, we find peace and joy during times of suffering and hardship.
When the Enemy pushes and pulls in the tug of war for our minds, we can stand firm on the Truth of God that is fulfilled in Christ.
How does God's greatness and grace shine through in your life? Because if you don't know the answer, how will those around you?
If your sinful nature controls your mind, it will lead to death, but if the Holy Spirit controls it, it will lead to life and peace.
How can we combat the unseen spiritual forces that cause negative thinking patterns in our minds?
It is impossible to fully comprehend or explain God's love. Incomprehensible and unexplainable, it is a mystery.
Children are a gift from God, and God cares about how children are raised and nurtured. We must learn to become like children, to welcome kids, to protect them, and to value them as a kingdom priority.
Becoming a true disciple means understanding the paradox of the Christian faith: to save your life, you must lose it.
Are we living our lives with a hardened heart? The compassionate heart of Christ sees the needy and afraid and is moved to action.
What would it look like if we allow Jesus to change and transform us and give God permission to use the resources that he's placed in our hands?
The meager and the insignificant, dedicated in the hands of Jesus, can do amazing things.
The storms of life will always come - and will reveal the strength of our faith in God and our ability to have peace in the waves.
Have we done the work to ensure that our hearts are fertile ground to receive the seed of God's word?
When someone encounters Jesus, what does He tell them to do? Despite their sin, despite their reputation, despite their cultural or religious differences, His message is the same: come follow me.
How does Jesus respond to those who come to Him? He looks for our faith (or sometimes, our lack of faith).
There is a rising sense of uncertainty in our world today. As believers, we need to remember God is always faithful and good.
Missionaries Mike and Marcy Brown talk about their missions work in Pucallpa, Peru and the school they organize and run SAM Academy
This week, First Church welcomed Pastor Jim Balzano from Trans4mation Church as part of a community "Pulpit Swap".
Genesis 2:18, Matthew 22:37, Romans 12:18, Ephesians 5:21-25, Ephesians 6:1-4, Matthew 22:39-40, Matthew 5:43-45