FPC Douglasville: Recent Episodes
First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville
Join us for reflections on scripture, spiritual practices to help you grow as a disciple, and conversations about what it means to follow Jesus. A podcast from the First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville, GA.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:1-8 as part of our sermon series through the book of Luke: Following Jesus.
Jesus faced a challenge from religious leaders questioning his authority, which reveals two foundations of his power: his identity as God's Son and his obedience to Scripture. As Christians, we should live under the same dual authority - our relationship with God and the guidance of Scripture. Other sources of authority like science, culture, or personal preference ultimately fail because they ignore our divine design. When we struggle in our faith, it's often because we've fallen into selective obedience, choosing which parts of God's Word to follow while ignoring others. True flourishing comes when we fully embrace God's authority in every area of life.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 19:11-27 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the book of Luke.
Rev James Harper preaches on Luke 18:31-43 as part of the continuing Following Jesus sermon series on the book of Luke.
In Luke 18:31-43, we see a powerful contrast between spiritual blindness and true sight. While Jesus' disciples, who had spent years with Him, failed to understand His clear predictions about His coming death and resurrection, a blind beggar in Jericho immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Despite never having seen Jesus, this man's faith allowed him to perceive what the disciples could not. When Jesus healed him, He emphasized that the man's faith had made him spiritually whole, not just able to see. This story challenges us to examine whether we truly see Jesus with eyes of faith or merely know facts about Him.
Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on 2 Kings 6: 8-23 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series.
Spiritual vision allows us to perceive beyond physical appearances to recognize God's deeper work in our lives and in the world. Like Elisha's servant who saw God's heavenly army, we can develop the ability to see situations from God's perspective. This vision transforms our outlook on challenges, helping us recognize that God is with us, for us, and in control. By looking beyond immediate circumstances to eternal realities, we can navigate difficulties with confidence, knowing that present struggles are preparing us for future glory.
Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:19-27 as part of our sermon series on Gifts of the King.
God's discipline differs fundamentally from punishment, with discipline focused on growth and restoration while punishment deals with past wrongs. Through Gehazi's story in 2 Kings 5, we learn that believers experience discipline rather than punishment due to Christ's sacrifice. While all Christians remain under God's loving discipline, not all suffering indicates sin. Understanding this distinction helps us recognize God's role as a loving Father who shapes His children's character rather than a harsh punisher.
Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:1-14 as part of the "Gifts of the King" Sermon Series.
True restoration involves being reformed into the person God intended from creation. Through Naaman's story, we learn that God's path to restoration is straightforward yet often challenging to accept. The process requires giving up control, embracing humility, and developing patience. Key steps include honestly naming areas needing restoration, building a daily relationship with Jesus, and connecting with supportive fellow believers. While complete restoration awaits in heaven, God offers ways to begin healing through kingdom living.
Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:38-41 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series.
In times of famine, a deadly situation arose when poisonous wild gourds were accidentally added to a pot of stew meant for the prophets' sons. This story from 2 Kings 4:38-41 illustrates how sin poisoned God's perfect creation, affecting all humanity. Just as Elisha used flour to neutralize the poison, Jesus became the ultimate solution to sin's deadly effects through His death and resurrection. While believers may still struggle with sin's residual effects, transformation is possible through Christ's power, support from others, and practical steps toward change.
Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:1-7 as part of our Gifts of the King Sermon Series.
The biblical account of Elisha and the widow's oil reveals profound truths about God's compassionate nature and the power of generosity. God demonstrates His care for individual struggles by miraculously providing for a desperate widow facing debt and potential loss of her children. This narrative teaches that God has unlimited resources at His disposal and often works through the generosity of others. The ultimate message centers on breaking the power of money in our lives by recognizing Jesus as our true treasure, leading to a life of sacrificial giving and genuine freedom.
Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:25-37 as part of the sermon series on Elisha the prophet, connecting the story with the power of Jesus's resurrection.
The story of the Shunammite woman demonstrates profound truths about hope triumphing over grief. After receiving a miraculous son through the prophet Elisha, she faced devastating loss when the child died. Instead of accepting death, she demonstrated remarkable faith by placing her son in Elisha's bed and seeking the prophet's help. Her declaration that 'all is well' amid tragedy reveals a deep understanding that hope, through God's power, ultimately defeats grief. This ancient story connects to the eternal hope we have through Christ's resurrection, showing that while grief is temporary, hope is eternal.
In our final sermon of the Letters of Recommendation Series, Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Judas and Jesus, with scripture from Matthew 27:3-10.
The story of Judas at the Last Supper reveals profound lessons about grace and forgiveness. Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus demonstrated extraordinary love by washing his feet, welcoming him at the table, and calling him friend. Unlike other biblical figures who found redemption after failure, Judas's tragedy lay not only in his betrayal, but in his inability to accept forgiveness. This narrative reminds us that God's grace remains available regardless of our past, and while we live, our story isn't finished.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Gideon, with scripture from Judges 7:1-8.
God's power can shine bright through those who feel inadequate or ill-equipped. Through Gideon's transformation from a fearful man hiding in a winepress to a mighty warrior leading just 300 men to victory, we see God's pattern of using unlikely heroes. This truth continues today, as demonstrated by untouchable women in India who, despite minimal resources and education, are successfully planting churches and transforming communities. The key isn't human capability but rather availability and trust in God's power.
Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Deborah with scripture from Judges 7:1-8.
Deborah, Israel's only female judge, demonstrated extraordinary leadership during a time of oppression under Canaanite rule. As both judge and prophetess, she displayed remarkable courage by leading despite societal limitations, joining Barak on the battlefield, and speaking difficult truths. Her story teaches that God equips those He calls, regardless of perceived weaknesses. Through her faithful leadership, she helped deliver Israel and established a powerful example of courage that continues to inspire believers to step into their divine calling with confidence.
Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on David with scripture from 2 Samuel 12:1-15.
David's journey from shepherd to king took a dark turn when he succumbed to temptation with Bathsheba, leading to adultery and murder. His story illustrates how our eyes can deceive us, making us blind to our own sins and causing us to chase what seems greener on the other side. Despite attempting to hide his sins, David learned that wrongdoing cannot remain hidden from God. Yet through it all, God's remarkable grace prevailed, offering forgiveness and redemption, demonstrating that even in our deepest moral failures, divine mercy remains available.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Peter, with scripture from Matthew 16:13-23.
Peter's journey from fisherman to church leader demonstrates that faith develops through both triumphs and failures. Despite being one of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter experienced significant ups and downs - from boldly declaring Jesus as the Christ to denying Him three times. His story reveals how God shows patience with our failures, uses our imperfections to highlight His grace, and can transform any life story that centers on Jesus. Through Peter's example, we learn that authentic faith journeys don't require perfection to be powerfully used by God.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Thomas, with scripture from John 20:24-29.
Thomas, one of Jesus's twelve disciples, was known for his analytical mind and need to question things. Rather than condemning his doubts, Jesus met Thomas where he was, even inviting him to touch his wounds after the resurrection. This demonstrates that God is not threatened by our questions and responds with patience and compassion to doubt. Different paths to faith are valid, whether through immediate acceptance or careful investigation, and God meets each person where they are.
Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 as part our Lent Sermon Series, "Letters of Recommendation."
Every personal experience shapes our unique story, and God purposefully uses these experiences for His kingdom. Through examining Paul's letter to the Corinthians, we discover that God uses unlikely people, regardless of their background or perceived inadequacies. Our authentic experiences, including struggles and victories, become powerful tools for reaching others in ways only we can.
Sarah Dickinson introduces our Lent Audio Devotional series with scripture from 2 Corinthians 3:1-6.
Rev. Scott York preaches on Psalm 103, as part of our sermon series on the Psalms.
Exploring Psalm 103 reveals that genuine gratitude requires engaging our entire being, not just words or thoughts. The Hebrew concept of blessing God involves our whole self being present and engaged in thanksgiving. True gratitude means remembering God's ongoing work today, His historical faithfulness, His eternal love, and this can also happen powerfully when we practice gratitude in community with others. By practicing intentional thanksgiving and engaging our whole selves, we can develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God through gratitude
Rev. James Harper preaches on Psalm 42:1-5 as part of our sermon series on praying with the Psalms.
In times of spiritual and emotional crisis, we can use the words of this psalm to give voice to our struggle, and our desire to live in hope. David's words remind us that we can and should be honest with God about our feelings. We should look to the past to remember God's faithfulness, and talk to ourselves about what God says about us. We are invited to turn our hope from the temporary solutions of this world, to the eternal hope that we have in Jesus, the one who went before us and made the way clear for us to call out to God and receive his grace in the midst of our struggles.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Psalm 46 as part of our sermion series on praying with the Psalms.
Life's challenges can shake our foundations, but there are two perspectives to consider: life in the world and life in God's kingdom. While earthly disruptions like natural disasters, financial crises, and personal setbacks are inevitable, God's kingdom offers unshakeable truths. Three fundamental principles emerge: our difficulties ultimately work for good, our spiritual blessings cannot be taken away, and the best things still await us in eternity. By being still and viewing challenges through the lens of kingdom citizenship, we can find peace amid life's storms.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Psalm 8 as part of our sermon series on praying with the Psalms.
Psalm 8 reveals God's authoritative perspective on human value and identity. As the sovereign creator of all things, God declares humans to be crowned with glory and honor, positioned just below angels, and made in His divine image. This truth stands in stark contrast to cultural messages that base human worth on usefulness, behavior, or appearance. The ultimate proof of human value is demonstrated through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, showing the immense worth God places on each person.
For more information about First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville, visit our website:
www.fpcdouglasville.org
Rev. James Harper preaches on Acts 9:10-19 in our For God. For Neighbor. For You. Series!
Assumptions about God and others can significantly limit our ability to form meaningful relationships with God and with others. Through the biblical story of Ananias and Saul, we learn how choosing curiosity over assumptions can lead to transformative experiences. By examining our preconceptions about God and others, we can move beyond prejudices based on politics, ethnicity, age, or social issues. This approach allows us to develop deeper connections, participate in God's work, and better fulfill our calling as followers of Christ.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Hebrews 13: 8-16.
Here's a summary:
God's boundless generosity toward us calls for more than passive reception - it invites us to become generous givers ourselves. This transformative journey involves giving up our personal rights, offering consistent praise, and sharing our time freely with others. By shifting from a receiving-only mindset to one of active giving, we discover deeper purpose and closer connection with God. This lifestyle of generosity allows us to participate meaningfully in God's mission while experiencing the joy that comes from selfless giving.
Rev. James Harper preaches on 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and the importance of grace over judgment.
Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Galatians 4:1-7 as part of our Advent Sermon Series, "Grace Upon Grace."
Rev. James Harper preaches on Isaiah 40:1-5 as part of our Advent Sermon Series, Grace Upon Grace.
Rev. James Harper preaches on Genesis 15:1-6 as part of our Advent sermon series, Grace Upon Grace.
Sermon given by Rev. Andrew Dickinson on Matthew 6:19-24 for our Sermon on the Mount Series.
Magan Harper shares about what she learned and how she grew in faith as she worked through a big transition.
Sermon from June 6th - The Anointed One: Luke 2:41-52. James discusses this passage about Jesus as a boy in the temple.
A conversation with Jenni Preston about Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Luke 19:28-40.
A conversation with Jenni Preston about Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem in Luke 19:28-40.
Brook Powell reflects on the part Joseph of Arimathea played in caring for Jesus on Good Friday.
Sarah reflects on the practice of the Examen and how it can be used by God to help us on the path of transformation.
Cheryl Ireland talks with Sarah about Jesus's mother, Mary, and her experience of being there at the cross.
A conversation with The Rev Sandy Fox about Jesus' interrogation by Pilate and Herod in Luke 23:1-25.
Tommy-Lee Sexton and Scott York further explore the story of Peter's denial, and share their reflections on what this story can tell us about the mistakes in our own life.
A conversation with Tom Hamilton about Jesus' arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin in Luke 22:47-53, 63-71.
Mary of Bethany: At Jesus' Feet. Glenna James reflects on Mary's anointing of Jesus at Bethany.
Sarah discusses how what we value shapes who we are becoming, and shares about how spiritual practices can help us to recalibrate our hearts towards God.
James Harper and Mike Lauter discuss Luke 22:35-46, in which Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.
An introduction to our podcast, who we are, and what's to come. www.fpcdouglasville.org