First Church: Recent Episodes
First Church
What if the part of worship we talk about the most is actually the smallest part? This message challenges some of the assumptions we’ve picked up about worship and asks a bigger question about how we’re living.
Many people believe they’re too far gone to change, while others think saying the right things is enough. Jesus’ parable of the two sons shows that what matters isn’t what we say—it’s whether we’re willing to change our minds, turn toward God, and take a step of obedience.
None of us asks for difficult seasons, but all of us eventually face them. This message explores how our hardest moments don’t have to define us—and why they may be shaping us more than we realize.
Most people can handle life when things are going well.The real test comes when everything feels uncertain and people are looking for answers. This Father’s Day we explore what leadership looks like in difficult moments and where real strength comes from when we’re running low.
Many people have great intentions when they read the Bible, but somewhere along the way, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. This message challenges people to stop treating faith like information consumption and start treating it like something meant to be lived.
A lot of people try to read the Bible, get frustrated, and give up. This message shows why growth with God is less like flipping a switch and more like building something over time.Types of Literature in the Bible - https://first-church-in.cls.co/note/vnpvvr
A lot of people feel like they should read the Bible, but then they try and feel confused, bored, or completely lost. This message gives simple, practical steps to help you read the Bible in a way that actually makes sense.
In “Seeds of Kindness,” Pastor Bob reminds us that we can’t control the condition of someone’s heart, but we can choose to faithfully sow seeds of love. Through kindness, truth, prayer, and simple moments of courage, God can use our everyday relationships to point people toward Jesus.
What will your kids care about when they’re older? Probably not every game, trip, or perfectly planned moment. This message helps parents zoom out and think about what we’re really trying to build in the next generation.
Throwing in the towel can feel justified in the moment, but that’s what makes it dangerous. This Mother’s Day we’re talking about how to live as women who don’t throw in the towel on what we want most for what we now!
If being a Christian had a job description… would you know what’s on it? This message walks through who’s really in charge and what that changes.
Everyone hits moments where what they believe gets shaken—by pain, questions, or something they hear. This message is about what to do when that happens, and how to rebuild something real instead of walking away or staying stuck in doubt forever.
A lot of people don’t make bad decisions because they don’t care. They make them because they only see what’s right in front of them. So when it comes to something like “God’s will”… it can feel confusing or out of reach. What if it’s actually more practical than that?Like how you handle fear, pressure, and the decisions right in front of you.
What if fear isn’t actually the problem in your life?What if it’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do…but it’s just focused on the wrong things? Even the fear of death… what if that’s not the real issue?
Jesus isn’t meant to be part of your life. He’s meant to be what everything else is built on. And when He’s not… things don’t hold together the same way. Jesus raising from the dead isn’t just something to believe. It’s something that should reshape how we live. This message walks through what that actually looks like.
You’ve made changes. Taken steps. Started fresh. But it’s not happening the way you thought. Little by little can feel invisible.This message explains why it’s not.
Have you ever thought about how easy it is to be around faith without letting it reshape your life? What if being near Jesus and being transformed by Jesus are not the same thing?
Have you ever felt frustrated with church and wondered if it’s even worth it? What if the expectations we carry into faith shape the way we experience it?
Why do the harshest thoughts about ourselves show up when we’re already tired or overwhelmed? The ones that replay our mistakes and tell us the worst is coming. This message looks at how Jesus shows us to respond when our minds start spiraling.
Divorce, burnout, financial stress, faith crises — they rarely happen overnight. They build slowly through unresolved small issues. In this message, we unpack how quiet neglect can drift us off course and how small, faithful steps can change the trajectory of your marriage, family, finances, and faith.
Stress doesn’t disappear just because you believe in God — but it does change when you trust Him. This message gets real about anxiety, control, and what it looks like to actually trust in anxiety.
Loneliness is rising, but the solution isn’t trying harder alone. Discover why God designed you to need others and how biblical community unlocks healing, growth, and purpose.
The danger isn’t always doing the wrong thing; sometimes it’s doing nothing at all. Could playing it safe be costing more than we realize?
A lot of us want our lives to matter—but we’re not sure where to start. We feel like impact should be bigger, louder, or more obvious than what we have right now. This message explores what following Jesus’ command for our life looks like.
Most conflict doesn’t start with hate, but with misunderstanding. Learn how seeing what others see, letting go of what doesn’t matter, and fighting for what does can heal complicated relationships.
This message, A New You, dives into the real struggle we all face: doing what we don’t want to do and feeling stuck in cycles we hate. Pastor Bob Merritt reminds us that the battle inside doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means God is at work.
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we’re ever asked to do—and one of the most freeing. In this message, we explore what forgiveness really means, what it doesn’t mean, and why holding onto hurt can quietly trap us.
Relationships get complicated fast, but healing starts when we take responsibility for our part. This message explores how to ask for forgiveness, make real repair attempts, and stop focusing on everyone else’s faults before dealing with our own. If you want clearer and healthier relationships, this is a practical place to begin.
This message invites an honest look at what gets in the way of seeing ourselves clearly through the grace of Jesus. It challenges us to confront hidden sin and pride, learn how to love one another like family even when we disagree, and rediscover the joy of belonging to God’s family—especially if we’ve ever felt like outsiders.
Christmas reminds us that Jesus often shows up in ways we don’t expect. Many of us struggle with faith not because we doubt God’s existence, but because He hasn’t met the expectations we placed on Him. This message invites us to lay down those expectations and discover who Jesus truly is—and why that changes everything.
Life is messy, especially at Christmas. This message looks at how God doesn’t avoid our problems—He works through them, turning weakness and frustration into something meaningful.
Christmas doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. Family tension, distractions, and old hurts can quietly drain the joy from the table. In this message, we look at Jesus’ surprising words about becoming like children—and how presence, joy, humility, and forgiveness can heal dysfunction and restore what really matters this season.
What do you do when you’re praying for good things and nothing is happening? This message tackles “expectation frustration” — the gap between what you hoped for and what life is giving you. We’ll explore why God sometimes delays, how to recognize the wrong doors, and how to stay close to Him when you feel stuck. If you’re in a season of waiting, this message will give you clarity, hope, and direction.
We all keep going back to things that promise to fill us, but the satisfaction never lasts. Jesus calls this out in John 4 and offers something better—living water that truly satisfies. This message shows why He’s worth trusting with your whole life.
If your faith only works when life feels good, it’s not the faith Scripture calls us to. Real faith holds steady when everything visible is falling apart. Check out the message to be encouraged to deepen your faith!
In this message, Pastor John shares four essential truths every parent should teach their kids: how to handle emotions, understand consequences, stay coachable, and remember that later is longer.
Great families don’t happen by accident — they’re built with intention and a clear plan that honors God. This message challenges us to stop coasting through life and start building homes that last for eternity.
We all have stories of hurt—but what do we do with them? This message explores how God can meet us in the places we’d rather avoid and bring healing where we least expect it. If you’ve ever struggled to move on, this is worth watching.
When anger, division, and bitterness harden our hearts, we lose sight of grace. Learn how to conquer evil by doing good, forgive those who’ve wronged you, and live with the kind of love that actually changes people.
Money isn’t just about what we spend—it’s about what we value. In this message, we explore practical ways to honor God with our finances, learning how generosity, stewardship, and wise decisions reflect our trust in Him.
It’s easy to look like a Christian on the outside while missing the real thing on the inside. In this message, we unpack what “fake faith” looks like and how to live out a genuine relationship with Jesus that actually changes your life.
Your marriage can be restored. Learn the 4 keys to rebuilding trust, restoring intimacy, and reigniting love—no matter where you’re starting from.
Why is everyone offended? Our culture has turned offense into a habit. Pride fuels it, but humility can set you free.
Thinking about quitting? Wait. ⏳ The good things you’re longing for might be right on the other side of this struggle. This message will help you see why pushing through is worth it.
Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has “their truth.” But in the chaos, Jesus offers something better—Himself. Discover why following Jesus isn’t just a belief, it’s the only way to real hope, life, and freedom.
Life is too short to waste on trivial pursuits. This message challenges us to trade the empty promises of the American dream for a life fully surrendered to God, living each day for His glory and eternal purposes.
What keeps some people’s faith strong while others drift away? In this message, we explore how to grow deep roots in Jesus that endure doubts, droughts, and every season of life.
No past is too broken. God’s grace invites you, His peace steadies you! Pastor Jason shows how God wants to use all of us no matter the qualifications!
Lost doesn’t mean forgotten. Whether you’re wandering, stuck, or just feeling distant—God is searching for you with relentless love. Watch this week’s message and be reminded of the joy that comes when we’re found.
You don’t have to be perfect, polished, or preachy to make a difference for Jesus. In this message, discover how your everyday story—just like the Samaritan woman’s—can become a powerful witness that points people to Christ. You might be surprised how God wants to use you.
We all love to hear “you’re enough”—but what if that message is actually holding us back? This week’s message exposes the deeper issues beneath the surface and invites us to let Jesus do a renewing work in our lives. Don’t settle for almost—step into a fully surrendered faith.
Men are called to lead the family, but what does that really mean? The world’s definition of leadership falls short of what Jesus really teaches and you want to miss this powerful message to men!
You’ve heard it say before that “God accepts you just as you are!” and it’s true, but it’s not the whole truth. This message looks at the reality of what Jesus really taught and answers the question: What does it take for me to be a Christian?
God just wants me to be happy.” Is God’s main goal for us just to be happy? This message explores why chasing comfort can leave us empty—and how Jesus points us to a deeper, more lasting kind of blessing.
When worry and fear start to take over, God invites us to let go and trust Him. In this message, we talk about how being honest with God, standing strong in faith, and knowing He cares can bring real peace even in hard times.
Spiritual growth isn’t automatic—it takes intention. In this message, we explore what it means to cultivate a life that keeps growing through every season. Whether you're feeling stuck or just starting out, discover practical ways to stay spiritually healthy, overcome the things that hold you back, and build a faith that lasts.
Have you ever felt like you can’t win? This message is for you! If you want to win at home, succeed with your children, and overcome conflict with your husband, you won’t want to miss the truth in this message!
Let’s get real—being a mom isn’t always picture-perfect. In this honest conversation, we talk about the daily pressures moms face, finding purpose in the chaos, and what the Bible actually says about motherhood. Encouragement, laughter stories, and truth—right when you need it.
Sin doesn’t just hurt you—it damages your relationships and your community. In this powerful message, we explore Steps 8 & 9 of spiritual recovery: making a list of those we’ve harmed and making amends. Freedom comes when we face the cost of sin—and choose to bring restoration.
Believing in Jesus is just the beginning—real growth starts here. In this message, we unpack how breaking free from old patterns opens the door to deeper transformation, stronger faith, and a life fully rooted in God’s purpose. Step into the next season of your spiritual journey!
Death is coming for all of us—but it doesn’t have to be the end. In this powerful message, Pastor John Hill shares how Jesus offers true freedom from fear, sin, and even the grave. If you’re searching for hope that lasts, this is a message you need to hear.
Do you really love Jesus—or just the stuff that comes with Him? This message dives into what happens when faith is based on benefits, not belief. It’s real, honest, and might hit closer to home than you expect!
Have you ever looked at someone else’s life and thought, "Why do they have it all, and I don’t?" This week, we’re diving into how to stop feeling overwhelmed by envy and start cultivating the life God has given us.
Life is full of tension that we’re not where we want to be, but we’re not where we once were. Discover how God’s faithfulness sustains us in the space between what we want and where we came from.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, but Psalm 23 reminds us that we can trust God in every season. Check out this message from Noah Felten, as he explores contentment, faith, and learning to say, 'Okay God,' even when it’s hard.
Are you just getting by in your faith, or are you living all out for God? Discover why what you do after salvation matters — and how pursuing your God-given purpose can lead to eternal rewards.
How can the church stay relevant in a changing world? In this message, we explore how the church can adapt to cultural shifts while staying true to its mission to reach every generation with the Gospel!
It's easy to feel like we have to be perfect, but the truth is, that's only hurting ourselves and our relationship with God. Check out this message from Kristin Hill about growing from our imperfections!
Hard times can either break us or reveal God’s power. This talk explores how challenges can be a powerful way to grow, inspire others, and find unshakable faith and purpose!
In this message we’re going to look to the Bible to define what it means to be “all in” with Jesus. If you feel like there should be more to faith or like you’re stuck in your growth, you won’t want to miss this talk.
Are you living with one foot raised? Check out this message from guest, Pastor Bob Bouwer and discover how to live a life that pleases God, pursues holiness, and overflows with love!
We all build our lives on something—so what are you betting on? In this message, we explore why God is the best and surest foundation, how to truly understand the Bible, and what it means to grow in faith beyond just going through the motions.
Ever felt your beliefs shaken by unexpected doubts? This message dives into how small 'paper cuts'—questions about faith, history, and trust—can challenge what we know and how evidence and truth can help us overcome these doubts.
Discover how emotional control can transform your life and deepen your faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Join us as we unpack practical steps to replace destructive emotions!
Pastor Bob Merritt leads a transformative discussion on practical and powerful ways to help the next generation thrive in faith and life. This message dives into the challenges modern families face and shares life-changing insights on raising responsible, faith-filled kids by leading with integrity and love. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or mentor, this is a must-watch!
Explore the transformative journey of Christianity through the lens of the "J-Curve" and the 2025 word of the year. This thought-provoking message uncovers how embracing challenges can lead to deeper purpose and a renewed sense of life. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration and a fresh perspective on personal or spiritual growth!
Discover how God's goodness remains unchanging, even in the midst of life's toughest trials. Through the story of Job and Kwame's personal experiences, this message will inspire you to trust God's faithfulness and learn to believe that, "God is good, all the time."
This Christmas, explore the life-changing reality of a Creator who designed the universe, entered our world, and offers us the incredible hope of becoming His children. This life is too short for you to miss the truth in this powerful message!
A lot of us would define joy as a feeling or something that can be created through an experience or a circumstance, but in the Bible, God defines joy as a decision. In our culture today, that can be hard to understand and even harder to put into practice, but this message looks at God’s “recipe” for how to choose joy so that you can experience joy it no matter what your circumstances are! Don’t miss this impactful message!
Often times peace at Christmas just means not fighting… it’s a disappointing version of peace. But Jesus brings a peace that’s so much more than that! Check out this message and learn how you can bring peace like Jesus brought at Christmas.
Hope always tends to come up during the Christmas season, but between strained relationships, health issues, and financial burdens hope might feel far off and unattainable. If you want your Christmas season to be filled with the hope everyone talks about, you won’t want to miss this message!
Our friend, Pastor Daniel Stidham, brings a message that will connect with your heart this holiday season! You won’t want to miss what he has to teach about serving well and sharing with others.
It’s the season of giving, but sometimes at home or at work or with your kids it just feels like you’ve done all you can and you just have nothing left to give anymore. If you’ve ever felt this way then you won’t want to miss this transformative talk!
More than almost any other parenting topic, the Bible teaches a lot about how parents should prepare for their death and their legacy. You won’t want to miss this teaching about one of the best gifts you can give to your kids no matter what season of life you’re in!
As parents, how do we help our kids learn to have the fruit of the Spirit? This message is all about that and five ways we can train our kids to have the fruit of the Spirit no matter what their circumstances are!
You can read all the books and listen to all the podcasts about how to parent and what your goal should be, but chances are you’re still left feeling like it’s not quite right. Jesus gives us the answer to the purpose of parenting and what goals as parents we should work towards and you won’t want to miss it in the first week of our Parenting on Purpose series!
If you’ve ever thought your faith felt inconsistent or felt like you were back sliding, you’re not alone! This week, we look at a classic Bible story in a new light and Pastor John Hill answers the question: “How can I overcome inconsistency in my faith?
In week 2 of our series, Pastor John Hill talks about the radical way that Jesus connected with people who were different. Jesus doesn’t just connect with them though, He calls them to a redeemed life! This message teaches us how to be like Jesus and call people to be changed.
So often we think that offense is something that we have no control over, like the people around us are out to get us… but the truth is, there’s something you can do to escape the pain of offense! Check out this message from Kristin Hill about escaping offense!
If you’ve ever felt unsatisfied with your work or like you can never quite seem to do enough, you won’t want to miss Pastor Daniel’s message on the godly view of work and how you can transform your mindset to transform your job.
A lot of would say that we think serving matters, even that it’s a good thing, but it can be easy to say one thing and do another. If you want to serve God, serve the church, and serve other’s better, you won’t want to miss this message!
Sometimes we fall into little patterns where we become content with just “good enough” and it holds us back from experiencing growth and God’s plan for our lives fully. In this message, Pastor John Hill talks about the key areas where we might slip into “good enough” and how we can overcome those habits with God’s Word!
Contentment seems like a great thing to strive towards, but there is a sneaky little lie that seeking earthly contentment reveals. If you want to do great things for God or if you want to learn how to have a contentment that transcends earthly things you won’t want to miss this message!
Often we think what we’re good at is what matters most, but unfortunately that isn’t really the case! In this message, Pastor John Hill looks to the Bible and Jesus to help us diagnose what important aspects we might be missing as we grow as christians.
Our guest, Pastor Zachary explores the concept of God's goodness and how it should influence us to "ask, seek, and knock." Don’t miss this message that is sure to encourage and bring hope to even our darkest circumstances!
How far would you go to help someone encounter Jesus? In this message, Pastor John Hill looks back at the history of our church and highlights how we have continually “wrecked the roof” and gone above and beyond to make a way for people far from God encounter Jesus!
We have a tendency to want complex things to have a complex process, and God’s plan for salvation sometimes feels a little too simple, right? You won’t want to miss this message about God’s design for how we should follow Him!
Our guest, Pastor Sam Hamstra, brings a great message that looks at the timelessness of the Bible and the value that it brings to our lives. It’s not your typical Bible-reading message, it really breaks down just how important and impactful God’s Word is. You won’t want to miss his teaching!
Our guest, Dr. Enoch Hill, brings a message that answers the question “Is more better?” If you find yourself ever striving for more time, money, or energy or wishing things were different you won’t regret checking out this message!
Discussion Questions
- What do you want most in life? How does your desire for that thing effect your relationship with God?
- Talk about a time where you were given something, but you didn’t have the eyes to see how it was a blessing.
- How does the lie “I’m a good person” effect your relationship with people? With God?
- In what specific ways have you experienced God’s grace and blessing? Do you have eyes to see God’s goodness in your life?
// Discussion Questions //
Talk about the “S” curve in your faith journey. Where do you think you’re at on that graph of faith?
Are there any particular areas of your faith that you feel a proclivity to legalism instead of grace-filled obedience?
Where in your life do you have the temptation to go back to your old ways?What has been the hardest thing for you to leave behind as you embraced faithfulness?
Are you doing the deep, mature work of making disciples? Why or why not?
Who is someone you could invite or reach out to? Will you?
This Father’s Day, don’t miss out from an encouraging message from Pastor Sam Hamstra Jr. His message will speak to you no matter where you find yourself in your faith and fatherhood journey!
Society talks a lot about the identity of men and women, but what does the Bible say? Join us for week two as we look further into what God says about men and women and how we can find fulfillment in our purposes!
Week one of our series dives into what God in His word says about gender and your gender identity. Don’t miss out on God’s truth spoken in love.
Sometimes, we are so sick from our sin that we don’t even know it. The Bible talks about how Jesus encounters us even in our sickness! If you want to get well, you won’t want to miss this message from Kwame McGee!
Change is hard, but we have to sometimes change our strategy to accomplish God's plan. In this message, Pastor John breaks down multiple ways of how christians can become stuck in tradition, and brings vision for future generations of believers!
When our identity is rooted in anything other than Jesus, it can be hard to be a good mom, wife, friend, or coworker. As women, God has given us a unique identity, but we have to work hard to live it out each day! Kristin Hill gives a transformative messaging to moms and all women with critical truths too help you stay rooted in Jesus!
There are two key foundations to Jesus’s teaching and they might be different from what you’d expect! In this message Pastor John teaches on two foundational truths that have the power to bring you through the storms of life with a faith that lasts.
What do you do when someone you care about is deconstructing their faith or you’re not sure what you believe? In this Pastor John Hill discusses how to navigate this and the role you can play!
Insecurity is a symptom of a deeper problem that can affect us in any season of life. We can overcome insecurity by remembering God's truth! In this message, our guest, Pastor Daniel Stidham, gives an encouraging message about the hidden truths in insecurity!
Church hurt is a type of hurt and pain that cuts deeper than most experiences. It can cause us to feel unwelcome, unappreciated, or even to fall away all together. It’s not meant to be that way and there is hope if you’ve been hurt by the church! Check out this message from pastor John Hill for encouragement, hope, and ultimately, healing!
There are five lies that our culture or popular secular media will try to say about the validity of the Bible and our faith. The truth is so much better: The Bible is backed by data, science, and history! Once you know the truth, you can’t deny it and this message is full of truth about God’s word!
Easter is special for many reasons, but for a lot of people it brings us face to face with our questions and doubts. In this message Pastor John looks at three key questions: Is God real? Is following God worth it? Does God really love me? You won’t want to miss our best Easter Sunday message yet!
Jesus came to save us, but for his disciples it was unclear if Jesus was meant to save as a king who rules or as a servant who gives up his life. Today, the Church struggles with this same question and it effects how we are able to love God and others. Grow in your love for God and people this week and check out this message!
How can you trust God with your dreams and does He really have something better in store for you? It can feel quite intimidating to trust that God will do what He says, but in this message, Pastor John Hill looks at the early years of Jesus’s ministry and reveals how we can all learn to trust God!
Why did they kill Jesus? What about him was so bad that they chose to put him to death 2000 years ago? Check out this message from Pastor John Hill for not only an explanation, but more importantly, an opportunity to grow as followers of Jesus!
LADIES, THIS ONE'S FOR YOU! It is all too tempting to live with one foot in the world, and one in church. In this special Sisterhood message, Kristin encourages women to break the jar of sin, and to step all in with Jesus!
At some point in our lives, we are faced with a question: “What is my calling?” God knew we would spend hours and years even searching for the answer, so He put the answer in the Bible! Check out this message about God’s calling for your life.
In week one of our new series, Job vs Calling, Pastor John Hill brings an insightful message on how our relationship dynamics and marriage can complicate our professional life and our calling as men and women. This message isn’t just for married individuals, it’s for anyone who has a desire to know the calling of God in their life and live it out! You won’t want to miss it.
Ever wonder why it's just so hard to give grace to others? In this message, Pastor John points out common reasons we might struggle to give grace! Don’t miss the final week of this series!
Have you ever stopped to think about who God really is? A lot of us will say we love Him and that we have faith, but we don’t actually know the extent of Him or His glory. It’s why we often take for granted His forgiveness! Get back to knowing and honoring God and reshape your understanding of him in this message that is critical to Christianity!
It can be tough to keep our emotions and reactions in check, especially when there are so many people and things that seem to go against everything you care about and stand for. Jesus experienced this too! Check out what Jesus taught about how we should respond and how not to overreact!
God has a plan for what it looks like to surround our communities, our neighbors, and globally. It’s how He meant for us to go into the world! You won’t want to miss what Pastor John teaches in this final week of our “Surround” series.
How do we show the people in our community and in our lives who God is and what His power can do? This message breaks down five key ways you can surround people with the truth and hope of Jesus in a way that is relatable and simple!
It’s easy to say you want your family to continue following Jesus even after you’re gone and your children are grown, but how do we actually build a generational faith in our families? This message looks at the patterns of generations and how you can start to cultivate a faith in your family that withstands time!
Should Christians encourage kids to believe in Santa and celebrate Christmas with him? You want to hear what our Wheatfield Worship Director, Grant Allen, has to say about who Santa is and what role he should play in our celebrations! No matter what you believe about Santa, this message will educate, inspire, and challenge you to be more like Christ.
Have you ever wondered what makes a birthday that happened over 2000 years ago worth celebrating? Jesus truly changed everything! Check out this message to see why Christmas is worth celebrating and how it can change everything for you!
Dread is one of those feelings that can creep up on us. One day, we have an excitement for life and all that it entails, but eventually we wake up and instead of hope, we’re left feeling the dread and weight of our obligations. Obviously, life isn’t meant to be this way, but what’s the solution? Check out this message from Pastor John Hill about God’s solution for dread!
Peace on Earth sounds really nice, but let’s be real, that’s a pretty far-fetched idea these days. Amidst the fear, terror, and violence of ancient times, Jesus’s birth changed everything, and it still is changing lives today. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s all about or how you can experience that peace that people talk about at Christmas, you won’t want to miss this first week of our Christmas series!
Matthew 22:36 says to “love God with all your heart, all your soul, and all you mind.” But what does that actually look like? This messages breaks down what it means to love God with everything and how you can grow in love for Him more!
Have you ever felt like God isn’t present in your circumstances? Like He sees you, but He hasn’t delivered you? This message is hope for you. Guest Pastor, Sam Hamstra brings encouragement and truth into whatever circumstances or unanswered prayers you’re facing today!
It’s not a secret that Jesus was the most influential leader of all time. Jesus models leadership in a way that we can mimic as we strive to become more like him in our everyday life and in our closest relationships! Check out our final week of “First Comes Love Then Comes Baggage” and understand how Jesus transformed the world through leadership and how you can start to transform your relationships as you lead like Him.
Have you ever wondered what allows people to love someone so completely? Or maybe you have a relationship that just ends in a fight no matter what you do? This message is based on Jesus’s teaching about how to have the best marriage, friendships, and family relationships you can have. Jesus’s teachings are truly revolutionary and we believe they will change your life forever! Don’t miss this message from Pastor John Hill!
Sometimes when God calls us to leave things behind, we can feel a longing to go back, but He's calling us into something better! Check out this message from Sisterhood about stepping in to what God has called you to!
What ruins relationships? The answer might seem obvious to you, maybe you think it’s fighting, lying, or gossip. At the core though of almost every wrong relationship is one thing: blame. Find out what God teaches about restoring your relationships so that you can experience intimacy and joy with the people closest to you!
We know from the Bible (and some of us from personal experience) that the supernatural is very real. But what does God say about it and how do angels and demons affect our lives? Check out this message that looks at some of the most frequently asked questions about the supernatural!
It's easy and tempting to take offense in our everyday lives, but is that bait really worth it? Guest speaker, Pastor Daniel Stidham, defines how we can reconcile with our offenses in this powerful message!
Prayer can feel weird and unnecessary, so it’s easy to wonder why we even do it at all. In this message Pastor John looks at Jesus’s example of prayer and answers those questions exactly! You won’t want to miss week one of our new series.
What do you do when church doesn’t work? When you’re doing the things, but you don’t see or feel life change happening? Pastor John Hill has an answer for these questions! Check out what we can learn from Peter and Paul as they lead the early church.
// Discussion Questions //
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What “pitstops” do you tend to make your destination? (Ex. Scripture, Creation, end times, politics, health/wealth, Personal lives, marriage, houses, vacations, looks, Children etc.)
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In what way should “pitstops” encourage us and help us along the way to our destination (Eternity)?
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Why do you think it is easy to get distracted with pitstops and make those things our destination?
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How can you live this week remembering that your destination in eternity?
Have you ever wondered what the original Church from the Bible was like? Check out this message about five key things that the early church did that we can model in our lives and in the church!
We can’t escape failure or the pain that our sin causes us and others, but we can recover from it and look to God to redeem us! Pastor John Hill tells the story of the life of Joseph and God’s redemption of his story and his past hurts. You don’t want to miss out on the encouragement and the hope that this message brings!
Week one of our new series about temptation looks at the life of Joseph and breaks down 4 practical steps to overcoming the temptations you face. Don’t miss out on this real and transformative message!
We are thrilled to get to welcome back our friend and guest, Pastor Zachary Fraley for this special message! Check out his encouraging message about the call and mandate of Christians to live a life full of the blessing of sacrifice.
Sometimes, church doesn’t feel very good. The connections seem empty, the messages don’t quite seem to apply, and everything is just a little stale… but why does this happen and what can you do right now to bring life to your church and to a community of believers!? Check out the final week of this series from Pastor John Hill!
Have you ever wondered why different churches (and even different Christians!) have different rules, standards, or practices? This message brings light and clarity into why that is and how you can navigate your faith!
Today's message from Pastor John Hill identifies 6 key standards to look for in a church to determine what a Christian church is! Don't miss week 1 of our brand new series.
Guest Pastor, Sam Hamstra, brings a message about the ABCs to following Jesus. If you’re sick of momentary happiness that isn’t lasting or fulfilling you want to check out this message about The Sermon on the Mount!
Jim Cicchese brings us a message about how we can invest our time and talents into God’s Kingdom and the reward that awaits us if we are faithful to serving the King of the Universe!
What if, instead of thinking about help as being our shortcoming, we considered it courageous? Whatever you are facing in your life right now, God is reaching out ready to help! Check out this message from our guest, Keith Robinson, to get encouraged!
Men, this one is for you! Life can be full of uncertainty or worry, but we weren't called to live in fear! In this message, Pastor John Hill encourages men to choose faith over fear of the dark ditches and challenges of this life.
It’s all too common to look at the world around us and see a society that seems so far from God… You might find yourself asking, “God, what are you going to do about this?” Pastor John Hill looks at the God’s word to help bring hope, clarity, and encouragement to the brokenness of this world.
You were made on purpose and with a purpose by God! This message from Pastor John Hill is filled with biblical truth, conviction, clarity, and encouragement about what your purpose is and how you can begin to live it out today. Bring focus back into your relationship with God and with other’s!
Pastor Daniel Stidham brings a compelling message discussing the sufficiency of Jesus... if you've ever wondered if Christ is truly enough, you will want to check out what Pastor Daniel has to say!
In this message, Pastor John Hill looks at the most important part of having a faith that lasts: God’s authority in your life. If you’re struggling to follow God in each area of life or you’re overwhelmed by your feelings and emotions, you want to check out this teaching!
Kristin Hill brings an inspiring Mother’s Day message to moms and women everywhere about bringing your best at home! If you ever feel like you just don’t have anything left for your husband, kids, or family or like what you’re doing just doesn’t matter, you should check out this message! Spoiler: It is totally worth it!
No matter where you are in your faith, you’ve no doubt experienced the consequences that sin has. Broken relationships, insecurity, bitterness… It hurts! God forgives us completely in an instant, but how can we heal our earthly relationships and heartache? Check out this message from Pastor John Hill for some insightful teaching on this topic!
One of the most common red flags we can see in other people is their ability to lie to themselves. Chances are though, you do this too. It’s not all bad though, because God, through the Bible, clearly gives us a way to make wise choices and see reality! Check out this message from Pastor John Hill to learn more.
It’s easy to look back on a long life and see all the things you wish you could do different, but what if we had the tools to make sure we spent our life doing the most important things? Jesus gives us those tools! Check out this message from Pastor John Hill about investing our life the best we can.
We know it’s impossible to be right 100% of the time, but how often are we really able to admit that we are wrong? If we’re honest, it’s easier said than done! In this message, Pastor John Hill looks at Matthew 18 and gives us 4 steps to healthily admit when we are wrong.
Every Easter we come together to remember and celebrate Jesus’s victory over sin, but why does sin even matter in the first place? Pastor John Hill gives an encouraging and transforming message that answers this question and explains why Jesus’s resurrection is really the best day ever!
“Does Jesus get mad at me?” To be honest, this is a question a lot of people have wondered about. The events recorded in the Bible on Palm Sunday actually show us the answer! Check out this message from Pastor John to find out what makes Jesus mad.
Check out this message from our Hebron Worship Director, Noah Felten. Noah’s teaching answers the question “What does it take to be a Christian?” in a way that is tangible, relevant, and challenging no matter where you are at in your faith journey!
Christians are called to make disciples, but sometimes we can get caught up in all of the other things and don’t actually ever reach our friends for Jesus! This message from Pastor John Hill describes the things that can easily distract and how to truly begin reaching your friends for Jesus.
Studies show that introverts and extroverts handle shame differently; but neither of them handle shame biblically. Check out this message from Pastor John about how to truly manage shame and walk in freedom from anxiety and shame!
Friends. A show we know and love and even the type of friendships we desire, and yet no matter what we do the relationships they show us seems so out of our reach. If you crave meaningful, live giving friendship then you want to check out this message from Kristin Hill!
The mental health crisis is one of the biggest health concerns in our country, but thankfully 2000 years ago the teachings of Jesus illuminated a godly solution to the raising rates of depression and anxiety. Check out this message from Pastor John Hill to find out more!
We kick off week 1 of our brand new series with a message from Pastor John that will help you understand and love the people around you! Make sure you tune in to this thought provoking message about God’s best for you in your relationships.
Guest Pastor Dave Izenbart brings a great message this morning about the challenges Christians face, but how we can rely on God for resilience in the midst of turmoil!
We’ve heard it said that the heart wants what it wants, but Jesus actually teaches us a way to control the desires of hearts! In this message from Pastor John Hill we hear a powerful message about what Jesus would do to control and direct his heart and how we can too.
It’s all too easy to fall into routines or habits that leave your life and faith feeling empty, insufficient, and boring. This message is about exactly that! If you’ve found yourself wondering if there is meant to be more, the answer is YES and Pastor John Hill brings a message that tackles exactly that.
In 1893, ten Dutch immigrant families started First Church, and over the last 130 years we have seen God’s faithfulness as we have strived to reach generation after generation to become followers of Jesus! This message celebrates the legacy of those who have come before us, but casts a vision for how to follow Jesus and reach the generations that are yet to come!
In this message, pastor John Hill has a teaching about taking risks. When nothing is ever certain and we have so many choices and opportunities available to us, how do we know when to act and what to do? If you've ever had to make a decision or take a risk, don't miss this valuable teaching!
In week 2 of our “Word of the Year” series, Pastor John Hill brings a message about experiencing the presence of God and why a lot of Christians feel far from God! If you have ever wondered how to feel God’s presence, check out this message!
Pastor John Hill reveals the 2023 word of the year! This message gives vision to the next year and encourages Christian’s to rise up and live wholeheartedly!
We are so excited to kick off 2023 with a message from Worship and Music Director, Grant Allen! If you want this year to be your best year yet, you won’t want to miss the teaching in this encouraging and challenging message!
It's easy to get caught up in what we want or wish for this time of year, but the truth is, nothing in this world can satisfy us... check out this Christmas Eve message about where fulfillment truly comes from!
In this message, Pastor John Hill looks to Joseph, the husband of Mary and Jesus’s earthly father. Joseph’s story and life is one of confusion, faith, and God’s goodness even in the midst of broken plans and dreams. If you’re asking yourself if God is really good and if God is really faithful to keep His promises, then you won’t want to miss out this powerful and encouraging teaching!
This time of year it’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness and feel far from God, but it doesn’t have to be that way! in this message, Pastor John Hill’s teaching brings a new perspective to the Christmas season!
This message from Pastor John Hill brings a new perspective on joy in the Christmas season! If you struggle to feel the excitement and joy of Christmas time, you won’t want to miss this message.
We were excited to welcome Pastor Zachary Fraley back to First Church as a guest pastor! Check out his powerful message about the pain of people pleasing and how to live for God instead!
As parents and individuals, we want to love like Jesus, but sometimes putting that into practice can be tough. This message from Pastor John Hill gives a breakdown of how we can love like Jesus!
This message is a great biblical teaching about parenting through different ages and life stages! If you struggle to connect with your adult children or if you have aging parents, you won’t want to miss week 2 of our series, “Parenting in the 21st Century!"
In general, all parents hope and pray for their child to be successful… but how do we help them get there? In this message, Pastor John lays out the biblical plan for raising a family and gives 4 practices based on the Bible that you can start using today to lead and parent children!
It’s so tempting to always look forward to the next thing. Thinking like this causes us to feel dissatisfied, stressed, empty, and frustrated. So, what do we do when we can’t wait for a future we don’t have yet? In this message, Pastor John Hill uses biblical teaching to answer and encourage you through this time!
The words we use have the power to frame the world around us and impact our thoughts, decisions, and relationships! In this message from guest pastor, Daniel Stidham, we continue with our “Stay Positive” series with a biblical and encouraging message that has the power to transform the world you live in.
Every day we are faced with situations, people, and battles that threaten to steal our peace and joy. It can be challenging not knowing how we should respond as Christians and being left feeling upset, frustrated, and hurt. In this message, Pastor John looks at Nehemiah and brings biblical clarity to the question: Which battles are worth fighting?
Are you worn out and overwhelmed by the never ending to-do list and constant hustle? Learn how to stop chasing what leaves you empty and start doing what you were created to do. In the midst of life’s demands, it’s possible to experience a life of peace and a holier kind of hustle.
Pastor John Hill kicks off our brand new series, "Stay Positive" by looking at the root of our negativity and asking the question, "how can we get back to the positive?" This is a great message for people of all ages!
This message explores the pride progress flag and movement from a biblical, Christian perspective. It is timely, encouraging, and filled with godly truths and love about what Jesus says, how we should respond, and what this movement means for Christianity in America.
Pastor John brings light to homosexuality, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in this sermon about LGBTQ+ communities and people.
Check out this message from Pastor John Hill all about the biblical teaching of the sanctity of human life. This message is relevant, compassionate, and challenging! Don’t miss week 2 of our series, “Hot Takes!”
Check out this snippet of Pastor John Hill's teaching at Brotherhood. Men, you were made to lift a specific mantle in your life! Listen to this teaching for encouragement and tips on how to lift your mantle!
Pastor John Hill kicks off our brand new series, “Hot Takes” by asking the question, "Do all roads lead to Heaven?" Pastor John answers this by comparing Christianity to other major world religions like Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Mormonism, and the Religion of Atheism.
Today’s message isn’t what you’d expect! Pastor John Hill brings a message about how to judge as a Christian… it’s not what it seems like. If you feel misunderstood, don’t miss this opportunity to gain understanding on God’s teaching about judgement!
Our guest speaker this morning, Jeff Wright, brings us a message that is sure to encourage and equip you to step into the calling that God has over your life! Check out what Jeff got to share with us today, you won’t regret it!
Pastor John Hill speaks today about how we define ourselves… spoiler alert: the way we define ourselves and spend our time isn’t working. Check out this poignant message all about how to overcome the worry and anxiety of earthly “games” and how to live and think the way that really matters most!
Week 2 of our message series, “Normal Isn’t Working” is not a message you want to miss. Deep means a lot of things to a lot of people, but what does that mean in church? Check out this message that redefines deep in church and challenges the status quo.
Pastor John Hill kicks off our brand new message series, “Normal Isn’t Working” by challenging what society calls normal. In this message, we look at what God teaches and how that measures up to how we live our life! Don’t miss the start to this transformative series!
Sam Hamstra brings a message about the calling of Christians. If you've ever wanted a clear understanding of what it means to be a Christian, you don't want to miss out on this message!
Guest speaker, Jim Cicchese, brought an awesome message! Check out this sermon about how Jim's father taught him valuable lessons that can shape our view of our Father in Heaven.
Guest, Pastor Sam Hamstra brings a message that is enlightening, inspiring, and encouraging! This message is for people who need brokenness healed in their life.
This is the final week of our 7 Habits to Become the Best Version of Yourself and Pastor John has prepared a message especially for men! We all know the people in our lives who we aspire to be a like, and this message equips you with the tools and the thought process to achieve that goal in a way that honors God and the people around us.
We all know someone who believes they are the greatest, and that they can do no wrong. Find out in this message how to identify narcissism in yourself and others, while learning how to deal with it!
The Bible can be described as God's instructions to us, and this message speaks to why it's important to read the Bible, how it's put together, and finally, how you can read the Bible! You won't want to miss the message that Pastor John Hill has prepared for week 5 of our 7 Habits to Become the Best Version of Yourself series.
If you struggle feeling like you are a part of the church or feeling like you’re always on the outside, you should check out this message to unlock the reality of your situation: You Belong! Youth Director, John Graham, brings a powerful and impactful message that you won’t want to miss!
If you want to live a life that is purposeful, on mission, and reaches people with the good news of Jesus you should check out this message! Pastor John Hill explains how Jesus lived a life that was full of grace and truth and gives us an opportunity to be more like Jesus as we learn the habit of Mission.
Do you ever feel like you are doing so much and filling all of your time, but at the end of the day, you still don't feel full? Do you find yourself overcome with busyness? Pastor John Hill is looking at the way Jesus lived and has a message for you about finding satisfaction and making it a habit in your life!
This Mother’s Day, Kristin Hill brings a message for all women. Ladies, if you want to be encouraged, equipped, and transformed by God’s word you should check out this message!
Anxiety is rampant in our society, but what if there was a godly habit you could start practicing to overcome the anxieties and conflicts we face? Well, in this message Pastor John Hill describes the godly habit of peacemaking. Don’t miss our second week of “7 Habits to Become the Best Version of Yourself!”
As we begin our new series Pastor John Hill focused in on the first habit to becoming the best version of yourself: wisdom. Watch this message to find out what God has to say about wisdom… we think you might be surprised!
This Easter don't miss the message that Pastor John Hill prepared for you! If you feel like you're always missing something in your faith but you're not sure what it is... this is the message you need!
Social media and technology has transformed the way we live, but what does that mean for our kids? In this message, Pastor John reveals the reality of the ways technology is changing childhood. Parent’s do not want to miss the final week of our Legacy series.
Check out Pastor John’s teaching on generosity. You don’t want to miss this message full of powerful tips on how to leave a generous legacy!
“The greatest threat to a lasting legacy in our society is a failure to commit.”
You won’t want to miss week 1 of our new series, Legacy! This message is all about how to choose what you should commit to and how to follow through on your commitment!
Many churches present the Gospel and share about Jesus, but in this message Zachary Fraley challenges the church to look more deeply into what salvation is for and what it means for the Church today.
It seems sometimes like everything and everyone is out to get you and nothing goes your way, but the truth is, it doesn’t have to be that way! Pastor John Hill brings a message that is inspiring, enlightening, and encouraging; change the way you think today!
Pastor John Hill preaches a message that we know you need to hear. Every day, we know you face people who you disagree with, maybe even hate, but there is a better solution than canceling them. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s not! Check out this message all about loving people you want to hate.
Kristin Hill and Enoch Hill Orientation Story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k52WoXBCesU
Cited Links/Research Links: Homosexuality increases depression, suicide, substance abuse http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/481699
Amalgamation of 13,706 papers finds increases in depression, suicide and substance abuse among other psychiatric disorders for people with same sex partners significantly higher than heterosexual https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-244X-8-70
Significant increase in STD, HIV/AIDS and psychological morbidity in LGBT people http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2006.087254
Suicide among Homosexual men higher than heterosexual men https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1446201/
Attempted suicide rate among LGBT youths 31% mental disorders like serious depression, conduct disorder way higher than hetero sexual http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2009.178319
Longitudinal study on LGBT youth found suicide attempts at 31.2% https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-012-0013-9
Discrimination does not account for the disparity in mental health between LGBT and Heterosexual people. Journal of LGBT Health Research 2008 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15574090802226626
Having a homosexual parent(s) appears to increase the risk of incest or molestation by a parent by a factor of about 50.” http://search.proquest.com/openview/67bcdd654b9a3faae8a46316fa0d4fcd/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1819054
Modal range of sexual partners for older gay men between 100-500 http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00224499709551903
Increase in sexual partners increases depression http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749379705002138
Most occurrences of domestic abuse among lesbian women http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/springer/vav/1997/00000012/00000002/art00006
Stories of LGBT hate, bigotry and persecution against loving Christians https://www.lifesitenews.com/blogs/if-you-think-christians-arent-being-persecuted-in-the-u.s.-its-because-your
http://www.wnd.com/2015/04/courts-conclude-faith-loses-to-gay-demands/
https://stream.org/gay-totalitarianism-coming-persecution-christians/
40% suicidality among transgender people/Schools teaching gender spectrum to elementary students: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/05/02/526067768/a-new-generation-overthrows-gender?sc=tw
Infographic on number of years lost with corresponding addictions (Source not academic) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2788399/how-years-drinking-drug-smoking-habits-shaving-life-terrifying-graphic-reveals-one-cigarette-cuts-14-minutes-alcoholic-drink-cost-7-hours.html
Suicidality in Nazi Concentration camps 25% https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7738915_The_Suicide_Rate_in_the_Concentration_Camps_Was_Extraordinarily_High_A_Comment_on_Bronisch_and_Lester
2011 study on the occurrence of LGBT people (3.8% total, .3% Transgender, 1.8% bisexual, 1.7% Gay or lesbian) https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/Gates-How-Many-People-LGBT-Apr-2011.pdf
Kinsley institute article saying 73-88% of children with gender dysphoria will identify as adults by their anatomic gender https://kinseyinstitute.org/research/publications/faq.php
Life expectancy for gay men is 8-20 years shorter than heterosexual men https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/26/3/657/742184/Modelling-the-impact-of-HIV-disease-on-mortality
Singles and marrieds have similar life satisfaction http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/019251392013003008
Life satisfaction of singleness roughly equal but to heterosexual marriage (Study not a direct examination) http://www.jstor.org/stable/353980?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
Federally endorsed common core sexual education standards identifying gender as a spectrum or range http://answer.rutgers.edu/file/national-sexuality-education-standards.pdf
If you’re a “good person” then what is the big deal about sin? This message is all about answering that question and challenging the way that you look at yourself, look at others, and ultimately, the way you look at sin! Don’t miss out on the second week of “Canceling Jesus.”
This message is not one you want to miss! Pastor John reveals the big reality of cancel culture. You need to hear this message!
You’ve heard the phrase, “You’re my greatest adventure!” But what if there is something more? This message is for anyone who wants to go on the greatest adventure imaginable and is just in time for you to celebrate you’re love—don’t miss the secret to a satisfying life and satisfying relationships!
In this message, Pastor John explains what it means to walk in the light! Don’t miss this message that is sure to be life-transformational and encouraging for your faith!
Understanding the Bible and even reading it can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this message, Pastor John Hill gives us an easy to understand analogy that will help put this ancient and important book into context. Want to know the Bible for all it’s worth?! Don’t miss week one of our brand new series!
What is the signature sin in your life? When is the last time you acknowledged sin in your life to someone else? What are your motives when you blame others? Does it make you feel better or worse about your situation? What are ways you enjoy filling your life with Jesus? What sin do you need to throw off this week? What is a tangible way can do that?
This message is going to the root of the distrust that we experience in our relationships. If you find yourself constantly feeling betrayed, attacked, or misled you will not want to miss the 3 steps that Pastor John gives in how to overcome these feelings of hurt!
At the end of your life, what do you want people to say about you? Will you feel satisfied with your life? Will you be remembered? This message is powerful. Pastor John Hill preaches to all of these questions and more in this message all about leaving a lasting, meaningful legacy!
This message is a great way to begin 2022! Start your year with us and don't let another opportunity pass you by; you want to hear this applicable message full of truth and encouragement!
If you find yourself always regretting the most wonderful time of the year… you need to hear this message! This message is for anyone who finds themselves feeling bad when times are good. Pastor John reveals BIG truths in his last message of 2021!
This message is exactly what the Christmas season is all about. If you didn’t a chance to join us in person for this amazing message, check it out online.
This is message isn’t one to miss! Pastor John’s message is just in time for this Christmas season and breaks down one key aspect to the Christmas story… check it out now!
This week starts off our Christmas series and Pastor John Hill gives us a great message about how to make the most of your Christmas celebrations! If you want this to be your best Christmas yet, don’t miss this message!
This message is the last week of our “More than Tinders” sermon series and Pastor John gives tangible ways to grow in your relationship with God through engaging with the local Church!
Do others disappoint you? Do you feel unfulfilled relationally? Find the spark of your relationships again, by listening in to this transformational message on how to have meaningful relationships.
In this message from Pastor John Hill, we discover how sin can infiltrate our lives and harm our relationships in ways that we might even be blind to. If you feel like you were once close to God and now you feel far away, this message will speak to you!
Pastor John reveals the three steps you need to take in order reset your expectations and develop a relationship that not only lasts, but thrives! This is a message for everyone!
This message is FIRE… no seriously. Pastor John opens the first week of our brand new “More Than Tinders” relationship series with a message that is sure to change your perspective on how you view your relationships, your desires, and your expectations for the people around you!
Zachary Fraley shares how his past has caused him to be stuck in burnout, but uses biblical truths to explain the 3 ways that you can escape burnout today!
In today’s message Pastor John reveals the core cause of burnout and exactly how you can see the truth as you navigate your burnout!
This message is transformational and eye-opening! Pastor John reveals a realistic and achievable action that you can start taking TODAY to beat burnout in your life.
In this message Pastor John introduces our new sermon series, “Beating Burnout.” You will not want to miss this encouraging and eye-opening message on identifying burnout!
“We are all going to die.” Pastor John explains the brevity of this life and urges us to remember death. Don’t miss this teaching on the end of your personal world as we close out our series, “The Beginning and the End (of the World).”
Pastor John reveals a relatable and honest story about his past, and gives four biblical steps on how to overcome sin in your life. This message is packed with truth, transparency, and life-changing perspective on how to stop the repeating sins in your life!
This message is poignant, relevant, and transformational! If you want to be someone who can overcome failure and create a better future for yourself and your family, you will not want to miss this message from Pastor John Hill!
In today's message, Pastor John Hill explains the way things were, the way things are, and the way things should be when it comes to our relationship with God! You will not want to miss week one of our new series, "The Beginning and the End (of the World)!"
Our guest speaker, Jeff Wright, brought an incredible message that is bound to impact the way you live; don’t miss this message on obedience, authority, and family!
Pastor John, talks about the increasing difficulty of living in America while being a Christian, and how we as followers of Christ must remain steadfast in how we live out our faith.
John Hill delivers a unique and powerful message about the divisions between Islam and Christianity and reveals a shocking and hopeful truth! You don’t want to miss the second week of “The Secret History of the Church!”
In this message, Pastor John Hill provides clear, indisputable evidence that Christianity is good. Check out this message to learn how you can have access to the goodness of Christianity.
In this powerful message, guest pastor, Daniel Stidham, warns us of the danger that family dysfunction poses to all of us. This message is full of truth, redemption, and hope!
In today’s message, guest speaker Jim, shared a message about what freedom really means. Check out this message to find out how being a slave is the best way to experience freedom!
Today’s guest speaker, Sam Hamstra, has a compelling and eye-opening message about how Christian’s lives can influence believers and unbelievers alike!
This powerful Father’s Day message is not just for men, it’s for everyone who has a man in their life too! Pastor John reveals some hard truths about what society says about men and what God really says. Check out this encouraging message!
In today’s message, Pastor John Hill describes the three crucial parts to succeeding as a Christian and how you can learn to use them in your life now!
In today’s message, Pastor John challenges and equips us to understand and live out God’s divine will for our lives. Check out this message to find purpose, passion, and understanding as a Christian!
In today’s message, guest speaker Grant Allen gives an encouraging message about overcoming the hurts, habits, and hang ups that we all experience!
In this message Pastor John identifies three wrong things that Christians live for and gives applicable points on how to know if you're living a life that pleases God.
To start the series, Divine Direction, Pastor John explains the three wills of God, and how we can simply and effectively uncover and understand what God’s will is for our lives!
This Mother’s Day, Kristin has a special message prepared specifically for women—check it out for three ways that women can be world changers!
In this message, Pastor John defines and explains what despair is and gives four challenges that you can start using today to overcome despair in your life!
In this message, Pastor John reveals that the struggle of entitlement goes much deeper than just thinking we deserve something. Check out the message to find out how you can overcome an entitlement mindset in your life!
In this message, Pastor John explains why porn is harmful to relationships and gives three applicable changes that you can make to escape the struggle of porn.
In this message, Pastor John Hill describes how envy can overrun our lives; while giving us useful applications on how we can defeat envy in our lives and in the lives of our children!
In this Easter message, Pastor John challenges the stereotype of who we think Jesus is, and challenges us to live a life transformed by who Jesus Christ really is!
In this message, Pastor John breaks down 6 of the most common Christian and Atheistic perspectives on creation! Check out this powerful teaching message with a transformative challenge at the end!
In this message Pastor John provides evidence for why the Bible is true and trustworthy! Check out the message for the four reasons that Pastor John teaches about the truth of the Bible!
“Beyond Reasonable Doubt” is a phrase used in court rooms and coined by the justice system, but can this phrase apply to the Bible? In this message Pastor John describes the proof of Jesus resurrection beyond reasonable doubt.
What would it take for you to believe in the God of the Bible? In this message, Pastor John explores this question and so much more!
Pastor John reveals the five things he wishes he knew sooner and the secret to knowing how to impact your future right now.
In this message, Zachary Fraley explains lies of progressive Christianity and how we can spot them! Check out this message to learn the truth of the Gospel!
In this message, Pastor John and his wife, Kristin, reveal the secret to their marriage and the relationships around them!
What if it was about more than just being nice? In this message, Pastor John explains how Christians can rise up and fight back against the lies of the enemy instead of just trying to ignore them!
Comfort can be found everywhere, but it’s not all that meets the eye. In this message, Pastor John describes 3 common lies about comfort, and gives us the truth found in the Bible!
Approval is fleeting and unsatisfying, and yet we chase after it! In this message, Pastor John reflects on approval and gives us applicable thoughts on chasing after what really matters.
In this message, Pastor John reveals valuable truths about our motivations and reasons for always seeking more.
In this message, Pastor John reveals the two tools that God equips us with to be steadfast.
“Can We Trust the Bible?”: https://first.church/series/can-we-trust-the-bible/ The Bible Project: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVpri7vfPPtKUOaqAAjEtZR4C-bO5Y_XQ YouVersion Bible App: https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/
Each year is another one closer to meeting the God of the universe! In this message, Pastor John puts our existence into perspective and encourages us to live for more than just the moment!
Have you ever found yourself so focused on your past that you’re missing what is to come? In this message, Zachary reveals 3 revolutionary things we can change in the New Year to appropriately focus on our future!
In this special Christmas Eve message from First Church, Pastor John shows us how to celebrate God's goodness even when we don't feel like it!
In this message, Pastor John gives us three practical tips to help us cut through the relational tension at our dinner tables!
Do you have tension around your dinner table? In this message Pastor John reveals the root of the issue!
In this message, Pastor John shows us that the true meaning of Christmas isn't just Jesus being born! Check it out!
In this powerful Thanksgiving message, Pastor John shows us that being thankful isn't a feeling, it's a decision! Check it out now!
In this message, Zachary highlights what matters most as we live and poses the question of if we really should be the main character of our own lives! Check out this message to hear what he has to say.
In this applicable message, Pastor John teaches us how to be consistent in our faith and wake up to what matters most!
In this relevant message, Pastor John shows us how to take control over the negative thoughts and emotions that plague our lives.
What's my calling? Who should I marry? What degree should I get? What should I do next? Everyone has been stumped by these questions, but in this message, Pastor John simplifies these challenges and shows us how to live for what truly matters most! Check it out now!
In this message, Pastor John gives us four specific ways to have faith when there seems to be no hope. Check it out now!
In this message, Pastor John shows us that God doesn’t just give us a better life, He gives us a mission and a purpose!
Fear is not wrong as long as we are fearing the correct thing! Check out this powerful message where Pastor John shows us how to be a warrior by doing it afraid!
In this message, Pastor John shows us that the key to being a good leader is through forming meaningful relationships. Check out this message to learn how!
In this practical message, Pastor John teaches us how to have a warrior spirit by overcoming the lies in our heads!
"Humans were made to worship, not to be worshipped." In this message, Pastor John shows us that worshipping ourselves and making science our god leads to godlessness and false morality.
In this powerful message, Pastor John shows us that faith is not just belief; it is relational belief! Check it out!
In this message, Zachary teaches us three ways to prevent frustration in our faith. Check it out!
Check out this powerful message where Pastor John addresses the plague of lies and fake news in our physical and spiritual lives!
In this message, Pastor John gives us practical and applicable tips to overcoming the distractions in our lives!
Do you have doubts? In this message, Pastor John shows the role that doubt should play in our lives! Check it out now!
Check out this powerful message where Pastor John shows us how to healthily manage our emotions!
“Accepting the challenge is no easy task, but following Jesus is better than everything this world has to offer.”
Check out Zachary’s message on accepting the challenge of following Jesus!
In this final message of our "Trolling For Hope" series, Pastor John teaches us how to lovingly persuade those we disagree with without being a troll!
In this message, Pastor John shows us that it isn't about what we are doing, it's about who we are throughout all the things that we do. Check it out now!
In this message, Pastor John shows us the three traits that we need to not be trolls! Check it out now!
Trolls are everywhere, and here's a secret, everyone is a troll! Check out this message from Pastor John where he gives us applicable ways to recognize and combat the trolls within us and around us.
What is the true mark of a christian? In this message, our guest speaker, Keith Robinson, shows us that the sign of a true christian is the fruit that is produced in their life! Check it now!
This Father's Day, Pastor John encourages Father's by showing them 3 different callings that all father's have on their lives! Check it out now!
What should we do when it feels like, looks like, and sounds like the end of the world?! Pastor John gives us four things we can do when it feels like it's the end in this uplifting and applicable message!
In this message, Pastor John teaches us how to achieve reconciliation with those around us by showing us a different side of the well known story of Jonah and the fish!
What do you do when you think the government is wrong? Check out this message where Pastor John explains how to fight for justice with love!
In this message, Zachary gives us 4 steps to make our house into a home, physically and spiritually!
"Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!" - Corinthians 9:24
Check out this powerful message where Pastor John encourages us to run the most important race!
Mother's Day 2020 at First Church was so uplifting! This message speaks truth to the heart of all women and encourages them to choose contentment wherever God has them! Check it out!
Are you tired of relationships that don't last? In this relationship message, Pastor John gives us two steps to building meaningful relationships!
Discussion Questions: 1. Do you have "house friends" or tent relationships? What can you do to change that? 2. Do you bring a covenant mentality to the relationships that matter most? How do you do well at that? How do you fail? 3. Write a letter to yourself saying who you want to be in 1, 5, and even 50 years from now.
Don't be a needer in your relationships, be a giver! Check out this powerful relationship message where Pastor John shows us how to find fulfillment!
Clean your yard! Relationships can be messy, but to have thriving relationships you need to take action and keep them healthy! Check out this powerful message from Pastor John!
Discussion Questions: 1. What does the yard of your relationship with God look like? 2. Describe the yard of your closest relationships… are you stressed about stepping in landmines or is it fairly clear? 3. What is one serious conversation you can commit to having this week?
God is real! In this Easter message, Pastor John shows us that to deny God's existence is to deny logic and facts. Check out this message for the uplifting and understandable truth to God's existence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you believe God is real? Why or why not?
- Do your life, actions, and thoughts match your beliefs?
- Who is Jesus to you?
- If you died tonight, where would God send you? Why?
What do you do when you feel helpless? Pastor John reminds us of a story in the Bible when God's people were helpless, and what they did to overcome helplessness!
Discussion Questions: 1. Do you believe in the power of prayer? If not, why? If yes, what gave you faith in prayer? 2. Does the amount of time and passion with which you pray reflect your belief in it? 3. When was a time God answered a prayer you had? 4. What is God teaching you through your helplessness in this crisis? 5. As a family, spend a minute together praying.
Check out this empowering message where Pastor John tells us the 6 secrets to overcoming crisis in our lives!
Discussion Questions:
- Who has your shepherd been? i.e. social media, retirement, health, kids, etc.
- Has it been easy or hard to stay calm? Why? How does Jesus help you stay calm?
- What paths are you walking down to get information? Are you focused on facts? Are they God’s facts or man’s facts? Are they God’s paths?
- Have you been present emotionally with your family and the community or have you been living in and bringing fear?
- Do you believe we will prevail against this? Do you focus on that victory? Are you praying for that victory?
- Spend some time counting your blessings. List off five things you are really thankful for.
What are Heaven and Hell really like? Check out this powerful message with clear illustrations of just how awesome Heaven really is!
Link to referenced book: https://amzn.to/2QhXW7n
Discussion Questions: 1. What is one point that stuck to you in today's message? Why? 2. Do you believe in Heaven and Hell? Why? 3. What about Heaven excites you? 4. How does Hell and Heaven being real change the way you live and the way you treat others? 5. How will the way you live this week change because of this message?
What happens one minute after you die? Check out this powerful message where Pastor John shows us that there's more to heaven than just getting in!
Link to referenced message: https://youtu.be/KPapgsqSCt8
Why is our mindset as Christians always, "How bad can I be without sinning?" In this message, Pastor John shows us that we shouldn't ask, "How bad can I be," we should ask, "How loving can I be?"
So many of us deal with depression. The question is, how does God tell us to fight it? Check out Pastor John's message, "How To Fight Depression."
In this Student Takeover message, our Youth Director, Zachary, shows us that we need to fight for our youth, not against them! Check it out!
How can God be good and allow bad things to happen? In this message, Pastor John tackles one of the toughest questions that we as humans have to answer; Why does God let bad things happen?
How do we love people that are different than us? Check out this final message of our Enneagram message series, "Finding You," where Pastor John teaches us how to love others like Jesus does!
This is the fourth message in our Enneagram sermon series, "Finding You!" In this Enneagram sermon, Pastor John teaches us about three unique Enneagram personality types; type 5, type 6, and type 7. He then shows us how to love each of these Enneagram types in their own way! Check it out!
Check out the third message in our Enneagram series, “Finding You!” Pastor John teaches us the core sins of Enneagram types 2, 3, and 4, and then shows us how we can best love and lead each of these unique personalities!
Check out the second sermon in our Enneagram series, "Finding You!" Pastor John teaches us the core sin of Enneagram types 9, 8, and 1, and then shows us how we can best love and lead each of these unique personalities!
Don't try to be a soup scooper if you were made to be a cheese grater. God made you to fulfill a unique roll within the body of Christ! Check out the first sermon in our new Enneagram series, "Finding You!"