Episodes

  • 81. Threefold Witness

    81. Threefold Witness
    Jan 13 2026
    John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance. So, why would his cousin Jesus come for baptism? Yet, it happened anyway. With a very special cast of witnesses. Hear Pastor Dave talk about why the Church didn’t have to invent baptism, but how the meaning changed with John.
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    15 mins
  • 80. The WORD became Flesh

    80. The WORD became Flesh
    Jan 1 2026
    On the first Sunday after Christmas, Pastor Dave talks about the meaning of “the WORD became flesh,” as the Evangelist John opens his Gospel. Find out what it means to call Jesus the “Logos” of God.
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    20 mins
  • 79. Christmas Message

    79. Christmas Message
    Dec 31 2025
    Here is the Christmas Message delivered at First Church at the late Christmas Eve service. We pray that God has something to teach, to inspire, and to comfort in Pastor Dave’s words at this holy season.
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    10 mins
  • 78. Blue Christmas

    78. Blue Christmas
    Dec 18 2025
    Our “Blue Christmas” at First Church has nothing to do with music by Elvis, although he sang some beautiful spiritual songs. Our Blue Christmas comes out of the tradition of “Longest Night” observances. As start to get longer about December 21, so we look toward recovering the Light of the World in our hearts, coming out of the darkness of grief of many kinds. If there is a lot of “blue” in your Christmas, click in to listen. If you know someone who might benefit from it, share it with them. A video of the entire service is available at Blue Christmas 2025 on YouTube.
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    33 mins
  • 77. A Burden of Joy

    77. A Burden of Joy
    Dec 15 2025
    Hear about Mary’s Burden of Joy, in this episode of The First Word from First Church. Take a look at Luke, Chapter 1, for the story of Mary’s visit to her cousin, Elizabeth, and her song of praise. Hear about joy, and the burdens that may may intermingle with a call to joy.
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    14 mins
  • 76. Prepare the Way

    76. Prepare the Way
    Dec 9 2025
    14 mins
  • 75. Thanks to the King

    75. Thanks to the King
    Nov 24 2025
    On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, which is also Christ the King Sunday this year, hear Pastor Dave talk about giving thanks to… and for the King of Kings. Hear just how great a proclamation Jesus makes when He says, “I AM the Bread of life.”
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    16 mins
  • 74. Guarding the Love

    74. Guarding the Love
    Nov 17 2025
    Pastor Dave speaks about the Second Letter of John (usually shown in our Bibles as 2 John). Hear about the “elect lady,” and who she and her children might be. Hear about guarding the love of Christ and each other in the Church, from those who would subvert the message that binds us together. Thank you for joining us for this episode of The First Word from First Church.
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    20 mins