Have you ever stopped to consider the strength of love against the backdrop of the early church? Imagine a world rich in fellowship, joy, unity, and selfless giving - a world where the actions of Jesus illustrate the transformative power of love. This is the journey we embark on in this episode, revisiting the roots of the church, where believers shared everything and practiced love in a way that met the needs of every individual. Ever wondered how Jesus' radical teachings can influenc...
Picture yourself standing in the center of love's vast expanse – the love of God, love for self, and love for others. What does it look like? What does it feel like? We journey into these questions and more, showing you how to make self-emptying love an everyday practice and a gift of extraordinary magnitude. We turn the spotlight on the power of God’s love, its ability to help overcome fears, and how falling head over heels with Jesus brings an unrivaled peace. Imagine having a compas...
Open your hearts and embark on a journey of enlightenment as we delve into the power of sacred spaces, rituals, and divine love. As we venture into the ancient faith and contemplate God's intention for unity and oneness, we invite you to consider how we can embody divine love for ourselves and each other. Our discussion takes an enlightening turn as we dive into the depths of God's love and the power of generosity, guided by the wisdom of Hebrews and 1 John. We explore how God's love can mak...
What if the power of unity and the sacredness of community could alter the very lens through which we view our lives? This episode brings us together, across vast physical distances, yet intimately connected, as we explore our collective ability to transform the world through love. Our gathering is a testament to the power of connectivity, and we express heartfelt gratitude for each one of you who joins us in this journey. Together, we'll ponder over the true essence of wealth and generosity,...
John 14:15-21 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. 18 "I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 2...
John 14:1-14 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake
John 10:1-10 Jesus declares Himself to be the Good Shepherd. What is this imagery meant to invoke? What lessons are being taught with this claim? Jesus makes claims that contradict empire- His followers don't understand. This is one of the I am statements regarding Jesus' own narrative of who He is. Jesus again declares that He is the way to relationship with the Father. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If...
Luke 24:13-35 This scene is set on the same day as the women’s discovery of the empty tomb from last week. We learn that two disciples are walking, leaving Jerusalem to make the seven-mile jaunt to Emmaus. Why are they leaving Jerusalem? Do they fear for their lives now that Jesus has been executed? We don’t really know. All Luke tells us is that they are grieved about their recent experience. They are talking to one another, hoping to make sense of the nonsensical, when Jesus himself walks ...
The Easter Season provides opportunities for the church to reflect on the biblical witness concerning the rumors of the resurrection. It is still the first day of the week, according to the written record. So much happened from sunrise to evening on that day to turn the world over and over again, worshipers today can linger in the original testimony. For some, it is still news that the entire witness to the resurrection began on the testimony of women. First, a mourning Mary discovers a...
Matthew 5:13-20 Jesus calls us to be salt, to serve in the way we were designed to serve. But what if we do not? What if we lose our saltiness? What if we hide the light under a basket? The call of the Sermon of the Mount is high and costly and risky. The darkening of the light, the loss of the salt’s saltiness is not without consequence. Jesus makes clear that he is not overthrowing the law and the prophets. He stands in the streams of righteous hope and transformative justice that both hav...
Jesus calls us to be Salt and Light a narrative and a command. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake
Jonathan Martin is our guest minister Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake
Our friend and guest minister Jonathan Martin. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake
Acts 10:9-38 This account challenges our thinking the same way today as it did when the church was young. Peter has a divine encounter and obeys what He acknowledges is God's direction. And subsequently Cornelius and the large congregation in his home hear the good news and are filled with the Holy Spirit. There is a challenge today that asks us to hear the message and open wide our gates. The message is even better than we dared imagine and it is for everyone! Support the show ...
Acts 10:9-38 There is power in this account of the Apostle Peters vision and subsequent obedience, power to challenge our ways of thinking. The gospel the good news is so much better than we dared imagine, and it's for everyone. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heat...
Romans 15:4-13 2nd Sunday of Advent From the beginning of the letter Paul has argues that the Gospel is for both Jews and Greeks (Romans 1:14-17). So we have here a climax both to Paul’s argument and to his way of arguing. Paul makes it clear in Romans 15:4 that the past (“whatever was written in former days”) was meant for this very present time (“written for our instruction”), in order to give hope. Paul’s answer, and his prayer for the fledgling community, is harmony and hope. As Paul exp...
Creating your world through prayer. Joseph uses 2 new testament stories to remind us about the power of prayer. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake
Thomas Drake offers a sermon Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake
Luke 17:11-19 Jesus heals the ten lepers- one- the Samaritan- returns to give thanks. When we recognize the work of God in our lives and in the world the response should be return and give thanks. The practice of gratitude allows us to be mindful and to practice kingdom influence and rule in our lives. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https:...
Luke 16 In response to the scandal of His table practices and the anger of the religious establishment, Jesus continues to offer alternate narratives on what God is like and what is blessed. Lazarus lives everyday in poverty and need, the unnamed rich man lives in luxury. Eventually both the rich man and Lazarus die, as all do, regardless of social position (Luke 16:22). Our social status and poverty/wealth do not accompany us. Lazarus likely died because of his poverty an...