Romans chapter 8 and the shaping of our prayers. This Sunday as we gathered, we delve into the spiritual tapestry woven by wisdom, love, and selflessness. We ponder the parable of the pearl of great price, reflecting on the pursuit of spiritual wealth over material gains. We also touch on maturity's journey, from limited child-like views to a life enveloped in God's infinite love. Love is all there is and there is nothing that can separate us from God's infinite love; together we tell a better s...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr
Embarking on a reflection of nature's grandeur, we find a connection between the steadfastness of trees and our spiritual growth. Our conversations take us from the Garden of Eden to the Tree of Life in Revelation, finding solace in the roots of love and patience. As Lent draws near, we're inspired to look beyond the surface and see the divine in the ordinary, much like the awe-inspiring ancient forests that reveal their beauty when we least expect it. It's a journey of discovery, where the simp...
Jan 31, 2024•53 min
This morning our conversation orbits around the often overlooked spiritual practice of rekindling our awareness of love's persistent presence. We navigate the transformative power of Epiphany, Together, we consider how the light of Christ beckons us towards living renewed with hope and a sense of beloved identity. Through heartfelt narratives, we contemplate the profound impact of forgiveness and the practice of viewing others through a lens of innocence, mirroring Jesus' grace. We discuss how t...
Jan 15, 2024•41 min
As the new year unfurls its wings, we embark on a voyage through the Epiphany, guided by the starlit musings of poet Malcolm Guite and the universal embrace of the divine. The First Love Church podcast welcomes you to a space where the sacred meets the stars, and the journey of the wise men unfolds as a mirror to our own pursuit of spiritual awakening. In the gentle rustle of nature and the grandeur of the cosmos, we find the light of Christ—a beacon to both Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Tog...
Jan 08, 2024•55 min
As the clock ticks towards a new year, we're leaving the chase for 'more' behind, instead wrapping ourselves in the restful embrace of love. We ponder over the Christmas spirit, not confining it to a single day but rather as an invitation to co-create with God, infusing love into our earthly journey. This episode brings to light the stories of biblical figures like Simeon and Anna, who demonstrate the profound impact of the Holy Spirit in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. Like them, we're encour...
Jan 01, 2024•50 min
Uncover how the practice of Advent helps us confront the darkness in our world, confident that love and transformation will ultimately prevail. We journey together through the grandeur of the Jerusalem temple, Jesus' profound response to it, and the crucial reminder that God's presence is not confined to physical structures but can be found in the smallest, most ordinary moments of life. The awe-inspiring majesty of the Jerusalem temple left the disciples in wonder. Yet, Jesus had a different pe...
Dec 04, 2023•45 min
Through the lens of Ephesians 1:15, we are guided to explore the importance of trust and love in our relationships with others and God. We are encouraged to adopt prayers from Paul's writings for our own lives and to delve deeper into our intimacy with God. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the power of awareness and its transformative impact on our lives and relationships. Through personal experiences and reflections, we are shown how being mindful of our actions and their effects on ot...
Nov 29, 2023•49 min
Have you ever paused and deeply considered the power of a single moment, a single act of gratitude? We're reminded of the potency of living in the now; join us as we journey through the Psalms of Thanksgiving, embracing the opportunity to show gratitude and celebrating the beauty of ordinary moments. Like a mesmerizing orchestra performance, we discuss how every part of our lives plays a unique role in the grand symphony of the divine, demonstrating the profound significance of every individual ...
Nov 14, 2023•51 min
What if you could navigate life's unexpected turns with the support of a divine guide, anchoring you amidst the turbulence? This episode illuminates the powerful scriptural teachings from Philippians 4:1-9, pointing us towards a new way of living. We unravel the intentional mention of women in Paul's discourse and its implications for a possible egalitarian approach to church and community. Our journey through the gospel allows us to glimpse a community of human flourishing and brings eternity i...
Oct 09, 2023•54 min
Would you believe that embracing the inevitability of death can lead to a deeper sense of peace? What if the path to ultimate contentment is through living wholly in the present? This conversation, centered around the powerful themes of World Communion Sunday, will guide you through these thought-provoking questions. We explore the profound unity in the body of Christ and how it amplifies our capacity to spread love in the world. This discussion takes you on a spiritual journey, teaching us to m...
Oct 02, 2023•44 min
Can you envision your heart expanding with love? Would you believe that a shift in perspective could unlock a richer understanding of God’s divine favor? As local church pastors we’re prepared to guide you on a transformative journey through an exploration of God's abundance, and the power of love. In this spiritually uplifting episode, we unwrap deep insights about our Christian walk, reminding us that rules and doctrines, though important, should not distract us from expressing kindness, gener...
Sep 25, 2023•53 min
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 influence our inte...
Aug 29, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 35
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 compass to monit...
Aug 21, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 34
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 make us...
Aug 18, 2023•37 min•Season 3Ep. 33
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, cu...
Aug 18, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 31
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. 20 On...
May 21, 2020•1 hr
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...
May 21, 2020•56 min
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 you would like to support the ongoi...
May 06, 2020•55 min
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 alon...
Apr 26, 2020•51 min
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 an empty t...
Apr 20, 2020•42 min
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 have re...
Feb 16, 2020•27 min
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...
Feb 16, 2020•2 min
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
Feb 02, 2020•45 min
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
Feb 02, 2020•31 min
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 This podcast is m...
Jan 19, 2020•29 min
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 Heather Drake...
Jan 19, 2020•39 min
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 explai...
Dec 08, 2019•28 min
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...
Nov 17, 2019•59 min
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
Oct 27, 2019•31 min
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://www.firstlovech...
Oct 06, 2019•28 min
