First Christian Church

Paradigm Shift // Grace is Threatened

Embark on a journey where the essence of authentic Christianity is unfurled, guiding us through the tenets of a faith that promises freedom and fullness of life. As your host, I've woven together the rich tapestry of spiritual truths with the captivating backdrop of my recent trip to Washington DC, drawing inspiration from both the historic landmarks and the indomitable spirit of World War II marines. This episode promises not just a reflection on our faith journey but an invitation to live ...

Paradigm Shift // Is Grace Really That Amazing?

Prepare to shift your paradigm as we navigate the dynamic waters of Galatians 1 and the raw essence of Christianity. It's a common misconception that our faith is a checklist of do's and don'ts; yet, this conversation will reveal it's anything but. We unravel the notion that righteousness comes from rule-following and instead celebrate the liberating truth that Jesus alone is our lifeline to salvation. Discover how the Apostle Paul's transformation—once a persecutor, now a preacher—exemplifi...

Paradigm Shift // What Are You Living For?

Imagine the jolt of clarity that hits you when you finally see the world through a pristine pair of glasses—details come into focus, colors pop, and the haze that once clouded your vision vanishes. That's the kind of transformative revelation we're chasing as we explore authentic Christianity, stripping away the layers of distortion that have obscured its true essence. Huddled against the biting winds at Candlestick Park, my father and I discovered the beauty of baseball, a bonding experienc...

Easter // It's Too Good to be True

Imagine staring down the impossible and finding a way to whisper back, "I can." That's the essence of hope, a power that Olympic athlete and WWII survivor Louis Zamperini harnessed to overcome extraordinary adversity, a theme we explore in our Easter conversation at First Christian Church. As we unpack Zamperini's journey—his plane crash, 47 days at sea, and the trials as a POW—we see a vivid illustration of hope as more than wishful thinking, but as a confident expectation that can transfor...

Holy Week and Why it Matters

Imagine standing among a crowd, hearts racing as the Blue Angels thunder across the sky, mirroring the awe the disciples felt during the last days of Jesus. Our latest episode offers a profound journey through Holy Week, exploring its enduring significance to the Christian faith. We lift the veil on each sacred day, from Palm Sunday's exultation to the reflective silence of Holy Saturday, and invite you to ponder the impact of these events on the core of Christianity. Through the lens of the...

Permission to Doubt // Experiencing Church Hurt

Have you ever felt a sting of disappointment from those you held in high regard within your church community? It's a heartache I know all too well, as do many in our faith—when the actions of church leaders and fellow believers fall painfully short of their lofty words. This episode peels back the layers of such disillusionment, diving into the tough conversations about hypocrisy, spiritual maturity, and the true marks of a life transformed by Christ. We're not just talking theory; we're sha...

Permission to Doubt // Jesus Wants you to Deconstruct your Faith

Childhood memories often play back in our minds like old movies, full of color and emotion. Think back to when you first tackled a complex building set like the Big Ball Factory, the excitement of creation tinged with the frustration of trial and error. Our latest episode mirrors that journey but with higher stakes: it's about dismantling and reassembling the very fabric of our faith. Join me as we navigate the intricate process of questioning our beliefs, digging deep into the teachings of ...

Permission to Doubt // What Jesus Would say to Doubters

Ever wrestled with the tug-of-war between doubt and belief? Our latest episode traces the spiritual odyssey of Thomas, the apostle etched in history as 'Doubting Thomas,' and how his story mirrors the complexities of our own faith journeys. We promise an exploration that not only confronts the skepticism lurking within us all but also offers a passage to deeper conviction and trust. Embark on an intimate discussion that spotlights Thomas's ultimate encounter with the risen Christ—a moment t...

Permission to Doubt // Help I Have Doubts About my Faith

Have you ever felt like you're the only one in the pews wrestling with unspoken questions? We've all been there, and it's time we give ourselves some "Permission to Doubt." This episode embarks on a candid exploration of the doubts that often go unvoiced within the walls of the church. Drawing from John the Baptist's own moment of questioning and Jesus's empathetic response, we peel back the layers on why doubt isn't the antithesis of faith but rather a gateway to a deeper, more authentic re...

B.L.E.S.S. // Sharing Your Story

Discover the unexpected power hidden within your personal faith journey. Our latest conversation uncovers how your individual narrative can become a catalyst for connection, a conduit for sharing the profound love embedded in our experiences with Jesus. We reflect on the 'BLESS' series, which provides a framework for meaningful engagement: prayer, attentive listening, shared meals, acts of service, and the sharing of our God stories. As potent as the testimonies in Revelation 12, these stori...

B.L.E.S.S. // Spending Time With Sinners

Have you ever wondered how a meal can bridge worlds? Join me as we continue our exploration of the 'Blessed' series, uncovering how the simple act of eating with others can open doors to the heart and foster understanding in ways words alone cannot. This episode dives into the 'E' of the BLESS acronym, revealing the power of shared meals in the style of Jesus—known as the 'Friend of Sinners'—and how these gatherings can challenge us to embrace inclusivity and connection. As your guide throu...

B.L.E.S.S. // Praying and Listening

Uncover the transformative power of a conversation rooted in Christ as we navigate the simple yet profound act of engaging with those around us. We're embarking on a 90-day challenge to spark 500 gospel conversations, and you're invited to join the movement. From the buzz of barbershop banter to the quiet moments in a doctor's waiting room, we're proving the gospel can be shared anywhere. Our BLESS acronym—Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, Share stories—serves as our compass, guiding yo...

The Power of One // Guest Speaker Edgar Ramos

As the world once teetered on the brink of nuclear annihilation during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a man named Vasily Arkhipov stood firm, a decision that might have saved us all. Our latest conversation paints the picture of this unsung hero's choice and its profound implications, reminding us of the incredible influence one person can wield. Weaving history with spirituality, we draw from the Biblical story of Ananias, an ordinary man who embraced his divine appointment and changed the cours...

Encountering God and Embracing the Divine in the Everyday // Guest Speaker Austin Laragusa

Have you ever chuckled at the whimsy of life's small decisions, like choosing the right coat to match your friend's casual style? Our guest Austin brings that same light-heartedness to our conversation today, along with profound gratitude for the church community that embraced his family. We jump into tales of familial bonds, from the heartwarming to the humorous, as we acknowledge the unique colors his sons Micah, Hendricks, and Kyle bring to the canvas of life. Join us for a session that's...

God With Us // Why Christmas Matters

As the frosty air heralds the season of joy, I find myself wrapped in reflection, pondering the profound depths of Christmas and the undeniable warmth of God's love. This episode is a special one, tenderly unwrapping the true essence of the holiday as we journey through the nativity story from Matthew chapter one. From the complexities of Mary and Joseph's relationship to the divine reassurance received in a dream, we'll explore the tapestry of events that culminate in the hopeful names give...

God With Us // With us in the Valleys

Ever wondered how to find strength in your most challenging moments? We promise, by the end of our latest series, "God With Us," you'll know how to transform your valleys into peaks, using your faith as a robust compass. We dissect Psalm 84 and reflect on the potent importance of God's tangible presence in our highest wins and our lowest lows. From good times to the tough times, God is present, hands-on, and ready to walk with us, even when it's hard for us to remember His nearness. Ladies ...

The difference between Christianity and Religion // Guest Speaker Dr. John Harris

Ever wondered why Christianity is distinct from other faith systems? Buckle in and discover a profound comparison to parenting that beautifully illustrates God's bridging of the spiritual gap with humanity through Jesus. This episode promises to help you confidently articulate this distinction and the daily implications it carries.  We aren't stopping at the surface, though. As we journey into the direction of movement in Christianity, it is clear that it is not like other religions. The he...

How to Suffer // Guest Speaker Pastor Cody

Struggling with pain, hardship, or trials in life? Feel like there's no end in sight? Often, we grapple with these sufferings alone, feeling isolated and helpless. But what if I told you that there's a way to find hope and healing amidst these trials, and not just that, but also growth and strength? Today, as we journey together through Matthew 8, we'll discover how a man with leprosy found not only physical healing, but also a renewed spiritual bond with God. We all know that suffering is ...

Hot Topics // Racism

Ready to challenge your beliefs and break down barriers? Tune in, as we confront the all-encompassing issue of racism and navigate through the gospel's potential to bring unity in a world that often seeks to divide us. Unraveling the captivating narrative in Acts Chapter 10, we follow Apostle Peter and Roman military leader Cornelius on their spiritual journey. Their story, rich with transformative revelations and divine interventions, emphasizes the profound truth - there is no superior rac...

Hot Topics // Is ALL Human Life Valuable

Ever wondered how the profound Christian worldview manifests in grappling with delicate issues like abortion? That's exactly what we explore in today's episode. We take on scripture not just as a source of facts, but as a catalyst for understanding the world around us. We're weaving our way through the complexities of life, from inception and beyond, and the impact it has on our standpoint on this multifaceted issue of abortion. Importantly, if you've experienced an abortion, hear us when we...

Hot Topics // Is ALL Human Life Valuable?

Ever wondered how the profound Christian worldview manifests in grappling with delicate issues like abortion? That's exactly what we explore in today's episode. We take on scripture not just as a source of facts, but as a catalyst for understanding the world around us. We're weaving our way through the complexities of life, from inception and beyond, and the impact it has on our standpoint on this multifaceted issue of abortion. Importantly, if you've experienced an abortion, hear us when we...

Hot Topics // Are you Too Busy?

What if burnout, stress, and the overwhelming fast pace of life could be minimized, even eliminated? Buckle up, because we're about to defy the norm and examine how to find peace and rest in this ever-hustling world. We tackle the creeping epidemic of burnout head-on, dissecting its detrimental impact on mental and emotional health. Drawing inspiration from Jesus's teaching, we discover a timeless invitation to solace, a beckoning that cuts through the noise of our jam-packed schedules and o...

Hot Topics // Is the Bible Trustworthy?

Ready for a spiritual journey that grapples with the fundamental pillars of Christianity? Let's dive into the deep end of faith, questioning the reliability and authority of the Bible. With a keen eye on Archaeology, scientific laws, and the New Testament's timeline, we debate the trustworthiness of the holy scripture. As we delve into Matthew 24's prophecies, we also put the New Testament's authorship under scrutiny, exploring evidence suggesting it was written within 20-50 years of Jesus C...

Battle Ready // It's Time to Use the Sword

Ready to play offense in your Christian life? Strap in as we dive into an exhilarating discussion, drawing parallels between sports and our spiritual journey, focusing on the power of offense using the Word of God. This episode is a kick-off to our spanking new series, 'Hot Topics'. Each family in attendance also gets to take home a thought-provoking book, '77 Frequently Asked Questions About God and the Bible'. It's a double win! We also take an in-depth look at how Scripture can be an eff...

Battle Ready // Living with Readiness

Ever built a coffee table from scratch? Just as assembling a coffee table requires us to piece together the components, embracing the spiritual armor of God calls for us to couple our readiness and resilience. Let's journey through this episode as we compare the significance of sandals, a component of God’s armor, to the pieces of a coffee table, illuminating how these seemingly ordinary items can prepare us for our spiritual battles. On a different note, have you ever found tranquility ami...

Battle Ready // The Shield and the Helmet

Ready your armor for a journey through spiritual warfare! Our episode promises to equip you with the understanding of the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, and how these essential pieces of armor protect and nurture your spirituality. Drawing from relatable parallels such as video games and riding motorcycles, we delve into the significance of donning your spiritual armor and its profound impact on your spiritual growth. In the battlefield of life, what you feed your faith is wha...

Battle Ready // The Belt and the Breastplate

Ever felt the gravity of a seemingly simple debate about your favorite food, coffee, or football team? Brace yourself, as we dive deeper into such topics and unearth connections with the intriguing world of subjective and objective truths. This episode is your skating rink, where you'll glide through the importance of acknowledging unchanging facts, even in our personalized society, and arm yourself for spiritual warfare.  We're not stopping there, though. Remember the infamous Nazi leader,...

Battle Ready // Prepare for Battle

Are you prepared for the fight of your life? One that's not of this world but rather, a battle of good and evil in spiritual realms? It's about time we break down the barriers and confront the spiritual warfare around us. This episode is your call to arms! We dive into the heart of Ephesians 6, uncovering the vital steps to strengthening ourselves in the Lord and equipping ourselves with God's full armor, ready to stand against the devil's sly tactics. Delving deeper, we unmask Satan's craf...

The Loneliness Epidemic

Discover the power of community and companionship as we take a reverent look at the first-century church as described in the Book of Acts. Experience the profound impact of genuine friendships and unity that transcends societal divisions, as we draw from the remarkable story of Jesus uniting Matthew, a tax collector, and Simon the Zealot, despite their opposing views of the Roman Empire. Recognize the value of prioritizing love over proving a point, and grasp the transformative power of vuln...

Transferring Trust // Money Problems

Are you ready to step into a space where your relationships, beliefs, and finances collide? Prepare to navigate the potentially sensitive subject of money in a transformative conversation that aims to redefine your understanding of wealth. Guided by the teachings of Jesus, who frequently highlighted financial matters in his parables, we attempt to dissect the spiritual significance tied to our worldly possessions. What if you could recode your life's operating system? We'll unmask the truth...

Transferring Trust // How to Experience Financial Freedom

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards financial freedom? We promise, today's discussion is an enlightening revelation that merges these two crucial aspects of life. We're going to share a story of unexpected blessings that came from giving just 10%, emphasizing the need for wise stewardship in utilizing the resources God has given us. We'll also introduce you to the 10, 10, 80 principle - God's masterplan for financial liberation. We've all heard of the biblical parable of the talent...

Transferring Trust // What do you Trust

Ever felt your heart skip a beat when it's time to trust someone else with your hard-earned savings? Perhaps you'd feel more secure stashing it under your mattress? Well, you're not alone. Welcome to our mini-series “Transferring Trust,” where we delve into that unnerving sensation of handing our financial reins to another – in this case, God himself. We start off with a light-hearted analogy of reluctantly eating Brussels sprouts and liver, then progressively delve into the deeper challenge...

This is Living // The Secret to Contentment

Do you ever feel like your life is a constant chase for contentment? We've got some secrets to share. In our latest episode, we unravel the mystery that Apostle Paul refers to in Philippians 4:11. He speaks of a steadfastness and serenity that isn't dictated by your circumstances. The key isn't absconding ambition or goals, but finding satisfaction even when those goals aren't met. Astonishingly, the secret lies in a genuine bond with Jesus Christ.  We also delve into the fascinating relati...

A Step by Step Guide to Peace

This is Living // A Step by Step Guide to Living with Purpose

This is Living // Living in Relationships with God // Guest Speaker John Harris

This is Living // Living by Serving // Guest Speaker Edgar Ramos

This is Living // What is Spiritual Maturity and How Does This Happen?

This is Living // Living for Others in a Self-Centered World

This is Living // Living for Something Greater

This is Living // The Power of Perspective

This is Living // Four Essentials for REAL Community

This is Living // Three Unlikely Characters That Experienced Life

The Christian Atheist // When you Believe in God, but Don't go all in for Him

The Christian Atheist // When you Belive in God, but Still Worry All the Time

The Christian Atheist // When you Believe in God, but Don't Fear Him

The Christian Atheist // Guest Speaker AJ Chandna "When you Believe in God, But..."

The Christian Atheist // Guest Speaker Cody Kishimoto "The Pursuit of Happiness"

The Christian Atheist // When you Believe in God but don't Really Know Him

Easter Sunday