First Love Church
132 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsThese podcasts are messages that were preached at First Love Church in Ocala, Florida. We hope that you are encouraged and inspired by what you hear. We are a non denominational, egalitarian church that practices a generous orthodoxy. Find out more about our local congregation online at firstlovechurch.org.
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Episodes
Jesus Heals A Woman On The Sabbath (8/25/2019)10:30am
August 26, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBLuke 13:10-17 This account where Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath is really an instance of God’s kingdom breaking into the present world. Jesus explains his actions: “He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like?”” (Luke 13:18). It is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a tree for sheltering birds, or like yeast that leavens bread for provision and fellowship (Luke 13:19-20). Notice the similarities to the bent-over woman: something seemingly small and insignificant becomes, w...
Jesus Heals A Woman On The Sabbath (8/25/2019)10:30am
August 26, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBLuke 13:10-17 This account where Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath is really an instance of God’s kingdom breaking into the present world. Jesus explains his actions: “He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like?”” (Luke 13:18). It is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a tree for sheltering birds, or like yeast that leavens bread for provision and fellowship (Luke 13:19-20). Notice the similarities to the bent-over woman: something seemingly small and insignificant becomes, w...
Jesus Heals A Woman On The Sabbath (8/25/2019) 8:30am
August 25, 2019 12:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBLuke 13:10-17 This account where Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath is really an instance of God’s kingdom breaking into the present world. Jesus explains his actions: “He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like?”” (Luke 13:18). It is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a tree for sheltering birds, or like yeast that leavens bread for provision and fellowship (Luke 13:19-20). Notice the similarities to the bent-over woman: something seemingly small and insignificant becomes, w...
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (8/18/2019) 8:30 am
August 19, 2019 00:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBHebrews 11:29- 12:2 ...So great a cloud of witnesses..... The letter recounts over and over again how it was “by faith” that Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’s parents, and Moses endured. The list of names, clearly intended to inspire and encourage the letter’s readers, surely would have caused them to recall the stories of these biblical figures in all their complexity. It is because of their faith alone that the writer sees each of them, these flawed and m...
Surrounded By So Great A Cloud Of Witnesses (8/18/2019) 10:30am
August 18, 2019 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBHebrews 11:29- 12:2 ...So great a cloud of witnesses..... The letter recounts over and over again how it was “by faith” that Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’s parents, and Moses endured. The list of names, clearly intended to inspire and encourage the letter’s readers, surely would have caused them to recall the stories of these biblical figures in all their complexity. It is because of their faith alone that the writer sees each of them, these flawed and m...
Surrounded By So Great A Cloud Of Witnesses (8/18/2019) 10:30am
August 18, 2019 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBHebrews 11:29- 12:2 ...So great a cloud of witnesses..... The letter recounts over and over again how it was “by faith” that Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’s parents, and Moses endured. The list of names, clearly intended to inspire and encourage the letter’s readers, surely would have caused them to recall the stories of these biblical figures in all their complexity. It is because of their faith alone that the writer sees each of them, these flawed and m...
A message by Cliff Henley (8/4/2019) 8:30am
August 15, 2019 17:00 - 36 minutes - 25.5 MBCliff Henley offers a look at the passage from Colossians 3. 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
A God who serves, an invitation to Kingdom life (8/11/2019) 10:30am
August 11, 2019 14:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBLuke 12:32-40 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). These words speak an unqualified promise about God. They root God’s generosity in God’s desire. Jesus has just spoken (in 12:22-31) about trusting God while also seeking the “kingdom”; now he reminds everyone that the point isn’t to coax a grumpy or frugal deity into being nice to us. Rather, God eagerly wants the “kingdom” -- a whole new set of affairs reflecting God’s...
A God who serves, and invitation to kingdom life. (8/11/2019) 8:30am
August 11, 2019 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBLuke 12:32-40 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). These words speak an unqualified promise about God. They root God’s generosity in God’s desire. Jesus has just spoken (in 12:22-31) about trusting God while also seeking the “kingdom”; now he reminds everyone that the point isn’t to coax a grumpy or frugal deity into being nice to us. Rather, God eagerly wants the “kingdom” -- a whole new set of affairs reflecting God’s...
A message by Cliff Henley (8/4/2019) 10:30am
August 04, 2019 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBA message from Cliff Henley
Jesus, Mary and Martha and the kingdom (July 21,2019)8:30am
July 21, 2019 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBWe don’t need to reject Martha in order to understand Luke’s point about Mary, who is portrayed as a disciple sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to him. She violates the cultural expectations in ways that Martha does not. This is the sort of thing that Jesus does, breaking the cultural constraints and setting people free for the kingdom. That’s necessary if we are actually going to love our neighbors and love God. The church needs to be set free for such faithful listening and disc...
What must I do to inherit eternal life- the good samaritan lives the answer (July 14, 2019) 10:30am
July 14, 2019 18:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBLuke 10:25-37 The question and Jesus' shocking answer. The question we should ask ourselves, and reevaluate our lives based on what the Good Creator has invited us to join with Him in. How lives and the whole world is renewed. Join us as we discuss this important passage. On a narrative level, Jesus is the one who tells the story. On the theological level, however, the image of God is carried by the one in the ditch. The image of God is reflected by the one who shows compassion and mer...
What must I do to inherit eternal life? The good samaritan lives the answer (July 14, 2019) 8:30am
July 14, 2019 18:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBWhat must I do to inherit eternal life? The lawyer asks a legitimate question, a question that appears to want a real answer. He engages in dialogue with Jesus that seems to desire an honest response. What does it really mean to follow the law? To live the law? We need regular reminders, constant instruction, of what it means to be a citizen in the Kingdom of God. We wonder every day. We question every day. We should, really, wake up each day and ask Jesus, pray fervently, where and how can ...
The offer of Peace (July 7, 2019) 8:30am
July 07, 2019 18:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBLuke 10:1-20 The offer of peace to every house. This discourse begins what is another of Jesus' direction to repent (change our thinking). Jesus sends out disciples with the first proclamation that sounds simple: “Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’” (verse 5). Notice that Jesus does not tell them to do any sort of assessment before making this proclamation. He doesn’t ask them to determine whether this house follows the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, or whether th...
Holy Spirit Empowers Us To Radical Love (6/9/2019) 10:30am service
July 03, 2019 17:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBRomans 8:14-39 The Holy Spirit given to us to be able to LOVE- and demonstrate real love- to the other. To those in the margins, to those who need to know there is room for them at the Table, the feast God has prepared for them. #egalitarian #Spirit #radicalLove #church #community 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 servic...
But first... Jesus asks us to follow him fully (6/30/2019) 8:30am
June 30, 2019 19:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBLuke 9:51-62 We may have missed the point. James and John seem eager to punish the Samaritans for their refusal to receive Jesus. They appear pretty confident, offering to command fire to come down and consume these that are unwilling to receive the good news. And there was precedence (2 Kings 1: 10-12) for calling down fire. Add to that their previous argument about who is the greatest (verse 46), maybe James and John are simply eager to project their own authority.But Jesus shows us anothe...
Marriage Enrichment (6/30/2019)
June 30, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBDrawing from research done by the Gottman Institute, we continue our marriage enrichment sessions. This session we discuss LOVE MAPS. 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
"Can we call down fire"(6/30/2019) 10:30am
June 30, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 47.3 MBLuke 9:51-62 51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53 but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" 55 But he turned and rebuked them......... We recognize the nee...
Beloved, child of God 6/23/2019 8:30am
June 23, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBLuke 8:26-39 Galatians 3:23-29 The account of the man in the tomb and a Jesus who finds us when we cannot look for him. To remember our true name, beloved child of God. "Now go back to your family and tell them everything God has done, and how KIND he has been to you."- vs.39. 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 o...
Beloved, child of God 6/23/2019 8:30am
June 23, 2019 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBLuke 8:26-39 Galatians 3:23-29 The account of the man in the tomb and a Jesus who finds us when we cannot look for him. To remember our true name, beloved child of God. "Now go back to your family and tell them everything God has done, and how KIND he has been to you."- vs.39.
Beloved, child of God 6/23/2019 10:30am
June 23, 2019 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBLuke 8:26-39 Galatians 3:23-29 The account in sacred text that tells us of a Jesus who came to the rescue of a man who was mentally ill. Rescued, he is sent back to tell his family, how good God is and how He has been KIND to him. From our Galatians reading- there is no longer Jew or Gentile slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. Equality for all. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support th...
Our Triune God (6/16/2019) 10:30am Service
June 16, 2019 18:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBJohn 14:19-20 John 16:12-15 God the Father, Son, and Spirit in perfect unity and fellowship, each honoring the other. This is our blueprint on how to love the world. Without diminishment the Triune God celebrates the diversity and unity and invites us to do the same. #egalitarian #TriuneGod #Spirit #unity #diversity 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....
Our Triune God (6/16/2019) 8:30am
June 16, 2019 17:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBGod who lives in community, who exists in three separate persons, Father, Son and Spirit. This God who is loving unity and yet exhibits diversity, calls us to a unity that does not diminish other, but creates and invites us ALL to the table. 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
Holy Spirit Empowers Us To Radical Love (June 9, 2019)
June 09, 2019 17:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBFrom the book of Acts 2:1-4 Romans 8:14-39 Come Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life. At the beginning of time you moved over the face of the waters; you breathe into every living being, the breathe of life. Come, Creator Spirit, and renew the whole creation. The Comforter- God's own Spirit, given to us, so we have the power of radical Love- Love enough for neighbor and for enemy. This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the...
Holy Spirit- the Empowering of Radical Love 6/09/2019 8:30am
June 09, 2019 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBJoel 2:28-29 Acts 2:1-4 Romans 8:14-39 The Holy Spirit given to us for empowerment to love. For His spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. 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
Jesus prays for us (6/2/2019) 8:30am
June 02, 2019 22:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBJohn 17:20-26 Chapter 17 is Jesus’ closing prayer. He looks up to heaven and prays first for himself. This is not the agonizing prayer in Gethsemane found in the other gospels. Jesus is not in agony nor is he confused. “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you.” Jesus’ prayer doesn’t stop with those seated at the table. “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” Jes...
Jesus prays for us (6/2/2019) 10:30am
June 02, 2019 19:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBJohn 17:20-26 Friends of all the incredible things Jesus did while on the earth- he took time to pray for us. Let that sink in for moment. Jesus prays for his disciples, the world and for those yet to believe. Jesus’ prayer doesn’t stop with those seated at the table. “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one.” Jesus is praying also for you and for me. We are the ones who have come to believe becaus...
Putting into practice the ways of Jesus (5/29/2019)
May 29, 2019 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBJames 1:22-25 Matthew 7:21-27 Colossians 1:15-18 John 15 Jesus says putting into practice His words are the way of wisdom #egalitarian #thewayofJesus #wisdom #church #community 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
God looks like Jesus-John 14:1-17- (May 26, 2019)
May 27, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 30 MBJesus is discussing with His followers how everything He does is what the Father is doing through Him. God looks like Jesus, once we did not know this, now we do. Jesus says "I am the way the truth and the life". As we endeavor to follow the Jesus way we will follow Him and love our neighbor and live our lives as if He was living them.
God looks like Jesus-John 14:1-17- (May 26, 2019)
May 27, 2019 00:00 - 1 hour - 30 MBJesus is discussing with His followers how everything He does is what the Father is doing through Him. God looks like Jesus, once we did not know this, now we do. Jesus says "I am the way the truth and the life". As we endeavor to follow the Jesus way we will follow Him and love our neighbor and live our lives as if He was living them. 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 ...
Marriage Enrichment May 26,2019
May 26, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MBUsing tools from the Gottman institute we are introducing practical communication techniques to help your marriage thrive.
Marriage Enrichment May 26,2019
May 26, 2019 18:00 - 1 hour - 46.9 MBUsing tools from the Gottman institute we are introducing practical communication techniques to help your marriage thrive. 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