First Pres Orlando Sermons

Dr. Paul Gibson | Genesis 1:26-31 We are not made to walk through this world alone. God hard-wired us for fellowship. Being in a fellowship starts with knowing who you are and knowing that you are safe.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 The maddening nature of accidents are addressed here, including the axiom of no good deed goes unpunished. We can be doing good things and yet still experience hardship.

Rev. Alexa Holcomb | Ecclesiastes 10:16-20 How do we live faithfully under authority, especially when we don’t agree with its leadership? How can the reality of Christ’s kingship transform our ability to live here and now?

Dr. Case Thorp | Ecclesiastes 9:7-12 On the heels of death, the Teacher reminds us yet again that life is gift and joy!

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 9:3-12 The Teacher reminds us in stark terms that death is our ultimate end and the judgement that comes with it.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 The Teacher wrestles with a number of things he does not understand or think fair. We cannot know the mind of God, so we enjoy Him and His blessings.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 7:1-14, 23 We are never going to be able to figure out the reasons for why God acts as He does or why things happen to us in life as they do. The point Solomon makes is that, in all of it, learn from it. Be wise. Trust in what God is teaching.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 6:1-2 Ecclesiastes 6 sort of seems like more of the same. The teacher is naming the nuances of evil that pervade a life of finitude. In this case, a person is given great amounts of all the things that ought to delight the heart, and yet, they are "unable to enjoy." We will think on the nature of enjoyment and contentment in a finite world.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 "The love of money is the root of all evil" but those who understand where it comes from and who live with that perspective will find pleasure and enjoyment in the provision of God.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 The Teacher gives us an appropriate warning to worship rightly, an important admonition in a time where we have lost our sense of the holiness and wonder of God.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Ecclesiastes 4:1–12 The Teacher says that in a world of pressure, comparison, and quiet loneliness, life “under the sun” can leave us isolated - even among others. Companionship is a gift, but it cannot satisfy our deepest longing for meaning. It points us beyond ourselves to the God who alone gives life its purpose.

Dr. Case Thorp | 1 Peter 2:9-17 The 250th anniversary of our country is significant, indeed, and Christianity has played a key role in her formation. Of course, we want Christianity to play a key role going forward, even as our nation diversifies. What, then, is the allegiance we hold as citizens of a nation and citizens of God's Kingdom? What is the difference between nationalism, of which we hear much, and patriotism? How does the Bible show us how to prioritize God and love one's country?

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 3:9-22 We are not built to understand everything. The big picture would overwhelm us, but we ARE built to pursue the biggest thing - eternity with God. He made us in a way that our hearts long to find Him...

Pastoral Intern Ben Willsey | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Time is a tremendous challenge for us. It moves slow at points and too fast at others. We never seem to have enough and we know ours will one day run out. God, thankfully, orders the seasons of our lives - our "times" (Psalm 31).

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-14, 17, 23 These are three common visions of a life that can overcome the curse. We cling to them because they are something to do in the face of the challenges and sadnesses of a broken world. If I can just enjoy enough, become smart enough, or work hard enough, perhaps I can escape the chaos of the curse. But there is only one thing that can mend a broken world.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 We will often use bubbles to hide in to protect ourselves from reality - to make ourselves believe this is really home when it is not. We are nomads. No amount of wisdom or laughter or commercial success will change that. However, if death is a reality, then life becomes a gift - a privilege - and a purposeful endeavor.

Dr. David Swanson | Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 It's a question that has plagued the human mind from the beginning. Ecclesiastes is an exploration of that question beginning with the circular nature of life - that no matter how hard we try, we won't get answers. But is he looking in the right place?

Dr. Paul Gibson | Acts 1:1-11 Jesus told the disciples in Acts 1:4, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised...the Holy Spirit." The disciples had this promise, but still had to wait until the day of Pentecost to be filled with the Holy Spirit. How did the disciples handle this period of waiting? How do we handle the in-between of living in God's promises that are not yet fulfilled? The truth is that "The Waiting is the Hardest Part."

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 3:7-12 Building on the message from May 3, the church at Thyatira faced false teaching as well, and they did something about it - those who would not accept discipline were thrown out of the church. We have to realize why we have theological and doctrinal standards. These protect the Church while equipping the next generations. Strategic Priority 2!

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 1:3-7 Paul writes of the rich legacy of faith he was left by particular women, an important theme on Mother's Day.

Dr. David Swanson | Revelation 2:18-29 It is becoming increasingly hard to identify as a Christian and not take some heat for it or be faced with hostility. This was the situation for Thyatira as well. God writes to that church to encourage them to stand firm and to watch out for false teachers. This is why elders and deacons matter in the life of the church. Truth and doctrine must be guarded carefully.

Rev. Tanner Fox | John 11:38-44 Jesus reveals the power He has over death in this story with Lazarus. The same power that will bring Him back from the dead, defeating our final enemy and inviting us to walk in newness of life! Even after He is brought back to life, He is still wrapped in the grave clothes that He died in and needs the help of others to lay those aside and to truly embrace His resurrected life in Christ. How might this metaphor become an invitation to each of us?

Dr. David Swanson | James 4:1-10 People seem angry these days and it's mostly because they can't get what they want. On this Confirmation, we are grateful, because in the words of the Rolling Stones, you now have "what you need."

Dr. Jack Peebles | John 20:19-29 The risen Jesus appears to fearful, uncertain disciples - not with judgment, but with peace. His resurrection presence turns locked rooms into places of commissioning. Easter does not end at the empty tomb; it continues as the risen Christ sends ordinary people into the world, breathing new life and purpose into them.

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, 47-58 Paul lays out an important apologtic for why we believe the resurrection is true. When we do, then we will act today based on what we believe will happen in the future. Even in tough times, will still have the "fury of hope."

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 19:28-40 The details surrounding Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem give us many clues about what was to come, but also His divine nature.

Dr. David Swanson | John 19:28 We are a thirsty people, but little quenches. Jesus' words from the cross reveal our own thirst and the depths of His own suffering to quench it.

Dr. Case Thorp | Deuteronomy 8:10-18 Work can become an idol that distracts us from intimacy with God. What is a good theology of work that aligns such work to Kingdom purposes and doesn't become that illusive idol we serve?

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 145:4, 13-21 As we point to the next 150 years, we can take great comfort in God's dominion and faithfulness through ALL generations. Our task is to continue to love Him well, to desire Him fully in all the challenges of life, and to take seriously the charge to commend Him to the next generations.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Psalm 145:1-12 It would be tempting to stand on the precipice of such a milestone and pat ourselves on the back, but David makes it clear that praise belongs to One and only One. He is the reason we are still here after 150 years. The good and the bad, He has used it all, so we appropriately praise Him today as we point to the future.

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 90:1-12 As we get ready to celebrate 150 years, Psalm 90 offers us a helpful reset on the important things to remember at such a time—who we belong to, who is in charge, who is making a mess of it, and why such reflection matters.

Rev. Alexa Holcomb | Revelation 22:1-5 When we think about our call to global mission, we often think (rightly!) about being obedient to the Great Commission. But do we reflect on the beauty of that promise fulfilled, that heaven will be full of people from all nations and cultures of the world we live in now? It is essential to what makes heaven, heaven–the fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption, the tree of life bearing leaves that heal the nations. Do we long for that future glory? Are we...

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 6:30-34 Jesus' words in Matthew 6 discuss our fears and insecurities, things that often keep us from being full participants in God's Kingdom work. Jesus flips it around when He says if we'll seek Him first - jump in - we'll wind up with the very thing we worried about to begin with.

Dr. David Swanson | Ephesians 4:11-13 It is increasingly difficult to faithfully live the Christian life in this culture, but if we have any shot, we have to focus on being equipped and prepared, something the church is called to do.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Ephesians 4:1-6 Ephesians gives us a beautiful picture of moving from death to life in Christ while also offering us a vision of what this life ought to look like! After Paul describes all who are being brought in, Jews and Gentiles alike, he moves to reveal the nature of the calling of the Christian. Before we are sent into the world with fruits of the Spirit, we are to practice the bonds of belonging with fellow believers.

Dr. David Swanson | Colossians 3:17 We value doing things for the Lord to the best of our ability. We do that in the knowledge of our sin and brokenness, trusting that God will use our meager efforts for His glory.

Dr. David Swanson | John 12:1-8 God has lavished His love and grace on us sacrificially. As His people, it is therefore incongruous that we would not also be lavishly generous in our lives.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Mark 10:35-45 In Mark 10, Jesus said that He came to serve, not to be served. That is the true mark of leadership, focusing on serving others and lifting them up. The best leaders often are never heard of because they make their lives about serving others.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Psalm 130 The Advent season throws into sharp contrast both joy and sorrow. How do we make space for the sadness and sorrow inherent in our world during the Christmas season? How do we hold that together with the joy of these times? We look to the Psalmist for guidance, and remind ourselves that together we must watch and wait for the coming of our beloved savior, Jesus.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 2:1-12 The One the Magi traveled to meet was understood to be of infinite worth — a King. As such, they gave sacrificially even as God was giving to them.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 2:8-18 The shepherds remind us that the good news of Christ’s birth is for the lowly and overlooked. Their joy turned into proclamation, showing us how encountering Jesus transforms ordinary lives into living witnesses of God’s glory.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 1:26-38 Throughout Scripture, we encounter many angels, but especially in the Advent season. What's up with Gabriel and the legions who sang to the shepherds? It is the gift of a supernatural world we pay so little attention to in our lives.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 3:1-6 Advent is NOT Christmas. We do not start with Joy to the World but with John the Baptist in the wilderness and darkness - calling people to prepare.

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 90:1 We value the multi-generational nature of the church, believing God uses every generation in the church's life to impart both love and wisdom.

Dr. David Swanson | Philippians 2:1-4 We belong one to another in the Body of Christ, and caring for one another is our first order of service. We love each other deeply, especially in times of crisis.

Dr. David Swanson | Jeremiah 29:2-11 Our church is only one year older than the city of Orlando (essentially our region). We have grown up together and we have served her well. Jeremiah continues to be a clarion all to continue to do just that - love the city.

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Our first core value is first among equals - the one on which the others are derived - the truth/foundation of God's Word.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Philippians 2:1-4 What then is a life of humility? What is the gift of a life of downward mobility, lowliness, making much of others and of God while thinking very little of the self? Could it be the blessed freedom that we so desperately long for? Could a life of humility, manifesting as a continual love of God and neighbor, be to us a gift of peace and rest far greater than any we have sought or found on our own? May we be filled with grace to know the true gift that lies ...

Rev. Tanner Fox | Philippians 2:5-11 There is no greater characteristic worth dwelling on in the person of Jesus than His humility! It is the deepest root and most primary source of life to the great tree that is our Savior. For from this posture of humility flows all of His perfect person and work. Submission, obedience, Tenderness, Meekness, love, care, grace, sacrifice… each of these flow from the beautiful and humble heart of Christ. He takes the punishment and penalty of the pride of our...

Rev. Tanner Fox | Genesis 1:26-28 Humility is the most natural posture of Adam and Eve. They did not think too little of themselves, nor too much. Their lives were full of delightful humility, knowing who they were, who made them, and what they were made for. Their lives were characterized by dependency as a feature of the great system of God’s creation, not a bug that needed to be fixed. Pride comes like a poison infecting and affecting all that is rightly ordered in the world, and we are le...

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Jonah 3:10; 4:1-4 Instead of being amazed by God’s power to use him to cause the city of Nineveh to repent, Jonah is angry that God would save people he hated. Jonah has missed the point completely. In light of God’s grace for me, what does God’s grace mean for others?

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Jonah 1:1-12, 17 The great story we may remember of Jonah the prophet of God being swallowed by a big fish might give us the sense that he was being punished for running away from God, but what if this is actually a means God uses to grow Jonah in grace? What does God’s grace mean for me?

Dr. Case Thorp | Jeremiah 29:4–7 As Christians we are not to pull back, avoid society, and fear what is around us. Rather, as we see with our covenant ancestors who are exiled to a foreign and hostile place, Babylon, God still desires for us to lean in, make culture, and through our daily and vocational work glorify God and be a blessing to others.

Dr. Case Thorp | Genesis 2:4-15 Many of us think that God created humans for the purpose of relationship. Yet, the Bible says otherwise. While relationship with God is rich and wonderful, and a key part of our existence, God originally made humans because He needed someone to till the Garden of Eden. How does that realization reorient our own sense of purpose, and our work-a-day lives?

Dr. Paul Gibson | Revelation 21:1-5 If Jesus had a playlist, there’s a good chance it would include bluegrass music—because so much of it points to heaven. In this message, we’ll explore how bluegrass lyrics echo biblical truths about eternity. Our goal is to inspire a deeper, more accurate understanding of heaven and awaken a renewed hope in what’s to come.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Psalm 30:1-3 If Jesus had a playlist, He would listen to The Blues. Why? Because the Blues are full of emotion and so is the Bible, especially the book of Psalms. We will reflect upon the four basic types of Psalms: praise, lament, thanksgiving, and messianic, to see emotion in Scripture. Everyone will then be challenged to create their own playlist of faith that reflects the four different types of Psalms.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Luke 24:13-16 If Jesus had a playlist, He would listen to country music. Why? Country music tells stories, and Jesus was a storyteller. How did Jesus respond to the desperation and confusion of the two individuals on the Road to Emmaus? He told His Story from the Old Testament through the Cross. People will be encouraged to reflect on how the story of the Cross affects their lives.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 God’s mission moves forward through relational engagement, as we are sent together in partnership to make disciples and share the Gospel one relationship at a time.

Dr. Jack Peebles | John 13:34-35 Deeper discipleship thrives through intentional relationships where we love, sharpen, and encourage one another, living out Jesus’ command to love as He has loved us.

Dr. Jack Peebles | John 17:20-23 God’s perfect unity within the Trinity is the foundation for our relationships, designed for us to experience and reflect in community with one another.

Dr. David Swanson | John 11:21-26, 32-35, 38-44 Mary, Martha and Lazarus are all transformted by Jesus in a moment well into their relationship with Him. Mary is changed by his humanity, Martha by his divinity, and Lazarus by both.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Job 23:3 Job ended up seeing God through and at the end of His whirlwind. In the middle of a storm? Lift up your eyes, and you might just see God.

Dr. David Swanson | Judges 16:23-30 Samson is blinded as judgement for where "his eyes took him," but even in his blindness, God gave him the necessary strength when needed, even beyond the Nazirite law or his hair.

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Ruth 1:19-21; 4:14-16 Naomi believes that the Lord has failed to provide for her, but he works providentially through her circumstances and actions to bring new life out of all of her sorrows.

Dr. David Swanson | Philemon vs 24 In Demas, we see someone who was in Christ get transformed by love of the world. Transformation can work the wrong way, too.

Dr. Case Thorp | Philemon 1-24 The dramatic setting surrounding the book of Philemon, involving Onesimus, Aristarchus, and more, make for a great look at the early church, and the power of the Gospel in relationships.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Luke 15:11-32 The Father’s love doesn’t just forgive—it restores and transforms, turning shame into belonging and death into life.

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 2:1-3 Fire plays a significant role in Scripture, symbolizing the power of God, the presence of God, the cleansing of God and the judgement of God.

Dr. David Swanson | John 3:1-5, 4:7-15, 25-26 The woman at the Well was looking to all the ways of the world to meet her deepest longings, but her thirst is quenched in Jesus.

Dr. Paul Gibson | John 20:24-29 It often takes an encounter with Christ to help our unbelief. Take your doubts to God. He's big enough to handle them. And you might be surprised by what happens when you do.

Dr. Jack Peebles | John 9:24-39 For the man born blind from birth, Jesus offers the incredible gift of sight. Even better than this gift of physical sight, is the gift of spiritual sight…a gift of belief!

Dr. David Swanson | Esther 4:9-17 Esther's boldness in going to the King, even saying "if I perish, I perish," was a remarkable moment as she went from pleasing man to pleasing God.

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 9:1-19 Paul has one of the more dramatic conversation experiences, one that offers good news to us. If God can call Paul, He can call any sinner and use that person as His instrument. It also highlights how God uses others as they cross our paths.

Rev. Tanner Fox | 2 Samuel 12:1-7 The story of 2 Samuel 11-12 eventually produced one of the most well known Psalms in the worship book of God’s people, Psalm 51. The Psalm is a picture of the humiliation of the human soul, leading to the humility of human confession, leading to the healing of God’s grace. A transformational process we all need to know but rarely want to experience. What I find beautiful about this story is the way in which God uses a good friend to spark the match that leads...

Dr. David Swanson | John 20:10-23 We have a tendency to hang on to things in life "in case we might need them." We can even try to "hang on" to Jesus as if He is just for us. To the contrary, Jesus welcomes us, but then He sends us out into the fullness of Kingdom life. You are meant for more!

Dr. David Swanson | Psalm 30 God transforms the hard things in David's life, his mourning, into dancing - not from happiness, but from joy.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 5:5 Meekness is an often misunderstood quality, one often associated with being a doormat. It is not that, but a quality of heart that is humble and other-centered. Like Jesus.

Dr. Jack Peebles | Acts 7:54-60, Matthew 5:10 As our culture becomes more and more hostile to Christian faith, the reality of persecution looms larger.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 5:9 In a world of agitation and anger, which we are easily dragged into, how can we become people of peace?

Rev. Tanner Fox | Matthew 5:3 The blessing of being poor in spirit.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Matthew 5:4 We all live in the grief and mourning that comes with life. In the body, and through Christ, we are also comforted.

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 16:25-34 The Philippian jailer was one regularly inflicting pain and suffering on those under his charge, including putting Paul and Silas in stocks. We're not sure what role it played in their beatings, but it was likely significant. He was a calloused, cruel man, and yet he is transformed, his heart becoming filled with care and compassion.

Dr. David Swanson | Numbers 12:1-3, 9-15 Though Miriam had a huge role in the exodus, she becomes envious and gossips about Moses, likely envious of his standing with God. Her skin is made leprous, and she is left outside the camp for a week.

Dr. David Swanson | Jonah 1:1-12 Jonah is famous for his disobedience, but more than that, we see that he did not love the Ninevites and remains angry even at the end. We are all works in progress - sometimes, God leaves the end of the story up in the air.

Dr. Case Thorp | Psalm 131:1-3 As a pilgrim coming to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, David reaches deep into his heart and discovers the still small voice of God, but in the same manner, the maturity to which Christ calls us all.

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Samuel 9:1-11 Mephibosheth is one of the great stories of transformation in the Bible as he goes from being a cripple to eating at David's table. He goes from nowhere (Lo Debar) to somewhere by God's grace.

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Kings 18:18-21 True transformation is only possible when we have truly yielded to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives. Do we want to change or do we just say that, instead desiring in our hearts to keep doing the very same things?

Dr. David Swanson | Joshua 1:1-9 As we move into this series on the transforming power of God, we have to understand how it works and why we sometimes fight it.

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 16:11-15 Lydia's baptism gives us a perfect window into baptism as inclusionary event, family event, community event.

Dr. Paul Gibson | Joshua 2:1-3 The Lord wrote an amazing story about Rahab's life with unexpected twists and turns. How might the Lord be writing your story?

Bret Allen | Luke 2:18-19

Dr. David Swanson | Isaiah 57:14-16, 18-19 The birth of Christ can seem like folklore of fairy tale at times, raising as many questions as it answers. How do we know that this child really was God? How does this moment help us answer some of the bigger questions life? Jesus helps us crack the code. He is the means by which we understand everything else and so we make Him Lord. Merry Christmas!

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 1:5-22, 62-64 Zechariah becomes our example of one who has lost the wonder, the "magic" of faith – and for us – of Christmas. He is told about a great thing, but he is the ultimate skeptic. The season of Advent is a time to remember the wonder of God, the incarnation of God, and the hope of all it means so that, like Zechariah, our mouths are opened in praise.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:8-14 The simple words of th angels to the shepherds resonate with us and seem almost impossible. How can we stop being dominated by fear and anxiety? it is a complex issue, but one in which Christ bears great hope.

Rev. Alexa Rossi | Isaiah 9:2-7 With the birth of Christ, God reveals that his plan of redemption finds its fullness in a child. Darkness is no more because of the character and eternality of this man Jesus, who is the light dawning as living hope. We don’t manufacture optimism in challenging circumstances, we choose hope even when there’s no evidence that circumstances will get better–because the strength of our hope lies in a person whose life overcomes even death.

Dr. David Swanson | Luke 2:1-7 In a world that encroaches on us from every side, how can we make room for Christ this Advent?

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 9:9-13 Matthew 9 shows us how a life can be transformed from one burdened by money to one centered in generosity.

Rev. Tanner Fox | Romans 5:1-8 Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.

Dr. David Swanson | 1 Chronicles 29:16-17 Paul offers us a vision of the cross of Jesus that is strong enough to hold us in our suffering. The experience of the Christian in suffering is unique to that of the world. Only Christians can live with hope IN suffering and see all the ways removes, remolds, reinforces our dependencies and delight in Jesus.