First Love Church
These 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
96 episodes
Peter, Cornelius, and the Holy Spirit's Revolution
The Spirit breaks rules. It demolishes barriers. It interrupts our neat theological packages. Through the revolutionary story of Peter and Cornelius, we witness what happens when divine inclusion confronts religious exclusion.Peter, rai...
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51:49
Present in the Pause: Finding God Beyond the Noise
Have you ever felt that despite your spiritual efforts, God's voice seems frustratingly distant? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the revolutionary concept that the divine guidance we seek is already within us—we've just forgotten...
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51:09
Ancient Breath: Rediscovering God's Spirit in Modern Life
Have you ever been in such exquisite pain that you forgot how to breathe? That moment when something so natural becomes impossible reveals a profound spiritual truth about our relationship with the Holy Spirit.This powerful message expl...
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57:59
The Pentecost Miracle: Finding God Through Connection with David Drake
The sacred celebration of Pentecost invites us into a profound spiritual truth: unity isn't found in isolation but in understanding and connection. This episode explores the supernatural reality that draws us together despite our differences.
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19:26
Holy Discomfort: When God Moves, You Move Too
What does it truly mean to be one with God and with each other? In this deeply moving exploration of Jesus's prayer in John 17, we discover the radical nature of unity that transcends mere agreement or conformity.The journey begins with...
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56:57
Holy Baristas and DMV Angels: Loving When It's Hard - Thomas Drake
What truly identifies you as a follower of Jesus? Is it your theological knowledge, church attendance, or something else entirely? In this thought-provoking message from First Love Church, Thomas unpacks Jesus' final and most important commandm...
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30:44
Known and Loved: You have a Good Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me." These words from Jesus offer profound comfort in a world where we often feel unseen and unknown. What would change in your life if you truly believed you were fully known and compl...
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43:22
Friends, Betrayers, and Breakfast on the Beach
What if the triumphant entry wasn't triumphant at all? Rather, it was Jesus staging a powerful protest against the empire. While Rome paraded through Jerusalem's main gates with war horses and soldiers, Jesus deliberately chose a different path...
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59:32
I Have Seen The Lord! Easters Witness
Mary Magdalene's simple yet powerful testimony, "I have seen the Lord," forms the foundation of Christian witness throughout history. Like a neighbor pointing out crocuses blooming beneath Chicago snow, Mary shows us where to look for hope when...
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44:14
When Christ Calls Your Name: Resurrection's Personal Promise
The power of resurrection isn't merely a future promise—it's an invitation to awakening right now. When we hear the Easter story, we often focus solely on Christ conquering physical death and securing our eternal future. But this p...
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50:34
Finding Peace in the Arms of a Loving Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me." These words from Jesus in John's Gospel offer profound comfort in a world where we often feel like strangers, orphans, or forgotten souls.What story are you telling yoursel...
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43:22
Extravagant Devotion- Make What's Beautiful The Story
What story are you telling yourself? In this powerful exploration of Mary's extravagant worship, we discover the transformative practice of "making the beautiful the story" in our lives and relationships.When Mary broke open her alabast...
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55:50
The Prodigal Path Home
What happens when we shift from being the grateful recipient of grace to becoming its gatekeeper? In this profound exploration of Jesus' parable of the father with two sons, we discover that this isn't simply a story about a prodigal returning ...
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45:01
The Samaritan's Compassion: Rethinking Who Deserves Our Help
A religious scholar asks Jesus what must be done to inherit eternal life, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on compassion. When the scholar tries to limit his obligations by asking "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus responds...
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1:04:19
Vulnerability as a Path to Divine Love - Mary and Martha have something to say
Imagine a world where love and hope challenge the very foundations of societal norms. In this episode, we journey through the Advent season, exploring the profound impact of these themes in our lives. We revisit the powerful narrative of Mary a...
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34:29
Peace and Repentance
Have you ever wondered how peace can emerge from the midst of chaos? In our latest episode, as we follow the journey through Advent, exploring the profound lessons from the story of John the Baptist and Zechariah's transformative song. We promi...
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52:28
Exploring Advent: Hope, Love, and Transformation
What if the season of Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas? Join us on this enriching journey through hope, love, peace, and joy, as we explore how these profound themes can transform us. Through our discussions, we'll unpack the b...
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41:55
Embracing Gratitude: Transforming Life with Love and Peace
Can gratitude transform your life into one of peace and joy? Join us as we explore this profound question As Thanksgiving approaches, we celebrate the power of living a life guided by love and gratitude, inspired. Together, we reflect on ...
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49:40
Finding Peace, Joy, and Love Through Gratitude and Kindness
What if finding peace amidst chaos is as simple as embracing faith? Journey with us on the First Love Church Podcast as we recount a transformative vacation experience in Arizona that taught us to find serenity in God's unwavering presence. Thr...
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57:43
The Power of Love: Lessons from the Gospel of Mark
What if the most transformative power in your life was as simple as love? Join us on the First Love Church podcast as we explore the radical teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, where love and compassion hold the keys to a fulfilling and p...
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47:53
Darkness to Light in Spiritual Discovery
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to see the world through God's eyes? In our latest episode, we explore the powerful narrative of Bartimaeus from Mark 10, uncovering the profound impact of simple, heartfelt prayer. Discover how Bartim...
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24:45
Trusting the Divine Plan
Have you ever wondered why our expectations of divine intervention often clash with a greater purpose? Join us on a thought-provoking journey as we unpack the beautiful complexity of trusting a divine plan that transcends our understanding. Dra...
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43:21
Finding Love In Doubt
This episode of the First Love Church podcast invites you to discover the sacredness in ordinary moments. Through biblical narratives and reflections on the natural world, we explore how faith can illuminate the divine in the mundane, and how s...
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54:15