First Assembly NLR Audio Podcast

Do you feel worn out, tired, and stuck? Does it seem like no matter how hard you try, you can't succeed? When you rely on your ability instead of God's power, you are headed for an epic disaster. In this message, we continue looking at Paul's words to the church in Galatia. You will discover another life-changing question and learn how to avoid the danger of depending on yourself.

In our world, success is measured through popularity, possessions, and power. The more you have, the more successful you are. We all face the temptation to get more, be more, and do more. But as biblical Christians, we must live differently. If you are tired of trying to prove yourself and want a more fulfilling way to live, we have 3 questions that can change your life! This message starts a new series discussing these questions by looking at Paul's words to the church in Galatia. We encourage you, watch every message in this series!

This message concludes our "Come Home" series. You will be challenged to consider how you treat prodigals. Are you the obstacle standing in the way of their homecoming? Be ready to change!

In this message, we will focus on a different character in the prodigal son story - the father. He didn't respond the way you might expect when his son came back. He didn't lecture. He didn't condemn. He didn't argue. He welcomed his son home with open arms and an epic celebration. 

At FirstNLR, we want to make it easy for people to come back to Jesus. We want our words, actions, and attitude to open the door for prodigals to become life-long followers. To do that, we must make the path home easy for people to follow. This message continues our Come Home series. Together, we look at the obstacles that keep people from coming home and the path that leads them back. This is an important message for you and the prodigals you are praying for.

What really happens when someone runs from God? In this message, we explore Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son and uncover the predictable pattern that follows spiritual rebellion. From leaving the safety, security, and blessing of home to facing loss, shame, and isolation—this teaching walks through every stage of what it looks like to turn away from God. This message reveals the dangers of running—and the hope that comes when someone and decides to return. Easter is a reminder that no distance is too great and no failure too big. The Father is waiting. The door is open.

You often hear me say, "Blessing follows obedience." Obedience in your finances, marriage, ministry, and workplace will lead to God's blessing in your life. Sadly, many people discover the opposite principle is just as true - consequences follow disobedience. In this message, we finish looking at David's epic failure. After a painful cover-up, David foolishly thought he got away with sin. When his sin was revealed and David faced the consequences of his actions, incredible life change took place! You will discover God offers grace even when you fail.

Have you ever felt unseen? Like your prayers go unnoticed and your situation is too far gone? In the story of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52), we're reminded that no one is invisible to God. A blind beggar sitting on the side of the road, overlooked by everyone else, caught the attention of Jesus with just one thing—his faith. What miracle or impossibility have you given up on? This message is a call to believe again. Because God always has the last word, not your circumstances, not your past, and not what others say. Bartimaeus didn't let the crowd silence him—and neither should you. Faith is the only thing that can move the mountains in your life. In this message, we explore how one man's bold cry to Jesus led to a life-changing miracle—and how your faith can do the same.

It's inevitable: you will make mistakes, sin, and mess up. When that happens, you have two choices: cover up or confess. There's a lot riding on your decision. In this message, we continue learning from a monumental mistake in David's life. Because he decided to cover up instead of confessing, he faced horrible consequences. You will learn a practical path to make things right so you don't experience the same pain.

At FirstNLR, a core value is: The Bible Is Our Guidebook for Living. We believe the entire Bible should be used to guide us through the journey of life. Even when the truths are difficult to hear, The Bible is Our Guidebook for Living. This message begins a challenging series. We will discuss a topic that will make many people uncomfortable. In spite of the difficult topic, it's one we need to address to become healthy, life-long followers of Jesus. Be ready to learn and apply the lessons we discover together.

In this message, we finish looking at the greatest jailbreak in history! Paul and Silas were faced with an incredibly difficult situation. Their response will challenge you to face trouble and heartache in a different way.  This is a great message to share with others!

There is a common saying, "Show me your friends and I will show you your future." Although it's a cheesy cliche, the lesson is true - your future can be predicted by your relationships. In this message, we continue learning from the greatest jailbreak in history! Paul and Silas were faced with extreme difficulty and responded with worship and praise - it was a powerful display of faith. But the decision to connect with each other before being thrown in prison is a key part of the story. When you face difficult times, being chained to the right people makes a difference.

What has been the hardest day of your life? Out of all the difficult moments you could have picked, why that one? Did someone close to you pass away? Did you lose your job? Did your kids walk away? Whatever it was, we've all faced seasons of difficulty. In this message, we begin a new series focusing on an incredible story from the life of Paul and Silas. We will look at one of the most amazing prison breaks in history and learn key principles for surviving life's most difficult moments! Spoiler: It all starts with your response to pain and hardship.

In this message, we will learn a biblical command that may seem unreasonable and difficult to follow: Rom. 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. As we conclude our study of Romans 12, this counter-cultural command will give you a life-changing way to think!

We live in a world obsessed with pride. You are told to stand out, be the best, and never admit weakness. Culture celebrates self-promotion, competition, and the need to prove your worth. Pride is ugly and has devastating effects. In this message, as we continue looking at Romans 12, we come to a verse where Paul confronts pride and challenges you to live a life of humility. In a world of self-promotion, humility points people to Jesus!

Everyone experiences moments of victory and moments of defeat. No matter who you are, there will be times of pain and times of celebration. The difference for the follower of Jesus is, you are not alone! This message continues our series, "Buckle Up". You will be challenged to: Rom. 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. You will discover practical and effective ways to do both!

As we continue looking at Romans chapter 12, we come to verses 13 and 14: Rom. 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Paul's words are a clear and straightforward command for each of us - it's time to be generous and hospitable. In this message, you will learn practical ways to follow Paul's command. You will also be presented with the opportunity to put generosity in action!

In this message, as we continue “Buckle Up”, we look at Romans chapter 12, verses 11 and 12: Rom. 12:11 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Get ready, this message is going to be very, very challenging. It could also be absolutely life changing. We pray you will discover or re-discover a passionate love for Jesus!

In the Church, we all play a role in reaching lost people and making life-long followers of Jesus. There are no superheroes, A-listers, or lone warriors - we come together to form a team that Paul calls "the body of Christ" (1 Cor. 12). This message continues our series, "Buckle Up". We learn how God designed His Church to accomplish His mission by using people just like you! Buckle up - we've got a job to do and you play an important role!

When someone says, "Buckle Up", you know there is something ahead you need to prepare for. It may be a challenge, a difficulty or a hard truth, but no matter what it is, you need to buckle up! This message kicks off a new series: “Buckle Up”. At FirstNLR we believe in being Biblical Christians - the Bible should guide how we talk, act, and treat others. In this series, we dive deep into Romans chapter 12, where we will raise the bar for how followers of Jesus are supposed to live.  We challenge you to live up to the biblical standard! It's your choice - will you accept the challenge?

Since becoming pastor, Pastor Rod has taught from the same passage in Acts chapter two at the start of each year. From this passage, we can identify twelve signs of a healthy, growing church. Whether you are new to our church family or have been a faithful member for years, this message is an important reminder that we all play a role in keeping our church healthy. This is the perfect message to share with someone - they will learn who we are and what we believe!

Are you ready to step into lasting freedom? In this message, we'll explore how to break free from the chains of addiction, shame, and struggle. Discover hope, healing, and the promise of transformation in Christ. This is your chance to embrace a new way of living and make 2025 your Year of Freedom.

Christmas service features beautiful music, a meaningful moment of communion and the life changing message of Christmas. We would love for you to share this message with your family. You are going to love the start of service. It features all your favorite Christmas songs in eleven minutes!   

This message we will finish the 23rd Psalm by looking at the final verse. It's an incredibly encouraging message that will remind you of God's goodness and mercy and our forever home! It's one you won't want to miss.

Sometimes, the problems and difficulties of life are overwhelming. Everything seems to go wrong, and you can't find a solution. When that happens, what do you do? In this message, you will learn verse 5 of the 23rd Psalm. In life's most challenging moments, your Good Shepherd watches over you, prepares a way, and cares for you. This verse is a beautiful picture of God's love!

When you are surrounded by difficulty and trouble, you find yourself in a valley. No one gets a free pass from hard times in life! When you know that valleys will come, how do you prepare? In this message, we learn verse 4 of the 23rd Psalm. When you find yourself in a valley, your Good Shepherd is there to lead you through. It's an encouraging message you need to hear!

In this message, as we continue the 23rd Psalm, you'll learn how to discover and follow God's plan for your life. We will also celebrate God's plan for restoration and redemption. You will be encouraged and grateful.

In this message, as we continue to memorize Psalm 23, we focus on a verse that is encouraging if you are busy, stressed, anxious, and worried.  If you find yourself facing pressure and searching for peace, this message is for you!

This message focuses on the powerful first line of Psalm 23: "The Lord is my Shepherd." As you watch and learn insights into the life of a shepherd, you'll see how this verse shows God's love, presence, and commitment to us. It's a reminder that we're never alone or without help—God is with us every step of the way.

At FirstNLR, the idea that Every Soul Matters to God is our guiding principle. We believe every person. -no matter their skin color, background, race, economic status, or geographical location - matters to God. In this message, we will look at 6 different levels of that belief. It will be challenging and inspiring - you don't want to miss it!

In this message, you will get the chance to hear incredible stories of miracles from around the world! Your faithful and regular missions giving has made it possible for hundreds of missionaries and projects to tell people about Jesus. Watch this video to hear how you have helped us capitalize on these windows of opportunity!

A window of opportunity is a limited period of time when your actions, decisions and circumstances all work together for the best possible impact. Taking advantage of a window of opportunity often involves sacrifice. Action must be taken quickly or the window will close. In this message, we begin a new series and discuss how you can capitalize on windows of opportunity for God's Kingdom. Taking advantage of these moments will have an eternal impact!

In this message, we finish by talking about kindness. For followers of Jesus, kindness should be the normal way to talk. Pastor Rod will share 7 ways to help your words be kind!

In this message, as we learn to THINK, we discover the power of inspiring words. Your words have the potential to inspire an individual, a group, or even an entire generation to achieve big things for God's Kingdom. It's up to you, will your words inspire and encourage or will they tear down and destroy?

If you list the qualities of your favorite person to spend time with, chances are. the word"helpful" will be included. We all love spending time with helpful people. But being helpful is not just about your actions, it's also based on your words!  In this message, we continue learning how to THINK before we speak. As we get to letter H, you will be challenged. Are your words helpful or harmful?

The Bible has a lot to say about the power of telling the truth and the dangers of lying. In this message, we will look at some passages that make the difference clear. As we continue to learn how followers of Jesus should speak and post, you will learn the value of truth in your words.

Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Your words have power – to hurt and to heal. In this message, we start a new series that will challenge you to speak and post differently, and to THINK before you speak!     What do your words reveal about you?

In this message, we finish looking at the life of Joseph. The story of Joseph's rise to the top is encouraging and inspiring - God can bring success from a terrible situation. As we come to the end of his story, you will discover Joseph's true path to success came from his commitment to being faithful in every moment. You will be challenged by Joseph's example!

In this message we will consider a question that all believers wrestle with - "Why do bad things happen to good people?" It's a question people try to cover up with cliches because they don't have a genuine answer. It may be one you are currently facing! As we continue learning from the life of Joseph, we will stop and consider the terrible situations he faced throughout his life. From his response to trouble, you will gain a new perspective when bad things happen to you!

When someone hurts you, the world tells you to get revenge. Some call it getting even or making things right. But what does the Bible tell you to do? As we continue to learn from the life of Joseph, we pick up the story where Joseph had the opportunity to pay his family back for the years of misery they caused. His example will challenge how you respond when others hurt you!

Jesus makes it clear, in this world we will have trouble! (Jn. 16:33) Because we have this promise, it shouldn't be a surprise when stuff goes wrong. As a follower of Jesus, how should you respond when a crisis comes? In this message, we pick up the story of Joseph when his family is in a complete moment of crisis - everything is going wrong. By looking at their response to difficulty, you will learn important lessons for how you should handle a crisis when it comes!

In this message, we want you to consider the question, "Who is the least likely person to accept Jesus?" Is there a person in your family, at your work, or in your life that even Jesus can't change? As you consider this question, you will learn the life pattern of people we often consider unreachable and God's plan to reach them anyway. The lesson comes from an epic moment in the life of Joseph.

No one likes to wait. Whether you are waiting at the doctor's office, for your food to be ready or for the latest movie to be released, having to wait is frustrating. But the worst kind of waiting is when you are left wondering when God will fulfill His promise and dream for your life. In this message, we will look at a moment in Joseph's life when he was left waiting for God to come through. If you feel alone and forgotten, this message will be incredibly encouraging. In a season of waiting, God is still working!

Have you ever asked “Why Me?” You've been faithful and obedient, but things are still going wrong. In those moments, what do you do? How do you respond? In this message, looking at the life of Joseph, we'll consider this difficult theological question. You'll discover some encouraging principles and God's purpose through your pain. It's going to be a great weekend!

We live in a sin-sick world.  Since we are constantly surrounded by. sin,we have become used to it and - in some cases - even tolerated it. What is the answer? In this message, as we continue to study the life of Joseph, we will look at a crucial moment in his journey where he faced extreme temptation but remained faithful to God. Through Joseph's example, you will learn practical principles to help you resist sin!

From the earliest age, every child dreams of achieving something special. But just as soon as the dream emerges, someone is there to kill the dream and push them to be "realistic". If you have given up on your dreams and settled for something less, God can still use you! In this message, we will continue looking at the life of Joseph and discover God's dream for your life is not limited by imagination or ability. He can do more than you ask, imagine, or dream!

This message begins a new series on the life of Joseph. You will learn powerful lessons from the heartache Joseph faced and the faithfulness God displayed. In spite of the twists, turns, and tragedy, God helped Joesph overcome unbeatable odds and become a powerful leader. We kick it off by learning how Joseph's dysfunctional family and past mistakes did not stop God from using him. If you have a past - or any excuse that is holding you back - this message is for you!

In this message you will hear an incredible story about the redeeming power of God. If someone you love feels helpless, hopeless and at rock bottom, send them this video! They will discover that through Jesus, there is hope for a new beginning! And, if you need your hope restored, watch it now!

It's an election year. Our country is struggling; it's overwhelming to think about everything broken and going wrong. As we approach November, I get a lot of pressure to endorse candidates, make statements, etc. People on all sides get angry. This message will be Pastor Rod's only public political statement for the year. You might be surprised to learn that God's answer for our country is not found in any political party or candidate. Instead, it will come when God's people follow God's plan. As you watch, you will discover the role you play.

Conflict is inevitable – at home, work and even at church. Unhealthy approaches to conflict harm your witness and damage those around you. It's important you learn how to handle things the right way – the biblical way. In this message, we will look at a story in the book of Acts and discover the power of our Core Value: Resolve Conflict Biblically. 

In this message, we'll look at a Bible story that highlights the value of working together. It's a great, encouraging story that will remind you just how big a difference you make!