First Baptist Church of Perkasie Podcast

Grace To You - Galatians | Face To Face | Pastor Jon Adams   Galatians 2:1-19 This series has challenged us to think of our lives as a soundtrack, speaking words of grace as we interact with others. But what about times when our tone needs to be stronger, sharper, or even confrontational?  This week, we'll watch as two giants of the New Testament - Peter and Paul - square off in a public confrontation. What happens when two allies, two apostles, two guys who don't back down from a fight come face-to-face in opposition? We'll find out this week and, along the way, we'll learn some biblical principles for confrontation in our own lives.

Grace To You - Galatians | This Is My Story | Pastor Chris Heller Galatians 1:6-20 What's your testimony? Some of us have dramatic stories of how God brought us to salvation. For others, it may have been a slow and quiet realization. But no matter how we came to faith in Christ, what's really important is that we share our testimony with others. This Father's Day, we will hear Paul share his story as he tries to set the Galatian believers back on the right course. Having been such a radical opposer of Christianity, he wants to convince them that only the one true gospel of Christ could have had such a powerful and dramatic impact on his life.

Galatians | Grace To You | Pastor Chris Heller   What does it mean to live under grace? Do you have to keep the Law to be a Christian? All of it, or just part of it? Who is right? How will we know? As the gospel spread across the Roman world after Jesus' earthly ministry, conflicts arose over what it meant to be a Christian. The Galatian church included both Jewish and Gentile converts, and a theological crisis arose because many Jews still believed in keeping the Mosaic Law rather than receiving justification by faith. Disheartened, Paul writes to them, encouraging them to move on from the past and enjoy their newfound liberty in Christ. Are you stuck in your past? Join us this Sunday as we introduce our new summer sermon series, "Grace to You", a study of the book of Galatians, and learn how you can live in the freedom Christ provides.

We Get To Sunday | We Get To Grow | Pastor Jon Adams   This Sunday is one of those special days where we take in new members joining the Renew family. We will hear the faith stories of 44 individuals, 15 of whom will also be baptized. (These will be spread out between the two services.) Pastor Jon will be speaking on the importance of growing our spiritual walk and leading us in the observance of communion.

Ezekiel | Heaven On Earth | Pastor Chris Heller   This week, prepare to travel through Ezekiel's awe-inspiring final vision of a New Temple for God's people! It's often sung, "I can only imagine" what it will be like when we are in heaven, and in this last Sunday in Ezekiel, we will be sure to both sing and explore the wonders of that glorious place!

Ezekiel | Even So Come | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 38-39 We are excited to return to the book of Ezekiel this week for our final two sermons of our spring series.   This Sunday, Ezekiel presents us a picture of the future through his vision of Gog and Magog.   If end time prophetic events typically make you nervous, we pray this sermon will inspire and encourage you so much that you shout the words of Revelation, “Amen, even so come, Lord Jesus come!” 

Firestarters | Bradley Dillingham   This week, youth director Brad Dillingham will lead us as we consider the life of Timothy and how Eunice and Lois, his mother and grandmother, instilled in him a life grounded in a devout and fervent faith. This should be an encouragement to all our mothers and grandmothers, to know that their godly influence can have an eternal impact on the lives and futures of their children and grandchildren.

Ezekiel | Dry As A Bone | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 37 There are desert times in all of our lives, sometimes the deserts of our own choosing.  But the vision of Ezekiel reminds us God is in the business of renewal!   “Just because you can't go back and change how it started, doesn't mean you can't start where you are and change how it ends!”

Ezekiel | Heart Of Stone | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 35 & 36 Have you ever known someone who had a stubborn, cold, heart of stone toward the things of God? Maybe that's even a part of your testimony?    In Ezekiel 36:26 God says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”   Do we have the faith to believe that God is still in the business of softening and restoring hearts of stone? 

Resurrection Sunday | Back To Life | Pastor Chris Heller   John 11:1-44 We'll be taking a one-week break from our Ezekiel series to celebrate the utmost precept of our Christian faith -- the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hope you are already planning to join us for one or more of our services this weekend.

Ezekiel | Keep A Watch Out | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 33 & 34 This week, as we continue in our Ezekiel series, we will finally begin to sense the tone of the prophesies starting to change from one of judgment to one of hope. We will see Ezekiel being called to perform his responsibility as a watchman, regardless of whether God's sheep listen to the Shepherd's voice or not.

Ezekiel | Before The Fall | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 26-32 This Sunday, we will return to our series in Ezekiel and find the prophet being called to confront the pride of Tyre and Egypt.   Join us this week for communion Sunday, as we examine both the difference and the process of how the Lord deals with pride verses humility.

Let There Be Light | Jason Black   John 1:1-14 Light is one of the most powerful images in scripture. From the very first words of creation, spoken by the pre-incarnate Christ—"Let there be light"—to Jesus on earth declaring, "I am the Light of the World," God reveals Himself through His light.   But what does it really mean to walk in the light? How does the light of Christ overcome darkness in our lives and in the world around us?   Join us this Sunday as we explore John 1:1-14 and see how the eternal Word, Jesus, brings life and light to all who receive Him. Let's learn what it means to shine in a world that desperately needs Jesus.

Ezekiel | Circle The Date | Pastor Jon Adams   Ezekiel 24-25 On my fridge at home, our family has a calendar that marks all the important appointments and activities. Once in awhile, there will be a date that gets circled because it's really important. It's a date we need to remember.   In Ezekiel 24, God tells Ezekiel to "circle the date,” because it's a day Israel will never forget. It's a day of judgment.   Judgment has been a major theme of the book of Ezekiel, but in chapters 24-25, we get a front row seat to the fire and fury of God's wrath. And unexpectedly, we get some of the first real glimpses of hope that follow judgment.

Ezekiel | Tested By Fire | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 20-23 We've all heard the idioms, metaphors, and sayings regarding fire . . . “that's fire”, “they've been through the fire”, “he's on fire!" But what about “Tested by Fire?”   We will hear the fire metaphor throughout our text in Ezekiel this week as he is told to verbally groan through the house of Israel due to the sin and rebellion God sees and the fire that has begun to kindle in His anger.   How has God used a fire in your life to purge, refine, and grow you spiritually? Leveraging a phrase used both in the Old and New Testaments, let's learn why we are called to rejoice in fiery trials and testing.

Ezekiel | Pack Your Bags | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 12-19 We have a lot of modern proverbs, idioms, and sayings in our society. We've heard things like, “Wow, they have a lot of baggage!” or, “Their bags are packed!” But what about, “Pack your bags!”   The phrase could be met with enthusiasm for a much anticipated trip, or could mean "get out, you are no longer welcome." This week, God will confront Israel with a clear message due to their willful sin in His house . . . “pack your bags!”

Ezekiel | If These Walls | Pastor Chris Heller Ezekiel 8 : 1-11 : 25 This week we will continue our Ezekiel series as he is called up by God in a vision that takes him through the temple. God shows Ezekiel in a scene that is reminiscent of something like Scrooge in the Christmas Carol, of what is going on behind closed doors. Israel's sacrilegious sin is being seen by God, and he exposes it to Ezekiel to confront.  Join us as we gain insight into the God who sees everything, and how we can best live in light of that truth.

Ezekiel | Under Seige | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 3:16-7:27 There are times when we can feel like we're under siege. The circumstances of our lives, the consequences of our mistakes, and the failures of our past have invaded and overtaken our lives, homes, and hearts.   Join us this week as we learn how God uses Ezekiel, even in a very strange and unusual 390-day call, to reclaim territory that has been given over.

Ezekiel | Shock & Awe | Pastor Chris Heller   Ezekiel 1:4-3:15 This week, we embark on our journey through Ezekiel with the sermon “Shock & Awe.” What if 'holy fear' is the best way for God to get our attention in order to instill in us His passion for His mission?   We'll see just how serious God is about sin and disobedience by His people, and His plan for a restored relationship with Him

Holy Fear - Ezekiel | Pastor Chris Heller   We had an amazing week as so many of you participated in our Week of Prayer walk-through! Over 850 people came out, and we're thrilled so many of you took the opportunity to be reminded of the awesome promises our God has given to us! We trust the experience was a blessing to you! We'll be taking a few minutes this Sunday to share some highlights of the week.   We'll also begin our new sermon series, "Holy Fear," from the book of Ezekiel. This is an incredible book that details the righteous anger God had toward the nation of Israel because of the sins they had committed, and His plan to use the prophet Ezekiel to restore them back to Himself.   It should be a fascinating study, with lots of practical application for us today.

We Get To Pray | Pastor Chris Heller   We hope you're planning to join us this weekend for our "We Get to Pray" Sunday, which kicks off our annual Week of Prayer. We'll enjoy a time of worship in song, and Pastor Chris will bring a Week of Prayer challenge. We'll also take communion together and observe the faith stories and baptisms of new incoming members to our church family. It'll be a full and exciting day!

Promises | Promise Tested | Pastor Jon Adams   Genesis 22:1-18 We've talked about a lot of doors in this series, but there's a door we haven't considered yet. It's a door we don't want, and a door we never ask for. But it's a door that God sometimes puts right in front of us—the door of testing.   This week, we'll watch as Abraham faces the greatest test of his life when God asks him to do the impossible. How will he handle this moment in his life? And what is God teaching him through it? Abraham will receive a new promise from God—a promise that only comes on the other side of the door of testing.    Looking forward to our final week of the Promises series.

Promises | Promise Interrupted - The Failure Of Abraham | Pastor Jon Adams   Genesis 16:1-17:4 So much of Abram's life is inspirational. We watch him learn to trust in God's promises, and his life becomes an example of faith that we can follow. But this week, we'll turn the page to a new chapter of Abram's story. By the time we get to chapter 16, Abram and his wife have been in the Promised Land for 10 years and still…no promises. Abram was tired of waiting for God to come through, and he decided to go his own way. This week, we'll talk about the failure of Abram.    How does God handle his failure? What can we learn from Abram's life about our own journey of faith? When we mess up, let others down, or experience failure, is there a way back?    God has a promise for Abram this week. And it's a promise we all need.

Promises | The Covenant with Abraham | Pastor Jon Adams   Genesis 15:1-21 Last week we started our Promises series by looking at the call of Abram. God showed up with an opportunity and a promise, and by faith “Abram went.”   This week, we'll pick up with Abram's story as he encounters difficulties in his journey and begins to wonder, “Where are you, God?” Abram is facing an enemy that we've all faced before—doubt. We'll watch as God reassures Abram of his promises with an experience Abram would never forget. 

Promises | The Call Of Abraham | Pastor Jon Adams Beginning in Genesis 12, God showed up unannounced in the life of Abraham and offered him an opportunity and a promise. The story that unfolds is a story of trust, doubt, failure, testing, and ultimately, it's a story of God's faithfulness to deliver on everything He promised.    This week, we'll start our Week of Prayer series by looking at the call of Abraham and asking what God may be calling us to do in 2025  

Song Of The Angels | Rise Up | Pastor Chris Heller   Matthew 2 This Sunday, as we draw our Christmas series to a close, we'll examine one more angelic encounter of the Christmas story. It is a few years after Jesus' birth when the wise men arrive in Jerusalem and inquire of Herod where to find the "King of the Jews", for they wanted to worship him. Herod was angry, and he devised a plan to eliminate Jesus.   But, good overcomes evil as God intervenes by revealing instructions to the wise men, and another angel message is delivered to Joseph in a dream. It's a miraculous demonstration of God's love and protection for those who trust in Him and obey His leading.   As we stand on the brink of a new year, with an uncertain future, may we always remember that we are safely held in God's care, and there is no need to fear. Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Song Of The Angels | Fear Not, Joseph | Pastor Chris Heller   Matthew 1:18-24 This Sunday, in our Christmas series "Song of the Angels", we will see another significant appearance of an angel with a message to “fear not!”   Joseph is dealing with a difficult decision -- what to do about Mary. An angelic visit in the form of a dream brings comfort and assurance on how he should proceed, and with his obedience, the blessed arrival of the Christ child is secured.   Join us this week as we hear another glad tiding from a heavenly messenger!

Song Of The Angels | Fear Not, Mary | Pastor Chris Heller   This week in our text, an angel appears to Mary giving her unbelievable information. How do you interpret an encounter like that? What do you do next? We'll take a look at what Mary does and the faith she has to trust in what the angel said.

Song Of The Angels | Fear Not, Zechariah | Pastor Chris Heller   Luke 1:5-24 Each week in our Christmas series, "Song of the Angels", we will wing our flight to an account in Scripture where an angel gives a message and we hear the resounding theme, “Fear not!”   This Sunday, the prophet Zechariah will be the recipient of a special visit from an angel with an unbelievable message. Join us as we look to the angels to glean from their glad tidings!

Song Of The Angels | Whom Shall I Fear | Pastor Chris Heller   Have you ever stopped to think about the song the angels sang to announce the birth of our Savior? What was their message to the world?   Join us this Sunday as we embark on our Christmas sermon series, "Song of the Angels." In this first message, we will ask ourselves the question, "Whom shall I fear?"   Looking forward to what God has for us in this holiday season!

Ingredients Of Loving Our Neighbor | Jason Black   Titus 2:11-3:8 How do gratitude and grace motivate our service to others with humility? What lessons can we draw from this passage to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our everyday lives?   This Sunday, we'll dive into the ingredients of loving our neighbor, as shown in Titus 2:11–3:8. Together, we will explore how God's grace not only saves us but also teaches us how to live and serve with zeal and purpose.   Don't miss this Sunday as we remind ourselves what it means to serve God and others with hearts full of gratitude!

These Days - James | High Tower Dynamics | Pastor Chris Heller   James 5:13-20   Join us as we conclude the book of James. Today we'll look at our calling as children of God and how we should be acting.

These Days - James | Rock Of My Salvation | Pastor Chris Heller   James 5:7-11 How patient are you?  Is it difficult for you to wait?  What are you currently waiting to see happen that has discouraged your faith?   This Sunday, we will explore three characteristics of the patience James wishes to coach all believes to have.    Should be a great study for all of us who push the elevator button three or four times!

These Days | Secure Rock | Pastor Jon Adams   James 5 So far, we have seen James take on the role of a coach, encouraging believers to live out their faith in many different ways. This week, James turns his attention from the church to address a different group of people – the corrupt rich. In a scathing rebuke, he calls out these unbelieving rich, and he leverages their example to instruct us on how to handle our own money, wealth, and possessions.    As we head into Stewardship Month at Renew, James is going to challenge our approach to material things and inspire us to live out our faith more fully.     

These Days | Step By Step | Pastor Chris Heller James 4:13-17 Today we will be hearing testimonies of how the Lord has worked in their lives and brought them to salvation, as well as witness those who are being baptized. I'll also be sharing a few moments from the Word as we continue our study in the book of James.  

These Days - James |  Ever-Present Dynamics - 7 | Pastor Chris Heller   James 3:13-18 & 4:1-12 This week in our fall sermon series James will ask, “What causes quarrels and fights among you?” He knows the answer, and it may surprise you!   Relationship tension does not only wreck our peace, it wrecks our future. Could it be why many people bemoan just wishing to be by themselves? But is isolation the answer? So often, once we're isolated from others, we feel the most vulnerable and in distress.   This duplicity of saying one thing and doing another comes up often in the book of James as being “double minded.” Join us this week as we unpack that concept.   The psalmist said, “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.”

These Days - James |  Rock & Redeemer - 6 | Pastor Chris Heller   James 3:1-12 One of my favorite verses of scripture is Psalm 62:6-7, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”   This week, James will instruct the diaspora on how wonderful, but also how dangerous, the effects of the mouth can be. Have you heard the phrase, “loose lips sink ships?”   Join us this Sunday as we get a challenge on how we can use the words of our mouths to be light.

These Days - James |  Stronghold Dynamics - 5 | Pastor Chris Heller   James 2:14-26 Psalms 37:39 says, “The Lord rescues the godly, He is their fortress in times of trouble.”   This week, James will challenge us to put our faith in action, specifically in the area of helping those who are in times of distress.

These Days - James |  How Precious - 4 | Pastor Chris Heller   James 2:1-13 We all have people who are very precious to us, but would you go as far as to say you have favorites?   Would you say you have a best friend? How does that make your other friends feel? Do you give preferential treatment to some over others?   This week, James will ask his readers to consider the impact partiality has on the church, and we will learn how to navigate these types of dynamics in our lives. 

These Days - James |  Rock of Refuge | Pastor Chris Heller   James 1:19-27 How are your listening skills? Would you describe yourself as "quick to hear and slow to speak"?   In These Days, we are hearing a lot of talk and opinions about what we should be doing, but are we listening enough to what God says in Scripture we should be doing?     Join us this Sunday as we continue our James series.

These Days - James | Mighty Rock - 2 | Pastor Chris Heller   James 1:9-18 This Sunday, we will continue our series in James! Last week, we learned the importance of standing in our Strong Tower. This Sunday, we will learn the importance of building our lives on the Mighty Rock!  It's our hope that this message will be an encouragement to you!

These Days | Strong Tower | Pastor Chris Heller James 1:1-8 Join us this Sunday for part one of our fall sermon series, "THESE DAYS", in the book of James. This week, we'll be focusing on chapter 1, verses 1-8.   We believe God has a great work he wants to do in our hearts as we dive into this powerful book that teaches us how to navigate trials with faith, wisdom, and perseverance. As usual, we will be providing an ESV James journal Bible for those who want to take notes and follow along.   We pray that, together, we'll strengthen our trust in God, gain practical insights for daily living, and grow in spiritual maturity through this series. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!   #renewbible #James #lighthouse #fall #sermon #sunday #onlinechurch

Seasons - Ecclesiastes | The End Of The Matter | Pastor Chris Heller   Ecclesiastes 12 We are so excited for our series conclusion in the book of Ecclesiastes! Join us this week as we summarize not only our Seasons series, but the duty of man!   Would you join me in praying for our audience, for this Sunday we will ask, “What if God's will for you in this season of life is Salvation?!”

Seasons - Ecclesiastes | Casting Your Bread | Pastor Chris Heller   Ecclesiastes 11:1-10 In one of the more uplifting chapters of the book of Ecclesiastes, this week we will learn the wisdom and reward of refusing to quit.   If you are in a season of discouragement, this Sunday will be a good reminder to “keep on casting your bread upon the water” and learning the power patience, diligence and, most importantly, perseverance can have in the Christian walk.   Join us this week as we go on a little fishing trip!

Seasons - Ecclesiastes | Aromas! | Pastor Chris Heller   Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 It has been said that, among all of the senses, smell is the most powerful trigger of emotion and memory. We are so much more likely to remember something we smell than any of the other senses. A certain scent can trigger old and long forgotten memories.   Do you have a favorite smell? Join us this Sunday in our Seasons series as we look at five things that are sweet smelling aromas to God!

Seasons - Ecclesiastes | Whatever | Pastor Chris Heller   Ecclesiastes 9:1-17 Have you ever felt helpless? Have your circumstances ever spiraled so far out of control you responded in despair with, “whatever?” Life is unpredictable . . . no one knows what lies ahead.    What if God's will for you in this season is to do “whatever” he asks of you?   Join us this Sunday as Solomon wrestles with the certainty that no amount of wisdom, wealth, or power can spare us from what God has ordained for us. But those who are right with God and live wisely are in His hands.

Seasons - Ecclesiastes | Keep The King's Commands | Pastor Chris Heller   Ecclesiastes 8:1-17 This Sunday, Solomon will call into question the trustworthiness of the authorities "under the sun". Have you ever found yourself in a season of life under an authority you struggled to submit to?   Join us this week as we learn what Solomon means when he says, “KEEP the King's commands,” and whose authority we're actually putting our trust in when we do.

RE: Series | Renewing Your Approach | Jason Black   This Sunday marks week three of our summer RE: series! Get ready as Jason dives into "RE:NEWING YOUR APPROACH."   As followers of Christ, we're all called to share our faith. But have you ever wondered what it truly means to be an apologist or an evangelist? This Sunday, Jason might just challenge your preconceived notions. He'll be equipping us to run the race of faith with endurance, so we can confidently share the hope we have in Jesus. 

RE: Series | Renewing Your Soul | Pastor Jon Adams This Sunday is week two of our summer RE: series. Pastor Jon will be sharing a message entitled "RE:NEWING YOUR SOUL" Our souls are what grows closer to Jesus Christ in our sanctification. Pastor Jon is going to be talking about how we can renovate our souls through the many discipleship opportunities available to us. He'll also share some exiting renovations we're planning for this fall that will help us grow our discipleship ministries.

RE: Series | Renew Your Attitude | Pastor Gabe VanderStel   Exodus 15-17 This Sunday, we're going to take a brief departure from our series in Ecclesiastes and embark on a short study we're calling the "RE: Series." On each of the next three weeks, we'll focus on a dynamic of Renew and what makes this church, and especially our church family, so special and unique in the way we serve the Lord.

Seasons - Ecclesiastes | Scheme Of A Thing | Pastor Chris Heller Ecclesiastes 7:19-29 “I searched with wisdom the scheme of things.”  It's as if Solomon knew there was an enemy behind the evil he saw under the sun, and he desperately desired to uncover his schemes. In this Sunday's sermon, we will look to expose those schemes and consider what steps we can take to not fall for the traps of the evil one.