First Christian Union

A special Father's Day sermon focusing on the challenge to be men of integrity as we lead our families toward godliness. John takes a look at the character of God and how that inspires men to follow His example to live above reproach.

In this sermon, John takes a look at 1 Corinthians 4 where we find Paul's challenge to re-evaluate our understanding of true Christian leadership and what discipleship is all about. It is defined by humble service, faithful stewardship, and fatherly mentoring of those we lead to Christ.

In our sermon, John brings to us a message from 1 Corinthians 3 where Paul confronts the church in Corinth about how they've been building their life of faith. He challenges them and us to build on the foundation of Jesus Christ.

When the world of chaos is calling your name, you need to listen to another voice, the voice of God, spoken through His Spirit. It has been a hidden call to God's wisdom that only through faith in Jesus Christ is it made readily available. In 1 Corinthians 2, John brings us a message that unveils God's wisdom in a world of noise.

As we round out the 1st chapter of the first letter to the Corinthians, John helps us understand that the foolishness of the gospel message centered on the cross of Jesus Christ, is greater than anything the world and its wisdom can understand. God uses the foolish to shame the wise, He uses the weak to shame the strong, and He uses us to make a difference.

In this sermon, John shares with us that Paul transitions in his letter from praise to confrontation. It seems someone has snitched on their behavior in Corinth and there are some factions beginning to surface concerning preachers.

This episode in our sermon series begins at the start of the epistle of First Corinthians where we are introduced to Paul and the Church in Corinth. Here, we discover that God has called, equipped, and sustained us for His glory.

This episode is the beginning of a new sermon series through the book of First Corinthians. Today, Jesse brings us some introductory remarks helping to set the stage for what the apostle Paul is about to write to the church in Corinth.

In our final sermon through our series on miracles John shares with us the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Jesus.

What would it have been like to have been a soldier on duty the day of the resurrection of Jesus. In this sermon, John takes a look behind the scenes at what might have been the reaction of a Roman soldier as he witnessed not only the death but the resurrection of Jesus and how it might have changed his life.

Our miracle finds us in the midst of controversy for Peter and Jesus. Is Jesus obligated to pay the temple tax or is He not? As John brings us this message from Matthew 17, we'll discover that not only is Jesus not liable for the tax, but all children of God aren't. However, in our freedom, we are live in humility just as Jesus did.

In our sermon in this episode, John takes us to Matthew 15 and Luke 7 where discover Jesus leaving Galilee and familiar surroundings and He ventures out to the region of Phoenicia where He encounters a Canaanite woman in search of a miracle for her daughter. What we learn is that even dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the master's table, insinuating that even Gentiles can find favor and grace in the plan of God for the redemption of the world.

In this message John takes us back to Matthew 17 where we find Jesus' disciples unable to heal a boy who is possessed by a demon. Jesus, having absolute authority, even over the forces of evil in this world, confronts their lack of faith and challenges them and us to put our confidence in Him. Jesus' victory at the cross conquered Satan's stronghold on us and we no longer are bound by his control. Jesus is victorious.

Our message come from Matthew 17:1-8 where we discover a whole new way of looking at Jesus. As He took with Him three of His disciples up on a mountain, Jesus was transfigured before their eyes and the saw Him in a fresh new light. John challenges us to not only see Jesus with new understanding but to trust and obey Him because of who He truly is.

In our message today, John helps us understand the compassion of Jesus as He recognizes the need of the people and prioritizes their need above and beyond His. By feed the 5000, Jesus leads them to an understanding that He is truly the Bread of Life which they are searching for. Only He can satisfy our hunger for righeousness.

In this episode, John is bringing us another message in our sermon series over the miracles of Jesus. Our message today focuses on Matthew 9:27-34 where we find Jesus restoring the sight to two blind men and confronted the blindness of the Pharisees.

In our sermon we see two miracles where people in desperate situations reach out to Jesus for healing. Both are important to Him and Jesus takes the time necessary for both, even when it seems like and interruption causes one request to suffer loss. We are challenged to reach out to Jesus when we are in desperation.

Our message today comes from Matthew 9 where Jesus demonstrates His authority not only to heal those with infirmities and disease but also to forgive the sins of men. While some may focus on His miraculous ability to heal the physical, His ability to bring healing to the spiritual life is even greater.

Our third sermon in this series brings us to the end of Matthew chapter 8. In this message, John shares with us the authority of Jesus as He performs two miracles that demonstrate His true identity. Christ calms creation when it is robust and tumultuous and Christ conquers chaos when our spiritual lives are out of control.

In this message from John, we will take a close examination of three miracles found in Matthew 8 where Jesus touches the lives of those who are sick and brings healing to their infirmities. We'll also discover that Jesus not only brings physical healing but holistic healing, as well. His concern is ultimately to heal us from the disease of sin and death.

With this sermon, we begin a new sermon series, "It Would Take a Miracle." This series will take us through the miracles that are presented in the book of Matthew. Our first sermon deals with defining what miracles are and their purpose as found in Matthew 4.

The final sermon in our series over the Adventure of Discipleship. In this sermon, John brings us a message that focuses on the Goal of Discipleship...to make disciples who love God and others.

Our third sermon in our Adventure of Discipleship takes us to the book of John chapter 6 where Jesus has made some very bold statements about who He is. Many people who have been following Him now decide to walk away and He asks the twelve if they want to leave also. Peter, replies with boldness that Jesus is the only One who has the words of eternal life and that they see Him as the Holy One of God. In our sermon John will take a look at two specific disciples to demonstrate the difference between those who have a heart of discipleship and those who only have a heart for themselves.

The second sermon in our series of the Adventure of Discipleship brings us to examining the Cost of Discipleship. Following Jesus isn't as simple or easy as many may make it out to be. Jesus has some expectations for those who would choose to follow after Him. In this message John will take at look at what it might cost us to be a disciple of Christ.

Our first sermon in a series entitle, The Adventure of Discipleship, John brings us message about the "Call to Discipleship." In it, we will look at the Basis for the Call, the Purpose of the Call, and the Framework of the Call and how this is to be transforming in the life of a follower of Jesus.

As we close out the year 2024, Jesse Frame brings us a challenging message to pursue holiness in our life. Taking a look back at the history of Israel and how God called them, set them apart for holiness, and blessed them time and time again, yet, the people of Israel would not take serious the discipline of holiness. As we enter 2025, may we make our pursuit of holiness one that is disciplined enough to keep us faithful to God.

In our final message in this Christmas series, John takes a look at reason for Jesus' birth. He was born to die, but not just at any moment, even if others sought to take His life. He was born to go to the cross. So, how far is it from Bethlehem to Calvary? That's the big question we must answer.

In our third sermon in this series, John brings us a message focused on the impact of the magi from the east who came to worship the newborn King. They discover, like all those since who've met Jesus, that once you've encountered Him, you'll never go back the way you came.

John brings us a message over the passage in Luke 2 where the angels announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus. From the glories of heaven to the humble circumstances of the fields outside Bethlehem the most wonderful news was shared.

Welcome to our new Christmas series, Hollywood Christmas. In our first message, John takes us to Luke 1 and Matthew 1 where we discover the angel Gabriel bringing messages to both Mary and Joseph concerning the coming of Jesus. When God sends a message, our only response should be followed by faith and obedience.

In our final sermon over our series of Joshua, John brings us to the conclusion in Joshua 24 where we see Joshua calling all the tribes together at Shechem for one final appeal to remain faithful to God. Reminding them of all that God has done for them, Joshua challenges all of Israel to choose for themselves whom they will serve.

In this episode John brings us to Joshua 23 where we see that Joshua has called all the leaders of Israel together to give them a final challenge to remain faithful to God as they lead His people.

Our message today uncovers a problem with Israel as they are closing up their military conquest and heading home to their tribal allotments. With a bit of confusion and questionable decisions, civil war seems to be on the horizon until some cooler heads prevail and clarification of faith and commitment are understood.

In this message John covers chapter 20-21 where the city life of Israel is discussed, especially the cities of refuge and the Levitical cities that are dispersed throughout Israel. God, in His grace and mercy, provides for Israel places of refuge for those who through no intent or malice cause the death of another. The same is found in Christ our refuge for the sins we have committed in this life.

Our message delivered by John comes from Joshua 18-19 where we discover that the Tent of Meeting has been moved to Shiloh and the remaining seven tribes are content to stay together and not go out after their inheritance. They've gotten comfortable in worship and have forgotten what God has gone through to give them the land. Joshua challenges them to go out and identify the territorial boundaries and then come back to Shiloh where God will select who gets to live where.

Our message today comes from the 15th chapter of Joshua. Here we see that the tribe of Judah is chosen to be the first to inherit the land. Judah plays a very significant role in the history of Israel and for the Church today. And then right in the middle of the description of the land we are brought back into the life of Caleb and his inheritance where we discover his faithfulness and his generosity.

John brings us another message from the book of Joshua. In it, we'll be looking at chapter 14 where we learn that Caleb is ready to take the mountain he's been dreaming of for 45 years. Are you ready to receive the promises of God today? Are you ready to storm the mountains in your life?

In our sermon series on Joshua, we've come to the 13th chapter. Here John explains to us that Joshua is getting old in years but God isn't through with him, yet. There's still more land to be possessed and divided amongst the tribes of Israel as an inheritance from God. So too, we are never too old for God to use us. Through our faithfulness in Christ, we also will receive an inheritance as children of God that far surpasses anything this world has to off.

In John's message today, we learn from Joshua 12 about the faithfulness of God. Even before the people of Israel entered the land of promise, God was proving His faithfulness to His people by helping them defeat those who would stand in the way of Him keeping His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. From Sihon and Og on the eastern side of the Jordan to the 31 kings within the land of Canaan, God would prove victorious. In our battles today, we can trust that God will see us through to victory also.

We close out the 11th chapter of Joshua today with a message by John. In it, we learn that while there may be weariness in the battle, when we fight with God on our side, we are victorious. Israel was able to conquer all that land that God promised they would receive. Sometimes, though, the hardest part if remembering why we're fighting. As Christians, we are in a battle, but not against flesh and blood. And we fight with the power of the Spirit of Christ who helps us overcome.

John brings us a message from the first 15 verses of Joshua 11 today where we learn that there is a coalition of armies in the northern part of Canaan that have come together to fight against Israel at the waters of Merom. However, God doesn't look at the number of His enemies, He looks at those who are faithful to fight on His side. As we learn to trust in God and His ways, we find victory even against the multitudes that may rise up against us.

Our message today comes from Darrell Jones. He brings to us a sermon from Joshua 10 where we see that God works in miraculous ways in order to keep His promises to Israel. We are also reminded that God still works in miraculous ways in the lives of disciples even today in order to accomplish His purposes.

In this message Jesse Frame shares with us another ministry that he is working with, Youth Hope, which is an international ministry doing youth ministry training around the world. He then moves in to discuss Joshua 9 with us where we learn that the Gibeonites entered into a treaty with Israel through deceptive means.

Today, John is bringing us a message from Joshua 8 where we learn that when we follow God's plans for our life, we are victorious and He deserves our praise.

In this message, John continues to share from our sermon series over the book of Joshua. We'll examine the 7th chapter where we find that when people do things their way in disobedience to God, they will end up with an Achan heart.

As we open up the 5th chapter of Joshua, we discover that God slows things down an bit, because there are some essential preparations that have not been completed for Israel to fully move forward in their conquest. Remembering they must follow the book of the Law, God calls them to be circumcised and celebrate His provision through the Passover Feast before they go any further.

This is the third sermon in our series over the book of Joshua. In it John brings us a message from Joshua 3 & 4 where we learn that God uses a miraculous even to bolster Israel's faith not only in Him but also in Joshua's leadership. In this we are challenged to be faithful, obedient, and intentional in how we remember the goodness of God.

In our message today, John brings us a look behind enemy lines as we uncover the secrets of Joshua 2 where 2 spies have been sent in to Jericho to gather intel for Israel as they are about to commence their campaign for the conquest of Canaan.

This is the first sermon in a new series over the book of Joshua. In this sermon John introduces us to the new leadership and the command of God for Israel to take possession of the Promise Land.

This is our final message covering the parables of Jesus. In it, John speaks to us about the parable Jesus tells in response to His disciples asking Him to teach them to pray in Luke 11:1-13. We'll discover that our prayers should be intense and persistent like a friend at midnight knocking on your door seeking help.

John brings us a message from another parable of Jesus found in Matthew 20:1-16 where Jesus takes the opportunity to help us understand that the Kingdom of Heaven is based upon the generosity and grace of God rather than on our own merit. There's nothing we can do to earn our salvation but simply receive the generous gift of grace.