FPC Podcast - First Presbyterian Church Norfolk

Matthew 6:19-34 || Live Simply

There’s a reason the only other god Jesus ever called out by name was Mammon – the god of money. Because it’s a bad god and a lousy religion. In the USA, advertising works hard to make us think our wants are actually needs. We need to redefine our needs. Our problem is that (1) We put no limit on stuff due to our insatiable human desire for more. And (2) we think we need all sorts of things to be happy when, in actuality we need very few. Listen today and see how our culture influences how we spend our time and money.

Mark 2: 27-28 || Restfulness vs. Relentlessness

Sabbath is more than just a day; it's a way of being in the world. It's a spirit of restfulness that comes from abiding, living in the Father's loving presence. Tune in today as we look at ways to practice this gift that God has given us in Mark 2:27-28.

Mark 1:29-39 || A Quiet Place

In this week's passage, Mark 1:29-39, we will discover how rest is so important. Even Jesus would take time to go away and find connection with the Father. In silence and solitude we can attempt to quiet both external and internal noise. Listen today to see how you can begin to practice this in your life. 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 || The Practices of Jesus

This week's passage, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, comes at a perfect time as we start to think about the Olympics beginning next week. Paul uses an analogy about athletes competing for a prize. He urges the Corinthians to run, to win the race of life so that they might win the prize of life. Why do you run the race? What does your race look like? In what ways are you disciplined? Listen today to start answering these questions.

John 15:1-8 || Margin - The Space Between Our Load and Our Limits

Have you ever had to prune a vine or plant that looked healthy on the outside? It may feel unnecessary, but regular proper pruning encourages strong growth, increases flower and fruit production, improves plant health, and removes damaged parts. Ultimately, pruning plants makes them stronger. Just like plants, God "prunes" us in order to help us bear fruit. Listen and learn how God has a plan and a vision when He prunes us. 
Jim Wood, Senior Pastor

Matthew 11:28-30 || The Easy Yoke Lifestyle

Jesus' invitation is to take up His yoke – to travel through life at His side, learning from Him how to shoulder the weight of life with ease. To step out of the burnout society to a life of soul rest. If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus. An easy life isn’t an option; an easy yoke is. Listen today and see how.
Jim Wood, Senior Pastor

Mark 8:34-38 || You. Can't. Do. It. All.

This morning we will look at Mark 8:34-38 and the call to take up your cross. We are hurried and impatient each day, but Jesus calls us to deny that hurry and live into our potential. Listen and learn how you find God's will for our lives in our limitations. 
Jim Wood, Senior Pastor
 

Matthew 14:22-23 || Pay Attention

Today we will look at a familiar passage - Matthew 14:22-23. In this passage the disciples begin to understand the difference between believing and following Jesus. Believing gives you dreams, following gives you blisters, or wet feet in Peter's case.If we are to follow Jesus, we need to take a lesson from Peter and refuse to listen to the howling wind or look at the splashing waves. We must be single-minded and focused in our commitment to deny ourselves, take up His cross, and follow, regardless of the blisters we’ll get along the way. 
Rev. Jeff Bell, FPC Parish Visitor

Matthew 8:23-27 || Is Hurry an Addiction?

How do we find the calm in the middle of the storm called hurry? Join us as we study Matthew 8:23-27 when Jesus calms the storm.
Pastor Joel Phillips
First Presbyterian Church Norfolk

Mark 12: 28-34 || Hurry & Love are Incompatible

Join us this morning as we look at Mark 12:28-34 and what Jesus says is the greatest commandment."Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these. As we will discover this week, hurry and love are incompatible. If we are so busy - how do we love well? 
Pastor Jim Wood
First Presbyterian Church Norfolk