FPC Podcast - First Presbyterian Church Norfolk

John 2:1-11 || His Disciples Believed

Belief doesn't happen in a vacuum; it’s shaped by encounters with people and events of all kinds. Jesus began helping his disciples build faith at a wedding celebration. Which people and events have shaped your faith? 

John 1:1-18 || All Might Believe

What does it mean to believe? What do we believe? How do you believe? Join us as we begin a new sermon series focused on the book of John.
 
Sermon by Jim Wood

Galatians 3:12-17 || Let Peace Rule in your Heart

How do you define peace? Where do you look for peace? How do you create peace? Listen and hear how to be unshakeable in the Lord. 

Psalm 121 || In The Now

All the best stuff is in the present - the now. To live a quiet life in a world of noise is a fight, a war of attrition, a calm rebellion against the status quo. Aim at an easy life and your actual life will be marked by a gnawing angst and frustration; aim at an easy yoke and, as John Ortberg once said, “Your capacity for tackling hard assignments will actually grow.” Should you enlist in the war on hurry, remember what’s at stake. You’re not just fighting for a good life but for a good soul. How will you live more fully?

Ephesians 5:1-6 || Slow Down

This week our focus is on "slowing." The basic idea behind the practice of slowing is this: slow down your body, slow down your life. If we can slow down both - the pace at which we think and the pace at which we move our bodies through the world - then maybe we can slow down our souls to a pace at which we can "taste and see that the Lord is good." Listen and see how we can live a life worthy of the calling of God?

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