Our Triune God (6/16/2019) 8:30am

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, faced with the choice between retaliation or forgiveness, anger or love? Our Lenten journey takes us through these very human experiences, weaving a tapestry of stories that illustrate the transformative power of choosing love, even in the most trying of times. As we navigate the complexities of life, we often overlook the simple yet profound impact of love in action; from the domestic misunderstandings that test our patience to the everyday encounters that invite us to see Jesus in our midst.

During our intimate discussions, we confront the internal battles that arise in moments of frustration, like the vexing sound of early morning construction or the accidental destruction of a beloved grapevine. These narratives serve as a mirror, reflecting the ways in which our reactions can either foster a forgiving environment or escalate into regret and shame. The narrative shifts to an understanding that love and sacrifice are pillars on which we can build a life that resonates with the teachings of Jesus, inviting listeners to embrace a spirit of communion and community that extends beyond traditional barriers.

Our closing thoughts circle back to the essence of our faith, a reminder that all are welcomed to partake in the bread of life, regardless of our perceived unworthiness. Here, we're not just sharing tales; we're offering an open invitation for you to join us at the table, to find sustenance for the soul, and to recognize that growth in faith can be as simple as sharing a meal with others. This series is an open door, an opportunity to live openly, to love generously, and to follow the path that leads to true transformation and self-discovery. Join us in embracing our authentic selves and the relentless love that calls us home.

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

As the veil thins between the divine and the everyday, we find ourselves on the cusp of Lent, a season ripe with potential for transformation. Imagine shedding the weight of shame and negativity, the way one might peel away layers of old paint, to reveal the original masterpiece beneath—that is the invitation of this episode. Through a tapestry of stories and reflections, from the awe-inspiring Transfiguration of Jesus to the simple yet profound lessons gleaned from a child's empathy at Disney World. We're not just talking about abstaining from chocolate or social media for Lent; we're discussing the release of those habits that no longer serve us, making space for a deeper communion with the divine.

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to listen—to God, to the world, to your own heart? This episode is a symphony of such inquiries, where the biblical moment of Transfiguration harmonizes with the Beatles' seismic impact on music, teaching us the value of discerning the divine inspiration in human creativity. It's a journey through which we confront our impulse to react out of fear, and instead, learn to respond with understanding and compassion. As we explore these narratives, you'll discover how embracing stillness during Lent can amplify the voice of God within you, and how aligning our prayers with Jesus's intercession can bring unparalleled comfort and guidance.

Finally, we traverse the poignant themes of mortality, love, and resurrection. By sharing tales of personal detachment and the liberating act of letting go, I offer a fresh perspective on confronting our ego-driven desires and past attachments. We'll talk about what it means to embrace death in various forms, not as an end, but as a door to resurrection and rebirth within our very souls. With ashes upon our foreheads, we'll remember that through love's ultimate victory, we find the hope that sustains us. Join us on this path of self-discovery and spiritual renewal, where each step leads us closer to wholeness and reconciliation through the love of Christ.

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

Romans chapter 8 and the shaping of our prayers.

This Sunday as we gathered, we delve into the spiritual tapestry woven by wisdom, love, and selflessness.  We ponder the parable of the pearl of great price, reflecting on the pursuit of spiritual wealth over material gains.  We also touch on maturity's journey, from limited child-like views to a life enveloped in God's infinite love.

Love is all there is and there is nothing that can separate us from God's infinite love; together we tell a better story. These narratives guide us in understanding the power of adopting God's perspective, freeing us from fear. We explore the liberating spiritual vantage point that empowers us to engage with the world from a place of love and peace, mirroring the spirit of peace that surpasses understanding. Join us for an enriching dose of spiritual insight that promises to fortify the soul.

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

Embarking on a reflection of nature's grandeur, we find a connection between the steadfastness of trees and our spiritual growth. Our conversations take us from the Garden of Eden to the Tree of Life in Revelation, finding solace in the roots of love and patience. As Lent draws near, we're inspired to look beyond the surface and see the divine in the ordinary, much like the awe-inspiring ancient forests that reveal their beauty when we least expect it. It's a journey of discovery, where the simple act of finding lost items becomes a metaphor for the unveiling of God's love in our everyday lives.

With heartfelt stories, from nurturing a newborn goat to the boundless generosity that comes from a heart filled with Christ's love, we explore what it means to truly live the scriptures. The transformative power of love calls us to re-imagine our potential and to love deeply, without reserve. As we conclude, we're reminded that generosity is a reflection of the abundant love we've experienced and a testament to the boundless grace that awaits us all. Join us in this sanctuary as we embrace, share, and celebrate the love that surrounds us, welcoming each person into this place where all are cherished.

#love #firstlovechurch #ocala #ocalafl #spirit #spirituality #egalitarian #jesus #jesuschrist #bible #bibleverse #joy #peace #generosity #hope #church #holyspirit #creeds #unity #welcome #communion #podcast #podcaster #feminism

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

This morning our conversation orbits around the often overlooked spiritual practice of rekindling our awareness of love's persistent presence. We navigate the transformative power of Epiphany, Together, we consider how the light of Christ beckons us towards living renewed with hope and a sense of beloved identity.

Through heartfelt narratives, we contemplate the profound impact of forgiveness and the practice of viewing others through a lens of innocence, mirroring Jesus' grace. We discuss how to shift our perspective away from shame, and towards one that welcomes with open arms, drawing parallels to biblical stories like the disciple Nathanael's encounter with Jesus, and the powerful transformation that can occur when we truly follow His path. It's an invitation to see the world and its inhabitants with fresh eyes, recognizing adversaries as brothers in disguise and extending the epiphany of belovedness outward.

Lastly, we explore the awe-striking process of spiritual awakening with the help of personal stories, including that of a close friend whose near-death experience led him to a life of healing others as a physician. These narratives serve as a catalyst for our own encounters with God, encouraging us to share our transformative experiences—our "limps"—as living testimonies of faith. So, as you tune in, let these shared journeys inspire hope and guide you towards embracing your true purpose, holding fast to the divine guidance that shapes our paths.

#Ocala #Ocalafl #Sunday #Jesus #Jesuschrist #hope #love #spirit #spirituality #grace #truth #bible #love #lovewins #beloved #podcast #egalitarian #peace #nonviolence #christian #apostlescreed #epiphany #lectionary #belovedcommunity

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

As the new year unfurls its wings, we embark on a voyage through the Epiphany, guided by the starlit musings of poet Malcolm Guite and the universal embrace of the divine. The First Love Church podcast welcomes you to a space where the sacred meets the stars, and the journey of the wise men unfolds as a mirror to our own pursuit of spiritual awakening. In the gentle rustle of nature and the grandeur of the cosmos, we find the light of Christ—a beacon to both Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Together, we'll foster a sense of awe that ignites our sense of the Holy, drawing us closer to the heart of worship and the boundless love of God.

Marked by signs as ancient as the Zoroastrian priests' starry trek to Bethlehem, we dissect the political quakes and societal tremors that heralded Jesus's birth, examining the stark contrast between Herod's fearful grip on power and the shepherd king's prophecy of humility and service. 

In the spirit of reformers like Martin Luther, our journey demands the bravery to challenge norms and speak truths that resonate with the gospel's call for love and inclusivity.  This episode is a testament to the transformative peace that suffuses our being when we surrender to faith, and an invitation to find home within—a sacred journey where every step is illuminated by the unwavering presence of divine love.

#firstlovechurch #firstlovechurchocala #ocala #ocalaFl #jesus #jesuschrist #spirit #spirituality #holyspirit #love #joy #peace #gentleness #ephiphany #wisemen #magi #home #truth #egalitarian #bible #bibleverse

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

As the clock ticks towards a new year, we're leaving the chase for 'more' behind, instead wrapping ourselves in the restful embrace of love. We ponder over the Christmas spirit, not confining it to a single day but rather as an invitation to co-create with God, infusing love into our earthly journey.

This episode brings to light the stories of biblical figures like Simeon and Anna, who demonstrate the profound impact of the Holy Spirit in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. Like them, we're encouraged to tune into the divine whispers that guide us through life's labyrinth. By sharing these narratives and discussing what it means to live a life connected to the Spirit, we uncover the spirits whispers offering guidance to navigating life's challenges and blessing others with hope and purpose.

Gazing upon the wise men's epic quest, we recognize the inclusive nature of divine epiphanies and the extraordinary that can emerge from the ordinary through faithful awareness. Our conversation culminates with the call to embody Christianity not just as a belief system, but as an active, hope-infused way of life, shaping the world to reflect the kingdom of God. Join us as we journey through these transformative insights, and may this episode be a blessing that resonates with your spirit.

#firstlovechurch #firstlovechurchocala #ocala,Fl  #podcast #spirituality #spiritual #jesus #jesuschrist #spirit #holy #sacred #communion #wisdom #love #follow #blessing #bible #bibleverse

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

Uncover how the practice of Advent helps us confront the darkness in our world, confident that love and transformation will ultimately prevail. We journey together through the grandeur of the Jerusalem temple, Jesus' profound response to it, and the crucial reminder that God's presence is not confined to physical structures but can be found in the smallest, most ordinary moments of life.

The awe-inspiring majesty of the Jerusalem temple left the disciples in wonder. Yet, Jesus had a different perspective. We explore this contrast and draw connections to our current world. The focus isn't on predicting Jesus' return, but embracing the continual process of transformation. From communion to our daily encounters, discover how Advent traditions ground us and guide us towards light and love. Spoiler alert: the master may return when you least expect it, so stay vigilant!

But what does a bear encounter in the wild have to do with Advent? More than you would think! A personal experience of facing fear head-on attests to the power of hope and the potential for a higher perspective. True wisdom lies not in judging our present situation as the final chapter, but acknowledging that death no longer holds the final word. Join us as we link our conversation with the Advent season and the hope it promises for a brighter future. Remember, amidst darkness and uncertainty, Advent bears the ability to heal and instill hope.

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

Through the lens of Ephesians 1:15, we are guided to explore the importance of trust and love in our relationships with others and God. We are encouraged to adopt prayers from Paul's writings for our own lives and to delve deeper into our intimacy with God.

The sermon concludes with a discussion on the power of awareness and its transformative impact on our lives and relationships. Through personal experiences and reflections, we are shown how being mindful of our actions and their effects on others, coupled with a willingness to surrender and be vulnerable, can lead to significant growth and change.

In this journey of love and surrender, we are challenged to shift our conventional notions of power, to recognize the power of surrendering our egos, and to undertake the heart work necessary for transformation. In the realm of God's love, we are invited to remove barriers to experiencing His love fully, to be filled with His spirit, and to create an atmosphere of love and generosity in our lives.

We are reminded that we are all beloved children of God, and that our worth is not defined by our worldly accomplishments, but by our capacity for love, faith, and generosity. Through these stories and teachings, we are inspired to see life through a new lens and to influence our day-to-day happenings in a positive way.

This journey through God's kingdom is an invitation to transform our lives and our relationships, to cultivate unexpected friendships, to give faithfully, and to surrender to the transformative power of faith and love. In this transformative journey, we are not merely passive listeners, but active participants, called to live out these teachings in our everyday lives.

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

Have you ever paused and deeply considered the power of a single moment, a single act of gratitude? We're reminded of the potency of living in the now; join us as we journey through the Psalms of Thanksgiving, embracing the opportunity to show gratitude and celebrating the beauty of ordinary moments.

 Like a mesmerizing orchestra performance, we discuss how every part of our lives plays a unique role in the grand symphony of the divine, demonstrating the profound significance of every individual contribution. As we step into the up coming Advent season, we invite you to join us in seeking a fresh perspective, allowing God to heal our eyes and transform our current circumstances.

Gratitude has a transformative power that can radically shift our perspective. It is through gratitude that we are encouraged to bless even the most challenging situations and find beauty in the present. So, let's journey together into the realm of gratitude, unlocking the door to healing and transformation.

This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving

In the service of LOVE,
Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake