Family First Church

This Mother's Day message by Pastor Meredith explores the timeless account of Esther, reminding us that regardless of our past or the chaos surrounding us, we are strategically placed by God "for such a time as this". Using the diverse women of the book of Esther, the sermon highlights themes of dignity, divine timing, and the providence of a God who works behind the scenes even when He isn't explicitly named. Understanding the Times: Just as Esther had to rise to her occasion, we are called to be like David’s mighty men; people who have an understanding of the times and the wisdom to know what to do. The Master Storyteller: Although the name of God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, it remains a profound study of His providence, proving He is weaving every detail together for our good. Dignity Over Victimhood: Esther, an orphan from an exiled people, chose to rise with dignity and courage rather than remaining a victim of her environment, allowing God to raise her from the pit to the palace. Three Women, Three PerspectivesQueen Vashti (The Choice): Her refusal to join the king’s feast reminds us that our decisions have weight and consequences that affect others. Prophetically, she represents those who refuse the King's invitation to leave their own "party" and enter His presence. Zeresh (The Influence): As Haman's wife, her story warns against the spirit of jealousy and the danger of ignoring godly warnings. She reminds us that joy built on the wrong foundation is easily consumed by the opinions of others. Esther (The Strategy): In the face of a decree of annihilation, Esther responded with prayer and fasting rather than mere reaction. Her obedience proves that it is better to walk with God into a dangerous "perhaps" than to live in the safety of fear. Trusting God's Perfect TimingThe Tapestry of Life: Our lives often look like the messy back of a tapestry, but God sees the beautiful, planned picture on the other side. He Will Make It Happen: According to Isaiah 60:22, the Lord will bring His promises to pass at the right time; we don't have to force them. "You are the person for the job." Whether you are in a season of joy or a season of loss, trust that you are not where you are by accident. God is still writing your story.

Our most recent service with Pastor Michell explores the powerful contrast between the Heart of the Apostle and the Mind of the Pharisee. Drawing from the early chapters of Acts, the message challenges us to identify the posture needed to ensure we don't miss what God is doing in our lives today. The Apostolic Heart: Rooted but flexible. It is willing to follow God into new territory, reinterpreting revelation in the light of fresh moves of the Holy Spirit. The Pharisaic Mind: Rooted and rigid. It uses tradition as a lens that can overrule God’s present movement, often missing the Divine because of a desire for certainty. Key Takeaways:Don't Box God In: Just as the disciples were surprised by the "weird" and rare miracle of Pentecost, we must remain open to how God chooses to move, even when it’s unconventional. Devotion Leads to Miracles: Following the example in Acts 2:42, wonders and signs follow a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Choose Humility Over Being Right: It’s better to be a passionate, humble follower of Christ than a "know-it-all" who values their own position over obedience. Are your roots alive enough to grow? Watch to discover how to move from a place of doubt to an "autopilot of faith," becoming part of the move of God rather than just a spectator

Building on our Acts of the Apostles series, this message dives deep into the primary foundation of the early church: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Beyond salvation, this experience is the most profound gift God offers to the body of Christ, providing the necessary power to carry out His mission on earth.The Command to Wait: Jesus ordered His apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the "promise of the Father".Defining the Baptism: This "promise" is the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which clothes believers with power from on high.Immersion and Overflow: Just as water baptism involves immersion, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is an immersion in and saturation with God's power. It is an infilling that begins within a believer and overflows out of their inmost being.8 Vital Facts About Holy Spirit BaptismFor Every Believer: This experience is for everyone who has accepted Christ’s forgiveness and yielded control of their life to Him.A Primary Mission of Jesus: One of the main reasons Jesus ascended to the Father was to release the Holy Spirit to His followers.Distinct from Salvation: Every person receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation ; however, the baptism is a "second work of grace" that builds upon that initial birth.The Evidence of Tongues: In the book of Acts, the initial physical evidence of this baptism was speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance.Authority Over the Tongue: Based on James 3, the tongue is the one member no human can tame. God uses this supernatural sign to prove He has authority and power over a believer's life.Empowerment for Witnessing: The primary purpose of the baptism is not just to have an experience, but to receive personal boldness and power to be an effective witness for Christ.Increased Sensitivity: A genuine baptism results in a deeper awareness of God's heart, causing a believer to feel a greater sensitivity to the things that offend or grieve the Holy Spirit.Active Use of Gifts: This experience "inaugurates" a believer into the nine manifestation gifts, allowing the Spirit to "put you on" to act as His hands, feet, and voice."It is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God". As we move forward, may we all operate in the overflow of the Holy Spirit, seeking a fresh impartation of His power every day.

This message marks the beginning of a deep dive into the life of Samson, one of the most prolific yet complex figures in the Book of Judges. Samson’s story serves as a powerful illustration of the struggle between divine potential and human frailty. Samson was a man of unbelievable promise, yet he remained unpredictable and undependable because he was double-minded. While he was a mighty warrior empowered by the Spirit of God, he frequently yielded his body to the appetites of the flesh. The Source of Strength: Contrary to popular belief, Samson’s strength was not in his hair itself, but in the Nazarite vow he made to God. A National Crisis: Samson was raised up during a 40-year period of Philistine oppression, a consequence of Israel repeatedly doing "evil in the sight of the Lord". The God Who Sees: Like other great deliverers, Samson's birth was announced by the Angel of the Lord—a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus—demonstrating that God sees His people even in their darkest moments. Timeless Takeaways for Your DestinyThe sermon concludes with three practical principles to help protect and defend the God-given destiny on your life:Intentionally Distance Yourself from Temptation: Don't just resist; create physical and spiritual space between yourself and the things that trip you up. Radically Submit to Trusted Voices: The people you choose to believe will determine who you become for the rest of your life. Embrace Accountability as a Blessing: View accountability not as a burden, but as a protective covering that helps you fulfill your assignment. "It’s not over 'til it’s over." No matter the mistakes of your past, as long as there is breath in your lungs, God is not finished with you and can still fulfill His plan for your life.