We dove into the complexities of Hebrews 7 on our Wednesday Bible Study class.By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In the sermon, Pastor delves into the understanding of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing its significance in the life of Christians and how it transcends mere physical and mental existence. He explores the spiritual component of human nature, highlighting that there's an eternal aspect of who we are that continues beyond physical life. The sermon often …

Pastor Nick's opening sermon on the Fruit of the Spirit begins with a message that simply says: God is wanting to do more in your life than you ever could've dreamed. One of the ways he does this is by filling you with His Holy Spirit. The question is this: WHY would any of us want to go through this Christian life, missing out on everything God ha…

Pastor's Bible Study class on Hebrews 6By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

Jesus and his disciples encounter a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee. Despite the panic of the disciples, Jesus remains asleep, highlighting His profound peace amidst turmoil. Pastor Nick draws parallels between a youth leader named Rich who exhibited a sense of calm during a storm on a youth mission trip and the tranquility that trust in God can…

Live in PeaceBy Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

We studied Hebrews 5By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

From Sunday School on Sept 29, 2024By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In this sermon, Pastor Nick discusses the profound meaning of baptism, drawing on passages from Galatians and Acts to illustrate his points. He emphasizes that baptism is not merely a ritualistic act or a reset button, but a crucial declaration of faith that signifies a new life in Christ. The sermon highlights the transformative power of baptism a…

Check out our class studyBy Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

From Sunday School on 9-22-24By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In this sermon, Pastor Nick explores the concept of Sabbath rest, emphasizing that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of that rest. He begins by reflecting on the significance of Sabbath as a divine gift, highlighting that it represents completion and blessing in God's creation. Throughout the sermon, Pastor examines various biblical passages, inclu…

Study Hebrews 3 with usBy Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

We take the time to dig a little deeper in our Sunday School Classes after the morning service. May God richly bless you!By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In this sermon, Pastor Nick discusses the Sabbath, presenting it as a divine gift from God intended for rest and rejuvenation. Highlighting scripture from Isaiah 58, Pastor Nick underscores the importance of observing the Sabbath to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, promoting faith over frantic attempts to control one’s productivity. This s…

Join in on our study of Hebrews ch 2By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In today's sermon, Pastor discusses the pervasive stress and burnout that many people experience, despite technological advancements that were intended to make life easier. He emphasizes that Jesus invites the weary to find rest through observing the Sabbath, a divine gift meant for rejuvenation and connection with God and family. Pastor shares per…

By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In the final week of the series on basic Christianity, Pastor focuses on the teachings of Jesus as presented in Matthew 5:43-48, specifically during the sermon on the mount. Here, Jesus challenges the common understanding of loving one's neighbor while hating one's enemy by calling his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecut…

Pastor Nick's sermon "Salt n Light" explores the biblical concept of Christians being salt and light in the world, drawing from Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. By emphasizing the importance of living according to Jesus' ways and standing out from the world, believers are encouraged to be distinctive and impactful. Through the metaphor …

We opened our Bible Study with a study on the Cultural Context of Hebrews, moving then into a verse by verse study.By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In his sermon "Foundations Matter" from the series "Basic Christianity", Pastor Nick delves into Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Focusing on the metaphor of the narrow gate from Matthew 7:13-14, Nick underlines the critical nature of building our lives on a solid, spiritual foundation and not succumbing to the allure of the wide path…

...Class Discussion on Malachi 3 and Jeremiah 44By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In the sermon titled "The Final Rung...Or is it?" from the series "Beatitudes-The Blessing Ladder," Pastor Nick delves into exploring the concept of the kingdom of heaven. He illustrates that though the kingdom is said to be manifesting here on earth, it may not be evident to all. Nick uses the analogy of people's different ways of consuming news t…

Pastor Nick's sermon "Seeing God's Heart" from the series "Beatitudes-The Blessing Ladder" emphasizes orienting towards the kingdom of heaven and embodying mercy, purity, and peace. He highlights mercy as reflecting God's righteousness and teaches about the importance of purity of heart and being peacemakers. Pastor Nick urges the congregation to o…

Pastor Rob's sermon, "Self Preservation," delves deep into the subject of self-preservation and how it might negatively affect our bond with God. Rob illustrates this through his experiences at Loving Hands Ministry, stressing the vital role of mentors in his spiritual journey. Through his interpretation of the Bible's Matthew 12, Rob stresses that…

Pastor Nick explores the Beatitudes as a ladder leading to the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing the presence and reign of God on Earth. The journey starts with recognizing the need for God, extends to meekness, hungering for righteousness, and showing mercy. He rejects the idea of Jesus starting a new religion, focusing on fulfilling the law and prop…

In this sermon on the Beatitudes, Pastor delves into the blessings of being poor in spirit and those who mourn, viewing them as foundational steps towards living in God's kingdom. He explains the deeper meaning of "blessed" and how it signifies a life rooted in God. Reflecting on the examples of biblical figures and personal insights, Pastor highli…

Pastor Nick delves into restoring and cultivating deep relationships in line with God's plan using Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers as an example. He emphasizes the importance of godly relationships, citing Ruth and Naomi's bond as a model of support and commitment. Deep connections require vulnerability, trust, and support, with Pastor Nick ur…

Pastor Nick delves into Joseph's story, focusing on healing broken family relationships through forgiveness and reconciliation and by following God's plan. The sermon parallels Joseph's family drama with our universal need for healing and restoration in relationships. Comparing restoration to Kintsugi, Pastor Nick highlights the beauty of healed re…

Pastor Nick's sermon delves into the theme of forgiveness and restoration, drawing from the exchange between Jesus and the repentant criminal at the crucifixion. The narrative highlights the transformative power of forgiveness, challenging preconceived notions of who is deserving of redemption. Emphasizing the importance of seeking forgiveness and …

Pastor Nick's sermon "Forgive Like Jesus 2" focuses on forgiveness, drawing lessons from the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The prodigal son's journey of rebellion and redemption illustrates the themes of forgiveness and restoration. The sermon highlights the contrast between the father's unconditional forgiveness and the older brother's str…

In the sermon "Forgive Like Jesus," Pastor Nick addresses the significant impact of forgiveness. He notes that many people harbor anger and hurt due to others' actions, which subsequently holds them back and hinders growth. He urges his audience to contemplate their most profound pain caused by someone else and asks them if they would like liberati…

Pastor Nick's sermon, "Travelling with Jesus," stresses the significance of following Christ by delving into the Bible. Using John 6:66-69, he illustrates how some turned away from Jesus, but Peter stood firm, recognizing Him as the source of eternal life. The sermon highlights that despite challenges, embracing Jesus' teachings is a personal journ…

The sermon focuses on the story of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit's effect on believers. Pastor Nick emphasizes the importance of quality time with loved ones and relates it to his experience with his daughter. He explains that the Holy Spirit is like God's quality time with us, always seeking to deepen our relationship. The sermon encourages seekin…

Pastor Nick's sermon discusses Ascension Sunday, highlighting Jesus' ongoing work post-ascension in power, position, and place. Luke wrote Acts for a person named Theophilus, focusing on Jesus' continuous work through the Holy Spirit and intercession with the Father. Jesus went to heaven to prepare a place for believers to coexist with God, offerin…

Pastor Nick's sermon "Two Choices: Heaven or Hell" delves into God's plan for humanity, emphasizing salvation through Jesus Christ. By accepting Christ, individuals align their past and future with His, ensuring qualification for heaven. The sermon explores the consequences of rejecting Christ and the importance of understanding both heaven and hel…

Borrowing a phrase from pastor Josh Howerton, when you are saved, Jesus' past becomes YOUR past and his future becomes YOUR future! The will of God for humans is that everyone would be saved through Jesus Christ!By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In the sermon "Making Disciples," Pastor Nick stresses the crucial role each person plays in sharing Jesus' message and making disciples. He challenges the congregation to consider their time on Earth and the impact of making just one disciple annually. Pastor Nick uses the story of Abraham to show the importance of passing down faith through gener…

The sermon "Intimacy with God" by Pastor Nick delves into the concept of closeness with God through biblical stories like Adam and Eve, Moses, and Jesus, highlighting repentance as a key step. It stresses the importance of cherishing a deep relationship with God, contrasting it with hiding from Him due to sin. The sermon encourages the congregation…

The sermon "What is Truth?" explores Jesus' conversation with Pilate, emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate king and truth. Despite controversy throughout history, belief in Jesus as king carries significant implications for believers. Pilate's question, "What is truth?" prompts Jesus to assert himself as the embodiment of truth. The sermon challenges …

Pastor Nick's sermon on Palm Sunday discusses Jesus' peaceful and humble entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing transformation and repentance. He highlights Jesus' healing miracles, visit to Bethany, and encounter with Greeks as lessons about purpose and serving God. Pastor Nick stresses the importance of sacrificial living, sharing the gospel, and alig…

In this sermon, Pastor Nick discusses the misconception that the book of Revelation serves as an end-times roadmap, emphasizing the overarching theme of Jesus' victory. He clarifies misunderstandings about the rapture, encouraging the audience to seek understanding from scripture rather than cultural influences. Pastor Nick highlights the importanc…

Pastor Nick challenges the idea that the Bible is individually tailored, explaining its diverse nature and historical context. He links the faith of Abraham to the importance of accepting Jesus as the Messiah. Emphasizing the Bible's resilience through history, he urges daily engagement to draw wisdom and truth. Concluding with an encouragement for…

After spending quite some time with Jesus, he had now ascended. From his place in Heaven, seated at the Father's right hand, he would make a request--one that the Father was eager to give! Jesus would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to empower the believers for life and ministry. In the meantime, however, they waited. Somewhere in those 10 d…

In the First Chapter of Acts, we have a brief account of the last days and moments Jesus spent on this earth. Before the very eyes of the Apostles, Jesus ascended into Heaven. He gave them instructions: WAIT. Then, once you're given the gift of the Holy Spirit, GO! There are 4 important reasons for the Ascension. Listen in and hear why!…

The disciples of Jesus had to wait 50 days after his death and 10 days after his ascension before the promised Holy Spirit arrived. 50 days isn't too long...10 days sure isn't much...but when you are awaiting the BIGGEST thing you'll ever witness, even one day feels like a lot! So, what do we do while we wait for God to fulfill his promises? In oth…

Jesus gave his disciples the Holy Spirit and then said that they could forgive and retain sins against people. WHAT???!!! THAT isn't our job, is it? So, join in and listen while we do the work of interpreting this passage and find out what God would have us to do with it.By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

In this episode, Pastor Nick went a bit off-script...but if you know how he preaches, sometimes those are the best! Check out Part A here and stay tuned next week for the conclusion. You WON'T want to miss it!By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

Jesus had some very stern words for people who harmed the least of these among us. He was concerned for children and wanted to protect them. God loves our kids more than we ever could. (Note: Contains Scriptural interpretation opinions on Gender and Abortion issues)By Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford