Mon, 1 March 2021
Ready to experience freedom? In this message we look at a story during a time where the early church was facing intense persecution. Some disciples were put to death, but Peter was put in prison. It wasn't long until God freed Peter - and that same freedom can be yours today! |
Mon, 22 February 2021
Do you need a miracle? Have you been praying and asking God for years? Don't give up! Our God is faithful. Today could be your day! In this message you will hear the story of Peter healing a man who had been waiting for his miracle for a long time. It's a faith building message! |
Mon, 15 February 2021
Category:general
-- posted at: 9:16am CST
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Mon, 8 February 2021
Is failure avoidable? Absolutely! In this message we look at a time when Peter failed big. You'll learn the warning signs of failure, and how to recognize those red flags in your own life. There is hope! |
Sun, 31 January 2021
Is there a price for following Jesus? In this message, we study a moment when Jesus had to speak clearly and directly to prepare His disciples, His closest followers, for persecution. This wasn’t an easy message then, and isn’t any easier now. It's a key lesson for every follower of Jesus! |
Mon, 25 January 2021
In this episode, we look at one of the best-known Bible stories in our series on Lessons from the Life of Peter. Through Peter’s story of facing a storm, you’ll learn what to do and how to survive when you face storms in your own life. You'll be encouraged by the reminder that Jesus is with you in the storm! |
Mon, 18 January 2021
Blessing Follows Obedience. In this message we look at a story from the Bible when God provided for Peter in a miraculous way. In it you'll learn important principles for opening the door to God’s blessing in your own life. |
Sun, 10 January 2021
Peter learned some pretty tough lessons while following Jesus as one of His disciples. In this message, we take a hard look at what it cost Peter to follow Jesus—and how that applies to anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord of their life. |
Sun, 3 January 2021
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Sun, 27 December 2020
He is on your side, and He’s going to watch over you, protect you, and see you through. Through songs and videos, along with a message on the final promise of the year, we reflect on all the promises we’ve learned throughout 2020. |
Mon, 14 December 2020
For unto us a savior was born, and His name is Jesus! We celebrate Christmas because of His birth and gift of salvation ✨ |
Mon, 7 December 2020
Are you ready for the sights and sounds of Christmas? This service is full of incredible music, exciting elements, and an incredible story about God’s Promise of joy given at the first Christmas in Bethlehem. There may be sadness and discouragement around us, but because of Jesus, you can have joy! |
Mon, 30 November 2020
In this message, we study God’s Promise to answer your prayers. If you have loved ones visiting for Thanksgiving—bring them with you, or tune in together online! The service is engaging and high-energy, full of music and testimonies that demonstrate the faithfulness of our God. |
Wed, 25 November 2020
In this message, we study God’s Promise of salvation. If you have been on the edge of completely surrendering control to Jesus, this for you! If you have been praying for unsaved friends and loved ones, share this with them. It’s a powerful message full of testimonies and music, all pointing to the incredible redeeming power and love of our God. |
Mon, 16 November 2020
In this episode, we study God’s Promise to strengthen you and protect you. If you’ve been going through a tough time and are feeling defeated, this message is for you. You’ll be encouraged by the promise that you serve a supernatural God who is greater than your enemy! |
Mon, 9 November 2020
In this message, we’ll study one of God’s Promises you can stand on in times of sickness. Pastor Rod will answer common questions about healing. Whether you’ve been waiting on a miracle for days, years, or decades—God’s healing power is real, and it’s available to you. Our team is looking forward to praying with you to receive it! |
Mon, 2 November 2020
In this message, we look at one of God’s Promises that demonstrates how His blessings correspond to your generosity. Getting ahold of this promise is THE antidote to anxiety and frustration about your finances! |
Mon, 26 October 2020
This weekend, we’ll look at God’s Promise of hope—of a new beginning, a clean slate, a fresh start. And, once you really grasp this promise, there’s no way you’ll be able to keep it to yourself! It is life-changing hope, and it’s for everyone. |
Tue, 13 October 2020
In this message, we will look at one of God’s Promises that addresses the issue of prejudice. It’s found at the end of one of the most remarkable stories in Scripture.
You will be challenged to think, and act differently. Come with an open heart, an open mind. This promise is an incredible opportunity to become more like Jesus—to see like He sees and love like He loves. |
Mon, 5 October 2020
"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy." {Psalm 126:5} Nothing is wasted with God. You may be enduring a tough trial, or even a tough season, but on the other side of this trouble is victory! Today we look at a promise of God found in Psalm 126:5 that gives us peace for exactly this type of season. |
Mon, 28 September 2020
In this message as we study a promise Jesus gave His disciples shortly before His crucifixion. You’ll learn an important truth that will help you not only keep going, but walk in victory—no matter what this life throws at you! |
Mon, 28 September 2020
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." {Matthew 11:28}
Feeling weary? Burdened? Carrying a heavy load? Ready to give up? Just tells us to come to Him, allowing His strength to help us carry whatever we are facing. His burden is light. He can, and will, bring you rest! |
Mon, 14 September 2020
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." {Philippians 4:6-7} In this message, we study a promise that will help you maintain a sense of peace, in spite of the chaos around you. You’ll hear a powerful story that demonstrates God’s peace in tough circumstances, and Pastor Rod will share a way of looking at troubles that can absolutely change your worries into calm confidence in your Heavenly Father. |
Tue, 8 September 2020
Worry and peace? How do you overcome the worries, stresses, and anxieties of this world? How do you find the constant peace that God can provide? Join us this morning as we look at the first promise of God that answers these questions! |
Tue, 1 September 2020
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." {2 Corinthians 9:6} The Bible doesn’t mince words about even the most difficult topics—including what you should do with your possessions. If you’ve suspected God’s commands about giving are just a ploy to get your money or control you, join us as we take a look at one of God’s Promises about generosity, and a time in scripture when His people were unbelievably, selflessly giving. You’ll learn principles that could radically change the way you view your resources! |
Mon, 24 August 2020
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." {John 8:36} The word “freedom” brings different concepts to mind for everyone. Maybe you think about walking around without a mask, or turning on your TV without seeing another depressing news story or political ad. You don’t have to live captive to sin, bad habits, worry, doubt, or others’ opinions. Our God promises freedom! |
Wed, 19 August 2020
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” {Revelation 21:4}
Do you get excited when you think about going to Heaven one day? You should - because Heaven is the goal - and what a home Heaven will be! Check out this message, where Pastor Rod breaks down Revelation 21:4 and reminds us that heaven is the goal! |
Sun, 19 July 2020
"...no weapon formed against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord. In a battle? Lost hope? We have a promise that no weapon formed against us will prevail. The Lord has given us victory! |
Sat, 11 July 2020
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” {Joshua 1:9} Feeling afraid? Been discouraged recently? There's a promise for that! Listen to Pastor Rod as he breaks down a promise found in the book of Joshua that teaches us to be strong and courageous! |
Sun, 5 July 2020
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." {Isaiah 40:31}
Been tired recently? Feeling weary? Today's promise is for you! It's time to look up and let God renew your strength. |
Tue, 30 June 2020
You don't have to live in worry or fear - our God supplies all of our needs. Whether in a season of plenty, or a season of little, God is watching over you and providing for you! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
We serve a God who delivers us from ALL our troubles! In this message, Pastor Rod breaks down God's promise from Psalm 34. Watch along with us and tell us what you learned down in the comments below! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
Sometimes life can just feel like too much. Don't give up though. God has promised you that He will bring you through. Join us as we look at one of God's promises found in the book of James! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
In the book of Isaiah, we find a story of the Israelites when they stopped worshipping - they stopped singing. In this message, Pastor Rod breaks down the story and challenges us to keep singing, regardless of the season we are in! You will be encouraged by God's Promise from this story! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
In the good seasons - and the bad - God promises to be our place of refuge. In Him we find strength and peace. Watch the message to learn more about a promise of God found in the book of Psalms! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
Life may not be fair, but thank God He isn't fair when it comes to what we deserve! In this message, we learn a promise from God found in 2 Corinthians that speaks to exactly this. "We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us." |
Tue, 30 June 2020
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." In this message, Pastor Rod breaks down this promise from 2 Corinthians. It's a powerful truth that will change how you look at yourself and the way you approach life! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." [Philippians 4:13" In this message, Pastor Rod breaks down this promise from Philippians! It's a well known promise from scripture, but you might just find it has a deeper meaning to it that might change your perspective! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. [Psalm 27:5] This promise of God will be an encouraging, life changing promise to hold on to! The Lord is faithful and He will keep you safe when you take refuge in His presence. |
Tue, 30 June 2020
2 Chron. 20:15 Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. Pastor Rod breaks down this powerful promise and reminds us it's not our battle, but the Lord's! He is fighting for us! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. {Galatians 6:9} Pastor David Wiggington - who pastors Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Bloomington, Indiana - shares his story and how he discovered how faithful the Lord is, when we choose to be faithful. Just because you don't see fruit now, doesn't mean to Lord isn't faithful. Keep being faithful. Keep being obedient. Watch how faithful the Lord is! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
"The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still." {Exodus 14:14} It's against our nature, but being still before the Lord is Biblical. It reminds us the the Lord is in control, and invites Him to fight our battles for us. Try it this week, be still before the Lord! |
Tue, 30 June 2020
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." {Isaiah 41:10} You are not alone. Whatever you are facing, the Lord is your strength! He is with you and He is always faithful. So do not fear! |
Tue, 17 March 2020
In this episode, we look at a promise from God found in Matthew 6. If you're facing uncertainty, take comfort in the reminder that God knows exactly what you need! |
Sat, 7 March 2020
"...and He will give you the desires of your heart." One of the most quoted verses in the Bible...but what if it's also one of the most misunderstood? In this sermon we will discover how we can apply this promise. It could change your life! |
Sat, 29 February 2020
God has a plan for each of us--including our kids. Whether or not you have children of your own, you likely have influence in the life of a child. Raising others to know and follow Jesus is an awesome privilege--and responsibility. In this message we will tackle a promise many parents cling to when their kids are far from God, but it's really a promise for all of us! |
Sat, 22 February 2020
People have a lot of questions, doubts and misunderstanding about God. But, this is the biggest one of all. This is the question people who don't know Jesus wrestle with. And - to be honest, this is the question people who do know Jesus wrestle with. It's a tough one - "Why do bad things happen to good people? |
Sat, 15 February 2020
No matter what stage of life you're in, you have plans for your future--where you'll go, what you'll do, who you'll be with. But what if those plans don't work out? Or, what if your plans turn our to be no good at all? Thankfully God promised He has plans for you, too--and they are good! |
Sat, 8 February 2020
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Jesus has promised to be our good shepherd. |
Sat, 1 February 2020
Today we explore one of the most-quoted promises in the Bible about God's trustworthiness. Do you have questions about how to trust the Lord or what He promises to do in return? If you have been struggling to trust the Lord about and area of your life, this message is for you. |
Sat, 25 January 2020
We continue "God's Promises," by looking at an incredibly encouraging promise made by Jesus--you don't have to walk in darkness, but can walk in light. It's absolutely life-changing! |
Sat, 18 January 2020
God promises that He has a plan for our future, and that includes the future of our nation. This weekend, we will look at one of God's promises that includes specific actions and behavior on our part, in order to see the nation strong and healthy. We will look to God's word to define the position of our hearts and guide our interactions with others. It's not a message you want to miss! |
Sat, 11 January 2020
What began twelve months ago as a staff discussion about which of God's promises meant the most to us has turned into what could be the most encouraging year you've ever spent in church! This weekend, we start a year long series on God's promises. Get ready to be encouraged as we learn and memorize a new promise of God each weekend here at First NLR! |
Sat, 4 January 2020
What is a healthy church? This message is critical for all of us--whether you've been part of the First NLR family for days, or decades. We'll examine what the Bible defines as a healthy church, and recommit to those principles together! |
Sat, 28 December 2019
With the year coming to an end, many people are deciding on their resolutions for the new year. What's the one big thing you're planning to work on? We will look at how to commit to change, but more importantly start the new year fresh and more like Jesus! |
Sat, 21 December 2019
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. |
Sat, 7 December 2019
I have forgiven my peers, but what do I do if I have to forgive myself? How do I get rid of the self shame I have brought onto myself? This weekend, we will look at the Bible and take a look at what it says about how to forgive ourselves. |
Sat, 30 November 2019
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Sat, 23 November 2019
How do we forgive, and how can we move past major hurts? How can I just move on? This weekend, we'll use scripture to figure out the biblical way to forgive those who hurt us most. |
Sat, 16 November 2019
Why should you forgive, when the hurt may not even be your fault? Shouldn't the offending person make the first move? This weekend, we'll take a look at Scripture to determine why forgiveness is not only a good idea--but imperative for every believer. |
Sat, 9 November 2019
Forgiveness is a practice at the heart of our faith. This weekend, we'll start a new series on forgiveness by exploring what it means--and doesn't mean--to forgive. |
Sat, 26 October 2019
As a church family, we understand that because every soul matters to God, every soul must matter to us. But, what does that look like in everyday life? This weekend, we'll look at practical ways of applying this guiding principle to your life. |
Sat, 19 October 2019
"Every Soul Matters to God" is a phrase you hear a lot around here. ESMTG. We print it on t-shirts, cups, pens--everything imaginable! But, it's more than a catchy saying. It is a core value. |
Sat, 12 October 2019
In today's sermon, Pastor Rod recounts the story of the prophet Elijah at an incredibly low point in his life. It is a model for overcoming discouragement and depression. |
Sat, 5 October 2019
Naaman's is the story of an unexpected miracle and an unexpected hero. Even if you have heard this story before, you might be surprised! |
Sun, 29 September 2019
Category:general
-- posted at: 7:50am CST
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Sun, 29 September 2019
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Wed, 25 September 2019
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Sat, 14 September 2019
Pride comes at a high price. In this sermon we will study one of the most prideful men in the Old Testament - King Nebuchadnezzar. |
Sat, 7 September 2019
Pastor Rod Loy sits down with missionaries Derek and Tammy Walker to discuss their important work in Africa. |
Sat, 31 August 2019
Do you ever feel like God isn't making sense? In this message, we study the story of a man who obeyed God even when it didn't make sense. |
Sat, 24 August 2019
We continue our series Great Bible Stories by looking at the story of a lesser known character from the Bible - Ehud. This story of obedience and faithfulness reminds us that God uses unlikely people to do amazing things. |
Sat, 17 August 2019
Every family is different, and sadly, today we see a lot of families who have ongoing conflict! This weekend we study one of the most famous stories from the Bible surrounding conflict within the family, and learn how to end those family feuds. It's time to resolve conflict biblically and bring unity to the family. |
Sat, 10 August 2019
In this new series called "Great Bible Stories", we look at Josiah, the youngest boy to rule Judah. It is an encouraging message that will remind us that we are never too young to be used by God. |
Sat, 3 August 2019
We conclude our series "Teach Us To Pray" with the last line of the Lord's prayer. It is a powerful lesson on how to maintain a healthy God-dependence, recognizing that everything we have and everything we are comes from Him! |
Sat, 27 July 2019
"and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..." In a society that normalizes sin, how do we recognize temptation? How do we prepare ourselves for battle and ask the lord to give us strength to stand against temptation? Today we look at the fifth line of the Lord's prayer as Pastor Rod breaks down how to pray this way. |
Sat, 20 July 2019
Forgiveness isn't an easy subject, but it is an incredibly important one. In the fourth part of his Teach Us To Pray series, Pastor Rod will discuss the key components of one of the toughest lines of the Lord's prayer. "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors..." |
Sat, 13 July 2019
We continue our series, Teach Us To Pray, by looking at the third line of the Lord's Prayer which asks us to depend upon God for our daily needs. Pastor Rod's message will challenge you to let go and fully depend upon God for the strength you need. |
Sat, 6 July 2019
We continue our series, Teach Us To Pray, by looking at the second line of the Lord's Prayer. Pastor Rod will break down this powerful sentence, teaching what it means to seek after the will of God, allowing Him to be in control. #FirstNLR #RodLoy #TeachUsToPray #ESMTG |
Sat, 29 June 2019
In this first message of the Teach Us to Pray series, Pastor Rod explores the opening of the Lord's Prayer as a model for beginning our daily time with our Heavenly Father. |
Sat, 22 June 2019
All followers of Christ should make the pursuit of the presence of God their first priority. Powerful blessings accompany Gods presence. In this message, Pastor Rod finishes our series on worship by talking about preparing for the presence of God. |
Sat, 15 June 2019
King David made a big mistake when he tried to bring the arc of the covenant to Jerusalem the first time, and he learned a hard lesson. Pastor Rod teaches us how we can learn about effective worship through Kind David's second try. David got it right that time, and we can too. |
Sat, 8 June 2019
King David, on a mission to bring the Arc of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, made a mistake in judgement that separated him and his people from the presence of God. In this message, Pastor Rod teaches how David's mistake and later his realization is a lesson to all of us about the great value of staying in the presence of God. |
Sat, 1 June 2019
If you grew up in church, you probably were taught about the story of The Good Samaritan. What was Jesus really trying to teach us from this parable? What does "love your neighbor" mean to a follower of Jesus? |
Sat, 25 May 2019
Watching the way we live, it appears we believe "My life consists of what I have -- my stuff." Jesus warns us about the dangers of a life consumed by greed in a parable that you may not have heard before. |
Sat, 18 May 2019
One of the most confusing stories Jesus told was the parable of the talents. In this message Pastor Rod reveals how Jesus's story illustrates God's approach to his resources and our responsibilities. |
Sun, 12 May 2019
From one of Jesus' parables we learn that God loves everyone and heaven celebrates when someone makes the decision to follow Jesus. From another story, we learn that God seeks after those who are lost. |
Sun, 5 May 2019
There is a seat at the table for you! You are welcome to be a part of God's family. Pastor Rod looks at an incredible story Jesus told and what it means for you. #firstnlr #esmtg #parable |
Sun, 5 May 2019
Have you ever looked down on people who don’t have “as much of God" as you? Maybe you've seen someone who is new to faith and struggling with addiction and thought, “They just need to clean themselves up.” Pastor Brian teaches what to do if you struggle with spiritual pride. |
Sat, 20 April 2019
One missing piece can ruin things. A nine-thousand piece puzzle with one missing piece is worthless. Sports teams, businesses, and relationships routinely fail because of some vital, missing element. In this Easter message, Pastor Rod discusses the importance of finding that important, missing piece in our lives. |
Sun, 14 April 2019
Pastor Rod concludes our series on Healing. One touch from Jesus can change everything. Regardless of your situation, Jesus can and wants to heal you. |
Sun, 31 March 2019
What is the "right" way to be healed? Do miracles only happen if you follow a formula? Who has to pray if you want to be healed? Pastor Rod Loy walks through these questions and more. |
Sun, 24 March 2019
Looking at stories from the Bible, Pastor Rod shares practical ways to care for someone battling long-term illness and things to remember if you are battling a long-term illness. |
Sat, 16 March 2019
Pastor Rod begins our new series looking at stories from the Bible when people were miraculously healed by Jesus. |
Sat, 9 March 2019
We finish our series on The Fruit of the Spirit with the final fruit, one that seems to be increasingly rare in our angry, out-of-control society: self-control. |
Sat, 2 March 2019
Society doesn't often reward the gentle over the harsh or the humble over the judgmental. It has even become common for Christians to match the world's harsh injustice with a kind of "righteous" harshness. In this eighth lesson on the fruit of the Spirit, we explore the gentle attitude that Jesus expects of his followers. |
Sun, 24 February 2019
What does faithfulness look like for the follower of Jesus? What is the evidence of a life of faithfulness? Join us today as Pastor Rod answers those questions. |
Sat, 16 February 2019
The word "good" might be the most overused word in the English language. We use it to describe our children's behavior, our food, even our dog. To be "good" has come to mean "not bad", but in the scripture, good means much more. In this message on the sixth Fruit of the Spirit, we learn what the Bible teaches about goodness. |
Sat, 9 February 2019
One of the most difficult fruit of the spirit to develop is patience. As members of an instant society, it can be difficult to tolerate the the aspects of life that develop more slowly. In today's lesson we explore why patience is such an important fruit for followers of Christ to produce, and how we might cultivate patience in our lives. |
Sat, 2 February 2019
Kindness has become rare in our society. For followers of Jesus, kindness should be a normal, everyday, all the time priority. In this message we explore the importance of this fourth fruit of the spirit.
Direct download: 2019_02_02_Sat_Podcast_-_H.264_for_Video_Podcasting.m4v
Category:general -- posted at: 7:53pm CST |