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!

"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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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."

"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!

"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!

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.

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!

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!

"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!

"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!

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!

"...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!

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!

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?

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!

"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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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!

Pride comes at a high price. In this sermon we will study one of the most prideful men in the Old Testament - King Nebuchadnezzar.

Pastor Rod Loy sits down with missionaries Derek and Tammy Walker to discuss their important work in Africa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

"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.

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..."

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pastor Rod begins our new series looking at stories from the Bible when people were miraculously healed by Jesus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In today's world peace can be a rarity - It doesn't have to be though! God wants us to experience the peace He can provide on a daily basis. Learn how you can have peace regardless of your circumstances. Share and Invite your friends who need peace.

We continue our study of the Fruit of the Spirit with a look at Joy. The Apostle Paul tells us that followers of Christ should be filled with the Joy of the Lord. How can we find and live a life full of joy?

This weekend, we start a brand new series "The Fruit of the Spirit." Each week, we will look in depth at one of the Fruits of the Spirit, and be challenged to grow. We kick off our study with the dominant theme in Paul's letters... love.

God created the church and it belongs to Him. Our goal is to please Him in who we are and what we do. Your quest and mine should be for a biblically functioning community - a healthy church that fulfills the purposes of a church as laid out in Scripture.

When starting a new goal, like running a marathon, losing twenty pounds, or writing a book, there are two important components - starting and finishing. Both are critical to success. How can we ensure that our goals for 2019 are successful?

Pastor Rod Loy teaches how to be an encourager and why it is important for you to lift others up.

Do you struggle with unhealthy relationships? Pastor Rod Loy concludes "Come to the Table" with some keys for recognizing harmful relationships.

Pastor Rod continues our series Come to the Table with a powerful message on God's Grace.

We continue our study of David and Mephibosheth in the next installment of our series, Come to the Table. It is a powerful message stressing the importance of serving.

How do we move past our pain to be able to experience all that God has planned for us?

When your pritiories are out of order, you risk forgetting what matters to you and more importantly God. Have you forgotten the things and people that matter to God?

We bring our series, The Ten Commandments, to a close with the tenth commandment, Don't Covet. It will be a powerful exploration of the sinful desires of the heart.

We continue our series, The Ten Commandments, with the ninth commandment, a powerful message about how lies destroy relationship with God, relationship with others, and unity in the body of Christ.

Messages devoted to the eighth commandment - Do Not Steal are rare.  This one is powerful, and you might be surprised how much it applies to all of us.

We continue our series on The Ten Commandments by studying the seventh commandment - Do Not Commit Adultery.  We might think this is a straight forward commandment, but what did Jesus have to say about it?

We continue our series, The Ten Commandments, with the sixth commandment - Do Not Murder. It sounds like an easy commandment to follow, but the application might surprise you.

We continue our series with the fifth commandment, Honor Your Father and Mother.  Parents, you may be surprised that this isn't just for the kids!

The fourth commandment, "keep the Sabbath holy", seems like an easy commandment, but in reality it is about much more than going to church on Sunday or Saturday.

The third commandment, "You Shall Not Use the Lord's Name in Vain" is not only about profanity. You will be challenged by this thought provoking message on our responsibility to revere the name of the God.

We continue our series, The Ten Commandments, by looking at the second commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me." You might think, "I'm too smart to fall for that kind of trick. No golden calves for me!" But, I'm afraid we are often guilty of worshiping other types of idols.

The first commandment is, "You shall have no other gods before Me."  The temptation is to say, "I've got this one down, I don't pray to evil spirits.  I love Jesus."  If that is your response, then you've missed the intent of this commandment.

looking at the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego we learn how Jesus helps us when we walk through the fire.

When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar, they knew they would be facing the fire. It wasn't a figure of speech, but an actual furnace in which they were to be burned alive. Christians must endure big problems in life, and from this story we can learn what we should remember when we are in the fire.

Everyone faces challenges in life - some easy, some hard. What do you do when you are faced with difficult circumstances and it seems like there is no way out? Pastor Rod walks through the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den and how God can help you through anything you face.

Who are the people in your life that influence your decisions? Today, we will continue our series, Daniel: Dare to Be Different by looking at a remarkable story from Daniel's life. It will be a powerful lesson on how to know who the Daniels in your life are.

At some point, every parent has hears the excuse, "But, everyone is doing it!", prompting the obligatory response "If everyone was jumping off of a cliff...". Even as adults it can be difficult to follow God's commands when the world around us expects otherwise. In today's lesson we learn from Daniel how to to the right thing even though everyone is doing it.