It's us against the world when it comes to living a Christian life. The world can be a strong magnet, luring us into the traps and trappings. But Paul is very clear in his letter to the Ephesians. He lays it out bluntly. Do this, don't do that. It's all a part of our transformation from followers of the world to followers of Christ.
Last week, Pastor Chris started part 1 of a two-part sermon on maturing as a Christian. Today it's part 2, covering unity and gifts. This is part of the larger sermon series called "What God Has Done." Everyone has a God-given gift. A set of talents and abilities that, when put to use in the name of Jesus, helps build up the Christian world and minister to the world at large.
Download the series booklet here.
By the time you listen to this sermon, Chris Pan will have been installed as the new Senior Pastor of First Prez. The installation service occurred just after this sermon. Congrats, Pastor Chris!
This sermon is a continuation of our What God Has Done series. It's a study in the book of Ephesians. We move ahead to chapter 4, which represents a transition. Today we learn that it's not ok to cruise through life as idle believers. We need to constantly grow and deepen our faith in Christ. God has placed a calling on our lives. We need to live up to and lean into that calling.
There's nothing like the love of God. It's enveloping, all-encompassing, endless, and unconditional. First Prez Ohana Ministries Director Karen Makishima delves further into God's love as she continues our sermon series, What God Has Done.
What happens to the person who gets adopted into a family? We tend to use the terms "adoptive parents" or "birth parents." And we continue to distinguish them from one another. As in many cases, God's way of looking at adoption is different. Vine Pastor Jenny Sung continues the "What God Has Done" sermon series with this sermon called Heirs Together.
Download the series booklet here.
First Prez Transitional Pastor Tim Fearer continues with our "What God Has Done" sermon series. Today we take a deep dive on being saved. Saved from what? Saved into what? Saved for what? He also draws attention to the difference between Grace and Mercy.
We're trying something new in the service today. Part of our vision is to bring everyone in the church together in order to walk with Jesus together. So we're all in with children, youth, and adults all worshipping God together. First Prez Youth Director Luke Shin continues our sermon series called What God Has Done. Today, it's all about thankfulness and prayers.
It's a special Sunday. The First Prez Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC) has made its choice for our next senior pastor. An edited version of this announcement starts today's message. Then, FPC Executive Pastor Chris Pan continues our current sermon series, What God Has Done. He goes deep into what God's plan is and what it entails for us and the world.
Find the sermon series booklet here.
Open your Bible to the book of Ephesians. That's where we're going to spend the next few months as we start a new sermon series called "What God Has Done." First Prez Transitional Pastor Tim Fearer starts with a breakdown of the salutation and the first few lines. If you come away with anything, it'll be summed up in the word "Blessed."
Download the series booklet here.
First Prez is in between sermon series. But that doesn't mean this sermon is insignificant. On the contrary. Pastor Tim Fearer takes a long, hard look at First Prez and its many facets. You'll hear about the mission and the ministries, and how our church is moving forward. But you'll also hear about challenges we face. Buckle up for The 2025 State of the Church address.
Today, FPC Transitional Pastor Tim Fearer tells us about how he made a decision to take on a position in Turkey all those years ago. It's a personal story, but the truths revealed apply to us all.
We've reached the end of the "Ending Well" sermon series. Paul is once again at the center of the story. Pastor Jenny Sung leans on a horticultural metaphor that works quite well for this life lesson.
The Apostle Paul's journey took him to many areas. He got to many of these places by walking. He also used a boat to traverse the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, on one of those maritime treks, the boat was shipwrecked. Lessons abound in this story. Our "Ending Well" sermon series continues with this message from FPC Lay Pastor Rosella Shishido.
Sometimes when we think about being an agent of the Lord, we might feel like we need a theology degree or we need to be great orators. Nothing could be further from the truth. All we need to do is tell our own story in our own words. It's as simple as that. Pastor Tim Shaw gives us a good example today as we continue our "Ending Well" sermon series.
Paul is in prison. He remains steadfast in the face of persecution and physical abuse. He knows where his heart is, where his loyalty lies, and who he places his trust in. It's knowing the end of a scary movie. Paul knows what to focus on and that Jesus is ultimately victorious despite any temporary trials Paul might have to endure. First Prez Transitional Pastor preaches from Acts ch 23-24. This is the latest installment from the Ending Well sermon series.
Our new sermon series called "Ending Well" continues. The story from Acts 22 proves that cancel culture has been around longer than we realize. But the story here also includes the antidote to the hate and disrespect we see today. First Prez Executive Pastor Chris Pan explains.
The Apostle Paul is nearing the end of his life. And we begin a new sermon series that kicks off with Paul and other believers contemplating risky travel and his possible death. Paul's response is one we can apply to our own lives, no matter where we are in the timeline of our lives.
We've been following the apostle Paul these last several weeks. His missionary journeys took him up and down the Mediterranean area. This sermon looks in on his last days in Miletus as he bids farewell to the church there. The lesson today centers around those moments in life when you're faced with bad situations. How do we handle them? Pastor Tim Fearer quotes from this book by Jacques Philippe.
Download the Further booklet here.
Our "Further" sermon series continues. Now, Paul is on his third missionary journey. He lands in Ephesus, where they worship a different god. He preaches and creates new believers, but he's also met with resistance. Enter the Holy Spirit. Listen to FPC Transitional Pastor explain what happens.
Paul is on his second missionary journey. Today we find him making his way to the bustling city of Corinth. One thing that Paul knows is that he cannot do it alone. When describing the people he shares the mission with, the word "diverse" comes to mind. FPC Pastor Jenny Sung gets into the personalities on this journey. You'll also hear an amazing testimony from an FPC Covenant Partner.
Download the "Further" booklet here.