Shows
firstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesBold Steps of Faith: A Step of Forgiveness | July 13, 2025Tim DeFor | What happens when someone wrongs you so deeply that reconciliation seems impossible? Jacob cheated his brother Esau out of everything—so how could forgiveness ever be part of their story? Their reunion isn't just surprising, it shows us a powerful glimpse of what forgiveness can really do—even when it's the last thing we expect.
2025-07-1335 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesBold Steps of Faith: A Step Toward Healing | June 29, 2025Tim DeFor | What does Jesus' ability and willingness to heal the deadliest of diseases say about him? Why would Jesus honor the request of a non-Jewish soldier to heal a servant from a distance? What kind of faith does Jesus say is the best? What does this tell us about Jesus? The answer isn't what you expect.
2025-06-2929 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesBold Steps of Faith: Don't Wait | June 22, 2025Tim DeFor | God does great things when His people obey and take bold steps of faith. But what happens when we don't move when he commands? The Israelites learn that what they feared is nothing compared to the consequences of faithless delay.
2025-06-2228 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesBold Steps of Faith: An Eternal StepTim DeFor | Sometimes life is like walking through a dense fog, not being able to see what the next step might bring - scary! Is it possible to walk boldly despite potential dangers and no guarantees that today and tomorrow will be trouble free? The testimonies of faith shout "YES!" and even tell us how.
2025-06-0834 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesBold Steps of Faith: A Giant StepTim DeFor | Could you pass this ultimate test of faith? Abraham is challenged to take a giant step of faith and discover what's on the other side of deepest surrender. What he learns becomes the cornerstone of faith around the world.
2025-06-0131 min
firstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesBold Steps of Faith: In the Steps of JesusTim DeFor | Do you ever wonder at the bold steps of faith that amazing people in the Bible took in their lives? They weren't perfect, but they made history and are written about for eternity. It took incredible courage, perseverance, discipline and trust. But what if their way of living out faith is not meant to be the exception for Christ followers, but the norm? Sometimes it seems impossible, but according to Hebrews, it is more than possible!
2025-05-2531 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesRevealed: Reasonable Faith?Tim DeFor | Jesus' resurrection from the dead is such an extraordinary claim, that many would say doubting it happened is reasonable. But what if it is reasonable to believe? What does the early evidence tell us? What difference does it make anyway?
2025-05-0433 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesRevealed: What Would It Take?Tim DeFor | Skepticism has its advantages. It can protect you from being taken advantage of or being made a fool. No one wants to be gullible and pay the price. But could it be that too much skepticism can lead you to miss out on some of the best things?
2025-04-2731 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesEaster 2025Tim DeFor | Jesus promised an expanding never ending kingdom of peace, but when the King died, how could his kingdom possibly survive, let alone thrive? The answer 2,000 years ago is still the answer today. And the answer has made all the difference.
2025-04-2030 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Old Tradition, New Meaning | April 6, 2025Tim DeFor | Traditions like fireworks on July 4, flowers on graves on Memorial Day, and giving presents at Christmas help us remember important events from the past. How would you feel if someone took a deeply beloved hundreds-of-years-long tradition and made it all about himself? That's exactly what Jesus did.
2025-04-0631 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Perfume or Payday | March 30, 2025Tim DeFor | How could one extravagant gift would be so controversial? After all, whose business is it anyway? After all, isn't it the thought that counts? This week's story reveals how far people would go to accomplish their hearts' desire. It may surprise you how much you can relate.
2025-03-3030 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Recognizing Spiritual Abusers | March 16th, 2025Tim DeFor | Leaders can bring hope and healing. They can also bring pain and destructive when abusive. Abuse of any kind by someone in authority is sinful and destructive, and spiritual abuse by church leaders can be especially insidious. How can God's people recognize abusive spiritual leaders before it is too late?
2025-03-1632 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesBold Steps of Faith: Celebration Sunday | March 9, 2025Tim DeFor | Celebrating God's faithfulness and recognizing the bold steps of faith of those who have gone before encourages followers of Jesus to step into the future with confidence and hope. Take a look at the history of firstChristian of Norfolk from its beginning over 130 years ago through today, and look to God as he leads us to take bold steps of faith to transform the future.
2025-03-0950 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesColossians: Outsiders In | February 23, 2025Tim DeFor | People of Jesus live differently, and it is beautiful. When our weird and wonderful lives will attract attention from others are we ready? You can be.
2025-02-2329 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesColossians: Everyday Transformation | February 16, 2025Tim DeFor | Power abuse is everywhere. You may think that eliminating it from politics and big business by force is how to change the world. But the real answer starts a lot closer to home.
2025-02-1632 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesColossians: Freedom to Live Free | February 9, 2025Tim DeFor | "Live free or die!" Jesus freed us from false religion so we can have true life in him. But when the useless rules and restrictions of religion are rejected, does that mean we can do whatever we want? If not, how can we learn to live free?
2025-02-0932 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesColossians: Real Life vs Fake Religion | February 02, 2025Tim DeFor | Everyone wants to live life to the fullest. For Christians, this included living in the freedom Jesus came to bring. Rituals and rules can provide structure and guidelines, but too often religion steals rather than strengthens life. How can Christians keep religion from robbing them of the real freedom found in Jesus that leads to a full life?
2025-02-0230 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesColossians: Real Life Through Jesus | January 26, 2025Tim DeFor | Have you ever been forced off the road by an inconsiderate, oblivious or even road raging driver? It's scary! But what is even worse is when it happens spiritually. It doesn't have to happen to you, or the ones you love. Paul knew the dangers and instructs early Christians on how to build a resilient faith on this life journey. If you want to know how to keep your life on track with Jesus, his message is for you.
2025-01-2629 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesColossians: When Sharing Jesus Hurts | January 19, 2025Tim DeFor | Sometimes sharing Jesus costs more than we expect. We can lose friends, family, reputation, comfort, and so much more. This may make us want to back away, withdraw, give up or pretend things aren't so bad. But what if instead, when sharing Jesus hurts, we could honestly celebrate?
2025-01-1929 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesColossians: Gospel Wins | January 5, 2025Tim DeFor | Celebrating wins is awesome! But what wins are worth celebrating in the lives of Christians and a church? How can you tell if the Gospel is winning? It may not be what you think.
2025-01-0530 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesArrival: Hope Is Born | December 24, 2024Tim DeFor | When what we've been waiting for finally arrives, is there a chance we could miss it?
2024-12-2526 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesArrival: Prepare for ArrivalTim DeFor | When someone you love is coming home, you prepare for their arrival. The same is true for Christians awaiting Jesus' second arrival. How can Christians best prepare for Jesus' return?
2024-12-1532 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesArrival: Experiencing Jesus | December 8, 2024Tim DeFor | If you could give those you love deeply just one gift, what would it be? What if you could never provide it, but you knew someone who could? What would you ask for?
2024-12-0830 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesArrival: The Difference | December 1, 2024Tim DeFor | The impact of Jesus arrival over 2,000 years ago can't be overestimated. Billions of people celebrate his arrival around the world each year and it even changed our calendars. But these are minor in comparison to the difference Jesus makes everyday, all around the world.
2024-12-0129 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Ultimate Servant LeadershipTim DeFor | What does God desire in a leader? Do you have what it takes? The good news tells us that everyone has what it takes to be great, to lead, to grow his kingdom! Jesus demonstrates what it take, and invites us to follow his lead.
2024-11-1030 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Holy AmbitionTim DeFor | Only one can be the greatest. Most people dream of being the G.O.A.T. But, is it okay for Christians to aspire to greatness? If so, what does greatness look like in God's Kingdom?
2024-10-2732 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Alone Is Not EnoughTim DeFor | Do you ever feel inadequate to fight the spiritual battles around you? Does it seem like God and others are expecting you to be more capable than you are? What can you do when you are over your head and inadequate for the task before you? The answer is sometimes simple, but not often automatic.
2024-10-2029 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: The Only OneTim DeFor | Many people think choosing a religion is like choosing a brand of ice cream. Just pick whatever suits your fancy. But is that true? Is Christianity different? What does Jesus want his disciples to know about him that eliminates all other options?
2024-10-1331 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Broken ReligionTim DeFor | If a vast majority of people in this world are religious, and there are approximately 4,000 religions, and converting religious people to following Jesus is difficult and potentially dangerous, why bother? If you have ever asked yourself this question, than take a closer look at what sets Christianity apart from all the rest.
2024-10-0629 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Unnecessary RoughnessTim DeFor | If God is all powerful and he wants us to serve him, it seems like he would smooth the path for us. But, sometimes ministry seems unnecessarily rough. You're not alone if you ever wonder why God doesn't make serving him easier. His disciples wondered the same thing. And the answer may not be what you think.
2024-09-2928 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: It's PersonalTim DeFor | Do you know any hopeless cases? Someone who has destroyed every relationship, consumed every resource, and seems fully committed to self-destruction? Can they be transformed? If so, what does it take? And what impact could it have on others?
2024-09-1530 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Friendly FireTim DeFor | The Good News is a new message for those who haven't heard. And it often takes new methods. The enemy will attack, distract, and discredit to discourage Jesus's messengers. But it is especially discouraging when they take friendly fire from religious people. Jesus shows us what it takes to reach new people and what to expect when we do.
2024-09-0832 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Proof Jesus CanTim DeFor | How do we know we are not being lied to about Jesus? You can't see if sins are forgiven, so how can we know Jesus can forgive sins? This knew this is a question that would be asked, so he answered it powerfully.
2024-09-0124 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Know Your EnemyTim DeFor | When pro sports teams prepare for big games, they spend hours studying video of their opponents past games. Why? Because one of the best ways to defeat an opponent on the sports field is to know their strategy in advance. This is also true spiritually. If you would like to know the strategy your enemy Satan is going to use against you, and how to defeat him, this is for you!
2024-08-2529 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMark: Introducing JesusTim DeFor | Introductions are not easy. And they become increasingly difficult as the importance of the person and the potential impact on the audience increases. There's no introduction larger than Jesus. How can you effectively introduce your savior to others?
2024-08-1829 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLearning Curve: Enough Is EnoughTim DeFor | If you could wish for two things what would they be? I don't think the answer changes much over the history of humankind. Probably most would desire some combination of health, wealth and/or happiness. These can all be a real blessing and solve many problems, however a wise man of ancient days sees these things differently. Maybe he is on to something.
2024-08-0428 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLearning Curve: Healthy Home Happy LifeTim DeFor | Everyone who marries wants a lasting loving marriage, filled with happiness, contentment, and companionship. Yet, 40% of first marriages, and over 50% of all marriages tragically end in divorce. The health of a marriage impacts the health of every area of life, making who and/or if you marry the second most important decision in your lifetime. Does the ancient godly wisdom of Proverbs have anything to say about this?
2024-07-2831 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLearning Curve: Healthy WisdomTim DeFor | Heart disease is the leading killer in the US for men and women. It is a silent killer that develops over time. Everybody wants a healthy heart. Millions of books, blogs, videos and articles sell their ideas of what diets, sleep patterns, exercise, and even ways of thinking and speaking are best for your heart. Even more important than the physical condition is the spiritual condition of our heart. How can we in order to have the healthiest heart for the best possible life? The Bible has an answer.
2024-07-0722 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLearning Curve: Wisdom at WorkTim DeFor | Whether in the office or field, on the road or roof, at home or away, everyone wants their work to be productive, pleasing, and purposeful. People have written thousands of books on how to win at work, but no matter what you do without this one principle, you miss out on the greatest gains.
2024-06-3032 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLearning Curve: The View Is Worth the ClimbTim DeFor | What is your why? When the path gets hard, it helps to remember why you took the hard path, to remember the destination, the view from the mountain lookout. Often wisdom doesn't come easy. Wouldn't it be better to just take the path of least resistance? A wise father tells us why gaining wisdom is worth the squeeze.
2024-06-2328 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLearning Curve: Wisdom at WorkTim DeFor | Whether in the office or field, on the road or roof, at home or away, everyone wants their work to be productive, pleasing, and purposeful. People have written thousands of books on how to win at work, but no matter what you do without this one principle, you miss out on the greatest gains.
2024-06-1629 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesTwisted Scriptures | Untwisting God's WordsTim DeFor | Understanding the Bible is serious business. Christians are to handle the Word of truth correctly, so God would approve and we will not be ashamed. If so, how seriously do you think God takes own his quoted words being twisted? This week, we look at three things God said that commonly get misused and how we can untwist them.
2024-05-2628 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesTwisted Scriptures: Everything for a Reason?Tim DeFor | When tragedy descends, some well-meaning friend will often say "everything happens for a reason". They are saying that even though we don't know how, God is behind the events for our good, after all "God works all things for the good of those who love him," right? The answer may not be what you've been led to believe.
2024-05-1929 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesTwisted Scripture: Judge Not?Tim DeFor | "Judge not, lest you be judged!" is a favorite verse of Christians and non-Christians alike. Does that mean anything goes? If not, how can Christians address sin without disobeying Jesus and destroying their walk and their witness?
2024-05-0532 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesTwisted Scripture: An American Promise?TIm DeFor | Many see the hardships in America as God's judgment on our moral decay. As God's people, how should we respond? Getting it right can bring times of refreshing. Getting it wrong can lead us to misplace our hope. How can we be sure we aren't twisting God's great promise to "heal the land"?
2024-04-2834 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesGreater: FamilyTim DeFor | "I love Jesus, but I don't like the church." Have you ever heard (or thought) something like this? Your not alone. Sometimes the church doesn't look or act like Jesus. If so, would Christians, and the world be better off without the church?
2024-04-1429 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesGreater: TruthTim DeFor | Christians claim the Bible to be the true Word of God. It is were we get our foundational understanding of God, ourselves, life, the world, and everything in it. Some see this as ignorant, seeing the Bible as nothing more than a man-made collection of stories and religious rules. In a modern world full of skeptics, is it reasonable to believe the Bible is the true, authoritative and life-changing word of God?
2024-04-0732 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesEaster: Greater LoveTim DeFor | Easter is the most important celebration for followers of Jesus. It's all about Jesus' resurrection from the dead. This is such an extraordinary claim, that in today's world, it isn't hard to find skeptics. Is it reasonable to believe in the resurrection? What does the early evidence tell us? What difference does it make anyway?
2024-03-3132 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesThe Conversationalist: Talk Like JesusTim DeFor | If you walked with Jesus as he encountered people at work, at home, on the street, you would witness how one conversation can change a life forever. Before he left, Jesus commissioned his followers to share his life-giving message with others. What can we learn from Jesus' conversations and can our conversations still change lives?
2024-03-2431 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPhilippians: Why Give?Tim DeFor | Do you ever wonder if your giving matters? If it makes a difference? Sure, it may help keep the lights on and pay the bills, but does it really matter if you give or not? God owns everything, so he really doesn't need your money? So, why give? The benefits to giving to the mission of the church may not what be what you think.
2024-03-1030 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPhilippians: Staying on CourseTim DeFor | When racing, going off course can cost a trophy. When hiking, it can get you lost. In faith, not staying on course will cause you to miss out on the greatest gift and greatest goal of life. Too often others, even with good intentions will try to lead you back to the well worn path that leads to a spiritual dead end. How can Christians stay on course on their journey of faith?
2024-02-1827 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPhilippians: Leaders Eat LastTim DeFor | The difficulties of the last few years have increased stress and impacted the effectiveness of the local church. How can Christians, especially leaders, live like Jesus and encourage others through challenging circumstances?
2024-02-1128 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPhilippians: Being Jesus Level DifferentTim DeFor | Are Christians any more self-less than anyone else? If Christ has made a difference in our lives, shouldn't our lives look different? Then why is it often hard to tell the difference? How are Christians meant to be different and what would the outcome be? The answers may surprise you.
2024-02-0430 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPhilippians: The Triumph in TroublesTim DeFor | Following Jesus can bring more troubles than expected in this life, especially from those who strongly oppose Christ. Attacks and hardships may seem like the enemy is winning, but could it be that our troubles are part of God's plan to bring triumph? How can Christians see persecution as spiritual opportunities?
2024-01-2830 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPhilippians: Good to Great ChurchesTim DeFor | The Church in America was negatively impacted from 2020-2022, having Church participation retreat faster than ever. It isn't hard to think of the difficult times that contributed. But, great churches can thrive despite hardships. How can great churches continue to advance no matter the circumstances?
2024-01-2132 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLook Ahead by Looking UpTim DeFor | Where do you see yourself in 1 year, 10 years, 20 years? Is it even possible to predict? How much control do you have over your future? Could it be that the best way to look ahead is to actually look up?
2024-01-0728 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLook Back to Move UpTim DeFor | Paul encourages followers of Jesus "to forget what is behind" and move forward. But if we do that, could we be missing out on so much God has for us. What role does remembering the past play in growing us as God's people?
2023-12-3126 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesThe Perfect Gift: For AllTim DeFor | It's the thought that counts, right? Sometimes a gift, though possibly extravagant, doesn't seem very well thought out. It seems...not right. It doesn't fit. It isn't what you asked for. It brings more trouble than comfort. It isn't what was expected. It doesn't seem like it would bring joy. But could it be that the giver had you in mind all along when sending the Perfect Gift.
2023-12-2424 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesThe Perfect Gift: Better Than The PackagingTim DeFor | Are you good at guessing gifts by the packing? At white elephant exchanges, sometimes the best gifts come in the least flashy packages. Israel didn't expect the promised king to show up as he did. He wasn't what they expected, but he was exactly what we all needed.
2023-12-1029 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesThe Perfect Gift: An Unexpected BonusTim DeFor | Have you received a gift, not realizing that it was so much better than you ever expected? Way better than the extra bonuses that infomercials promise, when we receive the perfect gift of Jesus we get more than we may initially think. But what could possible make the perfect gift of Jesus even better?
2023-12-0330 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesShout Out: Extra GratefulTim DeFor | You might think that an extreme gift would evoke exceptional gratitude. This isn't always the case. Why is it that sometimes the most blessed show the least thankfulness? And why are those seemingly distant from God sometimes the ones who are the most thankful?
2023-11-1926 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesShout Out: Guess Who's Coming to DinnerTim DeFor | Jesus said it was hard for rich people to follow him. So why did Zacchaeus, a rich, sinful, crooked business man, will few friends and hated by many joyfully give up so much of his wealth after one encounter with Jesus?
2023-11-1231 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesCompounding Faith: Making It StickTim DeFor | If you observe Christians over time, you will know that faith doesn't always stick. But when it does stick, it can fuel God's people to change the world, one life at a time. This week we explore the question, What does sticky faith look like and how do we make faith more sticky for ourselves and others?
2023-10-2928 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesCompounding Faith: Add Love and Mix WellTim DeFor | Gathering Sunday morning as God's family is powerful. But how does God desire to use Monday-Saturday to change the world? It may not be what you think.
2023-10-2230 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesCompounding Faith: We Are the LightTim DeFor | How can a gathering of unique individuals with dramatic differences dispel darkness and change the world? Hint: It doesn't come naturally.
2023-10-1529 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesActs 29 - The Next ChapterTim DeFor | Does the book of Acts describe old history or guide to us to a new story? Does what happened 2,000 years ago matter for today and the future of firstChristian? It depends...
2023-10-0830 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: An Unstoppable PromiseTim DeFor | Sometimes God's promises may seem like impossible dreams. Around every corner is another obstacle and you are powerless against overcome them. In times like these, what are we to do? We can find some answers from Paul and his companions on a wild autumn cruise in the Mediterranean Sea.
2023-09-2430 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Powerfully PowerlessTim DeFor | Do you ever feel like God is calling you to something impossible? With all the obstacles and dangers, how are Christians supposed to fulfill our calling? It takes two things, and you are only responsible for one.
2023-09-1729 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: A Dangerous CallingTim DeFor | God's tells us that listening to wise counsel can protect us from danger. So why would a Christian willingly ignore repeated warnings from Holy Spirit lead people? The answer is clear, and uncomfortable.
2023-09-1030 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Ministry SuccessTim DeFor | When you think of success, you may think of things that can be measured with numbers: how many sales, how much income, how many customers, how many first place ribbons. But is that how successful ministry is measured? If not, how? The answer is simple, but not easy.
2023-09-0330 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Transforming Sinful CultureTim DeFor | Our sin diseased culture is deadly? How can our decaying culture be cured? Is amputation the only answer? The disease is familiar, but the radical cure may be a surprise.
2023-08-2730 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: All InTim DeFor | It is hard to accept correction. But even the best athletes know they need coaching. Accepting help can mean the difference between doing your best and becoming your best. How can we be the kind of people who, together become our best?
2023-08-2027 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Master Class in MinistryTim DeFor | Continuing education is valuable in many fields; education, business, medicine, legal, sports, and many more. But what about ministry? Do the mature need to keep learning? What qualities does the master need to master in order to be a master teacher?
2023-08-1329 min2023-08-0630 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Can Following Jesus Hurt?Tim DeFor | If things are hard, does that mean I'm not following Jesus? Doesn't Jesus want my life to be smooth and easy? Isn't Jesus supposed to keep me safe and out of harm's way? If not, then way follow Jesus?
2023-07-3029 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Dividing to MultiplyTim DeFor | Sharp disagreements between Christians, especially because of failings can bring major division. But could Jesus still use division to multiply ministry and build his Church? One example in Acts involving church leaders and ministry helpers can encourage Christians in conflict.
2023-07-2329 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: War and Peace: Is Jesus the God of War or the Prince of PeaceTim DeFor | If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, why does his message bring violent opposition? What are Christians to think about the opposition? Is God closing a door or is the enemy is counterattacking?
2023-07-0929 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: CounterattackTim DeFor | When an enemy you want to hit back. How should Christians respond when the enemies of God attack us?
2023-07-0230 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Stretched by GodTim DeFor | Sometimes you have to unlearn something in order to grow. Though incredibly difficult, it is often necessary. Poor techniques at the piano or on the basketball court can keep us from playing to our highest potential. But false assumptions about God, ourselves, or others truly hold us back from fully experiencing and expressing the life God gives. Peter learned this hard lesson as God stretched him, and he would never be the same.
2023-06-2529 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: What Do You Do with an Enemy?Tim DeFor | There are more people who are enemies of the church than in Bible times. So what do we do with enemies? One dramatic story of an enemy, a terrorist against the church can show Christians that the way of the gospel is different than the way of the world.
2023-06-1828 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Motives of the HeartTim DeFor | Is wanting a good thing for the wrong reasons okay? What happens when the hearts of God's people are out of alignment with God's heart? As Jesus grows his church to the "undesirables" and even to the ends of the earth, the answer emerges and it is as timely as ever.
2023-06-1129 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: Succeed Through FailureTim DeFor Sometimes failure is fatal. We see that in the life of the first martyr, Stephen. But does his failure mean he didn't succeed? How does God see it? Perhaps success and failure are not as clear cut as they appear.
2023-06-0429 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: A Deadly GiftTim DeFor | The Holy Spirit through God's people can grow a life giving community. Along the way, There are many threatening dangers. But the spirit will go to great lengths to protect God's children.
2023-05-1430 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: To Share Good NewsTim DeFor | Do you find it hard to share the good news of Jesus? Has telling others about Jesus felt forced or that you don't have the right opportunities? Does it feel like something this important should be left to well organized big tent revivals and the speakers should be seminary educated? What if it doesn't have to be that way?
2023-05-0729 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesPoured Out: For PurposeTim DeFor | What do you do when you aren't sure what to do? Sometimes when God says he is up to something, we are prone to take action without clear guidance from God. Even so, with God, we should expect the unexpected, and join what he is doing when he shows up.
2023-04-1628 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesOpen your Eyes!Tim DeFor | A first glance can be helpful, but when it comes to Jesus, it isn't enough. As Jesus' disciples learned after his resurrection, to see Jesus for who he is, it takes more. 2,000 years later, can we still learn from their experience and see Jesus?
2023-04-0932 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless: Is It Too Late?Tim DeFor | There is a saying that youth is wasted on the young. Solomon may agree. What advice would the second wisest man give to his younger self? It may surprise you.
2023-03-1929 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless : Investing in Eternity in Times Of UncertaintyTim DeFor When so much of life is out of control, how can we invest in ways that are most likely to pay off? It may surprise you that the principles that work in today's bear and bull markets, also work for eternity.
2023-03-1227 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless: Living Through UncertaintyTim DeFor | The meaninglessness and uncertainties of life breed anxiety. Troubles and dangers surround the good and the wicked, the wise and the fool. People with hearts filled with evil and madness torment others all their days. So, how can the godly enjoy life in such a toxic environment?
2023-02-2627 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless: Who's the Boss?Tim DeFor | Sometimes it is hard to respect those in authority. They can seem incompetent, ungodly, and and out of touch. Their decisions cause others harm, and yet they seem to prosper. How should God's people respond? It may not be as simple as you think.
2023-02-1927 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless: Building Your Brand?Tim DeFor | In business, branding is worth billions. In life, reputation can mean lasting success or impending disaster. You can't control other people's opinions, the ups and downs of life, or the conflicts that arise. So, how can you build your brand that will survive and thrive for generations to come?
2023-02-0528 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMore and Better, Isn'tTim DeFor | How much would you hate life if you had everything your heart desired, but weren't able to enjoy it? Sadly, that is spinout causing pothole on the road of riches. Could it be that when our focus becomes getting more and better, we miss out on the best?
2023-01-2928 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless: More Money, More Problems...UnlessTim DeFor | So many problems, and so much pain comes from the grip of stuff and grasping for more money, from the executive in the C suite to the day laborer in the field. But, seeing the disease is only one step toward a cure. This week, I suggest a cure, based on the observations of the second wisest man to have lived.
2023-01-2232 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLonging for Christmas: The Family You've Always WantedTim DeFor | Christmas is about family. But not just in the way that you may think. Christmas isn't just about getting together with those you grew up with, it is about celebrating the family God gave us through Christmas.
2022-12-2518 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLonging for Christmas: Bringing Good NewsTim DeFor | God wasn't just going to send us Good News, His plan was to bring it to us Himself.
2022-12-2519 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLonging for Christmas: Longing for ForgivenessTim DeFor | If you've hurt someone you know loves you, you've likely felt the heart brokenness of them turning away. You hope the relationship isn't beyond repair and you long for forgiveness. But what if the other person doesn't want to forgive? What if it is God you have hurt? Is God reluctant or eager to forgive?
2022-12-1129 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesLonging for Christmas | Hope that Doesn't DisappointTim DeFor | Is your hope just wishful expectation? It depends. Hope can be a prelude to devastation, or a divine gift that we all long for. Which is yours?
2022-11-2726 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless: The Limits of WisdomTim DeFor | We respect wise people. We are taught to pray for wisdom. But what can wisdom really do for us? It may be better than foolishness, but wisdom has its limits.
2022-11-0626 minfirstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesMeaningless: Sunrise, Sunset, RepeatTim DeFor | Have you experienced the monotony of life? Is there such a thing as true fulfilment? In the end, will this short life really be worth it? Hard questions seek honest answers, not easy ones.
2022-10-2331 min
firstChristian Norfolk | Sunday MessagesOne Church, Under GodRacial and cultural tension is high today. How should the church respond? Pastor Jerome Wilson joins Lead Minister Tim DeFor for a discussion about unity in diversity, culture, and the Kingdom.
2020-08-0933 min