FPC Douglasville

Join us for reflections on scripture, spiritual practices to help you grow as a disciple, and conversations about what it means to follow Jesus. A podcast from the First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville, GA.

Following Jesus (July 13, 2025) 07/15/2025

Following Jesus (July 13, 2025) Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:45-21:4 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the Book of Luke. The story of the widow's mite is often interpreted as a lesson about sacrificial giving, when it may actually be Jesus highlighting religious corruption. Positioned between Jesus' condemnation of scribes who 'devour widows' houses' and prophecies about the temple's destruction, this account shows a vulnerable woman exploited by corrupt religious leaders. Jesus appears heartbroken, not impressed, by her giving everything she had to live on. This serves as a warning about how religious institutions can drift from their purpose and exploit the vulnerable, while also reminding us of the importance of accountability structures and healing for those hurt by the church. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/37398980

Following Jesus: July 6, 2025 07/08/2025

Following Jesus: July 6, 2025 Rev. James Harper preached on Luke 20:27-44 as part of our sermon series "Following Jesus" on the Book of Luke. Jesus confronted the Sadducees who denied the resurrection with a powerful defense of life after death. The Sadducees, a powerful but disliked group who controlled the Jewish Sanhedrin, tried to trap Jesus with a trick question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus responded by revealing their misunderstanding of both God's character and Scripture. He explained that the resurrection reality differs from earthly life, and pointed to scriptural evidence including God's self-identification as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - patriarchs who were physically dead but alive to God. This resurrection hope gives meaning that transcends our circumstances and reminds us that God desires eternal relationship with us. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/37318050

Following Jesus: June 29, 2025. 07/01/2025

Following Jesus: June 29, 2025. Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:20-26 as part of our sermon series, Following Jesus in the Book of Luke. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/37220820

Following Jesus (June 22, 2025) 06/24/2025

Following Jesus (June 22, 2025) Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Luke 20:9-19, the Parable of the Vineyard, as part of the Following Jesus sermon series on the book of Luke. The Parable of the Vineyard in Luke 20:9-19 reveals four key motivations that drive human actions: ambition, desire, fear, and love. Jesus uses the story of tenants who mistreat and kill the vineyard owner's servants and son to illustrate humanity's rebellion against God. While the religious leaders were driven by ambition for power and fear of people's opinions, God demonstrates persistent love by repeatedly reaching out despite rejection. The parable challenges us to examine our hearts, grow in God's love, practice proper reverence, produce spiritual fruit, and make Jesus the cornerstone of our lives. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/37116725

Following Jesus: June 15, 2025 06/17/2025

Following Jesus: June 15, 2025 Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:1-8 as part of our sermon series through the book of Luke: Following Jesus. Jesus faced a challenge from religious leaders questioning his authority, which reveals two foundations of his power: his identity as God's Son and his obedience to Scripture. As Christians, we should live under the same dual authority - our relationship with God and the guidance of Scripture. Other sources of authority like science, culture, or personal preference ultimately fail because they ignore our divine design. When we struggle in our faith, it's often because we've fallen into selective obedience, choosing which parts of God's Word to follow while ignoring others. True flourishing comes when we fully embrace God's authority in every area of life. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/37028285

Following Jesus: Luke 19: 11-27 06/10/2025

Following Jesus: Luke 19: 11-27 Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 19:11-27 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the book of Luke. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36937175

Following Jesus (Luke 18:31-43) 06/03/2025

Following Jesus (Luke 18:31-43) Rev James Harper preaches on Luke 18:31-43 as part of the continuing Following Jesus sermon series on the book of Luke. In Luke 18:31-43, we see a powerful contrast between spiritual blindness and true sight. While Jesus' disciples, who had spent years with Him, failed to understand His clear predictions about His coming death and resurrection, a blind beggar in Jericho immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Despite never having seen Jesus, this man's faith allowed him to perceive what the disciples could not. When Jesus healed him, He emphasized that the man's faith had made him spiritually whole, not just able to see. This story challenges us to examine whether we truly see Jesus with eyes of faith or merely know facts about Him. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36807680

Gifts of the King (May 25, 2025) 05/27/2025

Gifts of the King (May 25, 2025) Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on 2 Kings 6: 8-23 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series. Spiritual vision allows us to perceive beyond physical appearances to recognize God's deeper work in our lives and in the world. Like Elisha's servant who saw God's heavenly army, we can develop the ability to see situations from God's perspective. This vision transforms our outlook on challenges, helping us recognize that God is with us, for us, and in control. By looking beyond immediate circumstances to eternal realities, we can navigate difficulties with confidence, knowing that present struggles are preparing us for future glory. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36714265

Gifts of the King (May 18, 2025) 05/20/2025

Gifts of the King (May 18, 2025) Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:19-27 as part of our sermon series on Gifts of the King. God's discipline differs fundamentally from punishment, with discipline focused on growth and restoration while punishment deals with past wrongs. Through Gehazi's story in 2 Kings 5, we learn that believers experience discipline rather than punishment due to Christ's sacrifice. While all Christians remain under God's loving discipline, not all suffering indicates sin. Understanding this distinction helps us recognize God's role as a loving Father who shapes His children's character rather than a harsh punisher. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36628785

The Gifts of the King (May 11, 2025) 05/13/2025

The Gifts of the King (May 11, 2025) Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:1-14 as part of the "Gifts of the King" Sermon Series. True restoration involves being reformed into the person God intended from creation. Through Naaman's story, we learn that God's path to restoration is straightforward yet often challenging to accept. The process requires giving up control, embracing humility, and developing patience. Key steps include honestly naming areas needing restoration, building a daily relationship with Jesus, and connecting with supportive fellow believers. While complete restoration awaits in heaven, God offers ways to begin healing through kingdom living. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36537060

Gifts of the King (May 4, 2025) 05/06/2025

Gifts of the King (May 4, 2025) Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:38-41 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series. In times of famine, a deadly situation arose when poisonous wild gourds were accidentally added to a pot of stew meant for the prophets' sons. This story from 2 Kings 4:38-41 illustrates how sin poisoned God's perfect creation, affecting all humanity. Just as Elisha used flour to neutralize the poison, Jesus became the ultimate solution to sin's deadly effects through His death and resurrection. While believers may still struggle with sin's residual effects, transformation is possible through Christ's power, support from others, and practical steps toward change. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36437135

Gifts of the King (April 27, 2025) 04/29/2025

Gifts of the King (April 27, 2025) Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:1-7 as part of our Gifts of the King Sermon Series. The biblical account of Elisha and the widow's oil reveals profound truths about God's compassionate nature and the power of generosity. God demonstrates His care for individual struggles by miraculously providing for a desperate widow facing debt and potential loss of her children. This narrative teaches that God has unlimited resources at His disposal and often works through the generosity of others. The ultimate message centers on breaking the power of money in our lives by recognizing Jesus as our true treasure, leading to a life of sacrificial giving and genuine freedom. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36338860

Easter - Gifts of the King (April 20th) 04/22/2025

Easter - Gifts of the King (April 20th) Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:25-37 as part of the sermon series on Elisha the prophet, connecting the story with the power of Jesus's resurrection. The story of the Shunammite woman demonstrates profound truths about hope triumphing over grief. After receiving a miraculous son through the prophet Elisha, she faced devastating loss when the child died. Instead of accepting death, she demonstrated remarkable faith by placing her son in Elisha's bed and seeking the prophet's help. Her declaration that 'all is well' amid tragedy reveals a deep understanding that hope, through God's power, ultimately defeats grief. This ancient story connects to the eternal hope we have through Christ's resurrection, showing that while grief is temporary, hope is eternal. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36251900

Maundy Thursday (April 17) 04/20/2025

Maundy Thursday (April 17) In our final sermon of the Letters of Recommendation Series, Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Judas and Jesus, with scripture from Matthew 27:3-10. The story of Judas at the Last Supper reveals profound lessons about grace and forgiveness. Despite knowing Judas would betray Him, Jesus demonstrated extraordinary love by washing his feet, welcoming him at the table, and calling him friend. Unlike other biblical figures who found redemption after failure, Judas's tragedy lay not only in his betrayal, but in his inability to accept forgiveness. This narrative reminds us that God's grace remains available regardless of our past, and while we live, our story isn't finished. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36234660

Lent 2025 - April 18 04/18/2025

Lent 2025 - April 18 Sarah Dickinson reflects on Jesus with scripture from Matthew 26:36-46. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36159790

Lent 2025 - April 16 04/16/2025

Lent 2025 - April 16 Samantha Michaelson reflects on the disciple John with scripture from John 19:25-27. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36159720

Letters of Recommendation (April 13, 2025) 04/15/2025

Letters of Recommendation (April 13, 2025) Rev. James Harper preaches on Gideon, with scripture from Judges 7:1-8. God's power can shine bright through those who feel inadequate or ill-equipped. Through Gideon's transformation from a fearful man hiding in a winepress to a mighty warrior leading just 300 men to victory, we see God's pattern of using unlikely heroes. This truth continues today, as demonstrated by untouchable women in India who, despite minimal resources and education, are successfully planting churches and transforming communities. The key isn't human capability but rather availability and trust in God's power. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36131700

Lent 2025 - April 14 04/14/2025

Lent 2025 - April 14 Tim Rogers reflects on Noah with selections of scripture from Genesis 6 through 9. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36119480

Lent 2025 - April 11 04/11/2025

Lent 2025 - April 11 James Harper reflects on Gideon with scripture from Judges 7: 1-8. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36055675

Lent 2025 - April 9 04/09/2025

Lent 2025 - April 9 Jenni Preston reflects on Abigail with scripture from 1 Samuel 25:32-39. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36055695

Letters of Recommendation (April 6, 2025) 04/08/2025

Letters of Recommendation (April 6, 2025) Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on Deborah with scripture from Judges 7:1-8. Deborah, Israel's only female judge, demonstrated extraordinary leadership during a time of oppression under Canaanite rule. As both judge and prophetess, she displayed remarkable courage by leading despite societal limitations, joining Barak on the battlefield, and speaking difficult truths. Her story teaches that God equips those He calls, regardless of perceived weaknesses. Through her faithful leadership, she helped deliver Israel and established a powerful example of courage that continues to inspire believers to step into their divine calling with confidence. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/36036255

Lent 2025 - April 7 04/07/2025

Lent 2025 - April 7 Andrew Dickinson reflects on Deborah with scripture from Judges 4:4-9. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35927625

Lent 2025 - April 4 04/04/2025

Lent 2025 - April 4 Reagan Bradley reflects on Matthew with scripture from Matthew 9:9-13. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35962955

Lent 2025 - April 2 04/02/2025

Lent 2025 - April 2 Scott York reflects on Lydia with scripture from Acts 16:13-15. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35960800

Letters of Recommendation (March 30, 2025) 04/01/2025

Letters of Recommendation (March 30, 2025) Rev. Andrew Dickinson preaches on David with scripture from 2 Samuel 12:1-15. David's journey from shepherd to king took a dark turn when he succumbed to temptation with Bathsheba, leading to adultery and murder. His story illustrates how our eyes can deceive us, making us blind to our own sins and causing us to chase what seems greener on the other side. Despite attempting to hide his sins, David learned that wrongdoing cannot remain hidden from God. Yet through it all, God's remarkable grace prevailed, offering forgiveness and redemption, demonstrating that even in our deepest moral failures, divine mercy remains available. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35945120

Lent 2025 - March 31 03/31/2025

Lent 2025 - March 31 Andrew Dickinson reflects on David with scripture from Psalm 51:1-12. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35927525

Lent 2025 - March 28 03/28/2025

Lent 2025 - March 28 Sarah Dickinson reflects on Sarah with scripture from Genesis 18:8-15. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35880045

Lent 2025 - March 26 03/26/2025

Lent 2025 - March 26 Sarah Cordle reflects on Nicodemus with scripture from John 3:1-15. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35829700

Letters of Recommendation (March 23, 2025) 03/25/2025

Letters of Recommendation (March 23, 2025) Rev. James Harper preaches on Peter, with scripture from Matthew 16:13-23. Peter's journey from fisherman to church leader demonstrates that faith develops through both triumphs and failures. Despite being one of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter experienced significant ups and downs - from boldly declaring Jesus as the Christ to denying Him three times. His story reveals how God shows patience with our failures, uses our imperfections to highlight His grace, and can transform any life story that centers on Jesus. Through Peter's example, we learn that authentic faith journeys don't require perfection to be powerfully used by God. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35839600

Lent 2025 - March 24 03/24/2025

Lent 2025 - March 24 James Harper reflects on Peter with scripture from Luke 22:31-34. /episode/index/show/fpcdouglasville/id/35829570

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