Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills and Pastor Nick Deford

Pastor Nick's sermon "Forgive Like Jesus 2" focuses on forgiveness, drawing lessons from the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. The prodigal son's journey of rebellion and redemption illustrates the themes of forgiveness and restoration. The sermon highlights the contrast between the father's unconditional forgiveness and the older brother's struggle with bitterness. Pastor Nick challenges listeners to embrace forgiveness as a gift from God and to experience true restoration in their lives.

In the sermon "Forgive Like Jesus," Pastor Nick addresses the significant impact of forgiveness. He notes that many people harbor anger and hurt due to others' actions, which subsequently holds them back and hinders growth. He urges his audience to contemplate their most profound pain caused by someone else and asks them if they would like liberation from those emotional chains. The sermon uses Jesus' words to Peter in the New Testament, suggesting he should forgive individuals who wrong him not just seven times, but seventy-seven, emphasizing that forgiveness isn't purely about reconciliation with others but about receiving God's forgiveness too.Pastor Nick further illustrates the theme of forgiveness by referencing the Old Testament's story of Lamech, who pursued revenge following injury, in contrast to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness. The sermon's central message is that forgiveness is not merely an act of kindness, but vital for healing and reconciliation. The pastor conveys that forgiveness is challenging, yet beneficial to one's welfare, and even recommends reading Terry Stueck's book "Forgive Instantly and Live Free" to further understand this concept. The sermon ends with a call to action, inspiring the congregation to consider who they need to forgive and how to let go of their burdens to achieve healing and liberation through forgiveness.

#followingjesus #christisking #jesusislord #followingjesus #christianliving #christianlife #nazarenechurch #nazarene

The sermon focuses on the story of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit's effect on believers. Pastor Nick emphasizes the importance of quality time with loved ones and relates it to his experience with his daughter. He explains that the Holy Spirit is like God's quality time with us, always seeking to deepen our relationship. The sermon encourages seeking more of the Holy Spirit in our lives and emphasizes the need for salvation through Jesus Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Nick's sermon discusses Ascension Sunday, highlighting Jesus' ongoing work post-ascension in power, position, and place. Luke wrote Acts for a person named Theophilus, focusing on Jesus' continuous work through the Holy Spirit and intercession with the Father. Jesus went to heaven to prepare a place for believers to coexist with God, offering hope of eternal life. The sermon calls listeners to prepare for the Holy Spirit's power, live knowing His presence, and carry Christ's presence to the world for transformation.

Pastor Nick's sermon "Two Choices: Heaven or Hell" delves into God's plan for humanity, emphasizing salvation through Jesus Christ. By accepting Christ, individuals align their past and future with His, ensuring qualification for heaven. The sermon explores the consequences of rejecting Christ and the importance of understanding both heaven and hell as realities influenced by personal choices. Congregants are urged to spread the message of salvation, embodying the reality of eternity in their lives.