First Love Church

Heather Drake and Dennis Drake
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
First Love Church

These podcasts are messages that were preached at First Love Church in Ocala, Florida. We hope that you are encouraged and inspired by what you hear. We are a non denominational, egalitarian church that practices a generous orthodoxy. Find out more about our local congregation online at firstlovechurch.org.#firstlovechurchocala #firstlovechurch #ocalaflorida #egalitarian #Jesuschrist #jesus #nondenominational #pastor #spirituality #christian #eucharist #opentable #tableofthelord #communion #community #spirit #divine #femininedivine #creeds #orthodoxy #equality #welcome #followers #disciple #love #faith #hope #help #recovery #newlife #peopleofpresence #holy #holyspirit #sacred #Sophia #wisdom 

  1. 8H AGO

    Friends, Betrayers, and Breakfast on the Beach

    What if the triumphant entry wasn't triumphant at all? Rather, it was Jesus staging a powerful protest against the empire. While Rome paraded through Jerusalem's main gates with war horses and soldiers, Jesus deliberately chose a different path—riding a borrowed colt through the back entrance, surrounded not by military might but by ordinary people who'd witnessed his miracles. This Holy Week, we're exploring how Jesus consistently upends our expectations of power and greatness. Through the familiar stories of Palm Sunday and the Last Supper, we discover a revolutionary message that remains radical even today: true greatness comes through service. When the disciples argue about who is greatest among them, Jesus doesn't just correct them—he completely redefines greatness itself. Perhaps most striking is who Jesus welcomes to the first communion table. Not just the faithful, but the betrayer, the denier, the doubter. Everyone is invited—a profound challenge to our tendency to create boundaries around belonging. Even as Jesus predicts Peter's denial, he's already planning for his restoration, telling him, "when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." The spiritual journey isn't about never falling; it's about how quickly we return to love. This teaching invites us to practice seeing others differently. When confronted with difficult people, can we move beyond judgment to compassion? Can we recognize that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us, bringing resurrection power to whatever dead places we carry? As we approach Easter, we're reminded that God's love for us is as great as God's love for Jesus—and that truth changes everything. Join us next Sunday for our Easter celebration, and mark your calendars for May 23rd when we'll gather for a hymn sing at First Love Church. Whatever brokenness or disappointment you carry, know that you are welcomed in the house of the Lord, just as you are. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    1 hr

  2. 2D AGO

    I Have Seen The Lord! Easters Witness

    Mary Magdalene's simple yet powerful testimony, "I have seen the Lord," forms the foundation of Christian witness throughout history. Like a neighbor pointing out crocuses blooming beneath Chicago snow, Mary shows us where to look for hope when our circumstances feel frozen in grief. Her commission as the first resurrection witness reminds us that each of us carries a similar calling—to recognize and proclaim where we've seen the risen Christ in our world. The disciples' experience of Jesus appearing behind locked doors speaks directly to our tendency to isolate ourselves when afraid. No barrier—physical, emotional, or spiritual—can prevent Jesus from reaching those he loves. His greeting, "Peace be with you," acknowledges their fear while creating space for courage to flourish alongside it. This peace doesn't require the absence of fear but rather provides strength to move forward despite it. Thomas's honest doubt offers perhaps the most encouraging message for contemporary believers. Rather than condemning his need for tangible proof, Jesus meets Thomas exactly where he is, offering precisely what he requested. Without recording whether Thomas actually touched the wounds, Scripture simply captures his profound confession: "My Lord and my God!" Throughout the resurrection narratives, we see Jesus meeting different people's needs—Mary needs to hear, the disciples need to see, Thomas needs to touch, and later, some need to taste breakfast on the beach. Whatever witness we require, Jesus graciously provides it. The breath of the Holy Spirit transforms these frightened followers into agents of forgiveness and reconciliation. In the same way, we're invited to participate in resurrection life by practicing the presence of peace—inhaling God's peace and exhaling love to a world desperate for both. When we forgive others, we declare the fundamental truth of the gospel: nothing separates them from God's love. As resurrection people, our lives should overflow with generosity, wonder, and praise. We're invited to look for Christ in unexpected places, to change our thinking when necessary, and to participate in God's kingdom that's already present among us. The life Jesus offers isn't reserved for some distant future but begins now as we align our thoughts with his and become agents of his reconciling love. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    44 min

  3. 2D AGO

    When Christ Calls Your Name: Resurrection's Personal Promise

    The power of resurrection isn't merely a future promise—it's an invitation to awakening right now.  When we hear the Easter story, we often focus solely on Christ conquering physical death and securing our eternal future. But this powerful message from First Love Church reveals how resurrection transforms our present reality, too.  Death's dominion has already been broken. As Pastor Heather describes it, "Death cannot breathe, and this space in which we grieve is the long exhale of death's last expiring breath." We live in the aftermath of Christ's victory, yet many of us remain spiritually asleep, trapped in what Pastor Dennis calls a "zombified state"—going through motions without awareness of God's presence. The women who discovered the empty tomb faced what seemed an impossible obstacle—a stone too heavy to move. Yet they found it already rolled away. What stones block your path to Jesus today? This message reminds us that God removes barriers between us and resurrection life. Mary Magdalene's encounter with the risen Christ offers perhaps the most profound insight. Standing before Jesus, she failed to recognize him until he spoke her name. How often is Christ right beside us while we feel completely alone? The invitation of Easter is to listen for love calling your name, to trust that inner voice assuring you of God's presence. Through a powerful story about an ancient tree in Wales—one so covered with moss, vines and wildlife that it nearly disappeared beneath the life it supported—we discover our ego's greatest obstacle to experiencing oneness with God. True resurrection life means becoming like that tree: not seeking attention but supporting abundant life for others. Ready to awaken from spiritual slumber? This Easter, hear Christ calling your name and step into the resurrection life available today. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    51 min

  4. MAY 14

    Finding Peace in the Arms of a Loving Shepherd

    "I am the good shepherd. I know my own sheep and they know me." These words from Jesus in John's Gospel offer profound comfort in a world where we often feel like strangers, orphans, or forgotten souls. What story are you telling yourself? It might be limiting what you can see. Like the pastor who couldn't find his guitar because he was convinced someone had left it in the car—when it was safely stored in his office in an unexpected case—we often miss God's provision because it doesn't match our expectations. Our personal narratives create blindness that prevents us from recognizing the good shepherd's care that surrounds us. The message explores how Jesus, immediately after healing physical blindness, addresses our spiritual blindness by declaring himself the good shepherd. This isn't just a comforting metaphor—it's a revolutionary identity that reshapes how we understand our place in God's story. We aren't abandoned lambs trying to survive on our own; we're known, protected, and guided by the one who says, "No one can snatch them from my hand." Through a powerful story of a novice shepherd who saved freezing lambs and transformed his relationship with his previously hostile flock, we see how Christ's sacrifice changes everything. The sheep who once knocked the shepherd down began to follow him faithfully after experiencing his life-saving intervention—just as we follow Christ when we truly comprehend what He's done for us. The invitation is clear: bend your heart toward the good, toward love, toward unity. Whatever burdens you carry, whatever blindness prevents you from seeing God's provision, open your hands and exhale. The good shepherd is with you, and nothing—not trouble, calamity, persecution, or even death itself—can separate you from His perfect love. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    43 min

  5. MAY 9

    Extravagant Devotion- Make What's Beautiful The Story

    What story are you telling yourself? In this powerful exploration of Mary's extravagant worship, we discover the transformative practice of "making the beautiful the story" in our lives and relationships. When Mary broke open her alabaster jar containing perfume worth an entire year's wages to anoint Jesus' feet, she was immediately criticized. Judas questioned her extravagance, suggesting the money should have helped the poor instead. But Jesus defended her, recognizing something profound in her gesture that others missed - she was preparing him for burial, responding to a sacred moment with complete abandonment. This contrast between Mary's devotion and Judas' criticism reveals two very different approaches to life and faith. While Judas could quote scripture about caring for the poor, his heart remained unchanged by those words. Mary, however, followed her spiritual intuition, responding from a place of profound gratitude despite cultural taboos and financial cost. The invitation for us today is clear: develop spiritual sensitivity that allows us to see beauty where others see waste, to respond appropriately to holy moments, and to shift our focus from rehearsing sorrows to celebrating God's goodness. This doesn't mean denying difficulties - as one pastor notes, "hope smells like compost" - but rather recognizing that transformation often begins in messy, painful places. As we approach Easter, let's embrace the "way of Mary" through practical acts of compassion, presence with those who suffer, and willingness to sacrifice for love. When we make beauty the central narrative of our lives rather than bitterness or regret, we participate in God's ongoing work of making all things new. What story are you telling about your life? What would change if you began focusing on gratitude instead of grievances? Join us in this journey of transformation, and discover how shifting your perspective can change everything. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    56 min

  6. MAY 9

    The Prodigal Path Home

    What happens when we shift from being the grateful recipient of grace to becoming its gatekeeper? In this profound exploration of Jesus' parable of the father with two sons, we discover that this isn't simply a story about a prodigal returning home—it's about two different ways we can miss the heart of God. The religious leaders criticized Jesus for welcoming "notorious sinners" to his teachings. In response, Jesus tells three parables about God's pursuit of the lost, culminating in this story of a father with two sons. We witness the younger son's journey from rebellion to "coming to himself" in humility, and the father's extraordinary response—running to meet him, restoring his sonship, and throwing a celebration. But the story doesn't end with this beautiful reconciliation. The older son, dutiful and obedient, refuses to join the celebration. His complaint reveals a heart that has reduced relationship to transaction, sonship to servitude. The father's response is just as gracious to him: "Everything I have is yours"—yet the invitation to join the feast remains open-ended. This challenges us to examine where we stand. Many of us begin our faith journey grateful for grace like the younger son, only to gradually transform into the older brother—judging those we deem less worthy of God's favor. During Lent, we're invited to replace grumbling with gratitude, judgment with joy, and to recognize that God's grace extends beyond our comfort zones. The question Jesus leaves unanswered becomes ours to answer with our lives: Will you join the celebration? Will you allow the father's love to center you? The hope of the world depends on our willingness to enter the feast where there's music and dancing, celebrating every time someone finds their way home. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    45 min

  7. MAY 9

    The Samaritan's Compassion: Rethinking Who Deserves Our Help

    A religious scholar asks Jesus what must be done to inherit eternal life, setting the stage for one of Jesus' most profound teachings on compassion. When the scholar tries to limit his obligations by asking "Who is my neighbor?", Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan—a story that continues to challenge our assumptions about who deserves our care. The parable follows a Jewish man who is beaten and left for dead on the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho. A priest and Levite pass by without helping, prioritizing religious purity over human compassion. Shockingly, it's a Samaritan—someone from a despised group—who stops, provides first aid, transports the victim to safety, and pays for his ongoing care. Every action costs the Samaritan something: his oil, his wine, his donkey, his time, his money. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Heather challenges us to examine where we've drawn boundaries around who deserves our compassion. Have we created theological, political, or social qualifications that justify walking past certain people's suffering?   The heart of Jesus' teaching lies in his reframing of the scholar's question. Instead of defining who counts as a neighbor (who deserves our love), Jesus focuses on what it means to be a neighbor (demonstrating love regardless of who receives it). This shift from qualifying others to qualifying ourselves remains revolutionary in our divided world. As we journey through Lent, let this parable inspire us to expand our hearts beyond comfortable boundaries. Where might God be calling you to show "tender compassion" to someone you've previously dismissed or avoided? What religious rules or personal convictions might actually be hindering you from embodying Christ's revolutionary love? Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    1h 4m

  8. MAR 15

    Vulnerability as a Path to Divine Love - Mary and Martha have something to say

    Imagine a world where love and hope challenge the very foundations of societal norms. In this episode, we journey through the Advent season, exploring the profound impact of these themes in our lives. We revisit the powerful narrative of Mary and Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke, revealing how their courage and acceptance of divine will set an example for us all. Through this story, we uncover the importance of consenting to co-create with the Holy Spirit and how embracing this divine collaboration can fill our lives with purpose and meaning. Join us as we examine the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these remarkable women, transcending age and societal judgment. We highlight the beauty of mutual support and recognition of God's work, demonstrated in the encounter between Mary and Elizabeth. Elizabeth's joyous acclamation of Mary's blessing is a testament to the significance of belief and the power of divine promises. As we ponder their faith and courage, we are invited to reflect on how these themes of hope, joy, and love can inspire us to trust in the unseen work of the Holy Spirit in our own lives. Finally, we turn our attention to the revolutionary love embodied during the Advent season, challenging oppressive systems and reminding us of the principles of God's kingdom. We discuss the notion of vulnerability as fertile ground for divine intervention, drawing insights from historical and biblical figures. As we prepare for Christmas, we are encouraged to embrace the transformative power of love and the assurance of new life being nurtured even in times of waiting. This episode serves as a heartfelt invitation to embrace love and hope, guiding us to live in a way that reflects heaven on earth. Support the show This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would like to support the ongoing work of First Love Church you can donate at https://www.firstlovechurch.org/giving In the service of LOVE, Pastors Dennis and Heather Drake

    34 min
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5
out of 5
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About

These podcasts are messages that were preached at First Love Church in Ocala, Florida. We hope that you are encouraged and inspired by what you hear. We are a non denominational, egalitarian church that practices a generous orthodoxy. Find out more about our local congregation online at firstlovechurch.org.#firstlovechurchocala #firstlovechurch #ocalaflorida #egalitarian #Jesuschrist #jesus #nondenominational #pastor #spirituality #christian #eucharist #opentable #tableofthelord #communion #community #spirit #divine #femininedivine #creeds #orthodoxy #equality #welcome #followers #disciple #love #faith #hope #help #recovery #newlife #peopleofpresence #holy #holyspirit #sacred #Sophia #wisdom 

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Drake and Dennis Drake
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 First Love Church
  • Show Website
    First Love Church

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