Loving the First Coast

Posted on November 12, 2016 by Pastor Jesse

Worship Gathering 11/12 at 6:30 in the St. Johns Room at FCC at 3450 CR210, 32259.  Game Night 11/19 at the Wehmeiers.

God has a mission on the First Coast!  It is a privilege to be invited into that.  LoveOne of the cool things about LoveFirst Coast: we help one another see what God is doing so we can join in.  Moreover, we are about making sure everyone is equipped and prepared to do so. We believe that’s what Jesus did with his disciples, and so we do the same.  As a result, many of us can tell you about the ways we’ve been able to bless and serve friends and neighbors.  We call this “organic mission”, or missional living.

We also support and serve in “organized mission” too.  Our approach is to engage in mission prayerfully and in a way that is primarily hands-on and face-to-face.  We are willing to serve in anyway we are needed.  And we try to focus our efforts, so we serve in a few places rather than all over.  As a result of that focused approach, it seems that God works in us more deeply.  Click on any of the links below to learn more about some of the groups we love and serve.

Additionally, one of our values is to serve and bless other churches.  Our people regularly take part in the ministries of

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Ever Faced a Headwind?

Posted on November 7, 2016 by Pastor Jesse

Worship Gathering Saturday 11/5, 6:30pm in the St. Johns Room of Faith Community Church, 3450 CR210.

Have you ever felt like you’re doing exactly what God has asked you to do, but it’s like you are rowing against a headwind?  That’s what happened to some of Jesus’ friends.  Jesus compelled them to get in a boat and work their way across a big lake in a headwind without him.  Have you ever wondered why Jesus would ask anyone to do such a thing?  Suffice it to say that Jesus had good reasons.  This Saturday, we’ll explore some of those reasons and consider how God might be calling us to respond.  If you want to read ahead, take a look at Matthew 14:22-33.

Interested in discipleship?   Huddles meet Wednesdays, Friday lunch, and Sunday lunch.

 

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Until We’ve Prayed…

Posted on October 29, 2016 by Pastor Jesse

Read these three scriptures, and ask yourself this question: How can I do this?

Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”   (Matthew 7:7)

“Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered on behalf of all men for kings and all those in authority, so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” (I Timothy 2:1-3)

We have a lot to prayer about!  Here’s a list of questions aimed at stirring your imagination for prayer.  God has placed you where you are and given you perspectives on the world for a reason.  He is prepared to take action, and invites you to be a part of that through prayer. Take about 15 minutes. Get out a sheet of paper or some other note taking technology.   Using this sheet as a guide, ask the Lord to bring things to your mind, and when you are done, pray.

Who has God shown himself to be in your life?  (e.g. Provider, Sovereign Lord, Great Physician, Friend, Comforter, Guide, Helper)

 

What are some of the great things God has done in your own life or in history?

 

What are one or two of the great problems in the world?  God’s people are there.  What do they need to be faithful given what they face?

 

In addition to the upcoming election, what are one or two of the big problems facing our nation?  What do God’s people in our nation need to be more faithful given the problems?

 

What are some of the problems facing the First Coast?  What do the churches across the First Coast need to faithfully respond?  Can you think of ministries that are engaged?  What are their needs?

 

You have neighbors, networks, and places in your life.  Identify one or two and jot down and idea or two about how they could be more like heaven than earth.

 

What needs to happen in your own life in order for you to respond faithfully, consistently, and effectively?

What are the needs close to your heart for yourself or loved ones?

You are God’s child!  What, if anything, is making it hard for you to remember that?

You have been given authority by God to be his representative!  What, if anything, is saying otherwise?

Compared to a year ago, how’s your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control?

Is there anything you are seeking guidance for?

“You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed”  (attributed to the founder of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, A.J. Gordon)  Now… take some time and pray!

 

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Prayer Gathering Saturday Night

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Pastor Jesse
This Saturday (10/29) we are holding a prayer service at 6:30 PM at Nicholl’s Barn (3445 SR13, 32259).   We’ll be praying for God’s Kingdom to come and God’s will to be done here in our nation, our city, our community, our church, and among our neighbors as it is in heaven.
If you are reading this, you are invited and welcome to join us.
“You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed”  (attributed to the founder of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, A.J. Gordon)
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Worship in the House

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Pastor Jesse

This Saturday at 6:30, we’ll be gathering for worship at the Alexander house (320 S. Buck Board Dr, 32259).  As part of our time together, we’ll share a meal.  Hope you can make it – and if you can bring something to share, send me an email (pastorjessealexander@gmail.com).

 

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