Advertise on podcast: First Pres Perspectives

First Connections is designed specifically for incoming Covenant Partners, or anyone who wishes to learn more about First Pres. We invite you to settle in, grab a notebook and pen, and grow with us. Please visit fpco.org/firstconnections for more information and next steps toward the Covenant Partner process.

First Connections is designed specifically for incoming Covenant Partners, or anyone who wishes to learn more about First Pres. We invite you to settle in, grab a notebook and pen, and grow with us. Please visit fpco.org/firstconnections for more information and next steps toward the Covenant Partner process.

First Connections is designed specifically for incoming Covenant Partners, or anyone who wishes to learn more about First Pres. We invite you to settle in, grab a notebook and pen, and grow with us. Please visit fpco.org/firstconnections for more information and next steps toward the Covenant Partner process.

First Connections is designed specifically for incoming Covenant Partners, or anyone who wishes to learn more about First Pres. We invite you to settle in, grab a notebook and pen, and grow with us. Please visit fpco.org/firstconnections for more information and next steps toward the Covenant Partner process.

First Connections is designed specifically for incoming Covenant Partners, or anyone who wishes to learn more about First Pres. We invite you to settle in, grab a notebook and pen, and grow with us. Please visit fpco.org/firstconnections for more information and next steps toward the Covenant Partner process.

First Connections is designed specifically for incoming Covenant Partners, or anyone who wishes to learn more about First Pres. We invite you to settle in, grab a notebook and pen, and grow with us. Please visit fpco.org/firstconnections for more information and next steps toward the Covenant Partner process.

The sacrament of Infant Baptism has been practiced in the Church for centuries, but is often misunderstood. Tune in to learn about the foundations of this doctrine with our beloved, Leigh Swanson. For more info about Baptism at First Pres, visit: fpco.org/baptism

Justin Earley is a writer, speaker, and lawyer. He is the author of The Common Rule, Habits of the Household, and Made for People. Through his writing and speaking, Justin empowers God's people to thrive through life-giving habits that form them in the love of God and neighbor. In this talk, he discusses the importance of spiritual habits in our relationship with God, as well as the great value of Christian friendships in our faith journey. Be inspired and encouraged to build God-centered habits into your daily rhythms that deepen your faith and fellowship.

Listen as Dr. Swanson & Rev. Fox discuss questions that were submitted throughout the series. You don't want to miss this ending!

Dr. Paul Gibson | Philippians 2:5-8 The LGBTQIA+ community has some of the highest rates of anxiety, suicide and depression. How do we, as Christ-followers, lovingly care for the LGBTQIA+ community without affirming the lifestyle? How might understanding family systems help us care better for our LGBTQIA+ neighbors and their mental health? What practical resources are available for us to reference if we desire or need to help?

Dr. David Swanson | 2 Corinthians 10:5 What do I say to my child who thinks they may be gay? What do I say to a friend who has a child transitioning from male to female? Do I attend a gay wedding? What does the church do when a trans female wants to stay in the female cabins on a youth retreat? How can the church remain winsome and attractive when we are labeled as bigoted and homophobic? How can we stop what seems to be unstoppable momentum?

Dr. David Swanson | Acts 17:22, Ephesians 4:15 The Church has been given the assignment of speaking truth in love, so that means engaging in deeper discipleship on these issues while also moving out into the community, forming relationships, and being an alternative voice to the cultural narrative that says, "It all rests on ME."

Dr. David Swanson | Romans 1 We will trace the subtle and not-so-subtle cultural movements, each of which has weakened our social and moral fabric. We will also look ahead to what will likely happen as a result of a culture with no moral authority.

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew 5:27-28 People often think "It's never been like this before, and yet it has: First-century Rome was like this and worse. We'll review that history as well as the last 300 years of Western thought which has brought about expressive individualism and a diminishing belief in God.

Dr. David Swanson | Genesis 2:18, 24; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Leviticus 18, 20 The Bible has much to say about gender and sexuality. The truths revealed are "settled" from a Biblical perspective. The challenge is how we apply the truth in a way that expresses love and understanding.