Advertise on podcast: First Christian Church of Brazil Indiana Sermons

Daniel 3: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow before King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image in Babylon. Jon Rhoades explores the fiery furnace, their “but if not” faith, and why trusting God never guaranteed they would survive. Everyone else bowed. Three men stood firm. And when King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into the fiery furnace, they refused to compromise their worship of the one true God. In this episode of **Biblically Literate**, Jon Rhoades, Children and Family Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana, walks through Daniel chapter 3 (ESV) to explore what real faith looks like when obedience to God comes with a cost. Discover why Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could serve in Babylon without worshiping its gods, what their famous “but if not” declaration actually meant, who the mysterious fourth figure in the furnace might have been, and how this story points us toward Jesus. For Christian parents, husbands, and anyone facing pressure to compromise their beliefs, Daniel 3 offers a powerful reminder: **Faithfulness to God isn't based on getting the outcome we want.** Where are you being tempted to compromise just to make life easier? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to Biblically Literate for Bible teaching with historical context, deeper connections, and real-life application without the seminary jargon. #Daniel3 #ShadrachMeshachAndAbednego #BibleStudy 00:00 Faith Without a Guaranteed Rescue 00:48 Jewish Exiles in Babylon 01:19 Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Image 01:52 Bow or Face the Fiery Furnace 02:31 Why Everyone Bowed 03:30 Where Loyalty to the King Ends 04:27 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Faith 05:46 Thrown Into the Fiery Furnace 06:25 The Fourth Man in the Fire 07:14 Was the Fourth Man Jesus? 07:45 Nebuchadnezzar Confronts God's Power 08:30 What Daniel 3 Really Teaches 09:13 Jesus and the Cost of Faithfulness 09:55 Standing Firm Against Compromise 10:39 Teaching Your Kids to Stand Firm 11:07 The Decision Before the Furnace

How do you stand firm in faith when the odds feel impossible? Pastoral Care Minister Mark Grayless at First Christian Church Brazil begins with 22 soldiers facing 500 Germans at the Battle of the Bulge, then turns to Bible teaching on standing firm. In this October 25, 2026 sermon, STAND FIRM, Mark Grayless explores what it means to build your life on the rock, trust God's Word, and remain faithful when your convictions are challenged. Drawing from Matthew 7:24–27, 2 Timothy 3:14–17, and 1 Corinthians 16:13, Mark explains why Scripture is a dependable foundation, how Christians can recognize spiritual deception, and why standing for truth must always include compassion. You'll also discover why being connected to God's church matters—providing identity, encouragement, protection, and opportunities to serve. When life gets difficult and your faith feels tested, will you stand firm? First Christian Church | Brazil, Indiana https://fccbrazil.org #StandFirm #ChristianFaith #BibleTeaching 00:00 22 Soldiers vs. 500: Battle of the Bulge 02:12 Why Christians Must Stand Firm 02:48 Build Your Life on the Rock 05:32 A Commitment to Follow Jesus 07:09 Stand Firm on God's Word 08:14 The Bible: Your Roadmap for Life 12:10 Can You Trust the Bible? 14:21 Stand Firm in Your Convictions 18:16 Recognizing Spiritual Deception 20:00 Sharing Truth with Compassion 22:34 Stand Firm With God's Church 23:28 Finding Your Identity in Christ 27:15 Discover Your God-Given Purpose 29:11 How the Church Protects Us 31:28 Living a Fruitful Christian Life 33:22 Final Challenge: Hold the Line 34:18 Closing Prayer

Learn what true Christian discipleship looks like in practice. This message explores how to measure your spiritual growth by Christlikeness and effectively equip others for ministry. Following Jesus requires a shift in perspective, moving away from personal ambition toward a life defined by humility. We examine how to support others on their own faith journey while remaining grounded in the teachings of the Bible. This talk is designed for anyone seeking to understand their role in the body of Christ and how to serve those around them with greater purpose. True spiritual growth is rarely about what we achieve individually, but rather how we reflect the character of Christ in our daily lives. We discuss the necessity of humility when helping others grow and how to practically apply these biblical principles. By focusing on servant leadership, we can better align our lives with the mission of the church and support the spiritual maturity of our community. Subscribe for weekly sermon breakdowns, and let us know in the comments how you are taking your next step toward Jesus today. 0:00 The Secret of Harmonious Collaboration 2:02 The Metronome of Life 3:57 Discipleship in the Body of Christ 6:53 Equipped to Build One Another Up 12:56 Investing in Each Other's Growth 15:16 Growing Toward Maturity in Christ 23:52 Speaking Truth in Love

In Mark 10:32–45, Jesus challenges James and John's pursuit of greatness and reveals His upside-down kingdom. Dan Stribling explores discipleship, servant leadership, Luke 22:42, Philippians 2:3–4, and 1 Peter 1:18–19. **What if everything the world teaches us about greatness is backward?** James and John wanted positions of honor in Jesus' kingdom. But while they were focused on greatness and recognition, Jesus was preparing to suffer, die, and rise again. In this message from **Biblically Literate**, First Christian Church Senior Minister Dan Stribling explores Jesus' upside-down kingdom and what it really means to follow Christ. Through Mark 10:32–45, we discover why Christian discipleship requires something many of us struggle to accept: a willingness to be corrected. From a simple guitar lesson that changed Dan's approach to music to the disciples' misunderstanding of Jesus' mission, this sermon challenges the assumptions we make about success, power, suffering, and faithful obedience. You'll discover: - Why following Jesus doesn't guarantee an easy life. - How James and John misunderstood greatness in God's kingdom. - Why Jesus calls His disciples to serve rather than seek status. - How our influence can be used for the good of others. - Why Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate example of servant leadership. The heart of this message is **Mark 10:45**, where Jesus explains that He came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. **Are you following Jesus on His terms, or are you expecting Him to follow yours?** **CHAPTERS** 00:00 – Why Is Jesus' Kingdom Upside Down? 00:59 – A Guitar Lesson That Changed Everything 04:35 – Following Jesus Requires Correction 06:31 – James and John: The Sons of Thunder 07:34 – Jesus Predicts His Suffering (Mark 10:32–34) 10:06 – James and John Ask for Glory 12:36 – The Cup, Suffering, and the Cost of Following 18:49 – What Has Jesus Never Promised Us? 22:19 – Jesus Redefines Greatness (Mark 10:41–44) 26:18 – Humility and Influence (Philippians 2) 27:34 – General Marshall: Choosing Service Over Status 30:20 – When Someone Else Gets the Opportunity 33:43 – Jesus Gave His Life as a Ransom (Mark 10:45) 35:43 – Bought With the Blood of Christ (1 Peter 1) 36:55 – Where Must God Reshape Our Priorities? **SCRIPTURE REFERENCES** - Mark 10:32–45 — Jesus teaches about greatness, suffering, and service. - Luke 22:42 — Jesus submits to the Father's will. - Philippians 2:3–4 — Humility and putting others first. - 1 Peter 1:18–19 — Redemption through the precious blood of Christ. **ABOUT BIBLICALLY LITERATE** Biblically Literate is a Christian Bible-teaching podcast from First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana. We explore Scripture, biblical truth, Christian discipleship, and what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in everyday life. Speaker: Dan Stribling, Senior Minister Church: First Christian Church of Brazil, Indiana Subscribe to Biblically Literate for more biblical teaching, practical Christian living, and deeper conversations about God's Word. **JOIN THE CONVERSATION** What is one expectation about following Jesus that God has challenged or corrected in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments! #UpsideDownKingdom #Mark10 #ChristianDiscipleship

Jesus Christ’s invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 promises rest for the weary—and calls us to take His yoke and follow Him. Mark Grayless explores discipleship through Matthew, Acts, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Solomon, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. What does Jesus really mean when He says, **“Come to me… and I will give you rest,”** and then immediately tells us to **“take my yoke upon you”**? In this message, FCC Connections Minister **Mark Grayless** examines Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 and the difference between simply believing in Jesus and making the continuing choice to follow Him as a disciple. We live in a world filled with physical, emotional, financial, relational, and spiritual burdens. Sometimes even religion can feel like another collection of hoops we have to jump through. But Jesus offers something different. His invitation is to come to Him, give Him our burdens, take up His yoke, learn from Him, and discover the kind of rest that cannot be found anywhere else. Mark also explores why surrendering control to Jesus isn't oppression, why Christian community matters, and why becoming a disciple is more than a one-time decision. **CHAPTERS** 00:00 The Power of Being Invited 04:02 Jesus' Invitation: “Come to Me” 05:19 The Burden of Trying to Earn God's Acceptance 10:19 What Jesus Means by “Rest” 11:28 “Take My Yoke Upon You” 16:39 “Learn From Me”: Becoming a Disciple 19:32 Why Following Jesus Needs Community 20:39 “Set Free Doesn't Mean Home Free” 22:28 More Than Belief: Choose to Follow Jesus 23:36 Prayer and Invitation **Key Scriptures:** - Matthew 11:28–30 - Acts 3:19 - Psalm 68:19 - Ecclesiastes 3:10–13 First Christian Church exists to help people take their next step toward Jesus. This message features Mark Grayless, Connections Minister at First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana. Subscribe for more sermons and biblical teaching from First Christian Church. #FollowJesus #Discipleship #Matthew11 #JesusChrist #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FCCBrazil

Explore the true meaning of disciple and what it requires to walk in the way of Jesus today. This service examines the biblical Greek origins of the word disciple to understand what it truly means to be a learner and student of Christ. We look at scripture to see how Jesus acts as the way to the Father and why following Jesus is often a costly, yet invaluable, commitment. Whether you are new to faith or have been walking this path for years, this message challenges us to consider the true cost of discipleship in our daily lives. We hope this reflection helps you align your path with His teaching while finding strength in the community of believers. Subscribe for weekly sermon breakdowns, and let us know in the comments what you learned about being a student of Christ. 0:00 Defining the Essence of Discipleship 2:50 Walking in The Way 3:50 What It Means to Be a Disciple 7:04 The Call at the Sea of Galilee 9:14 Three Pillars of Discipleship 25:55 The Cost of Following

Matthew 5:13–16, Isaiah 49:6, John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Peter 2:9–12, Matthew 6:1, and John 13:34 frame Dan Stribling’s Shaped to Shine sermon on salt and light, the church, Jesus, discipleship, good works, and God’s glory.What happens when the church still looks like the church—but no longer looks like Jesus?In Shaped to Shine, Senior Minister Dan Stribling examines Jesus’ words about being the salt of the earth and light of the world in Matthew 5. Jesus did not create His church simply to exist, gather, or look impressive. The church was created for a purpose: to make the light of Jesus visible to the world around us.Dan explores Jesus’ warning about salt losing its saltiness, the meaning behind the Greek language in the passage, Isaiah’s prophecy of a light for the nations, Jesus’ declaration that He is the Light of the World, and Paul and Peter’s calls for Christians to live visibly different lives.The question isn't whether our lives are being shaped. The question is what is shaping us?A church shaped by Jesus should become recognizable through mercy, humility, righteousness, generosity, reconciliation, love, and good works—not so Christians receive the glory, but so others see Jesus through them.CHAPTERS0:00 Shaped to Shine2:49 The Church Was Created for a Purpose4:07 Matthew 5:13–16 — Salt and Light8:39 Jesus Shapes Us to Be Like Him12:14 Appearance Without Character Is Useless13:40 What “Losing Saltiness” Means17:59 Jesus Makes Us Visible18:23 Isaiah 49:6 — Light for the Nations19:21 John 8:12 — Jesus Is the Light21:54 Ephesians 5:8 — Walk as Children of Light23:22 A City on a Hill Cannot Be Hidden26:38 God Gets the Glory29:21 1 Peter 2 — Let Them See Your Good Deeds30:52 Compassion Christmas and Visible Faith32:37 John 13:34 — Love One Another33:47 Three Questions for the Church34:52 The Potter’s Most Useful Pot37:57 Closing PrayerFCC Brazil Sermons shares biblical preaching and teaching designed to help people understand Scripture, follow Jesus, and live out their faith.Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:13–16; Matthew 6:1; Isaiah 49:6; John 8:12; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9–12; John 13:34#ShapedToShine #SaltAndLight #Matthew5 #Jesus #Church #Sermon

2 Kings 2, Elijah, Elisha, John 13, Jesus, Peter, Judas, John 14, Romans 12, 1 Peter 5, Hosea, and Leviticus 26 come together in a sermon on biblical humility, servant leadership, reading Scripture carefully, and walking humbly with God. Some Bible passages are easy to read. Others make us stop and wonder, “What am I supposed to do with that?” Guest speaker Felipe Colby of His Eyes Mission walks through one of the Bible's strangest passages—the story of Elisha, the mocking young men, and the bears in 2 Kings 2—and shows why understanding Scripture requires more than our first impression. From there, the message moves to John 13, where Jesus does something His disciples could barely comprehend: the Lord and Teacher kneels down and performs the work of the lowest servant. Peter objects. Judas prepares to betray Him. Jesus keeps serving. Together, these stories raise an uncomfortable question: Do we approach God, Scripture, other Christians, and people who disagree with us with genuine humility—or are we sometimes more concerned with proving that we're right? Felipe also explores Elijah and Elisha, the mantle of Elijah, the Jordan River, Jesus washing the disciples' feet, Peter's denial, Judas's betrayal, Christ's command to love one another, John 14, and what it means for Christians to take their proper place in the body of Christ. **Biblically Literate** exists to help Christians understand the Bible in context, recognize how Scripture connects from Genesis to Revelation, and allow God's Word to shape how we think and live. Speaker: Felipe Colby His Eyes Mission — Honduras First Christian Church — Brazil, Indiana 0:00 Welcome & Introducing Felipe Colby 0:39 The Story of His Eyes Mission 1:47 Prayer 2:50 What Does It Mean to Walk Humbly? 3:11 Elijah & Elisha — 2 Kings 2 5:22 Elisha Asks for a Double Portion 7:27 “Where Is the God of Elijah?” 10:10 Elisha Heals the Water at Jericho 12:15 The Bears & the “Small Boys” of 2 Kings 2 12:50 What the Difficult Passage Actually Means 15:12 Did Elisha Walk Humbly? 16:11 How Elisha Points Forward to Jesus 17:02 Jesus & Humility — John 13 18:56 Peter Refuses to Let Jesus Wash His Feet 20:44 “I Have Set You an Example” 22:26 Judas, Betrayal & the Humility of Jesus 25:40 “Love One Another” 25:52 Peter's Coming Denial 27:29 Jesus' Promise in John 14 28:45 Are We Humble—or Just Certain We're Right? 30:01 Closing Prayer

Learn the heart of biblical generosity and why sacrifice plays a vital role in your walk with Jesus.This sermon explores what the Scriptures teach about giving and the motivations that should drive our actions. It is designed for those seeking to align their finances and heart with God’s purpose, moving beyond simple duty to true faithfulness.We discuss how Christian sacrifice is not just about what we give, but about how we trust God with everything we have. Whether you are focused on your spiritual growth or looking to understand the core of faithful living, this message offers a grounded perspective on the joy of giving to God.If you are ready to take a next step in your faith, such as baptism or requesting prayer, please reach out to our team. Subscribe for weekly biblical teachings to help you grow in your faith.https://www.facebook.com/fccbrazilhttp://www.instagram.com/fccbrazilhttp://www.twitter.com/fccbrazilhttps://www.tiktok.com/@fccbrazil?https://www.fccbrazil.orgs🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5102755454124032

Explore the meaning of biblical humility and how to live it out in your daily life. Learn how grace shapes our service.This message explores what it truly means to practice biblical humility within the context of our daily walk. We examine how God's grace serves as the foundation for how we treat others and interact with our community. If you have been searching for a deeper understanding of your role as a believer, this teaching offers a clear perspective on moving forward with a servant heart.We also look at the practical side of being part of a local church service. Whether you are new to the faith or looking to get more involved, this video provides guidance on taking the next steps in your journey. If you feel led to pursue baptism, want to learn more about joining our congregation, or simply need prayer, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We are here to support you in your Christian faith as you grow.Subscribe for weekly biblical teachings, and comment below if you have a prayer request for our team.0:00 Unlocking Your Unique Spiritual Potential0:29 Moving Beyond the Surface of Spiritual Gifts3:00 Lessons from the Field: How Teams Succeed5:52 Why God Equips Us to Serve Together12:04 No One Is Spiritually Disposable19:02 Putting Your Spiritual Gifts Into Action30:32 Humility and the Call to Serve

Can a supernatural event be real and still point people toward a false message? Scripture gives Christians a surprisingly direct answer. In this episode of Biblically Literate, Children and Family Minister Jon Rhoades examines how Christians should evaluate miracle claims using Deuteronomy 13, John 20, Matthew 24, Galatians 1, and other biblical passages. You'll hear why miracles can serve as evidence without becoming the final authority, why even extraordinary spiritual experiences must be tested against Scripture, and why the signs of Jesus ultimately point beyond spectacle to His death and resurrection. If you've ever wondered how to respond to healings, visions, apparitions, signs and wonders, or someone claiming that “God told me,” this episode offers a biblical framework for discernment.

Discover a powerful sermon on church community and why loving the church is central to your spiritual walk. Learn how to align your life with God's design for fellowship and unity. This message explores the practical importance of holding fast together as a congregation. Whether you are seeking a deeper understanding of biblical teaching or looking to get more involved in your local faith community, this sermon provides a clear perspective on the significance of the body of believers. After watching, you will have a better grasp of what it means to be part of a committed spiritual family. We discuss the necessity of unity and the strength found in collective faith. If you are ready to take the next step in your journey, we also share details on baptism and how to go about joining a church. Subscribe for weekly biblical teaching and sermon breakdowns, and comment below if you have questions about baptism or becoming a church member.

Jon Rhoades (First Christian Church Children & Family Minister) preaches “Don’t Waste God’s Power.” Soft prayers vs bold prayers. 1 Kings 18 Elijah vs Baal, Numbers 14 Moses intercession, 2 Kings 20 Hezekiah’s prayer & healing, Acts 4 early-church prayer for boldness under threat, 2 Timothy 3 those who have the appearance of godliness but deny its power. In this Biblically Literate episode you’ll hear: The real Thursday-night power outage and flooding that almost stopped a 4th-grader’s baptism Why “God help me have a good day / bless my wild kid / just guide the doctors” is a soft prayer that treats God as an assistant The three bold-prayer examples that actually ask God to do the work (Elijah, Moses, Hezekiah) The first recorded corporate prayer of the early church in Acts 4 after Peter and John were threatened The two roots of soft prayers: lack of knowledge of God and pride (including unrepentant sin) The living illustration of a 3-year-old who “broke” the shelf and thought he had ruined everything—while his father already knew how to fix it Soft prayers make God our assistant. Bold prayers remember we are His servants. If this helped you examine your own prayers, share it with someone who needs the reminder that God’s power is not limited by our failures. Subscribe for more straightforward Bible teaching that connects Scripture to real life.

School year is starting and Worship Uncoiled kicks off the Living Your Best Life series. Student Minister CJ Muston shows from the Gospels how Jesus valued lepers, tax collectors, and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4 (Sychar). Only Jesus decides your value—so you can actually live your best life. In this episode of Worship Uncoiled from First Christian Church, CJ walks through the places Jesus stepped toward people the culture treated as worthless and then uses his own 1990s Reggie Miller basketball cards to drive the point home: the owner gets to decide the value. The practical challenge is simple and sticky for middle and high school students. Main keywords featured: valuable, value, Jesus, Living Your Best Life, John 4, Samaritan woman, Gospels, lepers, tax collectors, Worship Uncoiled, student ministry. This is Student Ministry teaching from First Christian Church with CJ Muston. New Worship Uncoiled messages drop as the school year unfolds.

Learn how to practice love as a verb in your daily life. Understand the biblical foundation required before you can serve others effectively. This message explores the practical side of faith, focusing on why love as a verb requires us to be washed by Jesus first. If you have ever felt stuck in the routine of attending services without feeling connected, this teaching provides a roadmap for moving toward true church engagement. We examine the principles found in John 15:12-13 to clarify what it actually means to lay down your life for others in a modern context. By prioritizing your relationship with Christ, you gain the capacity to serve your community with a genuine heart. This talk is designed for those seeking to bridge the gap between passive attendance and active participation in their faith community. Whether you are looking for guidance on spiritual service or simply need a reminder of your purpose, this biblical teaching offers a clear path forward. If you are ready to take your next step, whether that includes baptism, membership, or prayer, reach out to us today. Subscribe for weekly spiritual growth insights, and comment below with one way you plan to show love as a verb this week. 0:00 The Meaning of Loving Our Church 5:33 Jesus' Final Parting Words 6:57 The Scandalous Act of Service 11:18 Peter's Resistance and Divine Cleansing 14:34 The Command to Emulate the Master 25:38 A New Standard for Our Relationships 34:18 Love in Action and Truth