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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

Is your saving faith genuine? Learn why the Bible teaches that true belief requires visible action rather than just words.Many people confuse a simple profession of belief with the biblical standard of saving faith. This discussion explores the relationship between conviction and conduct, focusing on the warnings found in James 2 and Matthew 7 regarding those who claim belief but lack the fruit of obedience.We examine why faith without works is considered insufficient and what it means to demonstrate a living faith. By looking at these specific scriptures, you will gain a clearer understanding of how biblical faith is proven through daily actions rather than empty statements. This breakdown is designed for anyone seeking to align their life with the teachings of scripture.Subscribe for weekly biblical study breakdowns, and comment below with your thoughts on how true faith manifests in a believer's life.

Jude quoted the Book of Enoch. That does not make Enoch Scripture. In this episode of Biblically Literate, Children and Family Minister Jon Rhoades walks through Jude 14–15, shows exactly what Jude is doing, and explains why quoting a well-known Jewish text is not the same as treating it as the Word of God. You’ll see how Paul does the same thing with pagan poets, why the early church never put 1 Enoch in the canon, why only the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition includes it, and how the modern “lost books” trend pulls people away from the finished gospel already given in the 66 books. Judgment is coming—but the same letter that warns us also points us to the One who keeps us from stumbling. Key points covered: • What Jude is actually saying in verses 14–15 • Why quoting ≠ canonizing (Paul’s example in Acts 17 and 1 Corinthians 15) • The historical place of 1 Enoch as intertestamental Jewish literature • Why the Ethiopian Orthodox inclusion does not rewrite the wider church’s canon • How chasing “hidden books” feeds pride and distracts from ordinary means of grace • The real invitation of Jude: rest in the finished work of Jesus The Bible is complete. The gospel is not missing a chapter. Stop looking for secret knowledge and keep coming back to the Word God has already preserved for His people. Biblically Literate is the teaching ministry of First Christian Church in Brazil, Indiana. Subscribe for honest, text-rooted Bible teaching that connects the whole story to the cross and speaks to real life as husbands, dads, and followers of Jesus. Socials: @fccbrazil Contact: [email protected]

Explore practical lessons from the book of James. Learn how to turn to God in difficult circumstances and find peace in his guidance.This is the final installment of the Words Matter series with Dan Stribling. We focus on applying biblical wisdom to your daily life, specifically looking at how to rely on God as your healer and bringing your struggles into the light. This teaching is for anyone seeking to understand the heart of God more deeply through the lens of scripture.Whether you are looking to grow in your personal walk or wanting to take a next step in your faith journey, this message offers clear guidance. We break down how to align your actions with your beliefs to experience a more grounded spiritual life. Understanding the book of James provides the clarity needed to navigate challenges with confidence and reliance on divine strength.If you are ready to take the next step, we invite you to reach out regarding baptism or church membership. Subscribe for weekly Bible study content and comment below with your prayer requests so our community can support you.0:00 The Power of Our Speech2:10 Treating the Person, Not the Disease5:32 Simple Words That Restore7:22 Turning Every Circumstance to God11:02 Living as a Supportive Community19:12 Bringing Hidden Struggles to Light28:44 Guiding the Wanderer Home

Learn to master your desires and choose humility over pride. This teaching explores core christian life principles for daily faith.Dan Stribling continues the Fighting Words series, focusing on the practical application of scripture in everyday situations. If you are struggling with the lure of worldly friendship or need clarity on resisting the devil, this discussion offers a roadmap for aligning your heart with biblical truth. We examine how desire can become an unhealthy master and why humility is the essential antidote to pride.By applying these christian life principles, you gain the tools to identify where your spiritual focus has drifted. This session emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity in your walk and understanding the true nature of spiritual warfare. Whether you are seeking baptism, church membership, or simply need prayer, this message provides a clear path forward for your spiritual growth.James 4:1-10 Fighting Words – passions at war, hedone, quarrels, fights, desires, friendship with the world, enmity with God, more grace, humble, submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God. Dan Stribling shows why your conflicts start inside long before words leave your mouth.In this message from First Christian Church Brazil, Senior Minister Dan Stribling continues the “Words Matter” series by going straight to the heart of every quarrel. Using the Greek word hedone, the progression from desire to demand to enemy, and the clear warning that friendship with the world is enmity with God, Dan exposes the real source of fighting words and the only way out: submit, resist, draw near, and receive the greater grace God freely gives to the humble.What you’ll hear:• Why James uses the language of murder and adultery for ordinary church conflicts• The five-stage process that turns a simple want into an enemy• Why God is not a vending machine and what real prayer looks like• The jealousy of God that is actually protective love• Practical commands: submit to God, resist the devil, cleanse your hands, purify your hearts, humble yourselvesTimestamps:0:00 – Series intro & the “punch in the face” reality of James6:04 – Reading James 4:1-107:02 – Conflicts reveal our desires10:06 – Desire → Demand → Expectation → Obstacle → Enemy (guitar story)12:42 – “You murder” – gossip, silence, and wounded spirits14:00 – Asking wrongly to spend it on your passions17:22 – Desires reveal our loyalties (“adulterous people”)19:00 – What “friendship with the world” actually means22:05 – The jealousy of God23:32 – But He gives more grace (Rocky the mechanic story)27:00 – Pride vs. humility28:36 – Grace invites surrender: submit, resist, draw nearFirst Christian Church | Brazil, IndianaSenior Minister: Dan StriblingSubscribe for weekly sermons, kids ministry resources, and practical Bible teaching that helps families and the church walk in wisdom instead of war.Subscribe for weekly biblical teaching to strengthen your faith journey, and share below which topic from the Fighting Words series you would like us to cover next.