by Brent McDougal | Aug 15, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
The first followers of Jesus were called disciples. They were lifelong learners, whom Jesus gave an invitation and a challenge to, “Come follow me, and I will make you fish for people” (Matthew 4:19). He was inviting them into a life-on-life relationship, and in...
by Brent McDougal | Aug 8, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
One day Jesus was asked where real life was found. Specifically, he was asked by a lawyer, “What do I need to do to get eternal life?” The word for eternal could also be translated perpetual. Ongoing life. Life today and beyond. Jesus told him that everything he...
by Brent McDougal | Jul 25, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
On Sunday, I preached a message about how all creation is called to give God praise. We join the mountains and hills, heavens and deep waters, and all animals and birds in a loud shout of “hallelujah.” In particular, men and women give God praise because God has...
by Brent McDougal | Jul 18, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
Recently, we ordained three new deacons. It was a moving service of testimonies, inspiring music, and the blessing of each candidate through whispered words and prayers. While my message ultimately focused on the kind of hearts God can use, I puzzled for a while on...
by Brent McDougal | Jul 6, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
I recently learned something about Benjamin Franklin that I had never heard before. Like most people, I knew that he flew a kite in a storm with a metal key attached in order to prove that lightning was electrically charged. But I didn’t know that he was instrumental...
