Family First Church

Samson: The True Source of His Strength | Apostle Timothy Coats | Rite in They're Own Eyes

This week, Apostle Coats continues our series "Right in Their Own Eyes" through the Book of Judges, centering on the ultimate paradox of the Old Testament: Samson. While human tradition and bodybuilder caricatures point to his hair or physical traits as the source of his power, this sermon digs into the raw, supernatural reality of the anointing. Tishlah (To Move Hurriedly): Looking at Judges 14:6, 14:19, and 15:14, the exact same phrase is structurally repeated: "Then the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon him". The Holy Spirit did not drip or splatter; He surged aggressively for specific acts of deliverance. A Flawed Vessel with a Perfect Source: Samson was unhinged, violent, impulsive, and constantly entangled in immoral relationships. Yet, God continually used him to rescue Israel, proving that the anointing operates on a dependency for the supernatural rather than human perfection. The Error of Presumption: Samson’s tragedy culminated with Delilah because he presumed the Spirit would always be there, falsely believing his long hair was a magical talisman. He awoke to the terrifying reality that the Lord had departed from him. KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL WALK The Core Common Denominator: The anointing flows most powerfully through those who acknowledge their desperate, absolute weakness. The highly anointed voices of history were often deeply aware that without God, they had nothing to offer. As Zechariah 4:6 declares: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit”. Holiness is Required, Not Optional: While a sanctified, consecrated life is not the initial source of the anointing, it is the only thing that sustains it. The Spirit of God will not indefinitely rest upon an impure, compromised vessel. The Tragedy of a Tarnished Legacy: Though Samson was granted a final, merciful moment of restoration to overthrow the Philistine temple, his legacy remains permanently structuralized around his failure. God will judge hidden sins to protect the integrity of His house. "The Holy Ghost can do more in a moment than human ingenuity can do in a lifetime." If you are facing modern-day Philistines—mocking, oppressing, or humiliating spirits in your life—stop relying on your own talent. Step out of your comfort zone, get desperate, and ask the Spirit of the living God to rush over you today. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Apostle's Commission | Apostle Timothy Coats | The Acts of the Apostles

This week, Apostle Coats continued our series, "The Acts of the Apostles", moving from the "classroom" of theory into the practical reality of living a Spirit-empowered life. Focusing on Acts 1:4-8, he broke down the true meaning of waiting on God, the distinct types of time, and the primary purpose of spiritual empowerment. Rethinking "Tarrying": While the early disciples were ordered to wait in Jerusalem, it was because the historical Day of Pentecost had not yet arrived. Today, the Holy Spirit has already been poured out—we don't need to wait to become "good enough" to receive a free gift. The Power to Be: True spiritual power (dunamis) is not just about the power to do legalistic actions or perform; it is the power to be a living witness and a replica of Christ's character. A Ongoing Blueprint: The geographical progression in Acts 1:8—Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth—serves as the exact structural index and blueprint for the expansion of the early church and our mission today. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Chronos vs. Kairos: Scripture utilizes two distinct concepts for time. Chronos refers to chronological, ticking time (the quantity of time), while Kairos denotes a strategic, quality moment of opportunity or crisis where it is "now or never." Received by Grace: Just like salvation and healing, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a work of grace received through faith. It is not earned through personal holiness, but relies entirely on God's faithfulness. The Blueprint of the Harvest: Pentecost historically celebrated the "first fruits" of the harvest. Today, we are living in the ultimate completion of that spiritual harvest, sweeping across our local communities and extending to the ends of the earth. "Being always precedes doing." Join us as we explore how a simple step of faith and an attitude of surrender can shift your life from a spiritual holding pattern into an active, powerful witness for the Kingdom. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

For Such a Time As This | Pastor Meredith Hobbs | Mother's Day

This Mother's Day message by Pastor Meredith explores the timeless account of Esther, reminding us that regardless of our past or the chaos surrounding us, we are strategically placed by God "for such a time as this". Using the diverse women of the book of Esther, the sermon highlights themes of dignity, divine timing, and the providence of a God who works behind the scenes even when He isn't explicitly named. Understanding the Times: Just as Esther had to rise to her occasion, we are called to be like David’s mighty men; people who have an understanding of the times and the wisdom to know what to do. The Master Storyteller: Although the name of God is never mentioned in the book of Esther, it remains a profound study of His providence, proving He is weaving every detail together for our good. Dignity Over Victimhood: Esther, an orphan from an exiled people, chose to rise with dignity and courage rather than remaining a victim of her environment, allowing God to raise her from the pit to the palace. THREE WOMEN, THREE PERSPECTIVES Queen Vashti (The Choice): Her refusal to join the king’s feast reminds us that our decisions have weight and consequences that affect others. Prophetically, she represents those who refuse the King's invitation to leave their own "party" and enter His presence. Zeresh (The Influence): As Haman's wife, her story warns against the spirit of jealousy and the danger of ignoring godly warnings. She reminds us that joy built on the wrong foundation is easily consumed by the opinions of others. Esther (The Strategy): In the face of a decree of annihilation, Esther responded with prayer and fasting rather than mere reaction. Her obedience proves that it is better to walk with God into a dangerous "perhaps" than to live in the safety of fear. TRUSTING GOD'S PERFECT TIMING The Tapestry of Life: Our lives often look like the messy back of a tapestry, but God sees the beautiful, planned picture on the other side. He Will Make It Happen: According to Isaiah 60:22, the Lord will bring His promises to pass at the right time; we don't have to force them. "You are the person for the job." Whether you are in a season of joy or a season of loss, trust that you are not where you are by accident. God is still writing your story. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Heart of the Apostles | Pastor Michell Hobbs

Our most recent service with Pastor Michell explores the powerful contrast between the Heart of the Apostle and the Mind of the Pharisee. Drawing from the early chapters of Acts, the message challenges us to identify the posture needed to ensure we don't miss what God is doing in our lives today. The Apostolic Heart: Rooted but flexible. It is willing to follow God into new territory, reinterpreting revelation in the light of fresh moves of the Holy Spirit. The Pharisaic Mind: Rooted and rigid. It uses tradition as a lens that can overrule God’s present movement, often missing the Divine because of a desire for certainty. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Don't Box God In: Just as the disciples were surprised by the "weird" and rare miracle of Pentecost, we must remain open to how God chooses to move, even when it’s unconventional. Devotion Leads to Miracles: Following the example in Acts 2:42, wonders and signs follow a community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. Choose Humility Over Being Right: It’s better to be a passionate, humble follower of Christ than a "know-it-all" who values their own position over obedience. Are your roots alive enough to grow? Watch to discover how to move from a place of doubt to an "autopilot of faith," becoming part of the move of God rather than just a spectator ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit | Pastor Timothy Coats | Acts of the Apostles

Building on our Acts of the Apostles series, this message dives deep into the primary foundation of the early church: the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Beyond salvation, this experience is the most profound gift God offers to the body of Christ, providing the necessary power to carry out His mission on earth. The Command to Wait: Jesus ordered His apostles to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the "promise of the Father". Defining the Baptism: This "promise" is the infilling of the Holy Spirit, which clothes believers with power from on high. Immersion and Overflow: Just as water baptism involves immersion, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is an immersion in and saturation with God's power. It is an infilling that begins within a believer and overflows out of their inmost being. 8 VITAL FACTS ABOUT HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM For Every Believer: This experience is for everyone who has accepted Christ’s forgiveness and yielded control of their life to Him. A Primary Mission of Jesus: One of the main reasons Jesus ascended to the Father was to release the Holy Spirit to His followers. Distinct from Salvation: Every person receives the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation ; however, the baptism is a "second work of grace" that builds upon that initial birth. The Evidence of Tongues: In the book of Acts, the initial physical evidence of this baptism was speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave utterance. Authority Over the Tongue: Based on James 3, the tongue is the one member no human can tame. God uses this supernatural sign to prove He has authority and power over a believer's life. Empowerment for Witnessing: The primary purpose of the baptism is not just to have an experience, but to receive personal boldness and power to be an effective witness for Christ. Increased Sensitivity: A genuine baptism results in a deeper awareness of God's heart, causing a believer to feel a greater sensitivity to the things that offend or grieve the Holy Spirit. Active Use of Gifts: This experience "inaugurates" a believer into the nine manifestation gifts, allowing the Spirit to "put you on" to act as His hands, feet, and voice. "It is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God". As we move forward, may we all operate in the overflow of the Holy Spirit, seeking a fresh impartation of His power every day. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.