Discovering Jesus with FirstNaz Zephyrhills

In “The Battle Behind the Battle,” we look at Daniel’s unwavering faith in a culture that tried to pull him away from God. As Daniel studies Jeremiah’s prophecy and realizes the seventy years of Jerusalem’s exile are nearing their end, he responds with prayer, fasting, humility, and confession.

This message explores the reasons behind the exile, the lasting effects it had on God’s people, and Daniel’s example of seeking God faithfully—even when he doesn’t yet understand what lies ahead. It invites us to make space amid life’s distractions to listen for God and r...

We had a short sermon today from Daniel chapters 7 and 8 because we had an extended time of testimony and prayer for healing in the service. 

The main thing to note in these chapters, beyond the meaning of all of the dreams and their interpretations, is that God is the sovereign author of history, and His kingdom will never end.

What happens when the law says you can't pray, and you pray anyway? In Daniel 6, an eighty-something Daniel faces a thirty-day decree designed by jealous rivals, and he responds exactly as he always had: three times a day, windows open, facing Jerusalem, giving thanks.

In this message from our Steadfast: Living Faithfully Under a Sovereign God series, we look at why Daniel was resolved before the crisis ever came, how the world (and the enemy behind it) works to reshape us, and what Solomon's prayer in 2 Chronicles 6 has to do with that open window. We also see...

What happens when we take the Holy things of God and turn them into profane objects to worship ourselves and idols? The handwriting is on the wall...and you just might need to change your drawers over it!

We talk about the Watchers. We talk about furries. We talk about the Pride movement, but none of that is the point of this message. 

This is all about what happens when God makes a decree that He will humble a ruler. If He will humble one of the greatest kings in the world, then He can also humble you.

When the whole world bows, what does it cost to stay standing? In this message, we dive into Daniel 3 — the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego facing Nebuchadnezzar's ninety-foot statue and the fiery furnace built for anyone who refuses to bow.

We trace how their courage under fire wasn't manufactured in the moment — it was a conviction settled long before the crisis, echoing back to the small, quiet decision Daniel made in chapter 1. We look at their stunning declaration to the king — "our God is able to deliver us... but if not" — and what it means to trust Go...

Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that terrifies him — and when his own advisors can't tell him what it even was, it takes a young exile named Daniel to reveal both the dream and what it means. In this message, we walk through Daniel 2: a statue made of gold, silver, bronze, and iron that pictures kingdom after kingdom rising and falling — and a stone, cut without human hands, that crushes it all and grows into a mountain that fills the earth. It's one of the clearest pictures in Scripture of human power's expiration date, and of the one Kingdom that never ends. If y...

Daniel was a teenager ripped from everything he knew — his home destroyed, his name changed, his identity under attack by the most powerful empire on earth. So how did he end up becoming one of the most faithful, respected figures in Scripture?

In this message, we kick off our 10-week series through the book of Daniel by digging into chapter 1: the fall of Jerusalem, Babylon's strategy to reprogram Judah's brightest young men, and the moment Daniel "resolved in his heart" not to defile himself — a decision made before the pressure ever arrived.

We talk about mode...

Have you ever felt like you were drowning beneath the surface, longing for help but too afraid to ask? In this powerful message, Pastor Nick shares a personal near-drowning experience to reveal how so many of us struggle with hidden pain, sin, addiction, and bitterness. Journey to the well in John 4, where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman—crossing cultural barriers, naming wounds without condemnation, and offering "living water" that brings eternal life.
Discover how Jesus’ grace breaks through our deepest barriers and why forgiving others is essential for truly experiencing God’s forgiveness. This message challenges us not just to rec...

God's grace is a profound and unmerited gift, a reflection of His very nature, freely given to us even when we deserve death for our transgressions. This divine favor is revealed through the Father, who watches over us; the Son, Jesus Christ, who took our punishment and offers forgiveness and eternal life; and the Holy Spirit, who is God's presence with us, comforting, advocating, and guiding us into a life of holiness. Holiness, simply put, is mirroring God's sinless nature, and it is a form of His grace that frees us from the "filthy nature of sin."

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Every day you receive grace from God. Grace is the favor or gifts we receive from Him that not only get us through each day but truly equip us with every good thing we need.
God doean't give us these gifts to hold something over us or to manipulate our behavior. He gives us His grace because He is our loving Heavenly Father.
It is just the very character of God to be gracious towards His children. It's in His nature.
#grace #bible #bibleteaching #truth #christisking

In this powerful message, Pastor Nick wraps up the “He’s Coming Back” series by focusing on the Great Commission as the church’s essential, non-optional mission. Tracing the biblical story from creation, through humanity’s calling to stewardship, the rebellion in the unseen spiritual realm, and Christ’s decisive victory on the cross, this sermon challenges believers to live as true ambassadors of Jesus Christ.

You’ll hear how Jesus’ authority isn’t just a theological idea—it's a reality that impacts every part of our lives. Pastor Nick explains the spiritual battle behind the scenes, how Jesus has triump...

Are you on the narrow path that leads to life, or are you drifting along the wide road that leads to destruction? In this powerful message, Pastor Nick explores the reality of heaven and hell, the coming Day of Judgment, and what it means to have your name written in the Book of Life.
Drawing from key Scriptures—Matthew 7:13-14, Revelation 20:11-15, John 5:28-29, and more—this sermon challenges us to look beyond our outward actions and examine the true state of our hearts. Pastor Nick reminds us that all of our deeds, thoughts, and motives are known to G...

The sermon points to the Bible’s “end goal” as not simply Christians leaving earth to go to heaven, but Jesus returning to renew creation—bringing “new heavens and a new earth” where God dwells with His people forever. Nick emphasizes that Revelation (especially chapter 21) is meant to produce hope, not fear: God will make all things new, wipe away every tear, end death and pain, and bring His finished work to its final fulfillment.

He connects this future renewal to the whole storyline of Scripture: God’s presence with humanity in Eden, the brokenness and suffering creation exper...

Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian church were written to reassure believers who were shaken by persecution and confused about what happens when Jesus returns—especially worried that Christians who had already died might “miss out.”

The sermon explains that Scripture repeatedly calls the church to live with hopeful expectation because Jesus really will return, but not on a date we can predict. His return will be visible and unmistakable—coming from heaven in the clouds—and it will bring both mourning for those who have clung to sin and refused his rule, and comfort for those who belong t...

🌟 Wait! I'm Coming Back for You! 🌟

Join us for an uplifting and transformative message from our sermon series, "He's Coming Back." In this powerful sermon, Nick delves into the profound promises of Jesus found in John 14:1-6, reminding us of the hope and assurance that awaits those who trust in Him. 

📖 Key Themes:
- The promise of Christ's return and the hope it brings (John 14:1-3)
- The urgency of being spiritually vigilant (1 Thessalonians 5:1-6)
- Understanding the nature of God's Kingdom (Revelation 21:1-4)
- Our call to witness and share the Gospel...

What if the fire you once had for Jesus has quietly burned down to embers? Pastor Nick unpacks Christ's sobering letter to the church of Ephesus in Revelation 2—a congregation doing everything right yet missing the one thing that matters most: their first love for Jesus. Like a marriage that drifts from passionate devotion into comfortable routine, faith can quietly lose its flame. Pastor Nick offers a powerful three-step path back—remember, repent, return. Don't let religion replace relationship. Watch or listen now—you don't want to miss this one.

The first half of this audio is from m...

What if the very road God sends you down looks like a dead end—a desert path with no clear destination? In Acts 8:25–40, Philip demonstrates radical, Spirit-led obedience when an angel commands him to leave a thriving revival in Samaria and travel alone to a barren desert road. There, in what Pastor Nick calls a divine appointment written across centuries, Philip encounters an Ethiopian eunuch—a powerful royal treasurer who had traveled 1,200 miles to worship at the Jerusalem temple, only to be turned away because of who he was. Yet this man refused to let rejection define his pursuit of God; h...

What if the very people meant to welcome others into faith have instead become the gatekeepers keeping them out? Pastor Nick delivered a powerful message rooted in Acts 15, where Jewish believers demanded Gentile Christians follow the entire law of Moses before being accepted—a burden, Peter declared, that "neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear." Pastor Nick's distinctive insight cuts to the heart: when we appoint ourselves as the Holy Spirit's enforcement arm—targeting others with our personal convictions and spiritual timelines—we don't sharpen people's faith, we orphan them from it. He reminded the congregation that the Sp...

What happens when a young pastor faces an impossible city? Pastor Nick paints the vivid backdrop of ancient Ephesus—a place where demon-possessed men beat seven exorcists bloody and naked, where million-dollar collections of magic books burned in public squares, and where riots erupted over declining idol sales. Into this spiritual battlefield, the Apostle Paul sent young Timothy with a charge that still echoes today: "Preach the message. Be ready, whether it is convenient or not." Pastor Nick reveals how Paul's final words to Timothy weren't just ancient history—they're a blueprint for faithful ministry in our own chaotic times. When...

What happens when the very foundations of faith clash with the powers that demand silence? Pastor Nick opens Acts 5 with a stunning scene—apostles imprisoned for healing in Jesus' name, miraculously freed by an angel, only to return boldly to the temple courts at daybreak to preach again. When confronted by furious religious leaders who demanded they stop, Peter's response cuts through centuries: "We must obey God rather than people." Nick challenges us to examine our own courage, pointing out how easily we've compromised when governments, culture, or even church denominations pressure us to soften the gospel's sharp edges. He re...

What if the chains you can't see are stronger than the ones you can? Paul and Silas sang hymns in a Roman dungeon while prisoners listened—their freedom wasn't from open doors but from something deeper. Pastor Nick reveals how even believers can stay shackled by compromises they once rejected, finding balance instead of breakthrough. Wrestling with what's holding you back from full devotion? This message challenges you to ask Christ what He needs to remove, promising the same liberation those prisoners witnessed. Don't miss this call to true freedom—listen now!

What if your "church face" might actually be testing God's patience? When Ananias and Sapphira sold property and lied about their donation to the early church, they weren't struck down for being stingy—they died for faking their worship while trying to look generous. Pastor Nick reveals how this shocking story isn't about money but about authentic foundations in our faith. As believers pooled resources with "one heart and mind," God was building His church on radical honesty, not religious performance. Ready to strip away pretense and discover what genuine worship looks like? Don't miss this foundation-shaking message that could tr...

What if God is calling you to step into something bigger than what you've been ignoring? In Acts 10, Pastor Nick reveals a stunning truth: while a God-fearing Roman centurion named Cornelius was faithfully praying and giving to the poor, God orchestrated a divine collision that would change everything. Through simultaneous visions—Peter's shocking revelation about "unclean" foods and Cornelius's angelic encounter—God shattered religious barriers and expanded His kingdom beyond anyone's expectations. Nick's powerful insight challenges us: sometimes the very people we least expect are running toward God faster than we are, responding to His call with greater devotion than our...

Ever wondered why God seems to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways? Nick reveals how Paul spent about 11 years faithfully ministering in obscurity before Barnabas arrived with a life-changing invitation to step up. Sometimes God prepares us quietly before calling us to something bigger—like the believers in Antioch who sacrificially gave to help strangers 300 miles away in Jerusalem. Their generosity and Paul's readiness created a launching pad for world-changing ministry. Ready to discover your kingdom purpose? Don't stay comfortable in your "hometown" when God might be knocking—tune in and step into what He's prepared for you!

Can you imagine carrying murderous rage so deep it drives every breath you take? Saul was breathing threats of death against Christians when a blinding light stopped him cold—Jesus himself asking, "Why are you persecuting me?" Pastor Nick reveals how this zealous persecutor became history's greatest missionary, showing us that no past is too dark for God's redemption. Whether you're battling anger, questioning your purpose, or wondering if God can use your story, this message will ignite hope in your heart. Don't miss this powerful transformation—dive in now!

#forgiveness
#freshstart
#suffering
#jesusislord

What happens when a gentle Christian leader becomes so powerfully filled with the Holy Spirit that religious authorities can't resist his wisdom? Pastor Nick reveals the explosive story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose radical faith shook the foundations of Jerusalem. Drawing from Acts 6-7, Nick challenges us to see the church not as a comfortable social club but as the ecclesia—the "called out ones" marked by supernatural power and unwavering courage. He reminds us that Stephen wasn't just serving tables; he was performing miracles and preaching with such authority that educated opponents couldn't refute his wisdom. Ye...

What if the Holy Spirit is stirring something deeper in your soul than just Sunday morning religion? Three thousand souls were "acutely distressed" by Peter's Pentecost message—cut to the heart like a medical diagnosis requiring immediate treatment. Pastor Nick unpacks how these early believers didn't just receive salvation but embraced Jesus as both Savior AND Lord, diving into four essential practices: apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. As our church continues studying scripture together and growing in community, this message challenges you to move beyond comfortable Christianity to serious discipleship. Don't miss this powerful call to authentic faith—watc...

What if God's greatest mission for your life is waiting just beyond your doubt? Pastor Nick reveals how the risen Christ spent 40 deliberate days equipping his disciples—not just proving his resurrection with evidence like the mysterious Shroud of Turin, but correcting their bad theology and preparing them for the Holy Spirit's power. Just as Peter transformed from an impulsive follower to a scripture-quoting leader, Christ wants to move you from uncertainty to unshakeable faith. Whether you're battling questions about God's reality or seeking deeper purpose, this message offers both compelling evidence and practical hope. Don't miss this foundation-shaking encouragement!

What if the empty tomb isn't just history but your personal invitation to stop seeking life in places of death? Pastor Nick shares how the women found angels declaring Christ's resurrection, yet we still search for fulfillment in materialism, broken relationships, and pride—the same temptations Satan used in Eden. Through vivid teaching on spiritual warfare and practical discipleship steps, Nick challenges us to arm ourselves with God's truth and find real life in the risen Savior. Ready to trade death for life? Watch this transformative Easter message now!

What if Jesus's victory tour through hell holds the key to your breakthrough? Pastor Nick unpacks a fascinating passage most preachers skip—revealing how Christ's descent into the spiritual realm wasn't just ancient history, but a declaration of His total authority that echoes into your life today. Through compelling insights from ancient texts and modern scholarship, discover how Jesus's resurrection wasn't just about coming back to life—it was about establishing His reign over every power and principality. Whether you're wrestling with uncertainty or hungry for deeper faith, this message illuminates how Christ's triumph becomes your victory. Don't miss this fres...

Have you ever wondered what really happened in Jesus's final hours? Through the haunting narrative of Christ's crucifixion, Pastor Nick reveals how a hardened Roman centurion's heart transformed from executioner to believer. Journey from the mockery and torture to the supernatural darkness and torn temple curtain, discovering how Jesus's sacrificial death opened paradise—even to a dying thief who simply asked to be remembered. This powerful message reminds us that no one is beyond God's grace, whether you're a lifelong believer or just beginning to explore faith. Let this story of history's pivotal moment draw you closer to the One wh...

Have you ever caught yourself hiding your faith when the pressure's on? In Matthew 26, we witness Peter's gut-wrenching denial of Jesus—a powerful reminder that even the boldest believers can falter. Pastor Nick masterfully unpacks this pivotal moment, showing how Peter's journey from denial to restoration mirrors our own struggles to stand firm in our faith. Whether you're wrestling with doubt or seeking strength to live boldly for Christ, this message offers hope and practical wisdom for staying faithful when tested. Don't miss this transformative exploration of courage, conviction, and Christ's unfailing love. Watch now to discover how to move fr...

Have you ever felt crushed under life's unbearable weight? In Mark 14, we witness Jesus in his darkest hour at Gethsemane—the place of pressing—where he faces betrayal, abandonment, and the looming cross. Pastor Nick reveals how Jesus' anguished prayers teach us to face our own seasons of crushing pressure. Through vivid imagery of ancient olive presses, we see how being pressed can release either bitterness or the sweet oil of God's presence. This message offers hope and practical wisdom for anyone feeling squeezed by life's circumstances. Don't miss this transformative journey through Jesus' most vulnerable moment—watch now to discov...

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be in partnership with God? Pastor Nick explores this profound question through the lens of Jesus's last Passover meal, where ancient tradition meets revolutionary new meaning. Drawing from Mark 14, he reveals how Jesus transformed the familiar Passover elements into powerful symbols of a new covenant—his broken body and shed blood offering healing and wholeness to all who accept him. This deeply personal message illuminates how Christ's sacrifice bridges our brokenness to God's redemption. Don't miss this compelling exploration of what it means to move from ritual remembrance to living relationship wi...

Have you ever wondered what drives someone to pour out their most precious possession as an act of devotion? In this powerful message, Pastor Nick explores a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry when the tide began turning against him, even as some demonstrated radical faith. Through the story of Mary breaking an alabaster jar of expensive perfume to anoint Jesus, we see how true discipleship often requires breaking open our lives in complete surrender to Christ. Pastor Nick weaves together Jesus' interactions with religious leaders, his raising of Lazarus, and Mary's extravagant gift to illuminate how people either fully commit...

What if the gates of hell themselves could become ground zero for God's greatest victories? In Mark 8, Pastor Nick takes us to Caesarea Philippi—a dark place of pagan worship and spiritual darkness—where Jesus poses history's most crucial question: "Who do you say I am?" Through Peter's bold confession of Christ, we discover Jesus' stunning strategy: building His church on seemingly hopeless ground and transforming places of darkness into launching pads for kingdom advance. This message challenges us to move beyond comfortable Christianity and join Christ's "raiders of hell," bringing hope to the darkest corners of our community. Don't miss...

Jesus—filled with the Holy Spirit, armed with Scripture, and strengthened through 40 days of fasting—confronts Satan at His physically weakest yet spiritually strongest moment. Through this pivotal encounter, we discover that victory over temptation isn't won through our own strength, but through spiritual preparation and complete reliance on God. Don't miss this powerful message about how Christ's triumph becomes our pathway to overcoming life's battles through the Spirit's filling. Tune in now to learn how to walk in His victory!