a photo of a family walking during sunset

First Word

By Pastor Dan Baker

weekly reflections and news

First Word 3.29.25 "Idols and Plagues"

3/29/2025

The Ten Plagues of Egypt are described in Exodus chapters 7—12. These disasters were sent by God upon Egypt to convince Pharaoh to free the Israelite slaves from the bondage and oppression that they had endured in Egypt for 400 years. This may be an interesting Bible story, but you might be tempted to say: “What does this judgment against Egyptian idol gods and the plagues mean to me today?”

Read More

The Burning Bush

3/20/2025

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” (Exodus 3:1-3 NIV)

Read More
how to grow in faith as a Lutheran in West Palm Beach

Why Good Works Won’t Get You to Heaven—And Why We Do Them Anyway

3/31/2025

Salvation comes by grace, not works, but good works are a response to faith. Grow in faith as a Lutheran in West Palm Beach with us today.

Read More
glass-window-at-First-Evangelical-Lutheran-Church-in-West-Palm-Beach

Lessons from the Parable of the Prodigal Son

3/5/2025

Discover God’s grace in the story of the Prodigal Son at an Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Palm Beach. No one is beyond God’s love and redemption.

Read More

FIRST WORD 3.13.2025 "Plan B"

3/13/2025

In our Exodus story this week, we find the Egyptian Pharaoh turning to Plan B when Plan A failed. Enslaving the Hebrew people just made them multiply even more! So, what was his Plan B? He decides to try birth control. No, not a pill, something more barbaric – he forces the midwives to become executioners, to commit infanticide. Boys could become soldiers, a potential threat for an uprising, so he told them to kill them at birth. Leaving only girls would ultimately dilute the Israelite bloodline, forcing them to become Egyptian, less a threat to his reign.

Read More

FIRST WORD 3.6.25 "Exodus"

3/6/2025

The Exodus story in the Bible starts when there are new people are now in charge in Egypt. Memories of previous generations and former loyalties have faded. The new king is afraid that the Israelites are becoming a threat! They are becoming so numerous and potentially powerful by their numbers, Pharoah could lose his throne if he didn’t act quickly. What would he do? How would God deliver his people from slavery and bondage? Join us this Lenten season for this powerful study!

Read More

FIRST WORD 2.20.25 "Golden Rule"

2/20/2025

Do to others as you would have them do to you. (Luke 6:31) Does that phrase sound familiar? Many know it as the Golden Rule. The rule is included in Jesus’ sermons both in Matthew 7 (Sermon on the Mount) and Luke 6 (Sermon on the Plain). The golden rule simply means to apply the logic of treating others the way we would like to be treated to every situation when we interact with other people.Do you want others to yell or swear at you? Steal from you or cheat on you? Lie or gossip about you? Of course not!

Read More
family looking for Churches in Florida

How to Find Rest in a Busy World

1/29/2025

Sabbath rest offers peace in a busy world. Learn how a church in West Palm Beach can help create sacred rest and deepen your connection with God.

Read More
members of different Churches in West Palm Beach reading the bible

Why Vacation Bible School is More Than Just Summer Fun

1/1/2025

Discover why Vacation Bible School is more than fun. Lutheran churches Near West Palm Beach use VBS to enrich faith and community bonds.

Read More
family at Grace Lutheran Church

Strengthening Family Bonds and Nurturing Faith at Home

12/30/2024

Cultivate a spiritual home with a Lutheran church in West Palm Beach. Discover routines that enrich family faith and togetherness.

Read More

FIRST WORD 2.13.25 "Be Mine"

2/13/2025

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, just in case any of you guys need a reminder! The big day reminds me of candy hearts, also known as conversation hearts. These tiny, heart-shaped sugar candies have been a Valentine’s staple for generations. Their charm? Short, sweet messages that capture the spirit of love. These heart-shaped treats featuring over 30 romantic expressions including “Be Mine,” “Hug Me,” “Love You,” etc.

Read More

FIRST WORD 2.7.25 “The Foreigner”

2/8/2025

He [the LORD] defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:18-19

Read More

FIRST WORD 1.30.25 "The Whole World"

1/30/2025

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14

Read More
basketball-tournament-poster-2025

FIRST WORD – 1.16.25 “3 V 3”

1/16/2025

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get…

Read More

FIRST WORD – 8.29.24 “Egypt Mission”

8/29/2024

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 (NIV) This week I’d like to share a recent update from our missionaries to Egypt, Anthony and Soyoung Sellari. I think it fits well with our reading…

Read More