logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
12m 8s

The Importance of Drawing Near

FIRST15
About this episode

The Christmas season is a powerful and unique time of year to remember that Jesus came to make a way for us to be near God. In his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus built a bridge between us and God allowing us to have continual, unhindered communion with our Creator. But God can’t force us into nearness with him. Even as believers filled with the Holy Spirit, we can choose to live as if God is still far off. So this Christmas season, may we choose to open our hearts to the living God that we might experience fullness of joy in his loving presence.

More from First15

  1. Read today's devotional or listen to today's worship song at First15.org/today
  2. Download the First15 app
  3. Donate to First15 at supportfirst15.org
  4. Share a testimony or feedback at podcast@first15.org


First15 is a brand of Denison Ministries.

Up next
Yesterday
Forgiving Yourself
In our last podcast in our weeklong focus on forgiveness, today we’re going to look at what it takes to forgive ourselves. For some of us, forgiving ourselves can be the hardest part of forgiveness. May God give us the grace to see ourselves as he does, and offer ourselves love, ... Show More
10m 54s
Aug 23
Living Without Expectation of Perfection
As we near the end of our week on forgiveness, today we’re going to look at a more foundational aspect of forgiveness, living without expectation of perfection. The goal today isn’t to adopt a pessimistic way of looking at the world around us, but to actually see others the way t ... Show More
10m 46s
Aug 22
Forgive the Person, Not Their Actions
In today’s First15, we continue our weeklong focus on forgiveness by looking at the idea of separating out our forgiveness of the person from their actions. It’s often our failure to do this separation that keeps us from engaging in the lifegiving command to forgive. But God has ... Show More
11m 6s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
God With Us: Through His Presence
The meaning of Christmas is that God got flesh and blood. In Jesus Christ the holy and transcendent God became really and fully and truly human. He shared in our humanity. I submit to you that the traditional, moralistic religion has completely forgotten this whole idea. In fact, ... Show More
24m 26s
Oct 2020
Do you want to see God?
This English translation of the sermon of Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol (Cyprus) was recorded for otelders (Orthodox Teaching of the Elders) by Peter Eliades. Remember to visit our website otelders.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/otelders and subscribe to our YouTu ... Show More
24m 12s
Dec 2023
When God Changes Your Plans—Part One
The Christmas season is filled with beautiful lights that fill our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. But light also played a big part that first Christmas, when an angel of the Lord announced the birth of Jesus to shepherds at night and the glory of the Lord shone around the ... Show More
18m 20s
Dec 2022
Abounding In Hope [Advent Day 6]
What is the true hope that Christmas represents? It’s not the season, or the decorations, or the feeling in the air that has the power to change lives and hearts, but the living Spirit of Christ Jesus. Meditate on Romans 15:13 as you listen to this short Advent Bible meditation f ... Show More
1m 31s
Aug 5
The Death of Jesus
In this episode, we reflect on the death of Jesus Christ—not just as a historical event, but as the central act of God's redemptive plan. Why did Jesus have to die? What did the crucifixion accomplish? And how should His suffering shape the way we understand God, ourselves, and s ... Show More
27m 29s
Jan 2025
Ep. 321 - How to Practically Glorify God in Your Life
Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into what it truly means to glorify the Lord. We were created in His image to reflect His glory, and when we experience His creation, we reflect that back to Him. Through the gospel, God brings us together to glorify Him. The most loving thing He c ... Show More
1h 1m
Dec 2024
Jesus as the Greater Tabernacle: Understanding the True Meaning of Christmas with Jonny Ardavanis
Discover how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament tabernacle in this in-depth exploration of John 1:14. Pastor Jonny Ardavanis breaks down seven powerful ways Christ is the greater tabernacle, from His incarnation to His second coming. Learn why grace isn't just a conce ... Show More
31m 32s
Nov 2005
O How We Need a Savior
Lent is, of course, a penitential season, but Advent is as well. We get in touch with our sinfulness during Advent precisely because we want to prepare ourselves for the coming of a Savior. If there is nothing to be saved from, then there is no point in rejoicing at the arrival o ... Show More
14m 57s
Sep 2024
A Prayer for Recognizing God's Answers to Our Prayers
The more aware we are of who God is and who we are to Him, the more pronounced the chaos of the world feels some days. By praying the words of this Psalm, we choose to embrace the privilege of peace that comes as we walk with Christ instead. - Meg Bucher SUBSCRIBE to our sister p ... Show More
6m 53s
Jul 31
A Prayer to Invite God into Our Daily Lives
In this episode, Lynette Kittle invites us to consider how we can welcome God into our everyday lives. Drawing from Revelation 3:20 and five practical truths, she offers a heartfelt prayer and thoughtful guidance on how to long for God, make time for Him, and draw near in worship ... Show More
7m 16s