Mon, 11 May 2026 12:34:29 -0700WeeblySat, 25 Apr 2026 15:07:49 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/april-25th-2026Sunday Sermon:
​’Restoration”
]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:51:06 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/april-17th-2026Sunday I begin a sermon series as we approach Pentecost Sunday, May 24, “The Feast of Pentecost…50 Days”.]]>Sat, 24 Jan 2026 23:23:39 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/january-24th-2026​Due to icy conditions our worship service tomorrow, January 25, will be online only. I look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow in our online service!  God bless, Pastor Carico.]]>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 08:09:35 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/january-20th-2026SERMON REFLECTION:  “Call A Fast”
       A fast is a time to create space in our life and spirit for God to develop a deeper relationship with us.   I invite you to join us as a congratulation as we spend the first 21 days of February in a time of fasting and prayer.  The type and method of fasting is left to the individual.  We simply invite you to join us in a time of seeking the Lord’s presence.  For a full explanation of the call to fast please listen to my Sunday sermon of January 18, 2026.  You will find it posted on facebook and YouTube.
A CALL TO FAST:  February 1-21
Pastor Jeff Carico]]>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:50:31 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/january-13th-2026SERMON REVIEW:  “I Can’t Believe What I’m Seeing!  Is This Real?”  Psalm 126
       When the Jewish people returned to the Land of Promise from a 70 year exile in Babylon they had trouble believing it was really happening.  Their life, dreams and hope had been so shattered that they had given up all hope of a quality future.  But, miraculously,  God brought them back to their home.  They asked themselves, “is this a dream?  Is this really happening?”.  When the reality set in that it was true, they erupted in joy and laughter.  Their joy came back!
       Maybe you can identify.  When you look at what God has done for you, maybe it seems like a dream come true!  Can this be real?  Can things really be this good for me?  
        God always exceeds our expectations!  Make sure you take time today to thank God for his love, grace, forgiveness and restoration!  🤲🤲🤲
-Pastor Jeff Carico. ]]>Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:52:34 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/january-05th-2026SERMON REFLECTION:  “God’s Call and Anointing For 2026”
       Yesterday I shared what I feel the Lord has placed in my spirit for 2026.  If you were not able to attend I encourage you to watch yesterday’s service on Facebook, YouTube or our church website.  Here are some things I feel I have heard in my spirit for 2026.  For a detailed explanation of what I believe these words mean I encourage you to watch the service:
-We Declare, “JESUS IS LORD”
-The dream is NOW, the vision is NOW
-Preach to the balconies
-God has given us this city/area
-Strive for excellence
-Outreach
-Prayer
-February fast
-Theme for the year:  “Light It Up”.  Matthew 5:14
      2026 is going to be a good year because we have Jesus!   Let’s “Light It Up”!
-Pastor Jeff Carico
​
]]>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 10:11:47 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/january-01st-2026NEW YEAR PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
       I have confidence in 2026 because I know that your son, Jesus, is king of kings and Lord of Lords.  
-I will praise You!
-I will trust You!
-I will declare Your goodness!
-I will obey You!
      All of my confidence in 2026 is in you.  You are my strength and will never fail.  
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen!  ]]>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:04:16 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/december-29th-2025SERMON REFLECTION:  “Memorable Christmas Gifts”
       What are the most memorable Christmas gifts you have received?  Maybe a special childhood gift.  Or maybe a gift of special sentimental value you have received as an adult.    We all have those special Christmas memories.   The Wise Men bringing gifts to the new born Jesus has set a precedent for the giving of gifts at Christmas.  But the greatest Christmas gift was given by God himself as he gave us his son!
     What gifts has Jesus given to you?  I don’t have space to list them all!  Thank you, Jesus, for all the good gifts you have brought to me!  My challenge this week is to give God the praise he deserves for all he has done for us!
-Pastor Jeff Carico
]]>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:15:15 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/december-18th-2025​Sermon Reflection:  “Gabriel, The Christmas Angel”
        The angel Gabriel played a prominent role in the announcement of Jesus’ conception.  One of the most beautiful portions of scripture in the Bible is Luke 1:26-38.  
       But we must remember that Gabriel is not the central character of this story.  Gabriel was sent to deliver a message from God to a young virgin named Mary.  The message he brought to Mary was that she would miraculously convince a child, and that child is the central character of the Christmas story.  Jesus truly is the reason for the season!   Let’s make sure we praise him today for who he is, the Son of God! 🤲
-Pastor Jeff Carico]]>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:52:19 GMThttps://www.firstassemblybristol.org/pastors-blog/december-08th-2025SERMON REFLECTION:  “A Gift For A King” Matthew 2:1-12
      The Wise Men had to select an appropriate gift for the new born king.  What do you give a king?  It had to meet all cultural, political and religious protocol.  The Wise Men came with three gifts:  Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  The gifts were well received!
      Do you have a gift you can offer king Jesus?  Yes, you do!  We all do.  The gift he wants is YOU!  He wants your love, worship, obedience and honor.  Your gift will be well received.  I guarantee it!  Our challenge this week is to bring the Lord our gift!    
​-Pastor Jeff Carico]]>