Reflections: April 26-27, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship

This week we took some time to explain both baptism and the Lord's Supper. It was noted that the early church took seriously these two practices and so should the church of the 21st century. Both were modeled by Jesus, both were established by Jesus, and both are to be embraced by followers of Jesus. As I reflect on today's message I come away with a renewed sense of the value and importance of these two unique practices. May each of us at LBF take seriously both something to do and something to remember.

 

If you were in one of our services this weekend, join our blog below with your thoughts and reflections on the message of this weekend. What was one thing that you heard that was new? What was one thing that you knew already but appreciated being reminded about? What is one thing you will do differently now?

 

Thanks for taking the time to blog with us. God bless!

Reflections: April 19-20, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth
The more I think about it, the more I realize how easy it can be to allow the "soil" of my heart to become unhealthy. There are so many things in day-to-day life that try and attack my heart and my attitude and my perspective that I must do something to protect my heart from all the attack it is under. Some of the attack we feel can just be the effects of living life and the normal struggles that most people have. There is also the spiritual aspect of the things that Satan does to try and keep the seed of truth from being planted in our hearts. I believe this is one more application for what we are called to do in the book of Ephesians:

Eph. 6:13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.

What kinds of things do you do to try and keep the soil of your heart clear and healthy? How have you had to clear the weeds of your heart in order to allow God to use you and bear fruit in, and through your life?

Reflections: April 12-13, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching/Youth
Evidence of God's desire for friendship to be part of our relationship with Him is found throughout scripture. Our willingness to embrace this aspect of our relationship with God can have a huge impact on the ways that we approach and interact with our Heavenly Father. Consider the following questions and let us know how a friendship relationship with God plays out in your own spiritual walk.

1. What will this mean for your relationship with God when you view Him as a friend?
2. What kind of impact does this have in the way that you approach Him?
3. What difference will it make when you talk about Him with others who don¹t have a relationship?
4. What kind of struggles and hang-ups are there for you in envisioning having this kind of relationship with God?

Reflections: April 5-6, 2008

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Pastor of Teaching/Worship

How Do I Find Out What Works?

 

One of the main reasons Miriam and I changed from the church we were attending in 1977 to LBF was on this subject of remaining in Jesus. I was at the point in my Christian experience where I asked the question, "Is this all there is to the Christian life?" I had made a friend who had the same question. We both had a desire to see the reality of remaining in Christ a bigger part of our lives. That friendship lasted for many years and made a big difference in my understanding of how to remain in Christ.

 

That was 30 years ago. Today I'm still open to learn new things everyday about how to remain in Jesus. The one thing I know for sure is that the spiritual life is all about Jesus. Those who try to experience the spiritual without Jesus will not find the one true living God. If we want to become serious about the spiritual life, it must involve Jesus. I hope these past two weeks have helped to make that more of a reality for you.

 

What did you think about the way I explained what it means to remain in Jesus? Did it make sense? Have you experienced something that you could share on the blog below. I'd be interested in hearing about your ideas and experiences.