Christmas Eve Services @ LBF

@ 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 24: Family Christmas Eve Service

A family-friendly, kid-oriented service with fun songs and activities to celebrate the birth of Christ. Children are welcome to wear their PJs and bring a blankie. (Yes, adults can too!)

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@ 11 p.m. on Thursday, December 24: Candlelight Communion Worship Service
A tradition for many years at LBF, join us as we sing many of the traditional Christmas carols, take communion together, and usher in Christmas right at midnight by singing Silent Night in candlelight.

Reflections: December 20, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

Where will you have the story of Christmas end? Who will you allow Jesus to be in your life? Just a baby in a manger, or the Lord of your life?

This Weekend's Message: A Christmas Tale

You do not want to miss this weekend as we have two very special events in store for each of the three Sunday services! First, the Christmas choir will be back, leading us in worship through music. This will be a great time of singing carols of worship to our Lord. Then, there will be a musical drama presentation telling the Christmas story in a way that will give everyone something to think about as we head into the celebration of Christ's birth.

So throw on a scarf, invite a friend, and come ready to be blessed by the Lord. See ya Sunday!

Pastor Jeff

Thanksgiving Love Feast Recap

Post by Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Leadership Development

We at LBF sure know how to eat! The Thanksgiving Love Feast has been a long-standing tradition at LBF. It’s a time to gather as church family and eat, build friendships, eat, create memories, eat, and also to eat. And we certainly practiced thankfulness. We packed the place forcing us to get creative with our seating arrangements. It was encouraging to watch people open up their tables and squeeze people in. I saw one table with 12 people sitting at it. A normal table holds 8! It was a home group that loves each other so much they made it work! Others of you brought neighbors and friends who don’t even attend LBF. What a great introduction! Thanks for reaching out. Thanks for being a loving community. Here’s a fun group quiz we took during our Love Feast. It represents lots LBF has to be thankful for.

Can You Guess The Total?

LBF has been so blessed this year by all the volunteers who have made this ministry happen. From Coffee House, to chair setup, to worship, there is no doubt that God has been honored here through the service of His followers.

1. How many people have been baptized in ’09 at LBF?

A. 32 B. 17 C. 86
2. How many LBF members do we have as part of our Leadership Catalyst?

A. 237 B. 111 C. 8
3. How many LBF Missionaries have stayed at the Belleview house in ’09?

A. 2 B. 42 C. 29
4. How many people visited LBF for the first time in ’09?

A. 87 B. 108 C. 123
5. How many chairs have been set up in the worship center in the past year?

A. 23,400 B. 1,098 C. 12,876
6. How many people served in our Outward Bound outreach in February?

A. 300 B. 534 C. 722
7. How many church bulletins have been printed this year?

A.16,387 B. 35,100 C. 102,000
8. How many donuts have been served on Sunday mornings?

A. 13,728 B. 8,098 C. 16,856
9. How many pages of sermon material have been written this year by Jeff and Gary?

A. 787 B. 598 C. None
10. How many Outward Bound projects are ongoing?

A. 27 B. 19 C. 6

11. How many hours have the Sunday morning worship teams rehearsed this year?

A. 208 B. 56 C. Rehearsal??

12. What percentage of Harvest Party attendees indicated they do not attend LBF?

A. 100% B. 25% C. 60%

13. How many cups of coffee have been served this year from the coffee house?

A. 11,000 B. 17,680 C. 27,942
Answers: 1A,2A,3B,4C,5A,6C,7B,8A,9B,10C,11A,12C,13B

Reflections: December 13, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor


This week we looked at Christmas through the eyes of the wise men. This part of the Christmas story is simply intriguing - why would highly intelligent men travel around 1,000 miles across the desert to visit a child king who was not even part of their ethnicity? What interest did they have in visiting this newborn "King of the Jews," when they were not Jewish?

 

What do you think? Why did the wise men travel all that distance to see a child who did not live a palace, but in a little town of Bethlehem, who didn't even look like or live like a king? Pretty interesting story if you ask me!

 

Christmas through the eyes of the wise men is a story of giving and worship. What gift will you bring to the Son of God this Christmas? How will you worship Jesus this Christmas? I found this story not only intriguing, but also challenging to my personal journey of knowing and loving God - How about you?

This Weekend's Message: Thoughts on Gift-Giving

Christmas shopping - by now most of us have been involved in some way with buying Christmas gifts. But what do you buy for the person who has everything? What do you do about gift- giving if you are out of work? Why does gift-giving have to be such a big deal at Christmas? While most people in America say they like the Christmas holiday, only a small percentage say they like the shopping. For most, shopping is a stress producer. Why is that?

 

Gift-giving is one of the things we will talk about this week. The wise men and their journey is one of the most mysterious and intriguing parts of the Christmas story. This week we will look through their eyes and see what we can learn from them as we celebrate Christmas 2009.

 

Just for fun, let me ask you two questions that we will answer on Sunday: How many wise men were there and when did they arrive in Bethlehem to see Jesus? We'll answer those plus other questions this Sunday.  By the way, our adult choir is singing this Sunday and next - it should be a wonderful time of rejoicing in the birth of our Savior, Jesus.

 

See you Sunday. I can't wait!

 

Gary

Reflections: December 6, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

This week we looked at Christmas through the eyes of the shepherds. Two key things come out of the story of the announcement to the shepherds. The first is humility. God gives grace to the humble, but opposes the proud. We know that, but what does humility before God look like to you? How do you know when you are walking in humility with God? Let's learn about that together.

 

The second is witness. A witness just simply tells what they know. So let me ask, "If someone asked you to be a witness to the things of Christ in your life, what would you say?" And if you are like the shepherds, you don't even wait to be asked - you just talk about Jesus in your life - you talk about what you have seen and heard.

 

This Christmas let's apply the lessons we've learned so far. Last week it was trust. In what areas do I need to trust God even if it seems outlandish? This week it is humility and witness. My prayer for each of us this Christmas season is that we might not just look at Christmas through their eyes, but we might live Christmas the way they lived Christmas.

 

God Bless you this week.

Operation Christmas Child Update

On behalf of Samaritan’s Purse and Life Bible Fellowship Church, a true thank you to the church body who packed shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! Because of you, children around the world will hear about the gospel and experience Christmas.

We collected 725 shoeboxes that were delivered to Samaritan’s Purse on behalf of Life Bible Fellowship Church. These boxes, along with the 15,121 other shoeboxes collected at LBF from the Inland Empire, made for a grand total of 15,846 shoeboxes delivered via trailer for Operation Christmas Child!

These gifts will bring smiles to children’s faces and meet some of their physical needs. Pastors and missionaries from these local regions will also share the greatest gift of all - the Good News that Jesus Christ brought to humanity through His birth and His resurrection.

Finally, we would like to personally acknowledge and thank each of you who gave your time to ensure the success of this ministry, from distributing shoeboxes during each service, to packing a shoebox, to working at the Collection Center by packing shoeboxes into cartons and to lifting those cartons onto two trailers.

The list is extensive, as of Collection Monday, November 23, there were 61 volunteers, which included the youth groups from LBF and Moreno Christian Assembly, and a local Boy Scout Troop.

Thank you to:
Robin Crawford
Debbie Hutton
Tom De Koster
Cathy Kendall
Kathy Nauertz
Eric, Kirsten, Adam & Olson Grubb
Jeff & Nadine Dice
Helen Davis
Rob Vance
Bob Palmer
Dave & Myrle Pentz
Paul Barnhold
Joe & Debbie Ulrey
Glenn Hamilton
Gary, Laurie & Julie Root
Erik Jacobsen

Without all of your assistance, along with many others who volunteered and gave of their time, this project could not have been accomplished.  I hope that you were truly blessed by this experience as I was in sharing God’s love.

Thanks again for all of your help!

Jeff Crawford

Reflections: November 29, 2009

Once you read the Christmas story in either Matthew or Luke and compare that with our own celebration, you are quick to notice that the two experiences are very different. Today we explored Christmas through the eyes of Mary and Joseph, and found that their story is a story of trust. Mary had to trust God, Joseph had to trust Mary, Mary had to trust Joseph, and Joseph had to trust God.

 

Trust - I believe trust is a major theme of the story of Mary and Joseph. The challenge today was to look at our own lives and ask the question: Where in my life is God asking me to trust Him? Is God asking you to change something in your life? But are you uncomfortable doing that or you don’t understand why He would ask you to change? Where in your life do you need to trust God? Does it seem impossible? Are there outlandish things that God is asking of you? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject of trust when it comes to a relationship with God.

Reflections: November 22, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

God's grace truly is amazing - it is like nothing we have ever experienced in our other relationships on earth. Grace is something we can give mental assent to, but it is difficult to embrace in the core of our everyday life. How can it really be true that there is nothing we can do to make God love us any more or any less?

 

If that is true then what's our motivation? It seems to leave the door open for us to live any way we want. If we sin, we sin - don't worry, grace will cover it. So why not just sin all the more and expect that grace will cover us? What's our motivation to live a life in obedience to God? I'd like to hear your thoughts in answer to that question. Just click on the link below and let's talk.

Reflections: November 15, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

As I continue to reflect on this issue of trusting that the grace of God is enough, I keep coming back to what it says in 2 Corinthians 12:8 where God tells us, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." My unwillingness to admit my need and my weakness affects far more than just the grace that I am missing. My unwillingness to admit that I need help keeps me from going to God in times of need. It keeps me from seeking Godly wisdom, so I just go with what I think is best. It keeps me proud, so I keep people who God may want to use to demonstrate His love and grace to me at arms-length. In my desire to live life to the fullest, I sabotage that by believing that I can make that happen.

I want to encourage all of us to do the very difficult thing of admitting that we are not all we need. We are not strong enough, smart enough, or good enough to get through life with the kind of hope, joy, peace, and love that we desire and is possible through the grace of God.

Today, will you go before God and admit your weakness and your need for His grace? It is there waiting for you with no strings attached.

Reflections: November 8, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

FREE – Okay, so as believers in Christ, we are free from the bondage and power of sin, but what does that look like in our everyday life? Knowing it and living it are two different things. 

 

What did you think of the three key words that Paul uses in Romans 6? Do you remember what they were? I have to know something, I have to consider something, I have to offer something

 

Do you think those three words will help you this week in living as a free person? How do you think they will make a difference when you are tempted to sin?

Reflections: November 1, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

How does the idea of doing something out of importance rather than performance produce freedom in your heart?

Ephesians 2:8-10: God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can¹t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

What are/have been areas that you have felt you need to "perform" for God? Bible reading? Quiet times or prayer? Going to church? What does this passage from scripture do to your purpose for doing these things?

And be sure to come next Sunday as we discuss further this idea of freedom through grace!

Reflections: October 25, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Phil Shahbaz, Director of Community Life

Loving one another as Jesus loves us was the theme of Sunday’s service. It is also a theme that the disciple John resonated with deeply. In 1 John, he gave us a game-plan for how to love as Christ did. He was clear that it begins with a personal relationship with Jesus that organically leads to loving one another through our actions. The end-result is a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and with those around us.

As I reflect on the service, I am challenged once again by the rich and vivid example of Christ’s love that the college students at LBF gave us. They went to San Francisco to serve the homeless. In doing so, they began to love one another despite their burdens. 

On a personal note, I admit that I am a flawed man. The sin and burdens in my life often weigh me down. Yet I am loved by my Savior despite my flaws. We are all loved by our Savior despite our flaws. As Christians, we are living evidence of the life of Christ. Today should be the day that we approach someone and say, “forgive me.” Today should be the day we approach someone and say, “I’m sorry.” Today should be the day we show compassion, grace, and mercy to someone. Today, let us show proof of our relationship with Jesus Christ by finding the person in our life who needs to be loved, and simply loving them without condition - as Christ loves us. 

Feel free to write down your thoughts in our blog.

Reflections: October 18, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Sunday ended our series titled, Get Gorgeous. For the past five weeks we have been talking about the fruit of the Spirit. As I reflect on this series, I can't help but think about the Holy Spirit and my life. There is no doubt that as Christians we experience the occasional assurance that what happens in our life is a product of the Holy Spirit. Maybe it comes to us as an experience of joy or a moment of peace or the recognition that I was patient at a particular time.

 

But as I reflect on this subject of the Holy Spirit producing fruit in my life, I long for more. I long for the awareness that the Holy Spirit is so real that I really don't battle much with the desires of the sinful nature. This Sunday I mentioned John 15 and the words of Jesus. He is the vine we are the branches - what does this mean to you? Remain in me and I will remain in you - what does that mean? As people who abide in Christ, can we really ask for anything and it will be granted? Tell me what you think after you read John 15:5-8.

Reflections: October 11, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

There are opportunities to lose self control each day. Whether it be due to habits, impulses, or the things we are exposed to, we are all faced with the challenge of what to do in situations that test our self control. In 2 Corinthians 10 we are told to take every though captive to the authority of Christ. What dos this mean to you, and how do you apply it to the situations that test your self control? How do you take control of the tempting thoughts that try and rob you of your self control? Please share, as your life lessons may be an encouragement to the rest of us. Have a blessed week!

Reflections: October 4, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Peace - Most people seem to have a picture in their mind of what peace is. This Sunday as part of our series, Get Gorgeous, we talked about the fruit of the Spirit of peace. I shared about a three-fold picture of peace. That picture included peace with God, peace with myself, and peace with others.

 

Peace is something that we can't manufacture ourselves - it is a gift from God. With this in mind, what do you think is the key to finding peace in the middle of dark or challenging times? How do you find peace when life feels like a mess? Let's talk and learn together. I know that peace is something we all yearn for. How do you find peace no matter what?

Reflections: September 27, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

In scripture we are called over and over again to be faithful. Faithful in our marriages, faithful in our work, faithful with our finances. In Colossians it speaks of doing everything as if we are doing it for the Lord. How does that work itself out in your life, and possibly change your perspective on ways that you need to be faithful as if you were doing it for the Lord? Share with us!

Reflections: September 20, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

So here I am, speaking about joy in the three services on Sunday, and I look out at the church family and see people I know who haven't worked in nearly two years, people who are losing their homes because of the economy, people whose marriages are on the brink of disaster, people who live with the weight and uncertainty of cancer, and I think to myself, "It's a good thing our joy is not based on the circumstances of life."

 

But in light of all of this awareness of how difficult life is right now, preparing for this message was challenging for me. All week long I searched for the answer to the question, "Where does joy come from?" I know it is not based on my circumstances, but where does it come from?

 

For those of you who were in the service, what did you think of my attempt to bring to the conversation some things to consider? How did Zephaniah 3:17 impact your thoughts about God? How have you experienced the Holy Spirit produce joy in relationships? Let's talk.

Reflections: September 13, 2009

Reflections: September 6, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor, and Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

On this Labor Day weekend, the LBF church family came together to look ahead to the fall of 2009. As we come back to church this fall the focus will be on two main fronts. The first is to make a commitment to grow spiritually - to learn. And the second is to put your faith into action. Church is about much more than simply filling a seat on a Sunday morning. Church is a place to grow spiritually, a place of action from which we express our faith through service to one another and to reaching out into our community with others.

 

For those who attended this past Sunday, what was the most meaningful part of the morning? Was it learning about the different ministries planned for this fall? Was it the time of prayer for those in serious financial need? Was it the opportunity to put your faith in action by giving to the financial needs of those in our church? Was it the worship through music? Was it that unplanned but meaningful conversation you had with a fellow LBF member? Or maybe it was simply that cup of coffee you enjoyed after the service?

 

We'd love to know how this morning, which was so different from our usual service, impacted your life. Share with us on the blog by clicking on the link below.

Reflections: August 30, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries

JESUS IS COMING BACK!

It is a truth that many have different reactions to. For some it is something that has been said so much that it lost its significance and urgency. For others it is an understated reality. And for followers of Christ it is the hope that we hold onto, as we wait for His return.

This week we looked a parable where Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding to communicate that His return would be delayed. Jesus makes it clear that we do not know the hour or day, so we should be ready for His return. In a world and culture full of views about religious opinions and philosophical views, the church has one of the most important messages to tell the world.

Despite our culture's attempts to discredit Christianity, I still believe in the power of the gospel: the power to love, heal, and forgive broken people. Paul said that this seems foolish to the world, but to those who are saved, it is the power of God.

I think it would be good for us to reflect on that truth alone. Despite those who discount faith in Christ and the ability to know Jesus personally, let’s spend some time focusing on one of the most powerful messages that Christianity has to say and the power that it has in our lives. 

Reflections: August 23, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

What should we do when we feel like giving up or quitting? That is what we talked about this Sunday in the message. I dare say that the first lesson from the parable was no surprise - always pray and never give up.

 

But I know that most Christians do pray and they pray often. So what is new for me here in this parable? As I studied it this week I realized that many times we make prayer mechanical. It is something we do and sometimes it is not the first thing we do. As I considered the fact that I am not like the widow and God is not like the judge, there was a new understanding for me of the relational nature of prayer.

 

God is like no other father here on this earth and we have a lot to be thankful for when we call God our father. That prayer is less about what we do and more about responding with the awareness of God's presence with us. If that is true, how will that make a difference in your prayer life? Was there some other aspect of the message on Sunday that will help you do a better job of hanging in there when you feel like giving up? If so, just click on the blog link below and write away!

Reflections: August 16, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Dan Jepson, Pastor of High School Ministries

I got this picture in my head this morning of a small child that has a toy and doesn’t want to share. They clutch the toy as tightly as possible and keep it away from everyone else. Through experience, we’ve all learned that if we share our toys that we have more fun. The more and more I think of this picture, the more it resembles our hearts. So many times we hold them close and keep them to ourselves and we miss out on the best part of life. What are some ways that we can support each other to help us let go and share our hearts? How can we do a better job of living this out? 

Reflections: August 9, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

Have you ever been tempted to believe that religion somehow makes up for a lack of repentance or relationship with God? It is so easy to depend on our religion to bring us comfort, assurance, and even safety. As I continue to reflect on the issue of hiding behind religion and neglecting to evaluate the condition of the heart, I am staggered by the idea that we have a calling to get personal with God. Even though I know in my head that it is about my heart and not my religion, I find myself spending much more time in church than I do personally before God. This is an aspect of my faith that I want to change, and am in the process of allowing God to bring that change. My prayer for all of us is that we would recognize our need for God and His grace and forgiveness, and realize that nothing we could ever do will compensate for that missing in our lives. Will you take time this week to go before God, seeking His forgiveness and rather than waiting to "get back to church," begin living out your faith in real and practical ways right now?

Reflections: August 2, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Leadership Development

I Hope You Dance (Matthew 25:14-30)
"...and if you get the chance to sit it out, or dance... I hope you dance"
("I Hope You Dance," by Le Anne Womack)

Every one of us gets the chance to use the talents (possessions of the Master) that we have been entrusted. Fear is a real thing and can paralyze us from moving out and investing our talent. Let's face it, getting out on the dance floor can be downright scary. Whether it's talking to that friend about your faith or teaching a children's small group, for example...it can all be frightening. It's natural for us to think safety is found on the perimeter of the dance floor, where we don't have to engage. We find in this parable, however, the exact opposite. Safety is on the dance floor, using the gifts, talents, opportunities, and possessions God has entrusted to you. It feels risky, but really there's no risk. God will use you. "Time is a wheel in constant motion..." How will you let God use you for His purposes? Will you look back on life with regrets? Will you dance?

Reflections: July 26, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

Forgiveness is something that we truly must clothe ourselves with daily: 
"Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (Colossians 3:12-13)

This means forgiveness for the daily offenses, as well as the deep-seated hurts in our heart. A heart open to allow God to teach us to forgive is a heart that will see God's healing and wholeness in the broken places where people have caused so much hurt. Remember, it is not about the strength we can muster up to forgive, it is about what we allow God to do through us. I pray that this week God reveals to your heart people and situations, where through Him, forgiveness and healing is possible and that through His Spirit you will be open to walking towards forgiveness and the life that will come out of it.

Reflections: July 19, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Sunday was week two of our summer series "Red Letters." This week Jason Gaudy brought a message from the parable commonly called "The Rich Fool." In this parable God calls the rich man a fool, not because he has riches, but because he is using them only for himself.  As I thought about this parable I wondered if God has ever thought of me as a fool for the way I look at my stuff. I know there are some possessions I have that I hold loosely and have a good attitude about. But there are other possessions that are much more dear to me. I've been reflecting today on how I can have the same attitude about all of my stuff. Do I love some of my stuff too much? Probably!

 

How do I know when I have a God-honoring attitude toward my stuff? How do I know when I love my stuff too much? In this world of accumulation and greed, how can I live with my stuff in a way that is pleasing to Christ?

 

These are some of the questions I'm reflecting on right now. Any ideas or thoughts? Click on the blog link below.

Reflections: July 12, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Today we started our new summer series called Red Letters. For the next eight weeks we will look at some of the parables of Jesus. This Sunday we looked at what is commonly called "The Parable of the Sower." In it we learned how Jesus compared the different soils to the different ways the gospel is heard by people and their response to it. Check out Matthew 13:3-23.

 

Although I didn't spend a lot of time on this issue, some people believe that in this parable the only soil that really represents a Christian person is the good soil and that the other three soils reflect people who are not Christians. What do you think? And why do you believe it to be true or not true?

 

Even more important is what we do with the word of God. How do we listen to God? The one thing that I was reminded of this week is the overwhelming value and importance of God's word. What role does God's word play in your life? Let's talk – click on the blog below and let the conversation begin.

Reflections: July 5, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

So, did you take the comprehensive "According To Jim" Quiz? The answersare at the bottom, but resist the temptation to cheat! And remember...God does not tempt us! (There's a hint.)

Quiz: According To Jim

1. When our faith is tested we should… (James 1:1-11)

A. Freak out
B. Resolve to try harder
C. Ask God for wisdom

2. God… (James 1:12-18)

A. Tries to get us to sin
B. Calls us His treasured possession
C. Tempts us

3.  Real religion is… (James 1:19-27)

A. Caring for widows and orphans
B. Going to church
C. Singing songs

4.  Playing Favorites… (James 2:1-13)

A. Is what God does
B. Is what we should do
C. Is a sin

5.  Works/good deeds… (James 2:14-26)

A. Is what saves us
B. Completes our faith
C. Is not mandatory

6.  The tongue… (James 3:1-12)

A. Is harmless
B. Can only produce good
C. Can be used for good and evil

7. Jealousy… (James 3:13-18)

A. Is godly
B. Is demonic
C. Is understandable

8. God wants believers to… (James 4:1-12)

A. Choose who they will serve
B. Do what they want
C. Fight it out

9.  Planning… (James 4:13-17)

A. Is bad
B. Is all up to us
C. Should be done with a heart open to God's plan

10.  Rich people… (James 5:1-6)

A. Are better
B. Will be well-off in heaven
C. Will pay for their actions

11.  When life gets hard… (James 5:7-12)

A. Panic
B. Be patient
C. Call Pastor Gary

12. Prayer… (James 5:13-20)

A. Is powerful
B. Produces results
C. Should be asked for
D. ABC

As you look back at our journey through James, what were some of the things that were discussed that were especially meaningful to you? What were some of the topics that you have been made aware of in your own life that you have allowed God to affect change? I hope this study was as meaningful to you as it was to Gary and I. Have a blessed week as we go out to live as changed people for Christ.

Answers: 1.C;  2.B;  3.A;  4.C;  5.B;  6.C;  7.B;  8.A;  9.C;  10.C;  11.B;  12.D

Reflections: June 28, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

This weekend in our study of James we talked a lot about waiting and patience. If you were in the service you know that waiting for me is not easy. I'm one of those people who want it and want it know. And yet God is at work in me developing patience – developing the ability to wait. I have several personal issues in my life right now where God is asking me to wait. I tell you this is not easy, but I'm trusting that "the catcher will catch me – the flyer" (the trapeze story).

 

I'm so thankful for the word of God that keeps me focusing on the important stuff. This past week the two key passages from the Bible of importance to me were Psalm 37:7 (Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act) and Psalm 5:1 (O Lord, hear me when I pray...Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly). I know I'll be going back to them again because I'm sure that this Christian characteristic of patience is still a work in progress for me.

 

I do know though that waiting on the Lord is a confident, disciplined, expectant, active, and sometimes painful clinging to God. Waiting on the Lord is the continual, daily decision to say, "God, I will trust you and I will obey you even though the circumstances of my life are not turning out the way I want them to." Will you join me in the journey? I'd love know how this week's message touched your life and heart. Just click on the link below and share with me your thoughts and reaction and I'll get back to you.

Reflections: June 21, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Today in week 10 of our study through the book of James, we were challenged in the use of our wealth. How timely! With the reality that many in our nation have literally lost their wealth, this recession is changing America. Gone are the days when people would flaunt their wealth as a badge of honor. Today, living in a recessionary time with high unemployment, flaunting your wealth is less acceptable. Many people are changing their attitude toward money and from what I can see, that is a good thing.

 

Regardless of whether we feel it or not, we are still a wealthy people.  When we who live in this Southern California lifestyle with all its pressures can stop for a moment and gain a little perspective, I think we would appreciate more the fact that we are wealthy. Given what James said about the misuse and abuse of wealth what do you see yourself doing differently after listening to this weekend's message? Which of the four corrections from James is something you will consider working on this week?

 

Click on the link below and share your thoughts.

Reflections: June 14, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

All that we talked about this week in the second half of James 4 can be summed up with this, "Hold your plans loosely." It is not bad to make plans, and God certainly designed some people with the special ability to plan long-term. We need to remember that He did not design us to be independent of Him, but to be in relationship with Him.

What are some of the plans that you need to hold more loosely? What are some of the things in life that you have mapped out that may restrict your ability to hear and follow a plan of God that may be different than your own?

This week as you look at your plans, my prayer is that we would all be willing to hold them more loosely, that God would have free reign, and we would find ourselves within God's plan of life He's designed for us.

Reflections: June 7, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

This Sunday we learned in James (4:4-6) that we cannot be fence-sitters - having on foot in the world and one foot following Christ. How does this work for you? The reality is that we live in this world full of its values and voices calling us. It is also a reality that at times we listen and respond, and then hopefully repent and return to Christ.

 

Understanding that the term friendship in the first century meant a life-long pact to the values of the person you are friends with, what does it mean for you to be a friend of God with the challenges we facing living in this world? How does this make sense to you as you live your life desiring to be friends with God?

Reflections: May 31, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

Envy, jealousy, and selfish ambition. Each of these things is understood by most people to be negative and harmful things for a person to possess. Then why is it that each of us possess varying degrees of them throughout our lives? Jealousy taints so much of what is positive and causes us to resent it. Things that could be a blessing to us and others are never good enough when viewed through the filter of envy and comparison. So why do we do it? Is there any way to get our eyes set on the things that God has for us, rather than always looking at what He has for other people and wishing it was ours? Is there ever going to come a day that I can see someone else succeed and not have that twinge in my heart that wants to let people know why I am better?

I believe we can begin to be set free from these things when we are willing to acknowledge the unique call that God has for us and stop believing that it would be better to live out someone else’s calling. This week, re-read James 3 and allow God access to your heart, with the desire to see where in your life you have been missing what God has for you because you have been trying to get something that is not for you. We are all in this boat and can definitely use some help in identifying how we are giving over our hearts to jealousy and selfish ambition rather than giving them over to God and allowing Him to work His unique purpose into our lives. My prayer is that as you do this, God will bring healing and understanding for all that He has for you. You are special, and do not need to envy anything or anyone because what God has for you is perfect...for you.

Reflections: May 24, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

This week we picked up our According to Jim series in James chapter 3. This is a very familiar passage for anyone who has read James more than once - the bit in the horse's mouth, the rudder of the ship, the spark that sets a forest on fire. All of these are great illustrations that James uses to help us understand the need for each of us to tame our tongue.

 

But I think the most impacting part of this weekend's message for me comes in verses 11 and 12. Here we learn that our tongue reveals who we really are. Oh, we can pretend for awhile, but sooner or later our tongue will portray what is really in our hearts. So may we be about submitting our hearts daily to the Lord and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us and transform our tongues. My prayer this week will be focused on asking God to reveal my heart to me so I might grow into a more accurate picture of Jesus.

 

How did this weekend's message affect you? What are you reflecting on? Feel free to share it with me in the blog below.

 

God Bless! Have a great "taming of the tongue" week!

Reflections: May 17, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

As I continue to read through James 2:14-26, I am both discouraged and invigorated by the call that I have as a believer. There is a bit of discouragement simply because I see what a high calling to live as Christ is, and how short I fall on a pretty consistent basis. But there is also a real motivating aspect as I look at the challenge put before me as someone who has the opportunity to communicate God’s truth and love to those around me. As you re-read this passage and reflect on what is expected from those who call themselves Christ-followers, what are some opportunities in the past where you have responded to the call to live out your faith? Has God revealed anything to your heart in regards to ways that you can step out more faithfully in the future? Your story could be a real testimony to speak to others as an encouragement to live in a way that honors God and speaks of the faith we claim to have, so please feel free to share. Have a great week of living for God!

Reflections: May 10, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

This week's message was another direct and practical message from James. It feels like each week James addresses issues that are just as relevant to us today as to the people he wrote to in the first century. Yes, prejudice is still alive in the 21st century and the equally difficult truth to swallow is that prejudice is alive in the Christian church. May God help us to change this!

 

As I reflect on today's passage I think about the difficulty we all have when it comes to loving others unconditionally. I think this is hard because in the human experience we have very few (if any) examples to follow. So let me ask you a question: How do you grow when it comes to loving others unconditionally? How do you know when you are doing well in this area? How has the Bible been helpful to you in this growth area? After being in church today what plans do you have to grow in this area? Let's be a community and learn from each other.

 

By the way, thanks for those of who who said encouraging words about today's message. Way to live the truth I mentioned as part of the passage!

Reflections: May 3, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (James 1:19)

Those are three very difficult things for me to live out in my life, but I have also seen that when these things are put into practice, relationships flourish!

This week I want to challenge each of you to think of a situation or relationship where you can implement silence for the purpose of being a better listener and hearing others out. Consider a relationship where maybe you have done most of the talking and have forgotten to try and understand what the other person may be trying to say. Maybe some of these situation or relationships have produced anger and need to be mended through prayer and good communication.

James tells us that if our “religion” is only theoretical and not being lived out, that it is worthless. This means that true religion is not about going to church or reading the Bible, but what you do with what you hear and read. Take some time this week and examine your “religion” and see if it stands up to the test of real life application. Have a great week!

Reflections: April 26, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Temptation – that was the subject of our passage in James today. According to Jim, we learned the truth about temptation. I'm glad to learn about how I can win over temptation. How about you? What is the one thing you will take away from this weekend's message?

 

The image that will stay with me this week revolves around the word enticed, which literally means "lured by bait." I can visualize a fishing lure and how it is used to catch fish. I know I will be on the lookout for those "lures" that come my way this week. May I encourage you to join me to be on the lookout for the "lures" that tempt us to sin against God? Remember as we live in community we need each other in this area of temptation.

Reflections: April 19, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

As you go through this week, I just want to remind you to go before God and reflect on your heart and ask yourself the "three big questions:"

1.    How do I respond to, and view, adversity?
2.    What do I need to ask God for wisdom for?
3.    Where do I waver in my faith, putting trust in things other than God?

Reflections: April 12, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

As I reflect on the four services, I can't help but think about the many new faces that I saw in church today. It was fun and encouraging to be introduced to so many new people and yet I couldn't help but wonder what they took away from the service. Did they hear a message that would cause them to think differently about Jesus? How many people made decisions today to embrace by faith the truth about the resurrection? I wonder...

 

I also hope that many who are Christians and heard the message this Easter will be encouraged by the truth that they are new creations. I hope it will be a source of help for many as we live in this world the rest of the week. I also hope that many will bring the life of heaven into reality this week.

 

I'd love to hear your comments or questions about the message on Easter Sunday 2009. If you have the time, click on the link below and post your thoughts. God bless.

Reflections: April 5, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

"To die for." This has become a common statement in our culture, but is it a statement of your faith and relationship with Jesus? This week I want to encourage all of you - as I am also doing myself - to evaluate recurring issues or times in your life in which you have bailed on the rescue of God and not allowed His plan or will to be worked out in your life. Consider some things that you may need to do in order to avoid the spiritual giving up. God has amazing plans for all of us, as well as full, abundant life. Let's be aware of all that He has done for us as we celebrate His resurrection this week. And let's make seeking Him and sticking with Him more of a day-to-day, moment-by-moment priority. And to realize that He is truly to die for. 

Reflections: March 29, 2009

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Where is  God in the Mess?

After five weeks of exploring the Old Testament book of Numbers I hope that each of us has a better answer to that question. I don't know what kind of mess you're in right now, but I do know that God is right there in it with you. In these past five weeks we have learned to remember God's past rescues, that we need to stay close to God, that we are not in this alone and should lean on others, to never ever panic, and this week when we are discontent that we need to confess our discontentment as sin and look to God in faith.

 

All of that may sound pretty simple, but the reality is that when life is a mess this is exactly what we need to focus on. I hope this series has been a source of hope and help to you. I know that these past five weeks have been a tremoundous journey for me.

 

If you wouldn't mind, take a minute and jot down your thoughts about this series on the blog link below.

 

Have a great week! Remember this next Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. I know I'm looking forward to a spiritually meaningful week of remembering and celebrating the very foundation of our Christian faith.