This Weekend's Message: Great Expectations

Have you ever eagerly anticipated something? A time when your expectations were so high you thought you would explode? As I think of those times in my life, very few of them had to do with God or expectations of Him moving in my life. There have been times of coming to church where I had expectations, but it had more to do with what I expected from the sermon or the music than with God moving.

I want that to change. I want that to change in my life, in your life, and in the life of Life Bible Fellowship Church. Some of you have done church for far too long, and it is time to begin expecting, and looking for how God wants to move in you and through you.

This weekend we are going to look at the things in scripture that should increase our expectations of God and all that He has for us. Come ready to be encouraged, challenged, and maybe get your toes stepped on a little bit as we venture out into a world of Great Expectations in our faith.

See ya Sunday,
Jeff 

Reflections: December 26, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
The Day after…Now What?
Christmas 2010 is over – all the build-up, the preparation, the planning, and the day itself, is over. The tree looks sad without all the presents under the it, the turkey has been eaten, the toys have been played with, and visiting family is returning home. Many people have a let down when a big event is over. This is normal after a big event. How about you?
Whether you have a “let down” or not, now is a good time to take a step back and remind ourselves about God. Using Zechariah’s prophecy found in Luke 1, we pause and reflect some about what God has provided for us, what He has promised us, and where He is taking us.
If you were in church on Sunday, take your insert and put it on the refrigerator and use it to help remind you of God. (And if you weren't at church, download the insert, which is found at the top of this post and go listen to the message here.)
See you next year!

This Weekend's Message: The Day After...What Now?

The Day After…Now What?
Luke 1:68-79
By the time we gather for worship on Sunday morning, Christmas 2010 will be history. It will be over. All the presents will have been unwrapped. The tree will be looking dry and bare with no presents underneath. The leftovers will have been placed in the refrigerator. The toys will have been played with. Our family and friends will have all gone home. Now what?
For some people the day after Christmas can bring an after-holiday “let-down.” It’s hard when a big event, which we have looked forward to and prepared for, is over. It is normal to have a “let-down” feeling. On the day after Christmas, what do we do now? Let’s take a step back and remember some important things about God. This Sunday will be a day of encouragement as we look at God through the eyes of Zechariah.
On behalf of the staff and elders of LBF, we wish you a very merry and Christ-filled Christmas. See you on Sunday!
God Bless,
Gary Keith

Reflections: December 19, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Deliberate or Distracted?
Being distracted at Christmas time is nothing new. It is not as much about our fast-paced society as it is about our awareness (remember the bear video?) of the distractions we all face. But I also think that being distracted is easier than being deliberate. As you start out a new week that leads us straight to Christmas Day, what will you do to not let the distractions rob you of adoring the reason we have Christmas in the first place? Will it be slowing down your schedule – maybe saying no to some things? Will it be a conscious decision to allow Jesus to be the King of your life – to let Him have control? Will it be to remind yourself of your need for a Savior and remove the indifference that can creep into our everyday life?
Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle – ever since that first Christmas, many, many people have had the same battles. Take some extra time this week and spend it with Jesus, building that relationship with the God of creation. Be deliberate in celebrating and adoring Jesus this Christmas. I think you’ll be glad you did!

This Weekend's Message: Deliberate or Distracted?

Deliberate or Distracted?
Deck the Halls, Week Three
Last year while at the mall with his mom and grandpa, a little four-year-old boy watched as children lined up excitedly to see Santa Claus. Having been taught that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, the little guy asked his mom, “Where’s the line for Jesus?"
It’s pretty easy to get distracted and miss Christmas. Oh, we won’t miss the day of Christmas literally, but we might miss the meaning of Christmas. Distractions are all around and it is so easy to lose our focus. But if you think this is a new problem, you’re wrong. This week we will look at three particular people who on the very first Christmas became so distracted that they missed it. And as we see the reasons, we’ll learn some important ways we can be deliberate so that we don’t miss it.
If you want to get a head start, read both Matthew chapter 2 and Luke chapter 2.
Finally here we are at the last Sunday before Christmas (I hope to see you!); let’s not get distracted from the real meaning this year.
God Bless,
Gary

Reflections: December 12, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Godly or Gaudy?
Luke 1:26-56
In week two of our series I asked how we should adorn our life at Christmas – will we be godly or gaudy? I must tell you that even though I’m very familiar with the birth story of Jesus, I learned some important new things this week. For the first time I clearly saw the theme of humility in both Mary and Elizabeth. Humility is one of those familiar words that are difficult to live out. How do we know when we are being humble? Mary showed us three things about humility and I hope this week you will consider those as we prepare for Christmas.
During the message I quoted Thomas Merton. He was a 20^th century Catholic writer who said, “Give me humility, in which alone is rest and deliver me from pride which is the heaviest of burdens.” What do you think of this quote? Have you ever experienced rest in humility? If so, what kind of experience was that? How was rest achieved by being humble? How about pride, do you see it as a heavy burden? How has pride  been a burden in your life?
By the way it was brought to my attention that during the sermon I said that John the Baptist wrote the Gospel of John. I quoted John 3:30 when John the Baptist said, "He (Jesus) must increase and I (John the Baptist) must decrease." It is true that John the Baptist said that, but it was John the apostle (the son of Zebedee), not John the Baptist who wrote the Gospel of John. Thank you so much to the person who caught this misstatement.

This Weekend's Message: Godly or Gaudy?

Godly or Gaudy?
(Not associated with the Gaudy family in our church!!)
Luke 1:26-56
Whoa! Only 16 more days and Christmas will be upon us. This Christmas in our “Deck the Halls” series we are looking at how to adorn our life with what matters. How do you prepare yourself for Christmas? Will you be godly or gaudy? What is the difference? Is there someone we can look at to see the difference?
This week we will look at the life of a key figure in the Christmas story and see how they reveal the true spirit of Christmas. During our worship time we will have the privilege of enjoying a combined choir of adults and children. Hope to see you this Sunday to learn how to be godly and not gaudy.

Reflections: December 5, 2010

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship
I was speaking recently with a friend about how God speaks, and how He reveals Himself to us. We were talking about how so often it seems that if God is speaking it is in a soft whisper, and can sometimes be frustrating for us that He doesn't just SPEAK UP!! But as I reflected on the story of Jesus birth, I was reminded that God could not have spoken any louder than He did when He sent His son. And that loud message is for all of time, even in our moments when it seems like God isn't speaking. God has spoken clearly of His love and commitment to us, through His son Jesus Christ.
This season, as you maneuver through business, stress, and or even hurt, and it seems like God is not responding to your cries for help, be reminded that God responded loudly through the birth of Hid Son Jesus, who then promised us an advocate through the Holy Spirit who is with us and speaks to us today.
Have a great week,
Jeff

New Family Seeks Help With Christmas Traditions

By Heidi Rogers, Graphic Designer

Many of us grew up with traditions that our families performed religiously every holiday season. Perhaps your traditions revolved around church and the story of Jesus’ birth, or around the idea of Santa, and at least somewhat around family gatherings and food. Every year my mom would get my brother and I a new, personal ornament for the tree. And on Christmas morning, she’d arrange cinnamon rolls in the shape of a tree and bake them with maraschino cherries on top, to look like ornaments. It was these little things, among others, that I really looked forward to doing together as a family every December.

This year, my husband and I find ourselves spending a quiet Christmas without our extended family here in Utah, with our nine-month-old son. Having a child has caused us to think differently about a lot of things, including how our actions and choices affect the type of person he will become. It has renewed a desire in us to live for Jesus, because we don’t just want to set a good example, we want to emanate what it means to love God and others with all of our hearts.

So as I strive to follow the Holy Spirit more and more each day, in conjunction with the excitement I feel over creating our own, new, family Christmas traditions, I ponder how I can connect the two. What kind of fun memories can I create for my son? How can we enjoy some of our American cultural traditions at Christmas, while still focusing on the birth of Christ? How do we intentionally show him love through gifts, and at the same time maintain the spirit of giving and selflessness? How does God want our family to spend our time and energy during the holidays?

One day, as I was perusing some of my favorite blogs, I came across some how-to’s on Jesse Trees. A Jesse Tree is similar in concept to an advent calendar, but way cooler. You start with a tree of some sort, and each day leading up to Christmas you read a devotional as a family – a passage (through the Old Testament and into the New) that points to the coming of Christ. With each day’s devotional, you have an ornament that represents the story that you hang on the tree. I love this idea because I can make it myself, utilizing some of those crafty/artsy skills God gave me. And it builds anticipation for Christmas and teaches us stories from the Bible all at the same time!

Another thing I’ve been challenged to think about is how we handle gift-giving. I think as we become more connected via the Internet and more aware of suffering going on in the world and in our own neighborhoods, people are thinking more about how they spend their money. I know several people who have decided to forego giving gifts within their family, and instead give a gift as a family to someone in need. Other people I know are very specific about how much and what type of gifts they give their kids at Christmas. For example, giving one practical gift (new pajamas), one educational gift (a book), and one fun toy.

If you’re familiar with The Five Love Languages, then you’ll understand what I mean when I say my main love language is gifts. It means a lot to me when someone goes out of their way to think of something I’d like, no matter how small. So I don’t think cutting gift-giving altogether at Christmas for our family is the right answer. Not just for my sake, but in the event that my son also feels loved through thoughtful gifts. While we have yet to decide our approach to Christmas gift-giving, we know we want to be intentional and thoughtful about it.

So I’m still dwelling and pondering and praying, counting on the Lord’s guidance through this adventure called “parenting,” particularly through the holidays.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Is there anything your family does to tie in the reason for our celebration? How do you handle Christmas gifts? Help Heidi out and leave a comment with some ideas!

This Weekend's Message: The Wrapping Matters

How much does the wrapping matter to you when you get a gift? Everyone says it's the thought that counts, but sometimes the wrapping sort of influences what we feel the value of the gift is going to be.

The wrapping was one of the obstacles that people struggled with when it came to the Messiah. He was supposed to be adorned with royalty and greatness, and instead came humbly in a manger. The wrapping was not what people expected. But the wonderful message of Christmas is that there was a design in the wrapping. There was intentionality in the way Jesus came.

Come this weekend to discover what lies beneath the wrapping of Jesus' birth.

See ya Sunday!
Jeff

Reflections: November 28, 2010

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

Awkwardness... I think about the things that used to be so awkward for me in the past, but are now things that I see as great opportunity. A great example of a way that God has proven Himself faithful to me in the awkward things is in small groups. I have always been a large group kind of person. I like big churches, big parties, big malls, big Thanksgiving dinners, and other places where there is the opportunity to meet with lots of people and have casual interaction. Sitting with someone one-on-one and having a deep conversation and caring about them personally used to be something that was pretty awkward for me. I didn't hate it and it wasn't that I couldn't do it, it was just awkward and I preferred to be in a large group where there was less pressure to actually go deep. God has done a great work in my heart through a small group that I have been in for about 10 years. It has been a place where God has taken the awkwardness and helped me see the importance and even purpose that He has for me in personal situations. It is a place for me to invest in other people, as well as allow people to invest in me. I now look forward to having one-on-one conversations over coffee and being able to genuinely ask "how are you" and listening.

Awkwardness can be such a hindrance, but if we will allow God to change our thinking and allow Him to show us His faithfulness in the awkward things, I believe we are going to see God's move in our lives in new, exciting, and increasingly less awkward ways.

This Weekend's Message: Can I Trust God With the Awkward Things?

Being awkward is not usually something anyone would ever prefer to be. Whether making a fool of yourself, or doing something that makes someone else feel awkward, most of us would prefer to avoid it at all cost. But as the Bible tells us not to “conform” to the ways of this world, it means that we are called to live by a different standard, and are called by God to do things that, in the eyes of those who cannot see, could put us in some awkward spots.
This weekend we are going to look at the awkward call of God on one man's life that directly affects you and I today. We are going to look at his example of hearing God, having faith, and persevering to the end as he trusted God with the awkward things. Who am I talking about? See Genesis chapters 6-8.

See ya Sunday!
Jeff 

Reflections: November 21, 2010

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

Can I Trust God with the Heavy Things?
Joshua 5-6
Many of us know the story of Joshua and the Walls of Jericho found In Joshua 6 – it’s quite an amazing story reminding us that God’s ways are not our ways. But have you looked hard at chapter 5? Because the lesson there is “the walls fall only after the will falls.” Joshua needed to submit his will to the will of God so the walls could fall down.
I can’t count the number of times I have surrendered my will to God. But rather than beat myself up over that thinking I should do better in this covenant of grace, may I be reminded that my will needs to fall to see God work. I don’t care what the heavy thing is – addiction, sickness, insecurity, fear – it doesn’t matter. May I encourage you to surrender your will to God anytime and every time you become aware that you are once again taking control of your life? It doesn’t work unless we submit our will to the will of God.
God Bless you this week as you work on doing that in this grace relationship we have with God and may the walls fall down!

This Weekend's Message: Can I Trust God With the Heavy Things?

Can I Trust God with the Heavy Things?
Joshua 5-6
My least favorite part of moving is the heavy things. The heavy things usually take more than one person and extra muscle power and always the possibility of a strained back. But there will always be heavy things to move. There are also heavy things that need moving in our life – things like sickness, addictions, fears, and insecurities. This week we will look at Joshua and the walls of Jericho. For Joshua the wall would definitely fall into the category of a heavy thing. That obstacle seemed just too heavy to move.
Come this week as we see how God used Joshua to move a heavy obstacle and demonstrate his power in a most unusual way. We’ll learn from Joshua how to trust God with the heavy things in our life.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Gary 

Reflections: November 14, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Can I Trust God with the Fragile Things?
Exodus 3-4
Moses was asked by God to do the impossible. Moses was reluctant to say yes and trust God.
When Moses tells God, 'I’m a nobody,' God says, 'I’ll go with you.'
When Moses says, 'I don’t know what to say,' God says, 'I’ll tell you what to say.'
When Moses says, 'What if they don’t believe me,' God says, 'It’s not your job.'
When Moses says, 'I don’t have the ability,' God says, 'I know, I made you – you will have all that is needed.'
There are times in our lives that, just like Moses, we face what seems impossible. When you face an impossible situation is it hard to trust God? Do you have some of the same excuses as Moses? What are some of the ways you have trusted God? What was the result? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

This Weekend's Message: Can I Trust God With the Fragile Things?

Exodus 3-4
Part of moving involves packing up those fragile vases, crystal glasses and china. We take extra care to make sure that in the process of moving they won’t be broken. And yet it seems like something always breaks despite our best efforts (at least that’s my experience). And just like those vases and crystal glasses our lives are fragile. There are times when we face what seems to be an impossible situation when it feels like life is about to break.
As we look into Exodus this week we’ll see that for Israel it felt like life was breaking. They were in an impossible situation. But God sees their impossible situation and has a plan to change it. Enter Moses. God gets’ Moses’ attention and yet he was reluctant to trust God in this impossible situation.
What fragile situation are you facing right now? What is the thing in your life that seems impossible? Come this week as we see how Moses handled his impossible situation.
See you this weekend,
Pastor Gary

This Weekend's Message: Leaving Comfort Behind

There are two places in my house that I absolutely love: my bed, and my end seat on the sectional sofa. These are places of rest for me. These are places that I have had some of the best naps you can imagine, and these are places that I hate to have to get up from. However, each day there is a call for me to leave these comfortable places and do something with my life: my job, yard work, playing with the kids, etc...are all part of a greater purpose for my life than just sitting.

Being comfortable is a wonderful thing, but there are some things we should be cautious and aware of when it comes to living comfortably. God has a huge design for our lives, much bigger than we realize most of the time. But this design will often call us out of the comfort of our lives that we so deeply enjoy. This call that God has for His children may in fact call us out of being comfortable, and yet not be fully revealed until we are willing to get up and step out in faith.

This weekend we are going to look at the second "Moving Day" as we look at Abram's (Abraham) response to God when God calls him to leave what is known and comfortable, and trust in God's huge design for his life and the life of future generations.

Take a look at Genesis 12, and see what God begins to speak to you.

See ya this weekend,
Jeff

Reflections: October 31, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Can I trust God with My Mess?
Genesis 3
Sin – it’s real, it’s deadly, and it can have forever affects on our life. Sin - it all began with Adam and Eve and it continues today. The good news though is that when we sin, with Jesus it can be forgiven. And during the entire journey of life God never abandons us and His goodness in our life is sure. But when we make a mess of our lives and feel the consequences of sin, we may have a hard time trusting God. How about you? Tell me your story of trusting God when there was a move due to your sin. What was your journey like? Were there days that trusting God was difficult? How did you overcome the mess and trust God again? We can all learn from one another. Have a great week! God bless.Published on Monday, November 1, 2010 @ 8:57 AM PDT

In the Name of the Father, Son...and Holy Spirit

By Phil Shahbaz, Pastor of Community Life

As a child, I would watch my father preach. I always looked upon him with hopeful eyes as he preached God’s word to God’s people. His church was a real life snapshot of Middle America, placed right at the center of a sleepy town called Turlock, California. The church had been built in the early 1920s. There was a never-ending staircase that unfolded as you made your way toward its solid oak doors. There was no steeple, but there was a tower that seemed to slice the church in half, ascend into the sky, and proudly display a white cross for all to see. On the inside, its hardwood floors echoed as you walked. The round, stained glass window beyond the pulpit functioned as the centerpiece. It was a representation of Jesus Christ, praying in earnest in the Garden of Gethsemane. The glass sparkled brilliantly and illuminated the church when the sun touched it just right. Then sometimes my father would end his sermon with these words:

“In the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, in the name of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

His words often prompted me to look at the stained glass. There was something about that glass that seemed holy and reverent. In my young mind, I saw in that glass all three parts of God: Jesus praying to His Father and the Holy Spirit illuminating them as we quietly worshiped.
As a child, it was that glass that made me wonder and question the role of the Holy Spirit. Not able to fully understand, I imagined the Holy Spirit as a force that God used to keep me safe. As an adult, I learned that the role of the Holy Spirit was much grander. The Holy Spirit was, and is, the living God. The Holy Spirit is always with me. The Holy Spirit is always shining down on me; no stained glass was required.

The Holy Spirit’s role within the church begins with the individual believer. Once a person has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they are baptized by the Holy Spirit, and as a result, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9). How the Holy Spirit moves through that person is then a result of the individual’s willingness to give themselves over to the Spirit’s influence.

The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity of God that Christians believe in. We believe in a Triune God that is one in essence but eternally existing in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The LBF doctrinal statement states that “each part of God exists coequally in attributes, power, glory, and equally worthy of all obedience, worship, praise, and adoration” (Matthew 28:19; Deuteronomy 6:4; John 14:6,7; John 5:23; Acts 5:3-4).

In the Old Testament, God the Father chose to communicate directly with the prophets – guiding them, advising them, and communicating the law. For 33 years, God the Son communicated with us directly – teaching, healing, bringing a new message for both Jew and Gentile, and finally, dying on the cross and defeating sin through His resurrection. After Christ’s ascension, God the Holy Spirit now communicates with us directly. The Holy Spirit functions as the portion of God that intercedes on our behalf, communicates for us, and communicates through us as individual Christians and as the Body of Christ.

For each of us, the Holy Spirit’s work in our life is different. Some Christians place a high value on miraculous signs, the speaking of tongues, healing, and prophecy as evidence of the Spirit’s influence in our lives. These attributes are real and they are in fact the work of the Holy Spirit, to be used any time by the Spirit within the church. But make no mistake, the Holy Spirit’s presence in a person’s life is evidenced by the Christ-like character that they portray (Galatians 5: 22-25).

It has been years since I have seen that beautiful stained glass in my father’s church. Instead, I carry a vivid but meaningful memory with me. More importantly, the Holy Spirit that spoke to me as a child is still speaking to me as an adult, and always will.

This Weekend's Message: Can I Trust God?

Each week we will look at an Old Testament story and see some pretty important moves that God called his people to make. This week we look at Adam and Eve and their move out of the Garden of Eden. To get a head start be sure to read Genesis chapter 3 as we ask the question, “Can I Trust God with My Mess?” We want to look at our ability to trust God when we blow it and He tells us to move? Do I believe God is good in those kinds of times? Do I believe I’m forgiven and loved and redeemed?

Join us this week as we explore the topic of trusting God in a variety of situations and moves.

By the way, two things I want to encourage you in this week; first be sure to stop by the Harvest Party table after service on Sunday and sign up for a place to serve that evening and second be sure to vote on Tuesday, November 2.

God Bless,
Gary Keith

Reflections: October 24, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
The Journey Ends
Acts 27 and 28
This past Sunday was week 24 in our study of Acts. In the first part of the book we looked at how to “Be the Church.” Once Paul was on the scene, we then learned what it means to be on a “Road Trip.” This has been an adventure for us as we have learned how the Christian Church started and how it grew. Now that the 28 chapters are completed the “Road Trip” is not over. I think we are now living in chapter 29. The spreading of the church and the spreading of the gospel is still unfolding and will until Christ returns. Now we are part of continuing the work begun by many faithful servants of Jesus. God has now entrusted the good news of Jesus with us. It is our turn to carry it forward.
As you think back on the book of Acts, what is the one thing that stands out the most to you? What one thing impacted you more than anything? How will you be a different kind of Jesus-follower as a result of our Acts study? I’d love to hear from you! God Bless.

This Weekend's Message: Seeing God in the Midst of Trouble

Journey’s End
Acts 27 and 28
This week we finish up our 24-week study in the book of Acts. It would be hard to put in a sentence or two all that I have learned and grown in as we have studied this together. And this week we will once again provide an opportunity for learning as we live with Paul through yet another life-threatening adventure. This time Paul found himself once again in the middle of trouble, but this trouble was weather-related and then he was bitten by a venomous snake. I mean what more can happen to this guy, really?!
How about us? When we are in the middle of trouble it can be hard to see the hand of God, right? This is when we tend to say, “What are you doing God?” or “Where are you God?” or “Why God?” As we walk with Paul through his storm, we will have the opportunity to learn some things about how to live in the storms we find ourselves in.
Hope to see you Sunday! By the way, if you haven’t signed up to serve at the Harvest Party, this is the week – there will be a form in the bulletin. Also thanks so much for all the candy that has been given so far. We can still use more! This party is shaping up to make a huge difference in our community. I can’t wait!
Gary Keith

Reflections: October 17, 2010

This week's Reflection by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Crazy Christian
Acts 25-26
Have you ever been called crazy for being a Christian? I know there are people out there who think Christian’s are crazy, but many times it’s for the wrong reasons. I know that I’m embarrassed by the behaviors of some people who call themselves Christians who receive national media attention for the politically charged things they say or do, or for the way they attack others. What really gets me is that it makes it harder to help people understand that our faith is not about those things they see on TV. Like Paul, if people are going to call us crazy, may it be about the belief we have in the resurrection and how much we love others. What do you think? 

This Weekend's Message: Are You a Crazy Christian?

Crazy Christian
Acts 25-26
Has anyone ever called you crazy for being a Christian? This week we will see that Paul was called crazy by governor Festus. But why? Why was he called crazy for being a Christian? Was it because of his outlandish behavior? Was it because of his beliefs? Would Jesus be pleased with the reasons Paul was called crazy?
There is a big difference between the reasons Paul was called crazy by Festus and why some Christians are called crazy today. There are some good reasons to be called crazy for Jesus, but there are some embarrassing reasons as well – reasons that do not please Jesus at all. Come this week and learn about the difference!
Gary Keith

Reflections: October 10, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship
To live above reproach...to live with integrity...to live with a clear conscience....THAT is freedom. So many people believe that they are getting more out of life by bending the rules, sneaking around, and living for themselves with no regard for others. But the reality for a person that lives this way is a life full of looking over their shoulder, feeling picked on because of consequences for the things that they do, regret, and dishonor of themselves, their families, and God.

As I continue to reflect on the passage this weekend in Acts 24, there are so many nuggets to pull out, but the one that continues to stick out to me is verse 16 where Paul says, "I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people." Trying takes work. And it is the kind of work that we cannot do on our own. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that produces this kind of fruit.

This week I want to encourage you to join me in prayer, asking God to reveal the actions, attitudes, and activities that cause those who observe us to question what we really live for and accuse us of reproachable activity. How are our good intentions to be "Christian" sabotaged by selfish attitudes, succumbing to temptation, and justifying behavior? I pray that God would show each of us how we can change our lives to live in a way that would cause those who would accuse us to look foolish. 

This Weekend's Message: Have You Ever Suffered for Doing the Right Thing?

Have you ever had your integrity called into question? Have you ever been falsely accused of something? Have you ever suffered for doing the right thing?

We have all probably faced at least one, if not all of these scenarios, and if we are honest, it probably drove us to a place of asking "why me?" This week we are going to look at Paul on trial (Acts 24), and how his life and testimony in the face of suffering honored God and continued his ministry to those who needed to hear the good news of the gospel.

See ya Sunday, 
Jeff  

Reflections: October 3, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor
Living Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Acts 22:24-23:35
Not once, not twice but twenty-three times in the New Testament Paul publicly says that he has a clear conscience before God. I don’t know about you but I find that statement pretty challenging. I find that challenging because when we are in those rock and hard place moments in our desire to free ourselves we are tempted to say things or do things that are morally wrong. But not Paul, He is a wonderful example of staying true to his faith even when the pressure is on.
What do you believe are the other factors at work here that would help us stay true to our faith when we are between a rock and a hard place? What has helped you maintain a clear conscience before God when you are between a rock and a hard place?

This Weekend's Message: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Living Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Acts 22:24-23:35
There are times in our lives when we face a decision. We struggle making this decision because neither choice feels right or maybe our choice will make someone angry or maybe either choice will bring us pain. But we still need to make a decision. What do you do when you are between a rock and a hard place? How do you make a decision where there is no good solution?
This week as we continue our road trip we will see that Paul finds himself between a rock and a hard place. The story is riveting and one that we can learn from as we face our rock and hard place decision. Do you want to build a spiritual legacy that will last? It’s often in the times that we feel like we’re between a rock and a hard place that God does wonderful things. I hope to see you Sunday as we journey together learning from Paul during his rock and hard place moment.
Pastor Gary

Reflections: September 26, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

"Take up your cross DAILY and follow me." This is what it means to be a Christian. A life surrendered to Christ at a level that does not put us beyond making mistakes and still blowing it, but where we are willing to continue to lay it all down, make the sacrifice of our own "rights" and desires, and allow what Christ calls us to, to trump all else.

Right now I am really asking God to do surgery on my heart and take out the disease of a judgmental attitude. With strangers, friends, my wife, and my kids I need God's help to show the grace and love that He desires from me.

I want to encourage all of you to join me in asking God to invade our lives at such a deep level, it goes beyond feeling guilty for a few minutes after a Sunday sermon and actually changes our behaviors, our lifestyle, and helps us become the people that God designed us to be.

This Weekend's Message: Loving Jesus to Death

"What would you do for a Klondike Bar?" We have seen people dress like a chicken, dance like a penguin, and do all sorts of other crazy things for some ice cream covered in chocolate. On the TV show "Wipeout" we see people get beat to a pulp for the chance at $50,000. And a common phrase in our culture is "I would do anything for...". So, what would you be willing to do for Jesus?

Jesus said that anyone who wants to be identified with Him, must take up their cross (die to themselves) and follow Him. This week as we continue on into Acts 21 and 22 we are going to see that Paul is willing to do just that, in a very literal way. We will look at what it means to take up our 21st century cross, and the cost of being a Christ follower.

See ya Sunday,
Jeff

Reflections: September 19, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Living Life to the Fullest
Acts 20:13-38

This passage explores Paul’s thoughts about what it meant for him to live his life to the fullest. For Paul this meant having a heart to serve God, following the leading of the Holy Spirit, keeping his focus on eternal things, and passing the faith on to others, including the next generation. I’m sure this kept him from experiencing a mid-life crisis.

Even though I’m now a pastor of a church, that was something I hadn’t even considered until I was 30 years old. My life experience at that time included going to college, serving in the military, and pursuing a totally different career path. I had been searching for a life purpose since my mother was tragically killed. I wanted to know if this thing called Christianity had any meaning beyond going to church on Sunday. After a few years of seeking God, I realized that I wanted my life to count for eternal things. For me this meant joining the staff of LBF. And so, preparing for this message, I reflected on these past 29 years here at LBF and I’m grateful for the opportunity to see God change my life and the lives of others.

As you consider your life, what is it that gives you meaning and purpose? Does it have anything to do with what brought meaning to Paul’s life? What is it that helps you know you are living your life to the fullest? I’d love to hear from you.

This Weekend's Message: How Do We Live Life to the Fullest?

Living Life to the Fullest
Acts 20:13-38

I have known people who experienced a mid-life crisis when they hit their forties. These people look back on their life so far and for whatever reason, feel like life is not what they had hoped it would be. Maybe they haven’t accomplished what they had hoped to accomplish. Maybe they are in a job they hate. Maybe their marriage is not going the way they had hoped. Or maybe life in general is just not happening as they had dreamed it would, and so they experience this mid-life crisis. Sometimes what people do during a mid-life crisis can be humorous, like buying a sports car and changing the way they dress. But sometimes this mid-life crisis can result in serious discouragement or even depression.

How do we live life to the fullest? That is the question we will explore this Sunday as we continue our Road Trip with Paul. If you want to get a head start, be sure to read the entire passage, but especially verse 24. How do we live life to the fullest? Let’s look at Paul’s example and learn some important ways to do just that.


Pastor Gary

Reflections: September 12, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

As I think more and more on this idea of receiving all that God has for us, I am struck by the mere idea that the God of the universe has something for US! Our God tells us to come before Him being full of confidence. Our God tells us to make our prayers and needs known to Him. Our God tells us that if we will humble ourselves, He will hear our prayers. And our God, of His own will, is offering us the opportunity to be so filled with the Holy Spirit that we will be given Spiritual Gifts, authority over demonic forces, and life to the fullest! All of that sounds so much better than just attending a church service and calling myself a Christian.

This week I want to encourage you to go before God in a very real and humble way, and ask Him to reveal to you what in your heart and life is hindering any ability to receive all that He has for you. God is not about performance, and we must understand that our salvation and these gifts from God are not based on us earning or deserving them, but many times we put those limitations on God. We settle for the temporal, or what we feel like we deserve, or what we think God can do in us or through us, when scripture tells us that God is ready to do so much more if we would just surrender and allow Him to.

For each of us it will be different. For some it will be dealing with addiction. For others it will require healing from abuse.  Some may need to pray for an extra measure of faith. Whatever it is in your life that holds you back from Him, or causes you to settle for less than all that He has for you, God is there, ready to touch you and bring you the life that He promised through Jesus Christ.

May God bless you as you seek Him, and may you come alive with the life found in His Holy Spirit.

This Weekend's Message: Have You Ever Settled?

Have you ever "settled?" You know, accepted something less even though there was better to be had? Some "settle" relationally. Some "settle" vocationally. Some even "settle" spiritually. Jesus said that He came so that we can have life to the fullest, but so often we settle for so much less.

This weekend as we continue our Road Trip into Ephesus in Acts chapter 19, we will see Paul address issues of settling for less, false gods, and the power of Jesus' name. We will also see his relentless commitment to continue spreading the good news of the gospel on this third missionary journey until the whole world hears.

See Ya Sunday,
Jeff

Reflections: September 5, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

Feel Like Quitting?
Acts 18

We learned this week that even the bold and confident Apostle Paul experienced discouragement and even depression as he entered the city of Corinth. Today more than 17 million Americans have been diagnosed with serious depression and there are countless others who live daily in a haze of disillusionment. The Christian community is not immune – Christians also experience discouragement and depression.

Acts 18 reveals to us how God provided for Paul during his time of weakness. If you live with or deal with depression, how does your Christian life become a place of hope? How have you seen God provide for you during times of discouragement? Let’s talk and help one another out. God helped Paul by providing friends, by providing for his physical needs, and by speaking encouraging words. Have you seen God do this for you? Did it help? 

This Weekend's Message: Feel Like Quitting?

Feel Like Quitting?
Acts 18

If you’re like most people, there have been times in your life when you have felt like quitting. Maybe it was just too hard or maybe it was just taking too long or maybe it just became too discouraging. Whatever the reason, I think most of us have felt like quitting. Here’s the good news: you’re not alone because even Paul the apostle, the man who wrote (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) much of the New Testament, felt like quitting.

This week in Acts 18 we see Paul enter the city of Corinth a discouraged man. But we will also see how God provided a cure for Paul’s’ discouragement and learn how He provides for us as well.

See ya Sunday!

Pastor Gary

Reflections: Back-To-Church Weekend! August 29, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

Well...That was different! (To see what was so different, you can view the service on our Resources page.)

Regardless of the vehicle that is used to communicate truth, the truth is the focus, and the truth is never changing. Our prayer here at LBF is that through scripture and through relationships, people will come to the truth and understanding that they have a loving creator who has made them for a purpose, and has called us to a life of being a light and servants in the name of Jesus.

This weekend you heard a lot about the U.R.U. seminars (which stands for U R Unique), which is precisely what we will be discovering as we go through Spiritual Gifts and the StrengthsFinder inventories. We would love to have everyone be part of these seminars, not just so we can fill a room, but because we believe that as people discover how special and unique God has made them, they will also realize how special and unique the call on their life is.

For more info about U.R.U. or any of the other ministries that you saw featured in this weekend's service, have a look around our website and then let us know how we can get you connected.

This Weekend's Message: Back to Church!

3...2...1... Rolling... Action!! Ladies and gentlemen welcome to "Back To Church Weekend!" Get ready for a fun-filled, Christ-centered weekend service that will motivate, encourage, and challenge every heart.

This weekend our message presentation will look a bit different as we take a look at several lives within our church that have been impacted by God, and who have in turn chosen to serve the body of Christ. We will hear from children's ministers, youth volunteers, Men's and Women's leadership, and so much more. There will be times of passionate worship through music, and videos that touch the heart. This weekend will be a challenge to every person who calls themselves a follower of Christ to step up and "Be The Church."

You do not want to miss this weekend, and it will be a perfect time to invite a friend to see what our church is all about.

See ya Sunday,
Jeff

Reflections: August 22, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Gary Keith, Executive & Teaching Pastor

The Three City Tour
Acts 17

On Sunday as we studied this passage, it was clear that Paul is convinced in the power of the gospel to change lives. It is also clear that he is ready and prepared to share the gospel in a variety of settings and to people who have a variety of different beliefs.

As you consider sharing about Jesus to other people, what is it that stops you? What hinders you from being bold? Several things I thought of might include being afraid of being made fun of, not knowing what to say, being called a "Jesus freak," or maybe even what you believe others think of Christians today (let’s face it - some pretty embarrassing things have been done and said lately in the name of Jesus)?

I think it is important for us to talk about these things and work out ways to change. Why? Because the very eternal lives of people are at stake. What do you think?

This Weekend's Message: Ever Dreamed of Going on Tour?

The Three City Tour
Acts 17

Have you ever dreamed of going on tour? Have you been intrigued as you watched famous people tour the world with their music? For some, going on tour seems like a glamorous way to live – everyone taking care of your every need, visiting a new city every night, seeing new people, seeing new sites – all of that can sound pretty inviting, but is it?

Well this week as we look into Acts 17, we get to see the experience of Paul on a three city tour. As we look at his experience we can learn so much about how he presents the gospel to three different cites in three different ways and receives three different reactions. And while we are “on tour” with Paul, we will learn how we can be ready to present the gospel in our own city.

By the way, let me encourage you to give serious consideration to attending the U.R.U. Seminars – this will be a great time to help you see how God has gifted and made you.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Gary Keith

Reflections: August 15, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries

As I think about this weekend and this week’s text, I want to encourage you again to reflect on Paul’s passion for the gospel. Although it was not the place that Paul had originally set to, this portion of the road trip that we looked at showed how far Paul was willing to go to help people know what Jesus did for them. After Paul left that city, there were two households changed by the gospel that would eventually become the church of Philippi. He then would write one of his most personal letters to them. This week I want to encourage you to think about how God is directing you and how you might share to the good news of Jesus with those that God puts in front of you.

This Weekend's Message: Crossroads, Roadblocks & Moving Violations

Those of you that have ever been on a road trip know that they can be filled with a number of possibilities and this week's passage demonstrates what can happened as the road trip continues. From crossroads to roadblocks, and even some moving violations, the book of Acts reveals what life is like as we head out on the road to take Jesus to a world that so desperately needs Him.

As we continue our series, we will be looking at Acts 15:36-6:40. I can promise you it is a text full of some important lessons. These lessons are not only things that Paul and Barnabas faced, but some important lessons that we must learn as well if we want to see the message of Christ continuing in our community today.

This Sunday our youth ministry will lead the services. We are excited to join you this weekend in worship and in message. We look forward to seeing you there.

God Bless,

Matt Sasso 

Reflections: August 8, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Jason Gaudy, Elder

When I think about how many things could've derailed early Christianity, adding to the gospel seems like the most dangerous possible thing that could've happened. Finally, we had been set free and immediately people began to try to help God along. Immediately we began to fill in the blank. Jesus +_____________ . What have you filled in the blank with? Whatever it is, by adding legalistic requirements to the gospel, we lose it all together. It seems that it is part of our nature to not truly understand the concept of grace.

As we share with others through our words and our lives, how Jesus saved us and taught us how to live, may we all remember to give them the gospel of freedom and life not of ritual and tradition. The conditional gospel of Jesus +_________ is no gospel at all. May we prefer God's truth over prestige and personal preference. May the good works that we do be as a result of the joy and gratitude we have from our salvation not out of guilt or shame or obligation.

This Weekend's Message: U-Turns

Don’t you just love controversy? I mean, there is nothing I like more than spending my days confronting controversial issues. Nothing like a good conflict to really unite people, right? I’m guessing most of you couldn’t disagree more with that. I know I do. This week we’ll be studying the 15th chapter of Acts and we’ll see how a controversy over circumcision of all things caused division among early believers and risked splitting the church up entirely. We’ll look at how difficult it can be to stand up for truth and how dangerous it can be if we refuse to. I encourage you to read through the chapter in the next few days and look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Jason Gaudy

Reflections: August 1, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

The Lord has really been speaking to me a lot since Sunday about the call to reach all people with the message and love of Christ. I certainly have a lot of room to grow in making concerted efforts, outside the ministry context, to reach out to people, but God has been faithful even this week to give me opportunities.

My new neighbor, who I have only spoken to briefly, was outside doing his yard work and I was on my way out to the car to go somewhere. This is usually the point where I am so busy or rushed that I hop in the car and zoom off. But this time I was distinctly urged in my heart to stop what I was doing and go talk to him. During our conversation he was really open about how he and his wife are doing as they expect their first baby in September. He talked about some of their fears and anxiety, and I was able to really relate with much of the stuff as Laura and I had experienced many of the same things. I was able to share with him about how prayer through our pregnancies was a big part and offered to pray for he and his wife. He was surprised and even commented that it was a relief that he has a “nice neighbor.” I hope I can keep that up! :)

I share that story as an “if I can do it you can do it” type of encouragement, the way we see the passages about Paul and Barnabas’ journey and their perseverance to share the gospel even through the breakdowns in Acts 14.

Have you had any opportunities to share the love of Christ with anyone lately that you could share here with us as an encouragement? We’d love to hear has God is speaking to your heart, and how you are being used in the lives of people.

Have a great week, even if there are “breakdowns”.