This Weekend's Message: What Wii Believe About the Triune God

Egg, plant, water... What do each of these things have in common? Each have been used at metaphors for describing the Trinity, the Triune Godhead, the 3-in-1.

This weekend as we continue through our series discussing what "Wii Believe," we are going to look at the foundational Christian belief in the Trinity. One God in three persons. This is one of the most challenging concepts to grasp, let alone to teach, so be in prayer this week that God would open our hearts and minds to understand Him on greater levels. And I covet your prayers as well, as I prepare this teaching, that God would help me to communicate clearly and that the truth of His vastness would be made known.

Here are some of the verses we will be looking at this weekend: Deuteronomy 6:4, Matthew 28:19, John 5:23, John 14:6-7, Acts 5:3-4

Have a great week!

Jeff

Reflections: February 21, 2010

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

Wii Believe in the Bible

 

As I reflect a bit on this Wii Believe series, I realize that many people would agree with the first part of 2 Timothy 3:16 - the part that declares that the Bible is the inspired word of God. But then we arrive at the second part of that verse where Paul lists four ways the Bible is useful. When we get to that part I wonder if we pause and say, "Wait a minute, I'm not sure I want the Bible to correct my life. I'll read the Bible for information, but I don't want it to correct my life."

 

If that is the case, then we haven't yet believed the first part of the verse. It's my contention that "Wii Believe" doesn't really happen until we put into practice what we say we believe. What do you think?

The Run-down on LBF's Heart & Soul's Valentine's Dance

Last Friday, LBF packed the house for the Heart & Soul’s Valentine’s Dance. All ages came out to boogy and celebrate love for an evening that included dinner and fellowship. I interviewed Shauntel Raymond, one of the primary organizers of the event, to get a run-down on how it went.

 

Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Leadership Development: Where did the idea of holding a "heart and soul" Valentine’s dance come from?

Shauntel Raymond: The idea came from a few of us girls talking after our small group. We thought about how much fun it would be to do something to bring couples together in our church. Plus, we have happy feet sometimes and in today's world, the only place to go dancing is a bar and that's not where we feel comfortable.

 

Russ: A dance and church might seem like an odd pairing. What were the issues you had to consider when organizing a dance at church?

Shauntel: To make it an appropriate event, the music had to be just right. We also had to appeal to all ages with the music selection and theme.

 

Russ: What was your favorite part of the entire experience?

Shauntel: Planning and working together as a team and watching the couples and the joy on their faces as they danced together to their favorite songs.

 

Russ: You and your team put in endless hours planning, organizing, hosting, and tearing down this dance. Was it worth it?

Shauntel: It was completely worth it! We were tired, but when we saw that dance floor packed all night and hearing back from people about how much fun it was, we knew we did the right thing and all our work was worth it. We also had a great team of people who helped make the set up and tear down run really smoothly.

 

Russ: If we host a dance again next year, what would you say to someone who didn't attend this year to encourage them to come?

Shauntel: It was a great evening of celebrating together as couples and fellow believers in an atmosphere where you feel comfortable on the dance floor and not be offended by the music. If you can't dance with your Christian brothers and sisters, who can you dance with? We are commanded not to judge each other (including our dance moves), right?

This Weekend's Message: What Wii Believe About the Bible

What Wii Believe About the Bible
2 Timothy 3:16-17

I don't own a Wii gaming system, but at times I get to play at my grandson's house. He even helped me create my own Mii (see below). We always have a good time and he always beats me. In fact, when we play together, he (age five) instructs me on how to play and when to sit out and wait for him. It's always a good time. I laugh a lot and he is patient with me!

One thing I've noticed about the Wii games is that there are different stages that must be completed. Just about the time you finish one stage, another one becomes available to experience and challenge you. I think the farthest I've ever made it to is stage three and that took a very long time.

This week starts a new eight-week series we are calling "Wii Believe." Just like in the game, there are stages of learning for Christians. During this series we will look at eight different stages - each one having an importance of its own, but each one building on the other. This week we will start by looking at what "wii believe" about the Bible. In a time where Christians are challenged to consider whether the Bible is true or not, it is important to ground ourselves once again to what "wii believe."

We are also inviting you to share your Mii with us! Check out our Facebook Fan page and share your Mii! It's just a fun thing we are doing!

See you Sunday!

Gary Keith

Reflections: February 14, 2010

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

 

Love for a Savior

 

I've been doing some more thinking about this idea of being a fan or a follower of Jesus. How easily we can become impressed with Jesus as we read the story of His presence on earth. His words and His teachings captivate our attention and challenge our very way of life. I think many people are fans of Jesus.

 

But I find it beyond challenging to be a devoted follower of Jesus. For sure that starts with belief and acceptance and allowing Him to be the one who controls our life. But do we really explore what it looks like to live the life that Jesus proclaims in the gospels? To love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; to love others as we love ourselves; to love our enemies. I realize we are all at different places in our faith journey, so let me ask you: what does it mean to you to be a follower of Jesus and not just a fan?

This Weekend's Message: Love for a Savior

Love for a Savior

Matthew 7:13-29

 

I'm one of those people who are part of the Facebook community. And as part of that community there are times I get asked to be a "fan" of something. In fact I said yes to being a "fan" of Life Bible Fellowship Church. And that is a good thing because I believe in LBF. But there are other "fan" requests that I turn down. I think we all have people and groups and sports teams that we are fans of. And then there are other people, groups, and sports teams we are not fans of. Why is that?

This week as we finish up our "Love Out Loud" series, we will learn that with Jesus, He doesn't want just fans, He wants followers. What is the difference between being a "fan" and a "follower?" We'll explore the difference this Sunday as we look at the end of the most important sermon ever given.

Pastor Gary Keith

Reflections: February 7, 2010

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

 

Hopefully as we looked at various aspects of the Gospel of Jesus this weekend it has caused your Spirit to be stirred to understand just how good of news the gospel is.

Why is the gospel good news to you?

How has that affected your willingness to share it?

Share your stories here!

This Weekend's Message: The Good News of God's Love

Last week my oldest son Carter had baseball tryouts to see which division in little league he would be placed in. We were all excited for him and he has been anticipating the phone call from the league to tell him whether he would be in the younger or older division. Last night we got a phone call from the league, saying that Carter was drafted by a team in the older division by a coach that we have played with before and really like.

Good news is always nice to get, even when it is something as simple as being drafted onto a team in little league. Many times in life it seems like the bad news tends to pile up, but what a breath of fresh air when in the midst of that, we get news that seems to lighten the load.

Good news does not sweep away the struggles in life. It does not make things all better. But it does give us a hope in a future that maybe all of the difficulties had robbed from us.

This weekend we are going to talk about the greatest news of all, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and what makes it such great news.

See ya Sunday!

Jeff

Reflections: January 31, 2010

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

As I continue to reflect on the impact that Onesiphorus had on Paul, and the encouragement that he was able to bring, it really gives me hope that though I feel unprepared to handle many situations, I can know that I am not alone as I am filled with the Holy Spirit and the gifts He has given me. I also know that I can trust that God will send me an Onesiphorus –  a "help-bringer" – in my times of need.

It also raises my awareness of opportunities that I can be a "help-bringer" to others in need. As I may prefer to shy away from opportunities, I need to be reminded that the Lord has called me to love out loud, and being a "help-bringer" is a crucial part of that call.

What are some opportunities that you have had to be a "help bringer" in a situation? Was there a time in your life when God sent a "help-bringer" to you?