This Weekend's Message: When He Appears

Human beings have an obsession with the end of the world. Whether this preoccupation manifests in our interest in post-apocalyptic movies and books or in the Mayan calendar, we find great interest in this subject.

Not surprisingly, then, the subject of Christ’s return captures our interest. When will it be? What will it be like? What events will precede it? These questions have been asked and debated for centuries. They preoccupy us. In fact, too often they distract us from two much more important questions:
    (1) What will be the result of Christ’s return?
    (2) How can I prepare for Christ’s return?

We have just finished celebrating the first coming of Christ. This Sunday, we will take time to anticipate his second coming, and to talk about how we can appropriately prepare for it.

Dan

This Weekend's Message: This is Love

John Lennon once said, “It matters not who you love, where you love, why you love, when you love, or how you love. It matters only that you love.” While he said this a number of decades ago, this statement reflects the sentiment of our age. We shouldn’t fight because we should love. We shouldn’t exclude because we should love. We shouldn’t judge because we should love. If we would just love one another, everything would be fixed.

In the Bible, God does not disagree with John Lennon on the primacy of love. However, God does disagree that it is unimportant why we love or how we love. And Lennon’s statement makes a significant assumption. It assumes that we even have the capability of living a life of love. After all, very few people would disagree with the sentiment of loving other people, but our world is not as a result free from wars or judgment or prejudice. While it may be true that our greatest human need is to love and to be loved, Lennon’s statement does very little to equip us to live lives of love.

So, how do we get love? How do we experience it, and how do we find the power to give it?

Dan

Reaching Out: LBF Global Update from Thailand

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

Tim and I – worship co-leaders at the annual missions conference
in Thailand.

I recently attended a missions conference in Thailand and was able to spend a few days visiting Pete and Mary Quesenberry and Amanda Rana before the start of the conference. They live in the city of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand. It is always a joy to see our own missionaries and be in their part of the world, experiencing the environment they live and work in. Pete, who is a veterinarian, trains nationals in caring for their farm animals, as well as training leaders among the minority people groups in that region. Mary helps with administrative responsibilities at the Chiang Rai International Christian School. They both have done a great deal to get the school started and accredited. All three of their adult children now live in different parts of the world, so they have an empty nest.

Amanda (Mandy), is teaching in the Chiang Rai International Christian School. This is her second year at the school and this year she is teaching a class of very energetic 6th grade boys. Her students come from various countries, so she is enjoying the diversity in her classroom and what there is to be learned from each one. I’m so glad I was able to spend time with them.

Mandy Rana, Pete & Mary Quesenberry, and I met at a McDonalds in Chiang Mai.

My role at the missions conference was to lead worship each morning. That was such a joy to my heart – singing praises to the Lord with missionaries from various countries. They don’t often have the opportunity to worship corporately, so it was thrilling to lead them. And it was a good reminder that we in the U.S. may take for granted the opportunity we have to worship openly and with other believers. 

Spending time with missionaries is such a blessing. I had many opportunities to learn from them about their service and what it’s like to live in a foreign country. It’s exciting to take a trip and visit other countries, but living there brings many challenges. One young woman I spoke with shared that living in a foreign culture makes her more tired than in the U.S. because she’s always on her guard trying to remember the “cultural rules.” There’s always a danger of making mistakes in language or offending someone because of a lack of understanding of the culture. The learning curve is huge when everything is new and very different from what you’re used to. Just doing regular errands – like we do everyday – can be exhausting. She gave me a new perspective on the importance of understanding and fitting into the culture. When a missionary moves to a foreign country to share the light of Christ, it’s critically important to be able to understand who the people are, how they live, what’s important to them, and much, much more. The missionary must learn to fit into their world – not vice versa.

Mandy Rana, Pete & Mary Quesenberry, and I met at a McDonalds in Chiang Mai.

I share all of this with you because I think it’s important for us in the U.S. to try to get into the “shoes” of our missionaries by understanding as best as we’re able what it might be like for them. It’s not like you just pick up your life and move it around the world and it’s all the same as before. It’s very different and takes some real adjustments.

Let’s remember to pray for our missionaries who are serving in different parts of the world. They are part of our LBF family and they are so encouraged to have you praying for them. And, I’d be delighted to share their contact information if you’d like to send an email. Please let me know.

This Weekend's Message: Good News of Great Joy

Every year people celebrate Christmas through the giving and receiving of gifts, and chances are you have been looking to give a meaning gift to friend or loved one. Well what if I told you that God himself has given you a gift? This week we are unwrapping the Christmas story to discover that gift and its significance. This year we would like you to receive a gift that comes only from God himself.

Matt Sasso

Are You Showing Up to Prom Without a Date?

By Phil Shahbaz, Pastor of Community Life 

Prior to our time at LBF, and prior to having four kids at the same time, my wife and I attended a fantastic church in the Los Angeles area. This church is renowned for its incredible worship, its grace-centered approach to teaching, and its wonderfully service-centered approach to the community.

We came and went to this church every Sunday for five years. In five years, we did not create one new relationship with anybody at the church. At the time, it was frustrating. Personally, I always felt like I was showing up to prom every Sunday without a date. I was confused as to why so many folks at the church seemed so close to one another. Looking back, I now understand that it wasn’t the church’s fault; it was ours. Outside of Sunday service, we were not involved at all. Specifically, we simply decided that we didn’t have time to join a small group. As a result, we had no interaction with anyone at the church. It’s difficult to make friends when you simply show up on Sunday, listen, and leave.

What I didn’t understand at the time was that joining a small group at a church is one of the primary reasons people create relationships, stay connected to their church, enjoy their church, and grow spiritually. Sure, there are other ways to feel satisfied with your church experience outside of joining a small group, but you can pick any church in the country that you would consider healthy and behind it you will likely find a small group program that is thriving.

In August, LBF announced its new mission statement: “We exist to passionately pursue LIFE in Jesus and lead our neighbors to do the same.” As part of this new mission, we also announced that our efforts would be focused on three primary areas: learning the Bible, LIFE Groups, and service. LIFE Groups – it’s what LBF now refers to as our small group program. Our LIFE Group program is designed so that each of us can learn God’s word on Sunday, then continue to explore and discuss what we learned from Sunday’s message with a small group of people.

Our hope is that when we gather together with our small group, we are able to practice giving and receiving grace to one another (2 Corinthians 13-14), giving and receiving mercy to one another (1 Timothy 1:16), and giving and receiving compassion to one another (Ephesians 4:32). If we can reflect Christ to one another through grace, mercy, and compassion, we are able to create a safe environment that allows us to confess our sins and burdens to one another (James 5:16). Ultimately, we are able to live LIFE together as part of authentic Christian community.

No one knows the value of the LIFE Group more then Larry Osborne, lead pastor at North Coast Church in San Diego. In his book, Sticky Church, he writes, “The ultimate goal of a sermon-based small group is simply to Velcro people to the two things they will need most when faced with a need-to-know or need-to-grow situation: the Bible and other Christians” (p. 43). Pastor Osborne reminds us that the weekly small group encourages us to keep the Bible as our foundation and other Christians as our support – authentic Christian community. It’s important to note that close to 6,000 people attend Pastor Osborne’s church. Eighty percent of those who attend, participate in a life group.

At LBF, we have roughly 533 individuals participating in the LIFE Group program. Out of these 533 individuals, some are involved in more than one group (although we have not compiled the exact data). These 533 individuals participate in the LBF LIFE Group program as part of 44 individual groups. Of these 44 groups, 26 are traditional LIFE Groups hosted at a home, seven are women’s groups, four are specialty groups, four are support groups, and three are men’s groups. Not all of these groups use our message-based curriculum, but most do. Altogether, roughly half of the adults (or more) that attend Sunday morning services at LBF are involved in a small group Bible study as part of the LIFE Group program at LBF.

These numbers are profoundly encouraging! They are not North Coast numbers, but we are not trying to be like North Coast. We are Life Bible Fellowship Church. In addition to our LIFE Group program, we participate through dozens of other programs and events such as the Harvest Party, Thanksgiving Serve, the Car Show, and men’s and women’s retreats, to name a few. We are the kind of church that gives more than 400 turkeys when the goal is 400. We are truly an active participant in God’s Kingdom.

Yet as we participate, we want to focus more on Jesus himself. We want to realize our focus by studying God’s word on Sunday, reflecting on God’s word as part of a LIFE Group, and serving our community. In December, we are beginning LIFE Group sign-ups for the winter quarter. We will have several new groups in addition to some openings in our existing groups. If you are already involved, our hope is that you will encourage others to get involved. If you are not yet involved, our hope is that you will give it a shot.

My wife and I didn’t give it a shot at our old church, but we did at LBF. Our LIFE Group has not only helped us create new friendships, but it has been an incredible source of encouragement and support in our lives. And when I go to church on Sunday, I feel like I finally have a date to prom.

Don’t show up to the prom without a date. Go to lbfchurch.com to sign up for a group.

Advent is Coming. Are You Ready?

By Amanda Bixler, Worship Coordinator 

Well, whether you are ready for it or not, the holiday season is upon us! And as much as this season is about family, festive lights, gatherings, gifts, and warm drinks in Starbucks holiday cups, it is also a time to celebrate the birth and coming of a Messiah, Jesus. In fact, that’s exactly what the term Advent means – ‘coming’ in Latin. The season of Advent is literally a time to wait and celebrate Jesus coming to this world in love and setting up camp amongst us. One biblical translation even writes, “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood” (John 1:14, The Message). This is a season that is set aside in the Christian calendar as a time to expectantly wait and actively prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Often times there are specific advent readings and themes of hope, peace, joy and love that are associated with the month of December and specifically the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Traditionally, Advent is an eager and hopeful time of the year where we countdown to the 25th, trade our traditional calendars for Advent ones, and read scripture passages that lead up to the birth of our Savior.

We are so excited for this season and the ways we get to celebrate Jesus’ birth in Worship Island! November was a heavily focused month on thankfulness – being thankful to God of all that he has done for us and given to us. Continuing on that momentum, each weekend in December will be focused on a different aspect of the biblical Christmas narrative and why we are thankful for Jesus coming. These weekends leading up to Christmas will be a time to read through the Christmas story, learn more about each person involved in Jesus’ birth, and how they all interacted with one another. Our first through fourth graders will have the opportunity to really engage with the Christmas narrative and hopefully encounter Jesus in a new way.

Our desire is that this journey through the Christmas story and celebration of Jesus’ birth would not just be something that happens in Worship Island on Sunday mornings. As you sign in your children each week, we will have packets available with supplemental advent information and scripture readings that we hope you will partake in with your children. It has been our experience that when families engage in worship together through the reading of scripture and discussion, a deep richness occurs. Our prayer is that as we all enter into this exciting, busy, and joyous season of Advent, we would all be drawn closer to the heart of God and to the reality that Jesus came and lived among us.

This Weekend's Message: Christ, Our Peace

In 2001 U2 released a song called “Peace on Earth.” Here are the opening lyrics:
Heaven on Earth 
We need it now 
I’m sick of all of this 
Hanging around 
Sick of sorrow 
Sick of pain 
Sick of hearing again and again 
That’s there’s gonna be 
Peace on Earth 

This song powerfully reflects two truths. First of all, it reflects the longing of every human heart for peace on earth. It is no wonder that so many Christmas songs repeat the angel’s announcement of “peace on earth and goodwill to men.” Every politician presents policies that are meant to promote greater peace and harmony on the earth. We all want peace on earth. But the second truth that this song reflects is that we have become cynical about the possibility of peace on earth. It sounds like a nice idea, but the angel’s announcement seems more and more out of touch with reality. It was announced 2,000 years ago, and yet it seems no closer to reality today.

The Bible does not present a pie in the sky idea that human beings can overcome their differences and attain peace on earth. At the same time, the Bible does not present a pessimistic idea that peace on earth will never happen. Our longing for peace will be fulfilled. But it will not happen because of the President or the UN or a new Middle East policy. Peace is an exclusive gift that is offered to the world through the very first Christmas.

Dan

Children’s Christmas Choir to Perform at LBF & Upland Rehab and Care Center

By Laurie Baiz, Director of Children’s Ministry 

Our Children’s Christmas Choir has been rehearsing for a month now and they are sounding great! We have about 30 children this year participating and we are all excited to praise God during this wonderful holiday season.

The choir will be performing during all three services on Sunday, December 16 and Sunday, December 23.

They will also be going off-site to Upland Rehab and Care Center on December 2 and 9 to spread the holiday cheer to our community.

 We are all very excited and looking forward to these great events!

Winter Camp is Just Not a Normal Experience

By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries 

We’re standing in line at McDonald’s on the way home from a weekend at winter camp. Joey, a 7th grade boy, is in line in front of me. “Hey Matt,” he says. “How many double cheeseburgers can I get for $20 dollars?” “Um…18,” I say. Joey then turns around and says exactly what we all think he will, “I’ll take 18 double cheeseburgers please.”

Camp is just not a normal experience; I think that is exactly what makes it so good. Each year winter camp is often one of the highlights of our students’ year. It’s a weekend where they get away from home, stay up late, and have some of that independence they are desperate for. For many it’s a weekend filled with a lack of sleep and good ol’ camp food, and at the exact same time it’s a week where they encounter God in a way they might never have before.

Every year at camp I watch our middle school and high school students worship in amazingly authentic ways, engage with God’s word, and have deep and insightful conversations during small group times. It is wonderful!

The lesson that I learned from Joey that year was, we can’t order 18 cheeseburgers everyday. Camp is one those times that we order 18 cheeseburgers. It is one of those weekends that we can’t replicate in the midst of our everyday lives.

If you are the parent of a junior high or high school student, I want to encourage you to consider sending your son or daughter to camp this winter. Sign up in the youth room (also known as The Garage), by calling me @ 981-4848, ext. 233, or by emailing matt@lbfchurch.com. We can’t wait to see you there!

Camp Info: 

Jr. High Winter Camp is at Ponderosa Pines Christian Camp, from February 1-3, 2013. Cost is $170 per student.

High School Winter Camp is at Forest Home Christian Camp, from February 8-10, 2013. Cost is $185 per student.

This Weekend's Message: Our Only Hope

HOPE – Hope is an essential part of our life that all of us need. I think the Christmas season brings this idea of hope to the forefront of everyone’s thinking. I remember when I was a kid I would make my wish list, give it to my parents, and then start hoping. Right up to the moment I opened that last present my hope was always alive. If I got what was on my list, of course my hope was realized. If I didn’t, then my hope was disappointed. As a kid, most of the time my mood on Christmas day was determined by whether my hope was fulfilled or not.

This Sunday we start a new series called “Exclusive Gifts for Everyone” as we celebrate advent. As you can tell we will be talking about hope. What is hope and where should our hope be placed? These will be the questions we try and answer. I HOPE to see you Sunday!

Gary

Celebrate Christmas With Us at LBF

By Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Worship 

Christmas time is almost here and we love to celebrate the Savior’s birth here at LBF! You can join us in a variety of settings and celebrations throughout the month of December.

On Sunday, December 9, join us that morning at our normal service times for some exciting worship through music with an expanded worship music team, including a bunch of vocalists and a horn line playing great Christmas songs you can really get into!

December 16 and 23 are going to be exciting weekends as well, with our Adult Christmas Choir and Children’s Choir leading us in worship during the three Sunday services. We will praise God through traditional Christmas carols, as well as some special music that you won’t want to miss!

As we get to Christmas Eve, LBF will have three services this year, beginning at 7 p.m. with our Family Christmas Eve Service. This service is a great place for families with kids to come, sing some fun Christmas songs, hear a great Christmas story, and wear your pajamas to church! (Blankies are highly recommended also.) So parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends, get in your jammies, grab those blankies, and bring the kids up for a fun night of Christ-centered Christmas fun.

Our second Christmas Eve service will take place at 9 p.m. This service will be a Contemporary Christmas Service with communion, Christmas carols done in a contemporary style (think Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, and Chris Tomlin) as well as some special music numbers to help us all consider the true sacrifice and gift that we received in Jesus. There is no childcare for this service.

The third service will be at 11 p.m., and will be a traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with communion and a reflective time of worship through acoustic-style Christmas carols and special music numbers. There is no childcare for this service.

We hope that you will join us during the busy Christmas season and that God blesses you with the knowledge of his presence and love for each of us, which was demonstrated by the sending of his son.

This Weekend's Message: All Together Separate

There are many books are movies that present a bleak view of the future. Books like 1984 and Brave New World present a vision in which individuality is squelched in favor of uniformity. Everyone must look the same, act the same, and think the same for the purpose of keeping society running in a well-ordered manner. In these grim visions of the future, there is no room for diversity.

Some people believe that within Christianity there is no room for diversity. After all, all Christians are required to have the same beliefs and the same morality. Don’t all Christians have to act the same, think the same, and worship the same? The big question behind this view is this: Is Christianity – and the God of the Bible – the enemy of diversity? The even bigger question is this: What does the Trinity have to do with making room for diversity?

Dan

Reaching Out: LBF Global | Update on Summer Missions

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

Going on a short-term mission trip is life-changing for those who participate as well as for the many lives that are the recipients of Christ’s love. In July, Helen Wood, one of our high school students, went on a mission trip to share the love of God in Italy. I thought you’d be interested in hearing about her experience.

Helen was part of a team from Liberty University. They traveled to the town of San Lorenzo Di Arzene, which was their home base, and they were able to work alongside a small church there. Their goal was to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with children and adults in different communities in the area.

Each morning the team would go out and put flyers in mailboxes inviting the people to the church. The law forbids them from handing these invitations to individuals on the street, unless they request one, but it is legal to put the flyers in mailboxes. They are also allowed to talk with people when they’re approached.

The afternoons were spent in the park reaching out to the children. There were many different ways they reached out – through puppet shows, dances, singing, story telling, making balloon animals, and using wordless bracelets (which is a great way of telling the salvation story). Through all of these methods, they were able to share the story of God’s love and redemption to people who desperately need to hear it.

In the evenings the team would go to the plazas in the center of the different cities and have conversations with people who were interested. Many people in that area are atheists and do not know the truth that God’s Word teaches. They think religion is for old people and not relevant to their lives. Helen and her teammates were able to have conversations with many people in the evenings and share God’s truth with the help of an interpreter. Through the various ways of ministry, five people came to faith in Christ. Praise God!

And seeds were planted in the hearts of many others. We know that God will use His word in drawing others to Himself.

God used this experience to bless and encourage Helen. She was able to see the hand of the Lord at work through her in touching lives in a different culture. Her team members bonded well and were able to work together in reaching out in Italy. I’m so grateful that LBF was able to help Helen with some financial and prayer support for this trip. Your gifts make a difference and are impacting lives for eternity.

Missions Lunch Reception 

On November 11, we had a missions lunch reception where Joni Brinkley shared with us about her many years of experience on the mission field in the Middle East, telling us about what the Lord is doing around the world today in touching lives for Christ. Joni and her husband, Norm, were our first missionaries that LBF sent out more than 30 years ago. Today, Joni is training men and women as they prepare for the mission field and Norm travels overseas frequently in training nationals in other countries. I hope you’ll plan on joining us.

Update on VBS Project 

I just received word that the packets our VBS kids put together for Mercy Ships have reached their destination of the Africa Mercy, which is currently in the port of Conakry, Guinea. For the next 10 months the ship will be serving the people in that area. So the packets that began in Upland, California, will now be given out in Guinea. Wow! That’s exciting to think of them now blessing people halfway around the globe.

And the word I received was: “This is a HUGE blessing to the patients.” Thanks again to our VBS kids for all their help in putting those packets together! You are a blessing!

Thanksgiving Serve Recap

No doubt most of us have grateful hearts for how God has blessed us. We are grateful and we are thankful for God’s provision. We can give thanks to God and we can give to others. So this Thanksgiving we wanted to express our gratefulness by giving to others. But we also wanted to take it up a notch –take it to the next level –and as a result, we wanted to serve others. We went to be with people we give to, showing them love and serving them. We took our gratefulness to God and expressed it back to God by loving our neighbor.

How did we do this? We partnered with GAP Food Bank in Rancho Cucamonga. GAP literally handed us over the keys to their food bank…. and we used their location to bless the families they support. We collected foods for 400 Thanksgiving dinners  –frozen turkey and all the fixings –and then Saturday, November 17, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, we organized and distributed these Thanksgiving meals.


 

Thanksgiving: Coming Together to Put “Love in Action”

By Gary Keith, Lead Pastor, and Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration 

Two men were walking through a field one day when they spotted an enraged bull. Instantly they darted toward the nearest fence. The storming bull followed in hot pursuit, and it was soon evident they wouldn’t make it. Terrified, one guy shouted to the other, “Hey, send up a prayer, John. We’re in for it!” John answered, “I can’t. I’ve never prayed in public in my life.” “But you must!” begged his friend. “The bull is catching up to us.” “All right,” said John as he was breathing hard, “I’ll say the only prayer I know, the one my father used to repeat at the table: ‘O Lord, for what we are about to receive, make us truly thankful.’”

Are you laughing? I hope so.

If the month of November is remembered for anything, it would be Thanksgiving. You know it’s that time of the year where we eat way too much turkey and sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce.

In the past, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, we traditionally held a Thanksgiving Love Feast. This is a time when our church family and others come and enjoy a Thanksgiving-type meal together. In light of our new mission statement, we will be changing the focus of this event. Instead of our church coming together and enjoying a meal, this year we will go out into the community and serve the poor or those less fortunate. We will enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday by putting “Love into Action.”

And we are going big! Each week GAP Food Bank feeds 400 families who are struggling to keep up, pay the rent, and provide for the their families. This year we are taking up the challenge to feed 400 GAP families a Thanksgiving meal – turkey and all the fixin’s. We are challenging our church to provide these 400 Thanksgiving meals, but we’re not going to stop at giving and providing these meals. We are going to take over GAP Food Bank (literally we are getting the keys to the facility) and run the entire operation where we organize, pack, and give out these 400 meals, blessing these needy families. We desire to show our thankfulness to God for his provision and goodness by giving back and blessing others – that they might also be thankful. It’s going to be quite the undertaking, but we know you, LBF, will rally to help people in our community. The Saturday before Thanksgiving, Collecting Food + Distributing Food = Loving Our Neighbors.

 Our hope is to bring into some people’s lives in our community the words of Jeremiah who said: “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the Lord never ends!” Lamentations 3:19-25 (NLT)

As we approach another Thanksgiving, I pray that we will be able to bring some hope into the lives of people who need it the most.

This Weekend's Message: The Tie That Binds God

Many of us have worked in environments that used organizational charts. These charts help bring clarity about who is in charge, who answers to whom, how conflicts are resolved, and how decisions are made. The idea is that there needs to be some foundational idea behind making an organization work the way it should, instead of spinning out of control.

The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God is not an individual in isolation, but rather a community of persons. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. So, crude as this question may sound, how does this community of persons work? Is there an organizational chart, outlining clear procedures for decision-making? Does the Godhead function like a military with a chain of command? How does this whole thing work?

Dan

Mosaic’s Next Chapter

By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries 

As I often look at the Bible, I see a story – a story where God is communicating His love for His creation.

Over the past few months excitement has been building in me as I step into the next chapter in the life of Mosaic college ministry here at LBF. Working with students over the last eight years, I have become very passionate about this stage of life, and having students see God communicating His love for them.

As this next chapter begins, I am looking forward to several things. The first is being a part of a community that is known for its love for one another. In the gospel of John, we see Jesus stating that our love for one another will mark or show whose disciple we are. My passion is to lead a community of college students that accept and love one another. The second is to lead a group of young men and women to serve their community and show others the love of Christ. Over the past few months I have seen a group of students in the ministry become passionate about sharing this love not only with our church, but also with the community. Thirdly, I am excited about seeing this ministry connected to the whole church. I love seeing generations of people serving, worshiping, and learning together.

As this next chapter begins, these are just a few aspects of what I am looking forward to. My hope is that you pray with me for the ministry of Mosaic and its future.

Does The Trinity Matter?

By Dan Franklin, Pastor of Teaching 

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the 

fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14 

Simplifying the Complex 
Whenever I have to explain something to my son, I am faced with the challenge of simplifying the complex. Sometimes I joyfully find myself cutting through the complexities and giving good explanations on questions about marriage or death or racism or other tough subjects. Other times I find myself stumbling along, trying to use words and ideas that make sense to a child.

Giving simple explanations to my kids has made me realize how often I accept certain ideas without understanding them at their most foundational level, without asking why I believe them or whether or not they even make sense. In the end, it is hard to embrace something when you don’t understand it at its most foundational level. A surface understanding only allows for a surface-level embrace.

Un-simplifiable? 
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most complex and confusing ideas ever posited. One God and three persons?! How can three be one? How can one be three? How can Jesus be equal to the Father and yet distinct from the Father? The Trinity is such a confusing idea that some consider it an outright contradiction. Others follow the adage, “The Trinity is the most mysterious doctrine in the Bible, and thus best left alone.”

The doctrine of the Trinity, however, is so core to the Christian faith that throughout history it has been considered a watershed issue. While Christians disagree on church structure and end times events and spiritual gifts, the Trinity is not a take-it-or-leave-it teaching. To deny the Trinity is to deny a central tenet of the Christian faith and a foundational reality about God. Throughout history men and women have chosen death rather deny that God is Triune.

Does This Really Matter? 
Many Christians affirm the Trinity, but don’t necessarily see the practical importance of the doctrine. We accept this confusing idea that there is one God and three persons, but it is only a surface acceptance.

However, it seems unlikely that a doctrine worth dying for wouldn’t have a practical impact on how we live and think and act. The fact is that the Trinity is not simply a theoretical doctrine. Far from it. The Trinity provides the basis for the nature of God, that he is not an individual in isolation, but a community of persons. It provides the basis for the nature of mankind, that we are created in God’s image as relational beings.

And it provides the basis for relationship, that we can be one as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one.

The implications of the Trinity are so far-reaching that when we ignore it, it is to our own peril. We end up living with an inferior view of God, of humanity, and of the great work of salvation that God has accomplished. But when we embrace the Trinity, we are set free to live and love in ways that we never would have thought imaginable.

In November, we will spend three weeks prayerfully and carefully approaching the biblical teaching on the Trinity and its implications for our lives. Invite someone to join us!

This Weekend's Message: The Deep Truth of God

Probably the most mysterious and confusing teaching in the Bible is the doctrine of the Trinity. It has a way of defying analogy. How can the one and only God be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How can three be one, and how can one be three? Isn’t this a straightforward contradiction?

When we ignore the doctrine of the Trinity, many harmful things happen. For starters, we feed a habit of suppressing our natural questions about God. Also, we choose not to pursue a reality that will bring us joy and understanding. On top of these, we practice a pattern of separating our faith from our daily lives. The harmful impact of ignoring what the Bible teaches about God will have far-reaching effects in our lives, whether we realize it or not.

We are going to dive into the doctrine of the Trinity, starting this Sunday. Come ready not to solve a riddle, but ready to explore the identity of the God who created you and loved you enough to rescue you.

Dan

Adoption Awareness Month Focuses on Foster Care

By Gary Keith, Lead Pastor 

Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus for this year is the adoption of children currently in foster care.

There are activities and celebrations across our nation during this month that bring awareness to the needs of orphans and how to go about meeting those needs. We are privileged to have a member in our church that is active in promoting adoption. She is living what she believes as an adoptive parent herself.

The needs for adoptive parents are great. There is an estimated 130,000 orphans in the United States alone. Many of these children are in foster care and are moved around from home to home on a regular basis. These children need a stable and caring home with people who will love them as a person made in the image of God.

If you have ever wanted to know more about being a foster parent or an adoptive parent, I would suggest a couple of things. First, please contact me and I’ll get you in contact with the member in our church who is an adoptive parent. Second, check out an organization called “Hope for Orphans” at hopefororphans.org. This website is a great place to find resources and information, and has a ministry focus. If you have any questions feel free to email me at gary@lbfchurch.com.

This Weekend's Message: The Final Election

In less than a week people all over our nation will be going to the polls to vote. Those that actually make it to the polls (probably less than 50% of eligible voters) will vote for the men and women they want to lead our nation, our states, and our cities. For many this is an election like none other. Pundits have told us that the future direction of our nation is going to be dictated by who wins. Many are placing their hope for the future in this election. For those who see their candidates win, they will think their hope has been realized and all is well with the world. And for those who vote for the losing candidate, they will feel like their hope has been dashed. They will believe there is much to feel anxious and concerned about.

But the truth is that all people who put their hope in this election will be disappointed. Why? Because there is only one ultimate hope for humanity and it is not found in this election. Come this week as we explore "The Final Election” and how we can be hopeful no matter who wins the election on Tuesday.

Gary

#grace

By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries 

Grace – it is what we want most in the presence of guilt, yet it is the very thing we are reluctant to give when we see the guilt of others. When we are on the receiving end we are grateful, but when we are the ones extending we struggle to show it to others. Understanding the meaning of grace and how to not only receive but also how to give it to others is the tension that we all feel. But we can never understand the meaning of grace without the presence of God’s grace in our own lives.

As we read the Bible we understand that grace is something that can’t be earned. To say that someone deserves it is a contradiction, yet it is often a thought that people have. Therefore the true meaning of grace cannot be understood unless we first understand that it is underserved, unearned, and unmerited. It is simply a gift.

This month in Exit 83, we will be talking with students to help them gain a deep sense of appreciation of God’s grace in their lives and also a clear understanding of how to live a life defined by grace. We will challenge students to see that they are in need of grace so that they understand the meaning of grace and how to give it to others.

We hope that your student’s faith will grow as they learn to passionately pursue life in Christ.

We still need 15 volunteers to help at Harvest Party

We still have 15 open spots for volunteers to help make Harvest Party a smashing success! Sign up now!

This Weekend's Message: Is God Green?

What is our responsibility when it comes to taking care of the earth? Are the planets resources ours for the taking, or do they need to be conserved? The answer doesn't just relate to climate change or endangered species. The biblical answer relates to the very foundation of your purpose here on this earth.

Dan

A Theology of Technology

By Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries 

It should come as no surprise that teenagers love technology, especially their mobile phones. Today’s teenagers have their phone when they wake up, fall asleep, between classes, and at family dinners. It is the one thing they always seem to have.

A recent article in the Washington Post stated, “Teens between age 13 and 17 are among the fastest adopters of smartphones.” Today’s teenagers have right now the most accessibility in the palm of their hand than any previous generation. Right now there is instant access to more entertainment than every before.

Living in the world of teenagers, I have witnessed the need to help them learn the principle of stewardship. When we think of the word stewardship we often think of money or time, but in response to what I have been reading about teenagers and their use of technology, it is imperative that they learn to steward their use of technology.

Reaching Out: LBF Global

Update on Missions 

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator 

Several months ago I wrote about two of our missionary families who are serving in different countries and translating the Scriptures. Scott and Tonia Berthiaume live in San Luis Potosi, which is in southern Mexico. They are translating the scriptures into the Pame language.

Leigh and Barbara Labrecque live in Vanuatu, an island chain in the South Pacific, and they are translating scriptures into two languages, Southeast Ambrym and Paama.

Right now both of these couples are facing difficult trials and are in need of our prayer support.

Scott & Tonia: The area where they live has seen quite a bit of violence. Their home has been robbed and two of their children have been in close proximity to gunfire, including a two hour shoot-out. Please pray for their safety and God’s protection. Also pray about a lawsuit that has been brought against Wycliffe Bible Translators regarding a land dispute over the property that their training center is on in Oaxaca, Mexico. Scott is handling this with legal counsel, but this too is an extremely stressful situation. Pray for the truth to be revealed in this process.

Leigh & Barbara: Barbara was in a traffic accident in July and suffered a broken collar bone. The bones were set incorrectly and as a result, they did not mend properly. In late August, six weeks after the accident, it was determined that she would need surgery, which was not available in Vanuatu. After filling out countless forms, making numerous phone calls, and sending many emails, Barbara was finally granted a medical visa to go to Australia. On September 10 she saw an orthopedic doctor and had surgery the next day. The surgery went well and she is currently resting and recovering in Brisbane. As you can imagine, this has been a stressful time for Barbara in getting the necessary medical care and leaving her family for several weeks. Please pray as she continues her recovery process.

The life of a missionary is stressful. Living in a different culture with language barriers and being a “foreigner” adds a whole new dimension when facing serious trials. These two families are bringing God’s word to these different people groups, and the fact that they are both facing such serious trials reminds me that we’re in a spiritual battle. Let’s partner together with them and lift them up in prayer. And, even in the midst of these trials, both couples have shared about the amazing translation work that is going forward. Within a few years, God’s word will be in the hands of these people for the very first time. That is such exciting news!

Pete & Mary Q: Also remember to pray for Pete, serving in Asia for over 30 years. As you will remember, Pete and Mary were with us this summer, and it was wonderful to connect with them. About four years ago he was diagnosed with lymphoma, and he currently needs to travel to Bangkok from northern Thailand every two months or so to receive treatment. He continues serving even with this illness. Please keep him in prayer.

Your financial support to LBF enables all the work that our missionaries do to progress, and your prayers help to give strength and comfort in the spiritual realm. God bless you as you faithfully encourage these families. You’re impacting lives for eternity!

This Weekend's Message: Abortion: Valuing Life or Valuing Choice?

Abortion is one of the most hotly contested issues of our time. Even the framework of the debate is contested. Is it pro-choice vs. anti-choice? Is it pro-life vs. pro-abortion? In the ultimate meanings, I think just about everyone wants to be both “pro-life” and “pro-choice.” We all want to value life, and at the same time we all want to value individual human freedom.

Is the abortion issue truly a clash between life and choice? If so, what wins out?

And, perhaps most significantly, it is the oft-stated claim true that the Bible is silent on this issue?

These are some of the questions we will explore this Sunday. Come with a heart prepared to listen, to think, and to respond to God’s heart.

Dan

Christmas-loving Singing Kids Wanted

By Laurie Baiz, Director of Children’s Ministry

Do you have children that love Christmas? Do you have children that love to sing? How about children that love both? We are looking for those kids! This year we will have a Children’s Christmas Choir joining the adult Christmas Choir to help worship God through these wonderful songs.

Starting Sunday, November 4, after the 11:11 a.m. service, we will have rehearsal with the kids. For six Sundays we will meet for about an hour and a half to practice the songs and get them ready to sing for our congregation. The kids will perform on Sunday, December 16 and Sunday, December 23 with the adult Christmas Choir.

There will be a sign up sheet on the elementary side of the Worship Center for kids who want to participate in the choir, and this requires a parent signature. I am looking forward to hearing all of the children sing and worship during this special season! If you have any questions, please contact me @ (909) 981-4848, ext. 242 or laurie@lbfchurch.com.

Worship Island Explores the Who, What, When, Where & Why

By Amanda Bixler, Worship Services Coordinator 

Exciting things have been happening in our Children’s Ministry this fall! We now have about six weeks under our belts of having the weekly live worship band lead our elementary school kids in musical worship. And we’re about a month in to our Bible memorization program. It has been such an exciting and encouraging time for our adult leaders to hear the kids singing along with worship songs, expressing interest in going deeper with God, and reciting all of the verses they have memorized – what a strong foundation this is setting for our kids!

Here are some of the main things we have been focusing on in our worship through music times:

What is worship? Worship is anything that gives praise to God. It is our response to God for who He is and what He has done. Worship is not just confined to Sunday mornings in our classes, but can reach every aspect of our lives.

Who do we worship? We worship God – the Creator of the universe, the Son who died for our sins, and the Spirit who is alive and moving among us. However, if we are not careful, it is easy to put our needs, wants, and feelings above focusing on God in worship.

Where do we worship? Most people will divide worship into two categories: community and individual. Communal worship is what happens on Sunday mornings, at midweek Bible studies, during prayer meetings, and any other time a group gathers in the name of God. Individual worship is what happens in our personal time with God, when we reach out to a homeless person, or share God’s love with our classmates, just to name a few examples.

When do we worship? If we embrace the belief that worship is our response to God for who He is and what He has done, then worship can happen anywhere and at any time. This emphasizes the fact that worship is not just contained to what happens in our classrooms on Sunday mornings.

How do we worship? One of the things I love discussing when we talk about worship is that the “how” varies so much from person to person and you can be creative about it! Do you love to sing and dance? Then dance as David danced in the name of the Lord! Do you love to paint or draw? Then paint a picture of what God means to you! Do you enjoy writing stories or poems? Than write a poem of gratitude for what Jesus has done for you!

Why do we worship? The main reason we worship is an overflow of what God has given us. It also reminds us of our place in the kingdom – that God is the ultimate good and therefore, we do not have to be afraid or worry because He is in control.

Another key component to our Sunday classes has been the Bible memorization program that we launched at the end of August. It has been amazing to see the students come in every week excited to share the verses that they have memorized. We also have a fun song to go with the verses and to help in the memorization process (some of you parents may hear your kids sing it – it’s very repetitive!). As you can see, we have been energized by what God has already done in Worship Island this fall and pray that God will continue to stir in the hearts of our elementary school students. Make sure and get your kids signed in each Sunday on time so they don’t miss out on any of the exciting things happening in Worship Island!

If you would like more information about all that is happening or to get involved with this ministry, please contact me at amanda@lbfchurch.com. We are still looking for musicians and computer operators, so if you are musical or tech-savvy, we need you!

This Weekend's Message: Immigration: Good Fences?

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Many of us know that the words above are at the foot of the Statue of Liberty. The United States is often called a nation of immigrants. At the same time, the question of immigration, and specifically illegal immigration, is a hot political topic.

What should drive our attitude on the issue of immigration? Should it be fear and a desire for protection? Should it be a desire for fairness? Should it be compassion and sympathy? What has your attitude been, and how does the gospel of Jesus impact how you should view not only the issue, but the immigrants themselves?

Dan

Now Accepting Volunteer Sign-ups and Donated Candy for Harvest Party

By Laurie Baiz, Director of Children’s Ministry 

Fall is here and we are gearing up for our annual Harvest Party! This year the Harvest Party is Wednesday, October 31, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Through the end of October, you will see large red plastic containers marked “Harvest Party Candy” at the entrances of the Worship Center. You can bring your bags of wrapped candy to church and place them in these red plastic containers any time on Sundays.

Last year, thanks to all the LBF families that contributed candy, we had more than enough candy prizes for all the games! If every family were to bring two or three bags of candy each, there would once again be plenty. Thank you for helping make our Harvest Party a huge success this year by participating in this way.

Also, consider getting involved in a more hands-on way! Right now you can sign up online to volunteer to run a game the night of the Harvest Party. Visit lbfchurch.com to sign up for inside or outside games, the Kidz Zone, Welcome Table, and more! We need you to make this event successful. Sign up for one or both shifts: 5-7 p.m. or 7-9 p.m. Sign ups will continue throughout the month of October.

This is our party and our gift to the community. Thank you for signing up early so that the party can happen as planned. If you have any questions, please call me @ (909) 981-4848, ext. 242 or email me.

This Weekend's Message: Jesus Had a Poor Response. Do You?

You’re pulling off the freeway and come to a stop just behind the crosswalk and on the inside lane. Then it happens... As you casually look around to take in your surroundings you inadvertently make eye contact. It is just for a split second, but it was long enough to communicate, “Hey, come on over.” Suddenly a homeless man is standing by your car looking in your window. It is a moment of decision; “Should I give him money? Will he use it for drugs? Would it be better to go to a restaurant and get him food? What bad choices led him to this situation? Does he deserve my help?”

This and situations like this can create quite a dilemma. While there is something that causes us to feel like we need to help, there is also this social skepticism that can cause us to second guess that decision. This weekend we are going to talk about the issue of the poor, see what kind of “poor response” Jesus had, and discuss what we can learn from a biblical perspective on this issue. As we talk about this you may find yourself uncomfortable and challenged, but hopefully open to how God will lead us in our response to those in need.

I guarantee this will be the poorest message you will ever hear, full of poor examples and poor storytelling. But in the end, I hope the Holy Spirit generates a poor response in your life.

See ya Sunday,
Jeff

Politics and the Kingdom of God

By Dan Franklin, Pastor of Teaching 

Whenever politics come up in a Christian context, a discussion of the kingdom of God is sure to follow. Is it the job of Christians to usher in the kingdom of God? Is the United States somehow related to the kingdom of God? If we’re citizens of the kingdom of God, does this mean that we shy away from our citizenship of the United States?

Since a discussion of the kingdom of God normally follows a discussion on politics, we are going to follow this trend at Life Bible Fellowship Church. This fall finds us in a series called American Christian or Christian American?, a series dealing with a Christian perspective on politics and political issues. So, on Sunday, October 21 we are going to dig deep into the topic of the kingdom of God.


If you were at Mission & Vision Sunday on August 26, you may remember me mentioning that Phil Shahbaz and I are launching a new semi-regular event. About six times over this next year we will host a Sunday night event called Deeper. The purpose of the event is to dive deeper into biblical truths than we are able to do in an hour-long church service or small group setting. The event will involve two hours of deep Bible teaching and also a Q&A time. The topic for our first Deeper event, on Sunday, October 21, will be “The Kingdom of God.” All are welcome (and we hope all will come). It will be a significant time for all of us who want to know God and his Word more deeply.

As a preview of the event, here are three things to know about the kingdom of God:

1. The kingdom has come, and the kingdom will come. 
Upon his arrival on earth, Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the kingdom of God. At one point he even said that the kingdom “is in your midst.” It was present, and it is present. At the same time, the Bible talks about the kingdom of God as a future reality for which all believers hope. We are even called to pray for God’s kingdom to come. This is what many theologians call the “Already” and “Not Yet” aspects of the kingdom of God. It is here in one sense, but its full manifestation is still to come.

2. No amount of moral or political reform will usher in the kingdom of God. 
Believers are never called to usher in God’s kingdom. In fact, we are not even called to “build” God’s kingdom (despite the fact that this has become normal Christian terminology). Only Jesus will usher in his kingdom. And it is not helpful to think of the kingdom as something that we build. It is better to think of ourselves as ambassadors of the kingdom, announcing its arrival, spreading its impact, and putting it on display. The kingdom is sure to come. Nothing can stop what Jesus will do. Efforts by believers to influence moral and political reform should be from a motivation to display Jesus’ kingdom values, not to usher in Jesus’ future kingdom.

3. The kingdom is glimpsed wherever Jesus is treated like the king. 
The kingdom is present today inasmuch as believers display Jesus’ kingdom values. When we live in light of Jesus’ kingdom, we show what his kingdom looks like.

And it looks beautiful. The true God is worshiped and adored. People are treated with dignity and honor. Peace and joy abound. When Jesus is king, there is joy for everyone.

When he returns, we will experience this to the fullest. Until then, we are invited to live in light of his already certain kingship. He has brought new life. Let’s live in it!

Deeper will take place on Sunday, October 21 at LBF, from 6-8 p.m.

Building Bridges Through Friendship

By Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration 

A cooperative effort between Life Bible Fellowship Church and Assure Pregnancy Clinic (APC) has arisen where church members engage in intentional friendships with expectant mothers who have made the important life-giving choice to carry and parent their child. LBF desires to come alongside these mothers and support and encourage them. We can speak into their lives while at the same time, allowing God to stretch us as we serve our neighbors -putting love in action.

Here are some of the ministry’s objectives:

To help encourage expectant mothers in their decision to continue their pregnancy. 
Church members are creating intentional friendships with APC’s clients; they are not counselors, teachers, or coaches. As a result, church members are not responsible for providing any pre-determined training or instruction to clients.

To help connect others to a local church community that will provide spiritual and emotional support during and after they complete the Bridges Parenting Support Program, offered by Assure Pregnancy Clinic. 
Church members will make an intentional effort to connect clients to their local church by inviting them to attend services and church-related events, and keeping them updated on up-coming programs.

Church members will meet their new Bridges friend at an “event” located in the Bridges suite at Assure Pregnancy Clinic (9675 Monte Vista Ave in Montclair). This event will help to “break the ice” on our new friendships.

Church members are committed to staying active in the client’s life for a minimum of six months, and agree to host their new friend at one meeting/ gathering per month.

Church members will receive one-time orientation training by Assure Pregnancy Clinic, so they can embrace the values of Assure Pregnancy Clinic and understand the mission and philosophy that drives the Bridges Parenting Support Program.

Based on the recommendations of Bridges Mentors, this program will be offered to expectant mothers who have expressed an interest in extended care and support, and have regular attendance within the Bridges Parenting Support Program.

While participating in the Building Bridges through Friendship Program, clients will receive Baby Bucks that can be spent in the Bridges Baby Boutique.

If you’re interested in serving in this new ministry, or interested in learning more, please contact Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration at russ@lbfchurch.com.

New Children’s Programs Starting in 2013

By Laurie Baiz, Director of Children’s Ministry 

As we gear up for the new school year, we begin to get excited about all of the great things that the fall has to offer – some cooler weather, a more consistent schedule, and the wonderful holidays. Many of you have begun to map out the day-to-day schedules between work, school, and after-school activities. As the calendar fills up, some may wonder if there is going to be a mid-week program offered for our kids at church. Well, the answer to that questions is, yes!

In the next few months I will be putting together two brand new mid-week programs. All of the details are not worked out yet, but here is a bit of information regarding the programs. Both will meet once a week and will be free to attend. The first program will begin in January and meet through the end of May for grades 1-4. The second program is for grades 5-6 and will begin meeting in March and continue to meet throughout the year. Both of these programs are going to be unique and tailored to their age groups.

This is such an exciting time for me and I can’t wait to have fun, watch the kids grow in God’s word, and get to know them better. It’s going to be a great start to 2013!

This Weekend's Message: Homosexuality: The Right to Marry?

To be against same-sex marriage in our culture is increasingly being equated with being racist or sexist. It is often equated with those who were against school integration and interracial marriage. As states vote on amendments, as protestors demonstrate, as celebrities and politicians take sides, the issue is coming to a boiling point.

How does God’s Word guide Christians to think about a tough issue like same-sex marriage? And then, how does God guide us on how to respond to this issue in our cultural context?

Dan Franklin

You Blessed 71 of Pacific Lifeline’s Kids

By Kirsten Grubb 

A huge thank you to everyone at LBF who helped send Pacific Lifeline’s children back to school with...

Confidence: “Thank you so much. You have helped my child start the school year with confidence and pride. Our family is so grateful.”

A smile: “The boys are thrilled with the things they got, and they can’t wait to take them to school. Thank you so much.”

New clothes: “Thank you for giving me and my sister a gift card to get clothes. We appreciate it all. Thank you very much and God bless you.” 

School supplies: “Thank you so much for Jacob’s items. Every day he adds more things to his Spongebob backpack and says he’s ready for school. He has been so excited every day.”

And backpacks: “Thank you for buying and having time to do this for me so I can have what I need to go back to school. I appreciate it. Thank you and God bless you.” 

Once again, I have been inspired and touched by the generosity and compassion of this church family. We helped 93 children this year – that is 18 more than last year! And of the 93 children participating in our back to school program, people from LBF sponsored 71 of them! When you are called to reach out, you reach out in generous, loving, and amazing ways!

While the quotes above convey just how deeply you have touched the lives of 71 children, I think this quote from one of our families does a great job of summing up the significance of LBF’s ministry to Pacific Lifeline’s kids:

“Thank you so much. Please tell the donor how much of a blessing they are. Alexa just went through everything and we had the perfect opportunity to talk about God’s love and how she can bless others.” 

Thank you for the many ways that LBF reaches out with God’s love to Pacific Lifeline’s families. If you are interested in getting more involved, please visit www.pacific-lifeline.org.

Christmas In October? Oh Yes.

By Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Worship 

Have you ever had the urge to burst into “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” in October? Are you tired of having to wait until December to sing “Joy To The World?” Well we have a great opportunity for you! In October we are starting rehearsals for our Christmas choir, which will be part of our worship services two weekends in December. The choir will be part of the worship team and will have the opportunity to lead our congregation in worship songs, both contemporary and traditionally Christmas. We are going to have so much fun learning this music together and it would be great to have you involved.

You are reading about this in September’s Scroll because we have music that we would like you to begin learning even before our first rehearsal on Wednesday, October 3. If you do not read notated music, don’t worry, we have ways of learning parts that won’t require that. Speaking of rehearsals, we will be rehearsing each Wednesday in October and November (except the Wednesday of the Harvest Party on October 31) from 6-7 p.m. in the Worship Center.

If you are interested in being part of our Christmas choir, we are looking for sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. All parts are crucial so if you enjoy singing and can carry a tune, please consider being a part of this. (History has shown us that we are always in need of more guys for the tenor and bass parts. So men, step up!)

There will be a table at the front of the Worship Center with music folders and a sign-up sheet. If you are interested, please sign up at the table or contact our Worship Services Coordinator, Amanda Bixler @ 981-4848, ext. 241 or amanda@lbfchurch.com, so that we can plan how many seats and music folders we will need. I cannot wait to worship God through Christmas music with you.

This Weekend's Message: Homosexuality: Is God Bigoted?

In our current cultural setting, no issue is more emotionally-charged than the issue of how our culture responds to homosexuality. For the past decade, the issue has dominated the spheres of politics and popular culture. It seems like a new celebrity “comes out” nearly every month, and measures concerning same-sex marriage appear in each election year.

One of the reasons why this issue is so emotionally-charged is because there have been poor responses on both sides. Sadly, there have been Christians (and churches) who have acted ignorantly or spitefully toward homosexuals, alienating and dehumanizing them. Then there are other Christians (and churches) who have decided that the biblical teaching on homosexuality must be either culturally driven or antiquated, and so they have embraced homosexuality as a normal and acceptable activity. There are many questions surrounding this difficult issue.

This weekend we will not resolve all of them. Two questions will dominate this weekend’s message:
(1) What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
(2) How are we to respond to individuals who are impacted by homosexuality?

Dan Franklin

Continuing “Praying with Power and Purpose” From Titus III

By Julie Fachner 

Ladies, if you would like to go deeper with God and see your prayers become powerful, this is the study for you. We will pray blessings over our children, husbands, and homes. We will also cover areas we women struggle with. There will be prayer for hurts from our past insecurities and fears, that we all feel but do not have the “know how” to pray for.

If you feel stuck in your prayer life and want to see change, this is the study for you. We will also learn how to give thanks to our Father for the goodness in our lives and for bringing change, as we learn to seek His voice and pray! We will learn how to hold up one another in prayer and journal our bi-weekly time together, as we back up our heavenly requests with faith to see God’s goodness and change that can come about. Won’t you join us as we start this journey together?

Led by Michelle Flint and beginning Wednesday, September 26, we will meet every other Wednesday evening, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Mont Vista 1 & 2.

Faith Matters Class Asks, “What is the Church?”

By Don Thorsen 

Having just started September 9, the Faith Matters class for adults will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in Mont Vista 1 & 2. The next topic of study is “What is the Church?” Perhaps, more appropriately, the question that should be asked is, “Who is the Church?” This is because we who are Christians constitute the church. Thus, in class, we will study what the Bible says about how Christians should live together as the “body” of Jesus Christ. We can often explain what it means to live as a Christian individually, but we cannot explain what it means to live as Christians collectively. According to the Bible, the church serves to build up Christians. In class, we will study how the church builds us up: individually and collectively, in the church and in society.