Reflections: July 18, 2010

This week’s “Reflection” by Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration & Leadership Development

In Acts 12, we can wonder about James' death, as Herod Agrippa stretched out his hand to vex the church. We can wonder why James was saved and Peter was released. Ultimately, God is sovereign.

1 Chronicles 29:11-13: Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great
and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

Even as God is sovereign, we are called and taught to pray. Luke, the book of Acts’ author, makes it clear in verse 5 that prayer was a catalyst in Peter's release. It was a fervent, "stretched out" type of prayer. It's one of passion, compassion, and authenticity. It's prayer that realizes the stakes are high. Their prayers were answered as Peter was released from bondage.

Thousands of years later, their story depicted in their faithfulness to pray stretched out is still an encouragement, testimony, and model to believers today.

It makes me wonder about the areas in our lives where we feel caught up and imprisoned. In some of these areas, only God will see us through. And as we stretch out and pray, God is writing new stories for the generations to come.

This Weekend's Message: Prayer

Stretched Out
Acts 12:1-19

When I was a kid, my Granddaddy Parker would gather us at the dinner table and pray grace. As a kid, where time ticks by slowly, those prayers took foooorrreeevvveer. I mean, seriously Granddaddy. Are you done yet? He would pray for everything and everybody. And the food got cold. But his prayers were never trite or ritualistic. They were genuine and earnest. It was a model of prayer for me.

Act 12 tells us a miraculous story with an oppressive ruler, be-headings, jail cells, an angel, supernatural events, and even a bit of comedy. But all of it hinges on verse 5, "But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him."

Join us this weekend as we contrast some of Hollywood's portrayals of prayer with the prayers of the church in Acts. In all of this, we're going to give God time to work in our own hearts. We're going to "be the church" and live out this concept of prayer in our services. Many are already praying. Please join us and ask God to move powerfully in our time together.

See you this weekend!

Russ Parker
Pastor of Administration & Leadership Development

Reflections: July 11, 2010

So, what's your label? I'm interested! This may take some vulnerability, but I'd like to challenge you to write here what you believe your label would be right, this moment, if people were asked to tell us how they see you or what you are a devoted follower of. Then you can include what you would like to strive to have your label to be.

I'll go first just to get the ball rolling...

I could see my current label being "the guy who talks a lot." I would like to see my label become "the guy who cares about people."

Ok, your turn! We can all grow from understanding the journey that others are on toward being labeled "Christian, and living lives devoted to Christ.” Share your label with us, and what you hope one day your label will be.

This Weekend's Message: Live Labeled

Band geek - that was my label in high school (though I disagree with the “geek” portion of it!). Maybe you too had that label, or maybe it was one of the others common on high school campuses...skater, punk, hippie, stoner, preppy, jock, etc...? People get labeled, not because they have given themselves a title, but because of their lifestyle and what they are passionate about.

This week as we journey on into chapter 11 of Acts, we will see the passion of bringing Christ to every nation and the label that that is given to the believers. But this is much more than just a history lesson, this label still exists today, but it seems to have become more of a title. Read chapter 11 this week and come ready to hear of the amazing gift offered those who will believe in Jesus Christ - Those who want to live...labeled.

See ya Sunday,
Jeff

Reflections: July 4, 2010

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

Parting with Our Prejudice
Acts 10

On Sunday in our continuing study of the book of Acts, we looked at Chapter 10. In this chapter Peter learns how to part with his prejudice. God’s plan of salvation was for all people and God used Peter to present the gospel to the Gentiles. Peter, being a Jew, had prejudice against the Gentiles and yet God uses him to bring the gospel to this hated people group.

In 10:34 we learn that “God does not show favoritism.” The issue of prejudice was alive and well in the first century and it is still alive and part of our world in the 21^st century. So the question becomes, "If I’m going to reflect the heart of God, what do I do to rid my life of prejudice?" For those who read this web reflection, I want to challenge you to think about this and to ask God to help you with the areas of prejudice you currently have. May God rid us of prejudice and build in us heart and love for all people.

Reflections: June 27, 2010

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

Really Changed!

Acts 9:1-31

One of the points of the message on Sunday was that God doesn’t waste anything in our lives. Saul was chosen by God to bring the message of Jesus to people he could relate with. Saul brought his life experience, his education, his skills, and abilities to God’s service. That led me to the question, why did God choose you? God has chosen to use people to get His message of Jesus out to a lost and dying world. Take a few minutes this week and reflect a bit on your life experience, your education, your skills, and your abilities and ask, "Who does God want me to reach with the message of Jesus? Who are the people already in my circle of influence? What can I do to help them see and know Jesus?"

What do you think about this idea?

This Weekend's Message: Change

Really Changed!

Acts 9:1-31

 

Change – what do you think of that word? Do you like it or hate it? There are many great quotes about change that seem to hit our thoughts in the right place. For example, Winston Churchill said, “There is nothing wrong with change if it is in the right direction.” “Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine,” said Robert Gallagher. “We change whether we like it or not,” observed Ralph Waldo Emerson. And Romans 12:2 urges, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

 

This last one is the type of change we’ll be talking about on Sunday. Take a few minutes and read the passage to see a life that was changed – a life we can learn from. Hope to see you Sunday!

 

Pastor Gary

Reflections: June 20, 2010

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

Have you ever had an encounter with someone where you are certain God set it up? Can you look back and think of a time when you missed a prime opportunity to tell someone about your faith? I am certain that God sends us out with a purpose and to speak with people that need to hear from Him through us. But what our response to that call will be, He leaves up to us.

As I think about Phillip and the other believers who endured such real physical persecution, it stirs something up in my heart that brings me a sort of accountability to respond to God when He calls me, or gives me an opportunity to live out my faith. I feel that here in America, it is long overdue that we take advantage of the wonderful opportunities God has given us.

This week I'd love for us all to accept this challenge: Look for an opportunity to share your faith; demonstrate the love, compassion, or grace of God to a friend or stranger; or invite someone to church to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Then, come back to this "Reflection" either on the @LBF Blog or the LBF Facebook page, and tell us how it went!

Ready...GO!

This Weekend's Message: Divine Appointments

Have you ever wondered whether God has a specific purpose for your life? Are seemingly random conversations with people where you just seem to have the right words to say to bring comfort, encouragement, or accountability really just coincidence? This weekend we are going to look at the powerful ministry of a man named Phillip, and see so clearly that God had a specific task for
him, at a specific time, to a specific people, for a specific reason.

Read Acts chapter 8 this week and come ready to discover the power of divine appointments.

See ya Sunday,
Jeff

Reflections: June 13, 2010

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

Being a Christian in a non-Christian Culture
Acts 6:8 – 8:3

This passage reveals a turning point in the development of the Christian church. Stephen, a man full of the Holy Spirit, is martyred for speaking about his faith in Jesus. Jerusalem at that time was a non-Christian nation on the road to becoming more Christian. As we fast forward to today and look at America, we see a nation that was founded on Judeo-Christian values on the road to becoming less and less interested in these original values. But does it matter to our message?

Is it more important for us to return to becoming a “Christian” nation (if we ever really were) or is it more important for us as Christians to carry out our assignment of changing people's lives with the message of Jesus? I choose the latter. History shows us that the Christian church has flourished under persecution. Now I’m not looking for persecution, but whatever our society is and is becoming, our assignment as Christians remains the same – change people's lives with the message of Jesus. You can bet though I’ll personally do what I can to uphold those Judeo-Christian values. I will also encourage Christian involvement in places that can make a difference for these values, including politics and social causes. But my hope is first and foremost in Jesus, not in returning our country to the values of 200 years ago. I’m so very thankful for this country, its founding, and its history. I have lived in other countries and I think America with all its weaknesses is still the place to live. But I want to be careful not to misplace my priorities. I don’t want to lose the message of Jesus as I live in this 21^st century culture. What do you think? 

This Weekend's Message: Our Assignment

Being a Christian in a Non-Christian Culture

Acts 6:8 – 8:3

 

At this stage in my life I have a few years to look back on and reflect about how different life is now than when I was younger. Things have definitely changed, and my guess is that they’ll continue to change. With the changes in culture has come a feeling that what people used to believe as a Christian society has become less and less Christian. This means that Christians today must interact with the culture differently than they used to.

 

Jesus has given every Christian an assignment. If we are going to carry out our assignment it is important for Christians to learn how to live in a non-Christian culture. This week we will learn about another first-time event with a man named Stephen, and from him learn some things about being a Christian in a Non-Christian culture.

 

Gary

Reflections: June 6, 2010

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

So...what’re you gonna do about it?

I believe God moves on the hearts of people with the desire that they will follow through with the passion that He has given them. There are so many in our church that have stepped up to serve and minister as God has put it on their heart. And I know that there are so many more who feel a desire to be involved or make a difference, but are unsure of where to start, so they don't. This weekend’s message showed us an example from the book of Acts of how every member can be a minister. It does not always require a seminary degree or special training. In many cases, dare I even say most cases, it simply requires a heart that is willing to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's
leading.

So...what’re you gonna do about it? There are needs in our church. There are needs in our community, and there may not be a church-sponsored program to meet those needs. May I encourage you not to sit around and wait for someone else to go first. If you have a heart for something, or are aware of a need that you feel needs to be met, step out and do something with that desire! We at the church will do all we can to support you and encourage you, but it will mean deciding that you are going to get moving on the thing that God has laid on your heart.

I was so encouraged Sunday after church when I talked with a man as we walked out to our cars in the parking lot and he told me that he and a couple other people were headed down to a senior center where they go every Sunday to have a Bible study. This man did not wait for the church to
initiate a ministry to senior homes, he simply knew of a need and got to work on meeting it. So rather than believers sitting in a church or at their house thinking how there "should be" a ministry, there is actually ministry that is happening and people are being blessed!

Remember, the message of Christ did not spread because a bunch of professional, seminary-trained, church employees created programs. It spread because believers whose hearts were open to the move of the Holy Spirit stepped out and took action on the things that God put on there hearts. So...what are you gonna do about it?

This Weekend's Message: Breaking the Rules

Have you ever broken the rules? Come on, you can tell us, we won't call your parents. :) Well, this week we are going to once again see the Apostles breaking the rules. They continue spreading the news of Jesus and this time there is a price to pay.

We will also look at a concept of ministry in Acts chapter 6 that we at LBF hold very tightly to. There are 5 statements associated with LBF's vision for our church and what God has called us to be. Check out our vision statement and see if you can see which one matches what we see in Acts 6:1-7.

See ya Sunday!

Jeff

Reflections: May 30, 2010

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

Got Generosity?
Acts 4:32-5:11

For years now milk producers have used the slogan, “Got Milk?” to encourage people to buy milk. On Sunday I used that slogan to encourage people to consider the value and importance of being generous. As we go through the book of Acts verse by verse, learning to be the church, the topics that come our way are directed by the text. I find it interesting that very early on in the history of the Christian church Luke records for us contrasting examples of generosity. My guess is that becoming and staying generous is hard even for us Christians. I’m also surprised that Luke records the events of Ananias and Sapphira. It’s not the kind of story that would encourage belief in Jesus – I mean really – one lie and you die? Or does it?

Why do you think Luke recorded this story? Do you have trouble with a merciful and loving God doing this? Why or Why not? Let’s talk!

This Weekend's Message: Got Generosity?

This week as we continue our study in Acts, we look at two examples of generosity. Let me ask you, who do you know that is generous? What, in your mind, makes them a generous person? What does it take to be a generous person? Does it take a lot of money? Does it take possessing a lot of stuff that you can share or give away? Can you be in great need or even in poverty and still be generous? And finally, what is the result of being generous?

This week as we discover how to be the church, we will learn the answers to all of those questions and more. You won’t want to miss this exciting story. Something happens this week that has never been repeated in all of history. And I think you’ll be happy about that. Hope to see you Sunday!

Oh, and this would be a great week to invite a friend to come to church with you – they’ll learn all about what it means to be generous and rest assured that no offering will be taken – I promise!

Pastor Gary

Reflections: May 23, 2010

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

As I think about the encounter that Peter and John had with the most powerful people in the land, I keep asking myself if I could have/would have done the same thing? The answer is a resounding NO! But then I read again about how it was that they had such boldness and I am filled with hope that I too will be able to stand in the face of adversity and proclaim the name of Christ and the truth of His gospel. It isn’t about being brave, it is about being empowered through the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:5-8: The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them...

The key to living out our faith in Christ, particularly in the face of adversity, is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Of course a person is filled with the Holy Spirit at the moment they put their faith in Christ, but to allow the enabling of the Holy Spirit is something that we can ignore or shut down if we choose to allow fear to control us. Peter and John were not bold because they were brave, they were bold because they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and chose to allow Him to lead them.

Acts 4:29-30: And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Where are you today with being able to make this your prayer? In your heart do you desire boldness that goes beyond bravery? Do you desire to allow your relationship with God to be more than a theology, and to see Him work powerfully in and through your life? It is all about the power of the Holy Spirit.

This Weekend's Message: In the Face of Adversity

Have you ever been busted for doing the RIGHT thing? There is a well- known idiom that says, "No good deed goes unpunished," and we have all probably felt like that is true at some point in our lives. This week we are going to look at an experience that Peter and John had that could have been really deflating, and could have been reason enough for them to abandon the mission that Christ had given them were it not for the power of the Holy Spirit working in their lives.

Sometime between now and Sunday, check out the story in Acts 4:1-31, and come ready to be challenged to step out "In the face of adversity."

See ya Sunday,

Jeff

Reflections: May 16, 2010

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

Wouldyou describe the faith you have in Jesus Christ as daring? I think chapterthree of the book of Acts describes the daring faith of Peter. Having the HolySpirit in you is still new, Jesus has not been gone all that long, and herecomes this man who is lame. I wonder if Peter asked, “What would Jesus do?" I wouldn’t be surprised if that crossed his mind. Peter, full of the Holy Spiritand in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, commands the man to walk. He thenreaches out to help him walk, they join hands, and the miracle occurs. Wow!

Peterwho had never done this models for us a daring faith. As we reflect a bit onthis passage there is so much we could discuss. Let’s focus a bit on the giftof healing. There was a strong purpose to this miracle – it was that theServant-Messiah (Jesus) would be glorified. So I have a couple of questions:Does God still heal today? Have you ever been “up close” to seeing God heal?How was the Servant-Messiah glorified in that healing?

This Weekend's Message: A Daring Faith

A Daring Faith!
Acts 3

Are you a daring person? Do you like to tempt fate? Have you ever thought about swimming with sharks? How about jumping out of an airplane (with a parachute, of course!)? How about jumping off a bridge with a giant rubber band tied around your waist?  If you have given serious thought about doing any of these things, or better yet, if you have done any of these things, you might just be a daring person. It’s one thing to be daring with my life, but what does it mean to have a daring faith?

So far in our study of Acts we have seen that the promised Holy Spirit has arrived and the apostles are just beginning to understand what that means to their life and message. Peter has given his first sermon, the church is in its beginning stages, and now low and behold a miracle occurs - a real miracle of healing. What can we learn from Peter and this miracle of the healing of the lame man in chapter 3? That’s what we’ll consider this week as we look at Peter’s daring faith. Hope to see you Sunday.

Pastor Gary

Reflections: May 9, 2010

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

To care forone another's needs is a high call. We see it all throughout scripture whereGod's people cared for one another and met the needs that they saw around them.In fact, scripture tells us that worship that God sees as real and genuine iswhen He sees us caring for the helpless (i.e. Widows and orphans).

So, what dowe do about it? I have been challenged to consider how I can meet needs, evenif it means sacrificing my own desires or comforts. It is not my place to tellyou what you should do, or give up. But But I invite you to join me inwrestling with the Holy Spirit as we allow Him to speak to our hearts and leadus to be the church as we care for one another.
Have a blessed week!