Reflections: September 27, 2009

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

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

Reflections: September 20, 2009

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

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

 

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

 

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

Reflections: September 13, 2009

Reflections: September 6, 2009

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

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

 

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

 

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

Reflections: August 30, 2009

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

JESUS IS COMING BACK!

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

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

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

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

Reflections: August 23, 2009

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

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

 

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

 

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

Reflections: August 16, 2009

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

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