Lightpoint Church Messages: Recent Episodes
Lightpoint Church
In order to reset we need to be willing to surrender. Complete surrender is all about honoring God, requires complete obedience and brings about God’s will.
When we are walking with God, we will have opportunities to stumble in the journey. If we continue to stay in relationship with God, our desion making , responses and words we speak can be guided by Him.
The promise of God reveals God’s heart, desire for relationship, view of life, provision and His goodness. He is a good, good father!
When we are in a season of waiting, we need to seek clarity and and be open to direction. Remain strong and courageous in our faith, willing to take bold steps forward.
Pay attention to what God is doing. Trust in the unknown, in the chaos and take the first step of faith.
The plan to reset our lives in accordance with God’s will is to identify our issues- our sin nature, accept the solution- Christ died for all sins, follow the steps- salvation, sanctification, and reset.
The trap of lust begins with our eyes. Lust separates us from God, takes over the heart, and has extreme consequences.
To avoid the trap of merely existing in life, we need to remember our Creator, live a life of obedience by walking with God that is always looking for hope.
A retaliation mindset starts with having no regard for God; and it leads to reacting quickly, defend my actions. The anecdote to retaliation is to return to and develop a relationship with God.
Bitterness will lead you to hurt those around you. The trap of bitterness comes with unwanted consequences, dishonesty and distance from God.
When we hold back from all that God has called us to be and all that He has for us, we miss out on God’s best. What is holding you back from all that God has for you?
There are consequences when we do not listen to the Lord. Consequences are depicted during the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3. From the fall we learn that consequences affect our relationships, cause us to miss out on God’s best and there is a remedy.
The trap of the blame game- don’t withdraw. God will give you a sign, embrace the encounter! Don’t let fear drive you away from what God is doing in your life.
Jesus prayed for us. He prayed for us to be filled with His love and He prayed for us to be united as one body of believers.
Our source in life is Jesus. We need to abide in Him, and be plugged into Him. When we stay connected to him, we bear fruit, we will see God move, and we glorify God.
When we treat people God’s way, we building one another up, not tear down and live by the principles in Matthew 18- to confront one another, not gossip.
When I’m crying out, feel like I’m getting the silent treatment and no one cares; I need to focus on my response and remember that He will respond to my faith.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
God is a way-maker, miracle worker! Listen to the powerful testimony of J.C. and Paula Young- how God brought J.C. back from the brink of death to serving at Lightpoint!
There will be times when Jesus asks us to get up. There will always be people that think we won’t get better, that we are a lost cause and try to define our futures. Our response in this situation is to get up with complete obedience to our Savior.
When we choose to just do something, we need to ignore the skeptics, negative internal voices, drama. We can focus on the goodness of God when we surround ourselves with other believers.
When we choose to believe, even during difficulties; it will bring true healing. We can choose during the hardest of trials to believe that He cares when we are hurting.
Even when we don’t understand, God has a plan. He has a plan to deliver His children, and preserve His word. His plan requires us to push through difficult times to persevere.
From Daniel 10, we learn that God always provides the strength we need. The strength we need during conflict, during times when we feel alone, during seasons of waiting, and during our spiritual battles.
Because God is still on the throne, God will not settle, hold back, back down, or be going anywhere.
Your purpose, your why is your window. Your window influences every area of your life. God wants you to use your window to serve.
Our Heavenly Father’s love is completely unconditional. He loves the rebel, the prodigal and the faithful just the same. His love is unfailing and changes not. There is nothing that can separate us from His love.
What a privilege to be a child of God! Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
God is a God who will deliver. He is our go to. He is able. He will meet us in hopeless moments. He will handle the enemy. He is still at work.
When change is happening, am I : relying on God, remaining faithful, aware of the trap, making the right choice, ready for the consequences, and aware of my mistakes?
God holds the world in His hands. When life changes, when we need to speak difficult truths, when we have life choices to make and even when we are put on the spot. We can trust in Him to hold us.
Until we know that God will be patient, true to His word, accomplish His will, and gives it to whom He will, the kingdom will seem distant; just as it was for Nebuchadnezzr, who was made to eat grass like an ox for seven periods of time.
Have you taken time to reflect on God’s greatness? Have you examined all that God is able to do?
Jesus came to be our Rescuer. If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Romans 10: 9-10
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
There is a God in Heaven who reveals mysteries, and makes known what will be in the latter days. There is a God who gives power, might and glory and has established His Kingdom which will never be destroyed. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who is worthy of our praise.
We all need to take time to recognize God in our lives. God always shows up at the right time. Recognize God for His characteristics, what He accomplishes, what He reveals, and what He gives us.
What impossible situation are you facing today? We will all face people that are troubled, rely on their own wisdom, don’t believe in God and/or who want to destroy us. We will also all face life defining moments. We can trust that God is sovereign even in the most trying and impossible situations.
When the pressure is on, will we let others see us take a stand for our faith, stay true to God’s calling and rest in His power?
God is still God, even when attacks come, separation happens, indoctrination is in full swing, and new identities are given.
We will be a church that pours out. Pouring out is a response to our love for Jesus, and leads to a life that avoids regrets and impacts future generations.
When we meet people where they are, we are able to share the power of God’s love and design for living with others. By meeting people where they are, we are able to live on the vision of Lightpoint Church: shining the light of Jesus into a dark and hurting world.
When we follow Jesus, He will change how we spend our lives. We will become fishers of men by reaching those that are lost and far from Jesus, taking care of those that belong to Jesus, and being active in the mission of Jesus.
Following Jesus starts with knowing who He is, knowing His mission, knowing our mission, having the right motivation, priorities and boldness.
As we follow Jesus, our lives reflect the changes that He brings. A life that is pleasing and acceptable to God, experiences transformation and is driven by His power.
Jesus came to change lives by sharing a simple message to rescue us from the dark. In order to experience life change, we must be committed to following Him.
When we remember God’s faithfulness and trust in Him, we can get out of the boat to follow Him; just as Simon, James and John did, to become fishers of men.
Jesus is a child who is not offended by the skeptic, rather He is a child that is available to the skeptic, able to reveal Himself to the skeptic, is willing to engage with the skeptic, and is aware that the skeptic might miss it.
Jesus is our closest friend; willing to listen, speaking words that have power, who responds to our faith. Jesus is our Living Hope!
Jesus is a child that defeats death, is a blessing, coming from unlikely places; a King worth following.
While Satan is working hard to deceive us, we must be on guard. We must be willing to speak the truth of God’s words where there are lies, refuse to give an inch into his traps of deception, fight for unity within the church, and address our own thoughts where deception has crept in.
Satan will decieve us in many ways, to lead us away from God and following His plan. Satan will work hard to keep us from hearing the truth, and cause us to doubt God’s plan and His goodness. Deception is a worldwide issue.
Learn more about the Coalition of Care with Chris Combs- equipping and mobilizing churches to care for vulnerable children.
An update on the ministry to the Chorti people of Guatemala with John and Diana Lubeck! To God be the glory for the things He has done through their ministry!
Because Satan is working his plan, I need to be on guard. He will use deception to cause us to doubt and keep us from hearing the truth.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12
We are called to be peacemakers. We can only confront the hostilities in our lives through Jesus. When we choose to be a peacemaker, we recieve a new identity- children of God.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6
In this life, we are fortunate if we desire what is right, pursue what is right, and find satisfaction in what is right.
Those who are meek, will inherit the earth. Those who are meek are able to control their tempers, delight in the Lord, commit their lives to the Lord, and are quiet and wait for the Lord. The meek know that the promise of their inheritance will come to fruition.
During his sermon on the mount, Jesus stated “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) We are challenged to mourn: the loss of a loved one, because of our own sin, because of our sin this this world, with the promise that we will be comforted.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:2 Have you accepted the invitation to be blessed? Do you have the right mindset for those who are poor in spirit? Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, and Paul all gave us great examples of being blessed for the poor in spirit.
During seasons of waiting we must remember that distractions will come, remain open to the God opportunities, enjoy the God moments, and to share the good news.
Oftentimes when we are caught in a storm, hopelessness can set in, especially when things do not go our own way. When we hold on to the truth of God’s promises, let go of false securities, and keep moving forward in faith, we are granted peace that passes all understanding.
We all experience different seasons in life. When we take action to follow, grow and lead, we gain experience and wisdom that leads to discipleship.
Compassion that leads to conversations about creation and the cross leads to conversion!
We all have a mutual calling from Jesus, to go and make disciples. Sometimes, we may take a different approach or direction to our calling than others. If we stay committed to our calling, and hold others with an open hand, separation can take place, and we can trust that we will fulfill our mutual calling regardless.
It is our responsibility to speak the truth in love of Christ to those around us and reach them where they are. Do our lives reflect the message of the gospel?
We are called to stand up for the truth of God’s word. It is unchanging and never fails.
When we trust in God’s timing, we can rest in the peace that passes all understanding even in the midst of our hardest trials.
In the second half of Acts 11, Barnabas, a man full of faith and joy, shows us how to handle defining moments in our lives. His example shows us that we should remain steadfast in faithfulness, willing to be an encourager to others, act selflessly and with compassion. These action steps will lead to a long lasting ripple effect in the lives of those around us.
If you address the excuses you use to delay walking out what God has called you to do, you will have the privilege of seeing the ripple effects of your obedience to the Father.
Each of us experiences a conversion experience when we choose to follow Jesus. Be willing to share how the Lord changed your life when chose to follow Him. Be willing to go where He calls you, no matter how unqualified you may feel. As soon as Ananias accepted Jesus, he was called to minister to Saul. He made no excuses and moved forward. Be willing to share your experience!
No matter where God has placed us, we need to be willing to make the most of every opportunity; to share the story of how Jesus has changed our lives.
When we walk in relationship with Jesus, in obedience to him, we must be willing to regularly check our hearts. Are we willing to receive what God has for us? Are we self-serving? Are we able to take correction? Are we looking for truth? Make sure you perform regular heart checks as you walk in faith with Him!
Jesus told us in the book of Matthew, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Sometimes, our faith journey is going to cost us. The price we pay for walking in obedience requires us to speak up, accept difficulty, being willing to be led, and letting go.
When we have the right attitude, with a willing heart, to walk out the calling laid before us, we can seize the opportunities that lie ahead to bring glory and honor to our Heavenly Father!
We have an outrageously generous God who pours out never ending love, grace and mercy to each of us; therefore we should be outrageously generous with our time, treasure, and talents as stewards who point others to Jesus.
When we act with boldness on the truth of God’s word, we can be sure that accusations will come. We must be prepared to act appropriately with love and authenticity. We must remain confident in who we are- children of the Risen King, fully dependent on Him.
God is faithful! He will provide life-changing opportunities, lasting truth, everlasting relief and true hope to all who believe they are saved by the death and resurrection of Christ.
When God Moves His Children will: commit to grow together, pay attention, share core beliefs, meet needs, actively participate, and see the evidence.
God is always on the move. He is a way maker and promise keeper. He’s always working to bring new life and amazement to those who believe in Him.
When we take our first faith step we see things things in action: complete obedience to the calling God has laid before us, a devotion to prayer, being grounded in scripture, seeking the Lord and acting in faith. What is your next faith step?
In the first chapter of Acts, Jesus promises the disciples they will soon be baptized with the power of the Holy Spirit, and be witnesses for Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, to the ends of the earth. He was preparing the disciples to ACT as his witnesses. How are you being a witness for Jesus in your life?
How do people view you? Do they see Jesus in you as you walk out your calling? Do they see your sanctification at work? At home? In your prayer life?
We must accept that our true identity is as God’s chosen ones, allowing him to work on us. As we surrender to Jesus, we become more forgiving and loving, able to check our motives and actions through the lens of His truth.
We have been set apart to set our minds on things above. As Christians, we are instructed to put off the old ways of life- sexual immorality, impurity, anger, wrath, malice, lying; and put on our new selves, revealing a desire to become like Christ and separating from the world.
Sanctification is the act of becoming more personally dedicated to God; especially by becoming more distinct, devoted, or morally pure. Sanctification is a daily, lifetime process. When we focus on why God takes us through this process, instead of our circumstances, we are able to direct our focus to Him.
In the first book of Peter, the elders of the church are charged with shepherding the flock among them, to willingly care for the church. Three new elders are welcomed and ordained to the leadership of Lightpoint Church.
Our hope rests in Jesus. Therefore, we do not worry about when He will return, instead we focus on Him and trust in His plan, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ as our one true Hope.
Jesus told us in John 14:1, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” Do you choose to allow your belief in Him or your struggles consume you? Are you following his way or doing things your way? Make your choice to believe in the truth of God’s word!
Is God judging the world for sin? Why do we believe that God is judging the world for sin? Romans 8:1 says There is therefore now no condemnation in those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Make 2021 a new start for you and your relationship with the One who saves!
A time of giving thanks and praising God for His goodness, mercy, love and grace and petitions for 2021.
Are you feeling pressure, exhausted, overwhelmed, struggling to find your place? Choose to invite Him into your life. Find the peace, guidance, acceptance, rest, forgiveness, healing, restoration that can only be found in a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ.
As you prepare Him room this season, be an encourager. Be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, be available to those who are struggling, and choose to build others up with kind words and a heart that listens.
Are you preparing Him room to change your life? Have you chosen to be available to Him? Have you surrendered your plans? Prepare Him room by being available!
In order to be prepared for what God has for me, I need to choose to listen, be faithful, be present, block out the noise, choose to believe, and take time to disengage to be present with the Father.
We are so excited about our partnership with Lifting Kids in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala! Learn more about their mission and vision to break the cycle of poverty through a Christian education by loving every child, calling them by name, and providing opportunities outside of the confines of poverty. Pray about how God is calling you to partner with Lifting Kids- prayer, child sponsorship or mission work!
2020 has looked anything but normal. BUT God. He has been faithful and we will continue to be a church that prepares, participates, pursues, and pours out in response to His leading. Listen in to learn more about where we are and where we are headed with God in the lead.
Jesus is available to us. He is our friend. He is our strength. He is our shepherd. When we share our testimony, we draw closer to the Lord.
And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Are you ready to be sent? Do you actively serve, seek clarity, answer His call? Are you willing to respond to Him to be sent?
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17
Break me, renew me, restore me, use me.
Prayer will change our lives. When we ask God to search us- in our hearts, our actions, and our thoughts; he will lead us.
Jesus gave us explicit instructions on how to pray. He taught us to acknowledge Him, surrender to Him, and ask for provision, forgiveness and guidance. When we recognize that prayer is a conversation that is not for show, we will find that prayer changes our lives.
When we are rooted in the truth of the Bible, trust the Spirit’s leading, take on the character of Jesus and are full of love for God and one another, the result is a healthy, unified church. We become an environment where everyone has value. We can recognize and appreciate the unique spiritual gifts we have individually been given. Relationships can flourish. We can have respect for and show grace to one another, even when we may disagree. And ultimately we, together as the church, are able to walk in the light, and can go out and shine the Light of Life into a dark world
Jesus commanded us to love God and love others. Jesus tells us that the world will know who we belong to by the way we love one another.
Our character is found in Jesus. By looking at His character and allowing Him to work within us, we know who we need to be, both as the church and as individuals. We need to be a reflection of Jesus himself. Humble. Authentic. Honest. Courageous. Joyful. When the world looks at us, they should see the Light of the World shining through.
We recognize that this church does not belong to us. Lightpoint is God’s church. It doesn’t belong to anyone else. Therefore, we trust that the Holy Spirit is present and active in our church and in our lives. We recognize the Holy Spirit as our leader, and rely on Him above our own human credentials or strategies.
The Bible is God’s Word. It is without error and is absolute truth. We must be planted and deeply rooted in what scripture tells us. It is our guide for how to be the people and church God has called us to be.
True grit requires leadership and humility. Those with true grit are always alert to the devil’s temptations and resist them. Whatever circumstances come our way, we can be sure that God will provide us the strength, comfort if we put our trust in Him.
Fiery trials are the devil’s playground! He wages war to cloud our minds with discouragement. How should we respond to discouragement in a biblical manner?
We should not be surprised at the trials, temptations, and suffering we face in life. We should consider these sufferings as blessings, because the Spirit of the Lord rests upon us. Our intentional response and obedience during these hardships matter, even when we are scrutinized for our beliefs. True grit requires joy in the hardships & testing of our faith.
As we move forward in our walk with Him, we are called to glorify Him through serving. We are called to minister to one another, in love, as good stewards to honor Him.
We are called to be honorable, gracious and loving, following Christ’s example when we respond to authority. Listen in to here what 1 Peter 2:13-25 says about how we are to respond to authority.
In 1 Peter 2:9-12, we are called a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, sojourners and pilgrims, called to glorify Him. It takes true grit to accept who we are. We can be confident of who we are when we know to whom we belong!
How are we sincerely, earnestly and with conviction loving one another? Where are you called to show His love? Are you being salt & light to the place God has planted you?
Developing true grit- having courage and resolve; strength of character, is developed through intentionality. Intentional thoughts, actions, attitude and belief system. In 1 Peter 1:13-21, we are given a guide for developing true grit through intentionality.
When we are a light to a dark & hurting world, we will experience trials & tribulation. True grit changes our focus to Him, demands decisiveness and is the result of a promise fulfilled so that we can persevere, regardless of difficult situations.
With all the national discussions regarding race, we invited long-time Lightpoint Church members Chad & Kim Lynn to share their stories of growing up with racism, dealing with racism in today’s society, and how we can live out our mission- to be a unified church that shines the light of Jesus into a dark & hurting world.
Regardless of our past mistakes, stupid decisions, current circumstances, or outlook; we can be assured that God is still moving. He is still working all things for His glory, in all things and in all situations.
“Therefore thus says the Lord God: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel,” Ezekiel 29:25a Hope brings prosperity, is revealed, brings life, unites, in the attack, and restores. As we close out our series, Hope- The Study in Ezekiel, listen in as Pastor Chad teaches how we can have hope restored.
Be assured, attacks will come our way. God never promised us a life without struggles, trials or tribulations. He did, however, promise he would be with us in and through all things, good and bad. Discover what Ezekiel learned about having hope in the attack! Even in the midst of darkness, we can be assured of this- our hope rests in HIm.
Being BOLD lies within our every decision. The choices we make dictate our outcomes. If we want to live BOLDLY and follow Jesus BOLDLY then we will trust in Him. Good times or bad our choices must reflect our faith. Trust, decisiveness, and focus. This is what it takes to BOLDLY make choices that draw us to live like Jesus.
Waiting is one of the most difficult things we have to do in life. It’s in our waiting that God is changing us and molding us for what he has in store! Are you Bold enough to wait on God’s move?
Ever heard that little voice in the back of your mind tell you that you’ll fail? Maybe it says something is going to end awful? Learn how to silence it! Take action to get confidence to live BOLDLY from God and not from the little voice that is our inner coward.
Boldness is not always looking on the offense and pushing forward. Sometimes boldness is about strengthening within. Who do you let speak into your life? Who do you allow to build you up or bring you down? Who do you allow to provide much needed perspective to motivate your thinking? Do they seek your best or theirs? Do they love you and love God? Let’s see!