LBFC Weekly Sermons: Recent Episodes
Long Beach Friends Church
How should Christians respond to evil? How should Christians respond to evil done in Jesus' name? In this episode we work through a bit more of the basic teaching of Jesus for all of his followers and then consider when to speak up, or act, and when to remain silent.
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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.
I'm sure you noticed the hostile tone of discourse in the media these days, even from those who claim to be Christians. In this episode we work through Jesus' ways of using words, beginning with a broader discussion of hate.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.
We seem to be living in a time when politics is particularly driven by fear, when government is introducing policies that seem to be motivated or supported by fear. What does it mean to be a Christian - to follow Jesus, in such a time? We consider the most frequent instruction or command one can find in the Christian scriptures: "Do not be afraid!" Why? How? Can we love our neighbors and fear them at the same time?
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
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Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.
What does it mean to be a Christian - to follow Jesus? Many Christians in the United States seem to be doing things that are inconsistent with following Jesus, or supporting such things. So how do we identify what it means to be a Christian? How do we evaluate the actions of our government? What responsibility do we have to speak up when things are done that are are inconsistent with following Jesus? How do we, as followers of Jesus, relate to politics and government? This series will consider these matters. This introductory episode establishes our foundation.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.
Matthew reports in chapter 26, verse 30 that Jesus and the disciples sang... something? I mean, after eating the Passover meal that we often call The Last Supper. What did they sing? In this episode we discuss the Psalms that they would have sung (Psalms 113-118) and then my granddaughter Malea and I read them for your meditation so you can hear them in the context of Jesus going to the cross, being sent out of God's love to save the world!
The Communion song I mentioned is available on video from Ethnos Community Church. Rachel Matthew is the soloist. See: https://youtu.be/3kdVwzy2v8Q?si=tklTnD0q_M0hCqMH
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Literal English Translation from Greek are from Novum Testamentum Graece, Nestle-Aland 27th edition, © 1993, Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart; The Greek New Testament.
Background photo of Jerusalem on title image from BiblePlaces.com
In this episode we again consider what God is like. Beginning with the description God gives of himself in Exodus 34, we consider what it means that God is loving and faithful - two characteristics that are inseparable in God.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
In this episode we consider what God is like. Following up on the description God gives of himself in Exodus 34, we consider what it means that God is compassionate. It may seem simple, but we often have a difficult time with compassion!
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
In this episode we consider what God is like. Following up on the description God gives of himself in Exodus 34, we consider what it means that God is gracious.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Most Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Some Scriptures as noted are from the NET Bible® https://netbible.com copyright ©1996, 2019 used with permission from Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
In this episode we consider what God is like. Is he the angry, vengeful God so often attributed to the "Old Testament"? Is he like Jesus?
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
In this episode we consider the scriptures associated with Christmas from the standpoint of some passages we studied in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount - the Beatitudes, the Lord's Prayer, and even the Sheep and the Goats passage from Matthew 25.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
In this episode we consider three advents of Jesus. He has come, He is coming, and He will come!
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
In this episode we conclude our series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, covering his challenge to "build our house on the rock." We consider in some detail a foolish plan for life that is building on sand.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Scriptures translated by Bible Project are Copyright © 2024 by BibleProject and used under these terms: https://bibleproject.com/terms/. Learn more about the Bible Project at https://bibleproject.com/.
Scripture quotations from THE MESSAGE are copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
We've arrived at the concluding challenge section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In this podcast the focus is Jesus' warning against the danger of false prophets.
The podcast from last time that reviews the Sermon on the Mount, as referred to in this episode can be found at https://five.libsyn.com/show/episodes/view/33713342
The Long Beach Ministers Alliance Post-Election Prayer Video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/ul-2wOc9hYM
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Scriptures translated by Bible Project are Copyright © 2024 by BibleProject and used under these terms: https://bibleproject.com/terms/. Learn more about the Bible Project at https://bibleproject.com/.
We've arrived at the concluding challenge section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In this podcast we briefly review the sermon so far, and then focus on the images of two gates that Jesus uses in his conclusion: one small opening to a narrow road and one broad leading to an easy road. We also take a little detour into a discussion of "many" and "few" with respect to who finds the gate that lead to life.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Jesus has taught us to seek first God's kingdom and right relationships - and not to judge or condemn others, but to use discernment. He has moved into teaching us about our relationships with one another. And then, he says "Ask, Seek, Knock..." For what? We often take this passage out of context and miss Jesus' point.
This session includes a reference to the August 1, 2024 message that you can find here: https://five.libsyn.com/show/episodes/view/32390947
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount" has included his warning against hypocrisy, then his encouragement toward generosity, and last time we condluded with his admonition that we cannot serve both God and money! That naturally brings up our human inclination to worry about the future. This time, we consider Jesus' teaching to leave worry behind, instead seeking first God's kingdom and right relationships.
This session includes a reference to a written essay on discernment and clearness committees that you can find here: https://www.oaks2b.com/2012/02/14/a-discernment-process/
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
We worked through Matthew 6.16-24, focusing on the purpose of prayer and fasting, and then on generosity. In this passage, Jesus talks about "storing up treasure in heaven." What is that, exactly?
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Last time, we worked through Matthew 6.16-24, focusing on the purpose of prayer and fasting, and then on generosity. I touched on verse 24, the last verse; but I’d like to focus on it this time - the subject of Mammon, or money and wealth.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
After teaching his disciples what we call the Lord's Prayer, Jesus returns to the topic of hypocrisy - that is, in his terms, practicing religion and doing good deeds to be seen by others. He addresses fasting, generosity, our treasure, and having eyes to see. It's quite a profound line of thought, and a great treasure for those with eyes to see.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
How should Jesus' followers respond to offenses? Is condemnation a good response? The Olympic opening ceremony led to some strong reactions from many Christians that led me to consider this question, and speak to it from the Sermon on the Mount, a bit out of order in our text.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Dallas Willard's paraphrasing of the Lord's Prayer was excerpted from The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard (HarperOne, 1997).
Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply the line of the second half of the prayer, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
There are two articles with various links related to this podcast:
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/patterning-our-praying-as-jesus-taught/
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply the line of the second half of the prayer, "forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." There are two articles with various links related to this podcast:
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/patterning-our-praying-as-jesus-taught/
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Some scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Some scripture quotations taken from Holy Bible: New Living Translation. 2015. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. Lastly, a few scriptures quotations are from The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (MSG) by Eugene H. Peterson, Copyright: © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson, Used by permission of NavPress. Each passage is marked as to which translation is used.
Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply the first line of the second half of the prayer "Give us this day our daily bread." There are two articles with various links related to this podcast:
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/patterning-our-praying-as-jesus-taught/
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Richard Bauckham quote is from Bauckham, Richard. Jesus: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2011.
Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply how the first portion of the prayer relates to God's purposes in creation and for humans. There are two articles with various links related to this podcast:
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/patterning-our-praying-as-jesus-taught/
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Scriptures from Matthew 5 through 7 as translated by Bible Project are Copyright © 2024 by BibleProject and used under these terms: https://bibleproject.com/terms/. Learn more about the Bible Project at https://bibleproject.com/.
This is an announcement and participation invitation for Father's Day on June 16, 2024. It is not part of any series of messages.
Instructions for writing a general Psalm of thanksgiving, which can be adapted for Father's Day: https://www.oaks2b.com/2019/11/18/writing-a-psalm-of-thanksgiving/
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center if his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. There are two articles with various links related to this podcast:
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/
https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/patterning-our-praying-as-jesus-taught/
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Scriptures from Matthew 5 through 7 as translated by Bible Project are Copyright © 2024 by BibleProject and used under these terms: https://bibleproject.com/terms/. Learn more about the Bible Project at https://bibleproject.com/.
Jesus turns his attention to our religious practices, and calls certain types of people hypocrites for doing their religious practices to be seen by others! However, Jesus doesn't mean by "hypocrite" what you and I normally mean.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Scriptures from Matthew 5 through 8 as translated by Bible Project are Copyright © 2024 by BibleProject and used under these terms: https://bibleproject.com/terms/. Learn more about the Bible Project at https://bibleproject.com/.
This is an announcement and participation invitation for Mothers Day on May 12, 2024. It is not part of any series of messages.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
This week we take a break from the Sermon on the Mount series and add a new hot topic conversation considering the meaning of free speech and civil disobedience in our society and how to follow Jesus as we address injustice, with a focus on the example of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/05/02/notes-on-free-speech-civil-disobedience-and-following-jesus/
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Jesus turns his attention to how we use our words, particularly speaking on the topic of oaths and swearing. He roots his teaching in the Torah, as in previous case studies. He wants his followers to speak straightforwardly and without manipulating others. Jesus moves us in ways that respects the image of God in each human being and God's purpose for humans.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Scriptures from Matthew 5 through 8 as translated by Bible Project are Copyright © 2024 by BibleProject and used under these terms: https://bibleproject.com/terms/. Learn more about the Bible Project at https://bibleproject.com/.
Jesus continues his instruction on how to live according to the kingdom of the skies - the kingdom of God. This time he comments on a raging controversy of his day - the cause for which a man might divorce his wife, according to the Law. As usual, Jesus speaks in a way that respects the image of God in each human being and God's purpose for humans.
The Bible Project podcast mentioned in this episode that goes into the Hebrew language issues of Deuteronomy 24 may be accessed at https://bibleproject.com/podcast/how-jesus-responded-divorce-debate/
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Scriptures from Matthew 5 through 8 as used are Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
This message is a Resurrection Sunday message that stands on its own. It is not really in sequence with the Sermon on the Mount series.
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Jesus continues his instruction on how to live according to the kingdom of the skies - the kingdom of God. He challenges particularly men relate to women in a manner that respects the image of God in each human being.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks in a way that any of us would be uncomfortable speaking, does he not? I mean, it seems like he is speaking like one who can bring blessing, one who has authority to speak in a way that is like the Torah and the Prophets! Why? How is this credible?
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
Jesus begins to tell us how to live according to the kingdom of the skies - the kingdom of God. He begins with challenging us to relate to one another in a manner that respects the image of God in each human being.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
Jesus begins the second portion of his sermon on the mountainside claiming that he is not "dismantling" the Law (Torah) and the Prophets. He is completing them!
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
Jesus continues the introduction to his sermon on the mountainside by establishing a strong connection between his message and mission with the Torah and the Prophets. God is not changing direction; He is deepening and bringing to fruition his everlasting purpose in Jesus.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
Jesus begins his sermon on the mountainside with nine startling statements about blessing. Some people call these "the Beatitudes". How should we understand these? In this message we focus on the last three of the nine, beginning with Jesus' statement that it is peacemakers who will be known as the children of God. There will be consequences to working for God's peace, and thus we come to the last two startling blessing statements.
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/being-at-home-in-the-kingdom/
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
Jesus begins his sermon on the mountainside with nine startling statements about blessing. Some people call these "the Beatitudes". How should we understand these? How can it be a blessing to be poor in spirit, to grieve, to be unimportant? Is that what Jesus means? In this message we take a bit of time to get the big picture of what Jesus is doing in order to understand God's blessing. Then we focus in on the second set of three statements of blessing. Jesus comments on being blessed are startling - a new and fresh understanding!
We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/introducing-the-sermon-on-the-mount/
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Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
We're starting a new series on the Sermon on the Mount inspired by and tracking the series that the Bible Project is doing. This is the introduction for LBFC and friends. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/introducing-the-sermon-on-the-mount/
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org.
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. And Matthew 5.3-12 as used is Copyright © 2024 By BibleProject, Available for viewing at www.bibleproject.com
Christmas Day is approaching! This week we consider, in a short meditation, the Advent theme of Love - God's Love. How do we know what God is like, what His love looks like? We look at Jesus, and remain in communion with Him.
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Advent season is here! This week we consider, in a short meditation, the Advent theme of Joy. Paul writes "Be joyful always!" Is that a command or what? How does that work?
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Advent season is here! This week we consider, in a short meditation, the Advent theme of Peace. How can we have peace in a world dominated by death? Where does our peace come from and how is it connected to Jesus?
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Advent season is here! This week we consider, in a short meditation, the Advent theme of Hope. Why do we have hope? Where does our hope come from and how is it connected to Jesus?
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
The Thanksgiving holiday is upon us... along with a number of wars and chaos in Washington! How can we celebrate Thanksgiving when the world is such a mess?
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week we consider the profound reality of God's love and how through communion with Him and growing to know Him, His love transforms us so that we begin to love like He loves.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/11/09/notes-on-focusing-on-jesus-its-all-a-gift-message/
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week we consider that maintaining and building communion with Jesus is another way to describe living by the Spirit, bearing the fruit of the Spirit. It is moving in life and choosing to trust Jesus through the normal everyday events of life.
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week we consider Jesus' call to be peacemakers- children of God! Do we trust God for justice, that He will make things right? When we refuse to forgive and seek revenge on others, it breaks our communion with Him! Communion with Jesus is vital to our calling to be peacemakers.
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week we consider whether or not we believe what the Psalmist writes in Psalm 23. Dallas Willard says, “Psalm 23 covers the whole of the spiritual life in God’s kingdom. It’s all there — except for the essential understanding of the historical Jesus." Psalm 23 describes life in communion with God - the one foundational reality of the Christian life without which we can do nothing. Do we believe it? What is this good news of life that Jesus offers?
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/09/29/notes-on-the-communion-maintenance-message-mostly-related-to-dallas-willard/
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week's topic is... communion maintenance? Communion with God is the one required reality of the Christian life. How do we do it?
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/09/29/notes-on-the-communion-maintenance-message-mostly-related-to-dallas-willard/
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week's "Friends Topic" is baptism AND communion. These are one required reality of the Christian life - but perhaps not in the way you think!
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2010/03/05/16/
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
and from Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemporary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
This week's hot topic, or perhaps it is really a "Friends Topic" is communion. Why do some say that Quakers, or Friends don't believe in communion? What do we believe?
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2010/03/05/16/
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
and from Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemporary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
This week's hot topic, or perhaps it is really a "Friends Topic" is baptism. Why do some say that Quakers, or Friends don't believe in baptism?
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2010/03/05/16/
Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week's hot topic is sacraments. Why do some say that Quakers, or Friends don't believe in any sacraments when other churches believe in seven, or at least two? (Spoiler: Friends don't say that about themselves!)
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemporary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
This week's hot topic is the relationship of Christians to patriotism and nationalism. This is the context for answering a question I was asked last week about how to approach "patriotic holidays" as people of peace - Memorial Day, Veterans Day, the 4th of July.
Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/06/28/note-for-hot-topics-christian-nationalism/
How to Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week's hot topic is the idea that God needs us. Spoiler! .....He does not!
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week's hot topic is the heresy of Christian Nationalism. Wait... don't we want Jesus to be in charge?
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
This week's hot topic is humility. Why focus on humility directly? Because it is - surprisingly - being contested by many who claim to be Christian, even! What’s the opposite of humility? It is Cancel culture. We explore that hot topic in this message.
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemporary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
We continue the hot topic of sexuality by exploring the development of social norms for sex and gender.
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Notes: https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/06/02/notes-for-hot-topics-sex-and-gender/
How to Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan
We continue the hot topic of sexuality by looking at what the Bible has to say about sex.
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Notes: https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/05/24/notes-for-hot-topics-approaches-of-various-churches-to-lgbtq-issues/
How to Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan and Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemporary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
We continue the hot topic of sexuality by looking at what the Bible has to say about sex.
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Notes: https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/05/18/note-for-hot-topics-the-bible-and-sex/(opens in a new tab)
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Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
We begin on the hot topic of sexuality by looking first at our "inside the church" attitudes.
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemporary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
Brief Update: LBFC is not publishing a message for the weeks of 4-23-2023 and 4-30-2023 due to special events in our schedule. We plan to be back on the Hot Topics series in May.
How can holidays be a hot topic? Listen and see!
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Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. and Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemporary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
In a break from Hot Topics for Resurrection Sunday, we consider the victory of Jesus, the Messiah of Peace.
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
In a break from Hot Topics for Palm Sunday, we consider Jesus the peaceful messiah.
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
If God intends for women and men to be partners in marriage and peers who can be called to teaching and leadership ministry, why are men privileged in so many cultures and religious settings?
Referred to in this podcast: https://www.oaks2b.com/2020/01/25/ladies/
Referred to in this podcast: https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1/, Bible Project podcast on Ancient Cosmology
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations from The Five Books of Moses by Everett Fox, Copyright (c) 1983, 1986, 1990, 1995 by Schocken Books Inc.
Scripture quotations from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Church teaching about the place of women in marriage and the church is a hot topic these days, with recent news of a large church being "disfellowshipped" because they called a woman as a "teaching pastor". What do we at LBFC believe and teach regarding women in the home, the church, and society? That's our hot topic this week!
Referred to in this podcast: https://www.oaks2b.com/2020/01/25/ladies/
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
Racism, equity, and CRT, oh my! Let's understand, listen, and love one another enough to choose to value one another and seek good and just outcomes for one another. God's dwelling place is his people - his diverse, multi-cultural, many-splendored people!
Referred to in this episode: https://namingthereal.libsyn.com/telling-stories-and-transcending-trauma-together
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
We, as human beings created in God's image and commissioned to care for His creation, have a responsibility to care for the earth and for one another. This week we consider the story of the Reynolds family who quite unexpectedly found themselves confronted by this issue - a "big decision"
For visuals, please consider watching the Raising the Phoenix video: https://vimeo.com/204600715
https://www.oaks2b.com/2023/02/17/notes-for-the-hot-topics-creation-and-human-care-message/
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.
How should the church handle abuse in families or even in the church? Lately, we have many times not been doing so well.
Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. and Holy Bible: The Message (the Bible in contemparary language). 2005. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.
We began a series on "top topics" a couple of weeks ago, covering introductory principles and approaches. This week, we plunge in (bravely or foolishly?) with the topic of abortion, considered from a Jesus-follower perspective. At least that's the intent!
How do we, as followers of Jesus, handle disagreement while continuing in the peace to which Jesus has called us? This episode discusses the practical considerations that we need to address, led by Jesus, in order to undertake cooperative efforts together and with other groups wisely and in peace.
We're starting our new "hot topics" series with a consideration of how Christians are called to handle disagreement. This message takes a broad, principled approach to handling disagreement formed through considering Paul's advice to the Jesus people in Rome, particularly in chapters 12-15 of his letter to the Romans.
Joe reports a bit on his recent trip to Ireland and discusses our source of comfort in the face of the ambiguities of this world. Note that this talk was originally given with slides.
Slides for 2023-01-15 episode.
God intends to call people to himself through his son and his son's followers for what is to come.
God intends to bring shalom - peace, nothing missing and nothing broken, to all creation. That's the message of God's and humanity's story in scripture.
Jesus, after cooking and eating breakfast with some of his disciples, addresses Peter. "Do you love me more than these?" In a dramatic scene, Peter is restored.
Jesus shows up as some of the disciples are fishing. He (again) tells them where to fish. And then they eat together. Fellowship and community around a meal - that's life. "Friends, haven't you any fish?"
Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus' tomb and discovers things are not as she expected. Peter and John see the empty tomb, also... but then, Mary meets Jesus face to face. And finally, most of the others. It's hard to believe, as Thomas demonstrates. What to make of all this?
Jesus allows himself to be handed over to the execution squad and crucified; He is lifted up, using his own scriptural language. Nicodemus, to whom Jesus explained his purpose and significance in John's gospel, helps to carry him to a new tomb. That explanation sets the context for Jesus' death on the cross.
Jesus is taken before Pilate, the Roman governmor, for a "trial" early in the day. The temple authorities demand he be crucified. Pilate isn't so sure. "Are you king of the Jews?" And then there's the matter of Barabbas. This episode covers John 18.28 to 19.16.
Jesus is betrayed by one disciple, denied by another, and abandoned by the rest! They just don't understand what he is doing or why. How can these things happen to the chosen one? These failures set the scene for restoration and deepened understanding to come. This episode covers John 18.1-27.
In this episode, covering John 17.1-27, Jesus has a conversation with his Father regarding those who follow him - out loud, where some of them can hear! He's talking about them! And one of them, John, writes about it.
Jesus is "going away". Imagine how this news sounded to his disciples! How can they remain attached to him if he's not there? It didn't see like good news to them. However, it was good for them, according to Jesus, because He would send his Spirit to be with them - the Spirit of Truth. What does this Spirit do? This episode cover John 15.26 through 16.33.
Remaining connected to Jesus is the only way to have life, the only way to do anything! Jesus uses the example of branches attached to a vine in order to bear any fruit at all. This episode covers John 14.30 through 15.25.
Jesus shares the main thing: the way to God is through him. If you have seen Jesus, you have see the Father! This remarkable teaching comes in John 14.1-31, which we cover in this episode in our series on the Gospel of John.
Jesus washing feet? Apparently his approach to being king is, er.... very different. And so it is, as Jesus models the Yahweh approach to wielding authority and power in sharp contrast to the hierarchical methods of fallen humanity. This episode covers John 13.1-38.
Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on the colt of a donkey, fulfilling prophecy that God's chosen one would enter in this way. Little do the crowds understand that when they see Jesus, they see Yahweh. This episode covers John 12.12-50.
Jesus death is foreshadowed by Mary's extravagent attention - and Judas is offended. Or is he just duplicious? This episode covers John 11.55-12.11
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, demonstrates his power to give life by raising his friend Lazarus from the dead! How do you suppose the false shepherds respond to this demonstration of Jesus' Yahweh power? This episode covers John 11.1-57.
Jesus, after observing how the temple authoritied handled the healing of the man born blind, confronts them with teaching about what a true good shepherd is like. This episode covers John 10.1-42.
Jesus has an encounter with blindness, and a man sees for the first time! This episode covers John 9.1-41.
The authorities in Jerusalem want to know who Jesus thinks he is. Of course, they already "know" who they think he is. It's one of those disputations where you learn much about each party but no one changes their mind. Nevertheless, Jesus' words are dramatic and inspiring!
Authorities bring a woman caught in the act of adultery to Jesus to see what he will do. So Jesus does what his Father sent him to do - bring life.
In John chapter 7, Jesus attends the Feast of Tabernacles, and tells those with ears to hear to get living water from him! It's a remarkable setting for a remarkable invitation.
Jesus offended many who had been following him be telling them to eat his body and drink - what was that? his blood? What's that about? In a nutshell: Jesus is the source of life. He's what we need to live.
We want all the Fathers in our community - both biological and spiritual - to know that they are loved! God has a future of hope and purpose for them. And a part of his purpose is to pass these things on to the younger people around them. What a privilege to celebrate on this day!
Jesus heals a man who couldn't walk for 38 years! Jerusalem leaders, instead of being grateful that one of ther people has been restored to health, are unhappy because Jesus "worked" on the Sabbath, and dispute with Jesus. Jesus tells them he's doing the work of Yahweh, and to believe because they see him doing what God does. Of course, there is more,
Jesus heals a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years. And the authorities complain!
In John 4:43-54, Jesus heals a royal official's son. Jesus talks about signs. Why? Just what did the official believe about Jesus?
Jesus goes back to Galilee through Samaria and meets a Samaritan woman when he stops at Jacob's well. And then things get very interesting!
In this special Mother's Day message, we look at the examples of three mothers mentioned in the gospel accounts: Mary (mother of Jesus), Herodias (mother of Salome), and Salome (?) (mother of James and John, the "Sons of Thunder").
People argue a lot over rituals, historically. Who can do what? And what is the "right" way to do whatever? What matters is what God is doing. We must become less, and what He does is what we should join.
In this consideration of Nicodemus' after-dark meeting with Jesus, Jesus turns the question to whether or not Nicodemus will give up what he thinks he knows and embrace the life from above that Jesus offers. It's a while ride with many, many allusions to Hebrew scripture.
This week we pause to consider what we celebrate on Resurrection Sunday, particularly focusing on the testimony in John's gospel. The world is already a much different place than it was before Jesus, and the remarkable changes are still taking place! The goodness of the final re-creation is on the horizon.
This week we consider John 2:13-24, wherein John tells about Jesus clearing out the temple courts that were being used as a marketplace. Why was Jesus so upset? Perhaps it reminded him of another scene of idolatry involving a golden calf! The temple was the place of the Rock - or supposed to be.
This week we consider John 2:1-13 in which Jesus blesses a wedding feast in Cana by turning six huge jars of water into wine! What is he doing? And what is he not doing in this the first of the signs of the new creation that John tells us about in his Gospel account?
This week we begin a new series on the Gospel of John. John seems to assume that we will have read the Gospel of Mark, which we recently studied. In this message, we introduce the new series and consider the first portion of John.
This episode is particularly oriented toward our LBFC family and friends. How do we show that we are friends in this time and under the present conditions? Let's ask God together.
Our prayers and actions as Jesus' followers are blessed and effective when we have God's heart and desires behind them. God is moving to literally change the world. In this episode we examine the history of his heart for strangers and foreigners, and include the example of Harriet Tubman. Who are the strangers and foreigners to us today?
Many things have happened in the world over the past months, and now Russia has attacked Ukraine and news and video and pictures of war are all over. What a mess! We are but dust, we are sick, and need.... what? who?
This episode is sort of an addendum to our Black History Month series - a one-time message responding to the spirit of war and fear that has come upon many. There's a continuity of underlying themes even if the symptoms of our need differ.
Moses, in a farewell address recorded in Deuteronomy, told the people that God would raise up a prophet from among them. They must listen to Him. On the Mount of Transfiguration, God's voice spoke from the heavens telling Peter, James, and John about His son, Jesus - that they should "Listen to him!" These three disciples reported these words of God for our benefit. So what did Jesus say? It's easy to grasp, but hard to trust Him and do what He said. His words are a fitting conclusion to Black History Month.
Listen to Him!
Brooks and Ginder have a conversation about approaching oppression and injustice in the Jesus way. This was the way Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated speaking truth with power for change, peacefully, in love.
Brooks and Ginder have a conversation about the context of African American History Month and why it matters to our church body.
Brooks and Ginder have a conversation about identity as part of our Black History Month series.
This podcast is a reading of many of the traditional scripture passages that we love to hear in the Christmas season. They focus our attention upon Jesus, and the circumstances around his birth to Mary and Joseph. There are angels! Prophets! An evil king! Wandering wise men! And, of course, a Savior.
Zechariah and Elizabeth were from the best families. They were blameless. So why wasn't life working out for them?
It is the season of Advent. God said, “I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations/Gentiles” As one preacher said it, “In Christ the chosen people is the human race and the holy land is the whole earth.”
It is the season of Advent. Jesus said, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." That's why we are able to bear the fruit of the Spirit today!
This is part 9 of our series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John - The Biggest Thanksgiving Celebration Ever! It is also the conclusion of this series.
At the end of the age, when all is settled and heaven and earth are one and the dwelling of God is with humans, there is a massive celebration of which our current holiday celebrations are but a shadow!
This is part 8 of our series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John - What is the Millennium?
Pre-millennial, Post-millennial, Amillennial.... What is all that about? We try to briefly explain the various millennium beliefs and encourage you not to be dogmatic about whatever you think about the millennium.
This is part 7 of our current series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John - The Fate of Beasts, and Their Mark
What? Dragons in the Bible? And just what is this "mark of the beast" anyway? John uses the symbols of Hebrew scripture and his culture to give a dramatic perspective on the world and where it is headed.
This is part 6 of our current series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John - "Sevens" and the Way Jesus Brings His Kingdom
Jesus completely fulfills what is needed to bring his kingdom into fulfillment across the "Day of Salvation" - but it isn't a power play like the kingdoms of this world!
This is part 5 of our new series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John - Who Can Fix This Mess?
The world is a mess! But who is worthy - capable - wise enough - good enough - to make things right? Who can be given the title to the entire world and not make things even worse? Who is worthy?
This is part 4 of our new series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John - Letters to Churches. John writes to seven churches - a number symbolizing completeness. What would he write to a random set of seven churches today?
This is part 3 of our new series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John - What must soon take place. Just what is "soon," anyway?
This is part 2 of the introduction to our new series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John
This is part 1 of the introduction to our new series on Revelation - The Apocalypse of Jesus to John
In this series, Derek Brooks shares some thoughts inspired as he read and prayed through 1 Peter and 2 Peter. In this episode, Brooks speaks from 2 Peter.
In this series, Derek Brooks shares some thoughts inspired as he read and prayed through 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
In this series, Derek Brooks shares some thoughts inspired as he read and prayed through 1 Peter and 2 Peter.
The is episode 17 of the Mark series covering the 16th chapter of Mark - the final episode in this series.
The is episode 9 of the Mark series on Mark 8 and the first portion of Mark 9.
[Note that the description of the previous episode may erroneously describe itself as "episode 7" when it is really episode 8.)