Lakeland Community Church: Recent Episodes
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The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Ac 15:36.
In this parable we discover three dangerous responses to God's invitation to join his kingdom.
When religious leaders try to prove Jesus is a fraud, they wind up proving their own sin instead. This message is for anyone ready to stop challenging and testing God and instead receive his gifts and promises. Are we aloud to come back after we've been hostile to Him?
In this passage a group of religious leaders come to trap Jesus with clever questions. They wind up trapping themselves. We do this also when we come to God with the wrong kinds of questions--challenging Him, as if we are his judges. In this message we learn how to bring good questions to God, questions that bring us new life!
This passage has one of the weirdest miracles and one of the hardest teachings about prayer. Come learn why Jesus killed a tree. Come also to wrestle with this question: If we have faith, will God really give us anything we ask for in prayer?
This passage of scripture is filled with strange events and phrases which can be hard to interpret. In this message we not only uncover the mysteries, but learn solid Bible study techniques that will let us uncover the meaning of hundreds of hard to interpret passages for the rest of our lives!
How do we learn to use the Bible responsibly, in a way that leads us to encountering Jesus our resurrected Lord? Often in church we teach from the Bible, but seldomly do we do a good job of teaching what the Bible is, or how to engage with it well.
1 Corinthians 13- while this passage is traditionally used in weddings, it actually has nothing to do with love between a couple (eros). Do we really need love? Why does everyone have to get so emotional about everything? This message will continue Dan's thoughts on love as a theological basis for the world.
Colossians 3:1-5; This passage explores the biblical and theological nature of God as cruciform love embodied in the life and cross of Jesus Christ.
When faced with a renewal of the mind, change of direction, or repentance, it can be difficult to know where to begin, but God gives us Places and People and Practices where His very presence begins to transform us...often without our knowing.
People had a lot of expectations of what kind of King they needed, but when Jesus showed up, he turned this expectation upside down. Perhaps we have our own expectations, but we will examine what it means to instead allow Jesus to be a surprise twist in our lives so we can be a surprise good news to others.
Many people are praying for peace--peace in the world and peace in their own lives. Sometimes, peace for the uncertain future can be found in remembering what God has done in the past. This message is about remembering the goodness of God.
Tags: Joshua, Suffering/Difficult Times
Are you trying to get to place in life, perhaps a place you know God has called you to, and there is a raging river blocking your way? This message is for you!
Tags: Joshua, Spiritual Journey, Suffering/Difficult Times
the life of Rahab was meant to teach us it's never too late to turn to God, he is faithful and good, especially to those who have grown up far from him, but now wish to come home. Unfortunately, the church has not always been so kind to newcomers. Let's learn again about God's heart--how he turns "outsiders" into family!
Tags: Joshua, The Bible as Story, Spiritual Journey (Growth Path)
This message is for anyone standing on the edge of something new--new and scary. In Joshua, God brings a command to be "strong and courageous" but the courage is not for the battle ahead, it's for something else you need more than anything. What it is, may surprise you.
Joshua, The Bible as Story
Christians naturally tell their story because something fantastic has happened in their lives - Jesus Christ became real to them. Storytelling is central to the human experience. Christianity spreads because it is "gossiped" one person to the next as a story. Telling our story deepens our faith and our lives.
Alex Smith, Lakeland Technical Arts Director and Old Testament Master's student, brings us our teaching on how the Bible understands suffering.
Hospitality is "welcoming angels unaware" (Hebrews 13:2) and making room in our lives for those who are alone and estranged. At Lakeland we help refugees locate and moving into new homes. We befriend those who are alone.
The New Testament demonstrates a radical new community breaking down race and economic disparity into one people unified around the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Prayer is intimacy with God. We use Jonah in the belly of the fish for our model of prayer.
Two visions from God will give us the overarching message of the book of Daniel: and perhaps the key to keeping our faith and courage in the face of an increasingly-hostile world.
You have probably heard the story of Daniel in the Lions' Den a hundred times. But you may not have ever considered the REAL point to the story!
Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego are known for their courageous faith, but this famous story runs even deeper than that!
The book of Daniel has a lot of crazy, well-known stories, but it might be more RELEVANT to our time and place than we realize!
Repent! This word brings up images of fire-and-brimstone religion and (for some) painful memories. However, understood rightly, repentance is something we're invited to by the overflowing kindness of God! Repentance opens a door which lets us stand up from the ashes of despair!
Tags: Ezra, Grace/The Cross
In this message we use Ezra's return to Jerusalem as a model for all spiritual Journeys. No matter where your going next in life, you want to arrive their with Jesus.
Tags: Ezra, Spiritual Journey
Sometime people are so difficult, some situations so hopeless, we wonder 'why even have hope?' In this message we learn that's God's really in charge, even when it may seem there is no hope.
Tag: Ezra, Hope
God is always reaching out to us, and he won't let anything stand in his way, not enemies, not life's circumstances, not even our own sin!
Tags: Ezra, Grace/The Cross
Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, family, and neighbors as we come together to remember and proclaim the central truth of our faith.
Is there a wrong time and place to share our faith? Is one time or place better than another? These important questions are addressed in our message Sharing Faith: When and Where?
Evangelism/Tell Your Story
Does "sharing Jesus" mean knocking on random doors? Does it mean talking to strangers on an airplane? And whether is does or doesn't, what exactly are we supposed to say? These questions and more are addressed in our message, Sharing Jesus: Who and What?
Tags: Evangelism/Tell Your Story
Perhaps you've heard that followers of Jesus should tell others about Him. Perhaps this scares you. In today's world, who would do this and why? And how?!
Tags: Evangelism/Tell Your Story
FORWARD TOGETHER begins its three-year journey of generosity and sacrifice for the sake of others. A single family service, we celebrate together.
Tags: Financial Challenge, FORWARD TOGETHER, Commitment Sunday, Celebration
We explore what makes Lakeland "Lakeland." We are generous church. We are an authentic church. We are Presbyterian - as well as many other things. Are we "too complicated?" Let's explore.
Three families who trusted God share what he has done, giving us all the courage to go FORWARD TOGETHER.
The Apostle Paul stated, "I am in chains for Christ" (Philippians 1:13) There is a high cost for followers of Christ like Paul. Lakeland has always been willing to sacrifice for the sake of others. What will Jesus Christ require of us during our one lifetime?
As we embark on a three year journey into generosity, let us understand how this journey serves the message of Jesus in this world.
Tags: Financial Challenge--FORWARD TOGETHER, Generosity/Finances, Evangelism/Tell Your Story
Three years ago, terror gripped the entire world. Three years later we see that God has done amazing things! This Sunday we celebrate the faithfulness of God.
Tags: Financial Challenge-ONE LIFE
There're many reasons we come to church--but the most important is hearing the good news--that Jesus has saved us!
tags: Vision, Grace/The Cross, Genesis
Long has Israel been without hope. Then the Angels burst upon the Shepherds and the sad story turns into the most incredible story of human history.
We find the power and beauty of elders. Older folks must embrace Joan Erickson's "TranscenDANCE." Simeon and Anna reveal the power of vision.
Samuel Beckett wrote an existentialist play called “Waiting for Godot,” which is meant to imply ‘waiting for God,’ but God never shows up. Paul would eat Beckett for breakfast. God is real, and really present and he’s seen Jesus raised from the dead. Therefore get on with living the life Jesus Christ gave you. Life is not about pie in the sky or whistling nervously in the dark. Get on with your new identity in Christ! Once again, Paul praises the church as Thessalonica – they are doing great. But they have some doubts about whether or not Jesus is coming back and whether or not the whole Christian life is worth it. Be who Christ made you and you will no longer be doubtful of fall into random dumb beliefs.
Paul begins with the “cosmic Christ” view. This is his heavenly (transcendent) letter. It has Christ’s power and submission – Christ’s beyond-ness and his real presence in life and body of Christ/church. “Set your minds on things above” is not escapism. No, this is how we live here on earth. We are saints. We are eternal. Act like it, behave like it. You have died and been raised with Jesus! Put to death the worldly stuff and live like you’ve never lived before!
There is no more encouraging letter in the Bible than Philippians. Paul never criticizes the church at Philippi. He only sells hope. Sure, he has needs. But we will not hear them here (go to Timothy for that.) Instead, Paul oozes zeal and hope and glory and how to build each other up, how to BE like Jesus.
God designed and created this world to be His home and to dwell with us and among us. What does the view of God as a "home-creator" and a "home- maker" mean for us? How can we participate in co-creating a life with God? If God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow then there are some patterns we can see of how God co-creates life with us on this earth and why it matters to us as Christian families and as a church. Using Old Testament stories as a guide, we can see these patterns and learn how to create a flourishing life. Let's explore the concept of Wisdom and "making wise the simple."
My Story by Etta May Fowler
God designed and created this world to be His home and to dwell with us and among us. What does the view of God as a "home-creator" and a "home- maker" mean for us? How can we participate in co-creating a life with God? If God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow then there are some patterns we can see of how God co-creates life with us on this earth and why it matters to us as Christian families and as a church. Using Old Testament stories as a guide, we can see these patterns and learn how to create a flourishing life. Let's explore the concept of Divine Generosity as a way of co-creating a home with God.
God designed and created this world to be His home and to dwell with us and among us. What does the view of God as a "home-creator" and a "home- maker" mean for us? How can we participate in co-creating a life with God? If God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow then there are some patterns we can see of how God co-creates life with us on this earth and why it matters to us as Christian families and as a church. Using Old Testament stories as a guide, we can see these patterns and learn how to create a flourishing life. Let's explore the concept of Divine Hospitality as a way of co-creating a home with God.
God designed and created this world to be His home and to dwell with us and among us. What does the view of God as a "home-creator" and a "home- maker" mean for us? How can we participate in co-creating a life with God? If God is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow then there are some patterns we can see of how God co-creates life with us on this earth and why it matters to us as Christian families and as a church. Using Old Testament stories as a guide, we can see these patterns and learn how to create a flourishing life.
Paul keeps looping Jesus’ CHRIST role along with “how this new Christianity plays out…” oneness, sharing, gifts, marriage – on and on Paul writes something about Jesus’ awesome role as Savior, and then applies it to everyday life. Ephesians is so wonderful because it shapes Christianity. This is the demonstration of the church. This is how the church looks. This is WHY the church takes on its defining shape: ONE.
Enemies of gospel, the Jews teaching the Law, are ‘bewitching’ the Christians in Galatia and Paul goes on the offense (fired up!) Paul preaches a Gospel of belonging to God through the gracious gift of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the culmination of the Law of Moses and Hebrew history. Paul sees the Law as bondage and slavery and the cross of Christ as freedom.
Betrayal Trauma Recovery- Come hear Guest Speakers Misty and Jim Terrell give hope regarding pornography addiction and recovery.
Tags: Addiction Recovery
Betrayal Trauma Recovery- Come hear Guest Speakers Misty and Jim Terrell give hope regarding pornography addiction and recovery.
Tag: Addiction Recovery
We are ALL busy. Being busy gives us a sense that we have purpose and life. But what it really does is distract us from focusing on what is truly important in life. As our culture becomes more secular, how must we re-order our lives to live the good life?
Tag: Serving
Guided by Jesus in the book of Philippians, we will explore this mystical truth: Only those who give life away, find true life. Are you ready to REALLY live?
Tag: Small Groups
In this pointed message we give the unvarnished truth. We all need community to be whole people. It's time to receive God's gift--the gift of other people!
Some situations are hopeless. We can't imagine how trying again would make it any better. In the scripture story we see what can happen when you try again, even though you can't imagine how it will matter.
Acts, Conflict/Oneness
What if you want to share your faith, but no one wants to hear it? This passage in Acts offers us strong reminder--sometimes ministry is (very) hard.
Acts, Evangelism/Tell Your Story
In the earliest church we find something dangerous--people worshipping the preachers instead of God.
Tags: Acts, Lakeland Specific/Vision
We turn back to the earliest days of the church asking the question -- "Have we lost something of the power of God?"
Acts, Lakeland Specific/Vision
An update about the Jamaica mission Won by One from Bryan Feller.
https://wonbyonetojamaica.com/
We complete the Lord's Prayer with a final warning about the power of evil. But also a message of hope, God has given us a weapon for our battle which no evil can overcome!
Prayer/Solitude
Who is doing the tempting? God or Satan or us? Are we open to being refined by God? Can we pray the prayers of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.” (Dan 3:17-18). God does not tempt. Yet we are beset with trials. God allows trials. We are “hammered on the anvil of suffering” (Hill, 76). Hell’s flames have already been transformed into the refiner’s fire suggest Karl Barth. 1 Peter tells us to not be shocked by trials. Trials are given. Maturity follows. A more perfect world ensues.
The grandest mistake any Christian can make is to assume God is a mild helper. Instead we are totally depraved. We have no hope of saving ourselves. Our world has no hope of virtue. While we have immense worth to God, we have zero merit. “If we say we have no sin we are liars” (1 Jn 1:10). Worth is not conveyed by works or merit. Worth is conveyed by ownership. I have some collectibles. Their worth is only in the perception of the owner, not necessarily others (such as buyers who think it is worth less – perhaps more!). The beauty of this mindset and theology is found in peace of knowing we do not need perform. Generosity no longer gains us any favor. Generosity now comes out of the ability to “lie down in green pastures” because our Shepherd is Good.
Come celebrate Pentecost, the day of the coming of the Holy Spirit. What does the Holy Spirit look like and sound like? What language does the Holy Spirit speak? Also- new Fully Participating Members will be saying their vows to the congregation! You won't want to miss this Sunday!
While this petition starts with the most basic need of humanity, food, it must quickly be seen for its dependence upon God. One view says we do not need God for our daily bread/life. To pray this prayer is to subjugate the self will, and submit to God’s provision. It is an issue of Ownership.
The entire Lord’s prayer is a series of petitions. These petitions are set against our reality. In heaven there is no suffering, no crucifixion, no beatings, no mockery, no power struggle. God is immanent. But for the kingdom to be on earth there will be beatings and power struggles. The price is high. And few are willing to pay the price.
The Jews of Jesus’ time would understand kingdom overwhelmingly in terms of the Roman Empire. They knew kingdom to be crushing power. Jesus’ kingdom is ‘not of this world’ (Jn 18:36). Our picture of kingdom must not succumb to secular historical designs. But instead, a kingdom of sacrifice, kenotic love.
We will take a deeper dive into the solution to the hallowing problem we identified last week as we examine one of the most incredible moments in the life of the remarkable prophet Isaiah. What happened to him, and how did it show him everything he needed in his life? And what practical steps can we take to solve our problem too?
Adam Lipps
Adam Lipps:
Although we don't typically use the word "hallow" much (if ever!) in our everyday vocabulary, most of the issues we as humans face in this world can be traced directly to our failure to properly hallow. Why is this true? How exactly do we fail at it? And what should we be looking to for a possible solution?
“Father” is an intimate term used sparely in scripture. Yet Jesus uses the address. More attention is given to the use of “our” in the salutation. This is not a private faith. This is our faith; God is our Father.
In the style of Agatha Christi and Sherlock Holmes we explore the mystery of the empty tomb--learning both how to share our faith and how to investigate our doubts with integrity and vigor.
Holiday/Easter, Apologetics/Difficult Questions, Luke
For Palm Sunday we have a wild passage. Jesus heals a demon possessed man. How do we feel about things like demonic possession? And what can a story like this possibly have to say about the difficult decisions I am facing?
Suffering/Difficult Times, Luke
Jesus was least appreciated by those who knew him the best, the people living in his hometown. But how will we react when Jesus comes to OUR hometown, when he starts asking things of us in OUR lives. What if he asks us to love an enemy?
Forgiveness, Luke
Have you ever been present when something historic happened? Have you ever been present when something spiritual happened? Have you ever had the feeling that God might have made contact with you? What do you do when this happens to you?
Spiritual Journey, Luke
Does God protect us? If, so, why do bad things happen to faithful people? Jesus himself faces this question alone in the desert--and teaches us about God's protection.
Suffering/Difficult Times, Luke
Have you ever done something and later thought, how could I not see how stupid/dangerous/wrong that was?! What if we told you Jesus understands...because he had days like that too. Don't believe it? Listen to this study of Luke chapter 4 verses 3-8.
Tags:Jesus, The Nature of, Luke
In difficult times we wonder: Has God abandoned me? What did I do wrong? If you struggle with these feelings, this season of Lent message is for you.
Tags: Holiday Lent, Suffering/Difficult Times, Luke
As we transition our Sundays into a time that includes a "Course Discipleship Hour" we will explore some parables of Jesus to help us understand what discipleship means and how a faithful response to this call on our lives might look.
Famous Old Testament theologian Walter Brueggemann arranges the Psalms into three categories: Orientation, Dis-orientation, and New Orientation. The Psalms voice the human experience in the full range of emotion and life. Each of the three categories fit our lives. In the end prayer is an altar of communication between humanity and God.
See Brueggemann: orientation, disorientation, reorientation. Once again, Intimacy with God. Cf “DAVKAH.”
As Christians, we seem to be called to live out of a deliberate emptiness, a sort of chosen nonfulfillment. This can be a difficult word in a culture that tells each of us that we are, or at least should be, in control. Together we explore Luke 12:35-40 along with other scripture references in order to find hope in "a future created by God rather than ourselves."
We can ask God to keep giving us everything we want. But he has another miraculous power...to make us content with what we already have!
Tags: #Generosity #Giving
Finances makes us anxious. Whether you want security or fun, it all seems like something that might happen in the future, but never today. And the future is a very uncertain thing. But, what if, the peace God offers us, includes financial peace?
Tags: Generosity/Giving
See my class content “Called Out” and Habel’s biblical model of a calling. Calling of Samuel, 1 Sam. 3). The calling of Elisha 1 Kgs 19:19-21
Where are we? What time is the church in? This picks up where I left off with the “Great Rummage Sale” every 500 years. But now it is more current and precise, looking forward to the church in general. Each time the church is seduced by power it fails. Each time the church dies to the powers and principalities it flourishes. Who shall we be? “Greatness” Mt 20:26 || Mk 10:43; “ashamed of me and my words…” Mk 8:38 || Lk 9:26; Rom 1:16 not ashamed of the gospel.
The world was very different just twelve months ago. Let us celebrate all God has done!
Holiday-Advent/Christmas, Matthew
This is the season of joy! How do you find joy when everything's falling apart? This message is for anyone this Christmas who is having a hard time finding the joy of the season.
Holiday-Advent/Christmas, Matthew
My Story by Charlene Leslie
Trust in God is difficult, especially when the scriptures or our own prayers seem to be leading us in a direction that is scary, or that we don't understand. In this message we learn to trust God.
Zandee Bahr
Holiday-Advent/Christmas, Matthew
Some people believe God could not be speaking to them because they aren't "religious". But come hear the Christmas Story and be convinced otherwise!
Holiday-Advent/Christmas, Matthew
If you've ever had a strange dream, heard a voice in prayer, or been a part of a spiritual "coincidence," this week is for you. When you feel out of good options, Behold! God shows up with a plan that can only be a dream!
Holiday-Advent, Christmas, Matthew, Suffering/Difficult Times
We now live in an age when people are embarrassed to be Christian. The church has been judged by culture and found guilty. What can those of us who're still convinced of God's goodness do?
Tell Your Story/Evangelism, john
Why do people hate Christianity so much, and what should be do about it?
Tell Your Story/Evangelism, John
People have always believed (even today) that God punishes people with sickness and disabilities. In this story from Jesus we get the privilege of sharing some good news, "God's not like that!"
Tag God, the Trinity, John
We cannot today determine the map of the future. We can only point toward the future, like a compass. One Life financial challenge points toward a) owning the building b) charity/compassion keeps alive the value of sacrifice (of 1996). One Life defines a culture (c). But we cannot determine Lakeland’s response to culture/the world. We can be “those people of Jesus” or we chase whatever new idea and resource comes along. That mistake will end the mission. The compass points the correct direction. Without a compass the map wanders.
What is a Christian community? It is a single functioning Body of Christ. It is thrown together as a stew, which cannot be taken apart. It is a gathered tale, a story in the midst of journey – together. As such it is full of ups and downs, “fruits and nuts.” Therefore, to “high-grade” out who belongs and who doesn’t, is a violation of the One Body of Christ.
In 1995 I sold the value that seeking friends are worth any price. And so Lakeland pays the price of sacrifice. Do we still love our seeking friends? I believe more than ever that the western modern world is on a quest. Will the church explore and answer this quest, or will it devolve into the religion of scribes and Pharisees? Our mission remains: “To build a community of authentic followers of Christ.”
We all want to do things with our life that REALLY matter, but we're also very busy. Does God have a word to help us?
Tag: Serving
Depression, anxiety, and worry are at an all time high. Today we share a prayer to help us find freedom from the crushing weight of despair.
Milestones
Spiritual Journey
Christian men are lonely, but Christian friends are hard to find...and keep. In this message we share one small step to change all of that!
Tag: Proverbs
Where have you come from and where are you going? We are all so busy and tired that we don't even know what we are having for dinner much less what we want for our future. Come hear about 3 Biblical characters whose lives were disrupted by the questions God asks of them.
The evil in the world is overwhelming and seems to only to be getting worse. What the Bible say to us about living in disintegrating times?
After years (and years) of fighting and arguing, are you ready for freedom and peace? In this week's verses we learn how to finally win over wrong-headed people.
Oneness, 2 Timothy
What does a church do when it has teachers teaching things contrary to the Way of Jesus? 2 Timothy points the way to truth!
Tag: Oneness, 2 Timothy
Unfortunately, Christians are widely known for fighting amongst ourselves. This is not a new problem. This week in 2 Timothy we find a word from God about controversies in the church.
Some Bible passages are hard, and Song of Songs 5 is one of them. But perhaps, when read and interpreted in the same way we would read any poem, this divine poem has a message from God for us.
tag The Bibel as Story, Song of Songs
Even for Married Christians, sex can be a difficult issue. What does the Bible offer to those who suffer intimacy problems and have lost all hope of healing?
tags Relationships/Sexuality, Song of Songs
King Solomon had 1000 sexual relationships happening all at the same time! Should we listen to ANYTHING he has to say? Why are his writings in the Bible at all?!
The Bible as Story, Song of Songs
There's an age old question about the Song of Songs: Is this book about human sexuality or man's relationship with God? We take this question on together.
The Bible as Story, Song of Songs
Christians don't have a good history or reputation when it comes to sexuality. But what is the Biblical view of sex? What does God desire for our sexual relationships?
Tag Relationships/Sexuality, Song of Songs
When is it right to leave church? This is about the body of Christ and ecclesiology. Again, critical of culture, and the Reformation’s “constant reforming” (C. Taylor).
(Father's Day) Rule of Stability. (Against culture's new and improved).
Tag: Father's Day, Stability
Come back, reboot. It is time. Where shall we go? We are sent.
tags: Reboot, Great Commission
The last 12 months have been the most disorienting that most of us have ever experienced. After spending so much time stuck in confusion and disappointment, how do we find our way? After so many days and months with our world whittled down to our house and computer, how do we remember who we are? Today we will look to the ancient scriptures and the words of Jesus in an attempt to orient ourselves and find our way.
The pandemic has separated us for over a year now. We are now in a habit of not meeting and being together. This message gives us many reasons why it Christians must come together in-person again (as soon as it is safe).
My Story by Richard Myers
Through all history, and in all churches, there is one thing on which all Christians have agreed...if you follow Jesus, you must be baptized. Why? How? If you feel you might be ready for this most important sacrament, this message is for you.
Tag: Baptism
This is a Surrender Together Love touch base teaching. It is the basis for Milestones. And it is a way for all to experience intimacy with God at each stage of life, childhood to geriatric.
It isn’t what you say, but who you are that parents. Therefore, use a different parent model, an ancient time-tested, and “unbidden” model of parenting. Become the interpreter of your child’s world. This the Poet. The Priest ushers them into God’s presence with daily liturgies. The Prophet challenges the status quo of the world and speaks and acts like prophet of God. Texts: Shema Dt 6:4-9 Hear of Israel… Luke 6:27-36. do good to those who hate you… even sinners lend to sinners…
Can Christians take part in protests and use violence to bring positive change?
Topic Tags: Reconciliation, Non-Violence
One of Lakeland core values is that we share our faith with those who are far from God. Maybe you didn't know how to share your story or you didn't feel comfortable talking about God or maybe you didn't know why you should tell your story or if it even mattered. Come find out why it most certainly matters.
In this message we look at the difficult question of racial equality striving to answer the important question: What can we actually do?!
In this message we look at the difficult question of racial equality striving to answer the important question: What can we actually do?!
Tag: Reconciliation
Technically, Lent ends Saturday before Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday begins Holy Week. Others disagree with this calendar, but they are informed by the Anglican/Methodist/Nazarenes, and not the longer tradition church.
We have the opportunity of April 4: This is the day of Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, and other commemorative events. The Gospel of the Resurrection is NOT about the assurance of life after death. Easter is about rising of Jesus amongst his followers. It is empowerment and mission, culminating in Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. Texts are pinned to 1 Corinthians 15, the resurrection chapter, and the last verse:
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
We return to a more accessible, attainable teaching rather than the thick monk life material. Anatomy of the Giver speaks of living a self-giving, sacrificial lifestyle. Action always accompanies contemplation. But one cannot only do action. Mark 1:38 – “Let us go…”
Everybody is doing prequels these days, and so are we! To find our way forward, to find how we answer the problems of our idolatry and desert wandering, we must go backward in the story of the Israelites in the wilderness to one of the most famous Bible stories of all time. It is at the Red Sea that God showed the Israelites and all of us what He intends to do for His children … and why!
This follows up on the Rule of Life teaching. Now we populate the Rule with eremitic disciplines, namely solitude, silence, and reposed prayer (waiting prayer). Fasting is included in here as well as it is the underlying value of all these type of disciplines. Mark 1:35 “Early in the morning…”
Among the most prominent teachings of the desert fathers was one of living by a Rule of Life. Generations retreats end with a teaching on crafting a Rule of Life. This will be practical along with giving the rationale behind a rule of life. Everyone should live by a rule throughout all seasons of life. The 4th century desert fathers found something that should be pervasive throughout all of Christendom: a “regula” or rule of conduct and habit toward intimacy with God.
Text: Mark 2
21 “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.”
We follow the Israelites after they have escaped from Egypt. God gives them the law, they claim they will obey Him at all costs, and then they immediately disobey! Sound familiar? We all worship idols, each and every day, and this story helps us recognize and admit that, as well as giving us some really important wisdom about what to do with that unfortunate reality moving forward in our lives!
As we enter the season of Lent, we explore together two important biblical narratives about being tested in the desert -- the Israelites from the Old Testament, and Jesus in the Gospels. How do these stories frame our understanding and experience of the next 40 days leading up to Easter? How might they help us navigate the difficulties of life in general?
What Makes the World Go ‘Round?
Short answer: Sacrifice.
People will flippantly answer, “Money!” Money makes the world go ‘round. But money is way toward self preservation and security. Mammon is a god. But the real difference maker is sacrifice. Sacrifice is counterintuitive to a power-driven selfish world. But sacrifice is the answer. And that is why Jesus is still the most influential person in human history. Lent will ask all of us to sacrifice our time and attention to pay attention to our souls. It is time to reflect on our level of selfishness and reflect on our grasp of God-shaped world – do we see the hand of God everywhere we go? Do we have the eyes, hands, voice of Jesus?
Short answer: “one personal, relational God.”
The Hebrews are the first to say the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Deuteronomy 6:4 The Bible is not a history book nor a science book, although it contains history and science. The Bible is one people’s story of their relationship with the one God. Then with Jesus, it is revealed that the Jews’ story is actually all of our story. In better sense, theology is not a science of God, but rather the story of God and humanity. Also, Numbers 11 demonstrates the personal g-d of the Hebrews – and in very trashy relationships. Practical application: how to choose a translation.
Short answer: “baggage.”
“They’ll let anyone go to that church!” it’s been said (pejoratively) of Lakeland. Lakeland is full of people with problems and hang ups. Of course, the danger is that we fall into the trap of “therapy church.” But that is a better alternative than fundamentalism/moralism (rigid toxic conservative) or materialist/liberalism (nothing, no difference than the world, syncretism). Lakeland has always been a collection of ragamuffins, people who didn’t fit in well at cleaned up performance cultures. But rather Lakeland is a group of beggars just telling other beggars where the bread is. Jesus surrounded himself with fishermen, prostitutes, and tax collectors. None of them were chosen by a rabbi as worthy followers (K. Bailey…) The positive outcomes are honest fellowship, celebrating each Lakelander’s everyday life and simple accomplishments; leitourgia (liturgy – the work of the people); and contemplative spirituality within a “stages of faith” discipleship model (Milestones).
We study the Seven Churches of Relevation to see what this book might mean to Lakeland Community.
When we have an election the question is always asked, "Who is the Antichrist?" In this message we seek the answer.
When there is a pandemic, natural disasters, and war, it's natural to ask, "Is this the end?" In this message we look to scripture for an answer.
Ever get that dark, gloomy feeling after Christmas is over? Given the state of the world today, it's not unreasonable to wonder if it could be even worse this year. But does it have to be? We'll explore how God brought hope and light to the Israelites in the book of Isaiah and why that is incredibly important to us today as well.
You just "don’t know what you got ‘til it’s gone." Mary and Joseph journey to Bethlehem for the Roman census. Tradition is often born out of difficulty. Here we are in difficult times. But we have our families and friends. This too will pass. And the day will dawn – someday; there is always someday. But for now we have us.
This is a healing and therapeutic teaching. It acknowledges that the holidays are not always joyous and happy for some. There is loss and grief. But Jesus comes and is “Emmanuel,” God with us as Isaiah states it (Is 7:14; cf Mt 1:23). Narrative of Lazarus: “Had you been here, my brother would not have died” (Jn 11). Presence matters. And Jesus is with us. Advent reminds us that we are not alone, and grief is not forever. (Ref: Long way around the barn).
(The Good Samaritan)
The story of Bishop Nicholas (Myra) finds center stage this day. It is little celebrated. But historically it is the big day during the Christmas season. This is the day of gift giving, imitating the example of Nicholas, who secretly provided a dowry gift for some young women to avoid them being sold because they could not secure a husband without a dowry. Generosity is an act of being in solidarity with our neighbor. Christ breaks down the barriers between people (ethnicity, race, class, etc.). The early church is example of humanity at its very best (Acts 2, 4)
As the title hints, this comes out of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s famous book, Life Together, regarding “the communion of saints,” as referenced in the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the communion of saints…” Jesus is born in a time of conflict. Herod soon enough plots to destroy any would-be challengers. Jesus lives out his ministry “in the midst of foes,” as Bonhoeffer states. Christians are scattered in the midst of foes. And yet, “the physical presence of other Christians is a source of comparable joy and strength to the believer” (17). This message sets the tone for the entire Advent Season: how shall we be together in a pandemic, what shall we learn (pay attention to), and what shall we reflect upon? The church is the Body of Christ. When it is gathered, Christ is more than present.
For some folks these days, it's hard to see what God is doing in the world. What is the kingdom of God? How does it happen? Jesus tells us in this parable.
Includes My Story from Wendy Calvert.
Why does Jesus teach in parables to begin with? Why not just speak plainly? In this passage Jesus tells us...with a parable!
Includes My Story from Paul Kiehl.
While we can't control whether or not others hear and receive the word of God, we can control whether or not WE hear and receive the good news. In this story Jesus gives us three cautions to help.
2020 leaves us much to be discouraged. This is a message about hope for the future and resisting cynicism by having an eternal perspective. Pastor Marta preaches about hope from Philippians 3.
The year is 49AD and the young Christian Church is growing with many Jews believing Jesus is the Christ. The former Pharisee, Paul is called to take the Gospel to the Gentiles in Asia Minor and Europe. Let's follow Paul on his three journeys and what he encounters, culminating in his final no-return journey to confront Caesar in Rome.
A large portion of the Bible is "the prophets." The prophets warn of the coming exiles. The prophets speak for God during the exiles. Why did the people go into exile? What did they do wrong? What can we learn from the prophetic voice of the Bible? We explore the cause and nature of the exilic period of the Bible and how the Jews never really recovered from this tragedy of faith and practice. Be warned! The prophets' message is not over. It is still applicable for today.
"Let my people go." Moses is called to redeem the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. The three-week journey takes forty years to the Promised Land of the Canaanites. The Exodus is a model for each of our own spiritual journeys. Let's see what it holds.
Over the next four Sundays we tell the Bible's history through four maps. We begin with the journey and covenant of Abraham. Abraham is the father of the Hebrews and "many nations." We ask the question, "What is being protected?" in Genesis. The concept of God is protected. And we find that Abram/Abraham's journey is also our journey.
On this day all Lakelanders have the chance to participate in our 30-month Financial Challenge, One Life. Fifteen different ministry initiatives benefit from One Life. This is our chance to participate in the ministry of others at home and around the world.
Struggle in life is not a spiritual exception, but rather absolutely necessary for spiritual transformation. Financial Challenges such as One Life are transforming because of the struggle we impose upon our lifestyles.
The One Life Financial Challenge has only become MORE important to the work of God in the world. Let us remember the good work God has called us to.
In some ways, the pandemic will change us forever. How will Lakeland Community be different in the years to come?
The Pandemic has put us through trials of all kinds. What has the churched learned from these times about surrender, togetherness, and love?
Lakeland Specific/Vision, Prayer/Solitude, Oneness
King Solomon has an enemies list, but after three years no harm has come to pass. Then his enemies make a series of foolish moves and wind up dead. How can story instruct us for our own difficult times?
As King David is dying he passes on to his son a list of people to kill. What does God say about revenge?
David's oldest son does a series of foolish things trying to make himself king instead of his brother. How does God deal with us when we make the same mistakes over and over again?
David is described as ʺa man after God's own heart." Yet as an old man David had many wives, one of them a teenage girl! How can we trust God when our spiritual leaders let us down?
How does one achieve authentic spirituality? It is all about the soil, not the fruit. We examine Galatians 5:19-26, the classic "fruit of the Spirit" passage from Paul. All too often Christians believe they should simply "will" the fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit is OF the Spirit - the fruit issues from the Spirit. This is far different from cobbling together spiritual fruit and then nailing it to the Spirit.
How have your spiritual rhythms been doing since the pandemic started? The Christian life is nothing but habits and disciplines used to transform us into the image of Christ. How is your Sabbath-keeping discipline these days? And to the point, how is your habit of gathering going? Is it time for you to return to church?
The Sacrament of the Present Moment is a spiritual book written by an 18th century Jesuit, Jean-Pierre De Caussade. I am simply using the title concept to speak to our current culture about how spirituality and compassion work together.
It is reaping time, not sowing time with regards to Racism. We are reaping what we have sown as a culture, church, and individuals.
Rocks represent boundary markers. Humanity, including the Hebrew tribe in the Bible, always uses rocks to mark territory and keep others out. Jesus replaced the rock with the chalice. All are welcome to the chalice.
"Who really killed Jesus? Was it the Roman authorites or Jewish leaders?" Did you know Bible scholars hotly debate this question? This Sunday you have a set in the jury box as we use the Gospel of Mark to unravel this question and reach a surprising verdict.
Do you ever have that nagging feeling that you really AREN'T living out your Christian Faith? Is there something more Jesus asks of us that we aren't hearing? In this week's study of the Gospel of Mark we hear a call to the whole church!
Aren't Christian's arrogant to believe Jesus is the only way to God? This is a charge often made against Christians. Is it true? This message reveals the actual attitude Christians must have about themselves, and must portray to the world.
We finish our short 2-part series on the Trinity by exploring how the Trinity helps us build a better foundation for understanding and appreciating 3 things; (1) our own salvation, (2) how we relate to one another in this life, and (3) how we relate to God himself!
Does the Trinity seem confusing? Difficult to keep straight? Even daunting? You're definitely not alone, but it doesn't have to be that way! We'll begin a short, 2-part series on the basics of the Trinity and why it matters. Part 1 unveils how the existence of everything in the entire universe depends on our seeing and knowing God as three-in-one.
What gospel fits our world today? When Peter stood up and presented the Christian Gospel for the very first time in Acts chapter two, it changed the world. What was that gospel, and does it still apply to our world? Cultures change and the Gospel changes along with it. Let's connect our world to Peter's world. Pastor Dan Wilburn wraps up his four-part Eastertide series, The New Normal, with an exploration of the gospel for today's pandemic world.
Have you missed church? You may not realize it but there are deep spiritual forces calling us back together.
Christ calls us INTO the church as our true identity as Christians. The church is what it means to be Christian. Then we, the church, are called OUT, out into the world to be salt and light. Acts chapters one and two reveal what it looks like to be CALLED, CALLED IN, CALLED OUT.
We live during a pandemic. Fear of deadly sickness pervades the planet. Yet, there is another fear of not having enough money to live on because of the quarantine. These factors create tremendous stress and anxiety. We are tired of feeling stressed. We experience quarantine fatigue. The answer for all this stress is to embrace Sabbath, the Sabbath rest, a time to not create, a time to live in rhythm and routine. Join us for Sunday service online and embrace the Sabbath rest.
The last chapter of John’s Gospel narrates Peter (post denial) telling six other disciples he is going fishing, which was his job before Jesus. “Back to normal.” While they are fishing Jesus appears on the shore. Peter and Jesus re-establish a new relationship after Jesus’ resurrection, a relationship and calling that Peter could not ever imagine. Will we embrace a new normal long after the pandemic ends? Let’s explore this idea in light of Easter’s new creation.
He is Risen! Join our Lakeland Community for a celebration of the holiest day of the Christians year. And if you are new to Lakeland Community we hope this message helps you hear the call of God in your life. He is Risen Indeed!
One Palm Sunday the people cried out Hosanna, which means, LORD SAVE US. This year we cry out Hosanna also, for many reasons. But one of those reasons is the tension we feel in our homes and families as we struggle to find new ways of living in close quarters. This morning we look to Jesus for rescue right now, in our own homes! His salvation is on the way! Hosanna!
The Bible gives us a way to pray during difficult times. This prayer is lament. Jeremiah writes his Lament at the worst time in Israel's history. Job and Jonah are examples of Lament. During Jesus' time the Jews were oppressed and lamented to God. Around one third of the one hundred and fifty Psalms are laments. How do we lament during this pandemic? Let's explore the Bible's unique example of lament prayer, to a personal unique God, our God.
Times are changing rapidly as the COVID-19 VIRUS grows in intensity and the whole world bands together to defeat it. This week we turn to a message from the Gospel of Mark in which Jesus predicted difficult times ahead for his followers, but also gave them a word of encouragement and mission. This is not the end! Let us study the word together, worship, and hear ways we can continue to be a church family. Let us receive comfort and direction from our Lord Jesus.
Do you ever have that nagging feeling that you really AREN'T living out your Christian Faith? Is there something more Jesus asks of us that we aren't hearing? In this week's study of the Gospel of Mark we hear a call to the whole church!
Knowingly or unknowingly everyone chooses a lifestyle. A lifestyle may be all about an individual’s dreams and wishes, or that lifestyle may be about the well-being of others’ dreams and wishes. But what about a lifestyle that is based on the Author of Life’s dreams and wishes? Perhaps this is the very best life a person could live during their one life. As followers of Jesus Christ we believe Jesus taught his disciples how to choose the very best life possible. Come and let us dig deep into what Jesus believes is the very best lifestyle possible.
We all want to be generous but HOW?! With bills and rising costs, how on earth do some people (with average incomes) manage to give so much? In this message hear the secrets.
Being generous feels wonderful, but will we regret it later in life? In this message we consider this question, ʺThe Christian Life, would I do it all again?ʺ
Each of us want our life to count for something. We want our life to matter, we want to make a difference. February 16th Lakeland Community kicks off our next financial challenge, “One Life.” Nothing has been more spiritually transforming than our incredibly successful financial challenges. If we want to draw close to God, then let us leverage together the power of our one life. With over a dozen initiatives affecting thousands of lives this is our best chance to change our world – and ourselves – for the sake of Jesus Christ. Join us!
When times get hard, our true colors are revealed. But God's great love for us is revealed all the more! If your times are uncertain, you need this word or warning and hope from the Gospel of Mark!
A relentless cultural force threatens our relationship as male and female in a culture that is rapidly changing and our social norms for men and women are now being questioned and challenged. The "Me Too" movement and "Time's Up" movement have faithful followers as well as plenty of people who roll their eyes in exhaustion. What do women want from and how is God calling us to move forward together and what can men do in what seems like a "no win" situation? Pastor Marta will preach on God's call for how we were created and how we can move forward together despite the current cultural challenges.
God is issuing a call to men in the church. We discern that call in this message.
Men's Ministry
In this message we uncover the mystery--how do MEN form FRIENDSHIPS and how do those friendships draw them to Christ?
In this message we begin a prayer reset. We take serious step to begin changing our habits to include a life of prayer.
In this message we give thanks to God for things he has done in 2019, we ask him to help us minister in 2020, and we share what Elders believe God is calling us to in year to come.
Our final carol of the Advent Season carries the key to truly knowing the MIND OF GOD! An essential message for all who are seeking the truth this holiday season.
Holiday: Christmas/Advent, Jesus
Christmas is not always a happy season. For Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, author of the poem Christmas Bells, it was a miserable Christmas. Yet in this carol we find a map back to joy!
Holiday: Christmas/Advent, Suffering/Difficult Times
In this week's carol, Lo How a Rose E're Blooming, we find answers to some of faith's hardest questions: How can Jesus be God AND Man? -and- Can we REALLY have peace with God?
Do you know the Christmas Carol Good King Wenceslas? Did you know King Wenceslas was a real person in Christian history? This week we learn about three rulers from; Biblical, Tenth Century, and Modern history. Their lives tell a story about what God wants us to do with the life he has given to us.
We'll discover his true issue throughout the entire narrative. And the deeper we dig into that issue, the more we'll discover that it's also our own.
In chapter 3, we will all become preaching critics as we analyze Jonah's message to the people of Nineveh and their response. Does it even matter how we communicate the message of God to others? Or that we do it at all?
In chapter 2, we find Jonah at the absolute rock bottom of his life thus far. He is broken, discouraged, and in the belly of a whale at the bottom of the ocean. In this moment, Jonah begins to pray, and how he prays might not be what we would expect at all!
We’ll dive into the amazing, astounding, surprising story of Jonah with the first of many unexpected twists and turns. The heroes of this story are most definitely NOT who we would expect. And of course we’ll meet the famous runaway prophet himself and begin to sort through his relationship with God and how it might begin to inform our own.
Possessions, money, and eternity, the Wilburns moved - and wow! Did this bring all sorts of discussions, and thoughts, and prayers about money and the things we own. What does it mean to live a good life, the good life, and the Christian life? Dan will share what he has learned recently in relationship to the past 25 years of leading Lakeland community.
The ending scene from Schindler's List can be found on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOoWpTxKJGA
This week Matt Sisk and Laura Hartwig were installed as new Elders at Lakeland Community Church.
In this message we take on a provocative passage in which Paul tells his church not to worry about their social status, but to REMAIN AS YOU ARE. What can this mean in America, a culture which celebrates social mobility?
MILESTONES are Lakeland's path of discipleship. In this message we describe ORIGINS as pathway to understanding our Scriptures and the Essentials of Our Faith so we can build a strong foundation of Faith in our lives.
The YouTube video for the Karate Kid Parody is at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Gz_iTuRMM
This Labor Day weekend we reflect on finding meaningfulness in 'work' even when it seems like our work may not seem to have meaning. Work is healthy for our souls, work is a gift from God. Each day you should apply yourself at work as if you are working for God.
This message from 1 Corinthians lets us take a critical look at the treatment of single people in the Christian church and inspire us to news ways of ministering in our community.
1 Corinthians, Relationships/Sexuality
In this message we tackle the tricky subject of Sexual Intimacy. What happens when one spouse is unwilling or unable to meet the sexual needs of the other? 1 Corinthians 7 gets us started as we take a heartfelt and comedic look at this important issue.
In the message study Paul's claim in 1 Corinthians 2 that only those who are filled with the Holy Spirit can truly understand the things of God. While this sounds elitist at first, in the end it should feel like the most generous offer God has ever given.
In this message we examine the introduction to 1 Corinthians. Though letter greetings are not normally preached, from these verses we learn a great deal about how to give thanks for our church, even when it may disappoint us.
We were created by God with an innate desire to belong to one another. But the belonging process seems fraught with mystery as we navigate groups to see if we really like we are really connecting with one another. The church’s vision depends on community and our relationships with each other.
“Show me the child of eight, and I will show you the man,” said Ignatius of Loyola (Spain, 16thc). The image of God set into the soul of a young child remains the rest of their life. (I spend much of my ministry time unraveling people’s poor images of God). What is Lakeland attempting to establish in children? And how shall the rest of the church participate in this critical endeavor?
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.’” Economic class is more important than the color of one’s skin or place of origin. America was founded on the dream of equality of all persons. The founders, reacting to the classism of Europe, sought to create “a new constellation” of free people who have equal opportunity to flourish. The church was central to this ideal. What is the state of the soul of our nation, community, and church? I give my take on our church’s work with regard to race and class.
Engaging the saving grace of Jesus.
Vision Statement: “to build a community of authentic followers of Jesus Christ”
It is time to “put our hand to the plow” and rekindle our hearts for those outside the church. Lakeland has always been about others. We are just one beggar telling another beggar where the bread is. What does it take to invest, engage, and invite others into Lakeland’s faith community?
Guest speaker Matthew Soerens from World Relief talks about what the Bible says about how to treat immigrants.
In this final message we exploring knowing the most uniquely CHRISTIAN person of God: Jesus the Son.
Tag: God/The Trinity, Jesus/The Person
We explore the person of the Holy Spirit and how we can know and experience the presence of this person of God.
The video in on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQLfgaUoQCw
Tags: God/The Trinity
In this message we explore what we can know about God the Father from scientific inquiry, church training, and personal experience.
God/The Trinity
Everyone receives a calling in life. What is your calling? How can you recognize your calling? Can we identify God’s hand in our calling? We explore the biblical model of calling. This is classic biblical stuff. If you are seeking God’s calling for your life, this Sunday you will learn how God calls people.
We are in a time of need for great leadership. There are many voices proclaiming they know what a leader looks like. But rarely do secular leaders look to Jesus’ approach to leadership, and yet Jesus Christ changed the world more so than any other leader in all of human history. If we are looking for leaders, we must first turn to Jesus’ leadership. This Sunday is very important for all graduates and those of us who lead others – in the home, organizations, and in the marketplace.
Discerning the will of God might be one of the most important skills in the Christian life. But how do you know if your strong internal desires are coming from God or just some part of yourself?
A panel of pastors, teachers, and congregation members field questions submitted by you on cards and live!
A panel of pastors, teachers, and congregation members field questions submitted by you on cards and live!
In this message we answer congregational questions about what happens after we die. Do we sleep or go to heaven? Can we be saved after death? Can people who have died see things here? What does the Bible say about these things?
In this message we learn that two classic accounts (Jesus encounter with the little children and the rich ruler) are actually related with one central message about trusting God.
Grief is the application. Death is the subject. Our culture doesn’t believe in death. But Christianity does - and it has an answer: resurrection. How dead was Jesus? All dead, not just mostly dead. What can be gain from embracing death? Life.
These were the three admonitions Arsenius told the Cenobium as the call to contemplative prayer. This call is so very needy today.
"Christians are arrogant" This is among the top reasons why people avoid church. Is this true? Does following Jesus make Christians better than other people? What did Jesus himself say about this?
It is hard to continue praying when the world around us is falling apart and we can't see God. In this message Jesus encourages us to persevere in prayer using a story that is so surprising we forget it is supposed to be funny.
Pastor Dan Preaching. Let us gather together and hear about all of the great things God is doing through the 20/20 Financial Challenge!
Pastor Marvin Daniels, the Executive Director of The Hope Center is preaching. Lakeland partners with The Hope Center for our efforts in the under-resourced neighborhoods in Kansas City. Pastor Marvin is a powerful voice for the Gospel and what followers of Jesus must do if they want to participate in expressing the good news to our neighbors.
There is no more crazy heresy than all the "1,000 year" end-time cults and sects that pop up all over the place. Throughout the centuries many Christians and non-Christians have believed something huge was going to happen NOW - now that 1,000 years has passed. (It is funny that the 'end of the world' is never far away - the end is NEAR!). How should orthodox Christianity view the 1,000 year doctrines of the Church? Not only this topic but others are touched upon.
The Most Famous Heresy of All: Arianism is the original controversy of the church dating back to the 2nd Century AD. The heresy debates the human and divine nature of Jesus and it debates if Jesus is before/beyond creation or within creation.
What do you do when you find yourself tired of learning from sermons and classes and feeling a call to DO something, to be part of the church and ministry? Come discover your next step toward answering the call of God.
Spiritual Journey/Milestones, Serving
A.W. Tozer believed this is a heresy: Splitting Jesus as Savior from Jesus as Lord. The idea that one can be saved without serious sold-out devotion is a heresy. Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die” The first and last word spoken to Peter by Jesus were, “follow me” (Mark 1:17 and John 21:22). Like Peter, one’s entire life lies between these two calls. What Jesus asks of us in the beginning of our faith we consider easy and cheap grace. What is required of us at the end of life is nothing less than death. Yet, no one accepts this truth at the beginning of the Christian journey. The cross is an unbidden life.
God offers forgiveness to the whole world; and yet, some refuse. What does the church do when face with those who will not accept God's amazing offer?
Did you know that God is part of conspiracy? For thousands of years he has been manipulating human history toward his ultimate goal. What is He doing? In this message we find out.
There is a deep divide these days between the Church and our non-Christian culture. How do we address that divide here in Lakeland Community?
Acts; Politics
Taylor Qualls provides this post Christmas message. How communion reveals to us the sacredness of ordinary things
God rejoices and hopes along with us – Immanuel, “God with us” (Isaiah 7:13-15). It is this theology of the incarnate God that makes Christianity the most unique and powerful faith on the planet. This incarnation of God is both scandalous to some outside the faith, but to the faithful it is the transforming authority of the Gospel. Our task therefore is to follow God’s lead and incarnate with the poor and voiceless. Christianity is marked by the incarnate body of Christ.
Older church members/Christians are to be people of prophetic expectations fulfilled. How can grandparents leverage their stage of faith and life experiences to set up their children and grandchildren to thrive? This is message provides the vision.
Children are a gift of God. The gift deserves gratitude. There is no entitlement or privilege for parents. Parenting is a giving role, a role of descent. Parents are stewards of something they do not possess. Hannah understood God’s gift (1 Samuel 2:1-10). Mary understood her role and was deemed faithful (Luke 1:46-55).
Anchoring on Zechariah’s Canticle, Luke 1:67-80, and the preceding verses pertaining to Zechariah’s vision, we begin Advent presenting “parents’ hopes for their child.” Parents and social ideologies desire children to thrive, which means flourish – succeed, be accepted, and normalized. However, there is a downside to suburban parenting. Though children thrive according to acceptable and unperceived standards, this social-structural creates entitlement, which is both a huge advantage and lesser accepted disadvantage.
In this series we learn from the Bible's own prayer book (the Psalms) about an important prayer for those who say things we later wish we hadn't said.
Psalms, Prayer, Grace/The Cross
In this series we learn from the Bible's own prayer book (the Psalms) about an important prayer we've been forgetting.
Psalms, Prayer, Suffering/Difficult Times
In this series we learn from the Bible's own prayer book (the Psalms) how to pray when we are tormented by evil people in our lives.
Psalms, Prayer, Suffering/Difficult Times
It is All Saints Day! This Sunday honors and celebrates those Christians who have gone before us. Lakeland celebrates the halfway point of our 20/20 Financial Challenge. Come celebrate with us and with our special guest, Estela Huerta from the under-resourced Anapra community.
What does it mean to be an individual Christian within the community of the Church? Can a person be a Christian without the church? This challenging installment of our "culture series" proposes how Lakelanders are to press on with the kingdom of heaven here on Earth - and what it must cost.
Everyone wants an authentic life, a real life, a rich meaningful, experiential life. Yet, authenticity can be detrimental to the Christian life. Plan to attend this thoughtful presentation of how we pursue a relationship with Christ and not slip into the "idolatry of the self."
We are deep within the culture war. How are Christians supposed to understand these times? How are we to respond? Join us for a short series exploring the mechanics of how we got here and where we must go.
God made you for a purpose. Discovering this purpose is a journey you must take, for it is the key to taking hold of the abundant LIFE God has for you. In this message we begin that discovery.
Tags: Vison of Lakeland, Serving
Without the presence of God, the Christian Life is meaningless. This week the Lahey Brothers invite you to the next Milestone on your journey of faith, welcoming the PRESENCE of God into your everyday lifth.
Spiritual Journey: Milestones
We end our series from the Book of Acts with a comedic visit from Herod Agrippa who shares with us his version of Biblical events and the hard lessons he learned.
From Acts 12 we ask this question: If we serve God, is he going to keep us safe and fulfilled or not?
My story by Cindy Konomos.
From Acts 11 we learn how God uses us, ordinary people, to accomplish His extraordinary mission in this world.
Thanks for inviting me, Tina May thanks Coty Nichols for inviting her to her small group.
This message from Acts 11 gives us hope when we have sharp disagreements and divisions with other Christians.
The church is not always what it should be. Sometimes it can be completely upside down. In this message from Acts 11 we see how both the church and those seeking God can take a REAL spiritual journey toward God. Thanks for inviting to Lakeland: Wayne and Emily Stam.
Some relationships are so upside down, some situations so hopeless, we wonder if they can ever be repaired. In the scripture (Acts 11) we see God doing the impossible to bring people together who have been culturally divided for centuries.
The fear of God is usually misunderstood. People think of fear as bad. But fear is not bad in Ecclesiastes. Fear of God is necessary to understand God’s presence and influence in our lives. We conclude this study of Ecclesiastes presenting the stages of life and learning the fear of the Lord.
People want to bargain with God and when they don’t get what they want they turn bitter. Truth is, we make plans but they are not God’s plans. How do we understand the heart and mind of God? Ecclesiastes’ wisdom can guide us into the will of God.
Our culture desperately needs a theology of work. Humans were created to work. Work is not a curse. Work is our reflection of God’s creative essence. Let’s explore Ecclesiastes wisdom about working and the meaning of life.
Crisis is imperative for spiritual transformation. We grew up believing pain was not supposed to happen to us. But then bad stuff happened. How do we make sense of both pain and pleasure? How does crisis make us better Christians?
This passage was made famous by the 1960’s band, The Birds, “To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn…” Every event in life belongs – the good, the bad, the ugly. Do you have an image of God who allows cancer? Or do you think life is meaningless and random? Let us explore Ecclesiastes meaning of life.
This week guest pastor Rustin Smith from Vox Dei Community in Raymore, Mo provided us with spiritual guidance and his message about being at the crossroads. Rustin's message is "Of all the big choices we face in life, perhaps the most significant is whether or not we are willing to sing our blues. Telling the truth is the first step on the ancient path, the good way, that leads to rest for your soul.”
Also this week, Jane Monroe thanks Kenzie Settle for reaching out to Jane's family and inviting them to Lakeland.
The weekly programs are now on the Lakeland Website under http://lakelandcommunity.org/thisweek
This message looks at the surprising sin of the Elder brother in Luke 15 with focus on the love and mercy of God through Christ Jesus.
The weekly programs are now on the Lakeland Website under http://lakelandcommunity.org/thisweek
This message lets us see the transforming and freeing power of God's love and forgiveness.
Sunday Service References
In this message we try to demystify baptism. Why is this sacrament so important to the church? What is everyone so excited about? If these are your questions, this message is for you!
The video link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRQkC2FDXuw starting at 1:18 into the video.
The weekly programs are now on the Lakeland Website under http://lakelandcommunity.org/thisweek
In this message Pastor Garrett Lahey gets us thinking about the hardest questions regarding LGBTQ+ people and the church of Jesus Christ. This is an introduction to our Thursday Night discussion series May 31 - June 28 (skipping June 14)
Pentecost Sunday
The weekly handouts have been moved to the Lakeland site at http://lakelandcommunity.org/thisweek
At the core of the Christian faith are our two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Table. Both sacraments are based on “covenant,” that one-way agreement of love God has for us. When children are dedicated through baptism in the Lord we call them “Child of the Covenant.” What does child of the covenant mean – not only for children but for all of us. If you don’t understand the critical concept of covenant, then this Sunday morning is for you. For without and strong understanding of covenant you cannot understand how to live the Christian life and how to raise children of the covenant.
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message Pastor Garrett Lahey (originally trained in Biology) describes how the complexities of life revealed by science INCREASE his belief in God; perhaps these scientific wonders might inspire your faith too!
Following the message from Pastor Garrett, Garrett invited his friend and former Lakelander Mike Edlund to join him on stage to explain his belief on evolution. Mike then ended the service with a closing prayer.
Sunday Morning Handouts
Finding Financial Freedom is one thing, keeping it another. In this message we will identify the danger zones--where Financial Freedom is often lost--and we will discover the spiritual disciplines needed to remain FREE FOREVER.
Thanks for Inviting Me by Tony George
Sunday Handouts
Scripture says, "The Borrow is Servant to the Lender." In this message we learn practical and effective ways to be free of debt once and for all(!)--to serve God alone for the rest of our life.
Generosity/Finances, Proverbs
Sunday Morning Handouts
This week at Lakeland we celebrated our 20/20 Impact Drive by having a concert Saturday evening with former Lakeland musicians and pastors in their own right; Tim Suttle of Redemption Church in Olathe, and Rustin Smith of Vox Dei Community in Raymore. Headlining the event was Nashville recording artist and 2014 GMA Dove Award winner for New Artist of the Year Ellie Holcomb and her backing band members Christa Wells and Julie Melucci. Christa just released her own solo album called Velveteen on April 10, 2018, and Julie is member of the band Trala. The trio then honored us Sunday morning by contributing their talents to our Sunday morning worship services.
A video testimony was played which featured; Matt Turnbough talking about Eastland House, Dan Wilburn and his passion the underground persecuted church in China, Katie Schultz and her experiences with a redemptive group in Anapra, Mexico, and ending with Audrey George expressing her thankfulness for the impact that the Lakeland youth program campfire has had on her family.
Dan and Marta shared with us to the “Welcome a Stranger” mission and discussed Lakeland’s experience with refugees in our own community. Dan preached about the “cost” of being a Christian.
Sunday Morning Handouts
We explore how our vision is accomplished through the "Why?" of Lakeland, the "What?" of Lakeland, and the "How?" of Lakeland. Why: to build a community of authentic followers of Jesus Christ What: the Habits of Surrender to Jesus, Come Together as the body of Christ, for the purpose to Love Others How: Milestones provides the When and Where of the Habits of Surrender, Together, and Love
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this Easter Sunday message we look at God as the author of the human story and discover he is a reliable storyteller who has the power to bring joy into any story, no matter how dark!
My Story by Troy and Laura Hartwig
Karate Kid 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27qp189oiFo
Aladdin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iRlViQ7rAI The Pursuit of Happiness:Wear One Tomorrow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8-7mHT9edg Experpt from the voluneteer scene from the movie Pearl Harbor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slp3ZmkhiE8 Holiday: Lent/Easter, Matthew
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this drama-as-sermon we here from the Pharisees, Mary Magdalene, and Pontius Pilate as each makes their own preparations for Easter Morning. Some to witness the Resurrection, others to prevent it!
Kyle Henson - My Story
Garrett Lahey - Pontius Pilate Kenny Taylor - Joseph of Arimathea Aidan Lahey - Mary Magdalene Ken McCrary - Annas - High Priest of the Sanhedrin
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we learn to see ourselves as God sees us. It doesn't matter if you are raised in the church or far from it, only whether who use your life to move near to him or drift away. Where you finish, not where you start, is what matters!
Holiday: Lent/Easter, Matthew
Sunday Morning Handouts
For the fourth Sunday of Lent we explore one of the most difficult passages of the Crucifixion. Here the earth shakes, rocks split, and the dead rise to proclaim Jesus in Jerusalem. We learn was this might mean and what it DEFINITELY means!
Tag: Holiday: Lent/Easter, Matthew
The video is on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q
Sunday Morning Handouts
On the third Sunday of Lent we learn that we can miss the work of God if we don't know what to expect, or worse, are busy expecting the WRONG things.
The videos from this morning's service are on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiFixVjwAYk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkcKQmr7kRc
Tag: Holiday: Lent/Easter, Matthew, The Bible as Story
Sunday Morning Handouts
For the second Sunday of Lent we hear Jesus' last words from the cross (in Matthew) and ask, "What can we do when we feel forgotten by God?"
Tag: Holiday: Lent/Easter, Matthew, Suffering/Difficult Times, Family
Sunday Morning Handouts
For the first Sunday of Lent we begin at the crucifixion of Jesus. As the soldiers, the people, and even those crucified with Jesus mock him, we see the lesson he has been trying to teach his whole life. Perhaps now we will finally understand.
Non-violence, Oneness/Conflict, Holiday: Lent/Easter, Matthew
Sunday Morning Handouts
Prepare for Lent: "Following the Subversive Jesus" (The Good Samaritan Parable) by Rev Dr. Dan Wilburn
Lent, Luke 10, Good Samaritan
Sunday Morning Handouts
Pastor Marta Gillilan gives the message this week about Faithfullness in Times of Adversity. My Story included from Kendra Gensemer.
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message were are invited on a Milestone Journey into leadership--whether in Church, Business, or Family we can all lead better!
Spiritual Journey/Milestones
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this manage we learn the most important lesson of financial freedom, TRUST IN GOD. The podcast starts out with an audio extract from the movie "Machine Gun Preacher." Later Max and Katrina LaFoy are interviewed about their views and experiences with tithing. At the end of the service is a "Thank you for inviting me to Lakeland" by Jake Christopherson to the Scott and Jenni Boldrey family.
Message Category: Generosity and Finances
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we gain insight into how different people view money. Knowing our own heart helps us manage our money. And if we are married it gives us hope that we CAN manage money together without WAR!
Generosity/Finances, Family
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we learn to see money as God sees it so we can use it in ways that build us up rather than tear us down.
Generosity/Finances
Sunday Morning Handouts
Invitation to Lakeland thank you by Paula Brooks.
Today Taylor Qualls explores the passage of Matthew 19.
No Sunday Handouts for this service.
In this Christmas Eve message we examine the ways in which the coming of the Christ child fulfills the promises and expectations of the Old Testament.
Advent/Christmas, The Bible as Story, Matthew
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we discover the Old Testament roots of Jesus's title "The Son of Man." In light of the OT scriptures this name takes on enitrely new dimensions of meaning!
The Bible as Story, Matthew, Daniel
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we discover the Old Testament roots of Jesus's title "the Servant of the Lord." In light of the OT scriptures this name takes on enitrely new dimensions of meaning!
The Bible as Story, Matthew, Isaiah
Sunday Morning Handouts
Jesus once said, "Before Abraham was, I am." This is a quotation of the Old Testament. In light of the OT scriptures this phrase takes on enitrely new dimensions of meaning!
The Bible as Story, John, Exodus
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we discover the Old Testament roots of Jesus's title "The Son of God." In light of the OT scriptures this name takes on enitrely new dimensions of meaning!
During this service there was an on stage martial arts demonstration by; Marc Harris and Miles Ward which was not included in the podcast since it was visual in nature.
The Bible as Story, Matthew, Psalms, Isaiah
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we explore how JESUS read and interpreted the teachings of the Old Testament through his own teachings.
The Bible as a story, Matthew.
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we explore the similarities between Jesus and the Old testament Prophets, particularly the way they deal with the rich and the poor, the powerful and the weak.
Compassion
Sunday Morning Handouts
In this message we explore the similarities between Jesus and the Old testament Prophets, particularly the way they clearly assert that the God of the Bible is the only God in all the universe.
The Bible as Story, 1 Kings
Sunday Morning Handout
In this message we discover that Jesus does not come to replace the Old Testament, rather to clarify and reveals the timeless values that have always been there. This week: People Come Before Things and Needs Come Before Rights.
The Bible as Story
Sunday Morning Handout
In this message we discover that Jesus does not come to replace the Old Testament, rather to clarify and reveals the timeless values that have always been there. This week: God Comes First.
The Bible as Story
Sunday Morning Handout
In this message we examine Jesus' attitude toward the Old Testament Law. Why does Jesus complain about the ancient law in some scriptures and uphold it in others?
Sunday Morning Handout
In Part 3 of this 4 part series we examine Jesus' attitude toward the Old Testament Law. Why does Jesus complain about the ancient law in some scriptures and uphold it in others?
Video of Tony Campolo can be seen on youtube.
Sunday Morning Handout
Many times we sense our spiritual journey lacks intentionality or direction; however, the church offers SO MANY options for growth we can feel overwhelmed. This message brings clarity to the Spiritual Journey helping us find our next step toward real growth in Christ.
My Story by Heather Kostelnick
Sunday Morning Handout
In Part 2 of this 4 part series we examine Jesus' attitude toward the Old Testament Law. Why does Jesus complain about the ancient law in some scriptures and uphold it in others?
Sunday Morning Handout In Part 1 of this 4 part series we examine Jesus' attitude toward the Old Testament Law. Why does Jesus complain about the ancient law in some scriptures and uphold it in others? My Story by Jeff Foley
Sunday Morning Handout
In the Old Testament (many believers) God is harsh and judging. In the New Testament (it is said) God is forgiving and full of grace. But when we get distracted and forget God, which God meets us as we try to come home?
Abraham is a biblical figured shared by three world religions. God promises to make Abraham the father of many nations. While this promise is fulfilled it can be hard to understand what, if anything, this has to do with Jesus. In this message we explore that very question.
The Bible as Story, Genesis
In this message (recorded at Lakeland Camp 2017) we explore the most important question in our faith. What is SALVATION. Designed for kids and adults this message tries to make it as clear as possible.
Grace/The Cross
The story of the prehistoric flood is the most popular story in the world, present in nearly every culture on earth. In this message we study the Bible's version in order to ask this question: Does Noah and the Ark have anything to do with Jesus?
Adam Lips continues this series on the Old Testament with Genesis 29, the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel.
The Old Testament makes many Christians uncomfortable. This message asks and answers the question bluntly: Do we need the Old Testament to be followers of Jesus?
My Story by Scott Patton.
This week Pastors Dr. Dan Wilburn and Marta Gillilan inteview Diana Oestreich of the organization Preemptive Love talk about the goals and achievements of the program. The web site is http://www.preemptivelove.org
Updated to first service.
Part 1 of 5: Surrender, Together, Love - The Summer of Love: Tell Your Story (Father's Day)
My Story by Jay Hertzler
Using storytelling, we take a creative look at the sacrament of baptism
Baptism/The Lord's SUpper
What's the big deal with Communion? Why do churches fuss about it so much? Is it only a symbol? Is it a magical ritual? In this message we tackle the troubling questions surrounding the Lord's Table head-on!
Baptism/The Lord's SUpper
In a recent Lakeland Survey, "WORRY & TRUSTING GOD" was cited as the issue we are struggling with the most. In this message we turn to the wisdom of Proverbs for comfort and instruction.
My Story by Kathi Gutierrez
Proverbs, Suffering/Difficult Times
In a recent Lakeland Survey, "WORRY & TRUSTING GOD" was cited as the issue we are struggling with the most. In this message we turn to the wisdom of Proverbs for comfort and instruction.
Proverbs, Suffering/Difficult Times
[Milestone Stage 1] Christian Parents (not secular parents who go to church)
Awe of God, Recognition of God (4 of 4)
Dealing with Doubts, Assurance of Salvation (what would the world be like without Jesus and Christians?)
Awe of God, Recognition of God (2 of 4)
In our Easter Sunday message we take a serious look at the meaning of the cross and attempt to dispel some of the most popular misunderstandings about Heaven.
My Story by Rebecca "Becky" Conrad
Luke, Holiday: Holy Week/Easter, New Creation
For Palm Sunday we take a sad look at Jesus's prediction that he would die in Jerusalem. We are always shocked when bad things happen. In this message we are given a tools for dealing with the predictable-but-still-shocking tragedies of our lives.
Luke, Holiday: Holy Week/Easter, Suffering/Difficult Times
A very moving story from a very powerful and driven woman, Jessica Parle-Hubbard shares her personal experience with a first hand account of a victim of the sex trafficing industry here in Kansas City.
There are a variety of reasons to give money to a church: guilt, practicality, obedience, vision...the list goes on. However some of these reasons give life while others steal it away. In this message we study the MOTIVATION behind giving to find the one that is best for our souls.
Also included in a very powerful and moving "My Story" from our own Jessica Parle-Hubbard.
Generosity/Giving, Financial Challenge - 20/20 Vision
In this message the Lahey brothers invite us to consider the next step ont he Milestone Journey of Faith!
Spiritual Journey/Milestones
There are a variety of reasons to give money to a church: guilt, practicality, obedience, vision...the list goes on. However some of these reasons give life while others steal it away. In this message we study the MOTIVATION behind giving to find the one that is best for our souls.
My Story from Matt Sisk about his experiences in China.
Generosity/Giving, Financial Challenge - 20/20 Vision
Dan introduces the next financial challenge that will shape Lakeland for the next three years: 20/20
Pastor Garrett guides us through seven ways we can fulfill our god-given mission in 2017.
Tags: Lakeland Specific Vision
We celebrate the end of the FEARLESS FINANCIAL CHALLENGE reflecting on the scriptures and the way God has used this challenge to draw us closer to Christ Jesus.
Difficult Questions/Apologetics
In this message the congregation TEXTS in questions live and they are answered by the panel of Pastors and learned lay people.
Difficult Questions/Apologetics
In this series we address difficult questions submitted by the congregation. this week: SHould Christians use violence in self defense?
Difficult Questions/Apologetics; Non-Violence
We open this week with a pray for our leaders.
This week we continue our four part series addressing the difficult questions you submitted--Is Jesus the only way to God or are there many?
Difficult Questions/Apologetics; Grace/The Cross
This week we begin (or continue) our four part series addressing the difficult questions you submitted--Do we have freewill or has God planned everything?
Difficult Questions/Apologetics
As we hit the New Year, Pastor Dan provides some compelling reasons to make Jesus our New Year's Resolution.
Pastor Garrett Lahey wraps up the 2016 Advent season with Christmas Eve service at Lakeland by summing up the other four Advent services this year. As usual, candles were light by the congregation and birthday cupcakes were available aferwards in the lobby to celebrate Jesus' birthday.
Revelation, the most mysterious book in the Bible. This Advent season we wade into the monsters and angels, earthquakes and dreams to find an unforgetable picture of God and Love.This week we learn that we are in a cosmic battle between good and evil. God is also in this battle. But God has a secret weapon to share with us.
Tags: Holiday: Advent/Christmas, Revelation
Revelation, the most mysterious book in the Bible. This Advent season we wade into the monsters and angels, earthquakes and dreams to find an unforgetable picture of God and Joy. This week is about finding Joy by enduring the present world, and remaining faithful, knowing by faith there is a better world ahead.
Also included is an inspiriational My Story from our own Henry Bahr.
Tags: Holiday: Advent/Christmas, Revelation, Suffering/Difficult Times
Pastor Garrett Lahey and his daughter Aidan look at Revelation, the most mysterious book in the Bible through the eyes of a World War I soldier and a teenage in today's world. This Advent season we wade into the monsters and angels, earthquakes and dreams to find an unforgetable picture of God and Peace. This week about finding God's peace in the world of violence, war, and bloodshed.
Holiday: Advent/Christmas, Revelation, Suffering/Difficult Times
Revelation, the most mysterious book in the Bible. This Advent season we wade into the monsters and angels, earthquakes and dreams to find an unforgetable picture of God and Hope. This week is about praying for rescue and receiving God's unexpected answer.
Holiday: Advent/Christmas, Revelation, Hope
The third and final week of Pastor Dan Wilburn's series on Finances lends some insight into being generous as a Christian.
This week Pastor Dan Wilburn talks about debt, the Bible references to debt, and it's impact on our society. Also, Lakelanders Casey and Holly Dahn share their story about how debt impacted their lives and how they were able to get past it.
Pastor Marta Gillilan explains the instructions for helping to put together welcome kits for the World Relief - Refugee Welcome Kits. Please see the Lakeland Community Facebook page for the list or contact Marta Gillilan at martag@lakelandcommunity.org for a copy of the welcome kit list.
On All Saints Day we are usually encouraged by the stories of those who have gone before us in the faith, in the Bible and in the church. But how did we get our Bible? And who were these church folk that decided which Bible we would have? We take this important question head on!
Pastor Garrett Lahey
Bible as Story, Difficult Questions/Apologetics
Pastor Dan Wilburn takes on money and material possessions in this first of a three part series Financial Series: The Good Life.
Money, Finances, Material Possessions, & Greed.
Dr. Craig Babb from the Leadership Institute in Orange, CA - Finding comfort and peace through renewing your spirituality.
In this message we unveil, for the first time, our Milestones Journey of Discipleship.
Dan Wilburn and Jason Lahey
Spiritual Journey/Milestones
In this message we unveil, for the first time, our Milestones Journey of Discipleship.
Garrett and Jason Lahey
Spiritual Journey/Milestones
A popular bumpsticker says "I get along with God just fine, it's his fan club I can't stand." However easy it may be to sympathize with this slogan, next week we'll study a surprising scripture which says this attitude may mean we don't actually know God at all!
Pastor Garrett Lahey
Tags: 1 John, Oneness/Conflict
One scripture said we should not sin if we love God. Another says God forgives us when we sin. In 1 John, these scriptures appear side by side! In this message we learn how to live in the authentic tension between these two: being forgiving and fleeing from sin.
Garrett Lahey
1 John, Grace/The Cross, Difficult Questions/Apologetics
Christianity has a bad reputation these days. Even those of us who love Jesus are afraid to share him with friends and coworkers. However the scriptures gives us a picture of sharing faith that is not pushy or intentionally offensive, and authentic way to share the joy God has given us.
Garrett Lahey
1 John, Tell Your Story/Evangelism
We start off with a "My Story" by Charles Spitsnogle about his recent trip to Haiti. Then guest pastor and former Lakelander Rustin Smith from Vox Dei in Raymore talks about "being in the middle."
Guest Pastor Marvin Daniels, Executive Director of the Hope Center, speaks on Luke 7 :18-35.
Church attendance in America fell dramatically from 1950 to 1980. Since 1980 it has continued to decline each year, though more slowly than before. On August 14th Dan and Garrett team up to give their take on this phenomenon and to make a case for why church attendance is still an important spiritual discipline for the good of our souls, or families, and our nation.
Jamie Davies talks about her recent trip to Haiti.
Church attendance in America fell dramatically from 1950 to 1980. Since 1980 it has continued to decline each year, though more slowly than before. On August 14th Dan and Garrett team up to give their take on this phenomenon and to make a case for why church attendance is still an important spiritual discipline for the good of our souls, or families, and our nation.
Jamie Davis talks about her recent trip to Haiti.
Each of us is a unique creation. No two people are exactly alike. Yet we are all called to serve in the church, furthering the Good News of the Christ's Kingdom in the world. In this message we take creative cues from the animal kingdom to find who God may be calling each of us to do in his name.
Tag: Serving
Lakeland is just the right size for someone to get lost in. If we aren't careful, we can become a faceless, nameless person in the "church herd". In this message we learn how to make Lakeland a family, where everyone is known, loved, and celebrated.
Sometimes life becomes more than we could ever manage. We are swept away in chaotic flood waters. This week we use the stories of the Great Flood to discover the only thing we can do when the chaos of life takes us on a dark journey.
Tags: Gensis, Suffering/Difficult Times
Genesis chapter 6 contains four of the strangest verses in the Bible. They talk about "the Sons of God" taking human wives and giving birth to giants. These verses as been the source of wild speculation since the first century! In this message we tackle this strange and mysterious section of scripture.
Genesis, Difficult Questions/Apologetics
On the fourth of July weekend we celebrated with an all family service. With an eye toward younger listeners we take on the very serious topic of the story of Noah and the great flood that destroyed the earth because of human sin.
Genesis
Most people agree the genealogies are the most boring part of the Old Testament. And when those genealogies report people living to be over 900 years old, they become hard to believe. This Sunday we will examine three approaches to these difficult scriptures. Which one are you?
Genesis, Bible as Story, Difficult Questions (Apologetics)
The first eleven chapters of Genesis sound like ancient myths to our ears. What (if anything) can these ancient stories teach us about ourselves and God? This week we examine the murder of Abel and we learn that sin is more dangerous, and God more forgiving than we ever imagined.
Genesis, Bible as Story, Grace (the Cross)
Pastor Dan finishes the series of "What If there were no...?"
Keywords: Grace, Christian Worldview
The Christian Worldview: What if there were no Bible?
(The Voice of God /Bible and Tradition)
Memorial Day Prayer by Mike Hartzheim (portions borrowed/adapted from a variety of sources)
If you could separate Jesus from Christianity, what would that look like? What teachings have changed the face of the the earth that all started with Jesus?
Video this week from CBS telling of a great story of betrayal followed by amazing forgiveness. Pastor Dan discusses forgiveness.
During this annual church celebration, we celebrate the power God to reach us by sending us out!
Holiday: Pentecost
Miracle stories are so important in the Gospels and Acts. And yet we can't help but wonder, why are people I love still sick and disabled? Why doesn't everyone get a miracle? In the is message we take a second look at miracles and healing.
Acts, Suffering/Difficult Times
While some people feel a great sense of relief after dedicating their life to Jesus, others report that it got harder! Almost every follower of Jesus reports seasons of intense trial and temptation. In this passage we learn about the valleys of the spiritual life.
Acts, Spiritual Journey, Suffering/Difficult Times
How to navigate today's world full of differences while holding Christ in the center. Taylor Qualls
This week we have some personal testimonies and an update from Kylie Ewing about what's going on at Pro Deo.
Christianity loves a rags-to-riches, sinner-to-saint conversion story. But not everyone has such a dramatic tale? Does this mean you aren't a "christian" as someone with a more spectacular story of faith? Why isn't everyone's faith story mostly the same?
Acts, Tell Your Story (Evangelism)
God sometimes uses what appear to be chance meetings to spread the good news of his love. What God Appointments might God be arranging for you?
Acts, Tell Your Story (Evangelism)
The default good life works very well but it worries secular philosophers. The human experience isn't just "flat" and ordinary: work, family, health, wealth, longevity, ease, no pain. Notice there is nothing soulish about the default good life. More, ordinary good life has fallen into the pit of insatiability - we want more and we don't know how to stop (Eccl. 1:7,8). Jesus says the ordinary good life is "living by bread alone" (Luke 4:4). Not good. The biblical good life takes Psalm 23 as its starting place: "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..." The more rounded good life is centered on simplicity and contentment. This message comes out of my doctoral reading of philosophers Charles Taylor, Jamie Smith, Aldous Huxley, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Miroslav Volf.
Pastors Dan and Garrett walk through what it means to be a "fully participating member" at Lakeland Community Church.
Heresy part 1: Gnosticism and Spirituality (how to tell the difference)
Tags; heretical teaching, Gnosticism
Jamie Davis gives us a My Story about her experiences with an orphanage in Haiti.
Pastor Dan provides the message: Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” - Matthew 19:21
Jesus' words are intimidating. "Perfection" is a tall order. And selling one's possessions sounds impossible. How do serious-minded Christian suburbanites deal with Jesus' teaching? Think of the world as a gift. People do incredible things when they receive gifts. Gifts create relationships.
Tags: Fearless and Giving.
Marta Gillilan talks about the Lakeland belief in reaching across cultures. Heather Hertzler talks about her experience traveling to Haiti with her son Carson and how instead of helping out the people in Haiti, they helped her.
Pastors Dan Wilburn and Garrett Lahey along with Worship Director Chris Lea layout the entire Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - in 30 minutes. If you have ever wondered what the entire Bible looks like on a single timeline then this is your teaching.
Tags: Lent, Haiti, Bible Timeline
Here is a spiritual journey gone wrong: STEP ONE--Tell Ourselves "We aren't the type of person who could sin like that"; STEP TWO--Even after we sin LIKE THAT, continue telling ourselves "we aren't that kind of person"; FINAL STEP--Create a false image to hide our sinful selves from others. Jesus called that a hypocrite. This message is about a DIFFERENT, HEALTHIER spiritual journey. Let the truth set you free.
This week, youth leader Jason Lahey talks about the importance of rituals and traditions, and the ritual/tradition of fasting during Lent, not for the purpose of God keeping pleasure from us but for the purpose of enhancing God's pleasurable gifts to us. Jodi Turnbough also shared a "My Story" experience as it related to leaving a comfortable situation for the unknown but trusting in God to enhance her life beyond her own plans.
Since the video was based on the indigenous (native) New Zealand Maori tribal traditional dance, it is more effective visually than orally. You can see it on YouTube if you look up "Haka wedding."
Tags: Lent, Tradition, Ritual, Fasting
Throughout scripture key figures are transformed by an experience in the desert wilderness. Moses, Elijah, and Jesus each experience a radical change in the desert. Today we need a regular routine of small desert experiences so we may be transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. This message lays the biblical foundation for the transforming desert experience. The practical expression of the desert for our own lives is a quiet time, surrender time, and retreat.
In this message we respond to questions and challenges raised by the congregation after hearing part 1
Tags: Grace / The Cross
The Grace of God is a Christian Essential. However, through the centuries a new and dangerous version of grace has crept into Christian thinking. In this message we reach back to the scriptures to recover the grace of God as revealed by Jesus.
There are thousands of religions in the world, and tens of thousands of versions of Christianity. How do we know the version we practice is the correct one?
Tags: Apologetics/Difficult Questions
After I pray, how do I know whether it's God's will or my own? How do I know God's purpose for me? These questions are many more are addressed in this message.
Tags: Apologetics/Difficult Questions, Spiritual Journey
Our world is drifting away from a right image of God. This message restores the true image of a loving God to us--the God revealed by Jesus.
Tags: Grace/The Cross, Romans
If you listen to the media it feels like the world is in a terrible fearful era. But this is not true statistically, nor in reality. The time of Mary and Joseph was much worse. And yet the angel declares "Peace of Earth!" at the time of Jesus' birth. Later Jesus tells his followers to come to him and he will give them rest and peace. The best way for us to find peace is through Sabbath. This teaching works through basis of Sabbath as a part of creation, and proposes each person renounce the consumer identity and embrace the Sabbath.
On this first Sunday of Advent we begin with John chapter 1 and follow it though explaining the Trinity and end with making good Christmas traditions.
Holiday: Advent/Christmas, God/The Trinity
When you are part of a church that shares the good news about Jesus, you will eventually encounter people who seem to get it at first but later fall back into their old ways. This can be a very discouraging story. Acts chapter 8 helps of navigate the discouragement we feel after a newly baptized member of the church turns away from Christ. Perhaps this message can restore your faith and energy for ministry!
This week we go deep into New Testament History in olde fashioned BIBLE STUDY STYLE. In verse by verse fashion we learn together about how the early church dealt with controversy...and how we can face adversity in our own lives. Key words: Acts, Missional
Have you ever tried to do something good and been smacked down for it. Sometimes in our world, no good deed goes unpunished. Whether its family, workplace regulations, or the law; there are forces in our culture which often clash with good Christian work? What are we to do? The book of Acts in the Bible has an idea!
Tags: Acts, Missional, Compassion, Tell Your Story/Evangelism
This exciting service may not be suitable for PODCAST listening as it involved Quiz Show, Dramatic, and Ceremonial Elements. But it was an awesome service!
Tags: Holiday: All Saints Day, Saints & Souls
Acts chapter 2 paints a beautiful picture of the first church. While it inspires us, it can also make us fell guilty--why aren't we more like Acts chapter 2? In this message we make sure we have not misrepresented the first church and renew our commitment to be all we can be as a congregation.
The Gospel makes for a "topsy-turvy" worldview: those who wish to be great must become the least; those who wish to find their life, must lose it; Christ brings eternal life through death. Philippians 2:5-11, the "kenotic" (empty) hymn/poet/creed of the early church states Jesus "emptied himself, taking on the role of the servant." This is how Jesus triumphs. Paul says we must do the same. How shall we serve? How shall we live out this topsy-turvy lifestyle in the midst of "a top-dog wins all" world? The short Philemon series concludes with the practical application of Paul's letter to Philemon. Tags: Philemon, Missional
Focusing on verse six of Paul's letter to Philemon, we grasp the idea that because of Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus' shared "mutual participation" in the cross of Christ, Philemon is compelled to receive back Onesimus as a brother rather than as a slave. Hebrews 9:21-22 states that without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Forgiveness is Christ's work upon the cross. Therefore, no Christian can "rob" Christ of his sacrifice and judge another: one cannot act in the place of Christ and withhold forgiveness. This pertains to our life, for instance, Christians cannot ignore the poor, voiceless, helpless, and foreigner IF they are covered by the blood of Jesus. Our mind must be the same as Jesus' - there is no option. This is the theological understanding of verse six, which translators have had difficulty conveying the confusing Greek syntax of Paul in that verse. Tag: Philemon, Compassion
Paul writes a personal letter to Philemon asking him to forgive and receive back Onesimus, his runaway servant slave. Forgiveness requires the forgiver to "eat" the offense so that they may be free from the prison of bitterness. Dr. Lewis Smedes, forgiveness expert, theologian, and Professor of psychology, states there are three stages to forgiveness: 1) surrender your right to get even (eat the offense); 2) see the offender with new eyes; 3) wish them a better future. This is how we are released from a bitter mindset. Forgiveness is the core of Christianity.
Tag: Philemon, Forgiving Others
What do we do with grief, pain, suffering and loss? We take a look at Solomon's wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes to deal with this difficult and frequently asked question. Tags Grief Pain Suffering Suffering Difficult Times
Eric Liddell was a Scottish Olympian who won a gold medal in the 1924 Olympics after refusing to run on Sunday because of his Christian convictions. However, after that he moved to China and became a missionary, eventually giving his life in service to the Lord. In this message we study the later life of Eric Liddell hoping to learn the secret to his radical obedience to the will of God.
In the 16th century Ignatius, a former general, found the Lord and developed a brilliant system of discipleship. Particular to Ignatius was his thoughts on finding the will or God through discernment, what he called “consolations and desolations.” Lakeland is in the process of rethinking how we lead the church using this time-tested method of discerning the will of God. Each of us needs to understand the practice discernment for our own lives as well. Learn how.
This honest look at the Lakeland will explain the heartfelt motivation behind many of the changes you have seen in worship during the last year and the last ten years! Tags: Lakeland Specific/Vision, Worship
This look at the history and values of Lakeland Community Church reminds us of our calling from God and our mission in the world. These power ideas are made practical in this down-to-earth explanation of Lakeland's vision. Tag Lakeland Specific/Vision, Tell Your Story/Evangelsim
Here we discuss reasons why you may not be serving followed by reasons to serve which might actually be dangerous to your soul. We close with a message of hope--the good that God can do in the life of a person serving for the right reason. Tag: Serving
In this Mythbuster's Message we try to dispel some of the common barriers that keep people from becoming a part of ministry, and thus, missing the power of what God has for them.
Serving
There is one behavior that can change anyone's Small Group experience from a burden to a blessing, from powerless to life-changing. Through storytelling, in this message we learn the secret that unlocks the power of a Small Group or Redemptive Community.
Tag: Small Groups, Suffering, Difficult Times
After briefly explaining what Small Groups ministry is, this message gives four suggestions longtime small groups can use to ensure the freshness, longevity, and Holy Spirit Power of their small group.
Tags: Small Groups
How do Paul and Jesus wind up sentenced to death? Why are Christians shunned? Why are charities blocked when they try to help? Surely there must be a misunderstanding! OR-perhaps all of this is the result of INTENTIONAL evil designed by powerful political and social forces to stop the work of God in the world. In this message we explore this difficult question: What are we supposed to do when the WORLD tries intentionally to keep us from doing good and living moral lives?
In the midst of current events such as church burnings, Confederate flags, Supreme Court rulings regarding gay rights and so forth, the story of Jesus healing the blind man speaks clearing of a different question: "What is God up to, and how can we get on board with it?" Consciousness is about discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit and rightly discerning the times.
Suffering is a part of life for those who endure well there are great rewards. Paul teaches this lesson using three examples: soldiers, athletes, and farmers. In this message we struggle together to apply this lesson of suffering and rewards to some of life's most difficult problems.
Often when we are young, someone tries to give us the gift of faith. Very often these are awkward exchanges of Bibles, or words about Jesus, or pressure to be baptized. Very often we feel awkward or guilty for not appreciating the gift more. However, later in life that gift can save your life, if you have eyes to see. In this message we explore of the journey of giving and recieving the gift of Faith.
We look to God to bring us from safety to danger. But there are times when Christ calls us back into the dangerous place. In this message we explore how an why God does this by looking a various stories (fictional, real, and biblical) of people who left comfort and stability to face the Holy Danger.
In this message we explore one of the Bible's hardest teachings, that Christians MUST be willing to suffer for Christ. As we begin our study of Paul's letter to Timothy we learn why this is true, but we also receive good news...God will give us what we need to endure when the time of suffering comes!
This teaching is a diagrammed construct. The pathway (arc) of the Christian journey begins with a foundation of the church and tradition, which gave us the canon (Bible) and then moves us through our selves – the inward journey – and onward toward loving others, and unity with God through Jesus. The end is the “teleios” – Colossians 1:28 – “mature in Christ” or complete, or perfect.
This week Pastor Dan:
Notice it is not “How To…” but rather “How We Read…” This teaching digs under the surface of our own lack of obedience to the WORD. In short, we lack obedience to the Word because we have failed to understand story, the narrative nature of scripture.
Pastor Dan starts this series on Mother's Day Weekend here at Lakeland. Interpret the world for you child = poet; usher them into g-d’s presence = priest; and challenge the status quo and declare the kingdom of heaven here on earth as it is in heaven.
This week Pastor Garrett looks at the different forms of evangelism and the approach Lakeland Community Church takes.
Pastor Dan continues this series as we get ready for Pentecost by exploring the power of habits to help form us into devout followers of Christ through the development of spiritual disciplines.
Pastor Dan begins this new series as we get ready for Pentecost looking at what it really means to be in discipleship with God. Pastor Dan delves into Lakeland's commitment of Surrender, Together, Love.
This week Pastor Garrett takes us to the tomb where the crucified Christ was laid to rest. We learn what His disciples discovered, that it was empty, and that what He had promised had come to pass. We encounter Jesus after His resurrection, and receive from Him the most precious of gifts.
This week Pastor Garrett takes us to Jesus' arrival at the house of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus before His entry into Jerusalem. We hear what Jesus has to say about the poor, and about how He would have us relate to them, and to Him.
This week we have a dramatic reading from the Gospel of John 15:1-17 by Ken McCrary followed by a visual illustration of Jesus' teachings about pruning the vines.
Pastor Garrett teaches on Jesus' last words in the upper room, the promise they contained and the action that followed them.
Through the teachings of Pastor Garrett. What is the path to Heaven? Jesus made it clear, the only way to Heaven is through Him. Also this week, long time Lakelander Gary Knabe talks about how small groups have had such a life changing effect on him and encourages everyone else to find a small group to help them.
Pastor Garrett and Ken McCrary play the roles of Judas and Peter on the night Jesus was betrayed.
On the first Sunday of Lent in the Christian calendar, Pastor Garrett uses the Gospel of John to explore Jesus' last words to his disciples. We explore Chapter 13 to discover what Jesus meant by washing his disciples' feet.
As we begin Lent in the Christian calendar. Pastor Dan helps us to focus and prepare ourselves for the time of Jesus' rising.
Pastor Garrett finishes up this year's series on Difficult Questions by looking at types of sins and how they effect ourselves and The Church.
In this forth week of the Difficult Questions series, Pastor Garrett explores what the Bible says about divorce, and how this can be applied in real life situations.
In this third week of the Difficult Questions series, Pastor Garrett explores what the Bible says about divorce, and how this can be applied in real life situations.
In this second week of the Difficult Questions series, Pastor Garrett helps with those of us with relatives or friends who have strayed from the faith and how to help get us through that process.
In the first week of the annual series on "Difficult Questions," Pastor Garrett opens up questions submitted to Lakeland over the years trying to make sense of a loving who allows so much evil and suffering in the world.
Love is at its best when it is expressed everywhere. We learn how a business expresses love in its relationships with its employees and its customers. Pastor Garrett presents the story of a shepherd outside Bethlehem looking after his sheep with his fellow shepherds, and how they experienced God's love for all people with the birth of the Messiah to Mary and Joseph. Each of us has the opportunity to become a minister of God when we express the love Christ shares with us, with the people all around us in everyday life.
Redefining or rediscovering joy: How is it the Bible talks about joy especially with people who don't seem to have anything to be joyful about. Pastor Garret uses the examples of Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit in Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, Pastor Garrett shows us how joy is more of a reward of our heart and being thankful for what we have rather than a reward of our pocketbook; conflicted about how others with very little materially find joy where we with much can't find joy.
In the second week of Advent, Pastor Garrett looks at peace through the eyes of the Church and God, using examples of Joseph and Mary as they are left in unbecoming and unsanitary circumstances to bring forth their child Jesus in the company of cattle, goats, and other animals in a manger. Also this week, Ken McCrary shares his experience of finding peace in his life through his educational career.
The first week of Advent for 2014 Pastor Garrett with the help of some personal testimonies shares the message of hope the God promises to us even when we cannot see any chance of grace, God keeps his promise and makes that which was unhealthy healthy again. This week also contains guidance on how to celebrate Advent in your homes each week.
Pastor Dan teaches on the Apostle Paul's Letter to the Philippians to examine what an emotionally healthy vision and passion is like in the life of a Christian.
Guest Pastor Rev. Craig Babb, Ed. D. was a former pastor of Heartland Community Church and is now the director of Rhythm of Grace ministries and is a member of The Leadership Institute. Rev. Babb uses examples in his life as well as Biblical sources such as David's life to map out what an Emotionally Healthy Spiritual life looks like.
In this part of the series "Emotionally Healthy" Pastor Dan teaches from the Book of James. Dan "lectures" in complimenting the word complete.
In this part of the series "Emotionally Healthy" Pastor Dan exposes us to our prayerful lives and gives us a jump start to boosting our spiritual lives again. This month Pastor Dan asks us to read the Book of Acts which was authored by Luke.
During this week Youth Ministry Leader Jason Lahey looks at how we identify ourselves. We can either identify ourselves as unloved, condemned sinners, or we can accept God's unconditional love and identify ourselves as beloved, holy people in the eyes of our Creator. By accepting this, we can find ourselves remade.
During this week Pastor Dan looks at how we read the Bible. He examines two extremes in Bible reading: (1) the Materialist or Liberal way, in which the Bible is reduced to a collection of completely explainable phenomena and (2) the Literalist method, which attempts to read the Bible without interpreting it in any way. He presents a third way, in which the Bible is read as a love letter from God to the human race. It is this way that will help us to gain an appreciation of the place we have in God's Creation, and God's relationship to us.
During this week Pastor Dan looks to the Bible for the history behind work answering such questions as: (1) Why do we have to work, why doesn't God just fill our refrigerators so we don't have to work? (2) We're not defined by what we do for work. (3) The end goal of work isn't the gain of money. (4) What happens to people who no longer work because they've taken advantage of the system and have ill-gotten financial gains. (5) Or what happens to people who wish to work but are not able to do so anymore, where is their dignity?
Pastor Dan Wilburn explores the role and importance of raising an obedient and respectful child so that as the child grows into adulthood, the child is aware and respectful of God not just being a self serving individual.
Staff member and worship leader Chris Lea discusses the importance worship has to our spiritual being.
Dr. Art Fuller, our consultant from Atlanta, presents a status report on what the FEARLESS financial challenge has accomplished in its first six months, based on four simple numbers. We also celebrate the completion of the newly finished youth ministry room upstairs.
This week Pastor Marta starts us off with the new series of how to have an emotional healthy church. Towards the end Lisa Sollars shares with us her My Story.
This week Pastor Dan along with members of the Lakelands Spiritual Order team go through more prayers, beginning with prayers of Communion, followed by prayers of Litany of Thanksgiving. Communion was served. Then Pastor Dan exposed us to the effects of giving and giving in the world without replenishing ourselves at the feet of Jesus. How we can so easily get tired of the world, start judging the world, and finally how we can get burned out by the world.
This weeks message given By Dan Wilburn is about using the prayer of Lectio Divina in our daily lives.
This weeks service is focused on prayer, starting out with; a confessional prayer, a Psalm reading, an intercessional prayer, the Apostle's Creed, a prayer of suffrages, a prayer of thanksgiving, and a prayer of Chrysostom. Then Pastor Dan looks at some examples from the Old Testament, specifically how Jonah and Job prayed, or communicated with God.
Kathi Gutierrez gives a stirring update to what's going on with her ministry Dignity Liberia and how she sees Gods plan when up to this point some things that were going on just made no sense. Following this Pastor Dan looks at the mission of Jesus was to be a subversive. Subversion refers to an attempt to transform the established social order and its structures of power, authority, and hierarchy. Subversion (Latin subvertere: overthrow) refers to a process by which the values and principles of a system in place, are contradicted or reversed. Subversion is what the mission of Jesus was all about, no chasing worldly value but changing to world to be a more spiritual place.
Pastor Dan covers a lot of ground this week. He starts off breaking down the symbolism of communion. Followed shortly after by his sermon "whittling toothpicks" wherein Dan looks at how we as Christians have a propensity to slice up the characteristics of being a Christian and fall into the trap of looking for faults in everyone else while rationalizing why our "faults" aren't really faults. Not so new of an issue since even Paul was dealing with that type of behavior within the Church of Corinth.
During this first week of the series Give Gather Go Pastor Dan spoke of how everything belongs to God and how we all are stewards of everything that belongs to Him. Afterwards the congregation was dismissed to explore the different ministry opportunities within the church.
Guest speaker and FUSE leader Adam Lipps explores Lakelands process for teaching the message of the Bible and it's messages to the youth of Lakeland. God is the only hero of the Bible.
This second week of the series "How Should We Then Live?" begins with a "My Story" from Lakelander Katrina LaFoy who recently served a mission in Haiti . Then former Lakelander, musician, and Pastor of Vox Dei Community Church in Belton; Rustin Smith enlightens us with what it meant to be "pure" as it was exemplified and taught by Jesus.
In this first week of the series "How Should We Then Live," long time Lakelander, seminary student, and Mom Katie Schultz finds herself seriously contemplating a note her daughter left for the Easter Bunny this year, expressing her thanks for Jesus and how the world is so much better because of Jesus. With all that has gone on in the world, goes on today in the world, and will go on tomorrow in the world, is it really better? Katie finds answers in scripture.
Garrett wraps up his study of the Book of Ezra this week by examining where God after the Jews returned home to Jerusalem and encountered obstacles while attempting to reconstruct the temple.
Ezra remembers from the teachings that people who say they want to help might have their own agendas that don't line up with God's agenda.
Garrett continues his examination of the Book of Ezra where Israelites have returned to their homeland after an exile of 70 years and start to rebuild their temple. The older Jews remember the previous temple and were heartbroken by what was now to become the new temple. The younger Jews who never saw the old temple found joy in this new temple. How can some people find disappointment where others find joy and hope? And why was there such celebration at only completion of the foundation, why not wait and have a huge celebration when the entire temple is complete?
Garrett opens the book of Ezra to explore how God made what seemed to be impossible promises to his people and yet kept those promises.
In this 4th week on Proverbs, Garrett talks about friends. Good friendship choices, poor friendship choices, what types of friends to see and what types of friends to avoid
Pastor Garrett continues his message on Proverbs, this week exploring about when to speak and when not to speak.
Garrett's second week message in the series on Proverbs compares the urban gang mentality versus the suburban business gang mentality.
Pastor Dan Wilburn explores the message of Jesus and builds up the story of Jesus and Christianity by examining the; history, logic, philosophy drawing the natural conclusion of validating Jesus and his message.
Pastor Garrett discusses experiences, perceptions, benefits, and pitfalls of small groups. The Pastors message outlines how to develop a successful small group.
Garrett discusses how to get people involved in serving at Lakeland and how important it is for your spirituality to serve.
Garrett lays out the plans for Lakeland for the upcoming year, including; making the children's rooms more inviting to the children, funding the youth internship program, and some of Garretts vision for some teaching series in 2014.
Dan looks at the pains that bring joy to our life. All of life's rewards come from rising up from pain and sufferings.
Dan continues the Advent series by looking for the true "joy" that the birth of Jesus brought to us. It's not all the fairy tail that we picture the birth to be but it does end in joy.
Dan continues the Advent series by asking "what does it mean to walk in the light and what's the impact of sin (even other people's sin) on society?" Don't mix up Santa Claus who rewards kids based on if they are naughty or nice with God who loves you unconditionally no matter how you perform.
Dan asks the question, "what do we seek this Christmas?" Dan also explores the history and expectations around the giving aspect of Christmas.
Garrett spends the second week of difficult questions doing the tour of Heaven and hell.
Garrett answer some difficult questions in this two part series where he explores the why there is a Heaven and a hell.
Tim reviews the spiritual life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to show what a significant influence Dietrich had on his spiritual life. Through Bonhoeffer, Tim sees how in order to be a deep follower of Christ, you have to live a very vulnerable life.
Dan gives us a history lesson about St. Francis of Assisi who turned away from a life of comfort to become a servant of the poor.
Dan explores the history of how we think of heaven and hell based on the Gnostic beliefs vs. how the Bible describes heaven.
Garrett examines the metaphor of the little boy who pushed the big dog to it's limit and how that compares to the patience God shows us.
Garrett talks about sharing in the Christian Church? Does the Church wants us to be socialists or communists? No, generosity has it's place but don’t confuse community with enabling.
Garrett looks at suffering as a Christian through the eyes of Peter. This world thrives on worldly gains but that's not so with God. Be thankful of your suffering, it's how the world knows you're not part of it.
Garrett talks about how it's not easy to be a Christian, but a lot of the discrimination has been brought on by ourselves.
Adam examines the "Temple" of God; Solomon's Temple and Jesus as the Temple and later Peter states that "we" are becoming the Temple of God.
Dan looks at six stages of Spirituality. If you're stuck in one stage, how do you get to the next stage.
In this second week of the series on the Apostle's Creed, Garrett examines the Apostle's Creed, it's basis as the Christian belief. Garrett also answers questions previously submitted by members of the congregation about Christianity.
Garrett shares the stories of five composite people who have struggled with life but found new life through a renewed faith and baptism.
Katie Schultz discusses her experiences as a Christian Mother about Spiritually and raising her Children and how her Children's Spiritually has had an impact on her.
In this short message, Garrett reminds us what Pentecost represents and how it relates to Jesus.
Dan explores the history of priests and the priest hood and interviews some of the members of Lakeland who created their own spiritual order. Also included is a My Story from Haley Gillilan.
Dan continues our series on misunderstood passages with one that is in the Bible and one that is actually not in the Bible.
Dan discusses Jesus' statement to his disciples, and whether or not we are obligated to care for the poor.
Katherine discusses the life of faith in the risen Christ and the new "I" who lives because of this.
How do we look as Christians? Should we posture ourselves as brazen warriors ready to fight, or should we follow Jesus' example and submit to God?
He is Risen! Garrett wraps up our series on a new picture with a message on the "to be continued" nature of Christian faith.
Garrett continues to look at the new picture that God is painting for us as Jesus speaks on religious leaders and charitable giving.
Garrett speaks about questioning God in a way we don't pre-suppose the answers before we ask the questions.
Garrett takes a look at the book of Mark, and at how we sometimes forget that it is God's provision in our lives and not us that gives us abundant life.
Dan completes his three part series with a look at the change that comes when we give our lives to and trust in God.
Dan takes a look at trust, and focuses in on Jonathan's story as he trusted in the Lord.
Garrett explores why we attend church, and what part each of us can play in the life of the church.
Garrett looks back at our year of 2012, and begins to look forward at what is to come in 2013
Dan ends the series about Ordinary Times and its place on the church calendar. How do you find the sacred in the ordinary routine of life?
Garrett begins a new series about how to tell your testimony and reach out to non-believers.
Dan continues his series on defining Lakeland by talking about Jesus' instruction on how to get to heaven, and how it may begin with loving your neighbor while you are on your faith journey.
Dan talks today about why Lakeland is a "mutt church", and how the head, heart and belly affect the way we live our lives.
Some of the most confusing questions of the Christian faith are things like "what heaven is like" "what is the Lord's table (communion) all about, and "can we lose our salvation...?" To get at the answers to these questions we need to explore The Two Cups- the cup of wrath and the cup Jesus raises at the last supper.
Chris Jehle speaks about God as a community and shows us why we must be a community to truly be a reflection of the image of God
Jamie Roach spoke about communities of love and how they are the foundation of Christian growth.
Dan speaks about the value of the discipline of Spiritual Reading, scriptural and spiritual classics.
Garrett takes a look at the story of David as he goes into the valley toward the Dead Sea
Garret continues to look at the story of Absalom by looking at the result of his attempt to get revenge on king David.
Garrett starts a new series by talking about the cycle of expectation, sin, disappointment and consequences.
Today we look at God's Commission throughout our church both in the past year, and in the year to come.
Adam examines a familiar story with a different approach, as he looks at the story of David and Goliath.
Dan concludes his three part series by talking about love. He suggests that we find love in solitude.
Garrett continues his series on serving within the church. This week he speaks on spiritual gifts.
This Easter, Dan invites us to go out and change the world. He is risen, He is risen indeed!