Living Faith Lancaster: Recent Episodes
Living Faith Lancaster
Nick explores Job's situation at the conclusion of the book: confronted with very real suffering and very hard questions, can we simply trust Him?
Justin discusses Elihu's closing statements and God's appearance in Job's story, specifically God's presentation of the vastness of the universe and Himself as its own justification.
Nick continues exploring Job's story, focusing on the arguments his friends presented during their time "comforting" Job.
Parke confronts a challenging lesson in Job: how to complain in your trial while remaining faithful to God.
Justin continues our Wisdom series by introducing the story and Book of Job. Why do bad things happen to good people. Also, why do good things happen to good people? Job suffers tragedy without a reason and begins his journey to understand why. This lesson concluded with BibleProject's Wisdom Series video on Job which you can view here.
Nick concludes the Ecclesiastes portion of the Wisdom series by focusing on the author's desire to follow God, looking at the moments throughout his despairing account where he turned his eyes towards heaven.
In this lesson, Nick explores the Teacher's viewpoint as an example of living life without God. All is not "Hevel, Hevel" when your life includes Him.
In this lesson, Justin continues our Wisdom series by introducing Ecclesiastes and pondering with The Teacher the apparent meaninglessness of it all. We began the lesson by viewing BibleProject's overview video of Ecclesiastes which you can view here.
Nick continues our time in Proverbs, focusing on Proverbs 30's insight from Agur. Join as he discusses how to approach wisdom with humility.
In this lesson, Nick continues our exploration of Proverbs, focusing on the poems from "Lady Wisdom" calling people to turn to her ways.
Justin begins our five months in the Wisdom books with the first section of Proverbs in Chapters 1-7, ten speeches from a father to his son instructing him in the ways of Wisdom.
In this community participation lesson, Bob prepared us for Christmas with Rich Mullins' song "You Gotta Get Up (Christmas Song)." This featured more interaction and sharing from the community which isn't as easy to hear on the recording, so we listed this as a bonus. Enjoy!
In this episode, our series teachers spend time discussing their experience with music, the lessons they learned going through the series, and shared some thoughts about our interaction with music as believers.
In this week's Christmas devotion Justin uses the German folksong O Tannenbaum as a metaphor to discuss the Tree of Life and the appearance of trees in the Bible.
In this lesson we transition our series to focus on Christmas songs. We begin with a Christmas devotion helping us imagine the time and place of Christ's birth. We introduced the lesson viewing the Bible Project's theme video "The City" because we were spending our time focusing on a small city. You can view the video here.
In this lesson, Justin uses the John Newton/Chris Tomlin song Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) to discuss two key points believers must understand to live a full life in Christ. We began the video by viewing the Bible Project's word study video on "Grace" which you can view here.
In this episode, Dave leads a time of community discussion centered on the themes in the song "I Surrender All." We started by viewing this video about the origin of the song.
In this lesson, Justin focuses on the theme of God's love using John Mark McMillan's song "How He Loves" as a starting point. We began the lesson by viewing a video about the origin of the song which you can view here.
In this lesson, Nick shares his thoughts inspired by the Hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" by Horatio Spafford. During the lesson, we viewed the video by Hymns of Note about the story of the hymn which you can view here.
In this lesson, Nick begins a two-part cycle "Mystery and Awe" covering two beloved hymns. The hymn he explores in this lesson is the classic "How Great Thou Art."
In this lesson, Justin begins our series examining songs of the church for scriptural connections and accuracy. Our first song of the series is the hymn by "Major" Whittle, I Know Whom I Have Believed. The refrain for this hymn is a direct quote of the KJV translation of 2 Timothy 1:12.
In this lesson, Parke uses 2 Timothy to continue our discussion of themes from Paul's letters. During this lesson we viewed the Bible Project's overview video of 2 Timothy which you can view here.
Nick continues his discussion of Paul's letter-writing period, focusing on Paul's mission of encouragement.
Nick continues our lessons inspired by Paul's letters, meditating on Paul's missionary letters.
In this lesson, Justin explores Colossians and emphasizes that our life's purpose isn't to be saved from death but to be called to life.
In this lesson Nick continues discussing the themes of authority and freedom, ending with some rules to help guide us to living in the life God calls us to through Christ.
In this lesson, Nick continues to explore lessons from Paul's missionary period, focusing on the powerful authority and freedom we are given in God's grace through Jesus' Spirit.
In this lesson, Justin begins our second Paul series, focusing on lessons from his missionary period. We concluded the lesson with a video from BibleProject's Luke-Acts series which you can view here.
Justin begins our first series focused on Paul. In this lesson, we focus on Paul's motivation to protect and uphold the Law before his dramatic moment with Jesus. We closed the lesson by viewing Bible Project's theme video on the Law which you can view here.
Nick concludes our Holy series discussing how God's presence is what brings Holiness. It's not an absence of sin, but a filling of Him.
In this lesson, Justin continues the Holy series by discussing how God's holiness brings restoration - resetting things physical and spiritual back to where they were intended in his original plan. We began the lesson by viewing BibleProject's video "Holiness" which you can view here. You'll hear Justin reference the taglines below during the first part of his lesson:
Nick continues our Holy series on Easter Sunday, exploring how Holiness brings life. We began the lesson by viewing BibleProject.com's video "Holiness" which you can view here.
Parke introduces our lesson series "Holy" discussing what it means to say that holiness brings purity to followers of Christ. We used the BibleProject's theme video "Holiness" in the lesson which you can view here.
In this lesson, Nick discusses what the "New Temple" of Jesus' followers looks like compared to the Temple still run by men. We introduced the lesson with BibleProject.com's theme video about the Temple.
Justin begins our series exploring the first portion of Acts focusing on the Gospel and Acts accounts of the 40 days Jesus spent visiting and teaching His disciples after His resurrection. We began the lesson with a BibleProject video from the Luke-Acts Series, which you can view here.
In this episode Nick concludes our Spirit series exploring the Spirit as God's Presence. We began the lesson with the BibleProject's theme video "Holy Spirit" which you can view here.
Justin begins our series on The Spirit with a discussion of the Hebrew and Greek vocabulary used in the Scripture, and then our first Spirit lesson: the Spirit of Creation and (re)Creation. We viewed the BibleProject's theme video on The Holy Spirit which you can view here.
Nick concludes our (re)Creation series discussing the theme "Water of Life." We began the lesson by viewing BibleProject's "Water of Life" video which you can view here.
Justin continues our (re)Creation series with this lesson on Christmas morning: The Tree of Life, enlisting our children to place ornaments on representations of the Tree of Life (Creation), a Christmas Tree (Incarnation), and the Cross (Atonement and reCreation). We viewed the "Tree of Life" video by BibleProject which you can view here.
Justin continues our series talking about what we are being remade for: a New Heaven and a New Earth. During this lesson we watched BibleProject's video "Heaven and Earth" which you can view here.
In this lesson, Parke begins our (re)Creation series talking about new life. During this lesson we viewed the Bible Project's video "New Humanity" which you can view here.
In this lesson, Nick continues our series discussing the Book of John. In the opening of the lesson, we reviewed the BibleProject's overview video which you can view here.
In this lesson, Justin begins our study of the Gospel of John, looking for the connections to our recent and upcoming series. At the beginning of the lesson we viewed Jabe Nicholson's Scripture Snapshot of John which you can view here. We concluded the lesson with a clip from Brian Hardin's Promised Land.
Nick explores the title Jesus often used to refer to himself: The Son of Man in this week's lesson. At the end of the lesson we viewed the Bible Project's theme video Son of Man which you can view here.
In this lesson, Justin begins our series discussing Jesus' identity by focusing on his role as The Messiah. During the lesson, we viewed The BibleProject's theme video on the topic and used their outline for the discussion. You can view the video and download their study notes here.
Justin, Nick, and Dave discuss lessons and themes from the summer series we covered: God; Genesis; and Creation, tying them together and finding ways to apply them to our lives.
In this lesson, Nick discusses the connections between our God & Creation series, exploring the identity of the God of Creation. For background you can view the BibleProject series here.
In this lesson, Justin explores the Creation themes present in the prologue to John's Gospel - John 1:1-18. During this lesson we viewed BibleProject's corresponding video which you can view here.
Nick continues our exploration of creation themes this week in Psalm 148. You can view the BibleProject's Creation Series here which served as the foundation for this series.
Parke discusses some of the Creation themes in Proverbs 8 as the BibleProject video introduces Lady Wisdom. You can view the BibleProject's Creation Series here.
Nick explores the themes of Creation in Psalm 8 - The Purpose of Man. You can find the BibleProject's videos exploring these themes in their Creation Series.
This week Bob hosted a time of community reflection on the lessons we've learned in Genesis. We used BibleProject's video on Genesis Part 2 at the beginning which you can view here.
In this week's lesson, Nick traces threads of worship and relationship through the first 11 chapters of Genesis, and ties them through the New Testament to you. We started off the lesson by viewing The Bible Project's Genesis 1-11 video which you can find here.
This week Justin kicks off our month studying Genesis a little deeper. He begins by exploring the meaning of the blessing Adam and Eve received, which was then passed on to Noah, Abraham, and eventually you and me.
The conclusion of the lesson included BibleProject's video covering "Blessing and Curse" which you can find here.
This week Nick closes our series discussing God's identity exploring how we can know God.
This week Justin begins our series exploring the vast and complex identity of God, focusing on Spirit, Father, and Son.
Bob leads the community in a time to reflect on the lessons learned from the letter to Philemon.
This week Nick leads us in an overview of the short but powerful letter written to Philemon.
Justin leads an overview lesson on the book of Ephesians. This outline is mostly drawn from Mark Waters’ Key Word Commentary, which we recommend.
Nate leads us through an overview of Galatians as we continue our walk through the Bible.
Dave steps through the chapters of 2 Corinthians as we continue through the Bible. Dave also shared this video: https://youtu.be/tJnJ_fTYofQ .
Parke leads us in an overview of 1 Corinthians and what it means for today’s believers.
Dave leads us through Romans 1-4 as we focus on justification by faith - to unify the church in His service.
This week Justin concluded our overview of Acts focusing on how Paul and the Apostles’ stories mirrored Jesus’ story as the became like Him.
Continuing through our study of the Bible, Justin uses some videos from bibleproject.com and talks about two themes he saw when reading the story of the early church in Acts 1-12.
Found in the ancient Hebrew language are 22 letters or icons that speak to the power, presence, and purpose of Christ. In this series Dr. Nick Francis Stephens will continue to walk us through how we can read Psalm 119 in light of these powerful images.
LAMEDH
(Psalm 119:89-96)
Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.
What does it mean to buy truth? What does it mean to purchase wisdom? This week we look at 1 Samuel 1 to learn lessons from a mom who demonstrated a life of doing just this.
"Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him. Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice."
Proverbs 23:22-25
Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?".
Even though Easter is core moment that defines all eternity, how does it define your heart, mind, and life? What did Jesus mean when he was asking Peter this question?
This week, on Easter Sunday, Nick gives a talk on John 21. It's the third time that the disciples see Jesus, the risen Christ. Is this the end or does Jesus have something yet to teach those he loves?
Easter is not only the day that Jesus came back to life but it also the day which we are invited to once again live.
Here are the Links to the three videos. Enjoy!
http://three-two-one.org/watch/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KQLOuIKaRA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaOmOi3EOcA
catch-22 | kætʃtwentiˈtuː |
noun
a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
______________________
Does following Jesus ever feel like a Catch-22? Do you find yourself caught between a desire to follow Jesus and a fear when not trusting in yourself?
In this series Nick will be walking us through the Hebrew alphabet and the prose written in reflection found in Psalm 119. Here in the longest chapter in the Bible are 22 things we can catch regarding God's character, passion and love for us. We can apply these truths to our daily lives and demonstrate a faithfulness to him that moves us deeper into maturity with Him.
Psalm 119:17-24 Daleth - (Door, enter, opening, separation)
What does it mean to love others? Do you love people like we love our coffee? Or love our car?
This week Dean takes a look at how the Bible describes love and what it means to love others.
catch-22 | kætʃtwentiˈtuː |
noun
a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
______________________
Does following Jesus ever feel like a Catch-22? Do you find yourself caught between a desire to follow Jesus and a fear when not trusting in yourself?
In this series Nick will be walking us through the Hebrew alphabet and the prose written in reflection found in Psalm 119. Here in the longest chapter in the Bible are 22 things we can catch regarding God's character, passion and love for us. We can apply these truths to our daily lives and demonstrate a faithfulness to him that moves us deeper into maturity with Him.
Psalm 119:17-24 "Gimel" - foot; path; walk
catch-22 | kætʃtwentiˈtuː |
noun
a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
______________________
Does following Jesus ever feel like a Catch-22? Do you find yourself caught between a desire to follow Jesus and a fear when not trusting in yourself?
In this series Nick will be walking us through the Hebrew alphabet and the prose written in reflection found in Psalm 119. Here in the longest chapter in the Bible are 22 things we can catch regarding God's character, passion and love for us. We can apply these truths to our daily lives and demonstrate a faithfulness to him that moves us deeper into maturity with Him.
catch-22 | kætʃtwentiˈtuː |
noun
a dilemma or difficult circumstance from which there is no escape because of mutually conflicting or dependent conditions.
______________________
Does following Jesus ever feel like a Catch-22? Do you find yourself caught between a desire to follow Jesus and a fear when not trusting in yourself?
In this series Nick will be walking us through the Hebrew alphabet and the prose written in reflection found in Psalm 119. Here in the longest chapter in the Bible are 22 things we can catch regarding God's character, passion and love for us. We can apply these truths to our daily lives and demonstrate a faithfulness to him that moves us deeper into maturity with Him.
"Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have."
Philippians 1:27-30
Simple. Passion.
Living Faith is a community of followers of Jesus who are desiring to live by faith, be known by love, and live as an expression of Christ's hope in the world.
This week Pastor Nick reflects on the third attribute expressed by the author in Psalm 119:129-136 - "Hope".
Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.
Every new year brings with it a desire we all have to start anew. Perhaps it is just cultural propaganda wooing us to make fading commitments or perhaps it is the voice of desire that actually echoes so often in each of our souls.
Here at Living Faith as we acknowledge the beginning of a new year and we refocus not on the things we want to change but rather on the tools we need to live a changed life.
Faith. Love. Hope.
Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.
Psalm 119:129-136
The Scriptures repeatedly speak to the mystery of the gospel of Christ revealed to his people through the work of Jesus. The fruit of the church is to translate that mystery into something that becomes visible, evidence of the love of God.
Join us this week as we do a rewind of the series looking at it from a New Testament context in Hebrews 12. Join us in running.
God is a great, big, giving God! Tune and listen to Dean share about this great God that loves us so very much and how we can respond this holiday season.
Learn to run alone so you don’t have to. In all of our lives we will experience those times that we have to run alone.
Running alone reveals our hearts. Running alone reveals the source of our provision. Running alone reveals the state of our being. Running alone forces us to make decisions that otherwise we would all together avoid.
When we run away from Christ, we will absolutely find fear in each and every place we hid. There is no where you can run that you will be free from fear. Fear can only not exist when we’re free.