Pastor Andy brings the message, “Grace for 2023” from John 1:16-18. What do we want to focus on as a church and as individuals this coming year? What will define us? This year, let's be defined by Grace.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Jesus Above All." In Mark 9:1-13, we see the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and a voice from heaven declaring Him to be the Beloved Son. Clearly, Jesus' exalted status is being proclaimed, but it's Peter who unknowingly says that Jesus is on par with Elijah and Moses. How often do we fail to see Jesus' glory and then place Him right alongside (or below) other good things?
Pastor Andy brings the message, "Identity and Mission" from Mark 8:27-9:1. Mark 8:29 is the watershed moment of the gospel: Peter confesses Jesus is the Messiah. The disciples finally understand Jesus' identity. Immediately, Jesus begins to reveal his mission. With the disciples, we will begin to see Jesus' identity and mission as inseparable. And his identity and mission have ramifications on the cost of discipleship.
Pastor Luke brings the message, "The Power of the Church" from Acts 12. There are times when it seems like the church will be snuffed out like a struggling flame, or that the oppression and persecution will grow to a point when the darkness will overcome it. Yet, we are reminded in Acts 12 that the power of the church does not rest in the people of the church, but in the object of their faith.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Boasting in the Cross” from Galatians 6:11-18. As Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians, the one testimonial he leaves is his readiness to boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. That begs the question: “What are Christians and local churches known for?” As a church family, LBC must be known as a group of people who “gather and scatter” with a message that boasts only in the cross of Christ.
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Sow to the Spirit.” In Galatians 6:6-10, Paul completes his theology of Spirit-led relationships with a picture of sowing and reaping. Our role within the context of relationships can be compared to the planting of seeds. Each seed being a selfless act of love under the authority of the Spirit or a self-seeking act carried out in the flesh. The passage urges us to answer, "Are we living by the Spirit or the flesh?"
Pastor Nate brings the message, "Keep In Step with the Spirit" from Galatians 5. What does a church family look like that is "keeping in step with the Spirit"? A church that is governed by the Spirit will treat others, especially those who have fallen into sin, with a certain kind of care and gentleness. A Spirit-led congregation is also made up of individuals who are worshiping the Lord through their own personal obedience to Him.
"Walk By The Spirit" from Galatians 5:13-21. Every day we face a crucial decision: will we follow the Spirit of God or our flesh? In Galatians 5, God's Word commands us to walk by the Spirit and in doing so we will not gratify or fulfill the desires of the flesh. What would it be like if we followed the Spirit into every aspect of life?
