LBFC Weekly Sermons

Last time, we worked through Matthew 6.16-24, focusing on the purpose of prayer and fasting, and then on generosity. I touched on verse 24, the last verse; but I'd like to focus on it this time - the subject of Mammon, or money and wealth. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at  https://bibleproject.com/playlists/  and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-pod...

After teaching his disciples what we call the Lord's Prayer, Jesus returns to the topic of hypocrisy - that is, in his terms, practicing religion and doing good deeds to be seen by others. He addresses fasting, generosity, our treasure, and having eyes to see. It's quite a profound line of thought, and a great treasure for those with eyes to see. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Projec...

How should Jesus' followers respond to offenses? Is condemnation a good response? The Olympic opening ceremony led to some strong reactions from many Christians that led me to consider this question, and speak to it from the Sermon on the Mount, a bit out of order in our text. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/  and https://bibleproje...

Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply the line of the second half of the prayer, " lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." There are two articles with various links related to this podcast: https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-pray...

Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply the line of the second half of the prayer, " forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. " There are two articles with various links related to this podcast: https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer...

Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply the first line of the second half of the prayer "Give us this day our daily bread." There are two articles with various links related to this podcast: https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/ https://ww...

Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. In this message, we consider more deeply how the first portion of the prayer relates to God's purposes in creation and for humans. There are two articles with various links related to this podcast: https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/ http...

This is an announcement and participation invitation for Father's Day on June 16, 2024. It is not part of any series of messages. Instructions for writing a general Psalm of thanksgiving, which can be adapted for Father's Day: https://www.oaks2b.com/2019/11/18/writing-a-psalm-of-thanksgiving/ Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC...

Jesus teaches his followers how they should pray in the very center of his sermon on the mount. This too, is our way to pray. There are two articles with various links related to this podcast: https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/links-to-the-lords-prayer-with-music/ https://www.oaks2b.com/2024/06/07/patterning-our-praying-as-jesus-taught/ We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series a...

Jesus turns his attention to our religious practices, and calls certain types of people hypocrites for doing their religious practices to be seen by others! However, Jesus doesn't mean by "hypocrite" what you and I normally mean. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at  https://bibleproject.com/playlists/  and https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/the-bible-project-podcast/. Vis...

This is an announcement and participation invitation for Mothers Day on May 12, 2024. It is not part of any series of messages. Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS

This week we take a break from the Sermon on the Mount series and add a new hot topic conversation considering the meaning of free speech and civil disobedience in our society and how to follow Jesus as we address injustice, with a focus on the example of Martin Luther King, Jr. Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org - Additional material and resources for this message are linked at https://ww...

Jesus turns his attention to how we use our words, particularly speaking on the topic of oaths and swearing. He roots his teaching in the Torah, as in previous case studies. He wants his followers to speak straightforwardly and without manipulating others.  Jesus moves us in ways that respects the image of God in each human being and God's purpose for humans. We encourage everyone to check out the...

Jesus continues his instruction on how to live according to the kingdom of the skies - the kingdom of God. This time he comments on a raging controversy of his day - the cause for which a man might divorce his wife, according to the Law. As usual, Jesus speaks in a way that respects the image of God in each human being and God's purpose for humans. The Bible Project podcast mentioned in this episo...

This message is a Resurrection Sunday message that stands on its own. It is not really in sequence with the Sermon on the Mount series. Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyri...

Jesus continues his instruction on how to live according to the kingdom of the skies - the kingdom of God. He challenges particularly men relate to women in a manner that respects the image of God in each human being. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at  https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?h...

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks in a way that any of us would be uncomfortable speaking, does he not? I mean, it seems like he is speaking like one who can bring blessing, one who has authority to speak in a way that is like the Torah and the Prophets! Why? How is this credible? We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at  https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ Visit us on...

Jesus begins to tell us how to live according to the kingdom of the skies - the kingdom of God. He begins with challenging us to relate to one another in a manner that respects the image of God in each human being. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hoste...

Jesus begins the second portion of his sermon on the mountainside claiming that he is not "dismantling" the Law (Torah) and the Prophets. He is completing them! We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music by Adam Selzer: https:...

Jesus continues the introduction to his sermon on the mountainside by establishing a strong connection between his message and mission with the Torah and the Prophets. God is not changing direction; He is deepening and bringing to fruition his everlasting purpose in Jesus. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/ Visit us on the web:  https...

Jesus begins his sermon on the mountainside with nine startling statements about blessing. Some people call these "the Beatitudes". How should we understand these? In this message we focus on the last three of the nine, beginning with Jesus' statement that it is peacemakers who will be known as the children of God. There will be consequences to working for God's peace, and thus we come to the last...

Jesus begins his sermon on the mountainside with nine startling statements about blessing. Some people call these "the Beatitudes". How should we understand these? How can it be a blessing to be poor in spirit, to grieve, to be unimportant? Is that what Jesus means? In this message we take a bit of time to get the big picture of what Jesus is doing in order to understand God's blessing. Then we fo...

We're starting a new series on the Sermon on the Mount inspired by and tracking the series that the Bible Project is doing. This is the introduction for LBFC and friends. We encourage everyone to check out the Bible Project series at https://bibleproject.com/playlists/introducing-the-sermon-on-the-mount/ Visit us on the web:  https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button...

Christmas Day is approaching! This week we consider, in a short meditation, the Advent theme of Love - God's Love. How do we know what God is like, what His love looks like? We look at Jesus, and remain in communion with Him. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/......

Advent season is here! This week we consider, in a short meditation, the Advent theme of Joy. Paul writes "Be joyful always!" Is that a command or what? How does that work? Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org . Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music by Adam Selzer: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Scriptures quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New...