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NT18 Scriptures:

This week Benji Lavender (Pastor of Global Initiatives) shares with us a reading from NT18 in Matthew 13.  Produced by Kim Nichols

The Reality of the Resurrection & The Hope of the Nations

“He is risen, he is risen, indeed!” When are you most used to saying this? Easter, right? It makes sense. Easter is, of course, when Jesus was raised from the dead; so, on Easter, we celebrate with this kind of call and response proclamation. But do you know what is really awesome? The fact that … Continued

Walk Thru The Bible: Jesus Comes

John Morrison (Director of Theological Training) talks about this week’s theme in Walk Thru The Bible: Jesus Comes. Produced by Kim Nichols

FAQ: Why do some people not see the gospel as good news?

I’m terrible at receiving criticism. In school, I hated reading teachers’ comments on my papers, quickly shoving returned work to the back of a binder before I could bring myself to look at it later. I suspect few of my coaches would have described me as “coachable,” and to this day, I have to fight … Continued

FAQ: What is Discipleship and What’s Our Role?

For 23 years I have had a personal relationship with the Lord, and yet, I feel as though I have only just begun to understand and participate in discipleship. Three years ago, my wife, Misty and I visited Lakewood for the first time. We both loved the authentic community, the genuine worship, and Kids Cove! … Continued

Patriotism vs. Nationalism

Every July 4th, Americans wave flags, belt out our national songs triumphantly, and consume a lot of barbecue and lemonade. The danger of our July 4th celebrations, as Christian people, is that sometimes we take patriotism beyond gratitude, morphing it into a nationalist idolatry. As Christ-followers, there are two things we should remember as we celebrate America: First, … Continued

Holy Week

This week, Christians around the world celebrate the days leading up to the death, burial and ultimately resurrection of Jesus. Lakewood is no exception! We began the week celebrating the triumphal entry of King Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. On Monday through Wednesday, Bill Risinger is leading a Holy Week Bible study at noon. Make … Continued

Kingdom Lifestyle: Worry

The wisdom of Yoda insists: Do or do not, there is no try. But, what if instead of trying or doing we spent more time at being? More time settling into who we are, what we are, where we are, when we are. I find myself exerting so much of my energy and time in changing myself and my surroundings. … Continued

Kingdom Lifestyle: Money

Some years ago, I learned a great word: boondoggle. It’s a funny word. Oftentimes, using it in conversation elicits a look of confusion or a giggle, as though the word was made up or used as onomatopoeia. But, in fact, boondoggle is a real word with a great definition: “work or activity that is wasteful … Continued

Kingdom Lifestyle: Fasting

Matthew 6:16–18: 16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by … Continued

Kingdom Lifestyle: Forgiving Others

In our familiarity with the Lord’s Prayer, we can easily pass over the fact that in praying for forgiveness, we ask that we would be forgiven “as we also have forgiven our debtors.” After the prayer, it is this phrase and this phrase only that Jesus takes the time to elaborate on. In Matthew 6:14-15, … Continued

Kingdom Lifestyle: Why Do You Pray?

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your … Continued

Kingdom Lifestyle: Motives

Have you ever asked yourself: “Why am I serving? What is my motivation for volunteering for this ministry or helping my neighbor?” We are wired from a very young age to seek approval from others. As children, we longed to hear our parents congratulate and praise us for our achievements. On a daily basis, my toddler does certain … Continued

We Believe: Resurrection & Everlasting Life

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God … Continued

We Believe: The Helper

I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I … Continued

We Believe: Who is Jesus?

If you ask random people you with get random answers. People say he is: a historical figure, a great teacher, a prophet sent by God, a myth, a good man, a creation of God, a righteous man, the Son of God and God in flesh. Some of these are true, and some of these are … Continued

Failure Can Lead to Success

It looked like Abraham Lincoln was a colossal failure: Lost 8 elections Failed in 2 businesses Suffered a nervous breakdown which left him bedridden for 6 months Finally, in 1860 Lincoln was elected president, and the rest—as they say—is history. Michael Jordan said: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I … Continued