Lanterns Church

This is week three of our series Introducing Jesus. Jesus is approached by two men and He doesn't start with speaking a sermon or speaking a miracle, We see Jesus offer an invitation, 'Come and See." We see there is something more powerful than just information when getting to know  Jesus and Hid church, an invitation to experience Jesus and His Kingdom is life changing. In the same way can we be teachable and reflect Jesus' hospitality ourselves with others so they can come and see what God is doing as well? We read scriptures John 1:35-39 and 1 Peter 4:9.

This is Week 2 of Introducing Jesus, we explore who Jesus is through this message titled "The Lamb." John the Baptist boldly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world—the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan from the Old Testament revealed by the Lamb to be sacrificed on a cross. This episode unpacks the reality of sin, the hope of redemption, and the importance of recognizing who Jesus truly is. Just as John served as a witness to Christ, we are also called to point others to Him. Do you know Jesus as the Lamb? Do you really tell others about Him? We read scriptures John 1:29-34.

This is week one of our series Introducing Jesus. If someone were to ask you to explain who you are, how would you answer? More importantly do you really know who God says you are? Today we look at a humble yet bold John the Baptist introducing the coming of the messiah. It's made clear even though much of the world says our identity is self-made, our identity is actually God-given. We read scriptures John 1:19-28.

This is week three of our series The Prologue. We unpack the important truth for our faith, Jesus is Lord and he was truly human and still truly God. Jesus was a visible witness and revealed to us an invisible God. Jesus proved God gets near and relational to mankind. Do you view God as a distant God or a God that is near? Have you truly looked at Jesus to see who God is? We read over scriptures John 1:14-18 and reference many other scriptures that confirm Jesus was truly man and is truly God. 

This is week two of our series The Prologue. Jesus entered the word He created to be among us in the flesh. We did nothing to deserve it yet His love brought Him to earth for us. sadly many people didn't recognize Him and many rejected Him. This still happens to this day. People struggle at seeking out who Jesus truly is and instead make things up to try to make Him who they want Him to be. Do you grasp the Love Jesus is and has for you and others? We read scriptures John 1:6-14 and 1 John 4:16-21.

This is week one of our series The Prologue. This is the setup story before the account of Jesus in the flesh with His ministry here on earth. The book of John highly focuses on the 3 years of Jesus up until the death and resurrection. The book of John paints a picture of who Jesus was and is. God has made it possible for each of us to know life and know light. Do you continually seek to know Jesus who is life and is light? we read scriptures John 1:1-5, John 20:30-31, 1 John 5:11-12, John 5:39-40, John 10:10 and John 10:28.

This Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of living water. In our life we try to fill ourselves when we fill empty, dry, exhausted, and stressed. The common mistake is we run to so many wrong things to fill us up but today we discuss the truth that God is satisfying and the only one that truly satisfies and fills the voids we experience in life. God clearly invites everyone who is thirsty to come and drink for free, we just have to receive it. Are you spiritually dehydrated? the answer to this question not only reflects the health of our lives here on earth but for our eternities. We read scriptures Jeremiah 2:13, Isaiah 55:1-2, Psalm 42:1-2, John 4:5-15, Matthew 28:1-10, Revelation 22:17, and Isaiah 12:2-5.

We conclude or series You're Invited on this Good Friday. We live in a world where people commonly boast about themselves and their achievements. Mankind gets lost thinking that will be what truly brings them a value worth living. As we unpack the conclusion of the book of Galatians. Paul states anything he can do is waste compared to the actions of Jesus Christ on the Cross. The act of Jesus on the Cross should be what we boast about. Do you get caught up trying to impress the world instead of living a life in response to being impressed by our Lord and Savior? We read scriptures Galatians 6:11-18, Philippians 3:1-11, and Luke 23:27-49.

This is week 9 of our series You're Invited. In the world today so many things are so easily replaced, phones, vehicles, appliances, clothes and the list goes on. Sadly that replacement culture has even leaked in to our relationships with people. When the world might even encourage replacement, God shows us the importance of prioritizing restoration of people over replacement. There is a "how, what, when, and who" when it comes to restoration. Have you ever experienced being restored? Have you made yourself available to help restore others? Truth is, that takes intentionality and Love. We read scripture in Galatians 6:1-10, 1 Corinthians 5:5, and Matthew 18:19-20.

This is week eight of our series You're invited. Everyone’s life produces fruit. The question is not if we produce fruit, but what kind. God uses Paul to explain two contrasting ways of living: life led by the flesh and life led by the Spirit. Our actions "the fruit," can reveal which one we are following. The Spirit leads us daily, step by step. The flesh pulls us toward selfishness and sin. There is a constant battle, but the Spirit gives power to choose what is right.  Right living begins with daily dependence on the Spirit. Bearing fruit takes cultivating, consistent growth in our Faith. We read scriptures Galatians 5:16-26, Luke 6:43-45, Colossians 3:9-11, Acts 6:5, Acts 11:24, Galatians 3:2-3, Romans 15:13, and 2 Corinthians 4:5-18

(Sorry for the compromised sound from technical difficulties) This is week seven of our Series You're Invited. In our life we come across information that is true or false. Living life on false teachings or information can impact us horrendously, but our God lovingly has provided us with truths. Paul reminds the Galatians that there our truths that can and should shape their lives even in the face of false prophets and teachings. How do you seek truth in a world full of lies? How do you not just lightly read but study God's word? We unpack scripture in Galatians 5:1-10, Matthew 7:1, 1 Timothy 6:10, Philippians 4:13, Matthew 18:20, Jeremiah 29:11, Psalm 105:15, and Jeremiah 17:9.

This is week six of our series You're Invited. It can be awkward to start a relationship, relationships can become dull and stagnant, some relationships come to an end, why is that? Have you experienced this? There is a living God that invites us into a growing relationship, a relationship that should be prioritized over religion, relationships focus on love, identity, and closeness with God. In Galatians 4, Paul reminded us that God did not save us to make us empty religious servants—but to make us Spirit filled sons and daughters. Habits and religious acts can be good, but they must flow from a loving relationship —not just heartless obligation. If we focus on growing in our relationship with God it then pours out for the better into our relationships with others as well. Do you really have a healthy relationship with God? We read scriptures in Galatians 4:1-31, Proverbs 3:32, Psalm 119:105, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Mark 1:35, proverbs 13:20, Matthew 6:17-18, Hebrews 12:1-2, and Matthew 25:34-40.

This is week five of our series You're Invited. In a world falling into fear there is a hope we can lean on through faith. Have you been affected by fears when making certain decisions? God has a freedom for us to receive through salvation, in the letter to Galatians we see that it is very important to choose our faith over our fears. We unpack how God's promises can help strengthen our faith. We read scriptures Galatians 3:1-29 and Genesis 15:5.

This is week four of our series You're Invited. As Christians, our lives at times can be “experiences” pointing to the gospel for others. If our actions contradict God's true message, people don’t just simply have a doubt — they may be led astray with following Christ and His truth. Saying we believe the right truth is not enough if we live in a way that denies it with our actions. Do you focus on your walk as a christian as much as your talk? We read Galatians 2:11-21.

This is week three of our series You're Invited. God never intended believers to live, or work alone. The gospel not only brings us into a relationship with Christ — it brings us into a family. In today's scriptures, Paul shows us how God uses accountability and community to protect the truth and unite His people for the glory of God. We read over scripture in Galatians 2:1-10.

This is week two of our series You're Invited. We talk about the praise worthy God that calls His children worthy and gives us the gift of a worthy message. Do call on God as your Father? Is Jesus your Savior? Do you depend on the Power of the Holy Spirit to move in your days? We are reminded God meets us where we are at but when we respond He changes our direction. Are you Sharing His hope filled message with others? We read scriptures Galatians 1:11-24 and 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

This is week one of our series You're Invited. People receive many invitations in life, some important, some meaningless.  As believers we are called to deliver the invitation that matters most, the invitation to “The gospel” this good news is not just an ordinary message or opinion. It’s an invitation to real value, real hope, real love, real life change. Have you received this invitation yourself? In a world the makes excuses, are you inviting people to know the Good news of Jesus? We read scriptures in Galatians 1:1-10 and Luke 14:15-24.

This is week three of the Series Elijah. We have been looking over his account and he is definitely a bold prophet in Scripture. Working in and through Elijah, God proved He was the true God and many got down on their faces and called out to the Lord. God worked in and through Elijah greatly during many mountain top moments, but the scripture doesn’t stop there. God shows us not just Elijah’s victory, but also some lows that follow. This message is for anyone who has ever felt strong one moment and then fearful, exhausted, or down the next. We read over scriptures 1 Kings 18:41-46, 1 Kings 19:1-21, Romans 5:3-5, and 2 Kings 2:1-18.

This is week two of the series Elijah. Sometimes we say we want to see God move but we hesitate when He asks us to trust Him in uncomfortable, risky, or unfamiliar ways. The story of Elijah shows us that when God’s people are willing to live radically for Him, they get to witness a Radical God in action. In 1 Kings 17 and 18, we see two powerful moments where God proves who He is—first to one woman, then to an entire nation. Do you make yourself radically available for God? sorta knowing about Him and not truly living for Him can leave you sorta missing out. We read over scriptures 1 Kings 17:8-24 and 1 Kings 18:1-40.

This is week one of our series Elijah. In the midst of chaos and evil of the world, our great God is easily able to work in and through a person to impact an environment. In a time when there was 19 consecutive evil leaders over a kingdom, God works in and through prophet Elijah in powerful ways. Are you making yourself available for God to work in and through you? Are you truly living a life that resembles a real man or woman of God? Is God really your Lord? We read scriptures 1 Kings 17:1-7, Psalm 51:15-17, Jeremiah 17:14, James 1:2-4 and Colossians 3:5-11.

This week we conclude our series Travel Light. We are getting ready to travel into the new year and each morning brings a new day, a day where God has sufficient mercy, abundant grace and life giving hope for anyone that seeks Him out. How do you start each day? Are you traveling into the next day carrying to much weight from the past or carrying to much weight from worry of the far future? God has a promise for us today, in the now to help us with these burdens. We read over scriptures in 2 Corinthians 5:17, Lamentations 3:22-25, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, and Matthew 6:22-34.

This was our Christmas service in the Travel Light series. We unpack the truth of the ultimate gift for the world, Jesus our Lord and Savior. We had a family service with all ages gathered around as we shared the story of the birth of a baby boy divinely laid out in order to offer salvation to the world. how are you responding to this real historical truth? We read over scriptures Luke 2:1-20, John 3:16-17, and Romans 10:9-13.

This is week two of the series Travel Light. Do you feel your heart is prepared going into this season? In the winter so much of our time can get lost into preparing for events instead of fighting to focus on preparing our hearts for the season at hand. Bad things are not the only distraction from great plans, good plans can even distract people from the great plans God has for us. How much time are you spending with Jesus during these holidays in the places we live? Do you teach the next generation more about worldly traditions or about the Gift from God and His plan for discipleship? We read over scriptures Luke 10:38-42, 1 Corinthians 7:35, Proverbs 4:25-27, and Isaiah 30:21.

This is week one of the series Travel Light. We can find ourselves in traditions and habits of the world that leave us so tired. Instead we can seek wisdom and rest from God? This week we talk about the weight of chasing after too much stuff. The truth is, it's better to have less of what doesn't matter and more of what does. We unpack this as we read over scriptures Matthew 11:28-30, Ecclesiastes 4:4-6, Luke 12:13-21, Matthew 19:21-22, and Psalm 119:33-40.

This is week eight of our series Armor Of God. It is clear God designed us to live life we others, we are not meant to be alone. As we conclude studying the book of Ephesians we are guided to communicate with one another, to encourage one another, to love one another. Having love involved in all situations is vital for our days here on earth, especially in the face of spiritual warfare. Godly love allows for a better connected, deeper rooted church family. Do you understand the love God has for you? How much do you really love God in response? You can get an accurate answer by looking at how you love others. We read verses Ephesians 6:10-20, Ephesians 6:21-24, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Revelation 2:1-7, and John 3:16-17.

This is week seven of our Series Armor of God. Today we unpack the importance of using the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. The inspired, infallible, inerrant, complete, authoritative, sufficient, effective, divine word of God is also used to determine our relationship with God, What people do with God's word can reveal a person's relation with God. With that said, what are you doing with God's Word? Is the Word of God as vital to you as the Sun is to our earth? The Sword of the Spirit should be carried into and lived out in every day battles, without it we will struggle standing firm through many situations. We read over scriptures Ephesians 6:10-20, John 14:23-26, Acts 20:26-28, and Hebrews 4:12-13. 

This is week six of our series Armor of God. Have you ever had a title before you had a mindset to match it? Through Salvation God has a mindset for us all to filter the thoughts we have through our lives here on earth. We can be attacked with so many negative thoughts throughout our days, therefore it is very important we lean on the armor God that He has for each of us. With that in mind, what thoughts would you like to have victory over? We read over scriptures Ephesians 6:10-20, Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:7-8, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Romans 8:5, Colossians 3:1-4, and 1 Corinthians 15:54-58. 

This is week five of our series Armor Of God. Whether we realize it or not we tend to put our faith in things, when you are honest with yourself what would you say you put your faith in? Do you put your faith in the one true God? Through scripture we see we are offered a spiritual armor for all of the spiritual warfare we face in our days. Today we unpack the importance of the shield of faith. We read scriptures Ephesians 6:10-20, Hebrews 11:1-40, and John 10:27-30.

This is week four of our series Armor Of God. Do you have peace in all areas of your life? There is peace for us through situations and that peace is offered to us from God. First He has made peace available for us between Him and ourselves, He also offers us to have peace between each other in the church, there is even peace offered to us that can surpass all understanding. This starts with us focused on the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, if equipped with the Gospel we can stand firm with God living a life on mission. We read Ephesians 6:10-20, Romans 5:1-11, and Romans 10:9-17.

This is week three of our series Armor of God. If you were thrown into the frontlines of a battle, and given the choice to wear highly protective armor protecting vital organs like your heart, wouldn't you? God has a breastplate to protect our heart through Spiritual warfare and it is made of righteousness. This is not something we earn but something we are gifted. Even so, in life we try to cover our hearts instead with a cloth bib, or paper when God offers us so much more, a breastplate! What is protecting your heart? We read through scriptures Ephesians 6:10-20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 1:13-16, Genesis 3:1-7 and Genesis 3:21. 

This is week two of our series Armor Of God. There is a truth that we can all understand, false statements oppose the truth. Where do you seek to find truth? In a world that confuses and distorts the truth we are shown the importance by God to seek out His real truth. By seeking out and carrying the truth into our days it prepares us for all situations. Is the enemy undermining certain truths in your life? We read scriptures Ephesians 6:10-20, John 14:6, John 15:26-27, Ephesians 14:14-15, Matthew 7:15-17, and John 17:13-21.

This is week one of our series Armor Of God. We set up the series with the clear fact that God says there is a war going on that our eyes can't even see. Since the beginning of mankind Adam and Eve was tempted by satan in the garden, also Jesus was fasting in the wilderness and then was tempted by the Devil, we too can be spiritually attacked. Do you lean on God and put on His armor, not just once in a while, but do you realize the importance of putting it on daily? We read the scriptures in Ephesians 6:10-20 and really focus on Ephesians 6:10-13 during this message. 

As we conclude our series "Dark To Light" we also celebrate our 3rd year of services. We discuss how we easily learn from watching and imitating. With that in mind, who or what are you imitating throughout your days. Do you find yourself imitating Jesus through searching out His examples and teachings? Or do you find yourself imitating things you have experienced in this world separated from God's will? God offers us to walk as children of light, shining as bright lanterns into the darkness of the world. We read over scripture verses in Ephesians 5:1-20.

This is week seven of our series Dark to light. We unpack the importance of Looking to God's plan for our Households. We lean into the purpose to respect and love the people we live with. If we allow God to govern our household's we will see more heavenly things in our homes. If we have this in our homes we can then carry it out from our homes into the world. wouldn't you like to see a little more heaven on earth? We read scriptures Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Matthew 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 3:4-5, 1 Timothy 5:8, proverbs 22:6, and Ephesians 4:31-32.

This is week six of our series Dark To Light. Like a tree's roots and health matter for its growth, We as people need to care about these questions... Where are our lives planted? what are we rooted in? Are we growing in what matters most? Are we truly united with God's Church? The Creator of all things has a loving plan to strengthen us in Faith, Hope, and Love. This plan involves Christ followers to be uniquely united as one for the better of everyone. We read over scriptures Ephesians 4:1-31, Psalm 1:3, Colossians 2:6-7 and Ephesians 3:14-21.

This is week five of our series Dark To Light. Today we unpack the mysterious plan of God revealed to His followers. Do you think you have a problem being confident when not knowing everything? We discuss the truth that we don't need to know everything to believe in something. We can confidently and boldly believe in God and find courage knowing He does know all things. This should encourage us to follow God and His will for our lives. This plan is layered in such a grace and love. We read scriptures Ephesians 3:1-21 and Romans 11:33-36.

This is week four of our series Dark To Light. This is a vital part of Christ’s mission that Paul explains in this section of scripture today, and three very important words we can summarize this great work: SEPARATION, RECONCILIATION, AND UNIFICATION. Without Jesus there is separation between us and the one true God, but with Jesus Christ we are reconciled and united to God and to one another as the church. Are you really living a united life with others that believe in Jesus? We read over scriptures Ephesians 2:11-22, Isaiah 52:7, Galatians 3:28, and Romans 10:11-13.

This is week three of our series Dark To Light. There are positions people receive on a sports team, a position for a person to receive at work, and a position people receive in our relationships... But most importantly, there is a position to receive from God when it comes to our spiritual health. We have ha God that can take a person from a graveyard to a glorious throne room. There is a grace that can radically change our positions in life, are you aware of the position God has for you? We read over scriptures Ephesians 2:1-10 and Luke 6:32-34.

This is week two of our series Dark To Light. What is your prayer life like? Do you Pray with thanksgiving, with confidence, hope, and with the acknowledgement of power in prayer? Do you pray for others? Today we look at apostle Paul writing to the church in Ephesus, God's word makes it clear to us that we need to lean into praying for one another and understand how we could be praying for one another. we read over scriptures Ephesians 1:15-23 and Isaiah 6:9.

This is week 1 of our series Dark To Light. We look at the letter God used apostle Paul to write to Ephesus. This letter is themed with God's plan for salvation, unity purpose and identity. Today we discover our true identity by studying who God says we are. How would you answer if someone came up to you and asked, "Who are you?" God teaches us in His word about our true identity and we hope to help each other answer this question "How will you respond to your identity from God? We read through Ephesians 1:1-14.

Today we unpack the beginning of Genesis chapter 11, what is known as The Tower of Babel. What do you think happens when human ambition forgets divine purpose? We open God’s Word to a moment in history when humanity spoke one language, shared one culture, and moved as one people. United in voice and vision—yet completely out of step with God’s will. We discuss what happens when we try to build things with bad foundations. With your actions, your decisions, what kingdom are you trying to build? do you try to lift up God's name or just your own? We read scriptures Genesis 11:1-9, Genesis 9:1, Acts 2:1-7, and Revelation 7:9-12.

This is week 5 as we conclude our series Deep Water. We continue to look at the account of Noah in Genesis, we see how two sons respect Noah while the youngest son is disrespectful. Do you respect people when they are falling from their decisions? Have you been disrespected while struggling? In a fallen world we unpack how love covers a multitude of sins, but to truly love it takes us joining in on the call to speak truth and carrying each others burdens in a God-Designed way. We read Scriptures Genesis 9:18-28, Proverbs 10:12, Proverbs 17:9, Proverbs 12:6, 1 Peter 4:8, Galatians 6:1-3, and John 15:12-14.

This is week 4 of our series Deep Water. Today we unpack the promise God made to Noah After the flood receded and they were back on land. Noah immediately prioritizes God and His plan through worship and sacrifice. Do you prioritize God and His plan over the things in our world? One way to find encouragement to live out God's will more is reminding ourselves of the promises our trustworthy God makes to us. He has given us His word and God never breaks His word...  What a hope we can have in God and His promises. We read over the scriptures Genesis 8:20-22, Genesis 9:1-17, Numbers 23:19, Romans 12:1, John 17:17, Matthew 16:33, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 11:28, Luke 10:19, and Matthew 1:21.

This is week three of our series Deep Water as we go over the account of Noah's Ark. What do you do when you are left waiting? We look at the facts that when God is quiet it doesn't mean He is absent, even in our seasons of waiting God is working and there is a plan for us to carry out as well. In the waiting do we focus on praying, growing, praising, and serving? We read through scriptures Genesis 8:1-19, Psalm 62:5-8, James 1:2-8, Matthew 20:28, Isaiah 64:4, and Galatians 4:4-7.

This is week 2 of our series Deep Water. Do you take the opportunity to walk through the door God has opened for you? Today we talk about life changing opportunities through doors, God has a path for us just like He had a path laid out for Noah and his family to take with many animals on the Ark. We read scriptures Genesis 7:1-24, Exodus 12:13, 1 Kings 6:31-32, John 10:11-16, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Matthew 28:6, Matthew 7:13-14 and Matthew 7:21-23.

This is week 1 of our series Deep Water. We are taking a dive into the account of Noah's Ark. Today we discuss the importance of instructions. God had a plan and Noah followed it with Faith and obedience. When you find yourself facing deep waters do you have a strong faith and obedience towards God? Do you follow God's instructions? What instructions from God's plan is hard for you to live out yourself? We find hope knowing dependence on God will guide us to preserve through even the deepest of waters. We read scriptures Genesis 6:5-22 and Proverbs 1:2-5

This is week 7 of our series According To Genesis. Have you ever inherited something from your family? Do you ever think about what you are passing along to the people around you or what you are passing down to the future generations? Today we unpack the importance of passing along Godly things over just earthly things. We as people can pass down habits, traditions, or even rituals that cause separation between us and the plan God has for us. With God we can brake the cycle of many generational curses and pass down generational blessings. Again we ask... What are you passing down? We read over scriptures Genesis 4:17-26, Genesis 5:1-3, Proverbs 13:22, Matthew 18:21-22, and Romans 6:1-11.

This is week 6 of our series According To Genesis. When two brothers give an offering to God there is a contrast between the two. We unpack the story of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. We discover the importance of our heart posture with worship, with our emotions, and keeping God in the center. What is truly in your heart when you worship? We read scriptures Genesis 4:1-16, Hebrews 11:4, Ephesians 4:25-27, 1 John 4:20-21, and Matthew 5:21-24.

This is week 5 of our series According To Genesis. Trust begins where our control ends and a real faith involves real trust. God loves us even though mankind has fallen since the beginning of time. God created us and created a redemptive plan for mankind but it calls for trust. Do you struggle with the desperation of needing control and everything the way you want? It is very common for us as humans to cook up recipes of disaster with doubts and wrong desires that turn us from God. so today we reflect on this question... How much do you trust and give control to the Lord our God? Through God and His plans there is inexpressible joy offered to us even through the toughest of trials. We read through Genesis 3:1-24, Proverbs 3:5-6, John 3:16-17, and 1 Peter 1:6-9

This is week four of our series According To Genesis. God had a design in mind when He created. Do you understand your unique piece in God's big picture of creation? Don't be a missing piece to the puzzle, you are uniquely created and designed to connect with the bigger picture. God has a value, an identity, and a plan for us. We read through Genesis 2:4-25, Psalm 33:20, Deuteronomy 33:7, and Philippians 2:1-11.