There is nothing new under the sun, and chasing pleasure will lead to emptiness, just like it always has. Join pastor Brian Pursley for his sermon on the first half of Daniel chapter 5. The Babylonian king was caught up in a cycle of pleasure, just like many rich and powerful people have been, but he is given a message from God. It's the literal writing on the wall, predicting his fate. Join us next week for Daniel's interpretation of this dramatic omen!
Read More"O King Nebuchadnezzar, change your ways, show mercy, and swallow your pride!" exclaims Daniel. Join pastor Brian Pursley for the dramatic conclusion of Daniel chapter 4. Do we, like Nebuchadnezzar, lose sight of the fact every good and perfect gift comes from God? Do we, in our pride, credit our own effort or ingenuity when things go well? It's easy to get caught up in self confidence when life is good, but we must desire God as much as we desire His blessings. Let us never take those blessings for granted.
Read MoreGod's power is at work from generation to generation, so don't lose heart! Join pastor Brian Pursley as he tells the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's next prophetic dream. Once again, Daniel is able to both explain the dream and it's spiritual significance. Though Nebuchadnezzar was greatly prosperous, he was also prideful. His dream was a warning. Would king Nebuchadnezzar repent and avoid judgment? Come back next week and find out from the second half of Daniel chapter 4!
Read More"If you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. Who is the god who shall deliver you?" (Daniel 3:15) Join pastor Brian Pursley as he recalls the amazing testimony of three young men in Babylonian captivity. When we are faced with a moment like they were, torn between gaining favor with the world and doing what is right, how should we respond? These three men gave an excellent response, saying, "O king, we have no need to answer you in this matter. Our God is able to deliver us from the fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king." (Daniel 3:17)
Read MoreWhen you come upon an impossibility in life, keep this at the forefront of your mind: there is a God who can do the impossible. Join pastor Brian Pursley as he describes the One who can do that which is beyond all experts, professionals, and superheroes. No mystery is beyond God's understanding and no miracle beyond His power. What a blessing that we, His Church, can be counted among His children like Daniel was. Though he found himself in a hostile land, Daniel was never forsaken by God. And if God provided miraculously for His child in Babylon, He can provide for you today.
Read MoreMay the chaos around us never dictate how we live our lives. Our life choices must be informed by God's Word and motivated by our faith in Him. Join pastor Brian Pursley as he emphasizes the importance of dependence on God in trying times. Like when Daniel faced great danger at the hand of the king's captain, we might face any number of physically or spiritually dangerous circumstances in our lives. Will you follow the example of Daniel, putting your faith in God, or will you fall away?
Read MoreSometimes doing the right thing costs you. Sometimes evil wins. Sometimes the things we think turn out to be wrong. Sometimes the people we’re close to betray us. Sometimes we lose everything. Sometimes we get an opportunity we never dreamed we’d get. Sometimes people change. Sometimes God doesn’t seem fair. Join us for The Soul & Society as we explore the book of Daniel and focus on how to live no matter the circumstances we face and the principles we need to develop to honor God each and every day of our lives.
Read More"Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever." (Psalm 136:26) Join pastor Brian Pursley as he reflects on the eternal goodness of God to His people. Our God, the Creator life in all its splendor, became the one perfect sacrifice so we, His children, might be saved. We should truly be in awe at the beauty of His creation and the benevolence of His mercy towards us!
Read MorePsalm 51 reveals the penitent heart of King David after one of his most terrible mistakes: his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah. Join our brother, John Cross, as he examines the five steps of turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness from the Father. David repents of his sin, recognizes his need for a Savior, requests forgiveness, is restored to relationship with God, and recommits his life to serve Him in obedience. Seeking a restored relationship with God is crucial, because He is no celestial AI. He is a close and personal Father to His children.
Read MoreThe fear of the Lord doesn't mean being afraid of God, it's being wholly in awe of His grandness. Join pastor Jacob Bauder as he teaches through Psalm 34, reminding us of God's consistent goodness towards His people. Because of His goodness, we can count on going to our eternal home with our eternal Father, as long as we earnestly seek God. Lay aside your burdens, and depend on the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ! What we do in life echoes in eternity. Therefore, we gladly choose Jesus today.
Read More"From everlasting to everlasting You are God!" Moses declares the splendor of God in Psalm 90. Join pastor Brian Pursley as he describes the majesty of our Creator, who is greater than the mountains and seas He created. Indeed, God is sovereign over His creation, yet He offers personal closeness and relationship to us. He gave of Himself in order to save humanity, and He wants you to know He loves you today.
Read MoreHow should we deal with life when our prayer is one of affliction? Join pastor Micaiah Sipes as he reads Psalm 102, contrasting the temporary suffering of man with the eternal glory of God. Though pain my tarry for a night, joy comes in the morning. Whether that morning is the literal next day, or the glorious return of Christ, God is faithful to deliver His children. He understands our struggles on a personal level because Jesus Christ also suffered human pain. We must say, "it is well with my soul," because we have redemption in Christ.
Read MoreIn Playlist: Volume Two we're returning to the Psalms to further explore how God utilizes songs to connect with people and every emotion they experience. Music moves people. Whether it’s the first kiss or final hug, there’s a song that comes to mind. Whether it’s the joy of birth or the sorrow of death, there’s a song that comes to mind. Whether it’s the celebration of the promotion or the uncertainty of what comes next with news of the layoff, there’s a song that comes to mind. Music is there in our best times and our worst. It’s a part of our celebrations and our therapy, and it can connect us to God in a powerful way.
Read More"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) The Spirit of God calls us to gentleness, so we must learn the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable. Join pastor Brian Pursley for the conclusion of this series on the fruit of the Spirit. We focus today on how the fruit of the Spirit can completely change our lives. Life is not a podcast or a TV episode. People are real and complex. So how should the fruit of the Spirit inform how we treat one another? The Bible tells us, "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16)
Read MoreWe all face challenges, but the call for believers is that the fruit of the Spirit would be prevalent in our lives. Love, joy, and peace should emanate from our hearts. Join pastor Brian Pursley as we discuss patience, kindness, and goodness. God doesn't desire empty words, He desires action. We must take this reminder that our conduct conveys who we really are. So we must ask ourselves, "What do our motives say about who we truly are? Are we producing the fruit of the Spirit?"
Read MoreAs followers of Jesus, me must exude love! "By this, all people will know that you are my disciples, by your love for one another." (John 13:35) Join pastor Brian Pursley for part one of our new series: Fruit of the Spirit. This week we're focusing on the first three: love, joy, and peace. We love because He first lived us. The joy of the Lord is our strength. We experience peace that surpasses understanding because of the mighty testimony of Jesus Christ.
Read More"And all were astonished at the glory of God." (Luke 9:43) Jesus performed many miracles that astonished the people. Join pastor Jacob Bauder as he explains many amazing details of Jesus' lineage, life, and identity as the Savior of His people. We may be amazed by the miraculous things God does in the world, but when was the last time we found ourselves truly in wonder of who Christ is?
Read MoreAre we, the sheep, following the voices of strangers? Or worse, are we following our own voice that has been mislead? Join pastor Brian Pursley for the conclusion of the Unwell sermon series. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the only One whose voice should be followed into eternal life. He says, "If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and go in and out and find pasture." (John 10:9) He who knows and pursues the voice of the Lord will be saved.
Read More"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'" Join pastor Brian Pursley as he encourages us to stop comparing our lives to the lives of those around us, and instead to focus on what is most important: a relationship with Jesus. He alone is worthy of our praise.
Read MoreHe who named the stars watches over you. He is everywhere. Join pastor Brian Pursley as he examines one of the most difficult circumstances in life: the fear that it would be better to die than to face what is ahead. Even the mighty king Saul despaired in the end, and he chose to take his own life. But God, the Promise Keeper and our Redeemer, offers life and life more abundantly.
If you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of suicide, please call 988 and seek help. Lakeside Community Church would be happy to pray with and for you, as well.
