Is it possible to earn salvation? Join pastor Jacob Bauder as he shares the perspective of Scripture in Romans 4. The answer is, "no." It is not possible to be good enough to get to Heaven. But there is good news! Although God's justice and righteousness require a punishment for sin, Jesus willingly gave His life so we can be restored to good standing with the Father, only by faith in God's grace and mercy.
Read MoreHow can we boast about good works, when it is only the blood of Jesus that can save us? Join pastor Brian Pursley as he reminds us of this core Gospel truth: we need Jesus. Though God may never be impressed with how good we can be, He loves us and made a plan for our redemption despite our unworthiness. As Scripture says, "...we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." (Romans 3:28)
Read MoreDo you struggle with the concept of God's wrath? Join pastor Brian Pursley as he examines Romans chapter 3 and its commentary on righteousness. Though we may struggle to understand how a loving God can also be wrathful, we recognize that, in order for God to show His righteousness, sin must have consequences. If God has no wrath, and does not judge, there is ultimately no penalty for even the worst crimes. Since God's righteous judgment shows no partiality, how blessed are we who count on Jesus' sacrifice for our redemption!
Read MoreKnowledge of the law will not save you! Join Pastor Brian Pursley as he shares from Romans 2:12-29 on the difference between knowing the law, doing the law, and trusting in God! Everyone innately knows the law of God, but the only hope for salvation is through a relationship with Jesus!
Read MoreMay we never presume that, judging others, we will avoid judgment ourselves! Join pastor Brian Pursley as he shares both the sobering and encouraging truth of God's impartiality. Romans 2:9 says, "There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil," but verses 10 and 11 say, "but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good... For God shows no partiality." What a blessing it is to be counted among those who are righteous, and it is all thanks to the mercy and grace of God!
Read MoreAll creation declares the glory of God! Join pastor Brian Pursley as he contrasts the foolishness of those who deny the existence of the Creator with those who worship the God who made all that we can see. Romans 1:8 says, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth." This is a harsh reality, but we serve a righteous God. And how wonderful it is that He provides a way for us to be called righteous, through the perfect life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ!
Read MoreThe life, death, and resurrection of Jesus changed everything. In an instant eternity was altered and hope was delivered to all who would accept his sacrifice. Why is our salvation necessary? What does it accomplish? How was it made possible? How does it impact us? How should it shape us? How will it change not only us, but the world? Join us as we investigate the book of Romans and explore a foundation for our beliefs and convictions, rooted in the completed work of Christ.
Read MoreAt Lakeside Community Church, our mission is to help people move one step closer to Jesus and reach those far from Him. Join pastor Micaiah Sipes as he recounts the eight previous elements of the Mission series, as well as shares the ninth: the power of prayer. Jesus told His disciples, whatever they asked in God's name would be given to them. So we are eager to align our will to God's, that we might glorify Him with our trust, and affirm His sovereignty with our faith.
Read MoreThe hosts of Heaven joyfully celebrate the salvation of each and every lost soul! Join pastor Brian Pursley as he reads the parables of the lost sheep and lost coin. Jesus was known for His unbiased love towards the lost, even those who were societal outcasts. The religious elite were condescending in their view, asking, "Why does Jesus associate with these undesirable people?" But God's capacity for love allows Him to care for each and every person in the human race. What a merciful and loving God we serve!
Read MoreMay everything we do as a church, the community times, the music and singing, and the exposition of Scripture, be for the glory of God! Join pastor Brian Pursley as he continues to explain the purpose behind our order of service at Lakeside Community Church. Colossians 3:17 says, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
As a new year begins, we continue striving after this vision: helping people move one step closer to Jesus and reaching those far from Him. Happy new year from Lakeside Community Church!
Read MoreO God, let us be a generation that seeks Your face! Join pastor Jacob Bauder as he encourages us to invest in the spiritual well-being of young people as they come up. At Lakeside Community Church, we believe in passing on our faith by making new disciples and instructing the next generation in spiritual truth. As we emphasize Next Gen ministries this week, we consider the importance of meeting young people where they are in life. Though each generation may have new needs, Jesus' command to disciple them will never change.
Read More"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David," declares the prophet Zechariah! (Luke 1:67-69) Join pastor Brian Pursley for a message of hope and redemption on this Christmas Eve. Jesus alone would live perfectly. He alone would fulfill the prophecies of a coming savior. He alone would come and establish a spiritual kingdom, as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. What a blessing to share in the great gift of salvation together! Merry Christmas from the Lakeside family!
Read MoreWe're better together! Join pastor Brian Pursley as he reminds us how each member of the church body is vitally important and valuable. Should the ear envy the role of an eye? Or the hand envy the role of the foot? Like it says in 1 Corinthians 12:26, "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together." We encourage you to consider how your unique personality and gifting could bless others around you!
Read More"...whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6) Join pastor Brian Pursley as he shares the biblical principles about giving money to the Church. Scripture is clear: the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Furthermore, where our treasure is, our heart will be also. Let us give, therefore, placing total trust in God to provide for us spiritually and physically. After all, the heart behind our gift matters more than the amount, for God is able to bless His children any way He sees fit.
Read MoreDespite the craziness, confusion, and chaos of the world, we have a lasting hope in the body and blood of Jesus Christ! Join pastor Brian Pursley as he details the importance of the Church's two ordinances: baptism and Communion. Jesus' own words encourage His people to partake of these ordinances; in baptism, as a public declaration of faith, and in Communion, as a remembrance of His sacrifice. May we honor His selfless servanthood and sacrifice by following His instructions in these matters.
Read More"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13:34) Join pastor Brian Pursley as he teaches on sacrificial love. Jesus instructs His disciples to lay down their lives for one another, just as He did. The Church, also, is instructed to love people in radical ways. After all, Jesus continues, saying, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Read MoreWe exist to help people move one step closer to Jesus and reach those far from him. As a church this is our main focus and everything we do is planned and evaluated by this overarching mission. Join us for Mission as we detail principles from Scripture which highlight why this focus is so important to who we are as a church, how it helps determine what we engage in, who we’re hoping to connect with, and why it matters so much.
Read MoreDaniel's spirit was anxious within him, alarmed by the visions he had. Join pastor Brian Pursley for the prophetic conclusion of The Soul & Society in Daniel chapter 7. After seeing visions of terrible beasts, Daniel prophesies about the true King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ, saying, “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)
Read MoreThe king declared to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!" Join pastor Brian Pursley for the deadly conclusion of Daniel chapter 6 and the story of the lion's den. Imagine Daniel, a faithful servant of many kings and faithful servant of God, is sentenced to death simply for praying. Even so, Daniel trusted God's sovereignty such that he was able to become a great witness to king Darius. May we serve God continually, elevating His desires over our own, even risking death, just like Daniel did.
Read MoreWhat would you do if it was illegal to pray? Join pastor Brian Pursley for the first half of a story that would see Daniel put in great danger all because of his faith. Daniel refused to conform to the cultural and legal expectation that he would pray only to king Darius because his convictions would not allow him to disobey God. When high officials in the kingdom discovered Daniel praying, they reported him to king Darius. This crime bore the penalty of death, but God was working miraculously to preserve his servant. Join us next week to hear the fascinating account of Daniel in the lions' den!
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