LCC Prayer Guide

2010-11-08T09:53:00.000-08:00

Prayer Guide --Faith Promise 2010

Thank you for your willingness to pray for our Faith Promise. This guide is for you to use if you choose-don’t feel like you have to. It is a tool for you, however, feel free to pray as the Spirit prompts you. You may take a copy home if you wish.

Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds.
All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.
-Gal 6:7-10 (Msg).

Please pray for:

Individual/Family Commitment
Pray about your or your family’s commitment to Faith Promise
2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Divine direction-Pray for generosity & compassion, and a willingness to put God first. Ask for prompting by the Holy Spirit to continually remember Him.
Proverbs 8:32-36

Walking in obedience-giving God the first fruits, not the leftovers; pray that God will use you as His ambassador to the world. Ask Him for your opportunity to serve Him by sharing your resources & His message with others.
Acts 4:32, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 2 Corinthians 2:12-17

Faith-Pray that if you promise it, you believe that God will provide it-that your faith will be strengthened by this experience.
Proverbs 20:27

Family members-needs, blessings of individual family members, those in your family who need to know the Lord.

Church Body (Universal)
Unity-Pray for unity among all believers, through the Word and the work of Jesus Christ. Thank God for the work He is doing in His church.
Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 1:10

Hunger for righteousness-Pray that all brothers & sisters in Christ will be like-minded, and will relentlessly pursue righteousness, in the name of Jesus Christ
Romans 2:13, Romans 3:21-26

Salvation of souls-Pray for the lost, and pray for those who have strayed.

Growth (in faith, spiritual maturity)-Pray that those who have found salvation in Jesus Christ, will grow in the faith and in spiritual maturity; become the example we are supposed to be, for the world.
Romans 12:9-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

Missions Ministry/Missionaries
Diligence-Pray for perseverance & diligence when faced with seemingly impossible situations, and seemingly insurmountable barriers, to accomplishing their calling.
1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Corinthians 16:13-14, Matthew 10:6-10

Deliverance from affliction-Pray for physical health and healing; pray for resistance to diseases that plague many areas in which our missionaries reside. Pray for protection against injuries and physical harm.
Matthew 8:14-17

Needs-Pray for the resources to be available, to meet the needs of the missionaries & their families, as well as those to whom they minister.
Philippians 4:12-20

Encouragement-Pray for encouragement for missionaries & their families-as well as those to whom they minister.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7, Matthew 11:28-30

Freedom from bondage-For those imprisoned for spreading the Gospel, pray for their release from prison. Pray for those who would imprison them. For those suffering torture and harsh conditions, pray for relief. Pray that the gospel will continue to be spread, in spite of imprisonment.
Philippians 1:12-20, Matthew 10:17-20

Traveling-Pray for safe travel to & from the areas in which they will minister, for missionaries & their families.

Nations that need the gospel-Pray that the gospel will reach all corners of the earth, and that the Word will be translated & made available to all.
Ephesians 2:17-22, Matthew 9:35-38

Oppression & Persecution-Pray for those who live under persecution, that they will be blessed by God. Pray for an end to all persecution. Pray for strength, faith & encouragement to those who live under persecution. Pray that those who would persecute, would come to know Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Matthew 10:21-23

Orphans-Pray for the many orphans of the world, that they would have their physical & spiritual needs met. Pray that they would find loving homes. Pray for their salvation.
Matthew 6:1-4

Community, State & Nation
Nation-Pray for our nation, which was founded on Christian principles, strays from those principles. Pray for a return to a God-centered nation. Pray for the needs of the nation, and thank God for the blessings we have as a nation. Thank God for the freedom and abundance we enjoy as Americans.
Psalms 33:8-22

Leaders-Pray that the leaders of our community, state & nation will be good, godly, righteous people who will make decisions that honor God.

Civil servants-Pray for the safety of our police, fire & other emergency personnel. Thank God for the service that they provide.

Volunteers-Pray for blessings on the many volunteers in the community, who serve God by serving others. Thank God for the service they provide.

Military-Pray for the safety of the military serving all over the world, and for their families. Thank God for the security we are afforded by their service & sacrifice. Thank God for the many who have served through the years, allowing us the freedom to worship Him.

Lift Up Our Leadership

2010-09-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you for lifting up our leadership in prayer. Please remember not only our ministers, elders, deacons & staff, but also our teachers & sponsors for our youth programs. It is important we cover all of these people with our prayers regularly. Feel free to use the following guide. Also, join the prayer ministry any Thursday evening at 7pm at the church for prayer. If you need prayer, or just want to join others in lifting up our church family in prayer--you are welcome to attend. You will NEVER be asked to pray out loud, unless you are comfortable in doing so. Thank you!

Prayers for our Church Leadership and Church Family

31After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

Pray that we realize that our inheritance and hope as a church family is in God's incomparable and incredible great power which is available to us.

12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Gal. 1:12

18I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength. Eph. 1:18-19

10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Phil. 3:10

Pray that our Church, Leadership and Pastoral Staff becomes more
surrendered and poured out to Christ, so they can have spiritual breakthroughs by seeking the fear of God and the mind of Christ and the Spirit's leading.

16"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16
.
20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" Gal.2:20-21

Pray for discernment in exposing any plans of the enemy against our Church or attacking our pastors and staff. Ask Christ to protect us as we wage spiritual warfare against the enemy on behalf of our Church.

11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Eph. 6:11-12, 16

6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Col.2:6-8

Pray for an increase of vitality, renewal and vision that is from God for the pastors and leaders personally and collectively so that the church can be galvanized then take a hold of, and then be revitalized as a caring committed community for His Kingdom and purpose.

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isa.61:3

Pray that we and our church commits to follow the biblical mandate to support and encourage the leadership of the church

11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Eph.4:11-13

17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." 1 Tim. 5:17-18

1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve. 1 Peter 5:1-2

Pray that our church would receive God’s direction and vision. That the congregation gets nourished from the substance of His Word and the needs of the congregation are met.

9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 12 Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:9-12

Pray that our church be a community of grace and forgiveness. That our church has an atmosphere of encouragement by being grateful for Christ’s work in them that enables the congregation to be inspired to give genuine hospitality to all who comes though our doors.

4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6

Easter Prayer Guide 2010

2010-04-01T05:33:00.000-07:00

Easter Prayer
Feel free to use this guide or not, it is merely a tool to help you if you choose.

We celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. The death of Christ was necessary to atone for the sins of the world, but what of the resurrection? The resurrection demonstrates God’s power. It proves Jesus Christ’s divinity. The resurrection is the reason for our hope of eternal life, the source of our salvation & justification. Christ becomes the judge for mankind, the authority given by the Father. And finally, it is the fulfillment of prophecy-God’s plan for mankind. Reflect on the importance of the resurrection, as you pray for our Easter celebration.

God’s power
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. –Ps 77:14
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. –Romans 1:1-6

Spend time in prayer & reflection of God’s power in your life, within our church family and in our community. With God’s power and in His will, we can accomplish anything for the Kingdom.

Christ’s divinity
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 1:29-33
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. –Hebrews 1:4
Without the resurrection, there would be no eternal kingdom.

Give thanks & praise for the hope of eternal life that we have, that we will spend eternity in the presence of God Almighty, because Jesus Christ has overcome the grave.

Salvation & Justification
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. -Col 2:9-15

We are only saved by our faith in what Jesus did on the cross. Take this time to thank & praise God for your salvation, for that of your family members, friends & church family-but more importantly, to pray for the salvation & justification of those who do not know Jesus as their Savior. Pray for those visiting our Easter service, looking for answers and a church home.

Fulfill prophecy
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. -Isaiah 9: 6-7

No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him- the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough- that he should live on forever and not see decay. For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.
Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. –Isaiah 49:7-15

God’s plan is always a better plan. Praise and thank Him for making a way for us to return to fellowship with Him. Thank Him for His Word, which is perfect & true. His Word points to the cross from the very beginning.

Appointed judge of mankind

Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him. -John 5:19-23

Thank God that our Judge is the One who died for our sins. Because of His sacrifice, we do not need to fear God’s righteous wrath. Pray for those are lost, that they will turn their faces to God and be spared.

________________________________________________________________________

What is our response to the death & resurrection of Christ? It should be faith & obedience. Pray for guidance & revelation, in your own walk with the Lord. Pray for the same for our congregation.

Pray for our church body.
Lift up those who have been and will continue to work on the preparations for our Easter celebration. Pray for our worship, that it will be pleasing to God. Pray for God’s presence in our worship-invite Him to join with us, for His Spirit to fall fresh on each and everyone of us.

Pray for our community.
Pray for all of those who have received invitations, to those who are searching for a church home, for those who are seekers, that for them the barriers, obstacles & excuses will be removed and they find their way to worship with us.
Pray for our fellow brothers & sisters in Christ, for the other churches in our community and for unity in the body.

Pray for our nation.
Praise God for our nation, our very blessed nation in which we are able to worship openly. Pray for the direction & wisdom of our leaders. Pray for the safety of our military personnel & their families. Pray for our relationship with the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people.

Pray for our hurting world.
Pray for workers in the field—that we as individuals, as a church family and as the Body of Christ will be willing to be the hands & feet of God. Pray for our mission workers all over the world. Pray for the persecuted church. Pray for peace on earth.

In Closing
Why do you call me Lord?

John 13
Jesus Washes His Disciples' Feet
It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place.
"Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Close your prayer time in whatever way the Spirit leads. Thank you for giving of your time and God bless you!

A Blessed Marriage

2009-09-14T19:08:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 4:2
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient,

bearing with one another in love."

The honeymoon doesn't last forever--and none of us are perfect, individually or as a couple. This verse, which of course applies to everyone you encounter, applies to the marriage relationship well.

The assumption here is, we will have to look past someone else's imperfection (because we are all imperfect) and they will have to look past ours. When we choose to do this, and look for the image of God within that other person we honor Him.

Our humility towards others reflect the character of our Savior. The King of the Universe humbled himself in order that we may know the will of the Creator. When we choose to love someone who may be acting 'unloveable', we reflect the character of our Father. He gave up His Son for us. A bunch of sinful, selfish people.

Who better to display these divine traits of humility, gentleness & patience to, than our spouse!

24 Hour Prayer Vigil Guide for Easter

2009-04-10T04:09:00.000-07:00

To download and print this guide, click here:
Easter Vigil Prayer Guide pdf
Easter Vigil - 2009

Opening Prayer
>Lord, you have given us a Counselor – the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) and it is written that “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Rom. 8:26). Lord God, let your Spirit guide us now as we enter in to this time of prayer asking all things in the name of your son Jesus according to your holy will (John 14). Thank you for saving us by grace through faith, as a gift to us, not because of our own works (Eph. 2:8-9) and for making a way for us to appear blameless and holy in your sight. Thank you for Jesus.
Please feel free to use this guide-or not; follow the guidance of the Spirit. This guide is merely a tool to help you, if you need it. There are some suggestions for prayers & some scriptures you can read. There are also prayer journals and ideas on the table for you to use. If you are led to pray about just one thing, that is perfect, too.

Preparing Our Hearts and Minds
Praise and Adoration (Read Psalm 103):
Begin your time in prayer with a time of praise and adoration to God for his attributes.
Confession – Agreeing with God on sin:

Read these scriptures and ask God to reveal to you any hidden hurt, bitterness, resentment or sin of any form that stands between you and Him. Confess these to the Lord and ask Him to fully restore you.
Psalm 51:17 (Amplified Version) “My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.”
Mark 11: 25, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop-leave it go-in order that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive your own failings and shortcomings and let them drop.”
Reading of God’s word -
Read the following passages at least three times (in different voices if in a group) and notice what word or words stand out to you.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Meditation - Briefly reflect on what word or words stood out to you and why. Pray about what God wants you to grasp about prayer through His word.

Thanking God and (Thanksgiving) & Presenting our Requests to God (Supplication)
For the Easter Services
Offer prayers of Thanksgiving for
...the very First Easter.
...Jesus. And God’s awesome plan.
...the freedom to celebrate.
...Lebanon High School.
...all of our volunteers.
...our church family.
Request that
...everything done and said would be of the God alone.
...Christ’s death, burial and resurrection be ever before us at Easter and always.
Present Requests for
...those who have been invited.
...those who will be visiting for the first time.
...the members of the church.
...the teachers and childcare volunteers.
...the children attending.
...the message and Lee.
...those leading worship.
...a time of celebration.
For our Church
Offer prayers of Thanksgiving for our church family and for those who serve among us humbly through actions and prayer. Present Requests for the Growing Church
May those growing up in the church, grow each day to know You more and delight in your ways.
For our children to grasp how high, how deep and how wide is the love of Jesus (Eph. 3:18)
For our teens to do everything without complaining or arguing, so that they may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. Help them to shine like stars in the universe as they hold out the word of life— 1 Peter 5:5-10.
For our college students and young adults to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will though all spiritual wisdom and understanding and that they may live a life worthy of the Lord to please him in every way (Col. 1:9-10)
Present Requests for Leadership
For our elders that they will be willing shepherds, eager to serve, and an example to the flock – I Peter 5:1-4
For our Bible study leaders and Sunday school teachers to proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. – Col. 1:28
Our volunteers and our ministry team leaders - that “the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Our staff – That they will have “the wisdom that comes from heaven [that] is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” May they be “peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” - James 3:17-18
For those who lead by living a Godly example – we thank you so much for leaders such as these in our church family. Please bless them.
Prayers for the new in faith and those who are being called to believe
Lord, for those who are searching for you - may they find you and be found by you. May those new in the faith stand firm. For all of those in our church who haven't yet found a place to learn and grow, a place to serve and use their talents, a place be encouraged by other believers and grow to know you more – we ask that you would lead them and guide them to true community among us.
Prayers for Our Entire Church Body
Prayers for Holy Living - Colossians 3:1-17
Since, then, we at Lebanon Christian Church have been raised with Christ, may we set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. May we set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. For we died, and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then may we also appear with him in glory.
May we, at Lebanon Christian Church, put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to our earthly natures: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. We used to walk in these ways, in the lives we once lived. But now we must rid ourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from our lips. May we not lie to each other, since we have taken off our old selves with its practices and have put on the new selves, which are being renewed in knowledge in the image of their Creator. Here may there be no [insiders or outsiders] but may Christ be all, and in all.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, may we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. May we bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. May we forgive as the Lord forgave us. And over all these virtues may we put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
May we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And help us to be thankful and to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Imitating Christ's Humility – Philippians 2:1-11
If we have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then may we make [his] joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. God, help us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility may we consider others better than ourselves. May each believer at Lebanon Christian Church look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others.
May our attitudes be the same as that of Christ Jesus:Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,but made himself nothing,taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himselfand became obedient to death—even death on a cross!Therefore God exalted him to the highest placeand gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.
A prayer to remember “the least of these” – from Matthew 25:31-40
Lord, when we are gathered before you and you say “to those on [your] right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'” May we be among those who have been faithful. Give us eyes to see those in need among us and the compassion of Christ to serve. May it me true of us when you say , “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' May we remember that whatever we do for one of the least of these brothers of yours, we are doing for you.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give us, at LCC a spirit of unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6
May we at Lebanon Christian Church, individually and as a whole, “consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus [our] Lord, for whose sake” may we be willing to lose all things. May we “consider them rubbish, that [we] may gain Christ and be found in him...”Philippians 3:8-9
Lord, give us the strength to confess to each other and pray for one another that we may be healed. - James 5:16
For our community
Offer prayers Thanksgiving for our community.
Present Requests for
...the spiritually lost in our community.
...us to be the arms and legs as we encounter the hurting and those in physical and emotional need. – Matt. 25:34-40
...all church families in our community to work together to reach the lost for Christ.
...the missions within the community that we support.
For the world
Offer prayers of Thanksgiving for
...the freedom to worship God and speak freely of him where we live.
...being the one true God who created the world and loves all who live in it.
...that He so loved the world that He sent his son. - 1 John 3:16
Present Requests for
...peace on earth
...the members of our armed forces serving in the war against terror.
...those causing terror to come to know our Lord as Savior.
...everyone across the globe to come to know our Lord as Savior and praise His name.
...the persecuted church.
...God to call people, even members of our church family, to preach and teach about Him around the world (“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38)
...the missionaries that we support.
...missionaries around the globe.
THANK YOU for praying with us!
Numbers 6:24-26
24 " ' "The LORD bless youand keep you;
25 the LORD make his face shine upon youand be gracious to you;
26 the LORD turn his face toward youand give you peace." ' Amen.

Good Friday (Holy Friday)

2009-04-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"On Friday, Jesus voluntarily submitted to be nailed to a cross.
The Bible says at noon the skies got dark. There was an earthquake. The temple veil was torn. People suddenly realized that when Jesus cried out, "It is finished," and then died, he was no ordinary man.Jesus was taken from the cross, prepared for burial, and put in a tomb."

- Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 27:11-61
Mark 15
Luke 22:66-23:56
John 18:28-19:42
Romans 6:1-14

Thought
Good Friday is a day we remember the painful crucifixion of our Savior. It is a day of mourning, a time of remembering that tightens our stomachs. It pains us to remember and recall the details, but it is in remembering those details that we realize we are recipients of the most gracious gift of God.We are forgiven because he was forsaken, as the song says. We are accepted, he was condemned. In the cross, we quickly feel little and unworthy of such a great gift from the awesome and Most High God. We say, "You did this for me? But, why?". We are in disbelief that by one death, death is conquered. Death is conquered! Good Friday is a day of great love and recalling that:

"The cross reveals that Jesus has conquered sin and death and that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of Christ. ... not fear, guilt, shame, self-hatred, or even death can tear us away from the love of God, made visible in Jesus the Lord.Listening to the faint heartbeat of the dying Rabbi is a powerful stimulus to the recovery of passion." - Brennan Manning, Abba's ChildGod is faithful in fulfilling His words. Praise Him.

Reflection
Galatians 2:20-21 says "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

What does it mean to you to be crucified with Christ in your life today? What is he calling you to do as an act of faith? What would your life look like if you surrendered all that you are to the freedom offered through Christ by the grace of God?

Prayer of the Day
Thank you Lord Jesus for bearing our sins and healing us by your wounds, so that we can live freely. Help us to die to our old selves and our sinful desires and to live lives worthy of the calling we have received. (1 Peter 2:24, Eph. 4:1, Romans 6:1-14)

Spend some time at the foot of the cross today.

Maundy Thursday

2009-04-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day
"This day, Jesus took a normal Passover meal and changed it forever. All the arrangements had been made, but then the foot-washer didn't show up! The disciples came to dinner with dusty feet, and stood around asking who messed up the arrangements. It never dawned on them that maybe one of them could humble himself to do that for anybody else.
Jesus came, took off his robe, put a towel over his arm, filled a basin with water, then knelt down and started washing the disciples' feet.

They couldn't believe it! The Son of God, the Savior of the world—

and he had the humility to wash their feet." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 26:17-75
Mark 14:12-72
Luke 22:7-65
John 13:1-18:26

Thoughts
Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the day that we remember Jesus having his last meal with his disciples. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum (like mandate) and refers to John's account of Jesus giving the disciples a new commandment, a new order.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, you also ought to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:34-35Jesus set an example of humility, service and love. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." - John 13:14
He also had the first communion with his disciples during that meal. (Matt. 26:26-29)

Reflection
What would it have been like to be in the room the night that Jesus washed feet and broke bread? Tonight as we sit down to our own Thursday evening meal, let us remember Jesus and tell the stories of his last meal with his disciples.

Prayer of the Day
Pray that God would make you a washer of feet and that our church body would be a people looking to wash each other's feet in service. May we humbly serve each other and those in our community as we follow Christ's example.

Wednesday

2009-04-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Wednesday

"Most scholars believe this was a day of solitude for Jesus. He was doing the most important thing he could—getting alone with God. As he quieted himself, he heard the still small whisper of his Father say, "You're on a mission, and it's going to be difficult, but I'm asking you to endure. I'll be with you." " - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Psalm 131

As soon as Jesus heard the news [of John the Baptist's beheading], he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns (Matthew 14:13).After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone (Matthew 14:23).Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them (Luke 4:42).

Thought
Jesus always made time to withdraw from people to spend time alone with God. Jesus who was God in flesh and who lived a perfect existence knew that it was important to spend time alone with God. In his last week, when there was so much to be said and done, so much work to do, so much to think about, so much to rest up from or rest up for, a day alone with his Father was top priority.

Reflection
If time alone with the Father was so important to Jesus, how much more important it is for us! Time will not set itself aside for us. No one is going to open our Bibles for us, kick us into our rooms and shut the door. We can claim what is ours through Jesus - access to our loving Father, and we can approach him freely.

Prayer of the Day
Please make time to enjoy spiritual solitude - alone time with God - today. Your prayer may be a prayer of silence or a prayer of pain. It may be a prayer of need or of thanksgiving. You may have a mission ahead of you or a past issue to resolve. Whatever the case, do not delay - seek him and be strengthened by him.

2009-04-06T04:24:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day
"On this day, Jesus did something that shocked people. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. People had never seen this side of Jesus before." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 21:12-17
Mark 11:12-19
Luke 19:45-48
Isaiah 56:6-8

Thought
"As [Jesus] taught them, he said, "Is it not written:" 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"One historical commentary notes that money changing in the temple, basically exchanging currencies, was normal, but was only sanctioned strictly for temple-related activities. Clearly, there were activities going on inside the temple that had no place there. The scriptures say that the crowds hung on Jesus' every word, the Truth, which may mean that they knew all along something was out of place.Jesus brought focus into the temple.

Reflection
Jesus has given us his eternal words to hang on forever. When we feel as though something is amiss, do we go with the flow or stop and seek out the truth of God through his holy Word? Are we mindful of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer of the Day
Praise God for giving you his word. Pray that God would incline you to cling to and delight in his Word. Ask that he would strengthen you to keep your temple pure.Consider those things for which you have not sought out guidance in his word; ask God's gracious forgiveness for substituting your own solutions for his truth. Consider whether there is anything going on in relation to your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, that has no place there; ask God's willing forgiveness.Pray for our church to be a people of the Word.

Palm Sunday

2009-04-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

On Palm Sunday—six days before Jesus' death—people lined the streets, waving palms as he entered Jerusalem. It was the first-century equivalent of our ticker-tape parades for heroes down the streets of New York City.Jesus' popularity was at an all-time high; his teaching had astonishing power. Jesus had changed people's hearts and healed them physically. He'd even recently brought someone back from the dead! By far, Jesus was one of the most popular people in the entire Middle East." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Zechariah 9:9-1o
Mark 11:1-11
Matthew 21:1-11
Luke 19:29-44
John 12:12-19
Matthew 16:13-20

Thought
People had all kinds of ideas about the identity of Jesus. Some thought he was Elijah or Jeremiah, still others thought of him as a political figure or a person with mysterious powers. On the day of his triumphal entry, a large crowd covered the ground with garments, grass and branches. Some participated and knew why and some participated and didn't know why. We can imagine that some were trying to place a face with the stories they had heard while some stood back and watched the Christ.Still today people have different ideas about who Jesus was and is. Some think he is distant or demanding while others think he is stiff or dry. Drawing close to Jesus means coming close enough to compare our own ideas of him with God's holy truth. It means that we may have to admit that we don't know him as well as we'd like. If we get close enough, our own limited ideas and notions based on our view will be blown away by the absolute truth of God's amazing plan and unbelievable saving grace. Jesus will always be more wonderful, more capable and more gracious than we can allow ourselves to believe.

Reflection
Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?". What would you like to know about Jesus? How has your image of Jesus changed over the course of your life as a believer? Who do you say Jesus is and what would your life look like if you constantly lived your answer to that question?

Prayer
Ask God to open your eyes to see who Jesus truly is through his word. Ask him to help you to live your answer to "Who do you think I am?" with your whole life.

Easter Season

2009-03-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

"Why did Jesus have to die?"

A question asked by many. As Christians, we know that Jesus had to die, as a sacrifice for our sins. He paid the price. But is there more? Jesus conquered death, which makes it possible for us to have eternal life.

Resurrection could not have happened, without the crucifixion.

Likewise, in our own lives-we must choose daily to die to self. When we die to self, we allow Christ to live in us.

"We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin-because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God."-Romans 6:2-10

Easter Season

2009-02-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today (Ash Wednesday) marks the beginning of the Lenten season. We can take this opportunity to consider the state of our faith & condition of our hearts as we lead up to the celebration of the death, burial & resurrection of our Savior.

Ashes, in the Bible & in Jewish tradition, have different symbolic meanings.

Three main themes are:

1) Mourning, as seen in the Book of Job. Job had lost nearly every earthly thing-his children, his home, his wealth & his health. His outward expression of loss was to sit among the ashes.

"So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. 8 Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes." -Job 2:7-8

As sinners-we are all considered dead.

We are sentenced to eternal separation from God.

2) Humility, as Abraham demonstrated, when pleading with the LORD to spare Soddom & Gomorrah.

"Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?"

"If I find forty-five there," he said, "I will not destroy it." Once again he spoke to him,

"What if only forty are found there?"

He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it." -Gen 18:27-29

Apart from the saving grace of God,

and our faith in Jesus Christ as our savior-we are nothing.

3) Purification, as seen in Numbers. The ashes from the burnt offerings were placed in water, which was then sprinkled on the unclean. The purification depended on the 'sacredness' of what had been the offering.

"For the unclean person, put some ashes from the burned purification offering into a jar and pour fresh water over them." -Numbers 19:17

The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a sufficent to cover our sins.

It was the perfect & pure sacrifice.

However, we must do our part and confess our sins, repent,

and be obedient to his authority.

CHRISTmas

2008-12-23T11:51:00.001-08:00

Peace With God

Sin causes separation from God and we can't overcome sin. We can do our best to be obedient to God, to live in a righteous & honorable manner, but we will still never overcome sin. Apart from our faith in the life, the death & the resurrection of Jesus, nothing that we do on our own can bring us into unity with God. Jesus is the sole conqueror of sin & death. It is by the grace of God the Father, that Jesus came to this world to bring peace between us & God. It is by the love & obedience of Jesus, that he went to the cross on our behalf.

Romans 5:1-11
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

CHRISTmas

2008-12-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas Hope

From Merriam-Webster Online dictionary:
hope \ˈhōp\ verb
to cherish a desire with anticipation-to desire with expectation of obtainment-to expect with confidence: trust synonyms see expect

wish \ˈwish\ verb
to have a desire for (as something unattainable)-to give expression to as a wish bid -to give form to (a wish)-to express a wish for-to request in the form of a wish-to desire (a person or thing)-to be as specified-to confer (something unwanted) on someone-to have a desire want

We often use the word, 'wish' during the Christmas season-probably more than any other time of the year. Whether we are making our Christmas 'Wish List', or wishing friends & family a Merry Christmas--wishes abound this time of year. Is it wrong to wish? Or to wish someone a Merry Christmas? No--of course not! But the thing about 'wishes' is, they are not grounded in faith. Looking strictly at the definitions of the words themselves, it's clear that we don't have to believe that our wishes will come true. They sometimes represent the unattainable.

On the other hand, hope is founded on faith. Hope is the expectation of some outcome--confident in the result--expected & trusted. Our Savior came to rescue us so that we may spend eternity with our God. There's hope in that! It's not a wish or something unattainable-it's not just a desire for something. It's an outcome we can be confident in, that we can trust, if we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and we confess-repent-be baptized & live in obedience to Him.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant." -Col 1:15-23

CHRISTmas

2008-12-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

The Shepherds and the Angels

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

-Luke 2:8-20

Witness

As Christ followers, we have witnessed the glory of God in our lives. We have heard the good news. We have the peace of God in our hearts. We, like Mary, treasure up these things in our hearts. But we are also to follow the example of the shepherds, who, after they found the Christ child, returned to their regular walk of life, glorifying & praising God and sharing with those around the for the things they had heard & seen.

The Christmas season is a great time to share what's in your heart, with those family members & friends who don't have a relationship with our Savior. It says that those who heard what the shepherds had to say were amazed. If we share what’s in our hearts with the same enthusiasm that the shepherds must have had, then those who hear will be amazed and drawn to Christ.

Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries

2008-10-07T16:49:00.001-07:00

Love, Inc.

Mission and Core Values

Our mission is to mobilize the Church to transform lives and communities In the Name of Christ.

We are Christian. Everything we think, say, and do is in the name of Christ.
Prayer is an integral part of who we are.
We follow Christ's example of valuing the poor and needy.
We value unity of the Body of Christ.
We value transformation in the lives of people and communities.
We value churches living out the two great commandments to love God and love their neighbors. We value building Christ-like relationships.
We value the connectedness of the Love INC movement.
We model excellence.
We value continually maturing in our capacity to meet people's needs.

Lebanon Christian Church is one of the many church parteners with Love, Inc. which is fairly new to Boone County. The focus of this mission is to help the body of Christ serve the community in an efficient & unified way. Churches come together to aid those with a variety of needs in the community, and each church or individuals within that church, use their talents & resources. In this way, a broader range of services can be offered-and there will be less duplication of services. In other words, one church might be a center for furniture needs, another for food, another for clothing.

There are opportunities to serve Love, Inc. in so many ways--please visit the website for more information. Our contact at LCC is Larry Branstetter-who will be happy to help you get plugged in!

Here is the website: http://www.loveinc.org/affiliates/affiliate-locations/

Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries

2008-10-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

Reaching Haiti through Education,

Educating Haiti in the Word of God

The Damou Christian Mission is an important part of this community and at the heart of the mission are the school and church. Our enrollment has grown to more than 800 students from preschool through high school. Our students learn the fundamentals of math, science, as well as several language classes. All students are taught the stories of the Bible, the life of Christ, and Christian morality. Life skills and trades are also taught including farming and word working. The Mission provides much more to the people of Jacmel, Haiti than simply a school.

We touch the lives of people of all ages, offering an elderly care and an infant feeding program. The bakery helps us provide the students with a decent meal every day and helps generate income to keep our mission alive. We hope to add an orphanage and a vocational school in the future too.

Perhaps most importantly is that the Damou Christian mission brings the message of Jesus Christ to the people and gives them an opportunity to explore and express their spirituality. We offer worship services weekly, which are always well attended.

Lebanon Christian Church has a close relationship with Damou, and missionary, Tina Isenhower. We've had many opportunities to take groups on short-term mission trips to Haiti, so many people have a very personal connection to this mission. Not only do we support Damou on a monthly basis, but several ABF classes and church members sponsor children. For more information on Damou, you can visit the website at www.damou.org

Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries

2008-10-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Polish Christian Ministries

The purpose of Polish Christian Ministries is to establish New Testament churches in Poland. PCM came into existence to aid and assist Christian churches in Poland. Since 1954 that mission has not wavered.

OUR VISION:The churches of Poland become financially independent, reproducing churches
OUR PURPOSE:To aid in the establishing and strengthening of local churches after the pattern of the New Testament, particularly in the country of Poland.

_____________________________

Portugal Christian Mission

Dick and Sarah Robison have been serving the Lord to reach the people on the Iberian Peninsula since 1982. They are engaged in teaching and preaching Christ, and training Portuguese Christians to minister in their own communities. They often encounter local religious leaders that are hostile to their message. They assist in literacy programs and teach English as a second language. Prior to their work in Portugal, Dick and Sarah learned to speak the Portuguese language fluently while they were on the mission field in Brazil. They are also fairly well known , Elgin Texas, since Dick regularly preached at the Christian Church there while attending UT Austin, working on his Doctoral degree. You can see more information on this website: http://swccaustin.org/page.aspx?id=82804

Lebanon Christian Church has had a long relationship with both of these missions, who are evangelizing in Europe. The population of Europe has grown increasingly secular over the past decades, and there is a real need for Bible-based teaching & preaching.

Getting to Know Our Missions/MIssionaries

2008-10-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

Lebanon Christian Church supports 3 Christian Colleges. In this way, we help to equip & train those who are planning to go into ministry, missions, teaching, counseling and other careers in which a Christian education background is important.

Cincinnati Christian University

Besides giving you an outstanding Biblical education, CCU provides you with the skills you need to be successful in the real world.

Outstanding academic programs give you the knowledge base for professional careers. Internships provide hands on training in ministry, missions and education. Professors and staff are always willing to give students mentoring and career support to send them into the workplace with confidence.

For more information: http://www.ccuniversity.edu/

Johnson Bible College

Founded in 1893, Johnson Bible College is the second oldest continuing Bible College in America. While having a long and rich heritage, God recently blessed JBC with some of the most dramatic growth and expansion in the College’s history. President Emeritus David Eubanks recently said, “I believe the best days of Johnson Bible College are ahead.”

Growth and ExpansionIn the fall of 2007 enrollment reached 901, nearly doubling in the last ten years. A record number of students are also graduating with 191 receiving degrees in the class of 2007.

For more information: http://www.jbc.edu/college/

Lincoln Christian College

Lincoln Christian College and Seminary is a Christian higher education community whose mission is to nurture and equip Christians with a Biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world (see Mission and Values below). Founded in 1944, Lincoln has grown to an annual enrollment of more than 1,200 with more than 5,000 graduates serving in every state in this country and in more than seventy other countries worldwide.

Students enjoy an intimate campus environment with a student/faculty ratio of less than 14:1, with the safety and security that small town American provides, while at the same time studying with faculty and staff who have a global heart and a passion for the world in all its diversity. Opportunities for service—from nearby neighborhoods to international settings—abound at Lincoln, where the focus is on service learning.

For more information: http://www.lccs.edu/

Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries

2008-10-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

International Disaster Emergency Services

The purpose of IDES is to bring glory to God by bringing help and hope to our hurting world. Among independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, the work of IDES is unique -- the one source our churches and missionaries consistently turn to for help. We welcome you to our web pages. Please visit the site often, get to know us, and partner with us in this great ministry of benevolent evangelism.

IDES is a unique way to help those who have been faced with catastrophic circumstances, such as natural disasters. Funds can be donated to IDES in general, as LCC does through our monthly support, or for specific areas of the world/relief operations. First & foremost, the focus is evangelism-which is accomplished by helping to meet the physical needs of people. This can include hunger or medical relief, disaster aid, and community development.

One thing that is interesting about just how connected our missionaries are, IDES has actually helped Damou Christian Mission (another mission we support) with hunger relief. IDES is an Indiana-based mission, that serves people around the world. For more information on IDES and their current projects, you can visit the website at http://ides.org/index.php

Getting to Know Our Missions/Missionaries

2008-10-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ninos de Mexico

MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of Niños de Mexico is to evangelize the lost people of Mexico. We have chosen to raise abandoned, abused, and orphaned children to become productive Christian citizens who are helping in the evangelization of their own people.

WHO WE ARE
Niños de México is a non-profit mission organization directly supported by churches and individuals throughout the United States and Canada.

THE NEED

The Greater Mexico City Area is one of the largest urban areas in the world with population estimates ranging from 19.2 million to some 30 million people. In this city alone, there are hundreds of thousands of street children. Some have been orphaned. Others have been abandoned. Still, others are abused. All need the love of Jesus.

Lebanon Christian Church supports Ninos de Mexico, but also some of our ABF classes sponsor children from Ninos. If you are interested in more information about the ministry of Ninos, you can visit their website at:

http://ninosdemexico.org/

Getting to Know our Missions/Missionaries

2008-09-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

Christian Missionary Fellowship

This is a mission that is focused on spreading the gospel, through many different strategies. There are church planting, education, business, community development and medical components to their ministry. CMF has missionaries all over the world. We support CMF Ivory Coast, where the Gable are missionaries.

Andy & Stephanie Gable are CMF International missionaries to Ivory Coast. Committed to transforming lives with the love of Christ, they are a part of a missionary team caring for those afflicted with HIV/AIDS and teaching prevention and community awareness. Andy takes part in the outreach and church development among the Djoula Muslims. He also oversees the church planting & leadership training among the Agni and Attie people groups.

Lebanon Christian church currently supports CMF-and they were also our highlighted mission during VBS. Andy & Stephanie and thier children are currently here with us, on furlough. They plan to return to the Ivory Coast early this coming year, provided they receive all of the financial support they will need to do so. You may have had the opportunity to hear from them in a Sunday school class or ABF visit, but if not-Andy will be speaking during one of the Faith Promise services.

You can visit the CMF website at: http://www.cmfi.org/aboutus.html

Or, the Gable's website at: http://www.gablesinivorycoast.blogspot.com/

Global trends demand attention, presenting opportunities and challenges for missions. Our response to this rapidly changing world is to find powerful ways to fulfill the still valid command make disciples.Church Planting/ DisciplingCross-cultural church planting is at the very heart of CMF’s ministry as it has been from the beginning. As people hear the Gospel and respond to it, churches are planted. Leaders are discipled, trained, and sent out. Then a chain reaction begins among their own people that reaches across their nation and out to the world.
International Campus MinistryOne out of every 5 people in the world is between the ages of 15 and 24. These young people are universally connected ... the barriers between countries, political structures, ethnic groups, social classes, and occupations are coming down. But they are lost without knowing Jesus Christ, and their future determines the future of our world. These students are in need of Christian relationships and community. Medical Just as Jesus met felt needs during His ministry, it is obvious that the Good News is not good news until it resonates in the physical needs of a person’s life. Disease, physical debilitation, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, injury, birth, death, and a host of other illnesses present opportunities for demonstrating God’s love in a most personal and precious way.BusinessMany countries have closed their doors to missionaries and traditional mission methods for political or religious or social reasons. CMF has found that professionals are the key for entry -- whether short-term or long-term. They are invited by many governments to bring their skills and expertise to meet needs in those countries. These professionals become a working witness to God’s grace in the world’s marketplaces where there is no witness. EducationOne definition of a teacher is “one who provides knowledge, skill, and attitude development; a master or mentor who leads through insight, modeling, and the encouragement of others.” Although CMF’s missionaries would fill this definition in one respect or another, there are many fields that need those who would be called “teacher.”Community DevelopmentCMF seeks to minister to the whole person no matter what the economic status. Our vision is to establish holistic ministries that intentionally address the critical needs of the poor -- both urban and rural -- throughout the world. Our desire is that the poor experience economic, physical, social, and most importantly, spiritual transformation.

CMI Ivory Coast website: http://www.cmfi.org/ivorycoast.html

Andy & Stephanie's webpage: http://www.gablesinivorycoast.blogspot.com/

Getting to Know our Missions/Missionaries

2008-09-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Hanging Rock Christian Assembly was organized to teach the Good News revealed by God through Jesus Christ. It is believed that the teaching of these principles will lead to a desire to become one of His followers. The camp affords recreation and spiritual adventure in a Christian atmosphere.

Hanging Rock Christian Camp is a non-denominational camp. We use no other word than that inspired by the Holy Spirit and recorded in the Bible. We believe that baptism is essential to salvation. We do not discriminate against anyone because of race, or religious background. Our programs are designed to teach people about the Saving Grace of Jesus Christ revealed through the scriptures. Our purpose is that through the teachings and by the examples set by the faculty and the staff that people will want to seek Jesus Christ for their personal Lord and Savior.

Lebanon Christian Church has a long-standing relationship with Hanging Rock. It's provided a life-changing experience for so many of our young people. It's a place where our kids can go & be with other Christian kids, and deepen their faith & develop friendships through the many camp activities. We've also had adult & family camps in which some of our LCC families have participated over the years. For more about Hanging Rock, visit their website at: http://www.hangingrock.org/Default.htm Hanging Rock is located in western Indiana, in West Lebanon.

There are also pictures on the site, including the 2008 Summer Group Picture led by Jason Sell

Getting to Know our Missions/Missionaries

2008-09-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

The mission of Life Centers is to affirm the value of life by providing a network of care to those experiencing pregnancy-related crisis and by compassionately presenting Biblical truth resulting in changed lives to the glory of God.

With centers in central Indiana, including right here in Lebanon, this ministry assists women (& families) who find themselves in a situation of unplanned pregnancy. They share with these women, both Biblically & medically accurate information-to assist them in carrying thier pregnancies to term. They share the Gospel with them-they follow up & keep in touch with them throughout the pregnancy. In this way, they are able to give these women the emotional support they need, and offer practical advice, seeking solutions to problems that they encounter along the way. All services they offer are free of charge to their clients.

There are many opportunities to serve in this ministry aside from financial gifts. Because they are local, volunteering is a real possibility if you feel led in this way. They offer training courses for people to become counselors or crisis line personnel, but they also can use other administrative support. And of course, as with all of our missions, prayer!

You may visit this website at: https://www.lifecenters.com/index.php

Or for more information:

Boone County Pregnancy Center
1404 N Lebanon StreetLebanon, IN 46052
(765) 482-8179
(765) 482-3306 Client Line
Administration Office: (317) 280-2635

Get to Know Our Missions/Missionaries

2008-09-12T05:47:00.001-07:00

ESP is a Christian ministry dedicated to exposing the powers of Satan through the truth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. ESP is led by evangelist Ben Alexander, a former spiritualist medium who came face to face with the demons of the Prince of Darkness. Only through the Word of God was Ben able to be rescued from a "fate worse than death". Ben now travels the globe teaching the evils of the spirit world by sharing his first hand experiences with Satanic demons. By exposing Satan's power and at the same time teaching the love of God, Ben has brought thousands into Christ with his message.

Lebanon Christian Church has a long history in supporting Ben's ministry.

We are called not only to follow Christ, but to stand against the devil. To read more about his ministry, you can visit the website at http://espministries.com/main.html

Get to know our Missions/Missionaries

2008-08-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

Fellowship of Associates of Medical Evangelism

FAME exists to spread the fame of Jesus Christ to all nations through medical evangelism.

FAME seeks to lead people to Christ and meet real physical needs by partnering with other mission organizations to deliver a unique combination of medical mission services providing:
Desperately needed medical facilities, Life saving and sustaining medicines and medical supplies, Hands-on care through medically focused short-term mission teams.

FAME is based in Indianapolis, but sends medical missionaries all over the world. FAME partners with other missions & ministries, that are evangelism-focused. By meeting the physical & medical needs, a opportunity exists to plant the seed of the Gospel in the lives of people in eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean & South America.

For more information, or to access their online newsletters, visit the following website:

http://www.fameworld.org/home.aspx?iid=14334

Get to know our Missions/Missionaries

2008-08-21T05:57:00.000-07:00

Project Help (now known as The Caring Center) has evolved from a group of volunteers who provided a crisis line to "help" troubled individuals into a multi-program, not-for-profit organization now serving hundreds of needy families and thousands of individuals annually through the dedication of scores of volunteers. Today the Caring Center is the umbrella organization for four programs helping the needy of Boone County. These programs are The Caring Center, Transitional Housing, Community Garden, and Life Skills.

As the programs offered by The Caring Center have evolved, the organization has also grown and developed. Starting with a few dedicated, compassionate volunteers in the early 1980's, The Caring Center is now overseen by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director charged with supervising these programs and coordinating the caring work of our many volunteers.

The Numbers:

The U.S Census Bureau currently reports that more then 800 children in Boone County are living below the poverty line, including 285 families in the Lebanon Community School System. Lebanon Community Schools estimate that 30% of the children eligible for Free and Reduced lunches are experiencing homelessness (conservatively estimated at 55 children). Also, Stats Indiana reports a 100% increase in the last decade of the number of families eligible for food stamps.

Boone County population (53,526), persons under the age of 18, 25.8%. 1,907 are on the "Free and Reduced lunch program."

In 2007, we helped 11,283 individuals and 3,211 families – 5,330 were children.

Food: We helped 8,536 individuals representing 3,211 families – 3,837 were children

Clothing: We helped 3,704 individuals representing 1,045 families – over 1800 were children

We helped 225 children with new school supplies, socks

Lebanon Christian Church has partnered with the Caring Center for several years. For more information about the Caring Center, you can visit their website at http://www.thecaringcenter.net/index.shtml

The Caring Center currently is in need of donations!

If you can provide canned goods, non-perishables, personal items, cleaning supplies, etc. you may bring them to the church & drop them off in the cubbies outside the old sancutary. Or, you may take them directly to the Caring Center.

Thank you!

Sword of the Spirit

2008-07-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:11-18

"Put on the whole armor of God,so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood & flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything,
to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith,w ith which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints."
______________________________________________________
The following was preached on April 19th, 1891 by Charles Spurgeon(1834-1892)

To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world: it is a battle-field. Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world; for that would be enmity against God. His occupation is war. As he puts on piece by piece of the panoply provided for him, he may wisely say to himself, "This warns me of danger; this prepares me for warfare; this prophesies opposition."Difficulties meet us even in standing our ground; for the apostle, two or three times, bids us—"Stand."

In the rush of the fight, men are apt to be carried off their legs. If they can keep their footing, they will be victorious; but if they are borne down by the rush of their adversaries, everything is lost. You are to put on the heavenly armor in order that you may stand; and you will need it to maintain the position in which your Captain has placed you. If even to stand requires all this care, judge ye what the warfare must be! The apostle also speaks of withstanding as well as standing. We are not merely to defend, but also to assail. It is not enough that you are not conquered; you have to conquer: and hence we find, that we are to take, not only a helmet to protect the head, but also a sword, with which to annoy the foe. Ours, therefore, is a stern conflict, standing and withstanding; and we shall want all the armor from the divine magazine, all the strength from the mighty God of Jacob.

It is clear from our text that our defense and our conquest must be obtained by sheer fighting. Many try compromise; but if you are a true Christian, you can never do this business well. The language of deceit fits not a holy tongue. The adversary is the father of lies, and those that are with him understand the art of equivocation; but saints abhor it. If we discuss terms of peace, and attempt to gain something by policy, we have entered upon a course from which we shall return in disgrace. We have no order from our Captain to patch up a truce, and get as good terms as we can. We are not sent out to offer concessions. It is said that if we yield a little, perhaps the world will yield a little also, and good may come of it. If we are not too strict and narrow, perhaps sin will kindly consent to be more decent. Our association with it will prevent its being so barefaced and atrocious. If we are not narrow-minded, our broad doctrine will go down with the world, and those on the other side will not be so greedy of error as they now are. No such thing. Assuredly this is not the order which our Captain has issued.

When peace is to be made, he will make it himself, or he will tell us how to behave to that end; but at present our orders are very different. Neither may we hope to gain by being neutral, or granting an occasional truce. We are not to cease from conflict, and try to be as agreeable as we can with our Lord's foes, frequenting their assemblies, and tasting their dainties. No such orders are written here. You are to grasp your weapon, and go forth to fight. Neither may you so much as dream of winning the battle by accident. No man was ever holy by a happy chance. Infinite damage may be done by carelessness; but no man ever won life's battle by it. To let things go on as they please, is to let them bear us down to hell. We have no orders to be quiet, and take matters easily. No; we are to pray always, and watch constantly.

The one note that rings out from the text is this:—TAKE THE SWORD! TAKE THE SWORD! No longer is it, talk and debate! No longer is it, parley and compromise! The word of thunder is—Take the sword. The Captain's voice is clear as a trumpet—Take the sword! No Christian man here will have been obedient to our text unless with clear, sharp, and decisive firmness, courage, and resolve, he takes the sword. We must go to heaven sword in hand, all the way. "TAKE THE SWORD." On this command I would enlarge. May the Holy Spirit help me!

The Helmet of Salvation

2008-06-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:11-18
"Put on the whole armor of God,so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood & flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything,

to stand firm.
Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith,w ith which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints."

Satan focuses his attacks on people's minds. He can not make us sin so he tries to persuade us into sin. This gives him a foothold in our minds that he can work on. He tries to make the foothold bigger and bigger and grow it into a stronghold in a person's mind.

Sins generally are rooted in one or more of the following, all of which exist in the mind of a person:
Fear
Lust
Anger
Pride
The helmet of salvation is the protection God gives us for our mind. As Christians, our salvation has been bought and paid for in-full; forgiven and forgotten completely.

The helmet of salvation also gives us the courage to continue to ask God for his forgiveness for our sins and believe His word that they are indeed forgiven. Satan is the accuser - he will accuse you of everything you have ever done in your life over and over again if he can get you to accept his accusations. Revelation 12:10

When we do sin, we need to realize it, go immediately to God and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. We need to forgive others completely for their sins in order to be able to receive forgiveness from God. Then we need to pray for the strength of the Lord to repent from our sins-so we do not do them anymore.

The act of putting on the helmet of salvation protects your head and mind. It reaffirms your relationship with Jesus and also gives you courage because you ARE saved and ARE going to heaven. The helmet of salvation also gives your mind a protected place to rest in Jesus so you can let Him fight your battles!

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." -2Cor 10:5

Please continue to pray for our church family; for protection, for wisdom & guidance, and for continued spritual growth.

Put On the Full Armor of God

2008-06-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Sheild of Faith

Roman soldiers used a protective marching shield, about 2 ft wide & 4 ft tall to protect themselves against arrows & missiles. This sheild was most effective when it is used with others. The sheilds were actually made so that they interlocked along the sides. We are more effective together, than individually too. When we are vulnerable, the faith of others surrounds & protects us, helping to guard us.

Before it was used it was dipped in water, because it was usually covered with leather or animal skin and sometimes linen. The water helped to extinguish flames from enemy arrows. The sheild prevents suffering & death. It prevents not only being 'cut' by an arrow, but also from being burned. The breastplate covers the heart & vital parts of the body, but without the sheild of faith, there is not full protection from attack.

The faith that will extinguish the flaming arrows of the devil is an active living faith in Jesus. It’s complete confidence and perfect trust in Jesus for daily guidance and strength. We can't depend on our own strength-for we will surely fail. Our only defense is trusting in Jesus our Lord & Savior.

What are your fiery arrows? Temptations that present themselves at your weakest moments? Lies? Thoughts that are not in line with God's character? Doubts about your salvation, or your Savior? Doubt about what God's will is for you? Unwillingness to submit yourself wholly to God?

Faith is very powerful in our lives. Hebrews 11:1 says it give us the ability to be certain of what we cannot see. But to have this certainty we must trust in what we do have and that is God’s word. Romans 10:17 states that faith comes though hearing the message of Christ. So that means we must make ourselves available to the message whether it is during a worship service, in a small group bible study, or studying the scriptures alone.

We can trust in God’s many promises, but in order to trust in them we must know them. One thing is for certain; we will never have all the answers this side of death so our faith must be strong. But remember, faith is part of God’s plan. He doesn’t want you to know everything, he wants you to trust and rely on Him. Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please Him without it. So hear the Word and strengthen your faith and please God!

Pray this week that God will lead you & guide you, and that you will have the faith to trust in His promises for you. Ask God to reveal His wisdom & will in the Word as you study it. Ask God to help you trust in Him alone.

Please continue to pray for protection, guidance & spiritual growth for our church family.

Put on the Full Armor of God

2008-06-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

Feet Fitted With Readiness

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,

but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

The shoes or boots of a Roman soldier where no ordinary shoes, and they were not made for running. They were designed to help the soldier keep his footing during battle. They were made of leather-no surprise there-but they had soles that consisted of several layers of leather, into which several 'hob nails' were incorporated. These metal spikes extended at least 1/2 " if not up to more than an inch. The purpose was to help the soldier keep his feet planted firmly into the ground, and not be moved. These were not 'flight' shoes, these were 'fight' shoes!

The gospel of peace, the Truth that Christ left us in His Word, is our readiness-and how we fight our enemy. This is what keeps our feet firmly planted-ready for battle with the already-defeated enemy. Our faith is rooted in the gospel message, that Christ was born, lived, died & was resurrected for the forgiveness of our sins. If we accept this Truth and surrender our lives to him, we have already won against the enemy-don't let him fool you into thinking otherwise!

Take the gospel of peace with you wherever you go. Bitterness brings trouble, but peace brings forgiveness and grace.

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Heb 12:14-15

"Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:18

"And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

Peace will protect you by guarding your emotions, especially the emotion of anger. Sow peace instead of trouble and Satan will struggle in finding a way to attack you.

Pray this week that God would reveal His peace in you. Ask Him to help you stay grounded in your faith, so you can stand against any attack-and not be moved. Pray that He will use you to spread His gospel of peace, through the thoughts, words & actions in your life.

Please continue to lift up our church family in prayer for protection, for spiritual growth & for continued strength, wisdom & guidance as we seek to obey His will & spread His message to our community and our world.

Put on the Full Armor of God

2008-05-26T03:47:00.000-07:00

Breastplate of Righteousness

In battle, a breastplate protects the vital organs-including the heart. Our heart is where our emotions reside, and our emotions are often used by the the enemy. The righteousness of Christ protects our heart from the enemy's attacks, sheiding us from the damage that can be done by doubt, fear, anger, sadness, bitterness. The breastplate of righteousness is what allows us to stand in the presence of God (our sins covered by the sacrifice at the cross), and to go boldly into battle with the enemy. We are protected from the accusations of our past sins, accusations that we are unworthy, or that we are somehow not 'good enough' Christians.

Righteousness comes only by our accepting Jesus as our Savior. Apart from him, we can not acheive righteousness. Though righteousness is not earned by us, we must allow it to become part of us, working in cooperation with God & His will.

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1Peter 2:24

Jesus gave us authority. The devil may have power, but he has no authority over your life, unless you give up your authority (given by Christ when you accept Him as your Savior) to him.

"I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:18-20

We do not wear the breastplate of righteousness proudly for all to see; we wear it in humility to the One who offered it to us as a gift; we did not earn it. However, against the enemy we wear it boldly, confidently, courageously and with authority for all the power that is in it to protect us from Satan, is the power of God himself.

Pray this week that God would reveal His righteousness in you. Ask Him for forgiveness for unconfessed sin, which prevents you from experiencing this righteousness, leaving you vulnerable to attack by the enemy. Seek His guidance & will for your life, so that your thoughts, deeds & actions become more like those of Christ every day.

Put on the Whole Armor of God

2008-05-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 6:11-18

Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith,w ith which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints."

The Belt of Truth

Soldiers in battle wore belts to hold their other garments in place, so they did not stumble. The belt also held their weapons. The belt of truth is what holds all of the other items in your spiritual defense in place. When your belt is on, and your garments are held in place, you are ready for battle. A loosened belt signifies you are at rest, and not ready for battle. Your guard is down.

Truth is in the mind & in the heart.

Mind:

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." -1Peter 1:13-15

Heart:

'Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall', but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.' -1 Peter 1:22-25

Pray this week that God would open your mind & your heart to His Truth. Pray for the strength & persistence in prayer, that your relationship with the Father, the Spirit & the Son will deepen. This is the lifeline that gives us all the hope, the joy & the confidence that God is with us, He loves us, He has great plans for us, and wants to bless us.

Ask God to guide your thoughts, your actions & your words-so that you can set your heart & mind on what He wants for your life.

Lift up our church family in prayer, praying in particular for protection & spiritual growth.

Above all, worship & praise Him with all your heart-expecting the blessings He has in store for you.

One Week to Live

2008-03-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

What if you knew you only had one week to live?

This week, we'll look at Jesus' last week on earth and see how he spent his final earthly days in the knowledge of what was to come. We've included some scripture references, thoughts, and ideas for prayer for you to enjoy alone or with your family. Let us reflect, learn and pray together as a church family as we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter Sunday.

To read the Holy Scriptures, just click on the links provided.

The following sections entitled "Jesus' day" for each day contain text taken directly from Seven Days to Live by Bill Hybels .

Saturday before Palm Sunday

2008-03-12T00:05:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"The weekend before his death, Jesus stayed at the home of three of his closest friends in the small town of Bethany, about two miles outside Jerusalem. These people weren't among his 12 disciples; they were personal friends—Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus chose to spend his last days of freedom with them." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
John 12:1-11
Psalm 34

Thought

Jesus was also anointed that day in Bethany. The scene depicts at least four of his closest friends present and worshiping him in different ways.

First, Lazarus is reclining at the table, perhaps just chatting with Jesus. Lazarus, not too long before this day, was raised from the dead by a broken-hearted and weeping Jesus after being dead three whole days. These were close friends! Next, Martha is hard at work, making the place comfortable for her Lord and for all of those in his presence. She is happy to please and serve. We find Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet, anointing him in an actual and prophetic way, not holding back any love. Mary worships whole heartedly and is unreserved for he who is worthy. Then there is beloved John, who eventually journaled this event, admiring, loving and noticing the intense beauty and glory of the moment. Clearly every thought and action of these four are naturally and lovingly focused on their friend and Messiah. Their lives equaled worship for Jesus. The only one not worshiping is Judas. Judas sits criticizing the worshipers, calling the beautiful act of Mary a waste.

Reflection

Jesus is with us as often as we care to acknowledge him and even more. As you prepare your heart for Easter and spend more time with Jesus this week, what kind of worshiper will you be? Will you serve him in your home and work to make everyone feel at ease and comfortable enough to get a little closer look? Will you live out loud and not hold back your worship in word or deed in any way, even to the point of appearing foolish to those who aren’t worshiping? Will you find time to sit at the table and recline – to chat, listen and enjoy time with your close friend, Jesus? Or will you take time to notice the Lord’s presence and the effect of that presence among us – to take notes on the beauty of community and store up stories of God’s goodness in your heart?

Prayer of the Day

Pray that God will incline you to worship with your actions, heart, breath and speech until your life equals worship. Remember, you are sharing a space with no ordinary man, no ordinary visitor, but the risen Son of God, Savior of the world. Pray that everyone in our church would be true worshipers in spirit and in truth with minds not set on their own gain.

Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday)

2008-03-12T00:04:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"On Palm Sunday—six days before Jesus' death—people lined the streets, waving palms as he entered Jerusalem. It was the first-century equivalent of our ticker-tape parades for heroes down the streets of New York City.
Jesus' popularity was at an all-time high; his teaching had astonishing power. Jesus had changed people's hearts and healed them physically. He'd even recently brought someone back from the dead! By far, Jesus was one of the most popular people in the entire Middle East." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Zechariah 9:9-1o

Mark 11:1-11 , Matthew 21:1-11 , Luke 19:29-44 , John 12:12-19
Matthew 16:13-20

Thought

People had all kinds of ideas about the identity of Jesus. Some thought he was Elijah or Jeremiah, still others thought of him as a political figure or a person with mysterious powers. On the day of his triumphal entry, a large crowd covered the ground with garments, grass and branches. Some participated and knew why and some participated and didn't know why. We can imagine that some were trying to place a face with the stories they had heard while some stood back and watched the Christ.
Still today people have different ideas about who Jesus was and is. Some think he is distant or demanding while others think he is stiff or dry. Drawing close to Jesus means coming close enough to compare our own ideas of him with God's holy truth. It means that we may have to admit that we don't know him as well as we'd like. If we get close enough, our own limited ideas and notions based on our view will be blown away by the absolute truth of God's amazing plan and unbelievable saving grace. Jesus will always be more wonderful, more capable and more gracious than we can allow ourselves to believe.

Reflection

Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do you say I am?". What would you like to know about Jesus? How has your image of Jesus changed over the course of your life as a believer? Who do you say Jesus is and what would your life look like if you constantly lived your answer to that question?

Prayer

Ask God to open your eyes to see who Jesus truly is through his word. Ask him to help you to live your answer to "Who do you think I am?" with your whole life.

Monday

2008-03-12T00:03:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"On this day, Jesus did something that shocked people. Known for his love, gentleness, and humility, Jesus came into the temple, saw all the little arcades set up for commercial business, and cleaned house. He overturned the merchants' tables and kicked them out of the temple. People had never seen this side of Jesus before." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:12-19, Luke 19:45-48
Isaiah 56:6-8

Thought

"As [Jesus] taught them, he said, "Is it not written:
" 'My house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

One historical commentary notes that money changing in the temple, basically exchanging currencies, was normal, but was only sanctioned strictly for temple-related activities. Clearly, there were activities going on inside the temple that had no place there. The scriptures say that the crowds hung on Jesus' every word, the Truth, which may mean that they knew all along something was out of place.
Jesus brought focus into the temple.

Reflection

Jesus has given us his eternal words to hang on forever. When we feel as though something is amiss, do we go with the flow or stop and seek out the truth of God through his holy Word? Are we mindful of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer of the Day

Praise God for giving you his word. Pray that God would incline you to cling to and delight in his Word. Ask that he would strengthen you to keep your temple pure.

Consider those things for which you have not sought out guidance in his word; ask God's gracious forgiveness for substituting your own solutions for his truth. Consider whether there is anything going on in relation to your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, that has no place there; ask God's willing forgiveness.

Pray for our church to be a people of the Word.

Tuesday

2008-03-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"Jesus taught from early morning till late at night. When the sun went down on Tuesday, his earthly teaching was done.
As dusk approached, Jesus taught the parable of the talents. In those final moments before his teaching ministry came to an end, he told his listeners, in essence, "You have one life. That's it. Some of you have all kinds of gifts and abilities; some of you have less. But don't squander the one and only life God's given you; do something noble and great with it.
Jesus also spoke about the day of reckoning. The closest our society comes to that is tax day—April 15—a financial day of reckoning! But Jesus referred to the day when all moral accounts will be settled." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 21:18 - 26:5, Mark 11:20-13:36,
Luke 20:1-21:38, John 12:20-50

Thought

The volume of Jesus' recorded teachings on this day is astonishing! We have busy days, but this was a truly busy day - Christ's last day of teaching the crowds. As you read and enjoy the scriptures, imagine being there to hear Jesus speak those words.

Reflection

Jesus' life had a drive, purpose and rhythm established by his Father. Are our busy schedules orchestrated by the Father as well?

Prayer of the Day

Lord, from your last lessons written in these verses, my heart is moved. Let my one life be lived for you.
Give me faith enough to not doubt (Matt. 21:21)
and help me to do what my Father wants. (Matt. 21:31)
I acknowledge you as the capstone (Matt. 21:42)
and believe that you are the God of the living. (Matt. 22:32)
Help me to love the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind (Matt 22:37)
and to know the scriptures well enough to defend what I believe.
Humble me, so that I may be exalted. Humble me. (Matt. 23:12)
Keep me from being deceived by anyone (Matt. 24:4-5)
and help me to keep watch for your return. (Matt. 24:42)
Give me guidance to be faithful with what you have given me (Matt. 21:14-30)
and the eyes to see the needs among us.
Let me not forget that in serving my brothers, I am serving you. (Matt. 25:35-40)
All that I have, I give to you (Mark 12:44)

Thank you for your teachings recorded in the Word. Thank you for leaving us with challenging words of guidance and hope.

Wednesday

2008-03-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"Most scholars believe this was a day of solitude for Jesus. He was doing the most important thing he could—getting alone with God. As he quieted himself, he heard the still small whisper of his Father say, "You're on a mission, and it's going to be difficult, but I'm asking you to endure. I'll be with you." " - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Psalm 131

As soon as Jesus heard the news [of John the Baptist's beheading], he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns (Matthew 14:13).

After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone (Matthew 14:23).

Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them (Luke 4:42).

Thought

Jesus always made time to withdraw from people to spend time alone with God. Jesus who was God in flesh and who lived a perfect existence knew that it was important to spend time alone with God. In his last week, when there was so much to be said and done, so much work to do, so much to think about, so much to rest up from or rest up for, a day alone with his Father was top priority.

Reflection

If time alone with the Father was so important to Jesus, how much more important it is for us! Time will not set itself aside for us. No one is going to open our Bibles for us, kick us into our rooms and shut the door. We can claim what is ours through Jesus - access to our loving Father, and we can approach him freely.

Prayer of the Day

Please make time to enjoy spiritual solitude - alone time with God - today. Your prayer may be a prayer of silence or a prayer of pain. It may be a prayer of need or of thanksgiving. You may have a mission ahead of you or a past issue to resolve. Whatever the case, do not delay - seek him and be strengthened by him.

Maundy Thursday

2008-03-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"This day, Jesus took a normal Passover meal and changed it forever. All the arrangements had been made, but then the foot-washer didn't show up! The disciples came to dinner with dusty feet, and stood around asking who messed up the arrangements. It never dawned on them that maybe one of them could humble himself to do that for anybody else.
Jesus came, took off his robe, put a towel over his arm, filled a basin with water, then knelt down and started washing the disciples' feet. They couldn't believe it! The Son of God, the Savior of the world—and he had the humility to wash their feet." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 26:17-75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-65,
John 13:1-18:26

Thoughts

Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the day that we remember Jesus having his last meal with his disciples. Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum (like mandate) and refers to John's account of Jesus giving the disciples a new commandment, a new order.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, you also ought to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. - John 13:34-35

Jesus set an example of humility, service and love. "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." - John 13:14

He also had the first communion with his disciples during that meal. (Matt. 26:26-29)

Reflection

What would it have been like to be in the room the night that Jesus washed feet and broke bread? Tonight as we sit down to our own Thursday evening meal, let us remember Jesus and tell the stories of his last meal with his disciples.

Prayer of the Day

Pray that God would make you a washer of feet and that our church body would be a people looking to wash each other's feet in service. May we humbly serve each other and those in our community as we follow Christ's example.

Good Friday (Holy Friday)

2008-03-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"On Friday, Jesus voluntarily submitted to be nailed to a cross.
The Bible says at noon the skies got dark. There was an earthquake. The temple veil was torn. People suddenly realized that when Jesus cried out, "It is finished," and then died, he was no ordinary man.
Jesus was taken from the cross, prepared for burial, and put in a tomb." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 27:11-61, Mark 15, Luke 22:66-23:56,
John 18:28-19:42
Romans 6:1-14

Thought

Good Friday is a day we remember the painful crucifixion of our Savior. It is a day of mourning, a time of remembering that tightens our stomachs. It pains us to remember and recall the details, but it is in remembering those details that we realize we are recipients of the most gracious gift of God.
We are forgiven because he was forsaken, as the song says. We are accepted, he was condemned. In the cross, we quickly feel little and unworthy of such a great gift from the awesome and Most High God. We say, "You did this for me? But, why?". We are in disbelief that by one death, death is conquered. Death is conquered! Good Friday is a day of great love and recalling that:

"The cross reveals that Jesus has conquered sin and death and that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the love of Christ. ... not fear, guilt, shame, self-hatred, or even death can tear us away from the love of God, made visible in Jesus the Lord.
Listening to the faint heartbeat of the dying Rabbi is a powerful stimulus to the recovery of passion." - Brennan Manning, Abba's Child

God is faithful in fulfilling His words. Praise Him.

Reflection

Galatians 2:20-21 says "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

What does it mean to you to be crucified with Christ in your life today? What is he calling you to do as an act of faith? What would your life look like if you surrendered all that you are to the freedom offered through Christ by the grace of God?

Prayer of the Day

Thank you Lord Jesus for bearing our sins and healing us by your wounds, so that we can live freely. Help us to die to our old selves and our sinful desires and to live lives worthy of the calling we have received. (1 Peter 2:24, Eph. 4:1, Romans 6:1-14)

Spend some time at the foot of the cross today.

Holy Saturday

2008-03-11T23:58:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"Saturday—is most difficult of all, because it's the day between the promise and the fulfillment of the promise. Jesus had predicted he'd be crucified, and that he'd rise from the dead. He was dead all right. But would he come back?" - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Matthew 27:62-66
Jeremiah 29:11-14

Thoughts

On the Jewish day of rest, Jesus rested in the tomb. Can you imagine the thoughts of the disciples and those who heard Jesus teach as they were weeping and mourning? Traditionally Holy Saturday is a day of contemplation of what a life without Christ would be like. It is a time of weeping that lasts for the night while awaiting the joy that comes in the morning (Psa 30:5).

Reflection

Contemplate today how different life would be without the hope we find in the Risen Lord.

Are you completely putting your hope in Jesus? Or are you putting portions of your hope elsewhere - as though any other thing has more to offer?

Prayer of the Day

Ask God to be with you today in your day of waiting for celebration. Ask Him to be the Lord of your thoughts and your hope.

Easter Sunday!

2008-03-11T23:57:00.000-07:00

Jesus' Day

"On Sunday, Jesus burst forth from the tomb exactly as he'd predicted. The guards at the tomb saw him, went back to tell the officials, "He's alive!" and were paid to keep quiet about it.
Jesus appeared to more than 500 people—cynics as well as believers—before he ascended into heaven. There was no question about whether or not Jesus was resurrected." - Bill Hybels

Holy Scriptures
Psalm 98
Matthew 28
Mark 16
Luke 24
John 20, 21

Thought

Is it really surprising that from Jesus' greatest act of love, his greatest power would flow? The life of the Christian is not the imitation of a dead hero. The Christian lives in Christ and Christ lives in the Christian through the Holy Spirit. He is empowered to lead a new life where sin has no place. - Brennan Manning

"How often are Christians unwilling to believe that they have been transformed and that the impossible has become possible?" - John McKenzie

Reflection

How can we not lift our hands in praise today? How can we not rejoice with singing? How can we not smile when we think of what God has done for us? How can we walk away from the scriptures unmoved? How can today not be different from all other days?

Prayer of the Day

We praise you, O God! Your faithfulness is astounding. You made a way for us to appear blameless in your sight through the life, death and resurrection of your most holy son, Jesus. You have made a way for us to speak with you freely and to know you intimately. We praise You! May the praises of this day overflow to every day.

Easter Vigil Prayer Guide

2008-03-09T23:10:00.000-07:00

To download and print this guide, click here:

Easter Vigil Prayer Guide pdf

Easter Vigil - 2008

Opening Prayer

>Lord, you have given us a Counselor – the Spirit of truth (John 14:17) and it is written that “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Rom. 8:26). Lord God, let your Spirit guide us now as we enter in to this time of prayer asking all things in the name of your son Jesus according to your holy will (John 14). Thank you for saving us by grace through faith, as a gift to us, not because of our own works (Eph. 2:8-9) and for making a way for us to appear blameless and holy in your sight. Thank you for Jesus.

Please feel free to use this guide-or not; follow the guidance of the Spirit. This guide is merely a tool to help you, if you need it. There are some suggestions for prayers & some scriptures you can read. There are also prayer journals and ideas on the table for you to use. If you are led to pray about just one thing, that is perfect, too.

Preparing Our Hearts and Minds

Praise and Adoration (Read Psalm 103):

Begin your time in prayer with a time of praise and adoration to God for his attributes.

(You may invite everyone in your group do a ‘popcorn’ prayer starting with “I praise You because...” or “I love You/adore You because...”)

Confession – Agreeing with God on sin

Psalm 51:17 (Amplified Version) “My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.”

Mark 11: 25, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop-leave it go-in order that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive your own failings and shortcomings and let them drop.”

Reading of God’s word -

Read the following passages at least three times (in different voices if in a group) and notice what word or words stand out to you.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 6:18

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Meditation - Briefly reflect on what word or words stood out to you and why. Pray about what God wants you to grasp about prayer through His word.

Thanking God and (Thanksgiving)

Presenting our Requests to God (Supplication)

For the Easter Services

Offer prayers of Thanksgiving for

...the very First Easter.

...Jesus. And God’s awesome plan.

...the freedom to celebrate.

...Lebanon High School.

...all of our volunteers.

...our church family.

Request that

...everything done and said would be of the God alone.

...Christ’s death, burial and resurrection be ever before us at Easter and always.

Present Requests for

...those who have been invited.

...those who will be visiting for the first time.

...the members of the church.

...the teachers and childcare volunteers.

...the children attending.

...the message and Lee.

...those leading worship.

...a time of celebration.

For our Church

Offer prayers of Thanksgiving for our church family and for those who serve among us humbly through actions and prayer.

Present Requests for the Growing Church

May those growing up in the church, grow each day to know You more and delight in your ways.

For our children to grasp how high, how deep and how wide is the love of Jesus (Eph. 3:18)

For our teens to do everything without complaining or arguing, so that they may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation. Help them to shine like stars in the universe as they hold out the word of life— 1 Peter 5:5-10.

For our college students and young adults to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will though all spiritual wisdom and understanding and that they may live a life worthy of the Lord to please him in every way (Col. 1:9-10)

Present Requests for Leadership

For our elders that they will be willing shepherds, eager to serve, and an example to the flock – I Peter 5:1-4

For our Bible study leaders and Sunday school teachers to proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. – Col. 1:28

Our volunteers and our ministry team leaders - that “the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Our staff – That they will have “the wisdom that comes from heaven [that] is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” May they be “peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” - James 3:17-18

For those who lead by living a Godly example – we thank you so much for leaders such as these in our church family. Please bless them.

Prayers for the new in faith and those who are being called to believe

Lord, for those who are searching for you - may they find you and be found by you. May those new in the faith stand firm. For all of those in our church who haven't yet found a place to learn and grow, a place to serve and use their talents, a place be encouraged by other believers and grow to know you more – we ask that you would lead them and guide them to true community among us.

Prayers for Our Entire Church Body

Prayers for Holy Living - Colossians 3:1-17

Since, then, we at Lebanon Christian Church have been raised with Christ, may we set our hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. May we set our minds on things above, not on earthly things. For we died, and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, then may we also appear with him in glory.

May we, at Lebanon Christian Church, put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to our earthly natures: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. We used to walk in these ways, in the lives we once lived. But now we must rid ourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from our lips. May we not lie to each other, since we have taken off our old selves with its practices and have put on the new selves, which are being renewed in knowledge in the image of their Creator. Here may there be no [insiders or outsiders] but may Christ be all, and in all.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, may we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. May we bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. May we forgive as the Lord forgave us. And over all these virtues may we put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

May we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we were called to peace. And help us to be thankful and to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as we sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, may we do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Imitating Christ's Humility – Philippians 2:1-11

If we have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then may we make [his] joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. God, help us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility may we consider others better than ourselves. May each believer at Lebanon Christian Church look not only to their own interests, but also to the interests of others.

May our attitudes be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

A prayer to remember “the least of these” – from Matthew 25:31-40

Lord, when we are gathered before you and you say “to those on [your] right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.'” May we be among those who have been faithful. Give us eyes to see those in need among us and the compassion of Christ to serve. May it me true of us when you say , “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' May we remember that whatever we do for one of the least of these brothers of yours, we are doing for you.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give us, at LCC a spirit of unity among ourselves as we follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 15:5-6

May we at Lebanon Christian Church, individually and as a whole, “consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus [our] Lord, for whose sake” may we be willing to lose all things. May we “consider them rubbish, that [we] may gain Christ and be found in him...”
Philippians 3:8-9

Lord, give us the strength to confess to each other and pray for one another that we may be healed. - James 5:16

For our community

Offer prayers Thanksgiving for our community.

Present Requests for

...the spiritually lost in our community.

...us to be the arms and legs as we encounter the hurting and those in physical and emotional need. – Matt. 25:34-40

...all church families in our community to work together to reach the lost for Christ.

...the missions within the community that we support.

For the world

Offer prayers of Thanksgiving for

...the freedom to worship God and speak freely of him where we live.

...being the one true God who created the world and loves all who live in it.

...that He so loved the world that He sent his son. - 1 John 3:16

Present Requests for

...peace on earth

...the members of our armed forces serving in the war against terror.

...those causing terror to come to know our Lord as Savior.

...everyone across the globe to come to know our Lord as Savior and praise His name.

...the persecuted church.

...God to call people, even members of our church family, to preach and teach about Him around the world (“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9:37-38)

...the missionaries that we support.

...missionaries around the globe.

THANK YOU for praying with us!

Numbers 6:24-26

24 " ' "The LORD bless you
and keep you;

25 the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

26 the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace." ' Amen.