'SHINE' is the internet podcast ministry of Lighthouse Christian Church in Oceanside, California; an outreach program shining the light of God's truth and love. Website: http://www.lightcc.org/shine. Address: 4700 Mesa Drive, Oceanside, CA 92057. Phone: (760) 726-0590. Our hope is, as you listen to these sermons, you will have ears to hear what God is saying in these critical times. May God shine his light on each one of our paths as we listen to His Word. http://www.lightcc.org/shine en-us Lighthouse Christian Church - Oceanside, CA - http://www.lightcc.org May God shine his light on each one of our paths as we listen to His Word. Pastor Mike Openshaw 'SHINE' is the internet podcast ministry of Lighthouse Christian Church in Oceanside, California; an outreach program shining the light of God's truth and love. Website: http://www.lightcc.org/shine. Address: 4700 Mesa Drive, Oceanside, CA 92057. Phone: (760) 726-0590. Our hope is, as you listen to these sermons, you will have ears to hear what God is saying in these critical times. May God shine his light on each one of our paths as we listen to His Word. Jerome Alona gyrolistic@gmail.com http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/56F4BEF If you come every Sunday to church that's great.  If you write a check and put it in the offering that's wonderful.  If you look for opportunities to serve and minister that's awesome. But wht are you doing it?  Where is your heart in all of it?  Are we doing it out of obligation - because it's part of the routine of the week?  Are we doing it because we think God needs it?  Perhaps God would prefer us to stay home if we are simply trying to win favor with Him or because we feel we have to and our heart isn't His. Dinners With Jesus itemId:56F4BEF Sun, 1 Aug 2010 10:00:00 PDT Youth Pastor Jonathan Gleason God doesn't want our empty rituals, God wants our hearts If you come every Sunday to church that's great.  If you write a check and put it in the offering that's wonderful.  If you look for opportunities to serve and minister that's awesome. But wht are you doing it?  Where is your heart in all of it?  Are we doing it out of obligation - because it's part of the routine of the week?  Are we doing it because we think God needs it?  Perhaps God would prefer us to stay home if we are simply trying to win favor with Him or because we feel we have to and our heart isn't His. 00:49:30 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/760E9FD Look at what Jesus did with the mismatched bunch of people called to be His disciples.  Levi was a hated agent of Rome, and Simon the Zealot belonged to a group dedicated to the violent overthrow of Rome and its agents.  It would be like a Tea Party member and a Black Panther in the same club - a recipe for disaster.  The disciples would have killed each other if it wasn't for Jesus.  They were bitter enemies who could only be brought together through Jesus Christ - whose love and forgiveness breaks down the walls that divide us.  John Scully was president of Pepsi when Steve Jobs recruited him to come join him at Apple Computers with the famous line, "Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?"  What a great question!  It's pretty much what Jesus is still asking us today, "Do you want to do something inconsequential for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?"  What do you want to do?  I say, "Let's change the world for Jesus - our Savior, our Lord, and our greatest friend!" Dinners With Jesus itemId:760E9FD Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:00:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Jesus is the only one who can unite us Look at what Jesus did with the mismatched bunch of people called to be His disciples.  Levi was a hated agent of Rome, and Simon the Zealot belonged to a group dedicated to the violent overthrow of Rome and its agents.  It would be like a Tea Party member and a Black Panther in the same club - a recipe for disaster.  The disciples would have killed each other if it wasn't for Jesus.  They were bitter enemies who could only be brought together through Jesus Christ - whose love and forgiveness breaks down the walls that divide us.  John Scully was president of Pepsi when Steve Jobs recruited him to come join him at Apple Computers with the famous line, "Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?"  What a great question!  It's pretty much what Jesus is still asking us today, "Do you want to do something inconsequential for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?"  What do you want to do?  I say, "Let's change the world for Jesus - our Savior, our Lord, and our greatest friend!" 00:34:47 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/2D513CA What was your best food gathering in the last year and why?  Our Lord did not save His first miracle for a big public event, but at a small social event - a common wedding of common people.  It was at a village girl's wedding in a small town in Galilee that Jesus first revealed His glory.  As a result, His disciples, like water, were changed - they put their faith in Him.  That was the purpose of His miracles - not to dazzle, but to affirm His Divine identity so that people might believe and be saved and find real life. Dinners With Jesus itemId:2D513CA Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:00:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Jesus turns our losses into surpluses What was your best food gathering in the last year and why?  Our Lord did not save His first miracle for a big public event, but at a small social event - a common wedding of common people.  It was at a village girl's wedding in a small town in Galilee that Jesus first revealed His glory.  As a result, His disciples, like water, were changed - they put their faith in Him.  That was the purpose of His miracles - not to dazzle, but to affirm His Divine identity so that people might believe and be saved and find real life. 00:41:43 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/829D413 Our hope and strength are in Jehovah! itemId:829D413 Sun, 4 Jul 2010 09:34:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw A nation's strength is not in the size of it's military and weapons, but in the size of it's faith and trust in God Our hope and strength are in Jehovah! 00:40:36 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/CE86C98 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.  Psalm 46 describes God like a life-giving river whose refreshing streams makes a city's inhabitants glad.  Jerusalem actually had no physical river which many cities had in order to sustain life and supply them in case of attack.  God's people in a very arid land had to depend upon Him (like a river) for their very lives.  The river is a symbol for that which gives life - which flows from God to us.  Today Jesus offers us this life-giving water: "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:14)  Have you drank from these waters? Or are you spiritually parched? God invites you to come, drink, and be glad! itemId:CE86C98 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:04:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Whether we face ware or a national crisis or a personal calamity, our refuge and strength, and our help is in God alone God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.  Psalm 46 describes God like a life-giving river whose refreshing streams makes a city's inhabitants glad.  Jerusalem actually had no physical river which many cities had in order to sustain life and supply them in case of attack.  God's people in a very arid land had to depend upon Him (like a river) for their very lives.  The river is a symbol for that which gives life - which flows from God to us.  Today Jesus offers us this life-giving water: "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:14)  Have you drank from these waters? Or are you spiritually parched? God invites you to come, drink, and be glad! 00:49:32 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/D920A78 American Express has the slogan: "Everyday life has its own rewards."  A biblical slogan would be: "A godly life has its own rewards."  Who is a blessed man? Psalm 112 tells us is one who fears the Lord and one who loves God's Word.  itemId:D920A78 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 10:01:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw A Father's Day Message American Express has the slogan: "Everyday life has its own rewards."  A biblical slogan would be: "A godly life has its own rewards."  Who is a blessed man? Psalm 112 tells us is one who fears the Lord and one who loves God's Word.  00:38:15 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/8844440 Psalm 150 is the last of the Psalms, the great hymn book of praise, many of which were sung in the temple and later in synagogue worship.  The focus of Psalms (the book of worship) is to praise and glorify God, and the whole focus of our own lives and worship should be to praise and glorify God. itemId:8844440 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:37:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Going to church to worship God should make us glad, not sad! Psalm 150 is the last of the Psalms, the great hymn book of praise, many of which were sung in the temple and later in synagogue worship.  The focus of Psalms (the book of worship) is to praise and glorify God, and the whole focus of our own lives and worship should be to praise and glorify God. 00:43:06 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/271F698 Eugene Peterson, who paraphrased "The Message" wrote, "Some people think of themselves as a little higher than the heavenly beings.  Others think a little lower than the beasts of the field.  Both extremes need correction.  We don't improve or correct our self-image by looking in the mirror or by introspective meditation, but by listening to the voice of our Creator through His Word."  Can you hear that voice speaking to you today?  We cannot understand ourselves or our world apart from God - our Creator is the key. itemId:271F698 Sun, 6 Jun 2010 11:30:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw An ordered and joyful life can be yours, if you will put God in his rightful place, in the center of your life. Eugene Peterson, who paraphrased "The Message" wrote, "Some people think of themselves as a little higher than the heavenly beings.  Others think a little lower than the beasts of the field.  Both extremes need correction.  We don't improve or correct our self-image by looking in the mirror or by introspective meditation, but by listening to the voice of our Creator through His Word."  Can you hear that voice speaking to you today?  We cannot understand ourselves or our world apart from God - our Creator is the key. 00:45:41 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/8BA500B Life for each of us is a journey, and God has given us some markers along the way to help us remember some important people, events, and lessons that should not be forgotten.  As believers, we need to remember that we are on our journey home, and that death is not to be feared nor grieved, but seen as the entryway to life eternal for all who believe in Christ and His death on the cross for our sins. itemId:8BA500B Sun, 30 May 2010 10:00:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Memorial Day is about honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that today we might have life and freedom Life for each of us is a journey, and God has given us some markers along the way to help us remember some important people, events, and lessons that should not be forgotten.  As believers, we need to remember that we are on our journey home, and that death is not to be feared nor grieved, but seen as the entryway to life eternal for all who believe in Christ and His death on the cross for our sins. 00:40:02 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/D92757D Mothers serve one of the most important ministries of all; and that's why God tells us to honor them.  In 1 Thessalonians 2: 6-9, the Apostle Paul compares the role of an apostle to that of a mother.  The word "apostle" literally means "one who is sent", therefore, we could say that mothers are "Heaven sent".  Apostles have much in common with mothers: from giving birth to new churches, to feeding and nurturing them, to trying to get them organized, to disciplining them, to growing them to maturity and independence - much like a mother raising her children.  Paul teaches us three descriptive words that are as true today as they were 2,000 years ago. itemId:D92757D Mon, 17 May 2010 13:51:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Honor your mother Mothers serve one of the most important ministries of all; and that's why God tells us to honor them.  In 1 Thessalonians 2: 6-9, the Apostle Paul compares the role of an apostle to that of a mother.  The word "apostle" literally means "one who is sent", therefore, we could say that mothers are "Heaven sent".  Apostles have much in common with mothers: from giving birth to new churches, to feeding and nurturing them, to trying to get them organized, to disciplining them, to growing them to maturity and independence - much like a mother raising her children.  Paul teaches us three descriptive words that are as true today as they were 2,000 years ago. 00:28:20 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/DAFFAF2 We learn in Ephesians 4:3, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."  When we built Lighthouse Christian Church, we built it with thickb, strong concrete walls, bolted together.  Jesus warned in Mark 3:24-25, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."  God wants to unite us, and He will, if we let His Spirit fill us and direct us daily.  Let's Build Up Our Church itemId:DAFFAF2 Sun, 2 May 2010 15:54:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw It's about working together to change people's lives for eternity through the message and ministry of Jesus Christ. We learn in Ephesians 4:3, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."  When we built Lighthouse Christian Church, we built it with thickb, strong concrete walls, bolted together.  Jesus warned in Mark 3:24-25, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."  God wants to unite us, and He will, if we let His Spirit fill us and direct us daily.  00:41:39 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/EE66DB3 In 2002 and 2003, we witnessed the exciting construction of our Church Building.  It was a major step of faith, funded by the generous and faithful giving of a small, but committed congregation.  Since then, we have faced many challenges: debt, the difficult economy and budget reductions.  Despite our recent difficulties, God is providing, and I believe He will continue to work in the midst of this weak economy.  Nehemiah 10:39b reminds us, "... not to neglect the house of our God."  After all, God has been more than generous with us; from blessing our lives with resources that all come from His hand, giving His Son to die to save us from our sins.  Now, it is up to us to be faithful in supporting God's work - so that future generations can find God here, worship and serve Him, and expand His kingdom to lives yet unreached. Let's Build Up Our Church itemId:EE66DB3 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 10:00:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Don't just spend your life, invest it in things eternal. In 2002 and 2003, we witnessed the exciting construction of our Church Building.  It was a major step of faith, funded by the generous and faithful giving of a small, but committed congregation.  Since then, we have faced many challenges: debt, the difficult economy and budget reductions.  Despite our recent difficulties, God is providing, and I believe He will continue to work in the midst of this weak economy.  Nehemiah 10:39b reminds us, "... not to neglect the house of our God."  After all, God has been more than generous with us; from blessing our lives with resources that all come from His hand, giving His Son to die to save us from our sins.  Now, it is up to us to be faithful in supporting God's work - so that future generations can find God here, worship and serve Him, and expand His kingdom to lives yet unreached. 00:44:14 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/63303BA It is said that there are three kinds of people: 1) those who make things happen 2) those who watch thing happen 3) and those who wonder what happened?  Which are you going to be?  There is no greater use for your life than in using it to build up God's church - God's Kingdom.  Let's Build Up Our Church itemId:63303BA Sun, 18 Apr 2010 10:36:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw There is no greater use for your life than in using it to build up God's church. It is said that there are three kinds of people: 1) those who make things happen 2) those who watch thing happen 3) and those who wonder what happened?  Which are you going to be?  There is no greater use for your life than in using it to build up God's church - God's Kingdom.  00:40:22 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/5EFA473 As I have talked with people and even looked into my own life, I have noticed that there are times where it is difficult to trust and put our faith in God.  Be honest for a moment: we all want to be in control of our lives - we like to have a good handle and control of our finances, employment, our health, safety, schedule and so much more.  But in reality, we don't. In Mark chapter 10, we learn of an encounter Jesus had with one man and how his life was completely changed due to the faith he demonstrated.  Faith is not the ability to trust in what you can do and what you can see, faith is the ability to trust what you cannot see.  When God gives you a chance to do something for Him - when He gives you an opportunity to grow your faith, you need to do it. itemId:5EFA473 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 10:00:00 PDT Youth Pastor Jonathan Gleason When God gives you a chance to do something for Him - when He gives you an opportunity to grow in your faith, you need to do it. As I have talked with people and even looked into my own life, I have noticed that there are times where it is difficult to trust and put our faith in God.  Be honest for a moment: we all want to be in control of our lives - we like to have a good handle and control of our finances, employment, our health, safety, schedule and so much more.  But in reality, we don't. In Mark chapter 10, we learn of an encounter Jesus had with one man and how his life was completely changed due to the faith he demonstrated.  Faith is not the ability to trust in what you can do and what you can see, faith is the ability to trust what you cannot see.  When God gives you a chance to do something for Him - when He gives you an opportunity to grow your faith, you need to do it. 00:48:32 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/E8FDCD8 Matters of life and death - an uncomfortable subject for some, but one which we all need to consider.  Death is the most universal and timeless of all human fears.  After all, we are all going to die.  We, like Jesus have God's many promises to claim: that He will never leave us or forsake us, that no problem will be too big bear. that we are never outside of His care.  The more we feed on God's Word and take it to heart, the better prepared we are for whatever comes. 7 Final Words From the Cross: What Jesus Said, and Why itemId:E8FDCD8 Sun, 4 Apr 2010 10:00:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw To live and die victoriously you must surrender all. Matters of life and death - an uncomfortable subject for some, but one which we all need to consider.  Death is the most universal and timeless of all human fears.  After all, we are all going to die.  We, like Jesus have God's many promises to claim: that He will never leave us or forsake us, that no problem will be too big bear. that we are never outside of His care.  The more we feed on God's Word and take it to heart, the better prepared we are for whatever comes. 00:29:25 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/DB534B7 Jesus asserts in John 17:14, "[...] (I) have completed the work you gave me to do."  Many people struggle a whole lifetime to accomplish something significant, but in only three years, Jesus had completed the most significant work the world has even known - saving all the lost who would believe in Him.  His whole life had purpose: always obeying the Father, always glorifying God, always bringing people to God.  For most people in their early 30's, their lives and families and careers are just beginning; for Jesus, it was finished.  He appeared broken and defeated on the cross, but the truth is, He died a victor with a shout of triumph on His lips. 7 Final Words From the Cross: What Jesus Said, and Why itemId:DB534B7 Fri, 2 Apr 2010 19:00:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw The price was paid, the purchase was made, and our salvation had been won! Jesus asserts in John 17:14, "[...] (I) have completed the work you gave me to do."  Many people struggle a whole lifetime to accomplish something significant, but in only three years, Jesus had completed the most significant work the world has even known - saving all the lost who would believe in Him.  His whole life had purpose: always obeying the Father, always glorifying God, always bringing people to God.  For most people in their early 30's, their lives and families and careers are just beginning; for Jesus, it was finished.  He appeared broken and defeated on the cross, but the truth is, He died a victor with a shout of triumph on His lips. 00:27:41 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/0EE6C19 We are not just physical, soul-less creatures or finely-tuned machines (we're not even that finely tuned sometimes).  We are spiritual creatures as well, created in the image of God, created to know God and walk with God - so that we all feel a powerful spiritual thirst for something more than this physical world.  Nothing else will satisfy our thirsty souls. 7 Final Words From the Cross: What Jesus Said, and Why itemId:0EE6C19 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:30:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw God wants to quench our thirst and satisfy our longings We are not just physical, soul-less creatures or finely-tuned machines (we're not even that finely tuned sometimes).  We are spiritual creatures as well, created in the image of God, created to know God and walk with God - so that we all feel a powerful spiritual thirst for something more than this physical world.  Nothing else will satisfy our thirsty souls. 00:25:03 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/936E4E7 As the physical shock of dying racked Jesus' body, the emotional pain of total rejection from everyone around Him now joined the incredible spiritual anguish He felt, as the weight of all the ugly sins of all time were borne on that cross, causing His Holy Father to turn from Him, for three hours of darkness and silence.  There is nothing more lonely than separation from God.  Jesus had His first taste of separation from God, and He didn't like it.  Do you ever feel like God has forgotten you?  Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life's problems and tragedies, like the darkness is closing in?  Where are You (God) in our troubles?  If You are really there and really care, they why do we suffer so?  Bible scholar William Barclay asserts, "If we cling to God even when there seems to be no God, quite certainly the dawn will break and we will win through.  The victor is the man who refuses to believe that God has forgotten him.  The victor is the man who will never let go his faith, even when every fibre of his being feels that he is forsaken.  The victor is the man who who has been beaten to the depths and still holds on to God, for that is what Jesus did." 7 Final Words From the Cross: What Jesus Said, and Why itemId:936E4E7 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:00:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw What appeared to be the desperation of failure was in fact the victory of our redemption. As the physical shock of dying racked Jesus' body, the emotional pain of total rejection from everyone around Him now joined the incredible spiritual anguish He felt, as the weight of all the ugly sins of all time were borne on that cross, causing His Holy Father to turn from Him, for three hours of darkness and silence.  There is nothing more lonely than separation from God.  Jesus had His first taste of separation from God, and He didn't like it.  Do you ever feel like God has forgotten you?  Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life's problems and tragedies, like the darkness is closing in?  Where are You (God) in our troubles?  If You are really there and really care, they why do we suffer so?  Bible scholar William Barclay asserts, "If we cling to God even when there seems to be no God, quite certainly the dawn will break and we will win through.  The victor is the man who refuses to believe that God has forgotten him.  The victor is the man who will never let go his faith, even when every fibre of his being feels that he is forsaken.  The victor is the man who who has been beaten to the depths and still holds on to God, for that is what Jesus did." 00:35:21 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/9C9F564 A Bible scholar once asked, "If you and I had been in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified, how near to his cross would we have stood?  It's one thing to stand in a comfortable church sanctuary and sing 'Jesus, keep me near the cross,' but quite something else to actually do it.  After all, Jesus was 'despised and rejected of men,' and it would have taken a great deal of courage and love to stand by His cross."  How daring, to identify with the One the authorities had condemned and crucified.  They had taken His freedom, His clothing, and His last possessions - but not His compassion for others.  We are all surrounded by people who need godly compassionl the question remains, "Who would the Lord have me show compassion to?" 7 Final Words From the Cross: What Jesus Said, and Why itemId:9C9F564 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 08:30:00 PDT Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Are you part of God's wonderful family - where you are accepted, loved and encouraged; where you have the greatest chance to succeed in life and eternity A Bible scholar once asked, "If you and I had been in Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified, how near to his cross would we have stood?  It's one thing to stand in a comfortable church sanctuary and sing 'Jesus, keep me near the cross,' but quite something else to actually do it.  After all, Jesus was 'despised and rejected of men,' and it would have taken a great deal of courage and love to stand by His cross."  How daring, to identify with the One the authorities had condemned and crucified.  They had taken His freedom, His clothing, and His last possessions - but not His compassion for others.  We are all surrounded by people who need godly compassionl the question remains, "Who would the Lord have me show compassion to?" 00:31:39 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/A8E03BB It's amazing how it takes a serious crisis like the fear of death to shock some people to their spiritual senses.  One writer wrote, "conversion seldom takes places on a soft and easy couch".  Three men hung dying on a cross: one joined the mockers, rejected Christ until the end and was lost forever; one had a change of heart, turned to Christ and found grace for salvation; and One offered grace and pardon to whoever would ask for it.  Justice is getting what you deserve, mercy is not getting what you deserve, and grace is getting what you don't deserve.  What about you?  What will you do with the grace and pardon offered to you? 7 Final Words From the Cross: What Jesus Said, and Why itemId:A8E03BB Sun, 7 Mar 2010 08:00:00 PST Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw As long as our heart beats, the forgiveness of Christ is possible It's amazing how it takes a serious crisis like the fear of death to shock some people to their spiritual senses.  One writer wrote, "conversion seldom takes places on a soft and easy couch".  Three men hung dying on a cross: one joined the mockers, rejected Christ until the end and was lost forever; one had a change of heart, turned to Christ and found grace for salvation; and One offered grace and pardon to whoever would ask for it.  Justice is getting what you deserve, mercy is not getting what you deserve, and grace is getting what you don't deserve.  What about you?  What will you do with the grace and pardon offered to you? 00:42:20 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/2066EB3 A button in a tourist shop read: "To err is human, to forgive is out of the question."  This would describe many people's philosophy of life today.  Nothing is more moving or central to our faith than the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins - it is the heart and soul of our faith.  Jesus asks us to forgive each other as He has forgiven us.  However, in spite of the teachings of our Savior, we still have a very hard time forgiving those who have hurt us.  If we are not willing to forgive, then our hearts are in no condition to ask for or receive God's forgiveness.  But, if I'm humbled by the Lord's unimaginable forgiveness for me, then I'll be more forgiving toward others - and that's how He planned it. 7 Final Words From the Cross: What Jesus Said, and Why itemId:2066EB3 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 11:20:00 PST Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Which is stronger: revenge or forgiveness? Which wins out: hate or love? Which standard will we follow? A button in a tourist shop read: "To err is human, to forgive is out of the question."  This would describe many people's philosophy of life today.  Nothing is more moving or central to our faith than the death of Jesus Christ on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins - it is the heart and soul of our faith.  Jesus asks us to forgive each other as He has forgiven us.  However, in spite of the teachings of our Savior, we still have a very hard time forgiving those who have hurt us.  If we are not willing to forgive, then our hearts are in no condition to ask for or receive God's forgiveness.  But, if I'm humbled by the Lord's unimaginable forgiveness for me, then I'll be more forgiving toward others - and that's how He planned it. 00:35:55 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/0D0166C When was the last time you felt the spine-tingling fear of the Lord? - A Holy awe amd reverance?  When was the last time you said of God, "Wow!"  How long has it been since a fresh understanding of Christ took your breath away, brought tears to your eyes, or brought you to your knees?  If the answer is, "not for awhile", or "never", that explains your fears.  Most of our fears are unhealthy, toxic to our bodies and souls.  But this "fear" of the Lord is different.  According to Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  When Christ is great, our fears are not.  As awe of Jesus expands, fears of life diminish.  A big view of God leads to big courage, but a small view of God gives little courage.  The one healthy fear we are to have is the fear of the Lord. FEARLESS: Living Life by Faith, Not Fear! itemId:0D0166C Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:40:00 PST Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw When was the last time you said of God, 'WOW!' When was the last time you felt the spine-tingling fear of the Lord? - A Holy awe amd reverance?  When was the last time you said of God, "Wow!"  How long has it been since a fresh understanding of Christ took your breath away, brought tears to your eyes, or brought you to your knees?  If the answer is, "not for awhile", or "never", that explains your fears.  Most of our fears are unhealthy, toxic to our bodies and souls.  But this "fear" of the Lord is different.  According to Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."  When Christ is great, our fears are not.  As awe of Jesus expands, fears of life diminish.  A big view of God leads to big courage, but a small view of God gives little courage.  The one healthy fear we are to have is the fear of the Lord. 00:30:02 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/0DA0EB7 In the book Fearless by Max Lucado, the story is told of a 6 year old girl trying unsuccessfully to tie her shoes.  The bus was coming, time was running out, and her shoelaces were tangled in a big knot.  Her hands began to shake, and tears began to fall.  "... in an expression of total frustration, she dropped her forehead to her knees and sobbed."  Lucado notes, "That's a child sized portrait of destructive worry."  She was so focused on her problem, that she was oblivious to the presence of her father, who was standing nearby.  He came to his daughter's aid, but why didn't she come to him for help in the first place?  Worry as a continuous mind-set overrides God's promises, diminishes God's presence and power, and subtracts all the joy and hope from our life.  What we need is Faith.  Faith adds to life, what worry doesn't accomplish, prayer and action do.  FEARLESS: Living Life by Faith, Not Fear! itemId:0DA0EB7 Sun, 14 Feb 2010 08:17:00 PST Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw What worry doesn't accomplish, prayer and action do - 'Be a doer, not a stewer' In the book Fearless by Max Lucado, the story is told of a 6 year old girl trying unsuccessfully to tie her shoes.  The bus was coming, time was running out, and her shoelaces were tangled in a big knot.  Her hands began to shake, and tears began to fall.  "... in an expression of total frustration, she dropped her forehead to her knees and sobbed."  Lucado notes, "That's a child sized portrait of destructive worry."  She was so focused on her problem, that she was oblivious to the presence of her father, who was standing nearby.  He came to his daughter's aid, but why didn't she come to him for help in the first place?  Worry as a continuous mind-set overrides God's promises, diminishes God's presence and power, and subtracts all the joy and hope from our life.  What we need is Faith.  Faith adds to life, what worry doesn't accomplish, prayer and action do.  00:46:47 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/C234E5F Catastrophes are all around us and get our adrenaline rushing.  We wonder and worry, what if?  What if I lose my job or my house? What if global warming causes the polar ice caps to melt and the oceans to rise and the weather to wreck havoc around the globe? What if our economy fails?  There's a stampede of fear out there.  Let's not get caught in it.  Let us be among those who stay calm.  Let's recognize danger but not be overwelmed.  Acknowledge threats but refuse to be defined by them.  Let us be numbered among those who hear a different voice, God's.  Jesus came to calm our fears, including our fear of catastrophe. FEARLESS: Living Life by Faith, Not Fear! itemId:C234E5F Mon, 8 Feb 2010 09:52:00 PST Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw There's a stampede of fear out there. Let's not get caught in it. Catastrophes are all around us and get our adrenaline rushing.  We wonder and worry, what if?  What if I lose my job or my house? What if global warming causes the polar ice caps to melt and the oceans to rise and the weather to wreck havoc around the globe? What if our economy fails?  There's a stampede of fear out there.  Let's not get caught in it.  Let us be among those who stay calm.  Let's recognize danger but not be overwelmed.  Acknowledge threats but refuse to be defined by them.  Let us be numbered among those who hear a different voice, God's.  Jesus came to calm our fears, including our fear of catastrophe. 00:42:28 http://www.lightcc.org/shine/sermon/E731EEB Most people dread death - the fear of death is one of the greatest fears of all people throughout all of history.  Jesus waded into this swamp of unvertainty and despair about death, and built a bridge out called "hope".  With Jesus, we don't need to fear it anymore.  Jesus has transformed our fear of death and funerals to the hope and anticipation of weddings.  Jesus has removed the sting of death, so we can die with faith. FEARLESS: Living Life by Faith, Not Fear! itemId:E731EEB Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:15:00 PST Senior Pastor Mike Openshaw Scared to Death Most people dread death - the fear of death is one of the greatest fears of all people throughout all of history.  Jesus waded into this swamp of unvertainty and despair about death, and built a bridge out called "hope".  With Jesus, we don't need to fear it anymore.  Jesus has transformed our fear of death and funerals to the hope and anticipation of weddings.  Jesus has removed the sting of death, so we can die with faith. 00:29:07