In the first of a new series on how and why it is important to turn or return to the Word of God, Pastor Troy Billow opens it up by illustrating the history of what occurred after the Exodus of Egypt to the children of Israel after God freed them. The reality is that after the children of Israel were freed from Egypt, they could not get Egypt (and their ways) out of their blood. As they were entering a world of new experiences, the children of Israel were discontented, complaining, and getting more fond of the very place that they were freed from. That said, the more they drifted away from the Word of God and forgetting what He had done for them, they turned within themselves, and in turn became self-consumed from the emptiness within. That said, at times God left people to their own devices, and they were found wanting and unhappy. When they turned to God and saw Him deliver, matters would turn around. The bottom line is; what God thinks and feels, He wants you to think and feel. When God's Words comes to your heart, as a believer, you begin to love them and want to keep them, and it will be well with you if you do this.

Here we are coming to the end of John's first letter to the believers in Asia Minor. The concepts John concludes with a reminder that this world is controlled by the evil one, and he will do everything in his power to get you to fall into wrongdoing. So what is the antidote to such offenses? Do what Jesus did. Use the Word of God to engage him, and change direction. In that effort, John stresses that as a believer, do not allow yourself to become slave to what you were freed from when you came to Christ. Such is the calling today, and in America its ever the more challenging because the culture and environment champions, promotes, and encourages vices and behaviors that God exclusively condemns. This message is a great "calibrator" for all of those struggling with sin, and puts into focus, as we begin a new year, a new priority of which to launch a new beginning.

From a historical perspective; the Gospel of Luke focuses more on the details regarding the birth of Jesus from Mary's point of view (after all, Luke as a historian had access to interview Mary), while the Gospel of Matthew focuses more on the details through Joseph's point of view. What the birth of Jesus Christ (and the whole point of Christmas) actually means: God provided His son so that we may have peace with Him. Why? Because when you do not have the Son, the wrath of God remains on you because your wrongdoing estranges you from Him. Jesus was sent to this earth from God to save us from our sins and to open a channel that would grant everyone who believes in Him, direct access to God (John 14:6). In that access, God calls us to a different life, one that saves you here and now from the subjective force and power of this depressing, demanding, destructive, distressing, and evil world. Either way you slice it, Salvation is the greatest gift a soul could ever need, and the most costly gift of anyone could ever comprehend.

John keeps bringing up a theme; CONFIDENCE God's love is made complete in us so that we may have CONFIDENCE when He appears. When you're confident, you are looking forward to the 2nd coming of Christ. People who do not have that confidence will be ashamed at His appearing. God gives us the Holy Spirit so that we can experience His restoration, cultivation, and presence when He acts. This incubates obedience in a believer. You will have confidence when you know God's will, pray His will (Hebrews 10:19). Don't throw away your confidence, as God will richly reward you for it.

Pastor Troy Billow expounds on the meaning behind the truth "He who has the son has life". Not just life in the here and now, but eternal life that begins the moment you trust Christ What does that mean, exactly? Eternal life is more than just a destination, it is an ongoing way of life. Anyone who truly believes this carries this testimony in their hearts, and radiates that out in the world.

In this message, Pastor Troy Billow explains how the birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and the living power of the Holy Spirit not only gives the testimony of God in a revolutionary way, but it exposes how the forces of darkness in the form of false doctrine were then, and are today, trying to rob the life changing power of that truth. In John's Day, at this point, he was at war with and combating false doctrine. He knew Christ up close and personal. So as false doctrine is being spread, John gets upset and writes this message, and this week, it is the perfect message to comprehend during the Christmas season.

As Scripture states, "The Heavens declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19:1). In Romans 1:20, Paul writes, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." What does that mean in the world of biology, technology, and design? This week, LFCC gives the floor to Daniel Currier, who through his background in biology, technology, and design shows us how intelligence launches information and how the information has a designed purpose assigned to it. He also shows us how the source of design and information is the mind, and that everything, every shape, every strand of DNA, every molecule and atom are entities that carry and transport information. So join us, as we look at the Glory of God through creation by a speaker whose living is rooted both in science and in faith.

Matters in our own lives have a tendency to block the flow of seeing God's love play out in our lives. And yet God not only showed His love in sacrificing His Son to make a way for us to be with Him in His presence, but He is also faithful to us in our daily lives, more-so than we realize or comprehend. Yet when we abide in Him, and act on applying His Word and Will, that evidence is experiential and has impact and power. So, what does God look for when it pertains to us loving Him? Hearing & following His voice, obeying His command, acknowledging Him, staying connected to Him, and fulfilling His purpose are all actions that prove our authenticity in loving God. And that is what God is looking for; authenticity in our relationship with Him. And with God, all that He asks for is actions based in His Truth, which in turn will produce considerable fruit.

Full Title: We Love Because He First Loved Us (1 John 4:19-21)

Loving people is God's greatest challenge. That point bears repeating. LOVING PEOPLE IS GOD'S GREATEST CHALLENGE. God's love isn't just words on a page, it is experiential. The question is; does it make a difference in your life to know that truth? We, as believers are able to love others because He first loved us. Love is an action, not just words. This is a command from God. When people actually do this, it sends the message to others that the person doing it is a follower of Christ. John said that if we claim to love God, but hate other people, we are liars, and the truth is not in us. If we are liars, then we're hypocrites, so our focus should be on love, so that, even when it's difficult and we thrive in doing it, we can have confidence in fulfilling this command when we are held accountable to it on the Day of Judgment.

Spreading the Gospel in many territories around the world is dangerous, tense, and uncomfortable. It is very telling when you consider the level of perfect love Christ has for all of us. It magnifies, defines, and signifies the level of evil, darkness, and death-inducing nature of what contrasts it. That said, a believer in Christ has a costly decision to make; Will we have something to show for our faith when we are judged by Christ? Believers are judged by a different standard. We will be judged by the way we showed love for others, even when it is difficult, taxing, and consuming. Christ is the prime example for how to conduct this, as people around the world who follow Christ are giving their lives just as He did. This week, we will also pay tribute to the lives of those who gave it all up to follow Christ and make the dangerous mission to make His love known in territories that are Red Zones.