my own worst enemy- what can I do?- podcast

If I am my own worst enemy and the Enemy is always ready to take advantage of that, then what hope do I have?

None, without Jesus

Sermon_Feb_27_2011.mp3 Listen on Posterous

my own worst enemy- what can I do?- podcast

If I am my own worst enemy and the Enemy is always ready to take advantage of that, then what hope do I have?

None, without Jesus

Sermon_Feb_27_2011.mp3 Listen on Posterous

Destiny: Our purpose in God's plan from the beginning-podcast

Sermon Feb 20 2011 - Destiny by Pastor Dana  
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Understanding the Bible is all about our relationship with God and our responsibility toward God. From the beginning...

Destiny: Our purpose in God's plan from the beginning-podcast

Sermon Feb 20 2011 - Destiny by Pastor Dana  
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Sermon Feb 20 2011 - Destiny.mp3 (4913 KB)

Understanding the Bible is all about our relationship with God and our responsibility toward God. From the beginning...

Covenant and Kingdom Week Six: Jesus, Paul and the Church- podcast

  
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LIFEhouse, we are a Covenant community given the mission of extending the Kingdom of our Father.

 

People will experience the future that is heaven in us today.

That is what it means to be the church.

You've got to be kidding!

Nancy and I went to several high school basketball games this year watching Notre Dame of Sherman Oaks. One of our "kids," Cole Kievit, plays for ND and finished the season on a real upswing.Then disaster struck!

It seems the CIF still uses fax machines for official correspondence. There was a snafu last week when all the pages for application for postseason tournament play weren't received. A screw up in the fax. Even made ABC news. Granted, Notre Dame didn't follow up to make sure the whole fax was received and the CIF doesn't keep track of who's who in possible qualifying teams. What a fiasco all the way around.

Well, I know Cole will survive. Like other seniors, I'm sure it is a huge disappointment (haven't talked to him, yet), but also, like other seniors, he's probably thinking about college applications, and such. With graduation just around the corner, there are lots of things to think about. Keep your head up, Cole, you had a great year!

IMPACT! 8TH GRADE GIRLS' MISSION PROJECT- WATER BOTTLES

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ServiceProjWater.mp4 (1389 KB)

Covenant and Kingdom Week Six: Jesus and the Cross- podcast

Sermon Feb 4 2010 - Jesus And The Cross by Pastor Dana  
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Sermon Feb 4 2011 - Jesus and the Cross.mp3 (9666 KB)

The pinnacle of Covenant and Kingdom- Victim and Victory of Jesus

At the Lutherans Looking Forward Breakfast

LSS Community Care Centers is the top recipient of LIFEhouse benevolence support. In this photo, Jan Maseda, Area Director, shows us how much food can be purchased for $10 by LSS, with a program they paticipate in.

At the Lutherans Looking Forward Breakfast

LSS Community Care Centers is the top recipient of LIFEhouse benevolence support. In this photo, Jan Maseda, Area Director, shows us how much food can be purchased for $10 by LSS, with a program they paticipate in.

Covenant and Kingdom Week Four: Temptations of Jesus- podcast

The Devil attacks Jesus at His Identity. "If you are the Son of God..." There is no "if's" about it. Jesus knows who he is. So do we. Sons and Daughters of the King. The Tempter has nothing on us...

Sermon Jan 30 2010 - Jesus by Pastor Dana  
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Sermon Jan 30 2010 - Jesus.mp3 (10844 KB)

IMPACT! 8TH GRADE GIRLS MISSION PROJECT- TOOTHBRUSHES AND TOOTHPASTE

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Toothbrush-desktop.m4v (4766 KB)

The 8th Grade girls IMPACT! group is collecting items for gift baskets to be handed out to those in need. This week they are gathering...TOOTHBRUSHES AND TOOTHPASTE!

Covenant and Kingdom Week Four: Temptations of Jesus- podcast

The Devil attacks Jesus at His Identity. "If you are the Son of God..." There is no "if's" about it. Jesus knows who he is. So do we. Sons and Daughters of the King. The Tempter has nothing on us...

Sermon Jan 30 2010 - Jesus by Pastor Dana  
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Sermon Jan 30 2010 - Jesus.mp3 (10844 KB)

Covenant and Kingdom Week Three: Moses- podcast

Sermon Jan 23 2011 - Moses by Pastor Dana  
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Sermon Jan 23 2011 - Moses.mp3 (8403 KB)

 

God and Man as Kingdom partners. Working together to expand God's rule.

circumcision or no circumcision, that is the question...

I'm reading Acts 16 where Paul meets Timothy for the first time. Paul decides Timothy has great leadership potential and so invites him to be his disciple. Timothy agrees. Paul then circumcises Timothy and they leave to bring a message to Christian communities in other cities.

The message is simple.

"If you are not Jewish and you believe in Jesus, you don't have to identify with being Jewish by getting circumcised before you can follow Jesus."

No doubt, this helps your evangelism campaign if you tell a bunch of guys interested in following Jesus,

"We're not going to make you go through with an initiation rite where you have your foreskin cut off with a stone knife if you want to follow Jesus."

It's not like you're going to hear a lot of protest-

"O, come on, can't I get my foreskin cut off, too?"

I don't think so.

So what's with Timothy?

Timothy has a Jewish mother who has become a follower of Jesus and a Gentile father who hasn't. Even though Timothy was earlier raised in Judaism by his mom, and now as a Christian, he doesn't get circumcised and so is not able to practice his Jewish faith fully. Can't go into synagogues and such. My guess is his dad says to his mom, "You can teach him all you want, I just don't want him identifying with being a Jew." And if this means he can't be circumcised, I'm sure a young Timothy didn't give much of an argument.

"What do mean I can't have my foreskin cut off? Come on, mom, please..."

I don't think so.

So, Paul goes to Timothy's hometown and takes Timothy on as a disciple. They will travel to other Christian communities in other cities delivering the message that you don't have to be circumcised first before you can become a Christian. But, before they leave, Paul circumcises Timothy?

Come on, what gives?

What gives is being willing to go all out to follow Jesus.

Paul is not done sharing the gospel message with Jews. His standard practice is still to go into town and teach in the Jewish synagogue first. Paul is delivering the "no circumcision" message to the Christian communities, but they don't meet in the synagogues. If you want to teach in the synagogue you still must be a Jew. So, in order for Timothy to go into the synagogues with Paul, he had to be circumcised, first.

And that's the story.

Except, I still have one question. How do the folks in the synagogue know if you are circumcised or not?

I guess, being scanned at the airport isn't such a bad thing after all...

Covenant and Kingdom- Week Two/ Joseph- podcast

Sermon Jan 16 2010 - Joseph by Pastor Dana  
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Sermon Jan 16 2011 - Joseph-1.mp3 (7178 KB)

The key reality of one who follows Jesus:

As we move from the center of our own little universe to the edge, then Jesus can rule on the throne of our hearts. From there, our hearts become a window to heaven for those around us.

Covenant and KIngdom- Week One/ Abraham and Sarah- podcast

What does it mean to, "Walk as children of God?"

Week One in the series, Covenant and Kingdom, based on the book, Covenant and Kingdom, by Mike Breen.

Readings:

Covenant and Kingdom: Creation through Abraham―pages 3–38.
Bible Reading: Genesis 15, 17, 22.

  
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Covenant_and_Kingdom_Week_One-Abraham_and_Sarah.mp3 (6614 KB)

The miracle of what is happening within you

In 2 Corinthians 6:4-10, Paul gives evidence of God's presence in his serving. Now, you would think the same guy who has such miraculous things happen around him, would have a fairly amazing list of miracles. Like when people take the "sweatbands" he uses at work and use them to touch people who are sick and they get healed (Acts 18:12)!

Nope. Instead Paul lists 28 characteristics of how he responds to challenges in his life. God's power is seen in the transformation he is going through as he responds to God's call. E. Stanley Jones says this:

"He did see miracles happening around him, but he knew that the central miracle was happening within him."

As you surrender your will to God, follow His ways, and begin to see His power at work through you, you will experience the "supernatural." After all, Jesus said it is possible for us to do, "even greater things" (John 14:12) than He did in His time on earth. Yet, it continues to be the changes that happen within you that will most often be used to build your confidence in the growing potency of the Holy Spirit working through you.

Bollywood afternoon...

It was time to go Hindi again. My son Greg and I went to a Bollywood movie last year and I thought it was time to go again. We have watched a couple more from Netflix, but these movies are made for the big screen. And there is nothing like watching a movie in Hindi on a Monday afternoon to remind you that father/son relationships have of wide variety of bonding possibilities.

We like Indian movies. They are so happy. So many smiles. So much color. You just wait for the next dance sequence waiting around the corner, usually having nothing whatsoever to do with the plot.

The other thing to like about Bollywood is the characters themselves are so self-absorbed, rather than the actor or director as in American film. They get they are making a film and not making a great political statement (always with a couple of gratuitous sex scenes thrown in).

If you want to try it out for yourself, perhaps you can find the movie, Tees Maar Khan, playing at your local art house theater. Relax and enjoy. Might be the dumbest movie you ever saw. Or maybe you leave with a grin that stays around for awhile.

 

To Receive...

December is a month to remember. Remember once again the audacious love of a God who would choose to reveal himself in as intimate a way as to become one of us.

Jesus is God, and yet (who would make this one up?), he becomes plain, ordinary- you. Yes, a human being. Not superman, but a common man.

Think about. You have undoubtedly traveled more than Jesus. The farthest trip he ever took was as a baby in exile to Egypt. A bit over 100 miles.

You are probably richer than he was. He made a good living as a carpenter/ contractor, but he didn't even own a house.

You are probably more educated than he was. He had a very solid grasp on biblical studies and other supplemental Jewish thelogical studies, yet, mathematics and the sciences weren't in his curriculum.

Jesus is a plain, ordinary common man.

So like us.

Well then, why is he called Lord, King, the most brilliant, most amazing person who ever lived who changed the world for good?

Three things-

1. He is full of the Holy Spirit.

2. He learns directly from God the Father.

3. He passes this down to those who follow Him.

As a result:

1. You can be full of the Holy Spirit.

2. You can learn directly from God the Father.

3. You can keep passing it down.

That's it.

Everything He has available is available to you.

Everything.

It is only a matter of receiving.

A LIFEhouse Christmas...

The Real Jesus...Everything- podcast

When the widow gives all that she has to God, what would we hold back from Him?

  
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Sermon_Dec_5_2010_-_The_Real_Jesus_-_Everything.mp3 (6590 KB)

Impact Christmas Tomorrow Night!

IMPACT ROCKS!!

The Real Jesus...Everything- podcast

When the widow gives all that she has to God, what would we hold back from Him?

  
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Sermon_Dec_5_2010_-_The_Real_Jesus_-_Everything.mp3 (6590 KB)

LIFEhouse gets endorsements from Presidents Obama and Bush!

This just in...

The Real Jesus...I am Second- podcast

Semon Nov 28 2010 - The Real Jesus - God's Second by Pastor Dana  
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Sermon Nov 28 2010 - The Real Jesus - I'm Second.mp3 (6415 KB)

What does life look like when Jesus is first in our lives?

The Real Jesus..."My Dad's the King!!"- podcast

Where do we receive our identity? From the loving Father? Yes!

"You are my beloved son/daughter and with you I am well pleased!"

As with Jesus so with us...

Homophobia and Islamophobia?- podcast

When it comes to hotbed issues, correcting illogical thinking is a good place to start.

my "evangelism" interview on KBRT 740am- podcast

I was a guest on the "Talk from the Heart," radio show on KBRT 740am here in LA on Monday, November 1. Guest host, David Housholder, interviewed me on the topic of "evangelism."

Improving the Effectiveness of Prayer- podcast

When I communicate with people I am in relationship with, are there ways I can make that experience more effective? Of course. Prayer is communicating with God, with whom I have a personal relationship. Can I make that experience more effective?

God is a lot Closer Than You Think- podcast

What is heaven? Where is the Kingdom of God? Closer than you think...

It's Who You Know That Counts...-podcast

Make friends with God and watch what happens! Thanks to Robert Gagnon for insight into this story.

Just What is Jesus Saing? Prodigal Son Revisited-podcast

The Prodigal Son? More like the Prodigal Father or The Lost Sons...
Telling the story the way Jesus tells it.

God leads the way- podcast

How do you connect with people who don't know you and don't follow your God? Go where God is.

Take this with a grain of salt- podcast

In just two verses, Jesus connects us to wisdom that can guide our whole lives.

Raising Kid's God's Way- podcast

A dad's talk about what following Jesus has to do with raising kids.

Being and Doing- podcast

A sense of who we are makes all the difference in what we do and what we don't do.

What are you looking for?- Easter podcast

Now, Jesus wants to bring new life through you...

What, me worry?- podcast

Anxiety and worry do not come from God. Jesus has the antidote.

Do you have enough?- podcast

What does it mean to have enough? What do you really treasure?

An inside out life- podcast

What is coming out of a person's heart is not a secret. Jesus tells us how to avoid focusing on the wrong things.

It's not rocket science- podcast

God wants to bless the world through us. God wants to shine through us. Here's how...

Repentance is't always about sin- podcast

To "repent" is to "change your mind." Turning your mind to God's ways from sin, of course. "Repentance" can also be a change that is not about sin, but it is about living a healthier life.

Full of Jesus- podcast

How do we keep focused on Jesus and not let the Evil One be of influence?

God is available for everyone- podcast

Jesus speaks on how much God wants to bless us.

What Does It Look Like to Love LIke Jesus?- podcast

In his encounter with Martha and Mary at dinner, Jesus speaks about love in action in the strongest way.

Loving your Neighbor: Good Samaritan-podcast

"Loving your neighbors" means enhancing their lives even if they are a challenge for you.

Loving God With Everything He Has Given You- podcast

"Love the LORD your God with your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind..."
How?

Obi Wan, Gandalf, Rembrandt, Simeon, and Christmas?- podcast

When Simeon gives his prophecy and blessing at the Jerusalem Temple, this is no insignificant event in human history...

Putting Yourself in the Christmas Story- podcast

Why would you want someone else to hear the good news of Jesus? It is about life now.

The number one hit song in the Bible that no one has heard

What do Roy Orbison and The Beatles have to do with Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, and Mary, the mother of Jesus?
Listen...

Introverts, Extroverts, and Faith- podcast

How we are wired plays an important role in our faith life which is real life, after all.

victory over evil- podcast

Our lives connected with Jesus, hidden in him, we are the ones with power, not Satan.

confidence in God- podcast

Confidence in God always wins out over fear. Whose side are you on?

Jesus, thank you for your gospel- podcast

The simple truth of the gospel makes for the best Thanksgiving.

we are family- podcast

We face all of life a family when we are in the family of God.

post modern relational evangelism- person of peace podcast

Jesus gives the framework for how we best connect others to him- what Mike Breen calls, "the person of peace."

his way...not my way

following Jesus means, "following," and not trying to take things into your own hands

who is really great?...podcast

to be great is to be a servant...and other ways Jesus turns the world upside down.

being a disciple...simple and the hardest thing ever...

We are called to give all of who we are to Jesus and be used in the "greatest cause in the galaxies" (thanks KC)

if this does not energize you....must already be dead

the greatest shock in the Church

- The power of the Holy Spirit is limited by our own resistance
- abundance and blessing come with clearing the circuit

what I learn about being a disciple from my (F)fathers...

the apprentice is sent out with the authority of the Master Teacher- my dad and my Father taught me that

the healing power of Jesus is way more than we think-podcast

When you touch the hem of his garment, power is released (Luke 8:46). What does this mean for us today?

Satan and demons: a myth?- podcast

Are Satan and demons real? Jesus certainly thought so. His power is supreme.

dealing with family- podcast

Jesus gives his views on family life

the one simple key to evangelism

Jesus makes personal evangelism as simple and effective as just doing one thing...

going the right way...a message on choices

How much power God makes available to Christians depends on the path they choose. Listen to a message about the "right way."

going the right way...a message on choices

How much power God makes available to Christians depends on the path they choose. Listen to a message about the "right way."

my dinner with Michael Jackson...a message for today

I contrast my dinner with Michael Jackson years ago, with the dinner of Jesus at the home of Simon the Leper.

With all the drama and attention surrounding the death of Michael Jackson- let's consider the real King of Pop- and Rock- and Country- and RAP- and Alternative- and Classical- the real King of the Universe and all of Existence, Jesus.

learning from our dads...a father's day message

Our Father gives fathers their destiny: raising godly children and beyond

the power of God

Knowing the Bible, knowing doctrine, knowing tradition... nothing unless you first know the power of God...

Jesus brings new life to everything if we let him

The transformation of society is a sure thing if the power comes from Jesus.

the gospel according to the three little pigs

What do the three little pigs and following Jesus have to do with each other?

the gospel according to Susan Boyle

A YouTube video sweeps the world. Who is Susan Boyle and what does she have to do with the good news of Jesus? Listen and find out!

Bill Gates and the Resurrection of Jesus- podcast

What do Bill Gates and the Resurrection of Jesus have in common? Listen to my Easter message, "The Rules Have Changed"...

God will show up- podcast

Ask for God to come into your life and wait.
God shows up.
Special story of tragedy and hope shared by Suhad Haddad.

sharing the Gospel in the world- podcast

What does it mean to be the salt of the earth?
America, the mission field

sharing the Gospel in the local community- podcast

Seeking the person of peace with neighbors

how do you share the Gospel with family and friends?- podcast

A message about the key to influence- receptive people
learn about the "person of peace"

unclogging- podcast

the living water of the Holy Spirit is overflowing

how do we get unclogged so He flows through us?

feet on the streets- podcast

the people of God are called to get their "feet on the streets"

spiritual balance- podcast

an Ash Wednesday talk on the importance of being balanced spiritually

a complaint-free world pt. 2...only him- podcast

Jesus is the way to a life of empowerment and encouragement

here are some very practical tools for this kind of living...

a complaint-free world

Criticizing and complaining keep the Holy Spirit from breaking through in our lives. Is it possible to stop?? Ask Pastor Will Bowen about his "complaint free" world...

pioneers and settlers-which are you?

God designs some to be at their best seeking out new territory (pioneers) and some to be at their best developing the new territory (settlers)

pioneers and settlers- we need both

no more negative tapes

Jesus frees us from all the negative tapes that are playing from our past
based on the story of Matthew- Luke 6:27-32

why don't I love Jesus more?

Christmas Eve 2008

set free

living how God designed you

Jesus and the leper: Luke 5:12-17

Why wouldn't Jesus want you to be healed?

Really? Why you are brilliant to follow Jesus

Jesus just makes sense

Luke 4:31-37 God is in charge

When Jesus tells the demons to leave, we know who is in charge for good.

will friends listen?

the challenge of connecting your friends with Jesus

is God partial to poor people?

When your trust in Jesus is powerful and your need for Jesus is self-evident....Watch out!

do you have to sin?

Jesus shows the way to a holy life

the family tree of Jesus

it's not where you come from- it's where you're heading
it makes all the difference

funky psalm 121

Rob Reed from our worship band arranged this. Cool

the creativity of God

the baptism of Jesus announces new life

who is your God?

practically living out your faith has a lot to do with your view of God...

confirmation 2008 Luke 2.41-52

reflecting God's image in the world is when a follower of Jesus is brightest

psalm 104

2 he stretches out the heavens like a tent

According to the latest studies of the universe, it is expanding and they talk of a space “fabric” that expands as the universe expands. Kind of like the surface of a tent that is expanding…If these words weren’t from 3000 years ago, wow, I’ll bet you this David guy would be on Oprah!

Pray for continued insight into the natural world.