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This message discusses Ephesians 2.1-10, focusing on the foundation of Paul's concept of the Christian life. We are alive by grace to do good works! Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Photos of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis are from BiblePlaces.com.

This message discusses Ephesians 1.15-23, focusing on the major theme of knowing God. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Photos of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis are from BiblePlaces.com.

This message reviews a bit of the background for Paul's letter to Ephesus and then discusses Ephesians 1.1-14, focusing on the major theme of inheritance. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Photos of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis are from BiblePlaces.com.

This message on peacemaking interrupts our planned sequence in the series on Paul's Prison Letters due to the need to express Christian views on the war that the United States has entered into. Long Beach Friends Church is a peace church - a part of the larger Friends/Quaker (among others) Peace Church movement; so that's a major theme in this message. However, in a time when many highly-placed voices in our society claim to represent Jesus, yet claim the war is justified and pray for God's favor to kill and destroy "enemies", we also consider their claims in light of classic Christian Just War theory. Not coincidentally, this message fits in harmoniously, if loosely, with Paul's Prison Letters - so we are considering it an episode in that series. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. The title slide photo of the donkey is from BiblePlaces.com.

This message is the introduction to our series on Paul's Prison Letters. In it, we cover portions of Acts that give background for these letters, particularly background for Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Photos of Ephesus and the temple of Artemis are from BiblePlaces.com.

In this message we talk about Palm Sunday and Holy Week, the week leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem... on a donkey? Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Background photo of a donkey on the title image from BiblePlaces.com.

Just what is the point of being a Christian, anyway? What is the purpose in following Christ? Why are we separated from God? What is the nature of that separation? Just where are we going in this life with Jesus, following Him? These questions were answered very differently by many early Christians than they are commonly answered today. In this message I try to open up the big picture vista for us to see the depth and breadth of God's purpose for us in His creation. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Nearly all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. One passage of scripture is from the The Interlinear Greek-English New Testament: The Nestle-Aland Greek Text with a Literal English Translation, Copyright© 1998 by the United Bible Societies. Used by permission. Background photo showing a cave fresco of the Apostle Paul on the title image from BiblePlaces.com.

Advent is a time when those who follow the classic church calendar look forward to Jesus returning - an Advent, a coming. Many others look back to remember when he came born as a baby in Bethlehem. In this first Advent message we look at the theme of hope, which implies we are waiting for... what? We are patiently waiting for what we hope for - the reconciliation of all things in Jesus! We also consider the impatience of the "Christian Nationalism" which has confused so many Christians these days. The Bible Projects Advent resources may be found at https://bibleproject.com/advent/ The Bible Project video on Advent Peace may be viewed at https://bibleproject.com/videos/shalom-peace/ Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

Advent is a time when those who follow the classic church calendar look forward to Jesus returning - an Advent, a coming. Many others look back to remember when he came born as a baby in Bethlehem. In this second Advent message we look at the theme of peace, better explained through the Hebrew word "shalom." What is our purpose in this time between Jesus' Advents, or comings? In this message, we consider our purpose of being peacemakers. The Bible Projects Advent resources may be found at https://bibleproject.com/advent/ The Bible Project video on Advent Peace may be viewed at https://bibleproject.com/videos/shalom-peace/ Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan.

In our series on Christians, Politics, and Government we are moving into considering what "other gods" may be taking priority in our politics, government - and in our own lives. This briefer-than-usual message includes questions for discussion and personal application, reproduced here for your convenience: Questions for Discussion: 1. What are "other gods" are given priority in our society? What other gods do we see in politics, laws, and government policies – or in business practices? 2. What changes would be needed to dethrone these "other gods" in our society?  Why would this be good? What would change? 3. What "other gods" take power in my own life? If I am honest with myself, what changes do I need to make? 4. How can we become people who allow God to rule in our own lives? In what ways can we (in humility, with grace) demonstrate to others how it is best to follow Jesus' teaching? For Personal Change: What might God be saying to me is the next thing He would like to change in my life so that I really follow Jesus as my Lord? Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

In our series on Christians, Politics, and Government we are moving into specific topics now that a foundation for a Christian approach is established. Our first topic is... immigration! Can we discuss immigration with others truthfully with less heat and light that shows us as people who love our neighbors - both those who already live in our communities and those who may be immigrating to join them? This link takes you to the list of resources mentioned in the talk. https://www.oaks2b.com/2025/06/21/resources-for-studying-immigration/ Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

How should Christians respond to evil? How should Christians respond to evil done in Jesus' name? In this episode we work through a bit more of the basic teaching of Jesus for all of his followers and then consider when to speak up, or act, and when to remain silent. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

I'm sure you noticed the hostile tone of discourse in the media these days, even from those who claim to be Christians. In this episode we work through Jesus' ways of using words, beginning with a broader discussion of hate. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

We seem to be living in a time when politics is particularly driven by fear, when government is introducing policies that seem to be motivated or supported by fear. What does it mean to be a Christian - to follow Jesus, in such a time? We consider the most frequent instruction or command one can find in the Christian scriptures: "Do not be afraid!" Why? How? Can we love our neighbors and fear them at the same time? Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.

What does it mean to be a Christian - to follow Jesus? Many Christians in the United States seem to be doing things that are inconsistent with following Jesus, or supporting such things. So how do we identify what it means to be a Christian? How do we evaluate the actions of our government? What responsibility do we have to speak up when things are done that are are inconsistent with following Jesus? How do we, as followers of Jesus, relate to politics and government? This series will consider these matters. This introductory episode establishes our foundation. Visit us on the web: https://www.lbfc.org. Give: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=3ZJ93YXC6X9AS Music "Front Porch" by Adam Selzer, see https://openchurch.com/free-download/front-porch-1011834/, (CC-BY-SA-3.0) Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. Background photo of two denarii on title image from BiblePlaces.com.