Blue Oaks Church Weekend Services

Have you ever marveled at how, 2000 years later, the words and deeds of a humble carpenter from a backwoods region of a small, unimportant country in the Roman Empire, are treasured and celebrated by billions all over the world?

The Gospel spreads today the same way today as it did back then: when you and I share the Good News with someone else.

Next Steps

I will begin to pray for unchurched people where I live.

I will invest in people far from God.

I will be intentional about inviting people to Blue Oaks.

I will serve someone who is far from God this week.

I will not let fear prevent me from inviting people to church.

The post The Great Commission appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

C.S. Lewis noted that people who are growing, thriving and loving are the people who praise God the most. People who are stagnant, cranky and self-centered praise God the least. Join us this week as we examine what is needed to live with a worshiping mind.

Next Steps

I commit to gather together with the church to worship.

I will prepare and participate in making his praise glorious.

I will worship God with my mind and heart, for he is worthy to receive all my worship.

I will offer God worship as a way of life and not just an hour a week.

I will taste and see that the Lord is good.

I will chose joy.

The post Getting Worship Right appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

Our previous message was about God as the focus of our worship. But when we worship God, we benefit as well. Worship changes us for the better. And when we neglect the worship of God we suffer in tangible and practical ways. Join us as we continue our study, “The Wonder of Worship”.

Next Steps

I will come to worship when the church gathers even when I don’t feel like it.

I will work at taking every thought captive to obey Christ.

I will worship God even when I’m hurt.

I will worship God even when I’m disappointed.

I will worship God even when I’m afraid.

The post Worship Changes Us appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

It can be tough to try to please everyone. Especially when it comes to highly subjective things, like our taste in music. Especially worship music. Fortunately worship isn’t about us or our preferences and tastes. Worship is about God.

Next Steps

I will come ready to worship God in spirit and truth.

I will come early and prepare my heart for worship.

I will worship in a way that reflects my heart.

The post Why Worship Matters appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

The vast majority of the Christians in our day are inundated with work and other obsessions that have replaced a true relationship with Jesus. Jesus’ enemy is not opposition, persecution, or threatened poverty. It’s over-commitment, fatigue, stress and running too fast. In this message we look at how to regain the life Jesus is calling you to live.

Next Steps

I will commit to live a simpler life.

I will identify which idol I wrestle with most and eliminate it from my life.

I will not bow down to the idol of approval.

I will give and serve and trust God with my future.

I will put knowing and loving God above doing good works.

The post Tearing Down Idols appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

Do you struggle with “FOMO” (the “fear of missing out”)? Do you consider your ability (and tendency) to do 5 things at once a virtue or a vice? Did you know that even Jesus, the Son of God, needed to rest sometimes? Join us this Sunday as we again learn from the Master of peaceful living.

Next Steps

I will rest on a weekly basis.

I will read the gospel of John, reflecting on the life and teachings of Jesus.

I will take time to reflect at the end of the day.

I will engage in an activity that recreates me.

The post A Call to Live Rested appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

Do you have a hard time saying ‘no’ to things? Consequently, do you often find yourself over-committed, worn out or lacking peace in your life? If this isn’t you, does this describe someone else in your life? If so be sure to join us this week as we seek to find rest for our souls.

Next Steps

I will live in the constant care and protection of the Good Shepherd.

Instead of worrying I will pray and ask God to take care of me.

I will not try to get some external circumstance to bring soul satisfaction.

I will schedule a time to rest this week.

I will fast from noise, providing space and time for God to speak.

The post Rest Your Weary Soul appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

Do you sometimes find it difficult to stand up for what you believe in, especially in the face of opposition from others? If so you’re not alone. Sometimes opposition can mean you’re on the right path. Join us this week as we look at how Jesus often defied those who stood in the way of the Kingdom of God.

Next Steps

I will bring the kingdom of God to my little part of the world this week.

I will consider where my Galilee is (the hardest place to live out the kingdom of God).

I will do what I need to do to bring the kingdom into my Galilee.

I will consider who/what plays the role of Herod Antipas in my life (threatening and intimidating).

I will do what I need to do to make changes for the sake of the kingdom of God.

The post Herod appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

Have you ever lied? C’mon, be honest. Even one little white lie? But does it really even matter? Does it matter to God? This week we take a look at how we’re doing when it comes to honesty and integrity – and what we can do about it if we have a few skeletons in our closets.

Next Steps

I will take off the mask and stop faking it in an area of my life.

I will ask God to help me see my sin the way he sees it.

I will be honest to God and to someone I trust about this area of my life.

I will confess my sin and receiving God’s forgiveness for the first time in my life.

I will commit to change this area of my life.

The post Ananias and Sapphira appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.

Do you have what might be called “bleacher people” in your life? These are people who stand in the bleachers, cheering you on as you run the race of life. We all need them and we can become them for others. Join us this week as we explore how.

Next Steps

I will identify who my bleacher people are and thank them.

I will humble myself and invest in the greatness of someone else.

I will pray for the person I’m in conflict with.

I will give up trying to fix the person I’m in conflict with.

I will encourage the people God brings in my life this week.

The post Barnabas appeared first on Blue Oaks Church - Pleasanton, CA.