LWCF Teachings

Authentic faith is more than what we say we believe. It's reflected in how we live. John reminds us that knowing Jesus means following His commands, walking as He walked, and loving others as He has loved us. We don't prove our faith through perfection, but through a life that is continually being shaped by Christ.

Authentic faith means choosing to walk in the light rather than hiding in the darkness. John reminds us that following Jesus doesn't mean pretending we have it all together--it means being honest about our sin, bringing it into the light, and trusting in the forgiveness and cleansing found in Christ. A genuine faith is not perfect, but it is honest, surrendered, and continually walking with Jesus.

Before moving into what God has next, sometimes we need to stop and remember who we belong to. Joshua 5 reminds us that new ground isn't just about where God is taking us, but about allowing Him to shape us along the way. Before we rush ahead, we're called to pause, surrender, and make sure our hearts are aligned with God.

God doesn't want us to forget what He has done. In Joshua 4, the Israelites set up stones as a reminder of God's faithfulness–not only for themselves, but for future generations to see and know the goodness of God. As we step into new ground, we can look back at what God has done, remember His faithfulness, and share those stories so others can know Him too.

Stepping into new ground means moving forward even when we can't see what's ahead. In Joshua 3, the Israelites had to step into the Jordan before God made a way. When the path is uncertain, keep your eyes focused on Christ and trust the One who is leading you. Faith means taking the next step, knowing God will make a way.

Following God into new ground can feel uncertain when we can't see what's ahead. But Joshua 2 reminds us that we never step into a new place alone–God is already there, already working, and already preparing the way. What feels like new ground to us is not new ground to God. Even when our past makes us question what's possible, God is still writing our story and inviting us to trust Him with what comes next.

Moving into new ground requires faith, courage, and a willingness to trust God when the way forward is unfamiliar. As Joshua steps into a new season of leadership, God reminds him that while circumstances may change, His presence and promises remain the same. We may not know what lies ahead, but we can move forward with confidence when we anchor ourselves to what hasn't changed.

In today's message, Pastor Shane takes us through Psalm 103:1-5 and reminds us to slow down and remember the goodness of God. It's easy to focus on what is going wrong and overlook the many ways God is working, providing, forgiving, and caring for us. This message challenges us to intentionally remember His blessings and praise Him for all the good He has done.

In the final week of our Summer on the Mount series, Pastor Shane explores Matthew 7:24-27 and the importance of building our lives on a strong foundation. Jesus reminds us that hearing His words is not enough–we are called to put them into practice. This message challenges us to build our lives on Christ so that when the storms come, our foundation will stand firm.

In week ten of our Summer on the Mount series, Pastor David delivers a powerful message from Matthew 7:21-23, asking the sobering question: If I can know that my future is secure in heaven, then how can I know? Jesus reminds us that genuine faith is not measured by religious activity but by a true relationship with Him that results in faithful obedience. This message challenges us to examine our hearts and find confidence in truly knowing Christ.