Liquid Church

So: who are you inviting to Liquid on Sunday, June 4th? To kick-off our DaVinci Code outreach, Pastor Tim takes to the street to invite our closest neighbors-- Phil the owner of the Lemon Lounge coffeeshop, and the hairstylists from Shry's Salon. Press PLAY to join in the fun! And join us in June when hell freezes over and Phil visits our church!

When you're invited to a party, how quickly you respond to the offer is quite revealing. If you jump at the invite, it shows a sincere gratitude. If you procrastinate (or think up excuses for not attending), it often betrays a lack of relationship with the host. In our spiritual life, we make all kinds of excuses for keeping God at arm's length. We're busy people... and life can be overwhelming. Complicated. Yet, our RSVP to God's simple invitation to table fellowship reveals our true priorities. Listen in as Pastor Tim articulates the scandalous invitation Jesus made to the lost, the least, and the last. And be challenged to respond.

When it comes to spreading the influence of Jesus in the world around us, well-meaning Christians often do it poorly. Some believers retreat into a safe, religious bubble that keeps them from interacting with outsiders. Others remain silent so that friends don't even know about their faith. Still others are so outspoken, that folks run the other way when they see them coming. Yet, Jesus gave us a model for cultural engagement that drives our mission as a church. At Liquid, we're committed to "Spreading the Influence" in 3 ways: ...by investing in friendships with non-believers (Colossians 4.5-6) ...by inviting the unchurched (Luke 14.23) ...by reaching out to serve the community (Mark 10.45) Listen in as Pastor Tim describes our "Invest & Invite" strategy for engaging our neighbors in relevant, meaningful ways with the love of God.

The C-word makes everyone nervous. C-C-C-c-c-commitment. Whether it's a dating relationship or connection with a church, the idea of committing to be a part of a long-term relationship can be among life's most intimidating prospects. Yet, at some point, we have to decide if we're going to take the next step and put down some roots. Churches are full of spiritual nomads-- those who wander from one church to another. Never making a commitment and, too often, never experiencing sustained spiritual growth. How do you keep from swerves, stalls, and detours in your spiritual life? One of the ways is to put down some roots and commit to traveling with a local group of fellow believers. Listen in as Pastor Tim describes what it means to "Share the Responsibility" as part of a growing church family.

Show of hands. Who has the gift of waiting on tables? Of washing feet? Wiping the noses of kindergarten kids? Most folks don't like "dirty work." Yet, this is the essence of servant leadership that Jesus highlighted as the heartbeat of God. Scripture tells us that every believer has a gift-- a unique,one-of-a-kind talent, ability, or strength that God wants them to spend in the service of others. It's ain't about volunteering out of guilt... or religious obligation. Rather, serving others is one of the primary ways we grow up to be like Jesus. That's why the Liquid Church Family Covenant includes a commitment to "Serve the Ministry" of our church in 3 ways: ... by identifying my gifts (Romans 12.6-8) ... by developing a servant heart (Philippians 2.5-7) ... by serving others strategically (1 Peter 4.10) Listen in as Pastor Tim describes the vital role that strategic service plays in building up God's family and completing the mission Jesus left to His followers. Part 3 of the message series "Welcom

Pssssssst. Have you heard about so-and-so? Gossip. Like nothing else, it has the power to undermine friendship and poison a community. Unfortunately, churches are often breeding grounds for gossip... God's kids aren't immune from the tempting tidbit that highlights a brother or sister's glaring flaw or embarassing failure. That's why the Liquid Church Family Covenant begins with a commitment to "Safeguard the Unity" of our church in 3 ways: ...by loving one another (1 Peter 3.8) ...by refusing to gossip (Ephesians 4.29) ...by resolving conflict quickly (Matthew 18.15) Listen in as Pastor Tim describes God's dream for true unity in His family... and the radical steps necessary for His children to cultivate and preserve it. Part 2 of the message series "Welcome to the Family."

The Christian life is easy to get out of balance. Spend too much time with church friends and you lose touch with the world around you. Invest all your time swimming in the culture, and you start becoming just like it. That's why our mission at Liquid focuses on three vital relationships: Intimacy with God... Community with Insiders... and Influence with Outsiders. Are you in danger of becoming a Lone Ranger Saint? The Church Lady? A Carnal Christian? Listen in as Pastor Tim discusses the Missional Balance that drives our church family. www.liquidchurch.com

Maybe your parents had you sprinkled as an infant. Perhaps you got dunked as a teen. Maybe you don't go near water. What if you're returning to faith as an adult? Do you need to be re-baptized? There seems to be a lot of confusion about this important milemarker in the Christian journey. Some ask, "Do I have to be baptized to become a Christian?" Others privately wonder, "Does my childhood baptism count?" Figure out where you stand as Pastor Tim opens the Scriptures to answer the question: "Sprinkle, Dip, or Dunk... What's the Deal with Baptism?"

There are the HAVES... and the HAVE NOTS. And then there are those who HAVE NOT paid for what they HAVE. Debt is a familiar four-letter word to most of us that’s as American as apple pie. It’s also one of the most crippling burdens that emerging generations carry. You may have taken scissors to your credit cards before, but is there a lasting way out from a lifestyle of financial debt? Listen in for the conclusion of Pastor Tim’s message series on money "I.O.U." to learn some basic tools for avoiding debt & begin the journey to financial sanity. Part 6 of the message series "Why the Devil Takes MasterCard: Jesus on Money and Your Stuff."

What do you think when you hear the word "tithe"? A tip for good service? A religious tax? Tithing is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the Christian life-- yet, if Scripture is to be believed, it is one of the onramps to the Real Joy that God intends for his kids. It doesn't make sense. Giving money back to God actually increases my wealth? Yes. In all the ways that money can't buy. Listen in as Pastor Tim discusses "The Tenth Floor"-- God's onramp to financial freedom and blessing. Part 5 of "Why the Devil Takes MasterCard: Jesus on Money and Your Stuff."

Good heavens... Poor, poor Drew! What in the world could Liquid's naughty intern have done to deserve getting his butt kicked? (promo for video iPod only) Don't forget: Liquid Small Group Connection This Sunday 2/26 6:30-7:30 PM (between services) Only at www.liquidchurch.com

You and I are natural-born clutchers. From the moment we come grasping our momma's finger out of the womb, we grab what we can, declare it "Mine!" and hang on tight for dear life. Clutching and grasping is our reflexive response as fallen humans. To freely "let go" of our money and stuff just ain't natural. In fact, to enjoy the freedom of opening our hands to God and others requires a supernatural impulse. Yet, this is exactly what happened according to Paul in 2 Corinthians 8-- God's Spirit stimulated a heartfelt joy in the Macedonian believers causing them to become extravagant givers! Indeed, if we're to truly experience the full joy of God and participate in His mission of extending generosity to others in need, we must learn to loosen our grip on what we have... following the example of Christ as the Macedonians did. Take a look at your hands... and listen in as Pastor Tim discusses the secret of open-handed giving. Part 4 of the message series "Why the Devil Takes MasterCard: Jesus on Money and

Check-out the video teaser for Pastor Tim's message series "Why the Devil Takes MasterCard: Jesus on Money and Your Stuff." A special treat for our listeners with a Video iPod!

Have you ever seen a hearse with a luggage rack? We all know you can't take it with you. But in Matthew 6, Jesus shares an incredible corollary to that truth about our treasure. You can't take it with you... but you can send it on ahead. Listen in as Pastor Tim discusses the ultimate "Insider Trading" tip that should revolutionize our earthly investment strategy. Part 3 of "Why the Devil Takes MasterCard: Jesus on Money and Your Stuff"

Let's face it: Money is an touchy topic. We're uncomfortable talking about it, and most folks are content to keep it a private, personal matter. Yet, for some reason, the Bible's Author makes a big deal about it-- addressing the issue of money and possessions more than faith and prayer combined! Indeed, Jesus "turned up the heat" when it came to money-- even drawing a direct link to the sincerity of one's salvation. Listen in as Pastor Tim highlights 4 "Fever Breaks"... or ways that Jesus teaches a person is finally freed from the grip of Affluenza. Part 2 of the message series "Why the Devil Takes MasterCard: Jesus on Money and Your Stuff"

Af-flu-en-za n. 1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 2. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by dogged pursuit of the American Dream. 3. A spiritual illness that Jesus counsels his followers to avoid at all costs As Westerners, we live in a society of unprecedented affluence, a culture of luxury that teaches us to buy, spend, and consume from early on. Yet Jesus warns his followers "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12.15). How do we live in a world that says luxury, leisure and consumption are the means to lasting happiness? Listen in as Pastor Tim discusses the Affluenza bug in the message series "Why the Devil Takes MasterCard: Jesus on Money and Your Stuff."

When family or close friends visit, why is the kitchen always the most popular room in the house? A: Because it's where REAL conversations happen-- the nitty gritty stuff of life. Over the kitchen table is where initimate friends huddle to share their deepest hopes, dreams, and fears. In short: the kitchen is about intimate community. In 2006, we are "renovating" the kitchen at Liquid-- listen in as we discuss the blueprints for expanding our small group community for folks from all seasons of life. From guests... to friends... to family: step inside the Liquid kitchen and belong.

We're all familiar with the the old, old story-- the shepherds, the magi, the babe in the manger... but do we know the real story that took place behind the stars on that first Christmas? What was Christmas like from God's perspective? It may have been a hushed "Silent Night" on earth, but in the heavens... well, there was another drama unfolding. A war to end all wars. This is the story of the OTHER Christmas-- the one we glimpse from a heavenly point-of-view in Revelation, chapter 12. Listen in as Pastor Tim pulls back the curtain on "A Cosmic Christmas" that restores the wonder of God's courageous gift to us.

Not safe... but good. This is how Mr. Beaver describes Aslan... and the way the God of the Bible reveals Himself to His creatures. What do we make of a God who brims with an infinite love... yet is said to burn with a furious wrath? Can a mighty God of righteous rage still be trustworthy? Indeed, the anger of God is a widely misunderstood aspect of His character-- too often exploited by desperate preachers and callous believers to manipulate and threaten folks. Could it be that Divine Anger is noble & restorational (rather than petty and destructive)? Listen in as Pastor Tim discusses how the Lion of Judah's coming return will finally bring justice and healing to a wounded world.

The winter is finally over... and Aslan is on the move! When the cinematic adaptation of C.S. Lewis' classic allegory "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" hit theaters, thousands were introduced to the enchanting tale of 4 children who discover a parallel world where Good and Evil clash in epic kingdom conflict. At the center of the tale is a Lion King of Kings... the hero our adult hearts secretly long for. But this is more than a children's fable or a blockbuster movie. Tune in as Pastor Tim Lucas of LiquidChurch.com discusses the "story behind the story" and the deeper magic into which God invites His children. www.liquidchurch.com tim@liquidchurch.com