WE DON'T DESERVE THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS

We may be listening to carefully and living the messages of Christmas, one in particular!

You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout, I'm telling you why. He's making a list, Checking it twice; Gonna find out who's naughty or nice. He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good, So be good for goodness sake.

 From very young, we’ve been taught to believe that we receive Christmas gifts based on merit, i.e. the Naught and Nice list. If you’re good enough, you deserve presents. If you’re too bad, you deserve and get coal.

Conclusion – gifts are not gifts at all, but the consequence of a year spent in good or bad behavior.

How good do I have to be to land on the nice list and how naughty do I have to be to land on the naughty list? I mean, “How do you measure the good and the bad to decide?”

So, how GOOD IS GOOD ENOUGH? AND HOW BAD IS BAD ENOUGH?

Watch Lifehouse Church's Christmas message.

SOLA: Part 3 (Full Message) from Lifehouse Church on Vimeo.

Enjoy the message and be encouraged that the GIFT of CHRISTMAS is UNDESERVED! So, RECEIVE FREELY!

Fired up,
-Patrick

Do you have IT? New Sermon Series

IT.  Some people have it.  Other people want it.  Still others are jealous of it.  They’re not quite sure what it is, but they know they need it.  When you see someone with it, you know.  It is powerful, inspiring, and life-changing.  When someone has it, you want to follow them, even be like them. It gets people to do what they didn’t think was possible and go where they had only dreamed of going.  It will demand more than you’re willing to give, hurt more than you think you can endure so you can become more than what you ever thought you could become.

Of course, you’re asking, “What is it?”

Join me Sundays 8:45, 10:00 or 11:15 AM as we dive into a new series that explains what it is, how to get it, grow in it, and use it for God’s purposes.

Catch a sneak peak of the series by watching the trailer, and we hope to see you this Sunday!

St Patrick Part 3- Living the best life possible

Check out the video trailer for the sermon:



Listen to the message here.

Too often, we see rules and laws as stealing the best in life- telling us what we can't eat and all the fun we can't have. AND in the Name of God...

The Bible seems a like a mountain of laws, rules, civil codes, from hygiene, food care, clothing, home care, medical practices, what foods to eat, not eat, sexual practice and morality. These seem so legalistic!

Jesus actually said the same thing about the religiously leaders who added to God's Law...

Read Matthew 23:25-28 (NIV)

Jesus was challenging these religious leaders that God's Law was not about religious observance but total moral renewal. The Law wasn't about appearances (what can be seen) but the heart.

The goal wasn’t to “cover up” rottenness OR to look religious, but something deeper.

God wants to clean deep parts of our lives. Then, why all the civil law and commands to be holy? How does this apply to my life TODAY?

Read Leviticus 11:43-44 (NIV). The word "consecrate" is to chose an ordinary thing, and set it apart for special purpose.

We are called to Be Set Apart

Read Deuteronomy 26:16, 19, (NIV). God's Law comes from His desire to set apart this nation as His special, chosen people to show all people what is best. His Law is from His love and relationships with Israel.

Be Set Apart for Your Well-Being


Read Deuteronomy 26:17-18, (NIV).

Law of God was for their best- to enjoy, embrace life NOT to prevent them from best. God gave the Law for their well-bring, to instruct them how to live healthy lives and have honorable relationships. This civil law prevented wide spread disease, outbreaks of plagues, sickness.

Observance of law made them different and distinguishable.

SO? God's Law is for OUR well-being. The Bible is not restricting us, but teaching us how to live for our own well-being. We think we know what’s best, but we must be willing to trust that God knows best, then obey Him by FAITH.

When we obey God's Law, we are noticeably different and distinguishable without the devastation and destruction that comes from sin.

Be Set Apart for Your Wholeness

Read Deuteronomy 26:16, (NIV).
The Law is about heart issues not appearance issues. Jesus corrected Pharisees since they missed point.
The Bible is not about behaviors- trying to make people look holy. BUT to lead people to wholeness in their BODY, SOUL, HEART- whole being.

However, the Law cannot make someone whole, anymore than a traffic sign can make someone drive safely. it can only exposes disobedience.

Therefore, the Bible is not about conformity but consecration.
Read Romans 7:19-8:3 (NIV). The Law isn’t bad. It actually is a reflection of God and His character.
BUT the Law does reveal that we cannot live up to it to experience the best wholeness God offers.

Jesus taught that wholeness doesn’t come from being perfect in the law (impossible), but by having a whole heart. Only God can make the heart whole- restore life and offer true wholeness.

Thus, faith in Jesus is an inner-work: see 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV).

When we give God full access and invite Him to clean up our insides rather than just change some of our behavior, an amazing transformation occurs. What we once were gives way to the new life that God intended for us to have. We are cleansed from the inside.

Not only are we cleansed but the inner wholeness begins to spring out of us, just like the filth and vile once did.

We can’t keep anything hidden- whether evil or good. It will come out. When we allow Jesus to transform our hidden shame, the new joy, life, and hope that begins exists will emerge.

Here's the latest on St. Patrick

YOU get to VOTE on what happens to St. Patrick...

Vote on what should happen to St. Patrick at the end of Season 3: Law & Order at Lifehouse FB page (I suggest writing in that "he" should be arrested by real police for impersonating a police detective).

Check out part 2 video and message and discover how the Law of God is actually FOR our justice. We don't define right and wrong, or just throw it out the window. God establishes right and wrong.



Listen to the message here.

SHARE these links and resources!

Check it out- resources for part 1 of Law & Order: St Patrick Unit

Watch the trailer for the opening message in the series, "Law & Order: St Patrick Unit"



Listen to the message here.

Discover the principles behind the Law of God laid out in detail in Exodus and Deuteronomy. Come out THIS Sunday, June 12th to discover the 2nd principle that we'll be examining in these books.

Newest ST PATRICK Series- Law & Order

Rules can seem so… restrictive, so… prudish.  Morals and regulations seem to limit all of our fun and freedom.  What’s more, Christianity seems to be the greatest offender of that freedom.  Many people view the Bible as nothing more than a list of do’s and don’ts.  In their estimate, it’s filled with rules designed to restrict and rob us of pleasure.  Could their assumptions be true?

Join Pastor Patrick Sundays 8:45, 10:00 or 11:15 AM as he dives into "LAW & ORDER: St. Patrick Unit," a new series that explains that God's laws were not meant to be burdensome but to be a blessing.  God's laws reveal his heart and his character, so as we turn our focus from the law to the Lawgiver, we discover the key to a free and fulfilled life!

Catch a sneak peak of the series by watching the trailer, and we hope to see you this Sunday!

How NOT to INVITE friends to Church

Friend Day is THIS Sunday! Follow these simple steps to avoid an awkward invitation situation...



DON'T FORGET- Invite friends, family, co-workers, classmates, fellow-graduates- pretty much ANYONE you know who does NOT currently go to church! See you and then on Sunday for Friend Day and the Kick-off of our latest sermon series. I'll post that next!

How Not to Invite Your Friends

Check out a latest teaching video to help you develop the skills to invite your friends to Lifehouse:



Don't forget- NEXT SUNDAY, June 5th is Friend Day! So, take your newly gotten skills, and enjoy inviting your friends, co-workers, neighbors, classmates- pretty much anyone you know who does NOT currently go to church.

We look forward to seeing YOU and your friends on June 5th!

Why Should I Get Baptized?

With an exciting baptism celebration coming up at Lifehouse Church East, thought I'd take a moment and explain why you should consider getting baptized.

Sign up to be baptized at our service on May 22nd- http://on.fb.me/mdnPYk.

First, if it's good enough for Nacho Libre, it's good enough for you:


Ok, seriously...

Baptism was commanded by Jesus when He told his followers to spread the good news of the Gospel:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit... Matthew 28:19.

As the disciples preached, they carried  out this command and instructed all those who put their faith in Jesus to be baptized:
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Acts 2:38.

When the message of Jesus is presented, those who believe will want to demonstrate their faith through a public symbol or witness to their commitment to Jesus:
Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” Acts 8:35–36.

What's the point?

Coming out of the closet for Jesus: since everyone else is coming out of the closet these days, and people understand that it means to bring out into public what you've been living in secret, baptism seems to be the coming-out-of-the-closet moment for Jesus-followers. It's our moment when we declared to the whole world and anyone watching that we are publicly declaring that Jesus is Lord of our life.

Powerful and meaningful symbolism: why do Jesus-follower get fully dunked in the water as a public declaration of their faith in Jesus? This is a very meaningful ceremony for Christians. Here's why:

• water symbolizes the Holy Spirit,
• going under water = a person's death to their "old" (2 Corinthians 5:17) way of life and their sinful past,
• being raised out of the water = regeneration and transformation that happens through faith in Jesus as the Holy Spirit brings someone to new life in Jesus. This life is eternal life. 

Does baptism make you "saved"? No! No more than a wedding ring makes you married. The power is not in the symbol but in the vow behind the symbol. The symbol is important, because it declares to the whole world that you've made a vow to give your life to Christ, just as a wedding ring tells the world that I've committed my life in marriage to my spouse.

Okay, so have you been baptized since you believed in Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?

If not, I would like to strongly challenge you to get baptized. Sunday, May 22nd during any one of our 3 services at Lifehouse would be a great opportunity. Let us know!

Kick-off of Newest Sermon Series - DOORS

Check out our trailer for DOORS, a new sermon series going through the First Letter to the Corinthians.

This series examines who the gospel changes everything! Hear who the good news of Jesus goes through the various doors that we so often keep God out of. Here are the overview pages of the study guide.

Should Jesus-followers celebrate the death of Osama bin Laden?

By now, most have heard and even moved on from the news that US Navy Seals killed Osama bin Laden, the master mind behind the 9-11 terror strikes. It's possible that you missed this news, but I doubt anyone has not heard of the event nearly ten years ago that led to this news.

Probably everyone reading this remembers exactly where they were when they saw the news on TV or got the phone call. We all stood in one united deafening silent moment of shock and horror at our devastating loss and exposed vulnerability. We mourned like never before at the irrational and unjustifiable loss of innocent life.


Regarding yesterday's news of bin Laden's death, I've heard a wide range of responses both by US politicians, mainstream media, and Christians alike. By some media and Christians, I'm disgusted. So, I've tried to lay out a biblical and Christian response to both bin Laden's death and those like him (think Hitler and Stalin). Allow me to answer a few questions that I've heard regarding this news.

1. Was it right for the US to attack and kill him?

A better question might be to ask if it is right for the government of any nation to have a law against murder and that the consequence of murder and worse state-terror is death. Biblically, yes.

For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Romans 13:4.

Osama bin Laden is a mass murderer and a terrorist. Both him and those like him, and the nations that sponsor terror are justly attacked and either annihilated or at least uttered powerless to attack again.

2. But doesn't politics and US agenda cloud the "righteous" mandate of such attacks? What if it is only about oil?

Like you, I've grown both skeptical, even jaded to any political allegiance or quick support for every US "cause". I've seen the US manipulate situations, politicians use Christians for their own agenda, and allowed the media to abuse their responsibility by reporting only what they want us to hear.

However, in this incident, it is apparent to all law abiding people that bin Laden was evil. How can I make such a statement. The Bible makes it clear that killing innocent people is evil (Exodus 23:7; Psalm 10:8; 64:4-9; 94:21; Proverbs 1:11). It's a one of the things God hates (Proverbs 6:17).

War is necessary to protect human life and the cause of freedom. It seems paradoxical to take life in the name of life. But so long as evil exists on earth (until Christ's triumphant victory at the end of time), there will be a need for righteous leaders to gain national safety and peace through military strength. We do NOT glamorize or celebrate war, but mourn it's necessity. We don't celebrate the mass death of enemies. We grieve the need to defend freedom from tyranny and long for a day when God rights all wrong. Until then, we are comforted in the profound words of Abraham Lincoln nearly 150 years ago,

"The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

3. Is it right to celebrate when people are killed?

Probably more than the other questions, this one seems to stir the most debate. It's born from our own horror at the jubilation and dancing in the streets by masses of Muslims around the world on 9-11. They celebrated at the death of thousands of innocent lives, non-combatants, women and children. Bin Laden plotted and armed Islamic terrorists, and evil people celebrated our destruction.

And now, the US has killed bin Laden and we celebrate. Aren't we doing the same thing?

First, let's go back to previous point and restate the question: is it right for Christians to celebrate the death of wicked people?

The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. 10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. Proverbs 11:6–10. (italics added)

Whether Solomon was mandating the celebration or stating the obvious, there is something right about evil being punished. We should celebrate justice and rejoice in the victory of good over evil. While bin Laden was a human, he was clearly unrepentant, purely motivated by evil, and desirous of destroying innocent lives. Bin Laden wasn't an innocent person murderously attacked by big-bad-mean Navy Seals. He was an evil militant.

Also, other Christians have warped passages of the Bible to suggest that bin Laden deserves the same treat as David gave his father-in-law Saul. Most remarks like this are given by individuals with a very poor understanding of the Bible and proof-text Scripture to justify their own views rather than God's. David didn't kill Saul, not because he wasn't evil and evil deserved destruction, but because he had been "God's anointed" and David did not want to be responsible for taking the life of someone God had anointed. This clearly does NOT apply to bin Laden.

Final, but sobering thought:

We understand that wickedness, evil, and terror should and MUST be judged and punished. We celebrate the destruction of evil and evil people. And it is right!

The only place for pause on a day of celebration in the death of the wicked is to recognize that while we too are wicked. No, certainly not evil in the vein of Osama bin Laden. No, we are not terrorists, mass murderers, or busy plotting the destruction of innocent people. But we are living under judgment, rightly deserving of righteous punishment, because our desires are evil and selfish. God is right to pour wrath against sin, and through our celebration at bin Laden's death, we all agree.

However, we recognize that every person, both mass murderers and little-white-liars will be judged by God, and everyone will be found sinful and deserving of judgment (Romans 3:23; 6:23), and not just death on earth but forever death (Revelation 20:11-15) for all who did not place their faith in the salvation offered through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We are all sinners deserving of godly judgment. We will all stand before God and be judged for our life and actions (2 Corinthians 5:10). Those who throw themselves at the mercy of God through the grace offered in Jesus find a "covering" for their sins and are made righteous in God's sight.

So, let's celebrate at the good news that justice prevailed over evil. Let's celebrate that, through Jesus, mercy prevails over justice on our behalf through the cross of Jesus.

Invite your FRIENDS & NEW Sermon Series

Don't Miss Out or Miss this incredible opportunity to invite your friends to Lifehouse. Hopefully, this video will inspire you to invite everyone you can to join us THIS weekend for Spring Fever Sunday:


TAG, YOU'RE IT! We'll do our part making it a great experience and helping people hear and experience the Gospel and be touch by God's transforming power. But you've got to do your part by inviting them and talking them about Jesus.

Kicking off new sermon series (with a title that you may remember from last year):




You don't want to miss this series. PLUS, we'll be passing out the NEW study guides to go along with this series. This is one of those sermon series that your friends will want to hear.

TAG, YOU'RE IT!

Friend Day

No need to sign up for the "Lonely Hearts Club" this Valentine's Weekend!

February 13th is FRIEND DAY at Lifehouse Church East!

Surround yourself with good company, good food, and good music as we kick off a brand new series, "Love & Other 4 Letter Words." Watch the teaser video here.

Services begin at 9:00 AM & 10:30 AM, with free coffee & breakfast available before each service.  So, grab a friend, co-worker, or frienemy and we'll see you Valentine's weekend at Lifehouse Church East!

Exciting Stuff Happening at Lifehouse

Join us for Friend Day on 2/13! Invite your FRIENDS: http://www.lifehousechurcheast.org/feb-13-friend-day.


Kicking off new series: "Love & Other 4 Letter Words"

**Plus FREE showing of Fireproof at Leitersburg Cinemas from 2/11-14 for Valentine's Day: http://www.fireproofthemovie.com.





***The Grace Card MOVIE coming to Cinemas on 2/25-27, sponsored by Lifehouse & area churches: 



Tell everyone!

-Pastor Patrick
www.twitter.com/patrickgrach
www.barenakedfaith.blogspot.com

Yes, I am THAT guy!

As much as I hate to admit it, over the last few weeks, I've become THAT guy.

First, I got in my first car accident the week before Christmas, and so I was THAT guy on the side of the road, staring at my broken car with mess in the street and fire, police, and tow trucks around.

And it was the day we got the inch or 2 of snow, so it was freezing cold. Not whining, just explaining.

Then, yesterday, I wiped on the treadmill at the Y. Yep, I'm THAT guy that falls on the treadmill. I mean, who does that?!

It was pretty embarrassing. How? My ipod fell off when I hit the earphone wire.  I thought I hit the stop button when I got off to pick up my ipod, so when I got back on, I was surprised to step onto the still spinning machine. WIPE OUT! The gym was full, and several people started asking me if I was okay.

Honestly, from an average guys perspective, even if my arm or leg was severed, I still would have said, "of course, I'm fine!" However, that was the end of my run.

Here are some other people that were THAT guy, only way funnier:

You shouldn't have laughed, that almost was me...


What's your experience at being THAT guy? I want some good confessions here.

COMING SOON: Red Carpet Sunday!

On Sunday, December 5, we’re rolling out the RED CARPET for all friends and family members of Lifehouse Church East! Every guest of honor can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, continental breakfast, family portraits, and admission to Legend, a special Christmas series.

Tickets for the event are FREE, but seating is limited in each service, so start making your guest list today!



The box office will be open November 21 & 28 before and after the 9:00 & 10:30 AM service. You may also call 301-824-4656 or email info@lifehousechurcheast.org for WILL CALL information.

Every guest can also submit their contact information on their ticket stub to be entered in the VIP Gift Package drawing ($225 value!). There will be one winner drawn for the 9:00 AM service, and one drawn for the 10:30 AM service. Guests must be present to receive their prize. Ticket stubs can be submitted at the box office on Sundays.

these videos are proof that EVERYONE is necessary at Lifehouse

In case you don't know where you belong or what talent you have to offer, I want to assure every person at Lifehouse is valuable and necessary.

As PROOF, we've discovered that one ministry partner's unique gift is making jibjab videos of the office staff. Who knew that this was a necessary role in the church, but hey, we want everyone to maximize their giftedness to impact God's Kingdom at Lifehouse.

I had to censor most, but here are a few jibjab videos of our team that may give you a laugh. OH, and be very afraid if you see someone at Lifehouse trying to get a close of picture of your face. You may find yourself in one of these.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Featuring: Lauren Layman, Melody Belotte, Corey Broadwater, Patrick, Brian Linn.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Featuring: Pastors Ron, Patrick and Laura, Corey Broadwater, and Dave Johnson

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Featuring: Pastor Joe and Lois, John and Jamie Aldridge, Lauren Broadwater.

my lay-away purchase

in prep for the message this Sunday, I came across this video:

The trunk monkey chaperone version is my next lay-away purchase. I don't care how much! I'll pick it up in about 7 years, when my oldest daughter is able to get her driving permit. :)

Boys, are you afraid? Not nearly enough! You know I'll be hunting you!

St Patrick season 2 videos and sermons available

Get them while they're available. St Patrick season 2 videos and sermons are now available at youtube and at our website, but they're only available to a limited number of people for viewing and download. So, if you want to see or hear, go NOW!

Ok, that's not true. Anybody can watch, listen, and download. And we hope you do! Pass them around, email the links to your friends, family, and neighbors who you're inviting to Lifehouse, or to those who would benefit from this sermon series. OR to those who need a good laugh at MY expense.

Here's the links for part 6:

Sermon audio here.

Hope you're laughing and being deeply challenged to truly become a Jesus-follower.

BTW, how many of you are interested in an out-takes/ bloopers video for this series?

Watch St Patrick Gone Wild videos here

Kicked off St Patrick season 2 a few weeks ago. Very excited and having a ton of fun while also speaking on some very challenging topics. The theme of this series is "The Anatomy of a Jesus-follower". However, I hope that you enjoy the journey and watching the videos as much as enjoyed filming and acting in them.

For Part 1 watch this intro video:

And for part 2:


And now, to actually listen to the sermons follow this link to our website:http://www.lifehousechurcheast.org/nonflash/main.aspx?page=sermons.