Why is there Evil and Suffering?  Questions Part 3, (2 Peter 3:9, Romans 8:18, 28, Hebrews 4:14-16, Matthew 22:36-40) 

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Evil and suffering exist but they were not part of God's original design. They exist because mankind used the very autonomy and free will of being made in God's image to deviate from His design. Deviating from God's design is what we call sin and as a result of sin, people suffer and participate in evil. This is the simple answer, but it brings little comfort or satisfaction to the question: Then why does God allow suffering and evil to continue? This is the wrong question. Because it has two faulty assumptions. 1) That we deserve or are owed good things. God doesn't owe us anything. 2) That if God purged all the evil and suffering in the world, that we wouldn't be included. Yet once again this simple logic doesn't provide much comfort or hope in the pain of evil and suffering. Because we were never intended to put our faith in a system or logic, but in a personal God. The God who came down as Jesus Christ and freely stepped into evil, stepped into pain, and took all the sin of the world upon Himself through His death and in His resurrection made a way to freedom from evil and suffering with Him for eternity. Not only has He made a way to be at peace with God, but He commissioned His church to actively be on the front lines of fighting evil through advancing the gospel. The logic of God makes the most sense of anything else in the world, but only do we find our hope and strength to go on in this world through relationship with Him.


Love and prayers,
Pastor Ben

"Questions" Part 1, How Can We Know God Exists? and How Can I Know Him?  

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

How can you know that someone actually exists?  If you were assigned the task of investigating someone's life you might visit their last known address of residence and look through any personal items left behind. You could interview people that may have had a personal connection with them.  You could also check their communications and social media posts.  If they exist, you should be able to find them or have some confirmation that they are alive.
 
If we apply these same kinds of investigative techniques to God, what would we discover? God is alive, not artificial.  He is personal, not impersonal.  And He has a purpose that includes restoring a relationship with you.  Jesus is the ultimate confirmation that the One True God exists and can be known. 
 
May this Sunday's message equip us to have curious conversations with others around our lives.  Bring a searching friend and help them be inspired to consider the evidence for God and be encouraged to place their trust in Him.  

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

Facing Reality, 24 Hours with Jesus

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Throughout life most of us have a few vivid moments of a shocking and sobering reality.  Most of the time our mind goes to some unexpected loss.  It could have been the passing of a close relative, classmate or friend, or some other traumatic experience with family, employment, financial or other crisis event.  It could also have been something wonderful--the blessing of a great job offer, an acceptance of engagement, or a child's birth.

When Jesus was crucified and resurrected, the disciples went through both emotions of extreme loss and the resurrection of hope!  Jesus' resurrection was the reality his followers faced that forever changed their lives. They held onto that reality permanently, even when threatened with their own deaths because of it.

This weekend, be inspired with a forever hope through the reality of Jesus' resurrection.  May you be forever changed and free to live for and love God because of his overcoming death for us.

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

Being One, 24 Hours with Jesus (John 17)

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

When you are facing your last 24 hours on earth, what do you think will be on your mind and in your heart?  What will you want for those in your family, your circle of closest friends, and your church family?  What would you pray for them if you were fully aware that you were about to pass and they were gathered around you?  

The gospel of John preserves an account of just that for Jesus.  Jesus prayed for his first followers and for us that we would be one with him and each other. By this the world would know that we are Jesus' disciples and might come to know him through our message.  

Be inspired to take to heart the implications of Jesus' prayer for us this Sunday.  May you be encouraged to become more unified around Jesus with those who also love and obey him.  

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

Grief Turned to Joy, 24 Hours with Jesus, Pt 4 (John 16)

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Jesus continues a heavy and confusing discussion with the disciples in their last meal together prior to his death. He encourages them to remain in his love. He encourages them in their purpose to bear fruit for the kingdom of God. That he is the vine and they are the branches. He builds them up and preps their expectations to receive hatred from the world. Finally he lays it out that he's going away and the Holy Spirit is coming. He does not withhold the hard truth. But in Jesus there is no hard truth, hard circumstance, hard season of life in which the hope of salvation cannot outweigh. That in and of itself is a hard truth to believe. Jesus told the disciples they would grieve his going away and lose confidence. Yet once God's plan of salvation came to fruition through Christ's death and resurrection, every single disciple passed through grief and experienced joy. Not one of them mourned the coming of the Holy Spirit after Jesus ascended into heaven. And from there on, not a single season of suffering stole away their permanent joy found in the Lord. We too as followers can experience grief turned to joy when we live in the great hope of Jesus Christ.


Love and prayers,
Pastor Ben

Staying Connected, 24 Hours with Jesus pt3 (John 15)

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Most women are pretty intuitive about the quality of their relationships.  Most men tend to run on auto-pilot and then jump to action when there is a problem.  But best practice is to stay "current" and "attentive" to the nuances of relationship.  The dynamic along the way is part of the relationship building process.

Jesus charged his followers to continue in an ongoing relationship with him.  If we continue to be connected in a relationship with Jesus, like a branch connected to a living vine, Jesus' life can flow into and through us, producing good outcomes that give life to others.

Be inspired this Sunday to stay connected to Jesus Christ, the living vine.  Be encouraged with what he can do in and through you as you remain in him.

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

Marriage Matters Blog, 006

Vows & A Daily Ring Exchange

Early on in our marriage, we started the daily habit of renewing our vows.

Before one of us would leave the house in the morning, we would hand the other person our wedding ring.

A promise would be spoken over the other person as they slid the wedding ring onto the ring finger.

The promise was always new, meaningful, and it's a daily habit of recommitting to the covenant we made on our wedding day.

Try doing it once a week this month and see if it's a good rhythm for your marriage!

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Did you enjoy this blog? Send it to a friend today. Send an email to info@lakegregorychurch.com with your blog post and stay tuned to watch it be featured in LGC's Marriage Matters Blog.

Marriage Matters Blog, 005

Expectations

Expectations are not inherently bad- they are the standard we hold for our lives. Challenges arise in marriage when expectations are unspoken. Unspoken expectations are a recipe for resentment.

Unmet expectations lead to frustration. Unrealistic expectations lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Let's talk about the way forward for your marriage today:

Stay away from the 'mind reader' trap. This trap leads people to think, "If they truly loved me, I wouldn't have to ask for..." Yes, it would be great if they could read your mind all the time, but they can't. They aren't a mind reader or robot; they're a spouse who loves you. They grew up in a home that handled love, roles, expectations, and conflict much differently than you.

Avoid the 'high-pressure' trap. This trap leads to expecting your spouse to be your sole source of happiness and fulfillment in life. That's way too much pressure.

Lastly, be clear about what is foundational and what is preference in your marriage.

• Foundational- love, respect, kindness, forgiveness.
• Preference- "I would prefer if you loaded the dishwasher this way." (Yes, anything dishwasher related is a preference!)

Aim to experience and meet foundational expectations daily. Choose gratitude rather than expectation any time your spouse meets a preference.

Did you enjoy this blog? Send it to a friend today. Send an email to info@lakegregorychurch.com with your blog post and stay tuned to watch it be featured in LGC's Marriage Matters Blog.

Table Talk, 24 Hours with Jesus, pt 2

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

The evening meal finished, and all the plates and wine glasses have been cleared from the table. There is tension and excitement in the air, as the disciples know there is something different about this Passover Seder. The 12 are down one, as Judas has already grabbed his loaf of bread and headed out into the night. It was a dark night indeed. Betraying the Author of Life with a kiss was just a few hours away.

Back in the upper room, Jesus leans forward at the table. As He leaned in, the tone and volume of His voice changed. The 11 follow suit and lean in as the table talk gets serious. There are a few more truths Jesus wants to convey before heading to the Garden of Gethsemane. These are encouraging truths you don’t want to miss.

There is a seat for you at the table this weekend.

Let's lean in together,

Brandon

Love Serves, 24 Hours with Jesus pt 1

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

A true, unselfish love is evidenced best when it is not easy.  Watch what a husband does when his wife is battling an illness.  See what a young adult does when a classmate betrays their friendship.  See how a leader responds when a crisis threatens him as well as those under his or her oversight.

When Jesus faced the most critical and final hours of his earthly life, he loved those who were his.  It would have been easy, even justified, in our eyes if he had turned more inward as he wrestled with betrayal, denial, and an ultimate sacrifice.  He demonstrated unselfish love through the very end.  

Be inspired this Sunday to truly love those around you and in your circle of care, even when it requires everything self-serving in you to die.  Experience the wonderful joy and freedom of the kind of love that serves.

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

Singleness: A season to be stewarded or a gift to be enjoyed, Sacred Romance pt 4

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Apple vs Android. In N Out vs Five Guys. Ford vs Chevy. Pepsi vs Coke. Angels vs Dodgers. Sushi vs Pho. Which is better?

How about marriage vs singleness? Which is better? It’s easy to fall into the trap that one is inherently better than the other. The Bible doesn’t place singleness as a less-than-others position.  Since 31% of adults in the US are single, this is an important topic for Lake Gregory Church to cover.

Come out this Sunday as we conclude the Sacred Romance series with a fresh look at singleness. It will be a great time together, whether you’re single, married, or “it’s complicated.”


Love and prayers,

Brandon

A Lasting Romance, Sacred Romance pt3

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

For decades, I have noticed how the emphasis on romance tends to be limited to the initial phase of a relationship.  Think Hallmark movies and shows.  How many of them are about the ongoing married, committed relationship between a man and woman?  Right!?  Few.

Most couples go toward marriage with aspirations for a shared life with their partner, not just the early romance to be repeated over and over.  Love matures, life is shared, and a lasting story continues.  God is interested in a forever romance, one that begins and continues.  He wants a relationship restored with all of those who believe and receive Him.  He wants that relationship to continue for all of the ages to come.  

Be inspired this Sunday to continue working toward a lasting romance in your relationship with your spouse or spouse-to-be.  All of us can walk away with help and encouragement to stay in the sacred romance with God and others.

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

A Passionate Pursuit, Sacred Romance pt2

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Can you think of a relationship that had all the early signs of being something special?  You just seemed to click.  They were intriguing and captured your interest.  You couldn't stop thinking about them throughout the day and you looked forward to any opportunity to connect.

Within the Sacred Romance are millions of stories of people passionately pursuing a relationship with someone.  It comes from the heart of God.  God passionately pursues people for a restored and life-giving relationship.  When we are at a healthy place, we also can pursue others, and in particular our mate, with an unselfish love that brings life and renewal, promise and hope.  

This Sunday we will explore the characteristics of pursuing relationships within the Sacred Romance.  May God's heart for people come passionately through us in our interactions with others and especially with our spouses and spouses to be.

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

Sacred Romance, Pt 1

Marriage is under attack in Western culture. It has been belittled, ridiculed and redefined. In some cases, it is totally dismissed as being outdated or unnecessary. Who needs a piece of paper to show that I love someone? Who needs an institution that uses or implies the term “covenant” between two people and speaks words like “till death do us part?” The culture around us says, “I will love my partner until I decide I don't anymore. That’s freedom and that's how happiness is best practiced. Why make it hard to walk away? The kids are resilient. They will adapt.”

God has a different view of marriage. He created it at the beginning of mankind. He has very intentional plans and purposes for this institution, and He makes it very clear that not everyone is made for marriage. But most of us are!!! Marriage is part of a story of epic proportions, an adventure in which all of us play a role. We are cast members in a novel that spans into eternity. It is a story written, produced and directed by God. And God Himself chose to play the lead role. It is a story that goes way beyond the big screen. It is life itself.

This Sunday, let’s explore what marriage really is and how it, and us, fit into this epic adventure that God has written.

Love and prayers,

Pastor Bruce Wegner

Marriage Matters Blog, 004

How my life changed at age 46 when we married. A little late for both of us for our first (and last) marriage. Life has always been pretty good without having any major struggles. But, not being able to share the joy and wonderful things that God has given us, had left it incomplete. With Joann in relationship through marriage, has been so much better than ever expected. Of course, we have disagreements and speed bumps. One thing that’s a little frustrating, and Guys, you probably can relate to this, she is right a lot more than I am, and I am learning that I am blessed because of that. I thank God for bringing us together and completing my life. Outside of Jesus, my best friend Joann gives me support, shares my dreams and life in all aspects. Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful life.

Marriage Matters Blog, 003

The best marriage advice I've ever received.

"Believe the best, rather than assume the worst."

If we believe the best in our spouse, then conversations about our disagreements are much smoother, and reconciliation comes much quicker.

When I assume the worst about my spouse, it causes suspicion; I doubt their intentions, and every action and word gets filtered through a lens of negativity.

Friend, try believing the best rather than assuming the worst about your spouse this week. You'll be glad you did.

Marriage Matters Blog, 002

When Dennis and I met, I was not looking for a spouse, but was busy with a satisfying career, and thought marriage had passed me by decades earlier. There was hope I would meet someone to travel with and enjoy in my retirement years. God had better plans, and brought Dennis into my life at a time when I was really going to need him.  What a blessing he has been to me!  To be sure, it hasn’t an easy adjustment after being single for 48 years. Habits are hard to break, but when I get over myself and admit my mistakes, love and forgiveness flows.

Before we married, a wise person gave an encouraging Bible verse, Ecclesiastes 4:12b, “a cord of three strands is not easily broken.” When we keep Christ at the center, and desire to live like him, keeping each other as top priority, our marriage will not unravel.  Our bond remains strong in Him and overcomes our individual weaknesses.  I am a most fortunate woman, to have a godly husband in Dennis.

Marriage Matters Blog, 001

Our Marriage

My name is Brady Rice and on June 28th, 2026 Karen and I will have been married 51 years. Our relationship began when I met Karen at church and her fiancé and how we ended up as a couple is fun and interesting but how we managed to stay together for 51 years is what we feel would be beneficial to other couples.

We both grew up in Christian homes but in very different Christian homes. My family went to church most Sunday mornings and occasional Sunday night but Karen's family never missed Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday evening and they hosted a Saturday night young people's gathering at their home. God was a part of my family but God was the center of Karen’s family. When we got married I adopted Karen’s family as the way I wanted to raise our children.

I was successful in the corporate world as a men's apparel buyer for a department store. My career took us to 5 different major moves and we ended up in Southern California. At age 45 we had been married 25 years and my wife informed me it was time for me to move out. I was shocked and devastated. I had no idea she was so unhappy.

Our challenge was that she was the ideal “christian wife” and totally submitted to her husband because that’s what she observed and was taught from her family, they never questioned authority nor the leadership at church. My family had zero problems questioning and challenging authority and confrontations were invited. Karen was never comfortable challenging me and she always avoided confrontation. For 25 years I just felt all my ideas were great and Karen always agreed with my ideas, I was so very wrong!

You can imagine how hurt Karen was and how long she carried that pain before the pain got bad enough for her to confront me. I may be an arrogant donkey but I’m not stupid. I was determined to do everything in my power to change and be the man my wife hoped she was marrying. That required me to really listen and to really understand my wife. It required me being transformed.

I had been through a transformation in 1973 when I opened the door and allowed Jesus into my life but I had to be transformed again to be the man my wife and God was calling me to be. My new favorite question I learned to ask was, “I don’t understand what you’re seeing but I want to see what you see, can you help me?” I’ll never forget the first time I asked that question to Karen, her response reflecting 25 years of being married to someone who in her eyes was a self centered bully. She said, you don’t understand because you’re an idiot. I responded to her harsh response by saying, “that’s true, but I still want to understand and I need your help.”

I found out that day that Karen couldn't resist a humble and sincere Brady and our marriage began a transformational rebuild and we are what both of us dreamed a marriage could be. Also my mid-life transformation opened me to a path to become a pastor. I not only fulfilled my marriage ideal I fulfilled the call God has always had on my life all because I allowed myself to see through my partner and best friends eyes.  

Having a Good Heart, Just Like You pt3

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Is your heart good, or not?  How can you know?  Does God's rescue and restorative work leave us in our former selfish-oriented condition?  Or, is there real hope for a deep change in us that makes our hearts good again?

No one knows our true self more than God.  In all of our efforts to do the right things, to do good and be a blessing to others, it is futile if the heart is unchanged.  God has made a change at the core of who we are possible through turning and trusting in Jesus Christ. David is a great example of a very real, passionate, adventuresome person whose heart had been changed by God.  We see it as much through his mistakes as we do in his successes.

Be inspired this Sunday to believe God for a new heart, a good heart, one that no matter what you face in life, will keep turning to and trusting in Him.  

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

Loyalty Rewarded in Tough Times, Just Like You pt 2

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

The popular culture had shifted away from loyalty to God.  People were doing strange things in their relationships with others--perverted, selfish things.  Loss of life had no bigger story to frame it.  Grief and hardship were common.  Oppression from regional bullies prevailed.

Sound familiar?  It ought to, because even though the history is set in the time of the Judges of Israel, it mirrors our own. The people and their experiences in many ways were very much like our experiences and challenges.

Come out this Sunday for the 2nd message in the series, "Just Like You," with a relevant and timely message from the Old Testament book of Ruth.  Invite a friend to join you THIS Sunday to be inspired to trust God through their tough circumstances by learning that loyalty is rewarded even in tough times.  

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

The Strong Man's Gamble, Just Like You, Pt 1

This message shows how Samson, a man set apart and empowered by God, repeatedly gambled with his calling by living carelessly in his flesh, yet never fell beyond the reach of God’s sovereign purpose. We’ll see that real strength is not in our gifting, personality, or willpower, but in humble dependence on the God who called us, is patient with us, and can still fulfill His purposes even through our failures.

The goal is to help us recognize the “gambles” we take with sin, compromise, and self-reliance, and to call us back to a life that trusts God’s strength instead of our own. Samson’s story becomes both a warning against presuming on God’s grace and an invitation to return to Him, believing that His patience, discipline, and purpose are still at work in us.

See you Sunday!

Steve

Your Best Yes

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Imagine a life where our words and actions match so closely that they move in step like ballroom dancers. In a culture filled with loopholes, exceptions, and half-promises, Jesus invites people into a simpler way of living- where yes actually means yes, and no actually means no.

A life where our words consistently match our actions, and our ordinary yes becomes a powerful witness to the kingdom of God. When God gets our best yes, we can stop over-promising and under-delivering on our time, commitments, and priorities.

Join this Sunday for a challenging but deeply encouraging message as we start 2026 together.

Love and prayers,

Brandon

The Gift Proclaimed

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

"You have a free gift!"  How many of you have received a notice that you were sent a gift card or were being given some valuable opportunity?  Once you have sorted out the spam and phishing from a real gift, there is an anticipation of something good that rises in your heart.

After going to great lengths to plan the ultimate gift and to prepare people to receive it, God proclaimed it. God gave notice from heaven that His Son was coming and the time of his arrival was at hand.  He wanted people, then and now, to know that the gift of Jesus had come.  Now they just needed to receive him.

Make your way to lay claim to your free gift!  Be inspired this Sunday to hear God's announcement of "the Gift" and be helped into a healthy anticipation of what God wants to do in your heart this Christmas.

Love and prayers,

Pastor Dan

The Gift Prepared

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

Anyone who has had a great gift idea for another knows that once you have the idea you have to implement a plan to provide it.  In the case of an experience, it may take lots of logistical planning and coordination to bring it about.  

God went to great lengths and literally orchestrated heaven and earth, people and places, in order to provide Jesus at just the right time and in the right way.  People have to be prepared for the gift of God.  He knew that without that preparation, people would miss the opportunity of a lifetime!

Come out and be inspired by God's heart to prepare people for the coming of Jesus, His ultimate gift for us.

Love and prayers,
Pastor Dan

The Gift pt 1, The Gift Planned

Dear Church Family and Friends,  

When someone really loves another person, they give special thought to what would be best for them.  You know that a person or circle of people around your life really care when they give thought to what you need or want and then seek to make that possible.  In fact, the very best gifts you have received in life probably came from someone who knew you well and wanted to bless you in the very best way possible.

God gave forethought to the need that people he created would have and what would make the very best possible for us.  God prepared to provide the gift of His Son, his ultimate best for the sins of humanity.  We needed to be restored relationally to God more than anything else.  Because of God's planning for us, that gift of forgiveness and reconciliation was made possible.

Don't miss being a part of the gatherings this Sunday and being inspired by God's heart to provide the ultimate gift for us.  May it inspire us in how to give thoughtfully to others around us in the season.  
 
Love and prayers,
Pastor Dan