Scott LaPierre's Blog: Scott LaPierre | Living God's Way | Pastor, Author, and Speaker, page 28

The Son of Man Is Coming at an Hour You Do Not Expect (Luke 12:35-40)

Jesus said, "You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Luke 12:40). Jesus wants us prepared to serve Him. Our waist must be girded so we’re ready to act quickly, but we need to be able to see where we’re going! We live in a dark world and the light we need to see comes from God’s Word: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).What is the blessing for those servants who are ready for Christ’s return? In an unbelievable r...

They Devoted Themselves to the Word, Fellowship, Communion, and Prayer

Acts 2:42 says regarding the early church, "they devoted themselves to the word (apostles' doctrine), and fellowship, communion (breaking of bread), and prayers." This verse can serve as a blueprint for churches. It describes the foundation of the early church, and it can serve as a foundation for us. Peter preached a great sermon on Pentecost and three thousand people were saved. This huge group of new believers couldn’t be sidetracked by any books, programs, or other churches. So, looking at w...

Your Marriage God's Way launch team

Your Marriage God's Way: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship and Your Marriage God's Way Workbook: A Biblical Guide to a Christ-Centered Relationship will be published by Harvest House September 21, 2021.

Would you like to join the launch team?

Please fill out this form if interested:

https://forms.office.com/r/JXRbZpgXui

You will receive a FREE PDF of the galley (the interior as it looks in the book and workbook), AND the first 10 people to satisfy the requirements will receive a free signed copy of the book and workbook.

The requirements are:

1. Leave a review of the book and workbook on Amazon.
2. Leave a review of the book and workbook on at least two other sites of your choice. I will send you the links to the sites later. You can copy and paste the same review on all the sites.
3. Pray that God uses the book and workbook to strengthen marriages and exalt Christ.

In Christ,
Scott LaPierre

Three Reasons to Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive

Based on Ephesians 4:11 the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. In seeker sensitive churches the focus is taken off believers and put on unbelievers. This is a reversal of the biblical pattern, and it leaves believers spiritually weak, emaciated, and starving. The focus should be on believers so they can be built up, equipped, sanctified, and strengthened. Then they can perform the work of the ministry, including going out and sharing...

The Rich in This Present Age…(1 Timothy 6:17-19)

The apostle Paul doesn’t condemn the rich in this present age, because there’s nothing wrong with being wealthy. But he does have special instructions for people who are rich in 1 Timothy 6:17-19. He discusses two things the rich in this present age should not do, and two things they should do.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Rich in This Present Age…Family Worship GuideSermon Notes for The Rich in This Present Age…Lesson 1: As for the rich in this present age, they should not (part 1) look down on others.Lesson 1: As for the rich in this present age, they should not (part 2) trust in their richesLesson 2: As for the rich in this present age, they should prepare for the next life by (part 1) doing good works.Lesson 2: As for the rich in this present age, they should prepare for the next life by (part 2) giving generously.Lesson 3: Give (part 1) from the heart.Sermon Lessons for The Rich in This Present Age…Lesson 1: As for the rich in this present age, they should not:(Part I) Look ________ on ____________ (1 Timothy 6:17a; Proverbs 18:23, 28:11; Deuteronomy 8:18; Ecclesiastes 6:2; 1 Sam 2:7; 1 Corinthians 4:7).(Part II) __________ in their ____________ (1 Timothy 6:17b cf. Luke 12:19; Psalm 40:3, 62:10, 73:28, 118:8; Proverbs 29:25, 11:28, 18:11, 30:8-9).Lesson 2: As for the rich in this present age, they should prepare for the next life by:(Part I) Doing ________ __________ (1 Timothy 6:18a).(Part II) Giving ____________________ (1 Timothy 6:18b; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Proverbs 3:9; Mal 3:10; Luke 6:38; Gal 6:7; Phil 4:19; Matt 19:27-29).Lesson 3: Give (Part I) ________ the __________ (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 6:1-4).Family Worship GuideDay 1: 1 Timothy 6:17, Proverbs 28:11, Deuteronomy 8:18a, Proverbs 10:22, Ecclesiastes 6:2a, 1 Corinthians 4:7 and discuss: Why is it a temptation for the rich in this present age to look down on those who do not have as much? How can having riches deceive us into thinking where our real worth is found? Why is it important to see that it is God Who blesses us with material gain? How does acknowledging this cause us to respond?Day 2: Luke 12:19, Proverbs 11:28, Proverbs 30:8-9, Luke 18:25, Psalm 40:3, Psalm 73:28b, and discuss: How can riches cause us to be self-reliant? Why is this dangerous? Why is it appealing to rely on riches rather than God? How does having riches give us a false confidence of being in control? Who needs to be in control for us to be fully confident? How does the mindset of being in control through riches affect one’s perspective on their eternity?Day 3: 1 Timothy 6:18-19, 2 Corinthians 9:6, Proverbs 3:9, Luke 6:38, and discuss: Why is it wrong to think that good works can be substituted with financial giving? Does God’s promise of increase apply only to the eternal? What does the Bible say about the proportion of our giving? How will this effect the way you give and serve?Sermon Notes for The Rich in This Present Age…The title of last week’s sermon was, “The Rich Man Was a Fool Because…” The title of this morning’s sermon is, “The Rich in This Present Age…”A few weeks ago we looked at 1 Timothy 6:6-10. There were more verses about money in this chapter, but I wanted to look at them after reading The Parable of the Rich Fool, and here’s why:The Parable of the Rich Fool tells us what NOT TO DO if we’re rich.These verses – 17-19 – tell us what TO DO if we’re richBriefly look back at verses 9 and 10:Verse 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation…Verse 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils…In these verses Paul condemns those who desire to be rich and who have a love of money.When we looked at these verses I said money is amoral.Since there’s nothing wrong w/ being rich, Paul doesn’t condemn the rich.BUT…He does have special instructions for people who are rich, and it’s in verses 17-19.One more thing before we jump into the verses…

The Rich Man Was a Fool Because…(Luke 12:16-21)

In Luke 12:16-21 Jesus taught The Parable of the Rich Fool. The rich man was a fool because of what he did with his wealth. It is ironic that God said he’s a fool, because he actually looks very smart. He was rich and able to accumulate all this wealth. He was a wise farmer and successful business man. So why was the rich man a fool? We’ll consider the five reasons in this message, so we can avoid being fools ourselves.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Rich Man Was a Fool Because…(Luke 12:16-21)Family Worship GuideSermon NotesThe rich man was a fool because he didn’t (lesson 1) give.The rich man was a fool because he didn’t (lesson 2) plan for eternity.The rich man was a fool because he didn’t (lesson 3) know to whom his soul belonged.The rich man was a fool because he didn’t (lesson 4) send anything ahead.The rich man was a fool because he didn’t (lesson 5) think about a relationship with God.Sermon Lessons for The Rich Man Was a Fool Because…(Luke 12:16-21)The Rich Man was a fool because he didn’t:Lesson 1: ________ (Luke 12:17-19).Lesson 2: Plan for ________________ (Luke 12:20; Jam 1:9-11).Lesson 3: Know to whom ______ ________ belonged (Luke 12:20; Matt 16:26; Ecc 2:18).Lesson 4: Send ________________ __________ (Matt 6:19-20 cf. Luke 12:21; Jam 5:1-3).Lesson 5: Think about a relationship ________ ______ (Luke 12:21).Family Worship GuideDay 1: Luke 12:16-19, Pro 13:22, and discuss: How did the rich man indicate what his perspective was by his use of personal pronouns? How can we identify what our focus is by who we are planning for? What ought we to consider when we are blessed by God with an abundance of material things?Day 2: Luke 12:19 - 20, Jam 1:9-11, and discuss: How did the rich man’s misunderstanding of his accountability to God for his soul influence his perspective of life? How did it influence how he managed his resources? How does James describe the reality of the rich who are caught up in their pursuits? Is there any exception for those who live for themselves?Day 3: Luke 12:19-20, Matt 16:26, Matt 6:19-20, 2 Cor 4:17-18, and discuss: What should we be aware of regarding our investment of things God blesses us with? If we cannot take anything with us what can we do with what we have in order to have eternal treasure? What perspective must we have in order to invest. What would it take for us to be convinced of the reality of the things that are not seen?Sermon NotesThe title of this morning’s sermon is, “Learning from a Rich Fool.”On Sunday mornings we’re working our way through Luke’s Gospel verse-by-verse. Last week we started The Parable of the Rich Fool, and this morning we’ll finish it.Look w/ me at verse 16 to get the context…Luke 12:16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’His harvest was so great he ran out of room. As a farmer, his crops are basically money, so it’s like he has more money than he knows what to do w/ it.He asks a good question, and there are many good answers…such as…“Since God gave me such a great crop, I’ll give back to Him:I’ll give to the temple or the synagogueI’ll give to the poorI’ll give to widows or orphansBut he didn’t come up w/ any good answers. Look at verse 18…Luke 12:18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’The Rich Man feels good about himself, but look what God thinks…Luke 12:20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’Although God said the man is a fool, he actually looks very smart:He was rich and able to accumulate all this wealth.

Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?

Can Christians get angry at sin and death? My father died unexpectedly earlier this month. Because he had Alzheimer’s I had years to think about him passing away and how I would feel. I expected grief and sorrow, but I didn’t expect to feel angry.We should evaluate our feelings to determine whether they please or displease God. We do this by reading God’s Word to see what it says about the feelings we are experiencing. We also look at our premier example, Jesus Christ Himself, to see if He experienced those same feelings because He was the perfect Person.The difficulty with evaluating anger is it isn’t as straightforward as other feelings. There are some verses that discourage anger and others that encourage it.https://youtu.be/AvXFyOleLekCan Christians get angry at sin and death? My father died unexpectedly. I expected grief, but I didn’t expect to feel angry.Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Family Worship Guide for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Sermon Notes for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Lesson one: we should evaluate our feelings.Lesson two: we can be angry at (part one) sin.Lesson two: we can be angry at (part two) Death.Sermon Lessons for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Lesson one: we should evaluate ______ ________________ (1 Thessalonians 4:13, Ephesians 2:12, Matthew 5:4, 26:36-38, Proverbs 22:24, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Colossians 3:8).Lesson two: we can be angry at:(part one) ______ (Deuteronomy 9:8, Numbers 11:1, Mark 3:5, James 1:20, 4:1-2, Psalm 97:10, Proverbs 8:13, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9).(part two) __________ (John 11:31-44, 14:9, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 20:14).Family Worship Guide for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?Directions: Read the verses and then answer the following questions:Day one: 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Ephesians 2:12, Matthew 5:4, 26:36-38, Proverbs 22:24, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Colossians 3:8. Would you agree that death is “Normal”? Why doesn’t it feel normal? Why do you think we should evaluate our feelings? What feelings have you experienced when you’ve lost a loved one? Do you believe those feelings are supported by God’s Word?Day two: Deuteronomy 9:8, Numbers 11:1, Mark 3:5, James 1:20, 4:1-2, Psalm 97:10, Proverbs 8:13, Amos 5:15, Romans 12:9. Why is anger a difficult feeling to evaluate? Can you think about godly examples of anger in Scripture? What about ungodly examples? What does it look like to have a godly anger toward sin? What does ungodly anger look like, and why is it often produced in our lives?Day three: John 11:31-44, 14:9, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 20:14. Why do you think Jesus was angry at Death? Why did Jesus let Lazarus die? Why did Jesus weep, and what does that mean for us with him being our faithful High Priest? Considering Jesus wept, what does that tell us about God himself? What application does the account with Lazarus have for us when we lose believing loved ones?Sermon Notes for Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Can Christians Get Angry at Sin and Death?.”Pastor Nathan preached for me the last two weeks which I really appreciated, so that I could be with my mom and kids, and plan Dad’s Celebration of Life.But even though I didn’t have a sermon to prepare, I worked on this message.I wanted to preach this, versus jump right back into our vision sermons, because of all the people in our church family who have lost loved ones recently.For example:The Raleys lost their sonRobby Lehtonen and Mike Houck each lost a brotherThe Schmitz’s – Allan, Kandie, and Malyna – lost a cousin and nephewAllan Schmitz lost his fatherAudrey Templin lost a sister, and her children lost an auntRichard and Betty Pender lost a sonWendy McFarlane lost a brotherKelli Motzkus lost her fatherBonnie Ailshie lost a grandfatherEdie Cole lost a daughterPastor Nathan’s uncle is on hospice and wasn’t expected t...

Eulogy for My Father, John LaPierre’s, Celebration of Life

My father, John Arnold LaPierre was born on September 24, 1951, and he passed away on May 2, 2021. This is the eulogy I shared at his Celebration of Life at Woodland Christian Church on May 15, 2021. If you'd like to watch the full service, you can do so here.https://youtu.be/ovcfDLdLApAThe eulogy I shared at my father, John Arnold LaPierre's, Celebration of Life at Woodland Christian Church on May 15, 2021.Table of ContentsJohn LaPierre's ObituaryNotes for John LaPierre's EulogyFavorite memories about John LaPierreTreehouse and importance of familyWorking hard to care for our familyA faithful, loving husbandThings to give thanks for…Recently repeated many blessings with DadDad was able to pass with dignityWe were given many good years with DadWe were blessed with a wonderful church familyThings I’m thankful I did for John LaPierre…I took CPR trainingI told my dad I loved him many timesI shared the gospel with Dad many timesGospel PresentationJohn LaPierre's ObituaryJohn LaPierre was born in Plattsburgh, New York on September 24, 1951. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School through the 8th grade and then transferred to Dannemora High School where he graduated June 1969. John was active in sports, playing basketball, baseball, and soccer in high school. He attended Cortland State University for three years majoring in physical education. John and Donna were married on February 2, 1974 in Dannemora, New York. John started working for the Department of Corrections in Dannemora in 1973 until May 1979 when he, Donna, and Scott (born in 1978) moved to California. John continued working for the Department of Corrections until retiring in April 2007. John's second son, Jason, was born in 1979. John enjoyed coaching and watching his sons participate in various sports. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his family, and then golf during retirement.John became a Christian in 2008 and his son, Scott, baptized him soon after. When Scott took the pastorate of Woodland Christian Church in 2010, John and Donna followed him to Washington, where John also served as a deacon at his son's church. Shortly after John was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Fortunately, it progressed slowly, so he was able to enjoy many years with family and friends. In January of 2017 John was diagnosed with throat and lymph node cancer. He went through 37 radiation treatments which successfully treated the cancer. Even when John couldn't remember the names of his grandchildren they still brought him great joy whenever he saw them. They were certainly the light of his life. John was predeceased by his father, mother, and son, Jason.Notes for John LaPierre's EulogyI thought I would begin by sharing some of my favorite memories about my dad…Favorite memories about John LaPierreTreehouse and importance of familyI spent most of my young life in MacArthur, which is in the mountains of northern California. That’s also where Katie grew up, and where her parents still live. It’s very rural. We couldn’t see any of our neighbors through all the thick trees.One day Dad took Jason and I into the woods behind our house. He said, “This is where I want to build you a treehouse.” It was pretty neat: completely enclosed with a nice roof, a trapdoor to enter it from the bottom after climbing up a ladder, and a sliding window.After Dad finished it he wanted all of us ,Dad, Mom, Jason and Ito spend the night in it. The floor of the treehouse was plywood, and we slept in sleeping bags. This made for a long, uncomfortable night. The treehouse was good size, but with the four of us rolling over and bumping each other, I don’t think we slept very much.But it was a nice, fun time that I still remember.I also mention this memory because it reveals something about Dad that stands out in my mind: he really wanted us to spend time together as a family. I remember growing up knowing family was important,

Unbreakable Marriage: Transforming Setbacks into Victories

My interview for Unbreakable Marriage: Transforming Setbacks into Victories, and Emotional Distance into True Intimacy. Unbreakable Marriage was an online event with Anne Nelson, the founder of Fully Thriving.If you'd like to interview me for an online event, or have me as a guest on your podcast, please let me know.Video of Unbreakable Marriage Interviewhttps://youtu.be/sJfgYEZrmHYScott LaPierre's interview for Unbreakable Marriage: Transforming Setbacks into Victories, and Emotional Distance into True Intimacy.Receive a FREE copy of Pastor Scott LaPierre's book, Seven Biblical Insights for Healthy, Joyful, Christ-Centered Marriages.View all Pastor Scott's books on his Amazon author page.Visit Scott LaPierre's speaking page for conference and speaking information, including testimonies, endorsements, and contact info.Unbreakable Marriage Interview TopicsThe Interview covered many topics including:The most common problems I see in marriage counseling, which happen to be related to parenting, finances, and in-lawsHow our marriages are reflections of our relationships with Christ; we treat our spouses the way we do because of our relationships with the Lord. Our marriages are outpourings of that relationshipHow we can strengthen our relationships with Christ, so we have stronger relationships with our spouseHow I keep things in balance; as a pastor, author, speaker, husband, and father of eight with a ninth on the way I must prioritize. I must discern between good and bestHow I handled a crisis in my life when I was overwhelmed and stressed outThe importance of investing in my marriage and spending quality time with my wife, KatieThe biblical basis for a husband making his wife the supreme relationship in this life second only to ChristWhat I do as a father to ensure my children don't become bitter toward the ministry; checking in with them to see how they feel about traveling with me for speaking engagements

Christian Retirement the Right Way

As a Christian retirement might be in your future. You should know there are right and wrong ways to retire. The Parable of the Rich Fool is one of the clearest places in Scripture discussing retirement. In Luke 12:19 the Rich Fool said, “You have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”Sadly, the Rich Fool’s words capture what comes to mind for many people when they think of retiring. My hope is to prevent any of us from making the same mistake! Here's Part II: The Rich Man Was a Fool Because…(Luke 12:16-21).Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Christian Retirement the Right WayFamily Worship Guide for Christian Retirement the Right WaySermon Notes for Christian Retirement the Right WayLesson 1: this life is about the spiritual versus the physical.Lesson 2: we can be wise in the world’s eyes, but fools to god.Lesson 3: the rich fool retired wrongly.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 1) mentor.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 2) pray.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 3) assist.Sermon Lessons for Christian Retirement the Right WayLesson 1: This life is about the __________________ versus the ________________ (Luke 12:15 cf. Luke 4:4, 9:23, 25, 12:33-34, Rom 14:17).Lesson 2: We can be ________ in the world’s eyes, but __________ to God (Luke 12:20; 1 Cor 3:18-19).Lesson 3: The Rich Fool ______________ ______________ (Luke 12:19).Lesson 2: Older people can:(Part I) ____________ (1 Tim 5:1-2; Psa 71:18, 78:4).(Part II) ________ (1 Tim 5:3-6; Luke 2:36-37).(Part III) ____________ (1 Tim 5:9-10; Num 8:23-26).Family Worship Guide for Christian Retirement the Right WayDay 1: Luke 12:15, Luke 4:4, Luke 9:23, Luke 9:25, Luke 12:33, Rom 14:17, and discuss: Why does Jesus teach that we need to beware of covetousness? What is Jesus trying to get us to see about life by lowering our estimation of food and clothing? How should this change our perspective on what life is? What contrast does Paul use to describe what the kingdom of God is and is not?Day 2: Luke 12:16 - 20, and discuss: How can our efforts deceive us into thinking that we are entitled to decide how our assets can be used? What are we often tempted to do by way of giving credit when we are successful? How is wisdom on the world’s standards estimated by God? Why?Day 3: Luke 12:19, 1 Cor 3:18, 1 Tim 5:1, Ps 71:18, 1 Tim 5:1-9, and discuss: How does the world’s mindset of retiring differ than God’s? How does the way we view our resources effect the way we retire? What value does the older generation offer the younger? How can an older saint encourage or invest in a younger believer?Sermon Notes for Christian Retirement the Right WayThe title of this morning’s sermon is, “Retiring the Right Way.”We were in a series on covetousness and contentment. Now we’re returning to Luke and I’d like to back up to verse 13 to briefly review and get the context for the parable we’ll be studying…In verses 1-12 Jesus was teaching on some very heavy topics:Being forgiven versus being unforgivenGoing to hell versus going to heavenRight in the middle of this, look at verse 13 to see what happened…Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”The man looks pretty bad b/c he interrupted Jesus AND told Him what to do.Jesus turned this into a teaching moment…look at verse 14…Luke 12:14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15a And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness,It might look like Jesus didn’t help the man, but He did!The man wanted Jesus to help him financially, but Jesus helped him spiritually by revealing the covetousness in his heart.If Jesus gave the man what he wanted, it would’ve hurt him, b/c it would’ve been feeding his covetousness.Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness.” I think we took this warning seriously,