Best Baptist Church Oakland Near Me

4worldlovers:
We are so delighted that you have joined us today!. My hope is that you find our website informative, our worship services uplifting & meaningful and the people warm and engaging.

Allen Temple has over 40 active wholistic ministries committed to serving the least, the lost and the left out. In addition, we believe we are called to fulfill the mission given to us in Matthew 28:18-20.


If you are looking for a place to call home, to grow spiritually and connect with others, It would be our pleasure to be your church family and have you join us in service to God and God's people.


For more information about who we are, please take the time to peruse the sections of this website.


Well, here we are. In the middle of Holy Week, just days away from Resurrection Sunday! It has certainly been a journey from Ash Wednesday to what religious history refers to as "Spy Wednesday". Yes, you read it right. The reference is based on Luke 22:3-6. Some scholars believe that today, over 1900 years ago:


Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Luke 22:3-6 NRSV. Judas spent this week looking for a good time to turn Jesus in.


I must admit, I am always struck by the beginning of verse 3, then Satan entered into Judas. What? How is that even possible? Judas was personally selected by Jesus to follow him. Judas walked with Jesus and witnessed the many miracles he performed first hand. When Jesus sent the Disciples out and equipped them with the power to heal and cast out demons, Judas received his portion. Judas heard the teachings on the hillside and in the synagogue. He was present for the most private moments and was even entrusted as the designated financial officer of the ministry. What do you mean Satan entered Judas? How did Judas end up here? Time and space will not allow me to explore the many theories that have been postulated throughout history. But please allow me to offer one possibility.


Our time together these past few weeks have been about a process of intentionally pausing to "hear Christ" in hopes of being more like Christ in our daily lives: Centering Down. Moreover, we highlighted the obstacles that can hinder this process and the disciplines designed to help fuel it. There is one more that we must consider. This one helps me make sense of Judas in Jesus' day and the Judas that lives in each of us. SURRENDER, the act of giving to the influence or authority of another. Surrender is the most difficult and perhaps the most important of the disciplines. Mainly, because it requires a crucifixion of our own. Our will, our expectations, our desired outcomes, our reasoning and so many other things must remain malleable on this journey.


I can imagine Judas must have been supremely disappointed and probably disillusioned by the idea that his notion of kingdom and freedom would not be realized. I am sure he must have been even a bit angry that the revolution he hoped for would not be televised. But rather than engaging in his own Garden of Gethsemane experience and reaching a place of surrender, he was driven to see his vision come to pass by any means necessary. And whenever we decide our will, plan, perspective, or understanding is greater than God's, whenever we refuse to give in to the influence and authority of God - Satan can and will enter in.


I read a headline a few days ago that I never thought I would see. Did you see it? It said, "Trump surrenders to face historic charges...He will turn himself in if indicted". It's Holy Week and you've still got time. Turn Yourself In...Surrender Voluntarily!

4worldlovers: Whether you are looking for a church family, a house of worship while you visit Oakland, or an uplifting conversation, we trust that you will find what you are looking for at Lakeshore.

“Lakeshore is a community that actively listens to and loves its neighbors through tangible actions that deeply impact our Oakland community and beyond.”

At LABC, we believe in the saying “as fire exists for burning, the church exists for worship.” We believe that worship connects us to God, to each other and to God’s work in the world. It is our hope that each service of worship will honor diversity, express truth, invite participation, and communicate hope and joy. We want people of all ages to come away from worship believing that they belong to the family of God.

We live in times that tire our bodies, try our minds, and test our faith. In such times, belonging to a community can make all the difference. A community that helps us follow Jesus can be life giving. A community that helps us shine the light of love into the world can be a gift. At LABC, we strive to be that community.

We are committed to sharing God’s love for all people, in all places, at all times. Whether through our Sunday services, events, or our activism in the community, there are multiple ways to explore your spirituality, meet new people, and share in God’s love.

4worldlovers: We are a multi-cultural, multi-generational church family that embraces people of different races and theological viewpoints. We embrace the power of worship and the life-changing Word of God. Come visit us — you are always welcome!

Do you need someone to intercede for you? Is there something on your heart that you need help with? Let God help you through prayer.

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