Celebrating 50 Years: Faith, Growth, and Future Mission

Devotional

Day 1: God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes

The foundation of Lakeshore Christian Church is a testament to the power of faith and dedication among ordinary individuals. These people, through their willingness to let God work through them, have laid a strong foundation for the church's mission. This history serves as a reminder that God often chooses the humble and the ordinary to accomplish extraordinary things. The church's journey from meeting in homes to establishing a building is a reflection of the faith and sacrifice of its members. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to see ourselves as vessels through which God can work, regardless of our perceived limitations. [34:54]

"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (1 Corinthians 1:26-27, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel ordinary or inadequate? How can you invite God to work through you in that area today?

Day 2: Diversity as a Strength and Opportunity

Lakeshore Christian Church's decision to remain in a diverse community and embrace that diversity is a powerful testament to its commitment to its mission. This choice challenges us to view diversity not as a hurdle but as a strength and an opportunity for growth. By embracing the differences among us, we can create a richer, more vibrant community that reflects the kingdom of God. This commitment to diversity is not just about inclusion but about recognizing the unique gifts and perspectives that each person brings to the table. [51:46]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and celebrate diversity in your community or workplace today? What steps can you take to learn from someone who is different from you?

Day 3: The Legacy of Sacrifice

The journey of Lakeshore Christian Church is marked by the sacrifices of its members, who prioritized the mission over personal comfort. This legacy of sacrifice calls us to consider what we are willing to give up for the sake of the kingdom. The church's history is a tapestry of stories where individuals chose to put the needs of the community and the mission above their own desires. As we reflect on this legacy, we are invited to examine our own lives and consider what sacrifices we are willing to make to further God's work. [01:01:02]

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: What is one comfort or convenience you can sacrifice this week to serve others or advance God's kingdom? How can this act of sacrifice draw you closer to God?

Day 4: The Power of Partnership and Collaboration

Lakeshore Christian Church's partnerships with other organizations demonstrate the power of collaboration in maximizing impact. By working together with others, the church has been able to achieve common goals and extend its reach in the community. This approach encourages us to seek out partnerships and collaborations in our own lives, recognizing that we are stronger together. The church's history shows that when we join forces with others, we can accomplish more than we ever could alone. [01:07:38]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone you can partner with this week to achieve a common goal? How can you initiate a conversation or collaboration with them today?

Day 5: Perseverance in the Mission

As Lakeshore Christian Church looks to the future, the challenge remains to reach those who have yet to be touched by the message of Christ. This mission requires perseverance and a focus on connecting, growing, and serving in the name of Christ. With Nashville being one of the fastest-growing areas, the church is poised to continue its mission with renewed vigor. The legacy of faith and dedication set by past and present members serves as a beacon for future generations to carry forward the mission of Lakeshore Christian Church. [01:11:31]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel weary in doing good? How can you ask God for strength and perseverance to continue in this mission today?

Sermon Summary

Celebrating 50 years of Lakeshore Christian Church is a testament to the enduring faith and dedication of its members. This milestone is not just about looking back but also about recognizing the foundation laid by ordinary people who allowed God to work through them. From the early days of meeting in homes to the establishment of a church building, the journey has been marked by faith, sacrifice, and a commitment to the mission of building God's kingdom. The church's history is a tapestry woven with the stories of individuals who, by faith, contributed to the growth and impact of the church in the community.

The sermon highlights the importance of standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, acknowledging the Reformation and Restoration movements that shaped the church's heritage. These movements were not about breaking away but about reforming and restoring the church to align with Scripture. The church's journey from its inception in 1974 to its current state is a reflection of God's faithfulness and the willingness of its members to embrace change and diversity.

The church's growth has been marked by significant milestones, including the purchase of new properties and the establishment of additional campuses. These developments were not just about physical expansion but about creating spaces where God's work could continue. The decision to remain in a diverse community and embrace that diversity speaks to the church's commitment to its mission.

Looking forward, the challenge remains to reach those who have yet to be touched by the message of Christ. With Nashville being one of the fastest-growing areas, the church is poised to continue its mission of connecting, growing, and serving. The legacy of faith and dedication set by past and present members serves as a beacon for future generations to carry forward the mission of Lakeshore Christian Church.

Key Takeaways

1. Foundation of Faith: The church's history is built on the faith and dedication of ordinary people who allowed God to work through them. This foundation is a reminder that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. [34:54]
2. Embracing Change and Diversity: The decision to remain in a diverse community and embrace that diversity reflects the church's commitment to its mission. This choice challenges us to see diversity as a strength and an opportunity for growth. [51:46]
3. Legacy of Sacrifice: The church's journey is marked by the sacrifices of its members, who prioritized the mission over personal comfort. This legacy calls us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom. [61:02]
4. Partnership and Collaboration: The church's partnerships with other organizations demonstrate the power of collaboration in maximizing impact. This approach encourages us to work together with others to achieve common goals. [67:38]
5. Future Mission: The challenge moving forward is to reach those who have yet to be touched by the message of Christ. This mission requires perseverance and a focus on connecting, growing, and serving in the name of Christ. [01:11:31]
** [71:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the 50th Anniversary
[01:45] - Founding Members' Tribute
[05:00] - Celebrating the Church's History
[10:15] - A Life Well Lived Series
[15:30] - The Faith Chapter: Hebrews 11
[20:45] - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Faith
[25:00] - The Reformation and Restoration Movements
[30:20] - Lakeshore's Early Days
[35:40] - Building and Expansion Milestones
[40:50] - Embracing Diversity
[45:30] - Relocation and Growth
[50:00] - Staff and Volunteer Recognition
[55:10] - Partnerships and Collaborations
[60:00] - Future Mission and Invitation

Sermon Clips

"The only kind of people God has to work with are ordinary people. We're all ordinary people. We all come from the dust. We all come from dirt. Always say if you want to trace your history, go back far enough, we all have the same start." [00:40:50] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"None of what we were doing has anything to do with the buildings. The buildings were a result of what God was doing. The buildings were just tools. The expansions, expanding the parking lot. Those were just tools to allow for and accommodate what God was doing in this church." [01:01:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?