Embracing Change: A Legacy of Love and Service
Summary
Reflecting on the journey of 43 years, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community that has been built here. From the charter members who have been with us since the beginning to the dedicated staff and volunteers, each person has played a vital role in shaping this church into a beacon of love and generosity. The foundation laid by our early members and leaders has been instrumental in our growth and success. I am particularly thankful for Pastor Tom Holliday, whose unwavering support and partnership have been invaluable.
As we transition to new leadership with Pastor Andy and Stacy, I am confident that the church is in good hands. The legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to thrive under their guidance. Our church has always been about more than just gathering; it’s about making a tangible impact in the world. We've reached out to 197 nations, embodying the Great Commission in a way that no other church has done in two millennia. This is a testament to the faith and commitment of our congregation.
The scriptures remind us that our work is not in vain. God sees and remembers the love we show by helping others. Our labor, prompted by love and inspired by hope in Jesus Christ, is a testament to our faith. As we move forward, we are reminded that it is God who makes the plant grow. Each of us has a role to play, whether planting seeds or watering them, and God will reward our efforts.
This transition is not an end but a continuation of the work God has begun in us. The foundation has been laid, and now it is time for others to build upon it. I am excited for the future and the new chapters that will unfold as we continue to serve and love one another.
Key Takeaways:
- Legacy of Love and Service: The church's foundation is built on love and service, with each member contributing to its growth. This legacy is a testament to the power of community and faith. [12:50]
- Global Impact: Our church has reached out to 197 nations, fulfilling the Great Commission in a unique way. This global impact is a reflection of our commitment to spreading the gospel. [16:28]
- Transition with Confidence: As we transition to new leadership, we do so with confidence, knowing that the foundation laid will support future growth and success. [12:07]
- God's Faithfulness: God remembers the love and work we do in His name. Our efforts are not in vain, and He will continue to develop the good work He has begun in us. [15:31]
- Partnership in God's Work: Each of us has a role in God's work, whether planting or watering. It is God who makes the plant grow, and He will reward our contributions. [17:50]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [08:44] - Honoring Charter Members
- [09:30] - Recognizing Pastor Tom Holliday
- [10:28] - Paul's Farewell Message
- [11:09] - Finishing Well
- [12:07] - Transition to New Leadership
- [12:36] - Acknowledging Staff and Volunteers
- [13:30] - Generosity of the Church
- [14:21] - Reflections on Church's Journey
- [15:00] - Scriptural Encouragement
- [16:03] - Practicing the Word of God
- [16:55] - Feelings About Transition
- [17:11] - Planting and Watering Seeds
- [18:08] - Rewards in Heaven
- [18:36] - Building on the Foundation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 6:10 - "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."
2. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 - "We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 - "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building."
#### Observation Questions
1. What role did Pastor Tom Holliday play in the church's journey over the past 43 years? [09:30]
2. How has the church demonstrated its commitment to the Great Commission according to the sermon? [16:28]
3. What does the speaker express about the transition to new leadership with Pastor Andy and Stacy? [12:07]
4. How does the sermon describe the church's impact on a global scale? [16:28]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Hebrews 6:10 relate to the church's legacy of love and service mentioned in the sermon? [14:34]
2. In what ways does 1 Thessalonians 1:3 reflect the church's work and endurance as described in the sermon? [15:00]
3. How does the concept of planting and watering in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 apply to the roles of different members in the church's journey? [17:11]
4. What does the sermon suggest about God's role in the growth and success of the church? [17:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the legacy of love and service in your own life. How can you contribute to building a similar legacy in your community? [12:50]
2. The church has reached out to 197 nations. How can you personally engage in fulfilling the Great Commission in your own context? [16:28]
3. As the church transitions to new leadership, what steps can you take to support and encourage the new leaders? [12:07]
4. Consider the idea that God remembers the love and work we do in His name. How does this perspective influence your daily actions and decisions? [15:31]
5. Each of us has a role in God's work, whether planting or watering. What specific role do you feel called to play in your church or community? [17:50]
6. How can you ensure that your efforts in serving others are motivated by love and inspired by hope in Jesus Christ? [15:00]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of finishing well. What practical steps can you take to ensure you finish well in your current commitments and responsibilities? [11:09]
Devotional
Day 1: Legacy of Love and Service
The church's foundation is built on love and service, with each member contributing to its growth. This legacy is a testament to the power of community and faith. The church has been a beacon of love and generosity, shaped by the dedication of its members, staff, and volunteers. The early members and leaders laid a strong foundation that has been instrumental in the church's growth and success. This legacy of love and service is a powerful reminder of the impact that a committed community can have on the world. [12:50]
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV): "Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Who in your community has shown you love and service? How can you express your gratitude to them today?
Day 2: Global Impact
The church has reached out to 197 nations, fulfilling the Great Commission in a unique way. This global impact is a reflection of the congregation's commitment to spreading the gospel. The church's efforts to embody the Great Commission have resulted in a reach that spans nearly two hundred nations, a feat unparalleled in the last two millennia. This achievement is a testament to the faith and dedication of the congregation, who have worked tirelessly to spread the message of love and hope to the farthest corners of the earth. [16:28]
Matthew 24:14 (ESV): "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to contribute to the global mission of spreading the gospel?
Day 3: Transition with Confidence
As the church transitions to new leadership, there is confidence that the foundation laid will support future growth and success. The legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to thrive under the guidance of new leaders. This transition is not an end but a continuation of the work that has been started. The church is in good hands, and there is excitement for the new chapters that will unfold as the community continues to serve and love one another. [12:07]
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV): "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: How can you support the new leadership in your church during this transition period?
Day 4: God's Faithfulness
God remembers the love and work done in His name. The efforts of the congregation are not in vain, and He will continue to develop the good work He has begun in them. The scriptures remind us that God sees and remembers the love shown by helping others. The labor, prompted by love and inspired by hope in Jesus Christ, is a testament to faith. As the church moves forward, it is a reminder that it is God who makes the plant grow, and He will reward the efforts. [15:31]
Hebrews 6:10 (ESV): "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."
Reflection: In what ways have you seen God's faithfulness in your life recently, and how can you respond to His faithfulness today?
Day 5: Partnership in God's Work
Each person has a role in God's work, whether planting or watering. It is God who makes the plant grow, and He will reward the contributions. The church is reminded that their work is not in vain, and each member has a role to play in the growth and success of the community. Whether planting seeds or watering them, God will reward the efforts, and the work will continue to thrive under His guidance. [17:50]
1 Corinthians 3:7-9 (ESV): "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."
Reflection: What specific role do you feel called to play in your church community, and how can you begin to fulfill that role this week?
Quotes
Reflecting on the journey of 43 years, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible community that has been built here. From the charter members who have been with us since the beginning to the dedicated staff and volunteers, each person has played a vital role in shaping this church into a beacon of love and generosity. [00:08:32]
I am particularly thankful for Pastor Tom Holliday, whose unwavering support and partnership have been invaluable. As we transition to new leadership with Pastor Andy and Stacy, I am confident that the church is in good hands. The legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to thrive under their guidance. [00:09:24]
Our church has always been about more than just gathering; it’s about making a tangible impact in the world. We've reached out to 197 nations, embodying the Great Commission in a way that no other church has done in two millennia. This is a testament to the faith and commitment of our congregation. [00:16:31]
The scriptures remind us that our work is not in vain. God sees and remembers the love we show by helping others. Our labor, prompted by love and inspired by hope in Jesus Christ, is a testament to our faith. As we move forward, we are reminded that it is God who makes the plant grow. [00:15:00]
Each of us has a role to play, whether planting seeds or watering them, and God will reward our efforts. This transition is not an end but a continuation of the work God has begun in us. The foundation has been laid, and now it is time for others to build upon it. [00:17:50]
I am excited for the future and the new chapters that will unfold as we continue to serve and love one another. Thank you for your love, your flexibility, and your generosity. This is without any doubt the most generous church on planet earth. [00:18:36]
God is faithful. He will never forget all the work you have done. He will never forget all the love you have shown Him by helping His people. How do we show love to God? By loving others. And God will remember that you’re still caring for the people in need. [00:14:21]
We will always remember before God and our Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by our hope in Jesus Christ. I thank God for you whenever I think of you because we have worked together for the gospel from the first day until present. [00:15:31]
I am confident of this, that He who began His good work in you will go on developing it until the day of Jesus Christ. God isn't finished with you. God is not finished with this church, and God has brought us the great gift of Andy and Stacy to lead us into the future. [00:16:55]
Each one of us does the work to which the Lord gave him to do. I planted the seed of this church. There was no church until God gave me the seed in my heart, and I planted it with Kay here. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but it was God who made the plant grow. [00:17:11]
The one who plants and the one who waters really don't matter. It is God who matters because God is the one who makes the plant grow. There is no difference between the one who plants and the one who waters. God will reward each one according to the work each has done. [00:18:08]
Using the gifts that God gave me, I did the work of a master builder and I laid the foundation, and now someone else, all of you, Pastor Andy, Pastor Stacy, they're going to build on that foundation. That's the way God intends for it to happen. [00:18:36]
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