Embracing Legacy: Faith, Leadership, and Community
Summary
Celebrating the 86th anniversary of Victory Temple and Victory Christian Fellowship, we reflect on the faithfulness of God and the legacy of this church. From its humble beginnings in 1938 with an open-air revival led by Reverend Frank Stubblefield and Reverend Albert Berry, the church has grown and evolved, overcoming challenges and embracing new opportunities. This journey is a testament to the enduring spirit and commitment of its leaders and congregation.
The history of this church is rich with stories of faith and perseverance. In the 1960s, under the leadership of Reverend Lark Baker, the congregation moved to its current location, and the church building was expanded. The long tenure of Gilbert and Doris Donald, who served as pastors from 1965 to 2015, marked a period of growth and stability. Their dedication laid a strong foundation for future generations.
Leadership succession is a crucial theme in the life of any organization, and it is no different for a church. The transition from Moses to Joshua, Elijah to Elisha, and David to Solomon in the Bible illustrates the importance of preparing the next generation to carry forward the mission. Each successor brought new strengths and perspectives, leading the people to new heights.
As we look to the future, we are reminded that God is always moving forward, never stagnant. The legacy we inherit is not just a history to be preserved but a foundation to build upon. We are called to run our race, to be the closers in this relay of faith, ensuring that the promises of God are fulfilled in our time.
The church's mission is to reach out to the community, to be a light in the darkness, and to share the love of Christ with those who have not yet experienced it. We are not bound by the past but inspired by it to pursue new ways of ministry and outreach. As we continue this journey, we trust in God's provision and guidance, knowing that the best is yet to come.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Faithfulness Through Generations: The history of Victory Temple is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness. From its inception in 1938 to the present, the church has witnessed God's provision and guidance through various leaders and challenges. This legacy reminds us that God is always at work, even when we cannot see the full picture. [02:16]
- The Importance of Leadership Succession: Biblical examples of leadership transitions, such as Moses to Joshua and Elijah to Elisha, highlight the importance of preparing the next generation. Each leader brought unique strengths, leading the people to new heights. This teaches us to invest in future leaders, ensuring the continuity and growth of God's work. [12:41]
- Building on a Legacy: The legacy we inherit is not just a history to be preserved but a foundation to build upon. We are called to run our race, to be the closers in this relay of faith, ensuring that the promises of God are fulfilled in our time. This requires us to embrace change and seek new ways to reach our community. [24:17]
- God's Progressive Work: God is always moving forward, never stagnant. He does not do things for the next generation the way He did for the former. This progressive nature of God challenges us to be open to new methods and ideas, trusting that He is leading us to greater things. [30:07]
- Our Role in God's Plan: We are called to be a light in the darkness, to share the love of Christ with those who have not yet experienced it. This mission requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with our community in meaningful ways. As we do so, we trust in God's provision and guidance, knowing that the best is yet to come. [39:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:16] - Celebrating 86 Years
- [04:13] - Church History and Growth
- [05:39] - New Leadership Journey
- [06:55] - Feeling at Home
- [09:00] - Building on Legacy
- [12:41] - Leadership Succession
- [14:03] - Joshua's Leadership
- [15:45] - Elijah and Elisha
- [20:03] - David and Solomon
- [24:17] - New Levels of Faith
- [25:23] - Caleb's Vision
- [27:06] - Rebuilding and Growth
- [30:07] - Hall of Faith
- [39:22] - Moving Forward in Faith
- [41:24] - Building on Christ
- [46:01] - Community Engagement
- [47:17] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 12:14 - "Today you are to commemorate. For the generations to come, you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord, a lasting ordinance."
2. Hebrews 11:1-2 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."
3. Joshua 1:1-2 - "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant events marked the history and growth of Victory Temple from its inception in 1938? [04:13]
2. How did the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua differ from that of Elijah to Elisha, according to the sermon? [14:03]
3. What role did Gilbert and Doris Donald play in the development of Victory Temple, and how long did they serve as pastors? [04:13]
4. How does the sermon describe God's nature in terms of progression and change? [24:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of leadership succession in the Bible, such as from Moses to Joshua, apply to the modern church context? [12:41]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the legacy of past leaders should influence the current mission of the church? [09:00]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of being "closers" in the relay of faith, and what implications does this have for the congregation? [30:07]
4. What does the sermon suggest about God's faithfulness through generations, and how is this demonstrated in the history of Victory Temple? [02:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a leadership transition in your life. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from it? [12:41]
2. How can you contribute to building on the legacy of your church or community, ensuring that it continues to grow and adapt to new challenges? [09:00]
3. In what ways can you be a "light in the darkness" in your community, as the sermon suggests? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [39:22]
4. The sermon emphasizes God's progressive work. How can you remain open to new methods and ideas in your personal faith journey? [30:07]
5. Consider the idea of running your race in the relay of faith. What are some weights or distractions you need to lay aside to focus on your spiritual journey? [30:07]
6. How can you actively participate in preparing the next generation of leaders within your church or community? [12:41]
7. The sermon mentions the importance of community engagement. What is one practical way you can engage with your community to share the love of Christ? [46:01]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Faithfulness Across Generations
The history of Victory Temple is a powerful testament to God's enduring faithfulness. From its inception in 1938, the church has experienced God's provision and guidance through various leaders and challenges. This legacy serves as a reminder that God is always at work, even when we cannot see the full picture. The church's journey, marked by growth and perseverance, reflects the unwavering commitment of its leaders and congregation to follow God's call. As we celebrate 86 years, we are reminded that God's faithfulness is not confined to the past but continues to guide us into the future. [02:16]
"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." (Deuteronomy 7:9, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can you share this testimony with someone who needs encouragement today?
Day 2: Preparing the Next Generation
Leadership succession is a crucial theme in the life of any organization, and it is no different for a church. Biblical examples of leadership transitions, such as Moses to Joshua and Elijah to Elisha, highlight the importance of preparing the next generation. Each leader brought unique strengths, leading the people to new heights. This teaches us to invest in future leaders, ensuring the continuity and growth of God's work. As we reflect on the history of Victory Temple, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing and equipping the next generation to carry forward the mission. [12:41]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can mentor or encourage in their spiritual journey? What steps can you take this week to invest in their growth?
Day 3: Building on a Legacy
The legacy we inherit is not just a history to be preserved but a foundation to build upon. We are called to run our race, to be the closers in this relay of faith, ensuring that the promises of God are fulfilled in our time. This requires us to embrace change and seek new ways to reach our community. As we look to the future, we are reminded that God is always moving forward, never stagnant. The legacy of Victory Temple challenges us to be open to new methods and ideas, trusting that God is leading us to greater things. [24:17]
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)
Reflection: What is one tradition or practice in your life that you need to reevaluate in light of God's call to move forward? How can you build on the legacy of faith you have received?
Day 4: Embracing God's Progressive Work
God is always moving forward, never stagnant. He does not do things for the next generation the way He did for the former. This progressive nature of God challenges us to be open to new methods and ideas, trusting that He is leading us to greater things. As we continue this journey, we trust in God's provision and guidance, knowing that the best is yet to come. The history of Victory Temple reminds us that while the methods may change, the mission remains the same: to reach out to the community and share the love of Christ. [30:07]
"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." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)
Reflection: What new opportunity or challenge is God presenting to you right now? How can you step out in faith to embrace it?
Day 5: Our Role in God's Plan
We are called to be a light in the darkness, to share the love of Christ with those who have not yet experienced it. This mission requires us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with our community in meaningful ways. As we do so, we trust in God's provision and guidance, knowing that the best is yet to come. The journey of Victory Temple is a reminder that we are not bound by the past but inspired by it to pursue new ways of ministry and outreach. [39:22]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person or group in your community that you can reach out to this week. How can you be a light to them and share the love of Christ in a practical way?
Quotes
1. "God is a party God. He loves to party. If you look at the Jewish religions, he established parties all throughout. Now, they call them festivals, but it's a straight-up party, you know. It's not a Hallmark movie festival. It's a straight-up party. Nobody has to rescue it. Nobody has to come in from New York and rescue festivals." ([00:02:16] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "But this morning I want to talk a little bit about leadership succession. With every leader that comes along, there's always going to be a succession. Somebody is always going to succeed that leader. And how you do that usually will determine the future of that organization. However you transition from one leader to another will determine the future of that organization." ([00:11:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "And so as he passed away, God began to use Joshua, and the Lord proved himself through Joshua that he was the anointed leader. Amen. Joshua was the one that actually took them across the Jordan. He heard the voice of the Lord, and he led them across the Jordan, not like Moses did at the Red Sea. Moses just stretched out his rod, and the Red Sea opened." ([00:14:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "So God said, I want you to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant, and they've got to walk into the Jordan River. And it was at flood stage. We talked about this a few Sundays ago. Take the priest carrying the Ark of the Covenant, they must walk into the Jordan River, and I will open it up. He didn't say when he was going to open it up, but they had to actually get their feet wet." ([00:14:32] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Then you go to King David. King David was the king of Israel. There was Saul before him, but Saul didn't end well. Saul trusted in his own might. He got all built up, got the big head, and started doing things that he shouldn't do. And so God anointed David as king when he was a young teen. But David stayed faithful." ([00:19:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "I'm not going to make it happen, and that's what happens a lot of times is I get to the place where I can see something, I'm a visionary and I can see something, I want to make it happen, and I've learned that if I just let God work it out, I do what I do, let him give me focus, let him give me direction, but I don't make it happen, I just do what he told me to do, then he will actually open the door of the opportunity for me." ([00:20:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "God does things differently, God is always a progressive God, he's always moving forward, God never backtracks, God never peaks, and He's always standing up. I'll tell you this, I've grown up in the church, I've told the people here in the church that I was born on Friday and Sunday I was in a Pentecostal tongue talking shouting church, probably laying under the pew so I didn't get stepped on." ([00:22:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "God has not done the best in your life that he's going to do. You haven't seen the best of your life yet. You haven't. The best, like they said, the best is yet to come. Listen, the enemy wants us to think it's futile for us to even wish for something better, to look to something better, to have hope. Because if we don't have hope, then we have no future." ([00:23:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "We are to finish the race. We are. It's up to us to be the ones that finish for the ones that have gone before us because they're cheering us on. I have a dad in heaven. I have a mother-in-law and a father-in-law. I have grandparents. They're all up there cheering for us, for me and Sharon. They're up there. The only one left on earth is my mother, and so we're still." ([00:36:08] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "My God has a plan and a purpose for this earth, and he has a plan and a purpose for you. It's still going to happen. Whoever goes into office, it does not matter. God's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not leaving. He's not by who's in the office, because he is the king of all kings. He is the Lord of all lords. He is above all, through all, and in us all. And he is for you. He is for you." ([00:38:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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