The Thursday Update

APRIL 10, 2025

Lakeshore Friends,

When we get a full, clear, and biblically accurate view of the cross, we see that it is a place where Jesus suffered on every possible level.

Physically, it was the most torturous death ever invented by humans. Emotionally, it meant that Jesus would be treated as unfairly as anyone has ever been treated. Relationally, Jesus was rejected by the majority of His own people, the nation of Israel, and mocked as a common criminal even though He was the innocent Son of God. And spiritually is where Jesus suffered the most, when He was forsaken by God the Father (Matthew 27:45-47 from Psalm 22:1-2) and took upon Himself every sin of every person who has ever lived (2 Corinthians 5:21) so that we might be reconciled with God and forgiven through faith in this infinitely valuable sacrifice.

It’s easy to see why that’s the case. But have you ever considered what the cross means to us and how we should view it? So few people and so few Christians really do.

I say that because of what Jesus said to those who wanted to follow Him in Luke 9:23 and again in Luke 14:25-27: “If anyone wants to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.”

There are lots of people who want to wear a cross, but precious few who want to carry a cross. And yet, that’s what Jesus calls us to do. And it really makes sense in light of the fact that Christians should want to be like Jesus… yes, even in our sufferings!

What crosses are you willing to bear if you are a true follower of Jesus? It may be a physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual cross that God has called you to bear. While always hard, it is the path we are called to if we take our faith seriously.

The good news? There’s always an Easter Sunday following Good Friday. God will do the same for us when we take up our crosses daily and follow him.

Warmly,
Vince

APRIL 3, 2025

Lakeshore Friends,

A few weeks ago, I was at an area walking track trying to get in a three-mile walk. I love walking and it’s a great way for me to get my heart rate up and my mind wound down from the stresses of life and ministry. This day, as it would turn out, became a four-mile walk and it turned out to be one of the most exciting walks I've had in a long time.

About two miles in, I saw a neighbor who was entering the track. He’s a super guy and so we got right into some great conversation that led to what’s going on in the world. After talking a little politics, I told him that I believe that the Lord’s coming soon (he has a religious background so this felt right) and that people need to be ready or else they will be left behind at the Rapture of the church. I definitely got his attention! He asked me about what he would have to do to be ready, so I explained to him both what the future will be like biblically and how to become a Christian. I also gave him a Lakeshore invite card, which I always carry with me, and texted him Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, and Matthew 24.

Two more miles later I left and headed home, excited by my conversation with Mike.

I plan to invite Mike and at least 15 other people to join me at Lakeshore for Easter. The way I see it, they’ll be the most open to attending and hearing about the resurrection of Jesus and “Why Easter Means Everything,” which is my message title. It’s also a weekend in which I will make the most compelling case for Jesus that I can. People will be impacted, but only if they are invited by you and me.

With Easter just over two weeks away, who are you inviting to join you at Lakeshore? Who knows how many more chances we’ll get with the people we know and love. Let’s invite family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers we meet to church. I believe that God will use it to do something great in their lives.

Warmly,
Vince

MARCH 27, 2025

Lakeshore Friends,

With Good Friday and Easter just over 3 weeks away, our attentions turn to all that Jesus did on that weekend with an increased intensity and focus. That’s the hope.

Jesus' sacrifice began on Thursday night, by our timekeeping standards. His arrest, trials, and scourging occurred throughout the evening, and when the morning came, he was forced to carry His own cross beam (the horizontal beam where he would have His wrists nailed) to Golgotha, or Calvary. And at 9:00am, He was crucified and suffered six hours of incredible agony.

The cross had a whole different meaning to people then in comparison to today.

I really believe that most people have a very shallow comprehension of the cross. The reason is simple: While we see the cross displayed everywhere, we see it lived out so rarely anywhere. It has become a very common display as a fashionable piece of jewelry, a decorative item in our homes, or a religious symbol in cemeteries.

I wish our comprehension of the true meaning of the cross matched our frequent exposure to these many symbols. Maybe if we did understand it more fully, we’d have a world that is much more in touch with God’s love and Christ’s redemption.

On Sunday, we’re beginning a new series on The Cross of Christ. I want all of us to appreciate the significance, the power, and the calling of the cross on our lives. I think it will help us spiritually prepare for the greatest weekend in human history.

Hope you’ll be here on Sunday as we kick off this important new series.

Warmly,
Vince