APRIL 27, 2023

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

When it comes to the subject of sex, what do most people think of?  If the news, social media, advertising, TV programming, Hollywood, and culture (to name just a few) are any indicators, then it isn’t very good, is it?

The message from most of the places we hear from is abundantly clear and redundantly nauseating.  They say that there are very few limits on what you do with it, who you engage in it with, or what the relationship is between the people involved.  All that matters, according to the culture, is that it satisfies you in the moment.  No need to worry about the other person, tomorrow, or right and wrong.  That really doesn’t matter to many in our culture.

How’s that working for our world?  Well, as a result, a large percentage of children grow up without fathers or mothers in their lives.  Society is filled with hurting, regret-filled people who walk with an emotional limp as a consequence (especially women, but not exclusively).  People deal with life in broken homes, with broken hearts, and with broken hopes.  “Free sex” is never as freeing as it first promises.

"GOD CREATED SEX FOR OUR ENJOYMENT WHEN WE PRACTICE IT EXCLUSIVELY BY HIS GROUND RULES."

How far our world has drifted from the beautiful and sacred thing that God created.  God created sex for our enjoyment when we practice it exclusively by His ground rules.  That takes discipline, courage to stand up to the “everybody is doing it” mindset, and perseverance to wait on the right timing of God.  When we do all of that, then we can enjoy sex to the fullest.  And if you want proof of that, read the Old Testament book of “Song of Solomon”.  Wow!

I’m so glad there is forgiveness, grace, and recovery for any one of us who has tried to do it their own way to the exclusion of God’s way.  But how much better things would be if we just listened to the directives of the Creator of sex...

This Sunday, I will tackle this subject.  I have no axe to grind, or finger-pointing in this message.  I only want to help all of us see the beautiful standard that was set from the beginning so that no matter where we are, we can live there, even if it is very counter-cultural.

Trust me, this will be a great service to invite those you have invested in, whether that is family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors.

Warmly,
Vince

APRIL 20, 2023

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

One of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life— maybe the second biggest after the decision to become a Christian— is whether to get married or to stay single (or to remain single after you’ve lost a spouse for whatever reason).  Your decision will have life-changing consequences for yourself, the other person you get married to, and the world around us.

Marriage will impact you in a major way because now you’ll be living for both yourself and for the person you marry.  That’s because you will be called by God to pursue intimacy with another person who is likely very different than you and also fairly imperfect like you too.  The “two becoming one” process will take hard work, but it can lead to great joy personally and to children born into the loving context of marriage, as God designed.

Being or remaining single will also impact you in a major way.  You’ll be living on your own and with your own desires in mind.  That’s because you will be called to a lifestyle that does not involve the “one flesh” intimacy that only comes in the context of marriage (at least, when it is done God’s way).  It will take discipline and individual determination, but it can lead to great joy as well for reasons that are somewhat different than the married person might find.

So which is better for you?  Which one does God prefer?  Is one better than the other?  The answers in the Bible may surprise you.

One thing I absolutely do know is that God wants us to seek Him and His will in this decision.  Because it is the second biggest decision we can ever make.

Warmly,
Vince

APRIL 13, 2023

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

This past weekend was a great one for our church.  Between Good Friday service and our Easter services, we had 1,318 people which is up by about 300 people from last year.  Though we haven’t fully returned to pre-covid attendance levels, we continue growing closer to them.  We hope that the services were both meaningful and impactful, and thanks to those who invested in people and invited them to church.  I had a few friends show up and it made my day.

This Sunday, we’ll kick off a new series and celebrate our birthday as a church.  On Sunday, we turn 28 years old! Looking back, it was April 16, 1995, and such an amazing day in our history!  

"I AM CONVINCED THAT OUR BEST DAYS ARE STILL AHEAD OF US."

The weather was nice but chilly.  After three practice services the previous three Sundays, and after 14,464 direct mailers were sent out to all homeowners 54 years old and younger (I was only 33 years old back then), Lakeshore held its first public service... In a bar... At the Marriott hotel... That held 75 adults comfortably... The rest had to sit in a booth and watch the service... Sideways (you paid a price for being late back then).  On that day, 112 people showed up and three people became Christians in the somewhat beer-scented bar.  It was an exciting day for our family and many others.  Lakeshore Church was born. 

God has done amazing things since then:

• 765 people have been baptized
• About 1,250 people have professed a first-time faith in Christ
• Just over half of our attenders are involved in serving somewhere in the church
• We’ve given away about $1.2 million to world missions to impact our world for Jesus

Though time has passed, we are still passionate about reaching people in Rochester!  In truth, that’s not the norm because most churches gradually turn inward and focus on their own needs above all else.  I am convinced that our best days are still ahead of us.  I hope you do too.

Thank you for your part and for being passionate about the unique mission that God has given us.  Sue and I thank God for you!  After God, you’re the reason why we’re still impacting people and helping them discover and develop a growing relationship with Jesus.  People still matter to God, and I know they still matter to so many of you.  That’s why we honor God when we invest in and invite others.

Happy birthday to you, to us!

Warmly,
Vince