A NOTE FROM PASTOR VINCE: NOVEMBER 4, 2021
Lakeshore Friends—
For many of us, we grew up learning to say what has become known as The Lord’s Prayer. Some of the parts are clear and easy to grasp, while others are really deep. The one that comes to mind under the “really deep” category is found in Matthew 6:9-10 where Jesus says, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
What are we praying for there? Specifically, what are we praying for to come? What is God’s kingdom? Why is God’s kingdom coming to earth in answer to this prayer? Yet, we pray for it every time we say this prayer.
I think the Kingdom of God is one of the most misunderstood concepts in the Bible. When we understand the Kingdom of God, we will fully appreciate God, our lives, and His amazing plan to make all things new.
We’ll look at the Kingdom of God on Sunday. And when it comes, all that’s wrong in the world will be made right.
Warmly,
Vince
A NOTE FROM PASTOR VINCE: OCTOBER 28
Lakeshore Friends—
Some days more than others (but every day, to be certain), I feel a sense of disappointment and even anger at what I see in the world today.
Politics are filled with dishonesty and self-serving agendas that show little concern for real people like us. Criminal activity is rampant as innocent people are attacked, robbed, raped, beaten, and even killed with increasing frequency and with more severity than ever. Justice seems to be selective and not blind as it should be as we hear about certain people who commit crimes without consequence while others are severely punished for far less because they are on the wrong side of the political equation. Financial markets and deals are structured to favor certain people over others. And spiritually, more and more things that are really “wrong” are called “right,” and vice versa.
Will it ever end? Absolutely! One day it will all end.
When Jesus returns to earth at His Second Coming, He will come with justice to judge the world with truth. He will make every single thing that is wrong right again. Politics will end as He alone rules and reigns. Crime will be squashed immediately and will be far less common. Justice will be perfectly distributed to all. Financial cheats won’t have success. And the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the Kingdom He sets up after His return will be “heaven on earth.”
I long for those days and bet you do too. They will come as the Bible predicts, perhaps sooner than any of us think. And when it comes, all that’s wrong will be made right.
I will be talking about this time for the next two Sundays and I hope you’ll be here, excited about what Jesus will do at His return!
He will take all that’s wrong in this world and make it right!
Warmly,
Vince
A NOTE FROM PASTOR VINCE: OCTOBER 21
Lakeshore Friends—
What if you took a class and the teacher said on the first day, “As we meet together, I am going to tell you all the questions that will be on your final exam in advance. All you have to do is learn what they are and how to answer them.”
How would you respond? I’m sure that you’d be excited, listen carefully, and thank the instructor for caring enough for you that he will do all he can to help you ace the test and get an “A”! Nothing could be better.
One day, we will all die. Amazingly, despite the fact that everyone knows this, few people make any serious investment into understanding what they need to do to prepare for it. They say things like:
“I still have years to go until I die.”
“There are so many ideas out there, who knows which one is right?”
Or “I’m good, it will all work out in my favor.”
Despite the fact that God gives us the answers to the final exam, people put so little effort into hearing His answers. The majority of people take this approach. My hope is that none of you reading this are in that number.
As always, we’re here to help you. On Sunday, as we continue our really popular and well received “How It All Ends” series, we’ll help you get ready for the exam. You just have to make sure you’re here for the “class.”
Warmly,
Vince
Weekly notes from OUR Pastors, Staff, & Leaders
The Thursday Update is meant to bring you encouragement and thoughts to ponder as you go through your week. It's sent out each week in our email newsletter, which also includes a list of featured events, opportunities, and more.