2nd Anniversary Service: This Is My Story

August 23rd, 2020/Vinelife Outdoor Service

Baptism: If you are here today and you would say that Jesus is Lord of your life, but you have yet to follow through with believer’s baptism then I want to invite you to come after this message and make a public declaration that Jesus is Lord. We do not believe that the Scriptures teach that baptism saves you or washes away sins, but that it is an act of obedience that symbolizes what Christ has done on the inside. The symbol is that you are buried with Christ in baptism and then you are raised to walk a new life.

“Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” - Colossians 2:12

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” - Matthew 28:19

We have towels, a dressing room, and a change of clothes. All you need to do is come. If you feel like God is leading you to get baptized and you want to speak with someone during the service then make your way to the white tents and we have leaders that would love to speak with you.

Story: I was thinking back over the last several years, remembering all of the moments both big and small. We often highlight the big moments, Launch Sunday, worship night at the bandshell, Pinewood Conference, Friendsgiving, Her Nights, and much more. And these nights are worth celebrating and remembering, but the moments that nobody knows about are often some of the most transformative.

The moments spent in prayer over a loved one that is lost. The prayer and fasting for healing of someone who is sick. The weeping together as you’re experiencing raw brokenness. The groceries delivered to someone in need on a Tuesday. The phone call to check in and say “how are you doing” or “I just wanted to say I’m grateful for you.” The generous gift to Pinewood Church that nobody knows about but that was given out of a heart of obedience.

We all have a story to tell. Moments that shape who we are and build faith in seasons of doubt, fear, and discouragement.

Question: What’s your story?

Your story is less about what you do, and it’s more about who you’re becoming. It’s less about who you know, and it’s more about who you worship. It’s less about what you have, and more about what legacy you will leave behind.

Question: What story will you tell?

Passage: Psalms 145:4-12 CSB

One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. 5 I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. 6 They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. 7 They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. 10 All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, 12 informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Pray:

Title: This Is My Story

Big Idea: AIM or CIT

My goal for the testimonies that you are about to hear is not so that you will be in awe of the story, but that the testimonies would give glory to God.

Testimonies:

Kelli Lee

1. I have seen you guys grow so much over the last several years. From attending to building and now leading. How has Pinewood helped you grow spiritually?
2. What legacy do you want to leave?

Allen & Crysahna

1. Before you can have healthy relationships, especially marriage, you must be a healthy individual. In what ways has Pinewood helped you grow in your walk with Christ as an individual?
2. You both are big on community and bringing people together. Why is that such a big deal in your life? And how could you encourage others to model what you are doing?
3. What legacy do you want to leave?

Kai

1. You have been at Pinewood since the beginning. You’ve seen us start small and now grow to where we are today. What’s one thing that has never changed about Pinewood?
2. I’ve always admired your faithfulness to show up. It’s underrated that showing up really does produce fruit over time. How has showing up faithfully helped you grow and mature in your faith?
3. What legacy do you want to leave?

Brayden

1. It’s always been a prayer of ours that we would be a church that focuses on the next generation. How has Pinewood helped you grow in your spiritual life?
2. You are a true servant leader. Always looking for ways to serve and support others. Why are you so passionate about serving?
3. One day you may leave Pinewood and go on to college. What legacy do you want to leave?

Closing: What’s your story? What story will you tell? Even more important than that… What legacy will you leave?

Heaven’s Agenda Campaign:

We’re going to lean into radical generosity as we start off into year 3 of Pinewood Church. Starting today and ending next Saturday night we’re going to challenge you to consider giving above and beyond your normal giving to help us raise $10,000 that will go toward the hospitality industry, Freedoms Door, church planting, and Home of New Beginnings. Not only that, but Pinewood is going to match every penny given up to $10,000. That means by this time next week, I’m believing that we’re going to celebrate $20,000+ dollars being sent out from Pinewood to bless our city and the world.

Baptism:

Song: Blessed Assurance