Guiding Question: How can the church prepare for what’s next while faithfully handing off leadership to the next generation?

Summary

Description: In this heartfelt and visionary message, Robert Lewis shares his final sermon as a staff member of Fellowship Bible Church. Using a marathon analogy and drawing from 2 Timothy 4, he frames the transfer of leadership as a necessary and strategic “handoff” to the next generation. Like Paul entrusting Timothy to lead the church at Ephesus, Lewis charges the younger leaders at Fellowship—particularly Tim Lundy—with the responsibility of preaching the Word and fulfilling their ministry with conviction and endurance.

This message is both personal and prophetic. Lewis reflects on 25 years of ministry, celebrates the strength of the church, and lays out five key cultural and ministry trends that the next generation must address to ensure the church remains vibrant and faithful.

Outline:

1. Marathon Analogy – A race requires preparation, guidance, and the right pacing.

2. Paul and Timothy (2 Timothy 4) – The sacred handoff of leadership and mission.

3. The Reality of Decline – Every thriving church has a shelf life without renewal.

4. Five Cultural and Ministry Trends:

   • Massive church closures due to generational shifts.

   • A move toward small, high-quality churches.

   • A demand for doctrinal clarity and authentic leadership.

   • The rise of homegrown, non-seminary ministers.

   • A renewed focus on evangelizing children and teens.

5. Personal Reflections and Departure – Robert Lewis formally announces his transition to Global Reach and commissions Fellowship’s next generation.

6. The Final Charge – Preach the Word. Fulfill your ministry. Die with no regrets.

Key Takeaways

• Effective leadership transitions are intentional, spiritual, and urgent for the future health of the church.

• The church must adapt to cultural and generational changes without compromising doctrinal clarity or mission.

• Small churches can be powerful when combined with excellence and community.

• The future of the church depends on equipping everyday believers for ministry.

• The most strategic evangelism today is aimed at youth, given their openness and under-reached status.

• Finishing well means living with “no regrets” and passing the baton with confidence and hope.

Scriptural References

• 2 Timothy 4:1–8 – Paul’s solemn charge to Timothy and reflection on finishing well.

• Acts 20:18–32 (paraphrased) – Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders, adapted by Lewis to say goodbye to Fellowship.

• Ecclesiastes 3:1 (implied) – Recognizing seasons and times for transitions.

Recorded 3/6/05

Guiding Question: What kind of faith and leadership does the next generation of Christians need to resist spiritual decline and carry the church forward?

Summary

Description: Robert Lewis uses humor, cultural critique, and biblical insight to deliver a sobering and urgent call for the next generation—particularly those under 40—to wake up to the dangers of spiritual drift. Through a satirical opening commercial for a fictional "pious pill," he illustrates the tendency of modern culture to seek artificial shortcuts for deep issues, including spiritual maturity.

The message pivots to the biblical examples of Moses and Joshua in Deuteronomy 31, and Paul and Timothy in 2 Timothy 3. Lewis warns that every generation faces powerful cultural currents—what he calls the "undertow"—that pull believers away from authentic faith. He describes a four-generation cycle from spiritual excitement to eventual emptiness and argues that only by becoming a renewed “first generation” church can younger believers break that cycle.

Outline:

1. Satirical "Pious Pill" Sketch – Critique of easy spiritual fixes.

2. Artificial Maturity – Cultural obsession with shortcuts to growth.

3. Undertow Metaphor – Spiritual drift illustrated through generational flow.

4. Deuteronomy 31 – Moses’ warning to Joshua: Stay faithful to “the Rock.”

5. 2 Timothy 3 – Paul’s charge to Timothy: Resist cultural corruption.

6. Four Modern Spiritual Currents:

   • Corrupt personal values (self, money, pleasure).

   • Corrupt behaviors (pride, irreverence, gossip).

   • Formalized religion without power.

   • False teachers offering spiritual tricks.

7. Call to the Next Generation:

   • Be Standard Bearers: Hold firm to Scripture.

   • Be Personal Trainers: Disciple others deeply.

   • Be Generous Givers: Time, money, and energy for the Kingdom.

   • Be Risk Takers: Bold, creative, globally-minded leaders.

Key Takeaways

• Spiritual maturity can’t be manufactured with shortcuts; it requires discipline and authenticity.

• Generational drift is natural unless intentionally resisted through biblical conviction and courage.

• Leaders must prepare for cultural and theological challenges that mimic spirituality but lack truth.

• The next generation can become a renewed "first generation" if they commit to deep personal growth and bold faith.

• The church's future vitality depends on young Christians stepping into leadership, with courage and vision.

Scriptural References

• 2 Timothy 3:1–9 – Warnings of cultural decay and false spirituality in the last days.

• Deuteronomy 31:15–23 – Moses warns of Israel’s tendency to forget God.

• Deuteronomy 32:4–18 – God as “the Rock” and Israel’s rebellion.

• Joshua 1:8–9 – Be strong and courageous; obey the Word.

• 1 Timothy 4:12 – Young believers are called to be examples.

• 2 Timothy 2:2 – Entrust the faith to faithful teachers.

• 1 Timothy 6:17–19 – Wealth should be used to build God’s Kingdom.

• Hebrews 1:1–2 – These are the “last days” where God speaks through His Son. Recorded 2/20/05

Guiding Question: What’s the one real change you need to make this year—and how can becoming different help you make a difference?

Summary

Description: To kick off the new year, Robert Lewis addresses the universal desire for personal transformation and the difficulty many face in making lasting change. Using Ephesians 4 and 5, he contrasts the world's futile patterns of living with the “new self” available through Christ. Rather than calling for sweeping resolutions, Lewis challenges listeners to identify and commit to just one change that would dramatically improve their lives. He emphasizes that real change is not only possible but deeply impactful—both for the individual and for those around them. Through scripture, storytelling, and practical insight, he invites each listener to break free from old patterns and embrace a new life marked by spiritual growth and integrity.

Outline:

1. The Challenge of Change

   • Why most New Year’s resolutions fail: too much, too fast, or giving up.

   • The importance of aiming for one meaningful, realistic change.

2. Cultural Resistance and Personal Resignation

   • The dangers of either trying too much or believing we can’t change at all.

   • Covey’s metaphor of launch: most effort is needed at the beginning.

3. A Story of Transformation

   • Governor Mike Huckabee’s physical transformation as a metaphor for spiritual change.

   • Key motivators: faith, fitness, family.

4. The Christian Life as Real Change

   • Paul’s vision in Ephesians 4–5: living differently from the world.

   • Putting off the “old self” and putting on the “new self” through practical, moral change.

5. Examples of the New Self

   • Telling the truth, controlling anger, giving generously, speaking life, pursuing sexual purity.

   • Not just religious behaviors, but real lifestyle changes.

6. The Power of One Change

   • A single, authentic change can set the course for a life of transformation.

   • Offers hope to others and confirms the reality of our faith.

7. Testimony and Challenge

   • A moving story of reconciliation after 11 years of estrangement.

   • Encouragement to identify your “one thing” and ask God to help you change it.

8. The Rewards of Change

   • Richer life, deeper faith, influence on others, and the pleasure of God.

Key Takeaways

• Real, lasting change requires focus, humility, and the help of God—not just willpower.

• Trying to change too much at once often backfires; instead, aim for one significant change.

• Spiritual growth is shown in real-life actions, not just religious routines.

• Becoming different is how we make a difference in the world.

• God partners with us when we sincerely commit to growth and transformation.

• Even one real change can lead to freedom, new options, and a renewed walk with God.

Scriptural References

• Ephesians 4:17–24 – Put off the old self, be renewed, and put on the new self.

• Ephesians 5:3–14 – A call to walk in light and purity, reflecting Christ.

• Romans 12:2 – Transformation by renewing the mind (implied concept).

• John 8:32 The truth will set you free (referenced in testimony).

• Psalm 23, Joel 2:25, Jeremiah 30:17 – Restoration and healing (echoed from prior messages).

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Eternal hope (part of larger biblical context).

Recorded 1/9/05