Kicked off with an awakening period of worship, the finale of Lipscomb’s Summer Celebration was capped off by an inspiring message from Jeff Walling.
First, though, there were a few areas of business that had to be taken care of.
Randy Lowry introduced a familiar face to Nashville residents during the beginning of the evening, Daron Hall, sheriff of Davidson County. It was after that, when Hall introduced another man, Lytle Thomas.
Thomas has a history of dealing with inner-city children all around the Nashville area. So, it was more than fitting to have all of those kids present at the event. And were they ever present. The children emerged from one of the Tunnels in Allen Arena in a school bus. Yes, a school bus. Almost overwhelmed, Lionel was then the proud recipient of the Kopio Award for his many years of service to the community.
“I don’t want to say a whole lot, because I am afraid to say the wrong thing,” Thomas said. “On behalf of all of the people I’ve worked with and all the children, this is your award. Thank you all so much.”
President Lowry then introduced someone that “has lead through his vision and his tremendous love for his church.” A coworker of Lowry’s at Pepperdine, Lynn Anderson was present to give an award that was originally supposed to given away at the Pepperdine Bible Lectures in May.
How convenient that the recipients be none other than member’s of the Lipscomb family.
A beautiful plaque with the words “Distinguished Christian Service Award” was then presented to Walt and Karen Leaver. Leaver is currently the Vice President of University Relations at Lipscomb. His areas of administration include Church Relations, Spiritual Outreach, the Business Advisory Council, Entertainment and Technical Services, Special Events, and arena and theatre management.
After a short introduction from President Lowry, Jeff Walling took the stage in Allen Arena.
“What a blessing, what a privilege, what an honor it is.” Walling said. “It seems every time. I’m here that there is a new building, so congratulations on Growth, Dr. Lowry.”
Walling started off his message in praising God for the work that He did at Impact over the last week. Walling was also very grateful to have Keith Lancaster leading worship for the finale of Summer Celebration.
It was then that Walling thanked the founders of this country and played a clip from a prayer said during one of the Continental Congress’ meetings.
Camping’s message on Friday was not fireworks, sparklers or hot dogs, though. His message addressed the idea of being left behind. Reading from Luke 17, Walling reflected back on the Harold Camping end of the world Prediction from May 21. Sure, Camping was wrong, but the date still made some think about where they stood with God.
It was then that Walling introduced the word “parateresis.” Meaning observation, Walling looks at parateresis as meaning something more – looking within oneself.
“Jesus goes on to speak of light and darkness,” Walling said. “Jesus begins with light, and He wants us to understand that the kingdom begins within us.”
Walling on to speak about how kingdom of God was within everyone, in that light that all people have. He goes on saying that anyone can have an impact if they have the willingness to allow Jesus to work through them and use that light.
“We are called graciously and humbly to be Jesus in today’s world,” WalIing said. “I invite you to join me in leaving the observation deck. I think we need to go from the observation deck to the transformation deck.”
Walling ended with inviting all those in attendance to join him in in the challenging task of making Jesus proud to say that we are apart of His kingdom.