Building a Lasting Legacy of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflect on the profound concept of legacy, both personal and communal, as we celebrate 40 years of Gateway Church. Legacy is the long-lasting impact of events and actions from the past, and it is something we all contribute to and benefit from. We are reminded of the importance of recognizing and honoring the faithfulness of those who have gone before us, and the responsibility we have to build upon the foundation they have laid. This is not just about celebrating past achievements but also about nurturing and stewarding what has been entrusted to us for future generations.
We looked at biblical examples, such as Moses and Joshua, to understand how legacy is passed down. Moses invested in Joshua, ensuring that the lessons of faith and God's provision would continue beyond his lifetime. Similarly, Jesus prepared His disciples to carry on His work, emphasizing that they would do even greater things. This teaches us the importance of including others in our journey and preparing them to continue the mission.
We also discussed the practical aspects of legacy: keeping the harvest sown by previous generations, watering the seeds they planted, and telling the stories of God's faithfulness. These actions ensure that the legacy is not only preserved but also expanded. We are called to be expert builders, laying a strong foundation for those who will come after us, always remembering that Jesus is the true foundation.
As we celebrate our church's 40th anniversary, we are encouraged to reflect on the legacy we have inherited and to consider what legacy we are building for the future. This involves making intentional decisions today that will have a lasting impact, such as fostering an atmosphere of faith in our families and communities. Our legacy should be one of faithfulness to God, built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Honoring Past Generations: Reflecting on the legacy left by those who have gone before us helps us appreciate God's faithfulness and the sacrifices made by previous generations. This reflection should stir thankfulness in our hearts and inspire us to build upon their foundation with gratitude and responsibility. [03:31]
2. Investing in Successors: Like Moses with Joshua and Jesus with His disciples, we must be intentional about investing in the next generation. This involves teaching them to hear God's voice, act in faith, and carry forward the mission, ensuring that our spiritual legacy continues to grow and flourish. [06:50]
3. Building on a Strong Foundation: We are called to be expert builders, laying a foundation for future generations. This means nurturing the seeds planted by those before us and ensuring that our work is built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, who supports both what has been built and what is yet to come. [17:38]
4. Telling the Story: Sharing stories of God's faithfulness and the miracles He has performed is crucial for maintaining a strong legacy. These stories inspire faith, encourage us to trust in God's provision, and remind us of the importance of celebrating His goodness. [20:48]
5. Creating an Eternal Impact: Our actions today have the potential to create a legacy that impacts not just the next generation but many generations to come. By making intentional decisions to sow seeds of faith, we can build a legacy that stands the test of time and honors God. [24:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Understanding Legacy
[03:31] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness
[06:07] - Moses and Joshua: A Biblical Example
[09:54] - Jesus and His Disciples: Preparing for Greater Works
[12:36] - Keeping the Harvest
[16:08] - Watering the Seeds
[19:12] - Building on a Strong Foundation
[20:48] - The Importance of Telling the Story
[24:04] - Creating an Eternal Impact
[27:16] - Building a Legacy Today
[30:19] - Prayer for Faithfulness
[31:57] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[33:41] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Reflecting on Legacy
#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 24:12-13 (NIV)
> "The Lord said to Moses, 'Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commands I have written for their instruction.' Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God."
2. John 14:12-14 (NIV)
> "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
3. 1 Corinthians 3:6-11 (NIV)
> "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Moses do to ensure that the legacy of God's commandments would continue beyond his lifetime? (Exodus 24:12-13)
2. According to John 14:12-14, what did Jesus promise His disciples about the works they would do?
3. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-11, what roles do Paul and Apollos play in the growth of the church, and who ultimately makes things grow?
4. How does the sermon describe the importance of honoring past generations and their contributions to our current faith community? [03:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was it significant that Moses took Joshua with him to the mountain? How does this act relate to the concept of legacy? (Exodus 24:12-13)
2. What does Jesus mean when He says His followers will do "even greater things" than He did? How does this relate to the idea of legacy in the sermon? (John 14:12-14) [09:54]
3. How does the analogy of planting and watering in 1 Corinthians 3:6-11 help us understand our role in building a legacy? What does it mean to be an "expert builder"? [17:38]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of telling the stories of God's faithfulness. Why is this crucial for maintaining and expanding a legacy? [20:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the legacy left by those who have gone before you in your faith journey. How can you honor their contributions in your daily life? [03:31]
2. Think about someone in your life who has invested in you spiritually, much like Moses did with Joshua. How can you intentionally invest in someone else’s spiritual growth? [06:50]
3. What are some practical ways you can build on the strong foundation of Jesus Christ in your family or community? Consider specific actions you can take this week. [17:38]
4. Share a story of God's faithfulness in your life with the group. How can sharing these stories help build and strengthen the faith of others? [20:48]
5. What intentional decisions can you make today to create a lasting legacy of faith for future generations? Think about specific actions or habits you can start implementing. [24:04]
6. How can you foster an atmosphere of faith in your family or community? Identify one specific way you can encourage faith and trust in God among those around you. [24:04]
7. Reflect on the idea that today's decisions are tomorrow's legacy. What is one decision you can make this week that will positively impact your spiritual legacy? [24:04]
This guide is designed to help your small group engage deeply with the sermon’s themes of legacy, faithfulness, and intentionality in building a lasting impact for future generations.
Devotional
Day 1: Honoring the Legacy of Past Generations
Reflecting on the legacy left by those who have gone before us helps us appreciate God's faithfulness and the sacrifices made by previous generations. This reflection should stir thankfulness in our hearts and inspire us to build upon their foundation with gratitude and responsibility. By acknowledging the efforts and faith of those who came before us, we can better understand the importance of our own contributions to the ongoing story of faith.
Honoring past generations is not just about looking back with nostalgia; it is about recognizing the continuity of God's work through time. We are part of a larger narrative, and our actions today are built on the foundations laid by others. This awareness should motivate us to live faithfully and responsibly, knowing that our efforts will impact future generations. [03:31]
Deuteronomy 32:7 (ESV): "Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you."
Reflection: Think of a person from a previous generation who has impacted your faith journey. How can you honor their legacy in your daily life today?
Day 2: Investing in the Next Generation
Like Moses with Joshua and Jesus with His disciples, we must be intentional about investing in the next generation. This involves teaching them to hear God's voice, act in faith, and carry forward the mission, ensuring that our spiritual legacy continues to grow and flourish. By mentoring and guiding others, we help them develop the skills and faith needed to continue God's work.
Investing in successors means more than just passing on knowledge; it involves nurturing their spiritual growth and encouraging them to step into their God-given roles. This investment requires time, patience, and a willingness to share our own experiences and lessons learned. By doing so, we ensure that the mission of faith continues beyond our own lifetime. [06:50]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life whom you can mentor or encourage in their faith journey. What steps can you take this week to invest in their spiritual growth?
Day 3: Building on a Strong Foundation
We are called to be expert builders, laying a foundation for future generations. This means nurturing the seeds planted by those before us and ensuring that our work is built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, who supports both what has been built and what is yet to come. Our efforts should be focused on creating a lasting impact that honors God and benefits those who follow.
Building on a strong foundation involves recognizing the importance of the groundwork laid by others and continuing to build with care and intention. It requires us to be diligent in our efforts, always keeping in mind that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. By doing so, we create a legacy that is both enduring and faithful to God's purposes. [17:38]
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (ESV): "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Consider the foundation you are building in your own life. How can you ensure that it is rooted in Jesus Christ and strong enough to support future generations?
Day 4: Telling the Story of God's Faithfulness
Sharing stories of God's faithfulness and the miracles He has performed is crucial for maintaining a strong legacy. These stories inspire faith, encourage us to trust in God's provision, and remind us of the importance of celebrating His goodness. By recounting these testimonies, we help others see God's hand at work in their own lives.
Telling the story of God's faithfulness is an act of worship and a way to pass on the legacy of faith. It helps to build a community that is aware of God's presence and power. These stories serve as reminders of God's unchanging nature and His ability to work in all circumstances. [20:48]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
Reflection: Think of a specific instance where you experienced God's faithfulness. How can you share this story with someone else to encourage their faith?
Day 5: Creating an Eternal Impact
Our actions today have the potential to create a legacy that impacts not just the next generation but many generations to come. By making intentional decisions to sow seeds of faith, we can build a legacy that stands the test of time and honors God. This involves living with purpose and a long-term perspective, always considering how our choices will affect the future.
Creating an eternal impact means living in a way that reflects our commitment to God's kingdom. It requires us to be mindful of the influence we have on others and to make choices that align with God's will. By doing so, we contribute to a legacy that glorifies God and benefits countless lives. [24:04]
Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Reflection: What is one intentional decision you can make today to sow seeds of faith that will have a lasting impact? How can you ensure that your actions align with God's will and purpose?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You know, we have a reason to celebrate every day and we should celebrate every day. You know, we have a reason to celebrate because of Jesus and all that he's done for us. But in a couple of weeks' time, we celebrate a milestone. You know, we celebrate 40 years as a church. What a rich legacy that we have as a church." [01:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, greater things, greater works. What a statement. You know, what a statement. You know, we can have this same heart that we would be spurred on from this, that, what we pass on to the next would be a foundation for them to do even greater things. You know, and that we would thank God and honour the faithful that have gone before us and believe to see even greater as well." [11:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, we can choose to include each other in the journey, to bring the generations along with us and to build a legacy together, a legacy. A legacy with a foundation of strength." [07:56] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know, we need every generation working together toward God's purposes. You know, Deuteronomy chapter 34 verse 9 says, Now Joshua, son of Nun, was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him, doing just as the Lord had commanded Moses." [28:46] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, this legacy that we pass on, if it's built on the right foundation, it will stand the test of time. You know, that scripture says to pass down to grandchildren. You know, the legacy impacts not just the next, but the generations to come, when the foundation is built on the right foundation. The foundation is in Jesus." [25:36] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So when we think about the legacy that we've been given as a church, when we think about the legacy that we have as individuals, can we allow it to cause a moment of reflection for us? That we would remember God's faithfulness to those who have gone before us and to celebrate that we get to stand on their shoulders. That we get to walk in what was established and we get to walk in what is underway." [03:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, we have so much as a church to nurture, to steward, to care for because of God's faithfulness to us as a church community. And can we choose to incline our hearts with thankfulness to Him in this season? You know, that we celebrate and we have a good time, but we remember God and His faithfulness to us. And we also celebrate the faithfulness of those who have gone before us." [03:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, we see another biblical example of legacy in Jesus. You know, all throughout the Gospels is through Jesus' ministry and performing signs and wonders and miracles. We see him constantly reminding and indicating to the disciples that, you know, there's a time coming soon where I'm not going to be here anymore." [09:54] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know, we can thank God and we celebrate his faithfulness to us. You know, we've inherited so much but we also have the privilege of passing something on. The second point today is that we water the seeds sown by previous generations because we don't always just receive the fruit we don't just receive the harvest when we talk about legacy but we receive a foundation to believe in faith for something even greater." [16:08] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You know, we remember those who have gone before us in the decades before, in the years before, but let's remember the weeks before as well. You know, in Gateway Youth, you know, I refuse to refer to our young people as next generation leaders, because we need them today. You know, we need teenagers today. You know, we need their input. We need their devotion. We need their leadership today." [27:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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