Building a Legacy of Faith for Future Generations

Devotional

Day 1: Building Genuine Community

Building genuine community within the church is essential for spiritual growth and support. Moving from being merely friendly to forming deep, meaningful friendships requires stepping out of our comfort zones and engaging in authentic conversations. These connections allow us to support and uplift each other in our faith journeys, creating a strong, united community that reflects the love of Christ. Genuine friendships within the church can provide a safe space for sharing struggles, celebrating victories, and growing together in faith.

In a world where superficial interactions are common, the church is called to be different. By investing time and effort into building real relationships, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This sense of belonging can be transformative, helping individuals to grow in their faith and encouraging them to live out their Christian values in their daily lives. [14:01]

Romans 12:10-11 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

Reflection: Think of someone in your church community you don't know well. How can you reach out to them this week to start building a genuine friendship?

Day 2: The Importance of a Healthy Marriage

A healthy marriage is foundational for raising children who are grounded in faith. It requires hard work, dedication, and God's grace. Children learn from the example set by their parents, and a strong, loving marriage provides a model for their own future relationships and faith. A healthy marriage is not just about avoiding conflict but actively working together to grow in love and faith, supporting each other in their spiritual journeys.

In a healthy marriage, both partners are committed to each other's well-being and spiritual growth. This commitment creates a stable and nurturing environment for children, where they can see the love of Christ reflected in their parents' relationship. By prioritizing their marriage and seeking God's guidance, parents can create a home where faith is lived out daily and passed on to the next generation. [24:47]

Ephesians 5:25-26 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can invest in your marriage this week to strengthen your relationship and set a positive example for your children?

Day 3: Living Faithfully Devoted to God

God calls us to walk faithfully and be blameless, which means being wholly devoted to Him. This devotion leads to a transformation of our hearts and lives, aligning our desires with God's. Our faithfulness to God impacts not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. By living a life devoted to God, we demonstrate the importance of faith to our children and others around us.

Living faithfully devoted to God involves daily choices to follow His will and seek His guidance. It means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else and allowing His love to shape our actions and decisions. This kind of devotion requires humility, reverence, and a willingness to be transformed by God's grace. As we walk faithfully with God, we become a living testimony of His love and faithfulness, inspiring others to do the same. [29:55]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more fully devote yourself to God this week? How can you take a practical step towards that devotion today?

Day 4: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ

When we come to Christ, we receive a new identity. We are no longer defined by our past or the world's standards but by our relationship with God. This new identity comes with a new purpose: to live faithfully devoted to Jesus and to pass on this legacy of faith to future generations. Embracing our new identity means letting go of old labels and embracing the truth of who we are in Christ.

Our new identity in Christ gives us a sense of purpose and direction. It frees us from the burdens of our past and empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and joy. As we embrace this new identity, we are called to share the love of Christ with others and to be a light in the world. By living out our new identity, we can inspire others to seek their own relationship with God and to discover the transformative power of His love. [41:39]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What old labels or past experiences do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new identity in Christ? How can you live out this new identity in your daily life?

Day 5: Faith is Caught, Not Taught

Our children learn more from our actions than our words. Living a genuine, faithful life is the most effective way to pass on our faith to our children. They observe how we treat others, make decisions, and live out our faith daily. Our faith is caught more than taught, meaning that our example speaks louder than any words we could say.

To pass on a legacy of faith, we must be intentional about living out our beliefs in every aspect of our lives. This means being consistent in our actions, showing love and grace to others, and prioritizing our relationship with God. By living a life of genuine faith, we create an environment where our children can see the reality of God's love and be inspired to seek their own relationship with Him. [54:53]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and interactions. How can you more effectively model your faith to your children or those around you this week?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone, and Happy Father's Day! Today, we celebrate the fathers among us and reflect on the importance of building a legacy of faith for future generations. We began by encouraging everyone to move from being friendly to forming genuine friendships within our community. This morning's question was about our favorite or least favorite school subjects, a simple way to spark conversations and connections.

As we delve into the message, we reflect on the significance of being a father and the challenges and rewards it brings. I shared personal anecdotes about my own experiences as a father and husband, emphasizing that raising children successfully involves a healthy marriage and, most importantly, God's incredible grace. Our ultimate goal is to instill a legacy of faith in our children, one that extends beyond mere success in life to a deep, loving relationship with Jesus Christ.

We explored the story of Abram, who was called by God to leave his home and follow Him to an unknown land. God made a covenant with Abram, promising to bless him and his descendants if he walked faithfully and blamelessly before Him. This covenant was not just for Abram but for all his descendants, emphasizing the importance of living a life devoted to God and leaving a legacy of faith.

God's command to Abram was to walk faithfully and be blameless, which means being wholly devoted to God. This devotion leads to a transformation of our hearts and lives, aligning our desires with God's. Abram's response to God's call was one of deep reverence and humility, and God rewarded him by changing his name to Abraham, signifying a new identity and purpose.

For us, living a life devoted to God means embracing our new identity in Christ. We are no longer defined by our past or the world's standards but by our relationship with God. This new identity comes with a new purpose: to live faithfully devoted to Jesus and to pass on this legacy of faith to future generations.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Building Genuine Community: Moving from being friendly to forming genuine friendships within our church community is essential. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and engaging in meaningful conversations. Building these connections helps us support and uplift each other in our faith journeys. [14:01]
2. The Importance of a Healthy Marriage: A healthy marriage is crucial for raising children who are grounded in faith. It requires hard work, dedication, and God's grace. Our children learn from our example, and a strong, loving marriage sets a foundation for their own relationships and faith. [24:47]
3. Living Faithfully Devoted to God: God calls us to walk faithfully and be blameless, which means being wholly devoted to Him. This devotion leads to a transformation of our hearts and lives, aligning our desires with God's. Our faithfulness to God impacts not only our lives but also the lives of future generations. [29:55]
4. Embracing Our New Identity in Christ: When we come to Christ, we receive a new identity. We are no longer defined by our past or the world's standards but by our relationship with God. This new identity comes with a new purpose: to live faithfully devoted to Jesus and to pass on this legacy of faith to future generations. [41:39]
5. Faith is Caught, Not Taught: Our children learn more from our actions than our words. Living a genuine, faithful life is the most effective way to pass on our faith to our children. They observe how we treat others, make decisions, and live out our faith daily. Our faith is caught more than taught. [54:53]
### [54:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:01] - Building Genuine Community
[19:49] - Personal Reflections on Fatherhood
[24:47] - Importance of a Healthy Marriage
[29:55] - Living Faithfully Devoted to God
[41:39] - Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
[54:53] - Faith is Caught, Not Taught
[74:07] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[75:13] - Announcements and Donuts for Dads

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the covenant that God made with Abram, and what did He require of Abram in return? (Genesis 17:1-2)
How did Abram respond to God's command to walk faithfully and be blameless? (Genesis 17:3)
What new identity did God give to Abram, and what was its significance? (Genesis 17:5)
According to the sermon, what is the importance of living a life devoted to God? [29:55]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to walk faithfully and be blameless before God, as described in Genesis 17:1-2? How does this apply to our daily lives?
How does the new identity given to Abram (Abraham) relate to the new identity we receive in Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Why is it important to pass on a legacy of faith to future generations, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and the sermon? [25:44]
How does the concept of "faith is caught, not taught" influence the way we live out our faith in front of our children and community? [54:53]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current relationships within the church. How can you move from being friendly to forming genuine friendships that support and uplift each other in your faith journeys? [14:01]
In what ways can you work on strengthening your marriage to set a strong foundation of faith for your children? What specific steps can you take this week to improve your relationship with your spouse? [24:47]
How can you embrace your new identity in Christ and let go of past labels or failures that may be holding you back? What practical steps can you take to live out this new identity daily? [41:39]
Think of a time when you felt God's grace in your life despite your mistakes. How can you share this experience with your children to help them understand the importance of God's grace? [24:47]
Identify one area in your life where you struggle to be wholly devoted to God. What changes can you make to align your desires with God's will? [29:55]
How can you demonstrate your faith through actions rather than just words, especially in front of your children? What specific behaviors can you model to show them a genuine, faithful life? [54:53]
Consider the legacy of faith you want to leave for future generations. What are some practical ways you can start building this legacy today? [25:44]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Jen and I want our kids to be successful. But success goes far beyond achieving the American dream of health, wealth, and happiness. See, our desire is that our kids would continue this legacy of faith in Christ. And it doesn't just stop with our kids. But it's passed down to their children and their children's children. See, we do a wonderful job of trying to set up our kids. We're designed to set up our kids for success. But how many of us really consider the faith element? More than just the faith element, but a genuine, connected, loving relationship with Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father?" (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "See, when a world opposes Christ, what happens is that when you have faith, it's very tempting to become inward focused. It's very easy to build up these walls and not to reach out. When someone disagrees with you, it's very easy to isolate yourself, to withdraw. Because that's what's going to happen. That's the natural reaction to things. But we don't want that for our kids because our kids have to be engaged in society no matter what society throws at them." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Live God's purpose by faithfully devoting yourself to Jesus. Live God's purpose by faithfully devoting yourself to Jesus. And for you dads, your purpose is to be faithfully devoted to Jesus. Dad, your purpose is to live your new identity and to be." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When you live your new identity in Christ, you have a new identity. You are a brand new person. Because once again, God doesn't make junk. And what is your new name and your new identity? It's some of these words. You're beloved. That's who you are, beloved by God. You're a child of God. You are a saint. Even though you struggle with sin, you are a citizen of heaven because that is where your home is, eternal home is. You are pure. You are righteous. You're redeemed. And you are chosen by God." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God was telling Abraham, I'm faithful. I'm faithful to you and I will fulfill my promises. God told Abraham, I am God almighty. And he said this, and this was God's command to Abraham. Walk before me and be blameless. Abraham, I want you to walk before me and be blameless. Well, what does that mean? Let's break it down. I love the NIV translation of this because God instructed Abraham to walk before me. What God meant, was to walk faithfully with me. Then everybody stated, Abraham, walk faithfully with me and be blameless." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "See, God declared to Abram, don't forget who I am. We may have not talked in 13 years, but I've been on this journey with you every single step of the way, and I've been faithful to you. I haven't forgotten you. And if you continue to trust and walk with me, I will bless you with innumerable descendants. So let's stop right there. Al Shaddai, Mighty God. Almighty God, the most powerful God. Three questions to ask you this morning. Wherever you are in your faith, how do you view God right now? What is your view of God right now? Is he mighty and powerful in your life? Or do you limit his power and his purpose? Do you limit his presence in your life?" (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "To walk faithfully and blameless is not sinless perfection. But walking under God's direction. Let me repeat that again. To walk faithfully and blameless is not sinful perfection, but walking under God's direction. Let me break this down. Many of us, man, we focus on our sins, and that's important. But when we fail, we get dejected. We beat ourselves up, which there should be some conviction there. But we're so stuck on that, God is saying, listen to me, listen to my direction. Because when you listen to my direction, you will be holy. We try to make this holiness thing under our own power, and we can't. And God says, listen to me. I am going to guide you. I am going to direct you in this path. But you have to walk faithfully with me. And when you walk faithfully with me, you will be whole. That will lead to holiness." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God asked Abram to be faithfully devoted. So what is the one big thing that God is asking of us? To be faithfully devoted to God. See, the reality is this. God knows that we're going to mess up. He knows we're going to fail Him many times. He knows we're going to make huge mistakes because that is our nature. And this is not an allowance for sin, but for His grace. But when we're entirely devoted to God, we will trust Him. We will yield. And we will submit our lives to Him. Because what? We are walking faithfully with Him, which leads to a blameless holiness. We faithfully with God We are walking faithfully with God because we're utterly devoted to Him. What happens is that when we come to Christ, there's going to be this inner transformation of our hearts because we're devoted to Him. We're no longer living our lives for ourselves. We're Because God's desires become our desires. And our hearts begin to reflect God's heart." (64 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And God said to him, Behold, my covenant is with you. And you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham. For I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. Once again, God rated his promise of greatness to Abram. Abram's name meant exalted father. But God changed it to Abraham, meaning father. Father of multitude. And God demonstrated his power and authority over Abraham by changing his name. During that time, names held significant meaning and were strongly associated with a person's identity. You, in a sense, became that person's name." (53 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So God said to Abraham, I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant to be God to you and to your offspring after you. Notice that. He said, I will establish this everlasting covenant to be God to you, Abraham, but not only just to you, but also to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God. God was saying to Abraham, this covenant that I'm making with you is not only between you and me, but for all of your descendants, for every generation that comes forth from you. This promise is for you and for all of your descendants after you." (52 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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