Embracing Our Legacy: Faith, Overcoming, and Generosity

Sermon Summary

In my sermon, I discussed the concept of legacy, particularly in the context of our church's 150-year history. I emphasized that everyone present, whether physically or virtually, is part of this legacy, a testament to the faithful prayers, service, and sacrifices of those who came before us. I shared my personal journey, how my call to ministry was nurtured and affirmed by this congregation, and how I was ordained on these very steps 26 years ago. I also touched on the mixed nature of legacies, using my father's struggle with alcoholism and his eventual surrender to Jesus as an example. I highlighted how, through God's grace, we were able to break the family curse and create a new story of overcoming bondage and addiction.

In the second part of the sermon, I delved deeper into the idea of legacy, emphasizing that our legacy is the story of God's work in our lives. I shared the story of Suzanne, a woman who left a legacy of generosity and love, despite her tragic death. I then turned to the scripture, 2 Timothy 1:1-7, where Paul reminds Timothy of the powerful legacy of faith he received from his grandmother and mother. I stressed the importance of remembering and honoring the legacy we've received, and the responsibility we have to pass it on. I concluded by sharing a personal anecdote about an antique hutch that supposedly came over with my great-grandmother from the Netherlands, symbolizing the tangible and intangible legacies we inherit and pass on.

Key Takeaways

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1. "We all experience legacies of some kind. We're all recipients of a legacy and we will all leave a legacy. It's never too early to start thinking about what you're leaving behind because the truth is we only have so many days on this Earth to follow our calling and live into our purpose." - 27:10

2. "What we do for ourselves usually dies with us. What we do for others will Outlast us. Do you want to be remembered for stuff or stories?" - 39:29

3. "Who can you invest in? Who can you pour into? Some of you, especially if you're in the more mature category, have a critically important role to play and that is to pass on your wisdom and your experience and your presence." - 39:29

4. "After years of Walking With Jesus, mature Believers can hold our hands and say with utter confidence, 'It's going to be okay. Don't give up. God is good. He is faithful. Just keep trusting and leaning into his power. Follow his teaching. It will be hard but you're not alone. Keep going. We'll do this together.'" - 39:29

5. "Imagine what God could do in us and through our church family if we lived that kind of legacy. Imagine what people might say about this Community of Faith if we're all pouring into others and sharing the reason for our hope in real and tangible ways, one person at a time, one story at a time, one day at a time." - 48:21

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