Empowered Leadership: Building a Legacy in Christ

 

Summary

In this gathering at the Kingdom Leaders Summit, we are reminded of the profound responsibility and privilege we have as leaders in God's kingdom. Our focus is on building a legacy that advances the kingdom of God by leading others towards Jesus and His teachings. This is not just about intellectual growth but a heart and relational journey with God. The Tony Evans Training Center and resources like "Theology You Can Count On" are invaluable tools for deepening our understanding and equipping us to disciple others effectively.

Prayer is emphasized as a crucial component of leadership and legacy. We are called to engage in prayer for our ministries, families, and leaders, recognizing the challenges we face in a world that often opposes Christian values. The church is likened to a visiting team in enemy territory, no longer enjoying the cultural support it once had. Yet, we are reminded of Jesus' promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Our task is to remain strong, flexible, and committed to advancing God's kingdom.

The sermon draws from Ezekiel 37, the vision of the valley of dry bones, to illustrate the current state of the church. We are challenged to prophesy to the dry bones, to speak God's word into seemingly hopeless situations, and to invite the Holy Spirit to breathe life into our ministries. The church must be a light in the darkness, and this requires a prophetic word that is both relevant and rooted in Scripture. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in activating the word of God, bringing life and transformation.

We are called to stand as a great army, ready to fight and protect, driven by a prophetic word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The church must not acquiesce to the culture but stand firm in its mission. The sermon concludes with a call to recommit to the prophetic word and the engagement of the Holy Spirit, seeking renewal and revival in our churches and communities.

Key Takeaways:

- Legacy of Leadership: Building a legacy in God's kingdom involves leading others towards Jesus and His teachings. This requires both intellectual and relational growth, emphasizing the importance of resources and training that deepen our understanding and equip us to disciple others effectively. [31:36]

- Power of Prayer: Prayer is essential for leadership and legacy. We must engage in prayer for our ministries, families, and leaders, recognizing the challenges we face in a world that often opposes Christian values. Prayer connects us with God and empowers us to face trials with strength and faith. [33:12]

- Church as a Visiting Team: The church is likened to a visiting team in enemy territory, no longer enjoying the cultural support it once had. Despite this, we are reminded of Jesus' promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Our task is to remain strong, flexible, and committed to advancing God's kingdom. [45:07]

- Prophetic Word and Holy Spirit: The vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 illustrates the current state of the church. We are challenged to prophesy to the dry bones, to speak God's word into seemingly hopeless situations, and to invite the Holy Spirit to breathe life into our ministries. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in activating the word of God, bringing life and transformation. [52:06]

- Standing as a Great Army: The church is called to stand as a great army, ready to fight and protect, driven by a prophetic word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We must not acquiesce to the culture but stand firm in our mission, seeking renewal and revival in our churches and communities. [01:10:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [31:24] - Introduction to Kingdom Leadership
- [31:56] - Building a Legacy
- [32:31] - Resources for Growth
- [33:02] - The Heart Journey
- [33:12] - Importance of Prayer
- [34:17] - Praying for Ministries
- [38:03] - Praying for Families
- [41:12] - Praying for Leaders
- [45:07] - Church as a Visiting Team
- [48:53] - Valley of Dry Bones
- [52:06] - Can These Bones Live?
- [55:08] - Prophesy to the Bones
- [01:01:07] - Prophesy to the Breath
- [01:10:33] - Standing as a Great Army
- [01:16:22] - Call to Recommitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Matthew 16:18
- Ephesians 3:10

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Observation Questions:

1. In Ezekiel 37, what is the significance of the valley of dry bones, and how does it relate to the current state of the church as described in the sermon? [48:53]

2. How does the sermon describe the church's position in today's culture, and what analogy is used to illustrate this? [45:07]

3. What role does prayer play in the leadership and legacy of the church according to the sermon? [33:12]

4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between the prophetic word and the Holy Spirit in revitalizing the church? [52:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for the church to be a "visiting team" in today's culture, and how should this understanding affect the church's mission and approach? [45:07]

2. How can the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 serve as a metaphor for the challenges faced by the church today? [48:53]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church has contributed to its own marginalization in society? [47:32]

4. How does the sermon propose that the church can move from a state of "dry bones" to becoming a "great army"? [01:10:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal prayer life. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer for your ministry, family, and leaders in light of the sermon’s emphasis on prayer? [33:12]

2. The sermon challenges us to prophesy to the dry bones in our lives. Identify a seemingly hopeless situation in your life or community. How can you speak God's word into it this week? [52:06]

3. Consider the analogy of the church as a visiting team. How can you personally contribute to the church's mission in a culture that may not support Christian values? [45:07]

4. The sermon calls for a recommitment to the prophetic word and the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take to engage more deeply with Scripture and invite the Holy Spirit into your daily life? [01:16:22]

5. How can you actively participate in building a legacy of leadership that leads others towards Jesus and His teachings? Identify one person you can disciple or mentor this month. [31:36]

6. The sermon mentions the importance of being flexible and strong in advancing God's kingdom. What is one area in your life where you need to be more adaptable to fulfill your role in God’s mission? [36:21]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to stand as a great army. What practical steps can you take to stand firm in your faith and protect the values of the church in your community? [01:10:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Building a Legacy in God's Kingdom
Building a legacy in God's kingdom involves leading others towards Jesus and His teachings. This requires both intellectual and relational growth, emphasizing the importance of resources and training that deepen our understanding and equip us to disciple others effectively. As leaders, we are entrusted with the responsibility to guide others on a journey that is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about nurturing a heart connection with God. The Tony Evans Training Center and resources like "Theology You Can Count On" are invaluable tools that help us in this mission. They provide a foundation for us to grow in our faith and to help others do the same. [31:36]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally disciple this week, and what steps will you take to begin this journey with them?


Day 2: The Essential Role of Prayer
Prayer is essential for leadership and legacy. We must engage in prayer for our ministries, families, and leaders, recognizing the challenges we face in a world that often opposes Christian values. Prayer connects us with God and empowers us to face trials with strength and faith. It is through prayer that we find the guidance and courage to lead effectively, even when the cultural support for Christian values is waning. By committing to a life of prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His power into our lives and ministries. [33:12]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific challenge are you facing today that you can bring to God in prayer, asking for His guidance and strength?


Day 3: The Church as a Visiting Team
The church is likened to a visiting team in enemy territory, no longer enjoying the cultural support it once had. Despite this, we are reminded of Jesus' promise that the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Our task is to remain strong, flexible, and committed to advancing God's kingdom. In a world that often opposes Christian values, we must stand firm in our mission, knowing that we are part of a greater plan that God has for His church. This requires us to be adaptable and resilient, always ready to share the hope we have in Christ. [45:07]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you be a light in your community this week, even when it feels like you are in enemy territory?


Day 4: Prophesying to the Dry Bones
The vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 illustrates the current state of the church. We are challenged to prophesy to the dry bones, to speak God's word into seemingly hopeless situations, and to invite the Holy Spirit to breathe life into our ministries. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in activating the word of God, bringing life and transformation. As we speak God's truth into the areas of our lives and communities that seem lifeless, we trust that the Holy Spirit will bring renewal and revival. [52:06]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life or ministry that feels like a valley of dry bones, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring new life there?


Day 5: Standing as a Great Army
The church is called to stand as a great army, ready to fight and protect, driven by a prophetic word and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We must not acquiesce to the culture but stand firm in our mission, seeking renewal and revival in our churches and communities. As a united body, we are called to be proactive in our faith, ready to defend the truth and share the love of Christ with those around us. This requires courage, commitment, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us in our mission. [01:10:33]

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to stand firm in your faith and be part of God's great army, ready to fight for His kingdom?

Quotes



"we're in a time when people have stopped going to church, people have stopped respecting the church, people have marginalized the church, and they want God for invocations and benedictions as long as he stays out of the meat in the middle. They don't want his decisions; they just want to pay respectful homage to him, and even that has gotten on shaky grounds." [50:12]

"God says to him in verse three, son of man, can these bones live? Is it too late? Are we too disconnected, too broken for too long? Is it possible that this desperate situation in the church, which has facilitated a pagan culture, can these bones live again? And the prophet gives an answer. He says, oh Lord God, you know." [51:46]

"we need preachers and teachers, spiritual leaders, if you will, who are tenaciously committed to the inherent word of God. We need people who are not ashamed to say thus saith the Lord, with love and compassion and clarity to the dry bones, but we also need preachers and teachers and spiritual leaders who prophesy to the spirit." [01:04]

"the church has been knocked over. It's been knocked over by the bowling ball of the culture that's decimated our impact and influence while we carry on with programs. But there is an unseen person who knows how to move from lane to lane, life to life, family to family, church to church, and set up pens that have been knocked over." [01:18]

"we're living in a time when the church of Jesus Christ is losing, and we're losing on all fronts. I was sent a few days ago something where a congressperson from Florida, congressman from New York, quoted me on the issue of morality and on the issue of the definition of humanity as male and female, and they quoted me." [46:30]

"the church of Jesus Christ is now the visiting team. When a football team goes and plays against another team on their home field, they go at a deficit because the crowd is not on their side. When they're playing at home, that means the crowd is with them. When they're praying away, that means the crowd and the other team is against them." [44:38]

"we need the dry bones of the church to become alive again, vibrant again, potent again, a non-compromising church full of love and full of compassion but equally full of clarity. Today we live in a day when too many churches are giving an uncertain sound, where they're trying to mimic the culture but sprinkle enough of God on it." [58:31]

"the prophetic word puts the parts together. The Holy Spirit, called the igniter, lets the pilot come on so the fire is lit. That's why one of the names for the Holy Spirit is fire because he's the igniter. He brings life to a difficult situation. So when the word and the spirit come together, something happens." [01:13]

"we are a dry church in a hopeless situation surrounded by a decaying culture, but if the prophetic word and our relationship with the Holy Spirit is ever activated, when we don't just show up for Bible study but we're there for worship, we're there to engage God in the process, something will happen." [01:09]

"the church is the final firewall for the preservation of any semblance of an orderly society, and if that firewall breaks down, there is no hope left. If the dry bones stay dry, then all hope is gone. Now I haven't given you some bad news, and I know you see it in the news, you see it in your communities." [54:00]

"we need is a great army, and a great army is driven by a prophetic word based on the written word, but it is a relevant word consistent with the biblical word but engages the Holy Spirit. I had a problem in my home where the igniter in my heater went out, so I was cold." [01:12]

"we're in a post-modern era where God, Jesus Christ, and the Bible sit on the sidelines, and so does his church because we're being booed by the culture. No longer is it accepted that the Bible should be consulted as a standard by which decisions are to be made on the definition of life and family and even how a nation is to function." [45:36]

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Transcript
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