Forgotten or Forever: Choosing Our Legacy

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness across generations, a reminder that what we build with Him endures beyond the fleeting applause of this world. As we honored my mother’s 76th birthday and witnessed my daughter Kaylynn step forward in ministry, I was struck by the beauty of a legacy rooted in faith, not fame. The stories of my family’s service in the Lord’s house are not just personal memories—they are living testimonies to the truth that God’s goodness extends through generations when we choose to build our lives on His Word.

We explored the tension between two scriptures: Ecclesiastes 1:11, which soberly observes that “no one remembers the former generations,” and Psalm 112:6, which promises that “the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.” This contrast led us to the central question: Will we be forgotten, or will we be remembered forever? The answer lies not in our earthly achievements, but in our faithfulness to God.

Earthly legacy—our businesses, reputations, and even our most cherished memories—will eventually fade. Like bricks or statues, they may stand for a time, but the tides of time and culture will wash them away. Even the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, bought at great cost, crack and become unrecognizable. But heaven’s memory is different. God does not record our popularity; He records our purpose. What we do for Christ echoes in eternity, written in the Book of Life, treasured by God even if forgotten by people.

So, the call is clear: Live to be remembered by God, not by man. Plant seeds of faith, serve quietly, and pursue the “well done” of the Lord rather than the fleeting “well known” of the world. Only what we do for Christ will last. The invitation is open to all—choose forever by confessing Christ, and your name will be remembered in heaven, long after the world forgets.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Earthly Legacy Fades Without God No matter how impressive our achievements or how cherished our memories, time has a way of erasing even the most significant legacies. Fame and reputation are like letters in the sand—beautiful for a moment, but quickly washed away by the tides of life. Without God, even the best we build will eventually be forgotten. [34:08]
• 2. Heaven’s Memory Is Different While the world forgets names and accomplishments, heaven remembers faith and faithfulness. God’s “Hall of Fame” is not filled with celebrities, but with servants—those who loved, served, and gave for His glory. What we do for Christ is recorded in the Book of Life and echoes for all eternity, even if no one on earth remembers our name. [40:49]
• 3. Plant Seeds, Not Statues Statues and monuments are built to be seen, but seeds are planted to bear fruit. The most lasting impact comes from the quiet, faithful acts of obedience that may never be recognized by people but are always seen by God. The seeds we plant in faith will bear fruit long after we are gone, outliving any earthly monument. [49:30]
• 4. Serve Quietly, Not Publicly True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and secret service. The Father rewards what is done in secret, and heaven notices even when no one else does. The loudest voices are not always the most impactful; often, those who serve quietly make the greatest difference in eternity. [50:23]
• 5. Live for “Well Done,” Not “Well Known” The goal is not to go viral or to be remembered by many, but to be known and approved by God. Faithfulness, not fame, is what lasts forever. When we live for God’s “well done,” we build a legacy that cannot be erased by time, and our names are treasured in heaven. [52:44]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:35] - Honoring Mother Goff’s Birthday
• [01:43] - Generational Faithfulness
• [02:26] - Kaylynn’s First Sermonic Solo
• [10:26] - Children’s Church & Youth Ministry
• [11:45] - Celebrating Pastor Max and Family
• [13:09] - Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes & Psalms
• [14:49] - Forgotten or Forever: The Central Question
• [16:29] - Intercession and Ministry Moment
• [20:56] - Receiving from God by Faith
• [23:50] - Trusting God in Uncertainty
• [31:55] - The Brick and the Book: What Are You Building On?
• [34:08] - Earthly Legacy Fades Without God
• [39:39] - Heaven’s Memory Is Different
• [46:26] - Live to Be Remembered by God
• [49:30] - Three Bible Hacks for Lasting Legacy
• [53:43] - Only What You Do for Christ Will Last
• [57:25] - Invitation: Choose Forever
• [59:09] - Prayer and New Life in Christ
• [61:42] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Reading

Ecclesiastes 1:11 (ESV) — > "There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after."

Psalm 112:6 (ESV) — > "For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever."

Matthew 6:4 (ESV) — > "...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Observation Questions

1. According to Ecclesiastes 1:11, what does the writer say about how people remember past generations? What does this reveal about the nature of earthly legacy? [13:09]
2. In Psalm 112:6, who does the psalmist say will be remembered forever, and what is the reason given? [14:28]
3. The sermon compared building with “bricks” (like businesses or reputations) versus building on “the book” (God’s Word). What was the main difference described between these two ways of building a legacy? [33:27]
4. According to Matthew 6:4, what does Jesus say about acts done in secret? How does this relate to being remembered by God? [50:23]

Interpretation Questions

1. The preacher said, “Earthly legacy fades without God. Fame has an expiration date.” Why do you think even our most cherished memories and achievements eventually fade away? [34:08]
2. The sermon highlighted that “heaven’s memory is different” and that God remembers faith and faithfulness, not popularity. What does this suggest about what God values most in our lives? [40:49]
3. The phrase “plant seeds, not statues” was used. What does it mean to plant seeds in the context of faith, and why might this be more lasting than building monuments or seeking recognition? [49:30]
4. The message said, “Live for ‘well done,’ not ‘well known.’” How does this challenge the way people usually think about success and legacy? [52:44]

Application Questions

1. The sermon gave examples of family members serving quietly in the church for decades. Is there someone in your life who has modeled quiet, faithful service? How has their example impacted you, and what is one way you could follow their example this week? [01:43]
2. The preacher shared a story about not remembering a high school classmate, even though they shared years together. Are there things you are investing in now (like work, reputation, or achievements) that might not last or be remembered? What would it look like to shift your focus to things that matter for eternity? [39:06]
3. “God doesn’t record your popularity; He records your purpose.” Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to seek recognition or applause? What would it look like to serve in that area for God’s approval instead of people’s? [40:49]
4. The sermon encouraged planting seeds of faith—doing good, serving, and loving others even if no one notices. What is one “seed” you can plant this week that may not be seen by others but is seen by God? [49:30]
5. Jesus said the Father rewards what is done in secret (Matthew 6:4). Is there a way you can serve someone this week without anyone else knowing? How might this change your motivation for serving? [50:23]
6. The preacher said, “Only what you do for Christ will last.” What is one area of your life where you want to be more intentional about living for Christ and not for your own legacy? [53:43]
7. The invitation was given to “choose forever” by confessing Christ. If you have already made that choice, how can you encourage someone else to consider what it means to be remembered by God? If you haven’t, what questions or hesitations do you have about making that decision? [57:25]