Honoring Legacy, Embracing Future: A Journey of Faith

 

Summary

Celebrating 30 years of God's faithfulness, we gather to honor the past and look forward to the future. This journey has been marked by the dedication and sacrifices of many who have labored alongside us, some of whom are now with Jesus. Their legacy is a testament to the power of community and the importance of sowing seeds of faith. As we reflect on our history, we remember the diverse and welcoming culture we've cultivated, a place where everyone, regardless of background, can find the love of Jesus.

Our story is one of entering into the labor of others, as Jesus spoke of in John 4:38. We have reaped the benefits of those who came before us, and now we stand on their shoulders, ready to build upon their foundation. This church has been a beacon of hope, a place where diversity is celebrated, and where we have chosen to die on the hill of inclusivity. Our journey has been marked by miraculous provision, from acquiring our building to becoming debt-free, all through the generosity and faith of our community.

As we honor the past, we also turn our eyes to the future. We are committed to blessing the next generation, ensuring that this church continues to thrive long after we are gone. Hebrews 11:20 reminds us of the importance of blessing our children, speaking life and future into them. We are not content to rest on past achievements; instead, we are focused on what God will do next. Our succession plan is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that new leaders will rise to carry the vision forward.

Psalm 78 speaks of generational blessings, and we are determined to pass on the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord to our children and their children. We are fighting battles now for the not-yet-born, ensuring that they inherit a legacy of faith and hope. As we continue to ring the bell, calling people to Jesus, we remain committed to offering hope to the hopeless and sharing the good news of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

- The legacy of our church is built on the sacrifices and prayers of those who came before us. We stand on their shoulders, reaping the benefits of their labor, and are called to continue this legacy by sowing seeds of faith for future generations. [12:46]

- Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a non-negotiable aspect of our church culture. We have chosen to die on the hill of welcoming all people, regardless of background, and this has been a cornerstone of our community's growth and strength. [20:49]

- As we look to the future, we are focused on blessing the next generation. Hebrews 11:20 teaches us the importance of speaking life and future into our children, ensuring that they carry the vision forward and continue the work of the kingdom. [58:24]

- Psalm 78 reminds us of the importance of generational blessings. We are committed to passing on the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord to our children and their children, ensuring that they inherit a legacy of faith and hope. [01:12:36]

- Our succession plan is a testament to our commitment to the future. By preparing new leaders to rise and carry the vision forward, we ensure that our church remains vibrant and impactful for generations to come. [01:20:49]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:46] - Honoring the Past
[20:49] - A Culture of Diversity
[30:11] - Building on Foundations
[40:00] - Miraculous Provision
[50:00] - Generational Blessings
[58:24] - Blessing the Future
[01:05:00] - Succession Planning
[01:12:36] - Passing the Torch
[01:20:49] - Celebrating New Beginnings
[01:30:11] - Baptisms and New Life
[01:40:00] - Commitment to the Future
[01:50:00] - Closing Prayer and Celebration

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 4:38 - "I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
2. Hebrews 11:20 - "By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future."
3. Psalm 78:4-6 - "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."

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Observation Questions:

1. In John 4:38, what does Jesus mean by saying we reap what we have not worked for? How does this relate to the legacy of the church as described in the sermon? [49:33]

2. How does the sermon describe the church's commitment to diversity and inclusivity? What specific example was given to illustrate this commitment? [20:49]

3. What miraculous provision did the church experience in acquiring their building, and how did this reflect the faith of the community? [40:00]

4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the church's succession plan, and how does it relate to the future of the church? [01:05:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, as mentioned in John 4:38, influence the way we view our role in the church today? [49:33]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the church's commitment to diversity and inclusivity has been a cornerstone of its growth and strength? [20:49]

3. How does Hebrews 11:20's emphasis on blessing the next generation challenge us to think about our legacy and the future of our faith community? [58:24]

4. What does Psalm 78:4-6 teach us about the importance of generational blessings, and how can we apply this to our own lives and families? [01:12:36]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the sacrifices and prayers of those who came before you in your faith journey. How can you honor their legacy by sowing seeds of faith for future generations? [49:33]

2. The sermon emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusivity. How can you personally contribute to creating a welcoming environment in your church or community? [20:49]

3. Consider the miraculous provision the church experienced. Have you witnessed or experienced a similar act of faith in your life? How did it impact your faith journey? [40:00]

4. The sermon discusses the importance of a succession plan for the church's future. How can you prepare and mentor the next generation of leaders in your community or family? [01:05:00]

5. Psalm 78 speaks of passing on the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord to future generations. What specific stories or lessons from your faith journey can you share with your children or younger members of your community? [01:12:36]

6. How can you actively participate in the church's mission to offer hope to the hopeless and share the good news of the gospel? What steps can you take this week to engage with someone who needs encouragement? [01:30:11]

7. Reflect on the idea of fighting battles now for the not-yet-born. What specific actions can you take to ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of faith and hope? [01:12:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
The legacy of our church is built on the sacrifices and prayers of those who came before us. We stand on their shoulders, reaping the benefits of their labor, and are called to continue this legacy by sowing seeds of faith for future generations. The journey of faith is not a solitary one; it is a communal effort that spans generations. As we reflect on the past, we recognize the dedication and sacrifices of those who have labored alongside us, some of whom are now with Jesus. Their legacy is a testament to the power of community and the importance of sowing seeds of faith. We are reminded of the words of Jesus in John 4:38, where He speaks of entering into the labor of others. We have reaped the benefits of those who came before us, and now we stand on their shoulders, ready to build upon their foundation. [12:46]

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life has been a spiritual giant for you, and how can you honor their legacy by sowing seeds of faith today?


Day 2: Embracing Radical Inclusivity
Our commitment to diversity and inclusivity is a non-negotiable aspect of our church culture. We have chosen to die on the hill of welcoming all people, regardless of background, and this has been a cornerstone of our community's growth and strength. The church has been a beacon of hope, a place where diversity is celebrated, and where inclusivity is not just a value but a way of life. This commitment to welcoming all people, regardless of their background, has been a cornerstone of the community's growth and strength. It is a reflection of the love of Jesus, who welcomed all and turned none away. As we continue to cultivate this culture, we are reminded of the importance of creating a space where everyone can find the love of Jesus. [20:49]

"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment in your community today?


Day 3: Blessing the Next Generation
As we look to the future, we are focused on blessing the next generation. Hebrews 11:20 teaches us the importance of speaking life and future into our children, ensuring that they carry the vision forward and continue the work of the kingdom. The church is committed to ensuring that it continues to thrive long after the current generation is gone. This involves speaking life and future into the next generation, blessing them as they carry the vision forward. The focus is not on resting on past achievements but on what God will do next. The succession plan is a testament to this commitment, ensuring that new leaders will rise to carry the vision forward. [58:24]

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)

Reflection: What specific words of blessing and encouragement can you speak into the life of a young person in your community today?


Day 4: Generational Blessings and Legacy
Psalm 78 reminds us of the importance of generational blessings. We are committed to passing on the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord to our children and their children, ensuring that they inherit a legacy of faith and hope. The church is determined to pass on the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord to future generations. This involves fighting battles now for the not-yet-born, ensuring that they inherit a legacy of faith and hope. As the church continues to ring the bell, calling people to Jesus, it remains committed to offering hope to the hopeless and sharing the good news of the gospel. [01:12:36]

"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." (Psalm 78:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can actively contribute to ensuring that the next generation inherits a legacy of faith and hope?


Day 5: Preparing for the Future
Our succession plan is a testament to our commitment to the future. By preparing new leaders to rise and carry the vision forward, we ensure that our church remains vibrant and impactful for generations to come. The church is focused on preparing for the future by ensuring that new leaders are ready to rise and carry the vision forward. This involves a commitment to succession planning, ensuring that the church remains vibrant and impactful for generations to come. The focus is on what God will do next, and the church is committed to blessing the next generation and ensuring that it continues to thrive. [01:20:49]

"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." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in mentoring or supporting emerging leaders in your community today?

Quotes



"We don't want this church to be about what we've been. We want it to be about where we're going. And that's why churches have life cycles. And life cycle of a church, usually, somewhere around year 25, a church will atrophy and flatline. And if they don't do something radical, and we've tried hard, my wife and I, to bend the curve up aware of that, but we just can't, we can't make the arc go any higher. And that's why we've made a plan for succession." [00:58:34] (37 seconds)


"And the plan for succession is about blessing the future that we'll start a new life cycle, a new cycle of leaders, a new cycle of vision, a new cycle of strength and stamina and energy. And so, in Hebrews chapter 11, we've been in this series on stepping into the unknown. We're on a journey together with you. Everybody's life is, what's next? And it's unknown. And how do I do, what's marriage going to be like? Wow, that's an unknown thing for me." [00:59:33] (29 seconds)


"Hebrews chapter 11 verse 20 you guys got it by faith Isaac blessed Jacob these are his kids he's about his eyes are dim he can't see the future with natural eyes but he sees the future with spiritual eyes he gathers his two boys twins around him and he blesses them now you got to understand this isn't not all let's say nice words about them you're gonna be good you're gonna be great you're gonna be an honor roll student and nothing wrong with that this isn't a kind gesture this is a prophetic word spoken that had seeds in the word that are planted in the soil of the hearts of his children they're gonna grow up into fruit that God will use for his glory." [01:05:57] (54 seconds)


"We don't want to be a one-generational church we want a church that is far bigger than Jamie and Kim that lasts far longer than Jamie and Kim that's why we've made a plan to make a succession to pastor Jason and as we move into the future he's our future we're the past I don't mind being the past when I know there's a good future I wouldn't want to be the passive that's all I had was the past I'm gonna watch where my daughters go and my grandchildren go there's so much gifting and anointing their lives." [01:14:06] (38 seconds)


"Paul, come on, Paul. All right. Buddy, you've been thinking about this for a while, haven't you, Paul? Man, I'm proud of you, buddy. I'm proud of you, man. What a great day. New beginning today. New beginning, Paul. You guys ready? Paul, because of your faith in the Lord Jesus, we baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You'll be buried like Christ and raised in the likeness of His resurrection. In Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Come on. Come on. Yeah. Yeah." [01:32:14] (37 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?