Legacy of Love: The Power of Prayer and Service
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Joy! Today, we celebrated the power of prayer and the importance of legacy. I introduced my granddaughter Bella, who was born prematurely but is now healthy, thanks to your prayers. This moment reminded us of the peace and divine connection we share with each other. We also welcomed Reverend Nathan Klein from the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, who brought greetings and support.
Reflecting on my parents' legacies, I shared how my mom's generosity and my dad's ability to make everyone feel welcome have left lasting impressions. Their lives exemplified the good works God planned for them, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:10. This led us to consider our own legacies and how we can be remembered for the good we do for others.
Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount remind us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves and enhances, while light dispels darkness. We are called to season the world well and shine brightly, making a positive impact on those around us. Even when life's challenges dilute our "saltiness," our essence remains, and we can always regain our strength and purpose.
As we continue to serve, we are reminded that God trusts us to carry out the good works He has prepared for us. This trust is exemplified in the way Jesus entrusted His disciples to continue His mission. We are encouraged to use our unique gifts to serve others, ensuring that our legacy is one of love, generosity, and inclusivity.
Finally, we celebrated the good works done during Joy Serve and shared a video highlighting these efforts. We also prayed for Ellie, who is recovering from a serious car accident, and tied knots on a prayer quilt for her. As we partook in communion, we were reminded of the grace and love that God extends to us, empowering us to go out and do the good works He has planned for us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Community: The story of Bella's premature birth and recovery highlights the power of collective prayer and the peace that comes from a supportive community. This peace is not just a feeling but a divine connection that can be shared and passed on to others. [24:32]
2. Legacy of Generosity and Inclusivity: Reflecting on my parents' lives, we see how acts of generosity and making others feel welcome can leave a lasting legacy. These actions are the good works God has prepared for us, and they continue to impact lives long after we are gone. [32:26]
3. Being Salt and Light: Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves and enhances, while light dispels darkness. Our role is to bring out the best in others and illuminate the world with our good deeds, making a lasting positive impact. [36:31]
4. Overcoming Dilution of Purpose: Life's challenges can dilute our "saltiness," but this is only temporary. Our essence remains, and we can always regain our strength and purpose. We must not let life's busyness distract us from the good works God has planned for us. [40:40]
5. God's Trust in Us: Just as Jesus trusted His disciples to continue His mission, God trusts us to carry out the good works He has prepared for us. This trust empowers us to use our unique gifts to serve others, ensuring that our legacy is one of love, generosity, and inclusivity. [55:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:32] - Introduction of Bella and Power of Prayer
[25:07] - Sharing Peace with Each Other
[26:00] - Welcome Reverend Nathan Klein
[28:24] - Kids' Sermon with Miss Lisa
[32:26] - Reflecting on Parents' Legacy
[33:50] - God's Masterpiece and Our Legacy
[35:06] - Carving Your Name on Hearts
[36:31] - You Are the Salt of the Earth
[37:48] - The Importance of Salt
[39:20] - Drawing Out the Best in Others
[40:40] - Overcoming Dilution of Purpose
[42:06] - Encouragement to Be Salty
[43:35] - You Are the Light of the World
[45:02] - Using Our Gifts for Good Works
[46:12] - Refreshing the Foundation
[47:18] - Serving with Our Unique Gifts
[50:14] - Prayer and Gratitude
[55:01] - God Trusts Us
[55:42] - Communion Instructions
[57:11] - Prayer Quilt for Ellie
[58:21] - Communion Service
[01:03:17] - Prayer for Ellie
[01:10:08] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
2. Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Pastor Mark share about his granddaughter Bella and how did it relate to the power of prayer? [24:32]
2. How did Pastor Mark describe his parents' legacies, and what specific qualities did he highlight about each of them? [32:26]
3. According to the sermon, what are the two main functions of salt as described by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount? [36:31]
4. What does Pastor Mark say about the temporary nature of salt losing its saltiness and how it can be restored? [40:40]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Bella's recovery illustrate the power of collective prayer and community support? [24:32]
2. In what ways do the legacies of Pastor Mark's parents reflect the good works mentioned in Ephesians 2:10? [32:26]
3. What does it mean to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" in practical terms, according to the sermon? [36:31]
4. How can life's challenges dilute our "saltiness," and what steps can we take to regain our strength and purpose? [40:40]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the power of prayer, can you share a time when collective prayer made a significant impact in your life or someone else's? How did it strengthen your faith? [24:32]
2. Think about the legacy you are building. What specific actions can you take to ensure that your legacy is one of generosity and inclusivity, similar to Pastor Mark's parents? [32:26]
3. In what ways can you actively be the "salt of the earth" in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you feel you need to enhance or preserve goodness? [36:31]
4. How can you let your light shine in your community or workplace? Identify one practical step you can take this week to be a positive influence. [36:31]
5. Have you ever felt that life's busyness has diluted your sense of purpose? What changes can you make to ensure you stay focused on the good works God has planned for you? [40:40]
6. Pastor Mark mentioned that God trusts us to carry out His good works. How does this trust empower you to use your unique gifts to serve others? [55:01]
7. During the sermon, a video was shared highlighting the good works done during Joy Serve. How can you get involved in similar community service activities to make a positive impact? [47:18]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Collective Prayer and Community
Description: The story of Bella's premature birth and subsequent recovery is a powerful testament to the strength of collective prayer and the support of a loving community. When Bella was born prematurely, the congregation came together in prayer, lifting her up and asking for God's healing touch. This collective effort not only brought peace to Bella's family but also strengthened the bonds within the community, creating a divine connection that transcends individual experiences. The peace that comes from knowing others are praying for you is profound and can be a source of immense comfort and strength.
In times of crisis, the power of prayer and community support can make a significant difference. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we have a network of people who care for us and are willing to intercede on our behalf. This divine connection is a gift that we can share with others, offering them the same peace and support that we have received. [24:32]
Bible Passage: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is currently facing a difficult situation. How can you support them through prayer and community today?
Day 2: Legacy of Generosity and Inclusivity
Description: Reflecting on the lives of those who have come before us, we see how acts of generosity and making others feel welcome can leave a lasting legacy. The speaker's parents exemplified this through their actions—his mother's generosity and his father's ability to make everyone feel welcome. These actions are the good works that God has prepared for us, and they continue to impact lives long after we are gone. By living lives of generosity and inclusivity, we can create a legacy that reflects God's love and grace.
Our actions today can have a profound impact on future generations. By being generous with our time, resources, and love, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate circle. Making others feel welcome and valued is a powerful way to demonstrate God's love and to build a community that reflects His kingdom. [32:26]
Bible Passage: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a way you can show generosity or hospitality to someone in your community this week. How can you make them feel welcome and valued?
Day 3: Being Salt and Light
Description: Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt has the unique ability to preserve and enhance, while light dispels darkness and brings clarity. As followers of Christ, we are called to bring out the best in others and to illuminate the world with our good deeds. This means living in a way that reflects God's love and grace, making a positive impact on those around us. Even when life's challenges dilute our "saltiness," our essence remains, and we can always regain our strength and purpose.
Being salt and light means actively seeking ways to make a difference in the lives of others. It involves being intentional about our actions and striving to reflect God's love in all that we do. By doing so, we can create a lasting positive impact and help others see the beauty and goodness of God's kingdom. [36:31]
Bible Passage: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can be more intentional about being salt and light. How can you bring out the best in others and illuminate their lives with your actions?
Day 4: Overcoming Dilution of Purpose
Description: Life's challenges can sometimes dilute our "saltiness" and distract us from the good works God has planned for us. However, this dilution is only temporary, and our essence remains intact. We must not let the busyness of life or the difficulties we face cause us to lose sight of our purpose. Instead, we should seek to regain our strength and refocus on the mission God has entrusted to us.
Overcoming the dilution of purpose involves being mindful of the distractions and challenges that can pull us away from our calling. It requires a conscious effort to stay connected to God and to seek His guidance in all that we do. By doing so, we can ensure that we remain effective in our mission and continue to make a positive impact on the world around us. [40:40]
Bible Passage: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge that has distracted you from your purpose. How can you refocus and regain your strength to continue the good works God has planned for you?
Day 5: God's Trust in Us
Description: Just as Jesus trusted His disciples to continue His mission, God trusts us to carry out the good works He has prepared for us. This trust is a powerful affirmation of our worth and potential. It empowers us to use our unique gifts to serve others and to create a legacy of love, generosity, and inclusivity. Knowing that God trusts us with His mission should inspire us to live with purpose and intentionality, seeking to make a positive impact on the world around us.
God's trust in us is a reminder that we are capable of great things. It encourages us to step out in faith and to use our gifts and talents to serve others. By doing so, we can create a legacy that reflects God's love and grace, and that continues to impact lives long after we are gone. [55:01]
Bible Passage: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the unique gifts and talents that God has given you. How can you use them to serve others and to create a lasting legacy of love and generosity?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You are God's masterpiece. You are. You are all God's masterpiece. And as long as you have air in your lungs, your legacy is still being written. So with God's help and God's good works for you, we will have a legacy people remember long after we are gone." [33:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched in the minds of others and the stories they share. About you. What do you want people to say about you even before you are gone? Yes, even before we are gone, if we embrace the idea that God created us for good works for us to do, and we choose to do them, there is a really, really good chance people will share positive stories, not only in the future, but in the present as well." [35:06] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. And in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." [36:31] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You have the potential with God's help to draw out the best in others. Would you agree the world could use a little of that today? Amen? You encourage the discouraged. You comfort those who suffer. You give to those who have nothing. You preserve what would otherwise spoil. Lives just torn apart and failing because of just a lack of hope. You preserve the dignity of people who are homeless by treating them like people." [39:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A little light is more powerful than a lot of darkness. And with great conviction, Jesus says, you are light, so shine bright, shimmer, because the light in someone's life that pushes back the dark become the light in someone's life that pushes back their darkness. In a world where the darkness of hatred, racism, and poverty push and push and push, here's my encouragement. Push back with light. Shimmer. Shimmer like the gem that you are." [43:35] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Now, I admit I am biased, but I believe my mom and dad have the legacy they do because they believe what God did. When Paul said in the Bible, in the book of Ephesians, he said, for we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. We've been mentioning this verse for the past few weeks with this series." [32:26] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So if you want to work on that legacy story people tell about you, here's what you do. Our legacy will be measured by the amount of salt that spills from us, preserving all that is good in the world and making the good even better. Jesus declares, we are salt. So here's my encouragement. Season well. Season well." [40:40] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't let life's business dilute your saltiness. Second, don't let everything that's going on in your world dilute the possibility for you to bring out what's good in the world and preserve what needs to be maintained. Don't get so focused on your to-do list you miss the opportunities that God created you to do. And second, even if you do find your saltiness diluted by life, dilution is temporary. Your saltiness is still there because you are still salt of the earth." [42:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus did not say, well, you can be light one day. You might be light. I hope you could become light. No, no, no. Jesus says, you are light, so shine bright. At a Chinese restaurant in Roselle, Illinois in 1987, I took out a diamond ring from my pocket and asked Karen to marry me. She said yes. I spent a lot of time looking for that diamond, right? And I learned a lot about cut, color, clarity, and carats, right? That's how you judge the quality of a diamond. That's how you determine how good it is." [43:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I guess I want to say is God trusts us. God trusts us to do the good works God prepared for us in advance. And before, though, he turned his disciples loose, he gathered together with them for one final meal. He took bread and he broke it and he gave it to them and said, this is my body broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." [55:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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