Legacy Sunday: Faith, Waiting, and Future Impact
Summary
Today, we gathered for a unique and significant occasion at Shiloh Church—Legacy Sunday. This is a day of expectation and faith, where we come together to sow seeds for the future, believing in God's promises for 2025 and beyond. We are called to step out of our comfort zones and cycles, declaring that the best is yet to come. This day is not just about attending a service; it's about putting our faith into action, trusting God, and waiting on His timing.
We explored the theme of "In the Weight Room," inspired by Isaiah 30:18, which speaks of God's graciousness and the blessing of waiting on Him. Waiting is not passive; it's an active process of trusting and preparing for what God has in store. We are reminded that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are worth the wait. Throughout scripture, we see examples of great men and women of faith who waited on God, from Abraham to Moses, and even Jesus Himself. This waiting builds spiritual strength and prepares us for the miracles God has planned.
Legacy Sunday is a declaration of faith, a commitment to sow seeds not just for ourselves but for future generations. We are called to be a people of vision, understanding that our actions today have eternal significance. As we give, we are participating in God's work, both locally and globally, impacting lives and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
In the weight room of life, we worship, serve, and give. Worship is our response to God's goodness, regardless of our circumstances. Service is our identity as followers of Christ, and giving reflects God's heart for the world. We are reminded that God is patient, waiting for us to align with His will and purpose. Today, we are challenged to be a church that waits on God but also moves in obedience, ensuring that God never has to wait on us.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Waiting on God: Waiting on God is an active process that builds spiritual strength and prepares us for His promises. It requires trust in His perfect timing and a willingness to be molded by Him. Just as Abraham waited 25 years for his promise, we too must learn to wait with faith and patience. [01:15:16]
2. Legacy and Vision: Legacy Sunday is about sowing seeds for the future, understanding that our actions have eternal significance. We are called to be a people of vision, knowing that God has a bigger plan for us that extends beyond our lifetime. Our faith and obedience today impact generations to come. [01:01:17]
3. Worship as a Weapon: Worship is not dependent on our circumstances; it is a powerful response to God's goodness. It is the weapon that brings victory, as seen in the story of Jericho. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, enabling us to experience His presence and power. [01:35:39]
4. Service as Identity: Serving is not just an action; it is our identity as followers of Christ. In the weight room of life, we serve God and others, reflecting Jesus' example. Service is an act of surrender, saying, "God, use me." It is through serving that we grow and prepare for greater responsibilities. [01:38:15]
5. God's Patience and Our Response: God is patient, waiting for us to align with His will. He desires that none should perish but that all come to repentance. As we wait on God, we must also ensure that He is not waiting on us. Our obedience and readiness to move in faith are crucial in fulfilling God's purposes. [01:21:20]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:01:00] - Introduction to Legacy Sunday
- [00:03:00] - Expectation for 2025
- [00:05:00] - Shiloh's Global Impact
- [00:07:00] - The Power of Unity
- [00:09:00] - The Weight Room Concept
- [00:11:00] - Biblical Examples of Waiting
- [00:13:00] - God's Timing and Promises
- [00:15:00] - Worship as a Response
- [00:17:00] - Serving in the Weight Room
- [00:19:00] - God's Patience and Our Obedience
- [00:21:00] - Call to Action and Giving
- [00:23:00] - Invitation to Salvation
- [00:25:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Legacy Sunday - "In the Weight Room"
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 30:18: "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 30:18 reveal about God's character and His relationship with us?
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of "waiting" in the context of faith and spiritual growth? [01:05:04]
3. What examples from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate the importance of waiting on God? [01:14:35]
4. How is Legacy Sunday described as a day of action and faith, rather than just a regular church service? [01:01:17]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does waiting on God build spiritual strength, according to the sermon? [01:05:04]
2. How does the concept of "Legacy and Vision" challenge us to think beyond our immediate circumstances and consider the impact of our actions on future generations? [01:02:51]
3. What role does worship play in shifting our focus from our problems to God's greatness, as discussed in the sermon? [01:35:39]
4. How does the sermon suggest that service is an integral part of our identity as followers of Christ? [01:38:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to wait on God. How did that experience shape your faith and trust in His timing? [01:05:04]
2. What specific steps can you take to sow seeds for future generations, both in your personal life and within your community? [01:02:51]
3. How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, regardless of your current circumstances? What impact might this have on your perspective and attitude? [01:35:39]
4. Identify one area in your life where you can serve others more intentionally. How can this act of service reflect your identity as a follower of Christ? [01:38:15]
5. Consider a situation where you feel God is waiting on you to take action. What steps can you take to move forward in obedience and faith? [01:21:20]
6. How can you ensure that your actions today align with a vision that has eternal significance? What changes might you need to make to live with this perspective? [01:01:17]
7. In what ways can you actively participate in God's work, both locally and globally, to impact lives and spread the good news of Jesus Christ? [01:02:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Waiting Builds Spiritual Strength
Waiting on God is not a passive act but an active process that strengthens our spiritual muscles. It requires trust in God's perfect timing and a willingness to be molded by Him. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who waited on God, such as Abraham, who waited 25 years for the promise of a son. This waiting period is not wasted time; it is a time of preparation and growth. As we wait, we are being prepared for the promises and miracles that God has in store for us. The act of waiting builds our faith and patience, allowing us to align with God's will and purpose. [01:15:16]
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV): "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Reflection: In what area of your life is God asking you to wait actively? How can you use this time to grow spiritually and prepare for His promises?
Day 2: Sowing Seeds for a Lasting Legacy
Legacy Sunday is a call to sow seeds for the future, understanding that our actions today have eternal significance. We are encouraged to be a people of vision, recognizing that God's plan for us extends beyond our lifetime. Our faith and obedience today can impact generations to come, just as the faith of those before us has shaped our present. By participating in God's work, both locally and globally, we are contributing to a legacy that will continue to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. This is a commitment to invest in the future, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring about His purposes. [01:01:17]
Psalm 78:4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What seeds are you sowing today that will impact future generations? How can you ensure that your actions align with God's eternal purposes?
Day 3: Worship as a Response to God's Goodness
Worship is a powerful response to God's goodness, independent of our circumstances. It is a weapon that brings victory, as demonstrated in the story of Jericho. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God's greatness, allowing us to experience His presence and power. It is through worship that we acknowledge God's sovereignty and express our gratitude for His faithfulness. By worshiping, we invite God's presence into our lives, enabling us to overcome challenges and experience His peace and joy. Worship is not just an act; it is a lifestyle that reflects our relationship with God. [01:35:39]
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (ESV): "And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.' And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed."
Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, regardless of your current circumstances? What specific ways can you use worship as a tool to shift your focus to God's greatness?
Day 4: Serving as Our Identity in Christ
Serving is not just an action; it is our identity as followers of Christ. In the weight room of life, we are called to serve God and others, reflecting Jesus' example. Service is an act of surrender, saying, "God, use me." It is through serving that we grow and prepare for greater responsibilities. By serving, we demonstrate our love for God and others, fulfilling the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Service is a tangible expression of our faith, allowing us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His love and compassion. [01:38:15]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: In what ways can you serve others in your community this week? How can you make service a regular part of your identity as a follower of Christ?
Day 5: Aligning with God's Patience and Purpose
God is patient, waiting for us to align with His will and purpose. He desires that none should perish but that all come to repentance. As we wait on God, we must also ensure that He is not waiting on us. Our obedience and readiness to move in faith are crucial in fulfilling God's purposes. By aligning ourselves with God's patience, we open ourselves to His guidance and direction, allowing Him to work through us to accomplish His plans. This requires a willingness to listen, trust, and act in accordance with His leading, knowing that His timing is perfect. [01:21:20]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is waiting for you to act in obedience? How can you align yourself with His will and purpose today?
Quotes
"Meaning that without vision for your future, without vision of what all that God has for you, you'll have no discipline in life. You won't have direction. There'll be no purpose. You'll get tripped up all over yourself. You'll follow the world's way of doing it. But when we have vision, we're compelled to walk in the disciplined life God desires us to live in." [01:00:06] (26 seconds)
"Because we're not just sowing for ourselves, we're sowing for others. We're sowing for generations. We're sowing for generations to come. But how many of you know that when you sow a seed, in order for it to germinate, it takes time? And it's amazing because as you sow seed, you expect it to germinate in an environment that's adverse to growth." [01:03:37] (26 seconds)
"It's in the wait room where God works something amazing in us. It's in the wait. It's in the wait room where we learn to trust God's timing. All through scripture, one of the most transformative principles God shows us and part of God's kingdom is learning to obey God and wait." [01:05:08] (25 seconds)
"Look at what, that's why the Bible says in Isaiah 43, those who wait on the Lord, they shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, and they shall walk and not faint." [01:08:41] (16 seconds)
"Abraham was told in Genesis 12, that he would be the father of nations. And for us, see how quick you can get from Genesis 12 to 25 on your app or in the Bible. It takes you seconds. But that promise represented 25 years of Abraham's life. 9,125 days of waiting on God's promise." [01:14:39] (28 seconds)
"See, Abraham's journey required waiting, a waiting kind of faith, the kind you and I are called to. We're called to have this kind of faith. During those years, Abraham moved to Hanun, to Canaan, to Egypt, and back again." [01:15:28] (20 seconds)
"God could have given him that promise of Isaac later, but that's not how our God, but he gave him a promise. He gave him a promise, and then he put Abraham in the wait room to prepare him for the miracle. See, if you're waiting now, I want to encourage you to lean in, keep working, keep believing in the wait room, and wait. Wait on God." [01:16:39] (27 seconds)
"Jesus has never asked us to do anything he's not done himself. And I believe that's a principle we live by here at Shiloh Church. As servant leaders, if you're on team Shiloh, as servant leaders, we never ask anybody to do anything we're not willing to do." [01:18:40] (18 seconds)
"See, do not give up as God is about to do something great. There is times in life where we're just waiting. and then there's times in life where waiting is not an option some of you don't get the job because you're always late to the job interview if they told you to be there at noon and you didn't get there till four and you said it was because of uber or because you were waiting on god well that's why you haven't gotten the job." [01:26:57] (30 seconds)
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