Sermon Audio, Calvary Community Church, Williams Bay, WI

These next four weeks form the most strategic spiritual time of the year globally for the human race. The battle for humanity's soul has raged with ferocity for millennia and it reaches its zenith of intensity as Passover/Easter approaches. The dark kingdom is determined to tighten its choke hold on us; Jesus Christ is determined to bring His rescue. How will this battle be fought in America, in Wisconsin, in Walworth County, in each of our homes, families and individual lives? Where COULD we be Easter 2014?

Today we join with the rescued Hebrew slaves of Exodus as they brought their offerings to build the "Tent of Meeting." We join with King David and his people as they brought their offerings to build the Great Temple in Jerusalem. We join with millions who have gone before us, including those of Calvary 45 years ago, who brought their offerings to build and renovate facilities all over the world for God's people to gather and draw those who don't yet know Jesus for life-changing encounters with God! This is our "INGATHERING Celebration." May God be glorified and Jesus be delighted!

Popular opinion says, "Live large, life is short." Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life to the full." What's the difference between them? Which is ultimately satisfying? Which makes a greater difference in our world? How am I living life?

"Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient path, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your soul..." (Jeremiah 6:16) This weekend is history making for Calvary Community Church. We Celebrate our past and present, while Embracing God's future for us. As with all churches, Calvary is a unique God story. Our location and facility are aging miracles of God's provision. God's future for us requires a significant facility "makeover." At the crossroads of opportunity, God is ready to lead us forward in fulfillment of His Purposes for us in our county, country, and world. Are we ready to follow Him courageously for significant spiritual impact in future generations?

"Today" is important. It builds on all my yesterdays and links me to all my tomorrows. "Today" is an important part of my Legacy. "Today" links me to people and purposes that extend far beyond what I can see or ever fully know. "Today" is vital from an eternal perspective... for me and all those my life touches today. What if, every day for the rest of my life, I lived TODAY to its fullest potential?

Our legacies are built through daily CHOICES. What if, every day, for the rest of my life, I lived a miracle? (John 10:10) Our choices flow out of our HEARTS. What if, every day, for the rest of my life, my heart is in tune with God’s heart? (Deut. 30:19-20)

If Jesus gave us a "State of Planet Earth” address, what would He say? Syria - two million refugees, Central African Republic - civil war, Ukraine - leadership upheaval, America - Super Bowl hype, Taliban, Al Qaeda, Somali pirates, Mexican drug wars, etc. What would be the Good Shepherd’s message to His sheep? And what is our living response?

Everyday we face choices... lots of them! In our choices, a battle rages for our heart, our future, and our legacy. Oblivious to the battle, we too often will choose selfishly and regret what we find around the corner. Sometimes, past wrong choices haunt us, making today’s choices difficult. God invites us to a better way... for the rest of our lives!

Jesus came to bring eternal life--life to the full. Eternal life is knowing God--and being known by Him. Choosing life means choosing Jesus and obedience to Him.

Each day, each of us is writing OUR story. We live every day with one absolute certainty: someday will be our last day on earth. Does the story end then? Wisdom says: plan for the inevitable. How?