Sermon Audio, Calvary Community Church, Williams Bay, WI

Survival in life demands choices, millions of them in a lifetime, dozens everyday. Life and Legacy are built through “now choices” over a lifetime. What if we could learn the secret of making the right choices, every time, for the rest of our lives? How would that change our lives, our legacies, our world?

Jesus came to save the world, one person at a time. That is the gospel. Once a person has experienced the joy of rebirth -- a fresh start -- they long for each person they know and (those they don't) to experience that same joy. Self focus moves away and joy-filled Gospel focus takes its place.

The focal point of human history, the fulcrum on which balances the entire human race, the defining moment in history separating despair from hope, is the arrival of Jesus, IMMANUEL, God is with us! But the JOY of having God live among us, speak God’s love and truth to us, unleash His miraculous power among us, must be available to ALL people, in ALL places, for ALL generations! How is this possible?

While all those involved served God’s purposes, there are three people who are intentionally described as servants in the telling of the Christmas account. These three are Mary, Simeon, and Jesus. Clearly the true account of how God entered into the world relies upon His sovereignty and the obedience of those who have learned the joy of serving the one true and loving God. We see that truth revealed in the life of Simeon.

Building Legacy for God’s Glory: JOY in AdorationLook around… is this “Advent season” the time of year we give ourselves permission to pursue, sometimes with reckless abandon, whatever we adore? Are January/February regrets and heartbreaks often the result of “JOY in Adoration” without wise restraint in December? What can we learn from those who experienced that first extravagant Christmas?

We live in perpetual anticipation, always looking ahead to something. December calendars, filled to capacity, demand careful time management if we’re going to survive the overload. Will the Advent of Immanuel get lost in your December? How do we protect pure JOY as we “Build Legacy for God’s Glory" in the frenzy of December?

It's Thanksgiving week, a time to reflect. What events, decisions, or actions have become most significant in my life in 2013? How has my legacy changed in 2013? How has my relationship with Jesus Christ changed in 2013? How's my heart?

My legacy is shaped by the pattern of choices, attitudes, words, actions, etc., of my life. All of these flow out of my heart. They are a genuine reflection of the relationship I have with God. What does my legacy tell you about my heart and my relationship with Jesus Christ?

Each of us is a distinctive, unique person. What have been the major contributing factors to your legacy? What distinguishes you and your legacy from any other person in the world?

Is the “Kingdom of God” an unrealistic dream, while we live in the harsh reality of our broken world? Or is it real, a genuine possibility, an attainable, authentic actuality for any person, regardless of the bondage or brokenness of their world? What would it require to experience it. What would it be like to live in God’s Kingdom NOW, HERE... for the rest of my life?