Sermon Video, Calvary Community Church, Williams Bay, WI

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?

Today we review our verse of the year. We recall what it means to let our stories declare that we have a new song. It is a song of praise to God who is majestic and sovereign.

What would you pay to get the most valuable thing ever thought of? What if it cost you everything? The kingdom of God is like a pearl of great price. In order to intentionally engage with God to build a legacy that brings Him glory, we need to understand what it means to be in the Kingdom of God and what the cost is to be a part of that kingdom.

Scripture gives us some great insight into what it means to receive care from our Chief Shepherd, but it also provides us with a model of care for one another. The shepherd and the sheep metaphor is rich in truth and outlines for us a pathway that we can follow to receive and give care. Be encouraged this week as you reflect on the great truth that the Lord is your Chief Shepherd and that He cares deeply for you and let it motivate you to reach out and shepherd others.

Our theme for this week comes from part of our theme verse, 2 Cor. 5:18b. “…and he gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” Our Domestic Ministry Partners are all involved in reconciliation ministries. First, there must be reconciliation with God, and then, reconciliation with those that have hurt them and with those they have wronged and hurt. This involves focused prayer, tough love, good teaching and supporting care.

Priorities shape legacies. We provide our priorities both time and resources. Priorities reign in the life of a person, family, business, church, even government. When priorities clash, there’s trouble. What are the top 3 priorities in your life, your legacy? What are God’s 3 top priorities for your life and your legacy?