Legacy 2:10
Sep 17 - Oct 22, 2017
Leave a Legacy
October 22, 2017 • Dr Charles Kyker
The apostle Paul warns Timothy about people who will do anything to be wealthy, even pretend to be godly: "These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the http://truth...people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrow." (1 Timothy 6:5, 9-10)
Putting aside your Preferences
October 15, 2017 • Dr Charles Kyker
The prophet Jeremiah was seen as a traitor because his message seemed to be on the side of the Babylonians. Impending disaster was already in motion due to rampant and unrepentant sin of Judah’s kings, religious leaders and prophets, the men who were supposed to be shepherding God’s people. “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them” (Jeremiah 23:2). The LORD was sick of the wickedness, so He ‘whistled’ for enemy forces to ‘come from the north’ and destroy His beloved Jerusalem and Judah.
Vision & New Life
October 8, 2017 • Dr Charles Kyker
As a zealous young man initially on fire for ‘legalism’ the apostle Paul became a totally new person on fire for Jesus once he encountered the risen Christ. No longer was he about persecuting followers of The Way. Now through the incredible power of the risen Christ, Paul became all about the proclamation of Jesus as Savior—that there is forgiveness of sin available for all who believe. Paul and his team covered a lot of ground (and water!) as they spread the Gospel westward. They had their work cut out for them, but their work was not in vain. Upon Paul’s death, thousands upon thousands had already begun to respond to the Good News of Christ.
Restoration after Devastation
September 17, 2017 • Dr Charles Kyker
RESTORATION AFTER DEVASTATION by Julie Kyker Last fall my parents’ home in Tennessee was destroyed by a tornado. Thankfully, the old oak tree that smashed into the kitchen, entryway, and both living areas, missed the bedrooms where mom and dad were asleep. They knew undeniably the Lord was watching over them and were grateful to be alive! But in the morning as they began to assess the damage in down-pouring rain, the idea of restoration was nearly unfathomable. Would they ever be able to live at the place they had called home for 44-years? Could anything of beauty ever come of such destruction? In many ways their world was torn apart. Yet, in the coming days, weeks, and months the attitude of my parents was remarkable. And God graciously positioned my sister and her husband (who are excellent builders) to tackle the job. Followers of Christ are not exempt from hard times. In fact, the more focused we are to live and sacrifice for Christ, often the more difficulties we face. The apostle Paul certainly knew about sacrificial living, opposition, and difficulties. Yet, he continued to be bold for Christ and seize every opportunity to share Jesus’ love. Imprisoned for preaching the Gospel, he writes to believers in Philippi: “And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ” (Philippians 1:12-13).
Sacrifice
September 24, 2017 • Dr Charles Kyker
Sadly, most of us natural born United States citizens take our citizenship for granted. We just do. We forget the incredible sacrifices that have been made, and we do not know what it is like to go through the rigorous painstaking process of becoming a legal citizen and upon meeting each requirement stand and proclaim— “I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and Laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.” Similarly, Christians are often indifferent to the many sacrifices that made a way for us to know Christ. We take our citizenship in heaven for granted. The apostle Paul wanted the church at Ephesus to reclaim their citizenship in heaven and out of sheer gratitude for all that Christ had done for them, make a way for others to belong. Paul urged them to release the past and denounce all allegiance to old idols.
Legacy & Purpose
September 17, 2017 • Dr Charles Kyker
It is not by chance that you are hearing about Legacy 2:10. Just like it is not by chance that the Lord personally invites you to know Him and to helping others know Him. God has a purpose for your life but it doesn’t end with you. Christ, who calls you to a living hope, does not want you to get to the end of your days and kept the most wonderful news a secret. If you are redeemed, tell it! With the psalmist, may we declare: “Now that I am old and gray… Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me!” (Psalm 71:18)