MARCH 2013
What Will You Leave Behind?

by Matt Morton, College Pastor

 

We live in a world in which nearly everything is impermanent. Our homes and cars and bodies slowly wear out, victims of overuse and passing time. The music, styles, and ideas that are so compelling to us today will be forgotten tomorrow. Most of us know that our names will one day be forgotten, and our earthly accomplishments will count for very little in the grand scheme of eternity.

 

 So how can we leave behind a permanent legacy? Is there any way to leave a lasting mark on the world, one that won't fade away once we are gone? The Scripture tells us that we can, and the life of Paul is one example.

 

In Acts 20:17-38, we read Paul's final address to the Ephesian elders. He established the church in Ephesus, and now, on his way to Jerusalem, he was saying goodbye to his dear friends and fellow Christians. From his speech we can learn a few key principles, ideas that are important for those who hope to make a lasting difference for God's kingdom.


First, preach the Gospel. Paul spent three years of his life sharing the message of Jesus with these men of Ephesus (20:31). His mission was to proclaim to the world that Jesus died and rose again to provide eternal life. That theme emerges in all of his letters (for example, see Philippians 3:7-14). Paul knew that men and women who believed in Jesus would live forever. Consequently, sharing the Gospel was the best way to ensure that his life's work would extend into eternity. If you make the Gospel your life's mission, you will leave a lasting legacy. 

 

Second, love people sincerely.

Paul loved these men. When he departed from them, they all cried and embraced and mourned the fact that this was their last earthly goodbye (20:36-38). He prayed for them, sought the best for their lives, and cried with them. He gave them his energy and his time and communicated with his life that they mattered. They mattered to God and they mattered to Paul. When we love others, we communicate that God values people. He loves human beings so much that He gave His only Son for us. What a gracious and loving God we serve! When we love others, we reflect His character. 

 

Finally, persevere through trials.

Perseverance is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul was steadfast, even though preaching the Gospel led to persecution, arrest, and eventually his death. Even as he headed toward Jerusalem, he recognized that he was headed toward pain and trouble (22-23). Yet he didn't shrink from preaching the Gospel, and he didn't quit until the day he died. Men and women who leave a legacy are not necessarily smarter or more gifted than others. Sometimes they are simply faithful, day in and day out, until their work is finished. Let us pray each day for the strength to persevere well. 

 

Will we commit to leaving a lasting legacy with our lives? Will we pray each day for God's power to allow us to finish our life's work well? My prayer is that your life and mine will leave a permanent mark on the lives of others for the sake of Jesus Christ. 

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MINISTRY UPDATES: 
 
Church-Wide: Spring Break Office Hours: Anderson, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Southwood, Mon-Thurs, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Discover Membership April 28 from 2-5 p.m. at Southwood. Register online here by April 24.  Backyard Bible Club volunteer applications available here. First required training is May 5!
 
20/30 Singles: Join us Sundays at 11 a.m. at Anderson for our study series on Evangelism.  For info about Bible Study, Spring Retreat & upcoming events, check here.
 
Children: GraceKids will get to  Walk Through the Resurrection at 9:15 a.m. at Anderson March 24 and at Southwood March 31. 
 
College: Spring Break College Class Schedule: No College Class on 3/10 and 7 p.m. only on 3/17.
 
Global Outreach:  GO this Summer! South Central Mexico (safe area) June 29-July 8 contact [email protected]. 
 
Small Groups: It's not too late to join a small group for the spring!  Check here to find the best fit for you!
 
South Asian Fellowship: SAF Family Picnic is coming March 23 and a Good Friday and Easter outreach on March 29. Please pray for these events.    
 
Southwood: Discover Grace, Sunday April 7 at 11 a.m.; Coffee Social, Sunday, April 21. Contact [email protected].
 
Youth: Sign up online here for the Spring Retreat for 7-12th graders at Camp Tejas in Giddings, April 12-14. Cost is $95.10. Details and apps for the Dominican Republic trip, June 28-July 7, are online here
 
Youth Impact: Pancake Breakfast is Saturday April 13 from 8-11 a.m.! $5 all you can eat Pancakes!