Faith for the Future
Sermon Blog 3/26/25 - Rev. Jonathan McKinnies
In the tapestry of our spiritual journey, we often find ourselves at crossroads where our decisions ripple through time, affecting not just our present but the generations to come. This profound truth echoes through the ages, reminding us that our faith isn't just for today—it's a legacy we're building for tomorrow.
Imagine standing in a line with your parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. Though you can't see every face—some from the past, others yet to come—you're part of an unbroken chain of faith. This visual representation drives home a powerful message: our spiritual choices have far-reaching consequences.
The Bible speaks to this generational impact in Acts 2:39, where Peter declares, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." This promise isn't just a fleeting moment of grace; it's an enduring covenant that spans generations.
But what does this mean for us today? It means that every act of obedience, every moment of worship, every decision to follow God's path is planting seeds for a future harvest. We're not just living for ourselves; we're paving the way for those who will come after us.
Consider the story of David Stokely, once an atheist who found himself drawn to a church service. There, he witnessed an elderly man worshiping with such genuine fervor that it challenged his disbelief. That man's faithful expression wasn't just for himself—it became a catalyst for Stokely's transformation. Years later, Stokely could be seen holding his grandchild while praising God, a living testament to the power of one person's devotion.
This narrative reminds us that our actions today are writing chapters in a story much larger than ourselves. When we choose to serve God, even when it's difficult or unpopular, we're not just making a personal choice—we're influencing the spiritual trajectory of future generations.
However, this generational blessing comes with a sobering responsibility. The Bible warns us in Jeremiah 32:35 about the dangers of following false idols and how it can lead to sacrificing our children's futures. In our modern context, this could mean prioritizing temporary pleasures or worldly success over spiritual growth, inadvertently building "high places" that compromise our family's spiritual heritage.
The challenge, then, is to live with an acute awareness of the long-term impact of our choices. Are we making decisions that will lead our children closer to God or further away? Are we building a legacy of faith or one of spiritual apathy?
To embrace this generational calling, we must first recognize that our present is intrinsically linked to our future. Every step of obedience, every act of faith, every moment spent in God's presence is an investment in tomorrow. It's about seeing beyond the immediate and understanding that our spiritual decisions have eternal consequences.
This perspective shift requires us to reevaluate our priorities. Are we living for momentary satisfaction or eternal impact? Are we allowing our past mistakes to define us, or are we pressing forward with the understanding that God can use our testimony to inspire others?
The prophet Joel spoke of a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people—young and old, men and women (Joel 2:28-29). This prophecy, fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, reminds us that God's power is not limited by age, gender, or social status. It's a call for every believer to step into their role as a conduit of God's grace to the next generation.
But how do we practically live out this calling? It starts with personal commitment. We can't transfer what we don't possess. If we want our children to worship, they need to see us worshiping. If we want them to pray, they need to witness our prayer life. Our actions speak louder than our words, and the most effective way to pass on our faith is to live it out authentically.
Moreover, we must be willing to shake off anything that hinders our spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:26-28 speaks of a shaking that will remove everything that can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken may remain. This is a call to anchor ourselves to God's unchanging truth, ensuring that when trials come, we stand firm in our faith.
Living with this generational perspective also means embracing a spirit of perseverance. There may be times when we don't see the immediate fruit of our faithfulness. Like a grandmother who prays for grandchildren she may never meet, we're called to keep believing, keep serving, and keep loving—trusting that God is working beyond what we can see.
As we navigate our spiritual journey, let's remember that we're part of a greater story. Our decisions today are shaping the spiritual landscape for generations to come. Whether we're parents, grandparents, mentors, or friends, we have the incredible opportunity to influence others towards a deeper relationship with God.
So let us live with intention, making choices that honor God and pave the way for future generations. Let's be the ones who stand firm in our faith, even when it's challenging. Let's be the ones who worship wholeheartedly, pray fervently, and love unconditionally. For in doing so, we're not just living for today—we're building a legacy of faith that will echo through eternity.
As we close, let's reflect on this question: What spiritual legacy are we creating? Are we living in a way that will inspire those who come after us to seek God with all their hearts? May we have the courage to live lives of faith that will resound through generations, leaving a lasting impact on the kingdom of God.
In the tapestry of our spiritual journey, we often find ourselves at crossroads where our decisions ripple through time, affecting not just our present but the generations to come. This profound truth echoes through the ages, reminding us that our faith isn't just for today—it's a legacy we're building for tomorrow.
Imagine standing in a line with your parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. Though you can't see every face—some from the past, others yet to come—you're part of an unbroken chain of faith. This visual representation drives home a powerful message: our spiritual choices have far-reaching consequences.
The Bible speaks to this generational impact in Acts 2:39, where Peter declares, "The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." This promise isn't just a fleeting moment of grace; it's an enduring covenant that spans generations.
But what does this mean for us today? It means that every act of obedience, every moment of worship, every decision to follow God's path is planting seeds for a future harvest. We're not just living for ourselves; we're paving the way for those who will come after us.
Consider the story of David Stokely, once an atheist who found himself drawn to a church service. There, he witnessed an elderly man worshiping with such genuine fervor that it challenged his disbelief. That man's faithful expression wasn't just for himself—it became a catalyst for Stokely's transformation. Years later, Stokely could be seen holding his grandchild while praising God, a living testament to the power of one person's devotion.
This narrative reminds us that our actions today are writing chapters in a story much larger than ourselves. When we choose to serve God, even when it's difficult or unpopular, we're not just making a personal choice—we're influencing the spiritual trajectory of future generations.
However, this generational blessing comes with a sobering responsibility. The Bible warns us in Jeremiah 32:35 about the dangers of following false idols and how it can lead to sacrificing our children's futures. In our modern context, this could mean prioritizing temporary pleasures or worldly success over spiritual growth, inadvertently building "high places" that compromise our family's spiritual heritage.
The challenge, then, is to live with an acute awareness of the long-term impact of our choices. Are we making decisions that will lead our children closer to God or further away? Are we building a legacy of faith or one of spiritual apathy?
To embrace this generational calling, we must first recognize that our present is intrinsically linked to our future. Every step of obedience, every act of faith, every moment spent in God's presence is an investment in tomorrow. It's about seeing beyond the immediate and understanding that our spiritual decisions have eternal consequences.
This perspective shift requires us to reevaluate our priorities. Are we living for momentary satisfaction or eternal impact? Are we allowing our past mistakes to define us, or are we pressing forward with the understanding that God can use our testimony to inspire others?
The prophet Joel spoke of a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people—young and old, men and women (Joel 2:28-29). This prophecy, fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, reminds us that God's power is not limited by age, gender, or social status. It's a call for every believer to step into their role as a conduit of God's grace to the next generation.
But how do we practically live out this calling? It starts with personal commitment. We can't transfer what we don't possess. If we want our children to worship, they need to see us worshiping. If we want them to pray, they need to witness our prayer life. Our actions speak louder than our words, and the most effective way to pass on our faith is to live it out authentically.
Moreover, we must be willing to shake off anything that hinders our spiritual growth. Hebrews 12:26-28 speaks of a shaking that will remove everything that can be shaken, so that what cannot be shaken may remain. This is a call to anchor ourselves to God's unchanging truth, ensuring that when trials come, we stand firm in our faith.
Living with this generational perspective also means embracing a spirit of perseverance. There may be times when we don't see the immediate fruit of our faithfulness. Like a grandmother who prays for grandchildren she may never meet, we're called to keep believing, keep serving, and keep loving—trusting that God is working beyond what we can see.
As we navigate our spiritual journey, let's remember that we're part of a greater story. Our decisions today are shaping the spiritual landscape for generations to come. Whether we're parents, grandparents, mentors, or friends, we have the incredible opportunity to influence others towards a deeper relationship with God.
So let us live with intention, making choices that honor God and pave the way for future generations. Let's be the ones who stand firm in our faith, even when it's challenging. Let's be the ones who worship wholeheartedly, pray fervently, and love unconditionally. For in doing so, we're not just living for today—we're building a legacy of faith that will echo through eternity.
As we close, let's reflect on this question: What spiritual legacy are we creating? Are we living in a way that will inspire those who come after us to seek God with all their hearts? May we have the courage to live lives of faith that will resound through generations, leaving a lasting impact on the kingdom of God.
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