Legacy - Part 3 [Notes]

In the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey discovers what the world would have been like if he had never been born. He comes to understand something he never realized before: his life had a profound and great impact on all those around him.  

God has uniquely created each of us with special talents, abilities, and gifts that can be used to make a difference in our world.  Is it possible God wants to use you in a special way to change your world for good? Join us as we begin a new series titled, "Legacy." We will be exploring how God has a unique plan for our lives.

Today's Takeaway // God wants to lead us throughout the day to accomplish His will.

If anyone speaks, it should be as one who speaks God’s words.¹
– 1 Peter 4:11a (HCSB)
_{¹ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (1 Pe 4:11). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.} 

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
– Ephesians 2:10 (HCSB)

The word “workmanship” (poiēma)...denotes a work of art or a masterpiece.²
– Hoehner
_{² Hoehner, H. W. (1985). Ephesians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 624). Victor Books.}

Sometimes, God spoke directly to people.

The Lord spoke with Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend.
– Genesis 33:11a (HCSB)

Sometimes, God spoke to people through dreams or visions.

Joseph remembered his dreams about them.
– Genesis 42:9a (HCSB)

During the night a vision appeared to Paul: A Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!”
– Acts 16:9 (HCSB)

Sometimes, God spoke through the casting “a lot.”

“...archaeologists [have] found numerical cubes in Persia that, apparently, were used for divining the future. They would throw these cubes and, based on the number that landed, would attempt to discern the future.”
– R. David Cohen

Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.
– Acts 1:26 (HCSB)

Sometimes, God sent an angel to deliver a message.

Sometimes, God spoke through circumstances (open and closed doors).

They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in Asia. When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.³
– Acts 16:6-7 (HCSB)

Often, God speaks to us through His Word.

For the Word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.
– Hebrews 4:12 (HCSB)

“For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let His dwelling become desolate; let no one live in it; ^v and let someone else take His position. ^{w x} “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us—beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
– Acts 1:20-21 (HCSB)
_{^v 1:20 Ps 69:25
^w 1:20 Ps 69:25; 109:8
^x 1:20 Ps 109:8}

Often, God speaks to us through other people.

“What you’re doing is not good,” Moses’ father-in-law said to him. “You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone. Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and God be with you. You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him. Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. ^y Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. ^z They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear it with you. If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.”
– Exodus 18:17-23 (HCSB)
_{^y 18:21 Ex 18:8; Dt 16:19; Ac 6:3
^z 18:21 Dt 1:15; 2Ch 19:5–10}

Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said.
– Exodus 18:17-24 (HCSB)

Often, the Holy Spirit speaks directly to our spirit.

The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”⁴
– Acts 8:29 (HCSB)
_{⁴ The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Ac 8:29). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers}

But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
– John 4:23-24 (HCSB)

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.
– John 15:7-8 (HCSB)

1. What are some of the different ways God spoke to people in Bible times? How do you think God speaks to us today?
2. Do you feel God has ever spoken directly to you? How did you know it wasGod?
3. Read Ephesians 2:8-10. What are some of the good works God wants us to be doing as Christians? How can we discover the specific things God wants to do in and through us day by day?
4. Read John 15:5-8. What do you think it means to remain or abide in Christ? What can we do to help us abide in Christ? How might this be the key to hearing from God each day?
5. How might you apply today’s lesson to your life?

Rattle! // My Eyes Have Seen // O Praise The Name (Anástasis) // World Outside Your Window

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