------SERMON-------

NEW SERMON SERIES GRAPHIC: "STORYTELLER"

Matthew 16:13-18 – 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

SERMON TITLE: “THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH”

1. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH IS *BUILT BY PEOPLE WHO *SHOW *UP, NOT JUST *BELIEVE

Ephesians 5:15-16 - 15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk not as unwise people but as wise 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil.

2. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH WILL BE *DEFINED BY THE *GENEROSITY OF THE *PEOPLE

Matthew 6:19-21 - 19 “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

3. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH IS *ADVANCED WHEN OUR UNIQUE *GIFTS SERVE ONE *PURPOSE

Romans 12:5-8 NIV – 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

4. THE LEGACY OF THE CHURCH MUST HAVE A *FOUNDATION THAT STANDS THE *TEST OF *TIME

Matthew 16:17-18 – 17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.