Will You Be Counted in God’s Story?

Landmark Baptist Santa Rosa

Pastor Caleb Henry 

11:00 AM

October 27, 2024

Powered by Ministry-notes.com

Main Topics Discussed

Introduction

• Personal Introduction:

• Speaker shares background: education, work, and ministry involvement.

• Sets context for message and invites the congregation to turn to Genesis 4:25.

• Scripture Reference: Genesis 4:25-26

• God’s provision of a new lineage after Abel’s death, through Seth.

• Main Question: "If God were to write a new Bible today, would He write a story about you?"

1. The Given Lineage: Understanding God's Sovereign Plan

• Genesis Lineage:

• Overview of Genesis 5, listing the lineage from Adam to Noah.

• Key Points:

• God Has a Plan: No one is born by accident; God has a plan for every life.

• Man Has a Choice: Abel’s choice to obey versus Cain’s choice to rebel.

• Free will allows us to choose between obedience and disobedience.

• God’s Plan Prevails: Even when Cain chose sin, God continued His plan through Seth.

2. The Generational Lineage: Our Role in Continuing Faith

• Uncontrollable Elements:

• The lineage order (firstborn, middle child) is beyond human control.

• Example of family dynamics and uncontrollable aspects of life.

• Unearned Blessings:

• Biblical inheritance of birthrights that aren’t "earned" but given (e.g., Isaac’s blessing).

• Reflection on inherited blessings or faith heritages that shape who we are.

• Undeniable Responsibility:

• Our actions create a legacy of consequences—positive or negative.

• Reflection: “What are you passing on to future generations?”

3. The Godly Lineage: Choosing to Be Part of God's Story

• The Godly Lineage vs. the Firstborn Lineage:

• Question: Was Seth the firstborn after Cain and Abel, or simply the godly son?

• God’s choice to use individuals who seek Him and live godly lives.

• Example of Enoch:

• Unique mention of Enoch walking with God; God valued his life enough to "take him."

• Challenge: Will God see something in us that makes our lives worthy of mention?

Key Aspects of a Godly Lineage

• God Desired, and Man Responded:

• James 4:8: Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

• 1 John 4:19: We love Him because He first loved us.

• God Designed, and Man Followed:

• Jeremiah 1:5: Before we were born, God knew us and set a purpose for us.

• Reflection: Are we aligning with God’s purpose for our lives?

• God Designated, and Man Acted:

• 1 Peter 2:9: We are a chosen generation, called to proclaim God’s praises.

• Purpose of the Church: Go, teach, baptize, and disciple as Christ commanded.

Application: Living a Legacy of Faith

• Every Choice Matters:

• Our free will shapes the legacy we leave behind.

• Daily actions, sacrifices, and obedience build a godly heritage.

• Personal Evangelism:

• Example of leading a friend to Christ and how individual efforts make a difference.

• Challenge: Reach others so they, too, may reach others—a multiplication effect.

• Multiplying Faith:

• Vision of exponential growth in God’s Kingdom if each believer leads and disciples one person annually.

Conclusion: Will You Be Remembered?

• Question for Reflection:

• What makes certain figures in the Bible notable? They were willing to be used by God.

• Invitation to Surrender:

• Song reference, “Take My Life and Let It Be,” as a prayer of dedication.

• Closing Prayer: Ask God for the courage, wisdom, and strength to follow His will and live a life worth remembering in His Kingdom.

Biblical References 

• Genesis 4:25-26
  "And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the Lord."

• 1 Samuel 16:7
  "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

• James 4:8
  "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."

• 1 John 4:19
  "We love him, because he first loved us."

• Jeremiah 1:5
  "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

• 1 Peter 2:9
  "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

• John 3:16
  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

• Romans 5:8
  "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Reflection Questions 

1. How does understanding God’s plan and lineage for humanity shape your view of your own purpose and actions?

2. What choices are you making daily that align with God’s plan, and where might you feel challenged to choose obedience over self-will?

3. If God was writing a story of faith today, what aspects of your life would be included? What would you want your legacy of faith to be?

4. In what ways can you draw nearer to God, as in James 4:8, to strengthen your relationship with Him and be more open to His guidance?

5. How might God be calling you to share your faith with others, and what steps can you take to ensure you’re actively participating in reaching and encouraging others spiritually?

Daily Activities

1. Reflect on Your Spiritual Heritage

• Activity: Write a short journal entry about your spiritual heritage, considering whether it includes a long line of believers or if you are beginning a new legacy of faith.

• Application: Reflect on how you can contribute to a "godly lineage" for future generations by passing down values, faith, or practices that strengthen spiritual growth.

2. Identify and Act on God’s Plan

• Activity: Spend 10-15 minutes in prayer, asking God to reveal a specific purpose or direction for your life. Write down any insights or areas where you feel called to serve.

• Application: Choose one small action you can take this week to pursue that purpose, such as reaching out to someone in need, volunteering, or starting a personal Bible study.

3. Exercise Your Free Will with Intentional Choices

• Activity: Select one aspect of your life where you often struggle to make godly choices (e.g., time management, relationships, or habits).

• Application: Create a simple action plan to make intentional, positive choices in this area, and pray for guidance each day. Reflect weekly on your progress and its impact on your spiritual journey.

4. Practice Spiritual Multiplication

• Activity: Commit to sharing your faith or supporting someone’s spiritual growth. This week, find a way to disciple or encourage one person in their faith (e.g., inviting them to a church event, studying Scripture together, or offering support).

• Application: Pray for the opportunity to support them and seek to continue the "multiplication effect" by helping them strengthen their relationship with God.

5. Cultivate a Godly Heart

• Activity: Set aside a few minutes daily to meditate on 1 Samuel 16:7, asking God to cultivate a heart that seeks Him above all else.

• Application: Each day, write down one action or quality to practice that aligns your heart with God’s (e.g., humility, kindness, generosity). Track your progress over a week and notice any changes in your attitude or outlook.