INTRO: I want us to consider what we are leaving behind today. Oh yes many of you may have good life insurance policies. Maybe several real estate holdings. Maybe great bank accounts. But that is not what is important in the eyes of God. What are we really leaving behind? What are we leaving for our children. What have we left in the 1900's? As we face 2000, what will we leave for the ones that are important to us?

I want to first look at two well know individuals in the scripture. Ahab and Jezebel.

1. Ahab and Jezebel were in a position to leave much behind spiritually. 1 Ki. 21
2. Ahab allowed Jezebel to convince him he was more important than God's laws
3. Ahab allowed Jezebel to act in his name, having Naboth killed
4. Ahab and Jezebel left nothing behind

 

 

2 Ki. 10:11 So Jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great men, and his kinsfolks, and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

Use Ill. 159

I also want to look a Eli today. When we look at our lives, we can see…

5. We often leave behind many monetary gifts
1. Seems like the thing to do
2. We can't take it with us

 
6. We fail to leave spiritual markers
1. It is not enough to be a son, grandson, etc. 1 Sam. 2:27-28
2. God knows if we truly honor Him 29-30
3. It cost our sons and daughters 1 Sam. 2:31-34

 
7. God will raise someone up who will serve Him


35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
 

1. He will be faithful
2. He will care about God first
3. He will walk before the Lord

 
8. God is calling today for those that will serve Him
1. It is not age, but willingness to completely serve. 3:1
2. It is not always a message of joy - vs. 12-14
3. It is not too late to convey His message - for us.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEFT BEHIND?
 
 

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist Church - 122699am