In this episode, we reflect on the legacy we leave behind, inspired by the life of Bob Sperlin. Despite being bedridden due to multiple sclerosis, Bob penned three impactful books focusing on life’s struggles and perseverance. His journey encourages us to consider the spiritual treasures we leave for the next generation, far beyond mere material wealth. Join us as we delve into the biblical principles surrounding this profound topic and discover how we can forge a legacy that reflects integrity and faithfulness.
It is said upon passing from this life, you can’t take it with you. All is left behind, friends, our wealth, our things, and our legacy. Let’s consider what we will leave behind today from the International Gospel Hour. Stay right here.
SPEAKER 02 :
It’s time for our broadcast from the International Gospel Hour. I’m Jay Webb, and welcome to our study today as we embrace God’s Word to help us meet the challenges of today. Let’s open our Bibles and open our heart for this time of Bible study with our speaker Jeff Archie of International Gospel Hour, a broadcast of the Churches of Christ.
SPEAKER 01 :
Here’s Jeff. Well, thank you to our J-Web always. And greetings and hello, everyone. Revelation 14 and verse 13 says, And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write this, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Blessed indeed, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them. You know, that passage came forth while thinking of a brother in Christ who has passed on. His name, Bob Sperlin. And from 1995 until his death in 2016, Bob was disabled due to multiple sclerosis. Dead-ridden from 2004 until his death, he called himself the Horizontal Preacher as he penned three wonderful books about suffering and dealing with life. His third book, Don’t Ever Give Up, is when I met Bob and used his book as class material, and I recall how helpful it was to our congregation during that time. And from his bed, friends, he spoke to us one evening by phone in our Bible class, and my, what a blessing it was. might you indulge me to turn back the clock once again on our broadcast and share with you the study, The Legacy We Leave Behind, by my friend and brother, Bob Sperling. No one can deny the brevity of life. Thus the legacy we leave behind is of vital importance. Many are concerned about their real estate holdings, stocks, bonds, and other securities they will leave behind, Matthew 16, 26. I have seen family members argue profusely over how much they will receive from their relatives’ estate. Covetous hearts usually come into view during such occasions, 1 Timothy 6, 10 and 11, and Romans 8, verse 6. Jesus emphasized the greater value of spiritual things in the following statement from His Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6, 19-21, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. What will be the legacy we leave behind? Let’s consider some specific things that will provide a positive legacy to our loved ones. First, a good name. The single most important possession we have is our good name. The wise man Solomon said a good name is rather to be chosen than riches, Proverbs 22.1. I grew up in a small community in North Alabama. It was a place where everyone knew one another, and few people in our secular society would be identified as a walking Bible, but such was the case with James F. Dean. My maternal grandfather, J. F. Dean, passed away in 1980. but still people continue to acknowledge the good name and integrity of my grandfather. Preserving and maintaining a good name that would be left for succeeding generations should be a top priority. What will our name represent, and how important will it be to the church, community, and our family after we have left this world? Our name should symbolize honesty, integrity, and devotion to the cause of Christ. Philippians 2.5 and verses 9 and 10. The name Christian represents living a life in word and deed that reflects the image of Christ. What a true compliment to the believers at Antioch when Luke wrote, and the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11.26 Dear friends, the legacy of a good name will mean more than all the rubies, sapphires, and diamonds that could be accumulated in one hundred lifetimes. Matthew 16, 26. Second, what will be the legacy we leave behind? How about a good steward? The legacy we leave behind should show that the riches of this world were not the obsession of our time and energy. A.M. Burton, founder of the Life and Casualty Insurance Company in Nashville, Tennessee, was an incredibly talented and gifted Christian man. This well-known man was able to amass great wealth, and yet he was recognized for his support of many worthwhile endeavors. As good stewards, we must show our children the value of a dollar and to make sure it does not become their god. Luke 12, 16-21 We live in a welfare state of free handouts. It is not an exaggeration to say that state and federal governments actually lend encouragement to those who choose to live a life of idleness. Just imagine a society promoting and encouraging generations to continue having children out of wedlock and never comprehend the value and importance of work. This kind of life is not conducive to building self-esteem or living a productive life. In the early church, some new Christians felt the church at Thessalonica owed them a handout, and the apostle quickly put things into perspective when he wrote, For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if a man will not work, neither let him eat. 2 Thessalonians 3.10 It is clear from verse 11 that such lazy individuals were identified as disorderly, and that they continued to live in such a disorderly way that fellowship would be withdrawn. 2 Thessalonians 3.6 A day’s work for a day’s pay should be the formula for right living. Being good stewards of our material wealth will have much to do by enhancing our daily lives. What is the legacy we will leave behind? What about a life guided by the golden rule? Matthew 7 verse 12 Think about it, friends. Implementing this rule would literally revolutionize the world if we all would live by its holy directive. Better employees, employers, husbands, wives, elders, preachers, and membership. To live by the iron rule suggests might makes right, which is to get what you can regardless if it hurts others and should be repudiated. I’m sorry, friends. Criminals and thieves live by this rule and reject the will of others. We note that from Luke 10, 30-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. But our aim should be to treat others as you would want them to treat you. You make the first move. The example of Christ brought forth in 1 Peter 2, 21-24. One application involves turning the other cheek, Matthew 5, 39. The Apostle Paul taught that evil should be substituted with good, Romans 12, 20-21. Applying this exhortation will mean that we will heat coals of fire upon their head. Those who practice the golden rule are commanded to be honest and genuine. Matthew 5.37 and Colossians 3.23 This is a worthy legacy to leave our children and grandchildren. What will be the legacy we leave behind? What about a life of faithfulness? Noted from Revelation 2.10 Perhaps the most treasured gift we can leave behind is that life of faithfulness. We look to men like Abraham, Abel, Noah, Moses, Peter, and Paul as faithful. Hebrews 11 Though dead, yet they speak volumes about a faithful life to Almighty God. Faithfulness begins with our fundamental obedience to the gospel. hearing the gospel preached, Romans 10, 17, believing the message that Jesus is the Christ, John 8, 24, repent of all of our past sins, Acts 17, verse 30, confess Christ as God’s only begotten Son, Romans 10, 10, and baptism for the remission of sins, Acts 2, 38. The one thing I want to leave my family when life is completed is a memory of a life that was dedicated to the cause of Jesus Christ. Philippians 3, 13 and 14 What legacy will you leave behind? Far too many worry about the stocks and bonds they will leave behind. Others are concerned that their children will waste or squander their inheritance. Matthew 6, 9-21 Our legacy should not be an addiction to materialism, but to spiritual things that will enable us to live throughout eternity. Matthew 16, 26 What legacy will you leave behind? If your life is drifted from God’s way, then our destination will be a disappointment. Why not take the Bible? Consult your spiritual roadmap to make your calling an election sure. 2 Peter 1, verse 10 My friends, what a joy to share this today. It brought back some special memories of Bob, our conversations and work together. And as I have noted before with others of days gone by, the words of Abel are applicable now. By it he being dead, yet speaks, Hebrews 11, 4. I think of Bob’s suffering and how he was able to do some of his best work under such adverse conditions. Knowing he helped someone along the way was of major importance to him. You know, friends, maybe you are dealing with sickness, the loss of a loved one, or maybe there are challenges at home. I’ll tell you what, friends, thinking about Bob and honoring him and extolling and praising the Lord Jesus Might I send you three free tracks? That’s right, friends. They are free. They are part of what I call To Whom Shall We Go series. To Whom Shall We Go When Death Arrives is one track that deals with when a loved one passes and the struggles they’re in. To Whom Shall We Go When Illness Is Diagnosed is When we get word of a tragic illness, all illnesses are tragic, but maybe an illness is diagnosed that, what do we do? And to whom shall we go when our home lives are challenged? How many spouses have there been to be totally taken off guard and surprised when one spouse looks at the other and says, I want a divorce? Think about children and what they face during that time. Friends, these are things that challenge us. And I want to send you those three free tracks. They’re part of our To Whom Shall We Go series. Now, here’s all you’ve got to do. Call us at 855-444-6988. Leave your name and address. Or if you send us an email, leave us your email address. And all you have to say is, three tracks. That’s all. Again, call us at 855-444-6988. And leave your name and address or your email. And just say, three tracks. You may also go to our website at internationalgospelhour.com. Click on the Contact tab and leave either your name and address, or if you would like to have them by email, you get to choose which address. And after you choose, be sure to say or put three tracks in the message box. Again, friends, these are free from us at International Gospel Hour. We can mail them to you or we can send them to you by email and then you can download them with ease. Whatever works best. And friends, I’m so grateful we could spend time today to talk about the legacy we leave behind. May it be in Christ. And I appreciate you joining me for this study today. And we’ll study together at another time. I’m Jeff Argy of the International Gospel Hour. Friends, keep listening.
SPEAKER 02 :
Thank you for listening today. To God be the glory. And we hope that our study today will draw you closer to His Word to walk in His way. Feel free to listen to our other programs at our website at internationalgospelhour.com and join us next time.
