Introduction

This morning, we raise a question, “How Will You Be Remembered?” In the New Testament, we find the story of Dorcas. (Acts 9:36-39 NKJV) “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. {37} But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. {38} And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. {39} Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.”

What heritage will you leave behind? How will others remember you? I know I’m not perfect, and none of us all, but what are the things you hope others will remember about you? Did you set a great Christian example for those who many follow in your footsteps? As others remember your life, what will they remember?

Body

I. What will they remember about your church attendance?

A. The command to not forsake the assembly.

(Heb 10:24-25 NKJV) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, {25} not forsaking (to desert:--forsake, leave) the assembling of ourselves together,) as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

B. The example of the early church – daily services.

(Acts 5:42 NKJV) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

1. There are no commands for a daily service.

2. There is the example of an excited and dedicated church.

II. Jesus says that He will meet with us.

(Mat 18:20 NKJV) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

A. I don’t look at this as a statement to encourage us to stay at home and worship as a family, but that He is with us when we assemble in “His name.”

B. If we love Jesus, then surely we want to be a part of the assembly when He is present.

III. As Christians, we are to have fellowship with the Lord, and with each other.

(1 John 1:3-7 NKJV) that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. {4} And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. {5} This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. {6} If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. {7} But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

A. As Christians, we are to assemble to worship God as the early Christians did.

(Acts 2:42 NKJV) And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Steadfastly: to be earnest towards, i.e. to persevere, be constantly diligent, or to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to --attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).

1. Steadfastly is a very strong word.

2. We need a lot of this spirit in the church today.

3. The apostles' doctrine was the basis of their teaching and belief.

a. The preaching of the word.

b. Preaching was an important part of their worship service.

4. Fellowship is important.

a. It’s more than a cookie and a cup of coffee, or even a Whataburger.

b. Fellowship is sharing, like the song says. Blest Be the Tie that Binds 711

c. Fellowship is sharing our illnesses and needs, our spiritual concerns for the church, the lost, and for doctrine.

5. Breaking bread – the Lord’s Supper.

6. Prayers – mutual prayers.

(Mat 18:19 NKJV) "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

B. Do others think of me as lukewarm in my love of the Lord, and in the love of gathering together with the church?

(Rev 3:15-16 NKJV) "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. {16} "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

1. How can you best describe lukewarm church attendance?

2. How does our church attendance influence others?

3. Where do you think Jesus would be on Sunday night and Wednesday night?

(1 Pet 2:21 NKJV) For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

a. When He was young, He was in the temple.

(Luke 2:49 NKJV) And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

b. When He was older, it was His established custom.

(Luke 4:16 NKJV) So he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

IV. What we do affects our families for three or four generations.

A. In the Old Testament this was stated in a negative way.

(Num 14:18 NKJV) 'The LORD is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.'

B. In the New Testament, we have a positive example.

(2 Tim 1:5 NKJV) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your (1) grandmother Lois and your (2) mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in (3) you also.

Conclusion

I. What legacy will you leave your family?

A. My dad left very little material wealth for his children. That didn’t bother me.

B. What really mattered, and made all the difference was the spiritual heritage that he gave to all of us.

II. What about your relationship to God? Are you right with Him?

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