This Sunday, November 15, we have something special planned for Biblical Foundations! We’ll begin with a brief, interactive lesson from Hebrews 11:23, Parental Faith and Infant Destiny, before heading outside for our annual Friendsgiving on the Lawn!
Long before Moses became the great leader of Israel, his parents, Amram and Jochebed, demonstrated extraordinary faith. Faced with Pharaoh’s deadly decree, they chose to trust God rather than surrender to fear. Their courageous decision reminds us that faith is often demonstrated in the quiet choices we make for those we love.
Rather than our usual teaching format, we’ll spend a few minutes reflecting together on how faith is passed from one generation to another — and how our own decisions can leave a lasting spiritual legacy.
Then we’ll wrap up early and gather on the lawn for Friendsgiving — a time of food, fellowship, laughter, and gratitude for the family God has brought together in Biblical Foundations. If the weather turns, we’ll move inside to the Oasis room — rain or shine, we’re celebrating together.
Come ready to share a thought in class, a dish at the table, and the joy of being together!
One Sunday. One family in Christ. So many reasons to give thanks!
Join us Sunday at 10:45 AM in the Choir Rehearsal Room. Bring your Bible; if you don’t have one, we’ll get you one.
What will our lives say about our faith when we are no longer here to tell the story?
In Sunday’s thought-provoking lesson, Bill Wright challenged us to consider not only how we live, but what kind of spiritual legacy we will leave behind. Through the final acts of three great patriarchs — Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph — we discovered that genuine faith trusts God’s promises even when their fulfillment lies beyond our lifetime.
Three Patriarchs, Three Powerful Lessons
1. Isaac — Trust God’s Plan, Even When It Changes Ours (Hebrews 11:20)
Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things yet to come. Although events unfolded differently from his personal expectations, God’s purposes prevailed. Bill reminded us that God’s plans often begin unfolding long before we recognize His hand at work.
Application: Trust God’s direction when life takes unexpected turns. Remember that our children and grandchildren learn from our example, so demonstrate faith, fairness, and godly priorities.
2. Jacob — Move From Seeking Blessings to Giving Them (Hebrews 11:21)
After a lifetime of struggles, mistakes, and attempts to control his circumstances, Jacob’s final recorded acts included blessing Joseph’s sons and worshiping God. Bill highlighted a beautiful picture of spiritual maturity: Jacob spent his early years trying to obtain blessings, but his later years giving them away.
Application: Invest your remaining years encouraging others, sharing God’s goodness, and passing along the blessings you have received.
3. Joseph — Believe God’s Promises Beyond Your Lifetime (Hebrews 11:22)
As death approached, Joseph instructed that his bones be carried from Egypt when God delivered Israel to the Promised Land. He would never witness the Exodus, yet he believed God’s promise with complete confidence.
Application: Continue praying, serving, giving, and planting seeds of faith, even when you may never see their earthly results.
Key Takeaways for Our Lives
- God is in the small things. His providence is often working quietly behind the scenes.
- Faith doesn’t require immediate results. God’s promises remain trustworthy even when we cannot see their fulfillment.
- Our example matters. The next generation observes and often repeats both our good and bad habits.
- Grace is a gift, not an achievement. Our standing before God rests on Christ, not our accomplishments or comparisons with others.
- Faith is multigenerational. We have a responsibility to pray with, bless, and point younger generations toward Jesus.
Planting Trees We May Never Sit Under
Bill offered a memorable illustration: Faith is like planting a tree whose shade we may never enjoy. We plant it because we believe someone else will benefit.
Whether through a prayer spoken over a grandchild, an encouraging word, a gift supporting ministry, or a simple act of kindness, our faithfulness today can bear fruit for generations.
Our challenge: Don’t wait until the end of life to consider your legacy. Speak a blessing over someone you love, share a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and trust Him with the results you may never see.
Faith in the face of death isn’t simply about how we finish life. It’s about trusting God enough to invest in what continues after we’re gone.
Missed Sunday? Watch the full lesson here.
What will people remember about us long after we’re gone? In Sunday’s message, Pastor Gregg turned to the farewell words of Moses, who, at 120 years old, challenged the Israelites to remember God’s faithfulness and pass their faith to future generations.
His central reminder was that a lasting legacy isn’t built through fame or extraordinary accomplishments, but through everyday faithfulness to God and the people He places in our lives.
Three Keys to Leaving a Godly Legacy
1. Guard Your Heart — Deuteronomy 4:9
“We guard what we value.” Pastor Gregg reminded us that spiritual forgetfulness often isn’t a failure of memory but a failure of attention. When prayer, Scripture, and time with God lose their priority, our hearts gradually drift.
2. Learn to Fear the Lord — Deuteronomy 4:10; 10:12
Fearing God means recognizing His holiness and authority while learning to love, worship, and obey Him wholeheartedly. Faith is meant to be passed along through relationships, especially as parents, grandparents, and spiritual mentors demonstrate God’s goodness to the next generation.
3. Listen to the Right Voice — Deuteronomy 4:12–14
In a world overflowing with opinions, distractions, and competing messages, whose voice are we following? Jesus reminds us in John 10:27 that His sheep hear His voice. A strong spiritual legacy begins with learning to recognize and respond to God’s direction.
Putting Faith Into Practice
- Be intentional: Set aside daily time for God’s Word and prayer. Don’t allow busyness to become spiritual neglect.
- Tell your story: Share with children, grandchildren, and others how God has provided, guided, and answered prayers throughout your life.
- Invest in relationships: Encourage someone, offer wise counsel, and demonstrate Christ’s love through ordinary acts of kindness.
- Quiet the noise: Reduce distractions and make room to hear God’s voice through Scripture and prayer.
A Legacy That Outlives Us
In a moving Veterans Day tribute, Pastor Gregg recalled his grandfather, Harvey Mott, whose work ethic, kindness, service, and faith continued to influence him decades later. His grandfather wasn’t famous, but his faithful example left a lasting mark.
Pastor Gregg reminded us that the greatest things in life are often “slow and hidden.” Small, consistent acts of faithfulness can influence generations.
The question isn’t simply, “Will I leave a legacy?” but “Will my legacy point others to Jesus?”
As Pastor Gregg challenged us, may our lives ultimately testify:
“I was here, and Jesus used me for His glory.”
This week’s challenge: Share one story of God’s faithfulness with someone younger, and take one intentional step toward leaving a legacy that points to Christ.
Missed the message? Watch it here.
Class Christmas Party
Foundations Bible Study Class
Friday, December 4
6:30 PM
Hosted by:
Walt & Lauree Benson
Location:
18227 Widcombe Dr.Houston, TX 77084
Save The Date
Mark your calendars for our annual Foundations Class Christmas Party.
More Details To Follow
Dinner arrangements, activities, and RSVPs will be announced soon as Christmas approaches!
Come enjoy an evening of fellowship, joy, and Christmas cheer!
Save the dates: TOYMAKER, the new interactive Christmas musical, Dec 11–13 — Fri 7:30p, Sat 2:30p & 7:30p, Sun 6:30p. Tickets $10–$40; reservations close Mon, Nov 30 at 11:59p.
A Night in CornerBooks: Wed Nov 18, 6–8p, Loop Main Foyer — a showcase of ministry partner and fair trade products, with festive music, seasonal hot drinks, lite bites, and desserts. Christmas shopping that impacts the globe for Christ.
Men:Serve: Sat Nov 21, 8a–1p, all campuses — a men’s service day; a fit for the BBQ Trail crowd.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: Thu Dec 24, 1p / 3p / 5p, The Loop (Pastor Gregg) — also on TV, KHOU 11 at 8p and KPRC 2 at 10:35p. Save the date.
No class, Thanksgiving & New Year’s weekends: Sun Nov 29 (Brian McCormack) and Sun Dec 27 (Mikado Hinson) — worship 9:15a / 11a / 4p; no Life Bible Studies. Classes resume Sun, Jan 3, 2027.
One-liner: LoopedIn! is the church’s new digital updates channel — worth a follow.
Christmas Cookies & Bingo
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 | 1:00–3:00 PM, ROOM 144 (CONNECTION CENTER)
Enjoy some Christmas pastries, coffee, and wassail! Register at HoustonsFirst.org.
Bayou Bend Christmas Village
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16 | $25 PER PERSON FOR THE TOUR | MEET 3:30 PM, DEPART 4:00 PM, LOOP WEST PARKING LOT
Festive lights, Santa visits, live carolers, unique holiday gifts, and beautiful decorations at Bayou Bend Collections & Gardens. Early dinner at Black Walnut Cafe (on your own). Limited space — register at HoustonsFirst.org.
AD Players @ The George Theater
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 — MATINEE | $46 PER TICKET, ORCHESTRA TIER | MEET 12:30 PM, DEPART 1:00 PM, LOOP WEST PARKING LOT
“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Only a few tickets left! Register at HoustonsFirst.org.
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Watch this week's livestream here:
