Why Legacy?

 

“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” –Philippians 4:9 

The name “Legacy” primarily comes from the Hebrew word “cheleq”. It is found in many places in the Bible, but Psalm 73:25-26 is especially precious. “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion (cheleq) for ever.”

When a person repents and believes in Jesus Christ for salvation (Mark 1:15), he becomes a child of God…a child of God rich with an eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:11). Above all, the legacy that Jesus gives (‘transmits’) to His children (those who ‘receive’ Him) is Himself! No earthly treasure can compare to having an intimate relationship with the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

As we treasure Christ above all things, our perspective on life changes. Earthly things no longer seem so precious. The “treasures” that we once held so dear seem to lack the luster that they once had. In short, when we are satisfied in Jesus, nothing else can satisfy!

The name “Legacy” also comes from the dictionary definition of the word–“something transmitted by or received from a predecessor”. It is synonymous with words such as “heritage”, “gift”, and “inheritance”. The name allows for a multi-layered application in the life of this church.

1) We receive the legacy of Jesus Christ. His sinless life, His substitutionary death as a propitiation for sin, His victorious resurrection, His free offer of salvation (from the penalty, power, and, eventually, the presence of sin), His Headship of the church, His High Priestly ministry in heaven, His power for service, and His assurance of eternal life. This is the legacy of Jesus Christ.

2) We contend for the legacy of the faith “once delivered unto the saints” and faithfully relayed throughout history by disciples, martyrs, Baptist predecessors, and others among our “cloud of witnesses”. This is the legacy of faithful saints.

3) We are now, in turn, passing on the legacy of this faith in Christ to our children, our disciples, converts, and future generations. This is our legacy.

It is our desire that the name Legacy Baptist Church will remind our people of the blessings we have received, and encourage us toward our responsibility to others and future generations.

“LORD, thou has been our dwellingplace in all generations.” –Psalm 90:1