May 2026
Holy Spirit, Acts 2, 24 May 2026
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
May 24, 2026
Acts 2
Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received, an expression of love? What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given, an expression of love?
I think it’s safe to say the greatest gift in history was…Jesus. The most famous verse in the Bible says,
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God loved. God gave. We are blessed, reconciled, saved, forgiven. But Jesus is not the only gift. Another one arrived on the day we celebrate today—Pentecost Sunday.
Jesus came to earth as a baby, a day we celebrate called…CHRISTmas. He grew, taught, healed, show us the perfect example of what it means to be human, and then was scandalously arrested and ultimately crucified…for us…in our place. On Easter, we celebrated that He is risen (He is risen indeed!).
Just as the disciples are getting used to Jesus being alive, he tells them leaving once more. I can just imagine the objections. “You just came back!” “You accomplished your mission.” “Where are you going?” “Stay here!” His reply?
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)
The Advocate. The Greek word is parakletos. An intercessor, consoler, comforter. We refer to this person as the Holy Spirit.
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:8-11)
Jesus is introducing the Holy Spirit.
God is a divine mystery, one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each has a unique role in the relationship known as the Trinity.
Jesus had a clear assignment that involved about 33 years on earth, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. He will return, but in the meantime, He sent the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit did not appear for the first time on Pentecost. The Spirit is visible in the first verses of the Bible.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)
The original Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach, meaning breath, wind, spirit.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit shows up at particular times and places. What made Pentecost special was the distribution of God’s presence upon every follower of Jesus.
As Acts chapter two begins, thousands of people from all over the world had gathered in Jerusalem. Imagine a World Cup match this summer. They came not for sport, though, but rather Shavuot, the great harvest festival (Expdus 23:16).
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)
The ruach, the Spirit, shows up like a wind and also fire. The Greek word is pneuma. This was a supernatural moment where heaven invaded earth. It was a reversal of the Tower of Babel story from Genesis 11. There, the people tried to build a tower to heaven in hopes of both reaching and controlling God, making a name for themselves.
But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” (Genesis 11:5-7)
So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:8-9)
Going back to the second chapter of Acts, we see this reversed.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:5-12)
When people talk about speaking in tongues here, they were known languages including probably Greek, Latin, Egyptian, Aramaic, Hebrew, Median, Parthian, and others. This was not babbling or a “heavenly” language, but people from around the known world heard in their own tongues. This was truly miraculous!
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” (Acts 2:13)
"Whatever we might've heard, Pentecost is not the story of devout believers lost in prayer, hidden away in an upper room, caught up in mystical rapture," says Dr Chris Green, Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University, Florida. "Pentecost is the story of bewildered not-sure-what-to-believe believers swept out of prayer into the streets, into the public eye. Pentecost is the end of spirituality because the Spirit presses the church into the public square, into public responsibility. Following the Spirit always leads down from the upper room and out to the outer courts."
Peter addresses the crowd and this incredible chapter ends with this summary.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Again, this has been called the birthday of the Church as God’s new temple, the earthly place where He dwells. The Church is the Body of Christ, the movement of Jesus, the people of God empowered by and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Tragically, many today are unaware of the Holy Spirit or are even afraid of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
Spiritual gifts are mentioned in several passages including 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. They include things such as prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, leadership, and mercy. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are vital, not to glorify the user, but to serve the Church. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray and understand God’s Word, empowers us to share our faith, and unifies Christians.
The Holy Spirit also produces fruit in the lives of Christ-followers who are humble, prayerful, and surrendered to the LORD.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If you want an indicator of your spiritual maturity, it can be found here. Are you more loving and self-controlled than you were a year ago? Are you growing in joy, peace, and gentleness? This is what it means to become like Jesus. Would those closest to you say you are increasing in patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness?
I reflect upon this is often, tempted to try harder and manufacture human fruit before reminding myself the pathway to fruit is not striving, but submission, solitude, silence, and slowing down to be fully present with God. We don’t achieve fruit. We naturally produce it when we are connected to God. It doesn’t come by straining, but surrender.
So What?
All of this was prophesied by Jesus in the first chapter of Acts when asked about restoring the kingdom to Israel.
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)
Earlier, you heard the Lord’s Prayer in several languages. Christianity was the first multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual language in the history of the world. Today, the vision of Jesus’ words is becoming a reality, ultimately leading to worship from every nation, tribe, people and language (Revelation 7:9). Our is not an English faith, a white faith, or a USAmerican faith. It is a global movement filled with people created in the image of God from every corner of the globe.
The mission of College First is to love, equip, and…send. We’re not a country club for members only. We’re a hospital for the sick, preparing wounded healers to offer faith, hope, and love to a broken world. We want to serve Findlay, Ohio, the USA, and the world. We are his witnesses, and the original Greek world implies the possibility of martyrdom. Are you willing to give your life for Jesus? Are you willing to live for the LORD? Are you willing to die for Christ? He was willing to die for you.
Pete Greig writes, “Today we celebrate the birth of this 2000 year-old, 2 billion strong, messed-up, blessed-up, revolutionary movement of justice and love we call The Church. She is not perfect. Many grave sins have been committed. Our hearts must often grieve. But still the Church of Jesus Christ remains the greatest agency of human blessing the world has ever known: starting schools and hospitals, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, inspiring the greatest art the world has ever known, healing broken families, redeeming cultures and reconciling warring tribes, establishing the foundations for scientific innovation and human flourishing, shaping entire civilizations, and above all, proclaiming today on this Pentecost Sunday the same, stunning good news of salvation for the nations in every generation through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Come Holy Spirit. All of our ministry efforts are pointless without the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church…to love and serve the world. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit and become more like Jesus every day for his glory. Amen!
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
May 24, 2026
Acts 2
Big Idea: The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received, an expression of love? What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given, an expression of love?
I think it’s safe to say the greatest gift in history was…Jesus. The most famous verse in the Bible says,
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God loved. God gave. We are blessed, reconciled, saved, forgiven. But Jesus is not the only gift. Another one arrived on the day we celebrate today—Pentecost Sunday.
Jesus came to earth as a baby, a day we celebrate called…CHRISTmas. He grew, taught, healed, show us the perfect example of what it means to be human, and then was scandalously arrested and ultimately crucified…for us…in our place. On Easter, we celebrated that He is risen (He is risen indeed!).
Just as the disciples are getting used to Jesus being alive, he tells them leaving once more. I can just imagine the objections. “You just came back!” “You accomplished your mission.” “Where are you going?” “Stay here!” His reply?
But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. (John 16:7)
The Advocate. The Greek word is parakletos. An intercessor, consoler, comforter. We refer to this person as the Holy Spirit.
When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:8-11)
Jesus is introducing the Holy Spirit.
God is a divine mystery, one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each has a unique role in the relationship known as the Trinity.
Jesus had a clear assignment that involved about 33 years on earth, teachings, miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension. He will return, but in the meantime, He sent the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit did not appear for the first time on Pentecost. The Spirit is visible in the first verses of the Bible.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:1-2)
The original Hebrew word for Spirit is ruach, meaning breath, wind, spirit.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit shows up at particular times and places. What made Pentecost special was the distribution of God’s presence upon every follower of Jesus.
As Acts chapter two begins, thousands of people from all over the world had gathered in Jerusalem. Imagine a World Cup match this summer. They came not for sport, though, but rather Shavuot, the great harvest festival (Expdus 23:16).
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4)
The ruach, the Spirit, shows up like a wind and also fire. The Greek word is pneuma. This was a supernatural moment where heaven invaded earth. It was a reversal of the Tower of Babel story from Genesis 11. There, the people tried to build a tower to heaven in hopes of both reaching and controlling God, making a name for themselves.
But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” (Genesis 11:5-7)
So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:8-9)
Going back to the second chapter of Acts, we see this reversed.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” (Acts 2:5-12)
When people talk about speaking in tongues here, they were known languages including probably Greek, Latin, Egyptian, Aramaic, Hebrew, Median, Parthian, and others. This was not babbling or a “heavenly” language, but people from around the known world heard in their own tongues. This was truly miraculous!
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” (Acts 2:13)
"Whatever we might've heard, Pentecost is not the story of devout believers lost in prayer, hidden away in an upper room, caught up in mystical rapture," says Dr Chris Green, Professor of Public Theology at Southeastern University, Florida. "Pentecost is the story of bewildered not-sure-what-to-believe believers swept out of prayer into the streets, into the public eye. Pentecost is the end of spirituality because the Spirit presses the church into the public square, into public responsibility. Following the Spirit always leads down from the upper room and out to the outer courts."
Peter addresses the crowd and this incredible chapter ends with this summary.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
Again, this has been called the birthday of the Church as God’s new temple, the earthly place where He dwells. The Church is the Body of Christ, the movement of Jesus, the people of God empowered by and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Tragically, many today are unaware of the Holy Spirit or are even afraid of the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church.
Spiritual gifts are mentioned in several passages including 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. They include things such as prophecy, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, leadership, and mercy. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are vital, not to glorify the user, but to serve the Church. The Holy Spirit helps us to pray and understand God’s Word, empowers us to share our faith, and unifies Christians.
The Holy Spirit also produces fruit in the lives of Christ-followers who are humble, prayerful, and surrendered to the LORD.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
If you want an indicator of your spiritual maturity, it can be found here. Are you more loving and self-controlled than you were a year ago? Are you growing in joy, peace, and gentleness? This is what it means to become like Jesus. Would those closest to you say you are increasing in patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness?
I reflect upon this is often, tempted to try harder and manufacture human fruit before reminding myself the pathway to fruit is not striving, but submission, solitude, silence, and slowing down to be fully present with God. We don’t achieve fruit. We naturally produce it when we are connected to God. It doesn’t come by straining, but surrender.
So What?
All of this was prophesied by Jesus in the first chapter of Acts when asked about restoring the kingdom to Israel.
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8)
Earlier, you heard the Lord’s Prayer in several languages. Christianity was the first multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual language in the history of the world. Today, the vision of Jesus’ words is becoming a reality, ultimately leading to worship from every nation, tribe, people and language (Revelation 7:9). Our is not an English faith, a white faith, or a USAmerican faith. It is a global movement filled with people created in the image of God from every corner of the globe.
The mission of College First is to love, equip, and…send. We’re not a country club for members only. We’re a hospital for the sick, preparing wounded healers to offer faith, hope, and love to a broken world. We want to serve Findlay, Ohio, the USA, and the world. We are his witnesses, and the original Greek world implies the possibility of martyrdom. Are you willing to give your life for Jesus? Are you willing to live for the LORD? Are you willing to die for Christ? He was willing to die for you.
Pete Greig writes, “Today we celebrate the birth of this 2000 year-old, 2 billion strong, messed-up, blessed-up, revolutionary movement of justice and love we call The Church. She is not perfect. Many grave sins have been committed. Our hearts must often grieve. But still the Church of Jesus Christ remains the greatest agency of human blessing the world has ever known: starting schools and hospitals, feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, inspiring the greatest art the world has ever known, healing broken families, redeeming cultures and reconciling warring tribes, establishing the foundations for scientific innovation and human flourishing, shaping entire civilizations, and above all, proclaiming today on this Pentecost Sunday the same, stunning good news of salvation for the nations in every generation through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Come Holy Spirit. All of our ministry efforts are pointless without the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift who gives gifts and fruit for the Church…to love and serve the world. May we all be filled with the Holy Spirit and become more like Jesus every day for his glory. Amen!
Mind: Plan for Tomorrow, 17 May 2026
17 05 26 Filed in: Sermons | Matters of Life and Death
Mind: Plan for Tomorrow
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Series: Matters of Life and Death
May 17, 2026
Proverbs 13:20-22
Series Big Idea: You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
Big Idea: It’s never too soon to think about the legacy—or mess—we will leave.
Key Verse: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)
Are you ready to die? There’s a good chance it’s going to happen someday! Death and taxes are certain for all of us. The Psalms say,
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
I realize death is not necessarily the most happy, uplifting thing to think about, but failing to do so has tremendous consequences. As we conclude our three-part series Matters of Life and Death, I want to remind you of Jesus’ summary of the entire Bible. He said,
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)
Two weeks ago, our ministry fellow Alex Miller talked about loving God with all your strength, your body. It’s a temple, a dwelling place for God and deserves care and respect.
Last Sunday, Pastors David and Kimberly spoke about loving God with all your soul, paying attention to your spiritual life and being prepared for death.
Today we’re talking about loving God with all your heart and mind…using your brain to make good choices that actually address Jesus’ next words.
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)
Who do you love more than anyone besides God? Probably your family. Our days are numbered…and we don’t know how many we have left. Obviously senior citizens are likely to die sooner than high school seniors, but tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us. Are you ready?
In addition to living healthy and getting right with God, we must get our affairs in order for those left behind.
Whenever someone asks, “How can I pray for you?” if I’m not in a crisis, I will say, “wisdom.” The Bible is filled with timeless wisdom, much of it contained in the book of Proverbs, often attributed to King Solomon.
Our text comes from the book of Proverbs. It begins,
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20)
That’s wisdom! You are your friends. Choose wisely.
Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. (Proverbs 13:21)
At times, it may seem as if no good deed goes unpunished, but in the end, the righteous will be rewarded, if not in this life.
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. (Proverbs 13:22)
This is our focus today…what we leave behind. About 8500 people will die today in the USA. Some will leave a mess behind…debt, junk, a legacy of abuse and neglect. Others will leave an inheritance, not just money, but a legacy of faith, hope, and love.
I’m going to get extremely practical today. You can take notes now or visit PastorKirk.com later, but there are some things you won’t want to miss.
When people think of preparing for their death, the first thing they usually think about is their…will. Do you have one? Only 26% of USAmericans do. Or do you have a Revocable Living Trust, which has additional benefits? Are beneficiaries named on your assets? What about passwords? Is there a place people can access your login information for bank accounts, bills, and other websites? Is there a list of your assets, including insurance policies, properties, and investments?
My dad died twelve years ago of Alzheimer’s. We had years to prepare…and mom did. His transition to the next life was smooth and easy.
My mother-in-law died four years earlier…unexpectedly. When we took her to the hospital, we never imagined she would never come home. She had assets without beneficiaries, an under-water apartment, boxes of papers, and we spent needless time and money in probate court. It was a stressful mess.
If you died today, will your loved ones be grateful or grumbling about your estate? I’m not even talking about the amount of money, but are things organized? Are your plans written in a legal document? Will your possessions easily transfer? Do you have a “cheat sheet” with passwords for those left behind to settle your affairs? Are your financial wishes clear? Will all your wealth go to your children or have you considered eternal investments such as College First and other ministries? This is about loving well those dearest to us.
You may be thinking, “I’m a student with no assets…and I’ll probably live another 80 years.” Maybe, but maybe not. There’s a saying in the life insurance industry: it’s not for you, but those you leave behind. Speaking of, do you have life insurance? This is especially crucial if you have children at home. It’s never too soon to prepare for death.
Medical Preparation
Preparation for death does not always involve death itself. Do you have a living will? A health care power of attorney? Who will make medical decisions if you are unable to do so? It is imperative that you communicate with loved ones your wishes regarding medical care, especially regarding prolonging your life. Don’t burden others with decisions you can make today. Are your medical wishes clear? Have you completed a HIPPA authorization form?
Funeral Preparation
What about your body? Do you want to be buried? Cremated? A funeral or memorial service? Who do you want to officiate your ceremony? Do you have special songs you want sung, a favorite Bible passage read? Some of us will have months to consider such decisions, but there may be no better time than the present to sketch out some ideas of how you want to be remembered. Are your funeral wishes clear?
Legacy
Obviously, none of us has complete control over how we will be remembered. Even if we plan the most memorable funeral, we will have no say in how others remember us once we’re gone. What will people say at your funeral?
The most important thing you can pass down to your loved ones is not money or even a well-planned memorial service but your legacy, your story, your wisdom, your life. I’ve attended countless funerals and the legacy of the deceased is always apparent.
What do you want on your tombstone? He worked hard and made a lot of money? She was devoted to her hobbies and loved to shop? They generously invested their lives in the next generation, mentoring and tutoring? Their life resembled Jesus and they helped others to know Christ, too?
This is where things get personal in a hurry. Your legacy will not be established during your final breaths. It is established now, today, on an ordinary day, over the course of ordinary days, months, years, decades. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
While you’re at it, write notes to your loved ones. Videotape stories of your childhood. Preserve your memories for future generations.
I was recently introduced to a tool called The Exhale Vault (exhalevault.com). There is a fee, but it guides you through documenting, organizing, and securing your stuff in one place. You can upload videos such as how to change the furnace filter, post letters to loved ones, list passwords, detail investments, share legal documents, and more. You can even grant access to certain items to certain people. This isn’t a commercial and I don’t get a commission, but it has been comforting to me and my wife to have everything in one place.
My dear friend, Ken McIntyre at the University says if you’re in your 20s and 30s, you need to focus on foundation and protection, legal and financial decisions that will matter. Those in their 30s and 40s are in a season of family and asset growth including kids, career growth, and often home ownership. If you’re in your 50s and 60s, it’s time to develop tax and other strategies to preserve wealth, while 70s and beyond is a season to update, finalize, and address healthcare documents.
I also have a list of local resources that can assist with estate planning, legal matters, CPA and finances, and Medicare issues. If you’d like a copy, simply e-mail kirk@collegefirst.org. This isn’t an endorsement, necessarily, but might be a good place to start.
So What?
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die…spiritually and otherwise. This entire message…this entire series has been created to give you a moment to pause, to take inventory, to account for your life and how you are living it…how you are loving God and loving others.
I hope your funeral is decades away, but for some of you it may only be days. I challenge you—for your sake and the sake of your loved ones—to get ready.
Our days are numbered…and we don’t know how many we have left. Now is the time to live healthy, get right with God, and get our affairs in order for those left behind. Now is the time to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Now is the time to love our neighbor—and our loved ones—as ourself.
A message like this can be a downer, but it need not be depressing. Actually, planning for your death can be a tremendous blessing to your loved ones and even to you. As followers of Jesus, we have hope that we truly are going to a better place, but it begins with preparing today for tomorrow. Jesus said,
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matthew 24:42-44)
Faith in Jesus does not promise escape from death. It promises something better, that death does not get the last word. Now go live like you’re dying…because you are! And remember, the best is yet to come!
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Series: Matters of Life and Death
May 17, 2026
Proverbs 13:20-22
Series Big Idea: You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
Big Idea: It’s never too soon to think about the legacy—or mess—we will leave.
Key Verse: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)
Are you ready to die? There’s a good chance it’s going to happen someday! Death and taxes are certain for all of us. The Psalms say,
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die.
I realize death is not necessarily the most happy, uplifting thing to think about, but failing to do so has tremendous consequences. As we conclude our three-part series Matters of Life and Death, I want to remind you of Jesus’ summary of the entire Bible. He said,
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)
Two weeks ago, our ministry fellow Alex Miller talked about loving God with all your strength, your body. It’s a temple, a dwelling place for God and deserves care and respect.
Last Sunday, Pastors David and Kimberly spoke about loving God with all your soul, paying attention to your spiritual life and being prepared for death.
Today we’re talking about loving God with all your heart and mind…using your brain to make good choices that actually address Jesus’ next words.
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)
Who do you love more than anyone besides God? Probably your family. Our days are numbered…and we don’t know how many we have left. Obviously senior citizens are likely to die sooner than high school seniors, but tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us. Are you ready?
In addition to living healthy and getting right with God, we must get our affairs in order for those left behind.
Whenever someone asks, “How can I pray for you?” if I’m not in a crisis, I will say, “wisdom.” The Bible is filled with timeless wisdom, much of it contained in the book of Proverbs, often attributed to King Solomon.
Our text comes from the book of Proverbs. It begins,
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20)
That’s wisdom! You are your friends. Choose wisely.
Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things. (Proverbs 13:21)
At times, it may seem as if no good deed goes unpunished, but in the end, the righteous will be rewarded, if not in this life.
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. (Proverbs 13:22)
This is our focus today…what we leave behind. About 8500 people will die today in the USA. Some will leave a mess behind…debt, junk, a legacy of abuse and neglect. Others will leave an inheritance, not just money, but a legacy of faith, hope, and love.
I’m going to get extremely practical today. You can take notes now or visit PastorKirk.com later, but there are some things you won’t want to miss.
When people think of preparing for their death, the first thing they usually think about is their…will. Do you have one? Only 26% of USAmericans do. Or do you have a Revocable Living Trust, which has additional benefits? Are beneficiaries named on your assets? What about passwords? Is there a place people can access your login information for bank accounts, bills, and other websites? Is there a list of your assets, including insurance policies, properties, and investments?
My dad died twelve years ago of Alzheimer’s. We had years to prepare…and mom did. His transition to the next life was smooth and easy.
My mother-in-law died four years earlier…unexpectedly. When we took her to the hospital, we never imagined she would never come home. She had assets without beneficiaries, an under-water apartment, boxes of papers, and we spent needless time and money in probate court. It was a stressful mess.
If you died today, will your loved ones be grateful or grumbling about your estate? I’m not even talking about the amount of money, but are things organized? Are your plans written in a legal document? Will your possessions easily transfer? Do you have a “cheat sheet” with passwords for those left behind to settle your affairs? Are your financial wishes clear? Will all your wealth go to your children or have you considered eternal investments such as College First and other ministries? This is about loving well those dearest to us.
You may be thinking, “I’m a student with no assets…and I’ll probably live another 80 years.” Maybe, but maybe not. There’s a saying in the life insurance industry: it’s not for you, but those you leave behind. Speaking of, do you have life insurance? This is especially crucial if you have children at home. It’s never too soon to prepare for death.
Medical Preparation
Preparation for death does not always involve death itself. Do you have a living will? A health care power of attorney? Who will make medical decisions if you are unable to do so? It is imperative that you communicate with loved ones your wishes regarding medical care, especially regarding prolonging your life. Don’t burden others with decisions you can make today. Are your medical wishes clear? Have you completed a HIPPA authorization form?
Funeral Preparation
What about your body? Do you want to be buried? Cremated? A funeral or memorial service? Who do you want to officiate your ceremony? Do you have special songs you want sung, a favorite Bible passage read? Some of us will have months to consider such decisions, but there may be no better time than the present to sketch out some ideas of how you want to be remembered. Are your funeral wishes clear?
Legacy
Obviously, none of us has complete control over how we will be remembered. Even if we plan the most memorable funeral, we will have no say in how others remember us once we’re gone. What will people say at your funeral?
The most important thing you can pass down to your loved ones is not money or even a well-planned memorial service but your legacy, your story, your wisdom, your life. I’ve attended countless funerals and the legacy of the deceased is always apparent.
What do you want on your tombstone? He worked hard and made a lot of money? She was devoted to her hobbies and loved to shop? They generously invested their lives in the next generation, mentoring and tutoring? Their life resembled Jesus and they helped others to know Christ, too?
This is where things get personal in a hurry. Your legacy will not be established during your final breaths. It is established now, today, on an ordinary day, over the course of ordinary days, months, years, decades. Today is the first day of the rest of your life!
While you’re at it, write notes to your loved ones. Videotape stories of your childhood. Preserve your memories for future generations.
I was recently introduced to a tool called The Exhale Vault (exhalevault.com). There is a fee, but it guides you through documenting, organizing, and securing your stuff in one place. You can upload videos such as how to change the furnace filter, post letters to loved ones, list passwords, detail investments, share legal documents, and more. You can even grant access to certain items to certain people. This isn’t a commercial and I don’t get a commission, but it has been comforting to me and my wife to have everything in one place.
My dear friend, Ken McIntyre at the University says if you’re in your 20s and 30s, you need to focus on foundation and protection, legal and financial decisions that will matter. Those in their 30s and 40s are in a season of family and asset growth including kids, career growth, and often home ownership. If you’re in your 50s and 60s, it’s time to develop tax and other strategies to preserve wealth, while 70s and beyond is a season to update, finalize, and address healthcare documents.
I also have a list of local resources that can assist with estate planning, legal matters, CPA and finances, and Medicare issues. If you’d like a copy, simply e-mail kirk@collegefirst.org. This isn’t an endorsement, necessarily, but might be a good place to start.
So What?
You’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die…spiritually and otherwise. This entire message…this entire series has been created to give you a moment to pause, to take inventory, to account for your life and how you are living it…how you are loving God and loving others.
I hope your funeral is decades away, but for some of you it may only be days. I challenge you—for your sake and the sake of your loved ones—to get ready.
Our days are numbered…and we don’t know how many we have left. Now is the time to live healthy, get right with God, and get our affairs in order for those left behind. Now is the time to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Now is the time to love our neighbor—and our loved ones—as ourself.
A message like this can be a downer, but it need not be depressing. Actually, planning for your death can be a tremendous blessing to your loved ones and even to you. As followers of Jesus, we have hope that we truly are going to a better place, but it begins with preparing today for tomorrow. Jesus said,
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matthew 24:42-44)
Faith in Jesus does not promise escape from death. It promises something better, that death does not get the last word. Now go live like you’re dying…because you are! And remember, the best is yet to come!