Trust Fund | Generosity; A Biblical Approach to Money, Generosity & Legacy | Pastor Randy Bezet

Well, good morning everyone. Well, good morning everyone. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> Who's glad to be at church today? >> Who's glad to be at church today? >> Who's glad to be at church today? >> Me. >> Me. >> Me. >> IT'S SO GOOD TO HAVE YOU GUYS. We uh of >> IT'S SO GOOD TO HAVE YOU GUYS. We uh of >> IT'S SO GOOD TO HAVE YOU GUYS. We uh of course we have those online uh at the course we have those online uh at the course we have those online uh at the county jails and also to our other county jails and also to our other county jails and also to our other locations. So, come on, let's welcome locations. So, come on, let's welcome locations. So, come on, let's welcome the rest of our family. Good to have you the rest of our family. Good to have you the rest of our family. Good to have you guys with us. guys with us. guys with us. >> [applause] >> So, uh we are concluding a two-week >> So, uh we are concluding a two-week series today on finances. Everybody say, series today on finances. Everybody say, series today on finances. Everybody say, "Woohoo." "Woohoo." "Woohoo." >> Woohoo. >> Woohoo. >> Woohoo. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Hey, that's pretty good. >> Hey, that's pretty good. >> Hey, that's pretty good. Uh the reason why we're doing this is is Uh the reason why we're doing this is is Uh the reason why we're doing this is is really twofold, but the first one is and really twofold, but the first one is and really twofold, but the first one is and I and I shared a lot of this last week, I and I shared a lot of this last week, I and I shared a lot of this last week, but you you know what's interesting but you you know what's interesting but you you know what's interesting about church? That the average person about church? That the average person about church? That the average person only attends church twice a month. only attends church twice a month. only attends church twice a month. Now, I know you guys are not average. Now, I know you guys are not average. Now, I know you guys are not average. You're way way above average, so you're You're way way above average, so you're You're way way above average, so you're only like once a month. only like once a month. only like once a month. Just kidding. So, uh Just kidding. So, uh Just kidding. So, uh so anyway, I'm going to I'm going to so anyway, I'm going to I'm going to so anyway, I'm going to I'm going to make sure you understand this as I set make sure you understand this as I set make sure you understand this as I set this up today because a lot of you this up today because a lot of you this up today because a lot of you probably didn't hear this that right now probably didn't hear this that right now probably didn't hear this that right now Americans are in financial stress.

Americans are in financial stress. Americans are in financial stress. Really, they say it's it's the highest Really, they say it's it's the highest Really, they say it's it's the highest that it's been in their lives as long as that it's been in their lives as long as that it's been in their lives as long as they even can remember. It's actually they even can remember. It's actually they even can remember. It's actually the number one stressor in families' the number one stressor in families' the number one stressor in families' homes today. homes today. homes today. And 69% of Americans say that it affects And 69% of Americans say that it affects And 69% of Americans say that it affects their sleep and even causes depression their sleep and even causes depression their sleep and even causes depression in their lives. in their lives. in their lives. So, I don't know if you guys are feeling So, I don't know if you guys are feeling So, I don't know if you guys are feeling it, but inflation, right, is a big deal, it, but inflation, right, is a big deal, it, but inflation, right, is a big deal, right? right? right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so, what this is saying to me, the >> And so, what this is saying to me, the >> And so, what this is saying to me, the way that this money situation or way that this money situation or way that this money situation or finances is impacting people is that it finances is impacting people is that it finances is impacting people is that it isn't just a a numbers thing. It isn't isn't just a a numbers thing. It isn't isn't just a a numbers thing. It isn't just a spreadsheet thing. It's an just a spreadsheet thing. It's an just a spreadsheet thing. It's an emotional thing and I submit to you it emotional thing and I submit to you it emotional thing and I submit to you it is a spiritual thing as well. is a spiritual thing as well. is a spiritual thing as well. Did you know that the tension that Did you know that the tension that Did you know that the tension that Americans are in right now, the studies Americans are in right now, the studies Americans are in right now, the studies that just came out from the Federal that just came out from the Federal that just came out from the Federal Reserve says that only 63% of Americans Reserve says that only 63% of Americans Reserve says that only 63% of Americans could cover a $500 emergency if they had could cover a $500 emergency if they had could cover a $500 emergency if they had to use cash for whatever the emergency to use cash for whatever the emergency to use cash for whatever the emergency was. They're having to use credit cards was. They're having to use credit cards was. They're having to use credit cards cuz they don't have cash. That means cuz they don't have cash. That means cuz they don't have cash. That means four out of 10 Americans, they don't four out of 10 Americans, they don't four out of 10 Americans, they don't have $500 have $500 have $500 when their tires go out or the air when their tires go out or the air when their tires go out or the air conditioning breaks or or something goes conditioning breaks or or something goes conditioning breaks or or something goes wrong. And so it puts all this pressure, wrong. And so it puts all this pressure, wrong. And so it puts all this pressure, so much so that people are actually so much so that people are actually so much so that people are actually putting off medical procedures cuz how putting off medical procedures cuz how putting off medical procedures cuz how many of y'all know many of y'all know many of y'all know medical care is is skyrocketing as well.

medical care is is skyrocketing as well. medical care is is skyrocketing as well. People are actually Listen to this that People are actually Listen to this that People are actually Listen to this that they say that um they say that um they say that um 18% or I'm sorry, 26% of Americans have 18% or I'm sorry, 26% of Americans have 18% or I'm sorry, 26% of Americans have skipped medical care because of this. skipped medical care because of this. skipped medical care because of this. In other words, what's going on in our In other words, what's going on in our In other words, what's going on in our financial life in America right now is financial life in America right now is financial life in America right now is people aren't making progress. They're people aren't making progress. They're people aren't making progress. They're just one more emergency away from just one more emergency away from just one more emergency away from another stress calls or in their lives. another stress calls or in their lives. another stress calls or in their lives. And so that's the reason why we're doing And so that's the reason why we're doing And so that's the reason why we're doing this series is because that's where this series is because that's where this series is because that's where Americans are right now. But the reason Americans are right now. But the reason Americans are right now. But the reason why we find ourselves here is there's why we find ourselves here is there's why we find ourselves here is there's two reasons why. First one is we have two reasons why. First one is we have two reasons why. First one is we have the wrong view of money. the wrong view of money. the wrong view of money. Like the way we think about money, the Like the way we think about money, the Like the way we think about money, the way we process money, and the way that way we process money, and the way that way we process money, and the way that we use money, it actually I think is we use money, it actually I think is we use money, it actually I think is compounding the problem. It actually compounding the problem. It actually compounding the problem. It actually causes more stress. We don't understand causes more stress. We don't understand causes more stress. We don't understand the value of what the resources that God the value of what the resources that God the value of what the resources that God has given us. The good news is the Bible has given us. The good news is the Bible has given us. The good news is the Bible speaks a lot about this. speaks a lot about this. speaks a lot about this. And so because if we have the wrong view And so because if we have the wrong view And so because if we have the wrong view of money, then we're going to spend it, of money, then we're going to spend it, of money, then we're going to spend it, we're going to use it the wrong way. And we're going to use it the wrong way. And we're going to use it the wrong way. And the main reason why I would to you guys the main reason why I would to you guys the main reason why I would to you guys that we here at Bayside are experiencing that we here at Bayside are experiencing that we here at Bayside are experiencing that is because I haven't been teaching that is because I haven't been teaching that is because I haven't been teaching you guys financial principles.

you guys financial principles. you guys financial principles. I don't know I I I told you guys this I don't know I I I told you guys this I don't know I I I told you guys this last week and this happened to me one last week and this happened to me one last week and this happened to me one other time in 2010 in the church, but I other time in 2010 in the church, but I other time in 2010 in the church, but I just haven't been teaching on it. And I just haven't been teaching on it. And I just haven't been teaching on it. And I feel like people, you know, a lot of feel like people, you know, a lot of feel like people, you know, a lot of times people say all the church wants is times people say all the church wants is times people say all the church wants is my money anyway. Oh, and that big mega my money anyway. Oh, and that big mega my money anyway. Oh, and that big mega church, they're just, you know, trying church, they're just, you know, trying church, they're just, you know, trying to buy more airplanes. It's like, no, to buy more airplanes. It's like, no, to buy more airplanes. It's like, no, we're not doing any of that stuff. We're we're not doing any of that stuff. We're we're not doing any of that stuff. We're trying to make it hard for people to go trying to make it hard for people to go trying to make it hard for people to go to hell, right?" All over the West Coast to hell, right?" All over the West Coast to hell, right?" All over the West Coast of Florida. of Florida. of Florida. But But that's what people think. And But But that's what people think. And But But that's what people think. And so, I apologize because we teach on so, I apologize because we teach on so, I apologize because we teach on every spiritual principle you can, but every spiritual principle you can, but every spiritual principle you can, but we haven't been teaching on this. Now, we haven't been teaching on this. Now, we haven't been teaching on this. Now, we talk about money, but we haven't been we talk about money, but we haven't been we talk about money, but we haven't been teaching it. And that's why the Bible teaching it. And that's why the Bible teaching it. And that's why the Bible says this in Hosea. says this in Hosea. says this in Hosea. The Lord is saying, "My people are The Lord is saying, "My people are The Lord is saying, "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." destroyed for a lack of knowledge." destroyed for a lack of knowledge." Destroyed, coming undone, dealing with Destroyed, coming undone, dealing with Destroyed, coming undone, dealing with unnecessary things because you don't unnecessary things because you don't unnecessary things because you don't know. And the reason why you don't know know. And the reason why you don't know know. And the reason why you don't know is because I haven't been teaching it. is because I haven't been teaching it. is because I haven't been teaching it. So, y'all please forgive your pastor, So, y'all please forgive your pastor, So, y'all please forgive your pastor, okay? And so, that's the reason why we okay? And so, that's the reason why we okay? And so, that's the reason why we done this series, and we're going to done this series, and we're going to done this series, and we're going to talk about it more as well, because talk about it more as well, because talk about it more as well, because until we start walking in the blessings until we start walking in the blessings until we start walking in the blessings and the provisions of the Lord, I'm and the provisions of the Lord, I'm and the provisions of the Lord, I'm going to keep teaching on it. Amen?

going to keep teaching on it. Amen? going to keep teaching on it. Amen? Because what I have found is every year Because what I have found is every year Because what I have found is every year we do a survey as well at all of our we do a survey as well at all of our we do a survey as well at all of our Christmas services, and we ask, "What is Christmas services, and we ask, "What is Christmas services, and we ask, "What is it that you want to hear sermon titles it that you want to hear sermon titles it that you want to hear sermon titles on?" And these topics like, on?" And these topics like, on?" And these topics like, uh, uh, uh, you know, depression or anxiety keep you know, depression or anxiety keep you know, depression or anxiety keep coming up, and we teach on it, and then coming up, and we teach on it, and then coming up, and we teach on it, and then the survey says the same thing again the the survey says the same thing again the the survey says the same thing again the next year. And so, my prayer is that next year. And so, my prayer is that next year. And so, my prayer is that we're not just going to hear this we're not just going to hear this we're not just going to hear this message message message about finances, but we're going to about finances, but we're going to about finances, but we're going to implement it. So, last week we started implement it. So, last week we started implement it. So, last week we started with putting God first. Everybody say, with putting God first. Everybody say, with putting God first. Everybody say, "God first." "God first." "God first." The Bible says in Proverbs that we have The Bible says in Proverbs that we have The Bible says in Proverbs that we have to honor the Lord with our firstfruits, to honor the Lord with our firstfruits, to honor the Lord with our firstfruits, and then he will fill our barns. I don't and then he will fill our barns. I don't and then he will fill our barns. I don't have a barn, but y'all know what I mean. have a barn, but y'all know what I mean. have a barn, but y'all know what I mean. He'll provide the resources you need. He'll provide the resources you need. He'll provide the resources you need. And so, And so, And so, uh, that's the first topic. And then, uh, that's the first topic. And then, uh, that's the first topic. And then, tonight at all of our campuses at 5:00, tonight at all of our campuses at 5:00, tonight at all of our campuses at 5:00, we're doing a a workshop, a financial we're doing a a workshop, a financial we're doing a a workshop, a financial workshop. We're going to give you workshop. We're going to give you workshop. We're going to give you training. We're going to give you tools. training. We're going to give you tools. training. We're going to give you tools. We actually have this whole, uh, tool, We actually have this whole, uh, tool, We actually have this whole, uh, tool, this resources that was given to us that this resources that was given to us that this resources that was given to us that we're going to get to give it away free we're going to get to give it away free we're going to get to give it away free to you that will help you manage and use to you that will help you manage and use to you that will help you manage and use your resources in the right way. We're your resources in the right way. We're your resources in the right way. We're going to help you create a vision for going to help you create a vision for going to help you create a vision for your life financially.

your life financially. your life financially. Like where if my life financially could Like where if my life financially could Like where if my life financially could be anywhere I want it to be, here's be anywhere I want it to be, here's be anywhere I want it to be, here's where it needs to be. And then we're where it needs to be. And then we're where it needs to be. And then we're going to help you build a plan and give going to help you build a plan and give going to help you build a plan and give you the tools and the resources to do you the tools and the resources to do you the tools and the resources to do that. Everybody say, "Praise God." that. Everybody say, "Praise God." that. Everybody say, "Praise God." And so 5:00 today, we got child care and And so 5:00 today, we got child care and And so 5:00 today, we got child care and we're providing dinner. we're providing dinner. we're providing dinner. So, at all of our campuses at 5:00. And So, at all of our campuses at 5:00. And So, at all of our campuses at 5:00. And so, that's important because we need to so, that's important because we need to so, that's important because we need to know how to use the resources that God know how to use the resources that God know how to use the resources that God has given us. I saw this quote and I has given us. I saw this quote and I has given us. I saw this quote and I don't know who it was, so I'm going to don't know who it was, so I'm going to don't know who it was, so I'm going to take credit for it, okay? take credit for it, okay? take credit for it, okay? It says, "Your body is the result of a It says, "Your body is the result of a It says, "Your body is the result of a thousand meals that you've eaten. thousand meals that you've eaten. thousand meals that you've eaten. Your mind is the result of a thousand Your mind is the result of a thousand Your mind is the result of a thousand conversations that you've had. conversations that you've had. conversations that you've had. And your finances are a result of the And your finances are a result of the And your finances are a result of the last thousand decisions that you've last thousand decisions that you've last thousand decisions that you've made." made." made." And here's what I thought was And here's what I thought was And here's what I thought was interesting. Nothing about your current interesting. Nothing about your current interesting. Nothing about your current situation is a mystery, it's simply a situation is a mystery, it's simply a situation is a mystery, it's simply a receipt. And so, what that what that means is if And so, what that what that means is if we're in situations where we are under we're in situations where we are under we're in situations where we are under stress regarding finances, then there stress regarding finances, then there stress regarding finances, then there are probably some decisions that have are probably some decisions that have are probably some decisions that have been made that have led us here. And and been made that have led us here. And and been made that have led us here. And and it doesn't mean that we've made bad it doesn't mean that we've made bad it doesn't mean that we've made bad decisions, sometimes there's decisions, sometimes there's decisions, sometimes there's catastrophic things that happen that put catastrophic things that happen that put catastrophic things that happen that put us in situations like this. And so, how us in situations like this. And so, how us in situations like this. And so, how can we actually begin to stack can we actually begin to stack can we actually begin to stack principles on top of each other so we principles on top of each other so we principles on top of each other so we can say my last thousand decisions can say my last thousand decisions can say my last thousand decisions actually have placed me in a better spot actually have placed me in a better spot actually have placed me in a better spot than our previous was. Somebody ought to than our previous was. Somebody ought to than our previous was. Somebody ought to say Amen to that.

say Amen to that. say Amen to that. So, that's why we're talking about this. So, that's why we're talking about this. So, that's why we're talking about this. And today, I'm going to give you this And today, I'm going to give you this And today, I'm going to give you this particular particular particular thesis, if you will, uh that I want to thesis, if you will, uh that I want to thesis, if you will, uh that I want to talk about today in generosity. talk about today in generosity. talk about today in generosity. Everybody say, "Generosity." Everybody say, "Generosity." Everybody say, "Generosity." Because a successful life is measured by Because a successful life is measured by Because a successful life is measured by what you accumulate, what you accumulate, what you accumulate, but a significant life is measured by but a significant life is measured by but a significant life is measured by what you leave behind. what you leave behind. what you leave behind. And generosity is the only way to And generosity is the only way to And generosity is the only way to accomplish leaving something behind that accomplish leaving something behind that accomplish leaving something behind that will last forever. Jesus said, "Don't will last forever. Jesus said, "Don't will last forever. Jesus said, "Don't store for yourselves treasures in heaven store for yourselves treasures in heaven store for yourselves treasures in heaven or in on earth or in on earth or in on earth where moths and venom or vermin destroy where moths and venom or vermin destroy where moths and venom or vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal, and where thieves break in and steal, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in but store up for yourselves treasures in but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not heaven where moths and vermin do not heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break destroy and where thieves do not break destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure in and steal. For where your treasure in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." is, there your heart will be also." is, there your heart will be also." Uh I want to uh show you guys uh Uh I want to uh show you guys uh Uh I want to uh show you guys uh something that I think is important that something that I think is important that something that I think is important that we understand how this storing up we understand how this storing up we understand how this storing up treasures in heaven works and being treasures in heaven works and being treasures in heaven works and being generous. Everybody say generous.

generous. Everybody say generous. generous. Everybody say generous. I'm holding I think the most ridiculous I'm holding I think the most ridiculous I'm holding I think the most ridiculous decision I've ever made in my life decision I've ever made in my life decision I've ever made in my life is what I'm holding in my hand right is what I'm holding in my hand right is what I'm holding in my hand right here. What I'm holding right here is a here. What I'm holding right here is a here. What I'm holding right here is a million Iraqi dinars. million Iraqi dinars. million Iraqi dinars. And those of you that were adult age in And those of you that were adult age in And those of you that were adult age in the early to the mid-2000s, like 2005 the early to the mid-2000s, like 2005 the early to the mid-2000s, like 2005 and 6, when uh Iraq was completely and 6, when uh Iraq was completely and 6, when uh Iraq was completely destroyed, you know, from the the Gulf destroyed, you know, from the the Gulf destroyed, you know, from the the Gulf War, War, War, and and Saddam Hussein fell. and and Saddam Hussein fell. and and Saddam Hussein fell. As a result of that, the country was in As a result of that, the country was in As a result of that, the country was in a a mess. So, there came this scam that a a mess. So, there came this scam that a a mess. So, there came this scam that if you would buy these Iraqi dinars, if you would buy these Iraqi dinars, if you would buy these Iraqi dinars, then it's going to revalue that the then it's going to revalue that the then it's going to revalue that the currency is going to revalue like it was currency is going to revalue like it was currency is going to revalue like it was when it was in its peak in 1990s. So, when it was in its peak in 1990s. So, when it was in its peak in 1990s. So, you could buy these for like $300, you could buy these for like $300, you could buy these for like $300, but one day it's going to be worth at but one day it's going to be worth at but one day it's going to be worth at least a million or it could even be more least a million or it could even be more least a million or it could even be more than that. Biggest scam ever. than that. Biggest scam ever. than that. Biggest scam ever. I paid $300 for this. You know what it's I paid $300 for this. You know what it's I paid $300 for this. You know what it's worth right now? $459.76.

This thing never is going to revalue, This thing never is going to revalue, right? right? right? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And I want you guys to understand today >> And I want you guys to understand today >> And I want you guys to understand today is that you and I think sometimes the is that you and I think sometimes the is that you and I think sometimes the things we are doing are going to bring things we are doing are going to bring things we are doing are going to bring the value to our life that we want. And the value to our life that we want. And the value to our life that we want. And I submit to you, not that we shouldn't I submit to you, not that we shouldn't I submit to you, not that we shouldn't enjoy life and that we shouldn't have enjoy life and that we shouldn't have enjoy life and that we shouldn't have fun. WE LIVE IN FLORIDA, COME ON, MAN. I fun. WE LIVE IN FLORIDA, COME ON, MAN. I fun. WE LIVE IN FLORIDA, COME ON, MAN. I mean, it is hot right now. mean, it is hot right now. mean, it is hot right now. Like hot as hell. Like hot as hell. Like hot as hell. I think if I preached on hell right now I think if I preached on hell right now I think if I preached on hell right now and we all went outside, everybody get and we all went outside, everybody get and we all went outside, everybody get saved. Okay. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> But I think >> But I think >> But I think I think what what the problem is is we I think what what the problem is is we I think what what the problem is is we don't don't don't we're not investing our lives in the we're not investing our lives in the we're not investing our lives in the right thing that's going to revalue. So, right thing that's going to revalue. So, right thing that's going to revalue. So, that's what I want to teach you about that's what I want to teach you about that's what I want to teach you about today. today. today. Luke chapter 10. Everybody got a Bible? Luke chapter 10. Everybody got a Bible? Luke chapter 10. Everybody got a Bible? Hold it up. Let me see. Printed Bibles. Hold it up. Let me see. Printed Bibles. Hold it up. Let me see. Printed Bibles. Digital Bibles, hold them up. Digital Bibles, hold them up. Digital Bibles, hold them up. All right. I want you to turn to Luke All right. I want you to turn to Luke All right. I want you to turn to Luke chapter 10. chapter 10. chapter 10. We're going to study a passage that is We're going to study a passage that is We're going to study a passage that is going to teach us how we can in our going to teach us how we can in our going to teach us how we can in our everyday lives everyday lives everyday lives uh use it to store up treasures uh use it to store up treasures uh use it to store up treasures in heaven. Okay, Luke 10.

in heaven. Okay, Luke 10. in heaven. Okay, Luke 10. 25 through 29. On one occasion, an 25 through 29. On one occasion, an 25 through 29. On one occasion, an expert of the law stood up to test expert of the law stood up to test expert of the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do do do to inherit eternal life?" to inherit eternal life?" to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the law?" he "What is written in the law?" he "What is written in the law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He replied. "How do you read it?" He replied. "How do you read it?" He answered, "Love the Lord your God with answered, "Love the Lord your God with answered, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your heart, with all your soul, and all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all with all your strength, and with all with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as your mind, and love your neighbor as your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." "You have answered yourself." "You have answered yourself." "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will li- live." you will li- live." you will li- live." But he wanted to just him- justify But he wanted to just him- justify But he wanted to just him- justify himself, so he asked the Lord, "Who is himself, so he asked the Lord, "Who is himself, so he asked the Lord, "Who is my neighbor?" Can we pray? my neighbor?" Can we pray? my neighbor?" Can we pray? Would you close your eyes and Would you close your eyes and Would you close your eyes and open your hearts up. God, thank you for open your hearts up. God, thank you for open your hearts up. God, thank you for the word today. the word today. the word today. Help me to preach it in such a way that Help me to preach it in such a way that Help me to preach it in such a way that it is received. I come against any it is received. I come against any it is received. I come against any attack of the devil to try to steal attack of the devil to try to steal attack of the devil to try to steal this, but we are living our lives in this, but we are living our lives in this, but we are living our lives in such a way with eternity in mind. And I such a way with eternity in mind. And I such a way with eternity in mind. And I pray God that you would help me. I pray pray God that you would help me. I pray pray God that you would help me. I pray you would touch my body as I'm I'm sick you would touch my body as I'm I'm sick you would touch my body as I'm I'm sick and feeling bad. I pray you just heal me and feeling bad. I pray you just heal me and feeling bad. I pray you just heal me right now in Jesus' name. Devil, you right now in Jesus' name. Devil, you right now in Jesus' name. Devil, you will not steal the word today. Amen.

will not steal the word today. Amen. will not steal the word today. Amen. Come on, give Jesus some praise, would Come on, give Jesus some praise, would Come on, give Jesus some praise, would you? you? you? >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And as you listen today, y'all y'all >> And as you listen today, y'all y'all >> And as you listen today, y'all y'all pray for me cuz I really am pretty sick. pray for me cuz I really am pretty sick. pray for me cuz I really am pretty sick. Anyway, Anyway, Anyway, so you know it's going to be good. so you know it's going to be good. so you know it's going to be good. Everybody say it's going to be good. Everybody say it's going to be good. Everybody say it's going to be good. All right, here's what we can learn. All right, here's what we can learn. All right, here's what we can learn. The law or God's love. The law or God's love. The law or God's love. When it comes to being generous, When it comes to being generous, When it comes to being generous, what this person was asking really was what this person was asking really was what this person was asking really was the difference between what's the law the difference between what's the law the difference between what's the law say and what exactly does God's love say and what exactly does God's love say and what exactly does God's love say? say? say? Cuz he came and says, "How do I have Cuz he came and says, "How do I have Cuz he came and says, "How do I have eternal life?" And that's a great eternal life?" And that's a great eternal life?" And that's a great question to ask God, right? God, how can question to ask God, right? God, how can question to ask God, right? God, how can I live in the fullness of the life that I live in the fullness of the life that I live in the fullness of the life that you have for me? you have for me? you have for me? But he did it in such a way where he was But he did it in such a way where he was But he did it in such a way where he was asking God, "What's the least amount asking God, "What's the least amount asking God, "What's the least amount that he can do?" that he can do?" that he can do?" He was a lawyer. They always are trying to figure out a They always are trying to figure out a way, right? To skirt by some things. If way, right? To skirt by some things. If way, right? To skirt by some things. If you're a lawyer, thank God for you, and you're a lawyer, thank God for you, and you're a lawyer, thank God for you, and sometimes sometimes sometimes not so. Depends on what side you're on, not so. Depends on what side you're on, not so. Depends on what side you're on, right? right? right? He and he it says that he did this to He and he it says that he did this to He and he it says that he did this to test Jesus.

test Jesus. test Jesus. I don't know about you, but I I don't know about you, but I I don't know about you, but I I don't like test. I don't like test. I don't like test. I didn't do so good in test. In fact, I I didn't do so good in test. In fact, I I didn't do so good in test. In fact, I had to take the ACT three times to get a had to take the ACT three times to get a had to take the ACT three times to get a 21 so I could go to LSU. 21 so I could go to LSU. 21 so I could go to LSU. And we added them all up together to And we added them all up together to And we added them all up together to equal 21, right? But we studied last week where the Bible But we studied last week where the Bible says that you can test Jesus when it says that you can test Jesus when it says that you can test Jesus when it comes to honoring him with your first. comes to honoring him with your first. comes to honoring him with your first. And so this guy is testing Jesus in the And so this guy is testing Jesus in the And so this guy is testing Jesus in the wrong way. Like to see what's the least wrong way. Like to see what's the least wrong way. Like to see what's the least amount I can do and actually still make amount I can do and actually still make amount I can do and actually still make it to heaven. it to heaven. it to heaven. And And And I have a feeling that you and I need to I have a feeling that you and I need to I have a feeling that you and I need to get to the place where we realize God, get to the place where we realize God, get to the place where we realize God, it's not a matter do I have to be it's not a matter do I have to be it's not a matter do I have to be generous to people? Do I have to help generous to people? Do I have to help generous to people? Do I have to help serve other people? But God, does your serve other people? But God, does your serve other people? But God, does your love impact me in such a way that I want love impact me in such a way that I want love impact me in such a way that I want to store up treasures in heaven? to store up treasures in heaven? to store up treasures in heaven? See, our love for God is shown in how we See, our love for God is shown in how we See, our love for God is shown in how we love others. love others. love others. It's our neighbor. It's our neighbor. It's our neighbor. That's what it says, "Love your neighbor That's what it says, "Love your neighbor That's what it says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." That word is plēsion, as yourself." That word is plēsion, as yourself." That word is plēsion, which means someone that you come in which means someone that you come in which means someone that you come in contact with.

contact with. contact with. Basically, your neighbor is people that Basically, your neighbor is people that Basically, your neighbor is people that are sitting by you at church right now. are sitting by you at church right now. are sitting by you at church right now. Your neighbor is at the public grocery Your neighbor is at the public grocery Your neighbor is at the public grocery store, and at Detwiler's, and at First store, and at Detwiler's, and at First store, and at Detwiler's, and at First Watch, and all the places you go eat. Watch, and all the places you go eat. Watch, and all the places you go eat. When you run into people, God wants you When you run into people, God wants you When you run into people, God wants you to realize that he's put you here on a to realize that he's put you here on a to realize that he's put you here on a purpose, not to just make you purpose, not to just make you purpose, not to just make you comfortable, but to challenge you to comfortable, but to challenge you to comfortable, but to challenge you to impact other people. impact other people. impact other people. Somebody ought to say amen to that. Somebody ought to say amen to that. Somebody ought to say amen to that. That's how we store up treasures That's how we store up treasures That's how we store up treasures in heaven. And then it goes on in Luke in heaven. And then it goes on in Luke in heaven. And then it goes on in Luke 10, back in the air verses 30 through 10, back in the air verses 30 through 10, back in the air verses 30 through 33. 33. 33. Jesus replied, "A man was going down to Jesus replied, "A man was going down to Jesus replied, "A man was going down to Jerusalem." He's going to explain to him Jerusalem." He's going to explain to him Jerusalem." He's going to explain to him who his neighbor is, right? who his neighbor is, right? who his neighbor is, right? And when he was attacked by the robbers, And when he was attacked by the robbers, And when he was attacked by the robbers, they stripped him of his clothes. They they stripped him of his clothes. They they stripped him of his clothes. They beat him, and he went away, leaving him beat him, and he went away, leaving him beat him, and he went away, leaving him half dead. half dead. half dead. A priest happened to be going down the A priest happened to be going down the A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he same road, and when he saw the man, he same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by the other side. So too, a passed by the other side. So too, a passed by the other side. So too, a Levite. When he came to the place and Levite. When he came to the place and Levite. When he came to the place and saw him, he passed by on the other side. saw him, he passed by on the other side. saw him, he passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was, and when he saw him, where the man was, and when he saw him, where the man was, and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Okay, write this he took pity on him. Okay, write this he took pity on him. Okay, write this down. Generosity sees what others walk down. Generosity sees what others walk down. Generosity sees what others walk past.

Think about this. God's love should go Think about this. God's love should go from duty to action. from duty to action. from duty to action. And and this guy was knowing, "What is And and this guy was knowing, "What is And and this guy was knowing, "What is my duty? What do I have to do?" And God my duty? What do I have to do?" And God my duty? What do I have to do?" And God is always going to say, "Look, if you is always going to say, "Look, if you is always going to say, "Look, if you truly love me, love the Lord with all truly love me, love the Lord with all truly love me, love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, your heart, mind, soul, and strength, your heart, mind, soul, and strength, then you're also going to love your then you're also going to love your then you're also going to love your neighbor as yourself." And the the neighbor as yourself." And the the neighbor as yourself." And the the Samaritan is the only one that acted. Samaritan is the only one that acted. Samaritan is the only one that acted. See, it's going to take you and I being See, it's going to take you and I being See, it's going to take you and I being inconvenienced a little bit in order to inconvenienced a little bit in order to inconvenienced a little bit in order to make a difference in this community. In make a difference in this community. In make a difference in this community. In order for us to make a difference in our order for us to make a difference in our order for us to make a difference in our family, in our workplaces, we can't just family, in our workplaces, we can't just family, in our workplaces, we can't just say, "Hey God, I just want to serve you say, "Hey God, I just want to serve you say, "Hey God, I just want to serve you so you can make me comfortable." God is so you can make me comfortable." God is so you can make me comfortable." God is setting us up in a place and with the setting us up in a place and with the setting us up in a place and with the relationships you have so that you can relationships you have so that you can relationships you have so that you can share the love of God with other people. share the love of God with other people. share the love of God with other people. Amen? Amen? Amen? I found this incredible story I found this incredible story I found this incredible story of these uh seminary students. And uh of these uh seminary students. And uh of these uh seminary students. And uh this happened several years ago, but this happened several years ago, but this happened several years ago, but these seminary students had to prepare these seminary students had to prepare these seminary students had to prepare uh uh uh a message, if you will, on the Good a message, if you will, on the Good a message, if you will, on the Good Samaritan. Samaritan. Samaritan. And so they showed up for class that And so they showed up for class that And so they showed up for class that day, and when they got to their class, day, and when they got to their class, day, and when they got to their class, the people there at the class said, the people there at the class said, the people there at the class said, "Hey, listen, it's gotten changed. It's "Hey, listen, it's gotten changed. It's "Hey, listen, it's gotten changed. It's in another building across the campus.

in another building across the campus. in another building across the campus. You better hurry up and get over there." You better hurry up and get over there." You better hurry up and get over there." And they strategically placed the guy And they strategically placed the guy And they strategically placed the guy that was hurting and kind of that was hurting and kind of that was hurting and kind of homeless-looking, if you will, on their homeless-looking, if you will, on their homeless-looking, if you will, on their path. They had to pass right by him. So path. They had to pass right by him. So path. They had to pass right by him. So on their way on their way on their way to preach a message on the Good to preach a message on the Good to preach a message on the Good Samaritan, 90% of those students walked Samaritan, 90% of those students walked Samaritan, 90% of those students walked right past him right past him right past him and didn't stop. and didn't stop. and didn't stop. Isn't that so funny, right? Going to Isn't that so funny, right? Going to Isn't that so funny, right? Going to preach a sermon on the Good Samaritan, preach a sermon on the Good Samaritan, preach a sermon on the Good Samaritan, right? right? right? They also did another study, and they They also did another study, and they They also did another study, and they they did it in such a way where those they did it in such a way where those they did it in such a way where those people were going to those students were people were going to those students were people were going to those students were going to walk by the same person, but going to walk by the same person, but going to walk by the same person, but they didn't tell them they were running they didn't tell them they were running they didn't tell them they were running late. So they had time to stop. 63% of late. So they had time to stop. 63% of late. So they had time to stop. 63% of them stopped them stopped them stopped when they weren't so busy. when they weren't so busy. when they weren't so busy. Here's the thing that I've heard someone Here's the thing that I've heard someone Here's the thing that I've heard someone say before. If the devil can't make you say before. If the devil can't make you say before. If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy. And we get so busy in life so many times And we get so busy in life so many times that we don't have time to stop and help that we don't have time to stop and help that we don't have time to stop and help someone else. We just like even my own someone else. We just like even my own someone else. We just like even my own life. Listen, I got so convicted about life. Listen, I got so convicted about life. Listen, I got so convicted about this when I was studying this week.

this when I was studying this week. this when I was studying this week. And what I realized is that I've talked And what I realized is that I've talked And what I realized is that I've talked about this before. I'm hanging out in about this before. I'm hanging out in about this before. I'm hanging out in the foyer a lot of times, and and Amy's the foyer a lot of times, and and Amy's the foyer a lot of times, and and Amy's out there as well. And Amy will talk to out there as well. And Amy will talk to out there as well. And Amy will talk to one person for, you know, 10 minutes and one person for, you know, 10 minutes and one person for, you know, 10 minutes and I teach her, "No, Amy, there's so many I teach her, "No, Amy, there's so many I teach her, "No, Amy, there's so many people. We got to stick and move. Stick people. We got to stick and move. Stick people. We got to stick and move. Stick and move." and move." and move." Say hello, how you doing, and you know, Say hello, how you doing, and you know, Say hello, how you doing, and you know, talk to somebody else. Stick and move. talk to somebody else. Stick and move. talk to somebody else. Stick and move. Stick and move. Not Amy. Stick and move. Not Amy. Stick and move. Not Amy. She sits there with him and just locks She sits there with him and just locks She sits there with him and just locks in on them. in on them. in on them. And you know what? I think she has it And you know what? I think she has it And you know what? I think she has it right. right. right. She does. She does. She does. >> [applause] >> And I think so many times we're just >> And I think so many times we're just looking for the next thing, right? Where looking for the next thing, right? Where looking for the next thing, right? Where Where am I going next? And what's on my Where am I going next? And what's on my Where am I going next? And what's on my list? And where do I need to get to in a list? And where do I need to get to in a list? And where do I need to get to in a hurry? I do that walking through here hurry? I do that walking through here hurry? I do that walking through here like I'm in a hurry. like I'm in a hurry. like I'm in a hurry. Jesus walked slowly through the crowds. Jesus walked slowly through the crowds. Jesus walked slowly through the crowds. And I think he was pretty busy. How many And I think he was pretty busy. How many And I think he was pretty busy. How many of y'all know he had a big to-do list, of y'all know he had a big to-do list, of y'all know he had a big to-do list, right? right? right? But he modeled that for us as well. And But he modeled that for us as well. And But he modeled that for us as well. And so we have to be willing to be so we have to be willing to be so we have to be willing to be inconvenienced. We have to be willing inconvenienced. We have to be willing inconvenienced. We have to be willing not just to see, but actually God wants not just to see, but actually God wants not just to see, but actually God wants to use us. In fact, I would submit to to use us. In fact, I would submit to to use us. In fact, I would submit to you, if you see somebody hurting, God you, if you see somebody hurting, God you, if you see somebody hurting, God has called you to solve it.

has called you to solve it. has called you to solve it. Rather than thinking, "Oh, well, Rather than thinking, "Oh, well, Rather than thinking, "Oh, well, somebody else will do it." Or "I called somebody else will do it." Or "I called somebody else will do it." Or "I called the church. Church, I just saw this need the church. Church, I just saw this need the church. Church, I just saw this need and we need to take care of this." God's and we need to take care of this." God's and we need to take care of this." God's calling me. Everybody say, "God's calling me. Everybody say, "God's calling me. Everybody say, "God's calling me." The scripture says this in Proverbs, "Do The scripture says this in Proverbs, "Do not withhold good not withhold good not withhold good from those who deserve it from those who deserve it from those who deserve it when it is in your power to help them." when it is in your power to help them." when it is in your power to help them." Help, that word even means like fraction Help, that word even means like fraction Help, that word even means like fraction or just a share. It doesn't mean you or just a share. It doesn't mean you or just a share. It doesn't mean you have to solve the whole thing. It's like have to solve the whole thing. It's like have to solve the whole thing. It's like Mother Teresa said, "Just because you Mother Teresa said, "Just because you Mother Teresa said, "Just because you can't do everything doesn't mean you can't do everything doesn't mean you can't do everything doesn't mean you shouldn't do something." shouldn't do something." shouldn't do something." And so I think we need to realize that, And so I think we need to realize that, And so I think we need to realize that, hey, God is calling me to see this. I'm hey, God is calling me to see this. I'm hey, God is calling me to see this. I'm seeing this person in need. I'm seeing seeing this person in need. I'm seeing seeing this person in need. I'm seeing this opportunity. I need to realize God this opportunity. I need to realize God this opportunity. I need to realize God is calling me to solve it. Somebody say, is calling me to solve it. Somebody say, is calling me to solve it. Somebody say, "Amen." "Amen." "Amen." And then write this down. Generosity And then write this down. Generosity And then write this down. Generosity uses what you already have. Back in Luke chapter 10, Back in Luke chapter 10, Jesus went on Jesus went on Jesus went on uh and went on to say this. He went to uh and went on to say this. He went to uh and went on to say this. He went to him, this good Samaritan, and bad him, this good Samaritan, and bad him, this good Samaritan, and bad bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.

wine. wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, Then he put the man on his own donkey, Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of brought him to an inn, and took care of brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two him. The next day he took out two him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. "Look after him," he said, "and when I "Look after him," he said, "and when I "Look after him," he said, "and when I return, I will reimburse you for any return, I will reimburse you for any return, I will reimburse you for any extra expenses you may have." extra expenses you may have." extra expenses you may have." He doesn't say, "Well, man, if I had He doesn't say, "Well, man, if I had He doesn't say, "Well, man, if I had more money or if I had more time." He more money or if I had more time." He more money or if I had more time." He realizes that God put him there to make realizes that God put him there to make realizes that God put him there to make a difference with this person who had a a difference with this person who had a a difference with this person who had a need. need. need. And it says there that he didn't like, And it says there that he didn't like, And it says there that he didn't like, "Well, somebody else'll take care of "Well, somebody else'll take care of "Well, somebody else'll take care of this." He took the responsibility for this." He took the responsibility for this." He took the responsibility for it. And uh you see the fact that you see it. And uh you see the fact that you see it. And uh you see the fact that you see it is what I believe qualifies you and it is what I believe qualifies you and it is what I believe qualifies you and God wants you to be an encouragement to God wants you to be an encouragement to God wants you to be an encouragement to other people. And it isn't always that other people. And it isn't always that other people. And it isn't always that you have to give money to people. I you have to give money to people. I you have to give money to people. I mean, sometimes people just need some mean, sometimes people just need some mean, sometimes people just need some encouragement. In fact, you probably know people at In fact, you probably know people at your workplace and people that you were your workplace and people that you were your workplace and people that you were in contact with and you know they're in contact with and you know they're in contact with and you know they're going through something. When is the going through something. When is the going through something. When is the last time you just paused and said, last time you just paused and said, last time you just paused and said, "Hey, I'm concerned what's going on. I "Hey, I'm concerned what's going on. I "Hey, I'm concerned what's going on. I want to pray. Can I pray with you and want to pray. Can I pray with you and want to pray. Can I pray with you and encourage you?" This is how we use our encourage you?" This is how we use our encourage you?" This is how we use our lives in such a way that it lasts lives in such a way that it lasts lives in such a way that it lasts forever. Somebody say amen to that.

forever. Somebody say amen to that. forever. Somebody say amen to that. So, just use what you have. But, too So, just use what you have. But, too So, just use what you have. But, too many times we go, "Well, when my kids many times we go, "Well, when my kids many times we go, "Well, when my kids grow up, I'll have more time." grow up, I'll have more time." grow up, I'll have more time." Or when I get more money, I'll be able Or when I get more money, I'll be able Or when I get more money, I'll be able to be more generous. And I know that to be more generous. And I know that to be more generous. And I know that some people will say this, "Oh, well, some people will say this, "Oh, well, some people will say this, "Oh, well, I've already paid my dues I've already paid my dues I've already paid my dues and now I'm just at church here to enjoy and now I'm just at church here to enjoy and now I'm just at church here to enjoy it because I've helped start churches or it because I've helped start churches or it because I've helped start churches or been involved in ministry before. And I been involved in ministry before. And I been involved in ministry before. And I it's not I'm ready to retire from that." it's not I'm ready to retire from that." it's not I'm ready to retire from that." No, there is no retirement in the No, there is no retirement in the No, there is no retirement in the kingdom of God. Somebody say amen. kingdom of God. Somebody say amen. kingdom of God. Somebody say amen. And it doesn't matter who you are and And it doesn't matter who you are and And it doesn't matter who you are and how little you feel like your how little you feel like your how little you feel like your contribution may be. contribution may be. contribution may be. But, if we all take it upon ourselves to But, if we all take it upon ourselves to But, if we all take it upon ourselves to store up treasures in heaven by looking store up treasures in heaven by looking store up treasures in heaven by looking at people as the opportunity for us to at people as the opportunity for us to at people as the opportunity for us to pray with them, encourage them, yes, pray with them, encourage them, yes, pray with them, encourage them, yes, give and support them. It's not for give and support them. It's not for give and support them. It's not for somebody else to do it. God's calling somebody else to do it. God's calling somebody else to do it. God's calling us. Amen? us. Amen? us. Amen? Like the boy on the walking on the beach Like the boy on the walking on the beach Like the boy on the walking on the beach and there were starfish and he was and there were starfish and he was and there were starfish and he was picking them up and throwing them back picking them up and throwing them back picking them up and throwing them back into the water and a man came upon him into the water and a man came upon him into the water and a man came upon him and said, "What are you doing?" He goes, and said, "What are you doing?" He goes, and said, "What are you doing?" He goes, "I'm saving these starfish." And he "I'm saving these starfish." And he "I'm saving these starfish." And he goes, the man, the adult, the man said, goes, the man, the adult, the man said, goes, the man, the adult, the man said, "Listen, you are never going to be able "Listen, you are never going to be able "Listen, you are never going to be able to save all these starfish. I think it's to save all these starfish. I think it's to save all these starfish. I think it's too big of a project." And he picked up too big of a project." And he picked up too big of a project." And he picked up another one and threw it and he said, "I another one and threw it and he said, "I another one and threw it and he said, "I made a difference in that one."

And so maybe you can't solve all the And so maybe you can't solve all the problems, but you can realize that when problems, but you can realize that when problems, but you can realize that when you see somebody in need, God put you you see somebody in need, God put you you see somebody in need, God put you there for a reason. there for a reason. there for a reason. Amen? Amen? Amen? Last thought is this. Last thought is this. Last thought is this. Generosity Generosity Generosity is an expression is an expression is an expression of our own gratitude to God. Listen, we don't know why this guy was Listen, we don't know why this guy was robbed. robbed. robbed. Maybe he was at the wrong place at the Maybe he was at the wrong place at the Maybe he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. wrong time. wrong time. Or maybe he had it coming to him. Or maybe he had it coming to him. Or maybe he had it coming to him. Maybe he was somebody that put himself Maybe he was somebody that put himself Maybe he was somebody that put himself in that position because of how he in that position because of how he in that position because of how he treated other people. We don't know. But treated other people. We don't know. But treated other people. We don't know. But what we know is he needed help and what we know is he needed help and what we know is he needed help and someone stopped to help him. someone stopped to help him. someone stopped to help him. And here's what I want you know that you And here's what I want you know that you And here's what I want you know that you and I are blessed when we give and when and I are blessed when we give and when and I are blessed when we give and when we love others regardless of what they we love others regardless of what they we love others regardless of what they do with it. Amy and I ran into this uh this student Amy and I ran into this uh this student before our youth conference, our 12 before our youth conference, our 12 before our youth conference, our 12 conference. conference. conference. And uh he was at a restaurant we were And uh he was at a restaurant we were And uh he was at a restaurant we were eating at. We were just talking. He eating at. We were just talking. He eating at. We were just talking. He worked there.

worked there. worked there. And uh And uh And uh I said, "Are you going to our our youth I said, "Are you going to our our youth I said, "Are you going to our our youth conference?" He said, "No, I don't conference?" He said, "No, I don't conference?" He said, "No, I don't I don't know. I I I can't I can't afford I don't know. I I I can't I can't afford I don't know. I I I can't I can't afford to go right now." He goes, "But I'm I'm to go right now." He goes, "But I'm I'm to go right now." He goes, "But I'm I'm praying something works out and I'll be praying something works out and I'll be praying something works out and I'll be able to be able to go." able to be able to go." able to be able to go." And Amy and I left with our food and And Amy and I left with our food and And Amy and I left with our food and went and sat at the table and we were went and sat at the table and we were went and sat at the table and we were like, like, like, "Why did we see this and hear this and "Why did we see this and hear this and "Why did we see this and hear this and know about it? Why can't we help this know about it? Why can't we help this know about it? Why can't we help this kid?" kid?" kid?" So, we took out money and brought it So, we took out money and brought it So, we took out money and brought it over to him and gave it to him and said, over to him and gave it to him and said, over to him and gave it to him and said, "Here you go, so you can go to the "Here you go, so you can go to the "Here you go, so you can go to the conference." So, we prayed for him and conference." So, we prayed for him and conference." So, we prayed for him and blessed him. And we were driving home blessed him. And we were driving home blessed him. And we were driving home later and and I thought to myself, "What later and and I thought to myself, "What later and and I thought to myself, "What if he doesn't go to 12 conference?" if he doesn't go to 12 conference?" if he doesn't go to 12 conference?" >> [laughter] >> What what what if he I don't know, go >> What what what if he I don't know, go buy some beer, maybe parties with his buy some beer, maybe parties with his buy some beer, maybe parties with his friends. I don't know. friends. I don't know. friends. I don't know. And then I realized Amy actually checked And then I realized Amy actually checked And then I realized Amy actually checked me. She's sweet, y'all, but she will call me She's sweet, y'all, but she will call me out. out. out. I need that, right? For sure. Y'all I need that, right? For sure. Y'all I need that, right? For sure. Y'all don't say amen. Come on, y'all, relax.

And uh And uh her her One of Amy's favorite verses is her her One of Amy's favorite verses is her her One of Amy's favorite verses is 1 Corinthians 15:58. 1 Corinthians 15:58. 1 Corinthians 15:58. Always give yourselves fully to the work Always give yourselves fully to the work Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your of the Lord, because you know that your of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. labor in the Lord is not in vain. labor in the Lord is not in vain. It's not wasted. It's not wasted. It's not wasted. When you give, When you give, When you give, your blessing is tied to your action, your blessing is tied to your action, your blessing is tied to your action, not what they do with it. not what they do with it. not what they do with it. That's that's a reality. Now, wisdom That's that's a reality. Now, wisdom That's that's a reality. Now, wisdom tells you don't give an addict cash. tells you don't give an addict cash. tells you don't give an addict cash. Okay? Okay? Okay? Seriously, you have to use wisdom. But Seriously, you have to use wisdom. But Seriously, you have to use wisdom. But the point simply is the same. When you the point simply is the same. When you the point simply is the same. When you give, it opens up a blessing. You are give, it opens up a blessing. You are give, it opens up a blessing. You are storing up treasures in heaven. storing up treasures in heaven. storing up treasures in heaven. And and listen, there was this woman And and listen, there was this woman And and listen, there was this woman that went to Jesus' house one time and that went to Jesus' house one time and that went to Jesus' house one time and she opened up this box of perfume and she opened up this box of perfume and she opened up this box of perfume and was pouring it all over Jesus' feet. And was pouring it all over Jesus' feet. And was pouring it all over Jesus' feet. And of course, the religious people were of course, the religious people were of course, the religious people were like, "That's so dumb. What a waste of like, "That's so dumb. What a waste of like, "That's so dumb. What a waste of money. You know, we could have fed the money. You know, we could have fed the money. You know, we could have fed the poor with that." And there was a whole poor with that." And there was a whole poor with that." And there was a whole conversation. Jesus was like, "Listen, conversation. Jesus was like, "Listen, conversation. Jesus was like, "Listen, uh I'm I'm I'm the Messiah and she knows uh I'm I'm I'm the Messiah and she knows uh I'm I'm I'm the Messiah and she knows what she's doing."

what she's doing." what she's doing." But here's what Jesus said at the end of But here's what Jesus said at the end of But here's what Jesus said at the end of that. He said, "For those who have been that. He said, "For those who have been that. He said, "For those who have been forgiven much, love much." forgiven much, love much." forgiven much, love much." Now, I don't think that verse means like Now, I don't think that verse means like Now, I don't think that verse means like if you were a notorious sinner if you were a notorious sinner if you were a notorious sinner that you love God more. Because all of that you love God more. Because all of that you love God more. Because all of us are separated from God. And even the us are separated from God. And even the us are separated from God. And even the little tiniest sin will separate you little tiniest sin will separate you little tiniest sin will separate you from God. And when you realize from God. And when you realize from God. And when you realize forgiveness, that God has paid for your forgiveness, that God has paid for your forgiveness, that God has paid for your sin, and you get to walk freely, and you sin, and you get to walk freely, and you sin, and you get to walk freely, and you get to be live that and experience it get to be live that and experience it get to be live that and experience it here on Earth and eternity forever. When here on Earth and eternity forever. When here on Earth and eternity forever. When you realize the forgiveness of God, you realize the forgiveness of God, you realize the forgiveness of God, it'll cause you to be more generous. it'll cause you to be more generous. it'll cause you to be more generous. And the reason why she was on the ground And the reason why she was on the ground And the reason why she was on the ground weeping and using her resources for the weeping and using her resources for the weeping and using her resources for the kingdom of God is because she saw an kingdom of God is because she saw an kingdom of God is because she saw an opportunity that the religious people opportunity that the religious people opportunity that the religious people didn't. didn't. didn't. I think you and I need to get to the I think you and I need to get to the I think you and I need to get to the place where we realize when we give, place where we realize when we give, place where we realize when we give, we're just in essence showing how we're just in essence showing how we're just in essence showing how grateful we are for the grace of God. And listen, this whole message that I'm And listen, this whole message that I'm teaching here today in the Good teaching here today in the Good teaching here today in the Good Samaritan, it all started with this Samaritan, it all started with this Samaritan, it all started with this thought right here. How can I inherit thought right here. How can I inherit thought right here. How can I inherit eternal life?

eternal life? eternal life? It's an inheritance. Would you guys It's an inheritance. Would you guys It's an inheritance. Would you guys write that in your notes? write that in your notes? write that in your notes? He's asking, "How can I be an heir? How He's asking, "How can I be an heir? How He's asking, "How can I be an heir? How can I be a recipient, God, of your can I be a recipient, God, of your can I be a recipient, God, of your blessings? Eternal life." It's the word blessings? Eternal life." It's the word blessings? Eternal life." It's the word zoe. It doesn't just mean making it to zoe. It doesn't just mean making it to zoe. It doesn't just mean making it to heaven. It's like Jesus said, "I came to heaven. It's like Jesus said, "I came to heaven. It's like Jesus said, "I came to give life and life to the fullest." It's give life and life to the fullest." It's give life and life to the fullest." It's life here on this Earth and eternity. life here on this Earth and eternity. life here on this Earth and eternity. He's saying, "I want to inherit that." He's saying, "I want to inherit that." He's saying, "I want to inherit that." In order for you to receive an In order for you to receive an In order for you to receive an inheritance, you got to be part of the inheritance, you got to be part of the inheritance, you got to be part of the bloodline. bloodline. bloodline. Right? Right? Right? You you leave stuff to your kids or your You you leave stuff to your kids or your You you leave stuff to your kids or your grandkids or your you know, the people grandkids or your you know, the people grandkids or your you know, the people that are your your family that you that are your your family that you that are your your family that you That's where you leave an inheritance That's where you leave an inheritance That's where you leave an inheritance to. And we're asking God the same thing. to. And we're asking God the same thing. to. And we're asking God the same thing. "I want eternal life as well. How can I "I want eternal life as well. How can I "I want eternal life as well. How can I be a part of that as well?" Let me tell be a part of that as well?" Let me tell be a part of that as well?" Let me tell you, Jesus' blood paid for it. you, Jesus' blood paid for it. you, Jesus' blood paid for it. You get to receive it as if you've You get to receive it as if you've You get to receive it as if you've always been a part of it because he always been a part of it because he always been a part of it because he gives freely. gives freely. gives freely. For God so loved the world that he what? For God so loved the world that he what? For God so loved the world that he what? He's a giving God. He's a giving God. He's a giving God. He's a generous God. He's a generous God. He's a generous God. But you know the reason why we named But you know the reason why we named But you know the reason why we named this series trust fund is because the this series trust fund is because the this series trust fund is because the trust fund is an in essence similar to trust fund is an in essence similar to trust fund is an in essence similar to an inheritance.

an inheritance. an inheritance. You you put away this money that is then You you put away this money that is then You you put away this money that is then then given to your family and it usually then given to your family and it usually then given to your family and it usually it always has rules or stipulations on it always has rules or stipulations on it always has rules or stipulations on when you can get it when you can get it when you can get it and what you do with it when you and what you do with it when you and what you do with it when you disperse that money. disperse that money. disperse that money. It's a trust fund. It's a trust fund. It's a trust fund. I'm teaching you how to live with a I'm teaching you how to live with a I'm teaching you how to live with a spiritual trust fund. First of all, you spiritual trust fund. First of all, you spiritual trust fund. First of all, you can only receive it through Jesus can only receive it through Jesus can only receive it through Jesus Christ. Christ. Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen. And we're going to pray in just a moment And we're going to pray in just a moment And we're going to pray in just a moment for those of you that don't know him. for those of you that don't know him. for those of you that don't know him. But then those of you that are praying But then those of you that are praying But then those of you that are praying in your own life saying, "God, what can in your own life saying, "God, what can in your own life saying, "God, what can I do to inherit your blessings, eternal I do to inherit your blessings, eternal I do to inherit your blessings, eternal life? Like God, I need help." life? Like God, I need help." life? Like God, I need help." We're going to teach you how to manage We're going to teach you how to manage We're going to teach you how to manage what you have tonight and that's very what you have tonight and that's very what you have tonight and that's very important. important. important. Told you last week how to honor God in Told you last week how to honor God in Told you last week how to honor God in putting him first. That's the most putting him first. That's the most putting him first. That's the most important thing. important thing. important thing. Today what you're learning and I'm Today what you're learning and I'm Today what you're learning and I'm encouraging is that your life should be encouraging is that your life should be encouraging is that your life should be an overflow, an expression of generosity an overflow, an expression of generosity an overflow, an expression of generosity in every way you can in life. in every way you can in life. in every way you can in life. And I want to read this last story And I want to read this last story And I want to read this last story in Matthew chapter 25.

in Matthew chapter 25. in Matthew chapter 25. And I say this because and I and I want And I say this because and I and I want And I say this because and I and I want to read this because it's a to read this because it's a to read this because it's a it's a pretty heavy passage. it's a pretty heavy passage. it's a pretty heavy passage. And I want you to understand you only And I want you to understand you only And I want you to understand you only make it to heaven make it to heaven make it to heaven through what Jesus has already done. through what Jesus has already done. through what Jesus has already done. I'm trying to set you up for storing I'm trying to set you up for storing I'm trying to set you up for storing treasures treasures treasures in heaven. in heaven. in heaven. That your life goes from success to That your life goes from success to That your life goes from success to significance. significance. significance. Let's read it in Matthew 25 Let's read it in Matthew 25 Let's read it in Matthew 25 verses 31 all the way through 46. verses 31 all the way through 46. verses 31 all the way through 46. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, When the Son of Man comes in his glory, When the Son of Man comes in his glory, in other words, Jesus coming back again. in other words, Jesus coming back again. in other words, Jesus coming back again. How many of y'all are thankful for that? How many of y'all are thankful for that? How many of y'all are thankful for that? All right, he's coming back again. All right, he's coming back again. All right, he's coming back again. With all the angels and he will sit on With all the angels and he will sit on With all the angels and he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations his glorious throne. All the nations his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him. will be gathered before him. will be gathered before him. And he will separate And he will separate And he will separate the people from one another as shepherds the people from one another as shepherds the people from one another as shepherds sep- separate sheep from goats. He will sep- separate sheep from goats. He will sep- separate sheep from goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats put the sheep on his right and the goats put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to on his left. Then the king will say to on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are those on his right, "Come, you who are those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my father. Take your blessed by my father. Take your blessed by my father. Take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for inheritance, the kingdom prepared for inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For you since the creation of the world. For you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something I was hungry and you gave me something I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and something to drink. I was a stranger and something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you you clothed me. I was sick and you you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you looked after me. I was in prison and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then the righteous came to visit me." Then the righteous came to visit me." Then the righteous will answer, "Lord, will answer, "Lord, will answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or feed you when did we see you hungry or feed you when did we see you hungry or feed you or thirsty and give you something to or thirsty and give you something to or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you as a stranger drink? When did we see you as a stranger drink? When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and

and invite you in or needing clothes and and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? clothe you? clothe you? When did you see When did we see you When did you see When did we see you When did you see When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" sick or in prison and go to visit you?" sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The king replied, "Truly, I tell you, The king replied, "Truly, I tell you, The king replied, "Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of whatever you did for one of the least of whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, these brothers and sisters, these brothers and sisters, you did it for me." you did it for me." you did it for me." Then he will say to those on his left, Then he will say to those on his left, Then he will say to those on his left, "Depart from me, you who are [music] "Depart from me, you who are [music] "Depart from me, you who are [music] cursed, into the eternal fire prepared cursed, into the eternal fire prepared cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was for the devil and his angels. For I was for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. I hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. I hungry and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to was thirsty and you gave me nothing to was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink. I was a stranger and you did not drink. I was a stranger and you did not drink. I was a stranger and you did not invite me in. I needed clothes and you invite me in. I needed clothes and you invite me in. I needed clothes and you didn't clothe me. I was sick and in didn't clothe me. I was sick and in didn't clothe me. I was sick and in prison and you didn't come look after prison and you didn't come look after prison and you didn't come look after me." me." me." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> They also will answer, "Lord, when did >> They also will answer, "Lord, when did >> They also will answer, "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a we see you hungry or thirsty or a we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger needing clothes or sick or in stranger needing clothes or sick or in stranger needing clothes or sick or in prison and and I didn't help you." prison and and I didn't help you." prison and and I didn't help you." He will reply, "Truly, I tell you, He will reply, "Truly, I tell you, He will reply, "Truly, I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the whatever you did not do for one of the whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do least of these, you did not do least of these, you did not do for me. Then you will go away to eternal for me. Then you will go away to eternal for me. Then you will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous punishment, but the righteous punishment, but the righteous eternal life.

eternal life. eternal life. And the reason why I read you that is to And the reason why I read you that is to And the reason why I read you that is to first of all, I want you to understand first of all, I want you to understand first of all, I want you to understand that that that I need to repent. I need to repent. I need to repent. I'm the one trying to move fast through I'm the one trying to move fast through I'm the one trying to move fast through life and accomplish things. life and accomplish things. life and accomplish things. But I'm walking by needs and But I'm walking by needs and But I'm walking by needs and opportunities every day. opportunities every day. opportunities every day. Reminds me of an opportunity or what Reminds me of an opportunity or what Reminds me of an opportunity or what happened to me when we first started the happened to me when we first started the happened to me when we first started the church. church. church. We lived in this this neighborhood and We lived in this this neighborhood and We lived in this this neighborhood and uh this little boy that lived there, he uh this little boy that lived there, he uh this little boy that lived there, he was uh a middle schooler was uh a middle schooler was uh a middle schooler and he was going to school crossing the and he was going to school crossing the and he was going to school crossing the street one day and for some reason street one day and for some reason street one day and for some reason he didn't look both ways and the truck he didn't look both ways and the truck he didn't look both ways and the truck didn't didn't didn't pay attention to the school crossing and pay attention to the school crossing and pay attention to the school crossing and hit this boy hit this boy hit this boy and he died. and he died. and he died. Now, his house, this family's house was Now, his house, this family's house was Now, his house, this family's house was in our neighborhood and I drove by it in our neighborhood and I drove by it in our neighborhood and I drove by it every day, several times a day. every day, several times a day. every day, several times a day. The church was The church was The church was less than a year old. less than a year old. less than a year old. And I remember one day in my office at And I remember one day in my office at And I remember one day in my office at the house just praying like God, help us the house just praying like God, help us the house just praying like God, help us to reach this city.

to reach this city. to reach this city. God, help us to make a difference. Help God, help us to make a difference. Help God, help us to make a difference. Help Bayside to be a church that represents Bayside to be a church that represents Bayside to be a church that represents you really well. you really well. you really well. So, asking for God's blessings So, asking for God's blessings So, asking for God's blessings on what we were doing. on what we were doing. on what we were doing. God's like, Randy, you're asking for God's like, Randy, you're asking for God's like, Randy, you're asking for people to come so you can pastor them people to come so you can pastor them people to come so you can pastor them and make a difference and make a difference and make a difference >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and you pass by this family's house >> and you pass by this family's house >> and you pass by this family's house every week multiple times and you've every week multiple times and you've every week multiple times and you've never done one thing for them. never done one thing for them. never done one thing for them. How many you know I felt like, okay God, How many you know I felt like, okay God, How many you know I felt like, okay God, I repent. I repent. I repent. And And And and actually, I did. I went to their and actually, I did. I went to their and actually, I did. I went to their house and repented. I told them I was a house and repented. I told them I was a house and repented. I told them I was a pastor. Prayed with them, encouraged pastor. Prayed with them, encouraged pastor. Prayed with them, encouraged them and helped them whatever we could. them and helped them whatever we could. them and helped them whatever we could. And uh And uh And uh I just remember the Lord saying, Randy, I just remember the Lord saying, Randy, I just remember the Lord saying, Randy, you have opportunities all the time. you have opportunities all the time. you have opportunities all the time. Why don't you use it? Why don't you use it? Why don't you use it? And uh And uh And uh I repent to you guys again. I repent to you guys again. I repent to you guys again. I think it's easy to get busy and I think it's easy to get busy and I think it's easy to get busy and running fast. running fast. running fast. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> But I'm going to tell you right now, >> But I'm going to tell you right now, >> But I'm going to tell you right now, this church is always going to be about this church is always going to be about this church is always going to be about helping those who need help. And guess helping those who need help. And guess helping those who need help. And guess what? You get a chance to do that every what? You get a chance to do that every what? You get a chance to do that every week when you come. All of our ushers in week when you come. All of our ushers in week when you come. All of our ushers in our parking lot and our kids ministry our parking lot and our kids ministry our parking lot and our kids ministry people Can we just give it up for all of people Can we just give it up for all of people Can we just give it up for all of our dream team? Come on. Yes.

our dream team? Come on. Yes. our dream team? Come on. Yes. >> [applause] >> But the reality is we're all praying God >> But the reality is we're all praying God I'm in financial stress. I'm in financial stress. I'm in financial stress. And God I need your blessings. How can I And God I need your blessings. How can I And God I need your blessings. How can I inherit your life, God? How can I walk inherit your life, God? How can I walk inherit your life, God? How can I walk in the favor that you have? We have to in the favor that you have? We have to in the favor that you have? We have to honor God first. honor God first. honor God first. We have to live a generous life We have to live a generous life We have to live a generous life realizing the people that we see and the realizing the people that we see and the realizing the people that we see and the opportunities we have, our job is just opportunities we have, our job is just opportunities we have, our job is just to give because it is in giving that we to give because it is in giving that we to give because it is in giving that we also receive. also receive. also receive. And then we got to manage what we have And then we got to manage what we have And then we got to manage what we have and we're going to learn all that and we're going to learn all that and we're going to learn all that tonight. Would you bow your heads and tonight. Would you bow your heads and tonight. Would you bow your heads and close your eyes for a moment? I talked about in here how I talked about in here how the only way to receive eternal life, an the only way to receive eternal life, an the only way to receive eternal life, an inheritance of that inheritance of that inheritance of that is you got to be part of the bloodline. is you got to be part of the bloodline. is you got to be part of the bloodline. You got to be a son. You have to be a You got to be a son. You have to be a You got to be a son. You have to be a daughter. daughter. daughter. And guess what? If you've never asked And guess what? If you've never asked And guess what? If you've never asked Jesus to be your Lord and savior, for Jesus to be your Lord and savior, for Jesus to be your Lord and savior, for you to be adopted into God's family, you to be adopted into God's family, you to be adopted into God's family, it's just recognizing who Jesus is and it's just recognizing who Jesus is and it's just recognizing who Jesus is and what he did and how he died so that you what he did and how he died so that you what he did and how he died so that you could live, you get to receive that. could live, you get to receive that. could live, you get to receive that. That's part of your inheritance, but it That's part of your inheritance, but it That's part of your inheritance, but it starts with that. And if you've never starts with that. And if you've never starts with that. And if you've never done that before, never surrendered your done that before, never surrendered your done that before, never surrendered your life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, I'm going to give you a chance to do I'm going to give you a chance to do I'm going to give you a chance to do that. In fact, I'm going to count to that. In fact, I'm going to count to that. In fact, I'm going to count to three and when I do, I want you to put three and when I do, I want you to put three and when I do, I want you to put your hand up and we're going to pray for your hand up and we're going to pray for your hand up and we're going to pray for you right where you are. 1 2 3. Come on, you right where you are. 1 2 3. Come on, you right where you are. 1 2 3. Come on, all over the place, all of our campuses, all over the place, all of our campuses, all over the place, all of our campuses, those online, in the jails. Okay.

those online, in the jails. Okay. those online, in the jails. Okay. Church, let's pray this prayer. Heavenly Church, let's pray this prayer. Heavenly Church, let's pray this prayer. Heavenly Father, Father, Father, thank you for your love. thank you for your love. thank you for your love. You love me so much You love me so much You love me so much that you gave. that you gave. that you gave. Thank you, Jesus, for what you did. Thank you, Jesus, for what you did. Thank you, Jesus, for what you did. You gave, too. You gave, too. You gave, too. You gave up your life. You gave up your life. You gave up your life. You died You died You died so that I can live. so that I can live. so that I can live. I receive that today. I receive that today. I receive that today. Jesus, you are my Lord Jesus, you are my Lord Jesus, you are my Lord and my savior. and my savior. and my savior. Amen.