GENEROUS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - DIFFERENT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE - CHRIS HODGES

>> All right, who's glad to be here today? >> All right, who's glad to be here today? Anybody? Anybody? Anybody? Anybody? Anybody? Anybody? Oh, you can do a little bit better than Oh, you can do a little bit better than Oh, you can do a little bit better than that. Come on, put your hands together. that. Come on, put your hands together. that. Come on, put your hands together. Give Jesus Give Jesus Give Jesus >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> some mighty praise. Good to see you guys >> some mighty praise. Good to see you guys >> some mighty praise. Good to see you guys today. Welcome to church. And let me today. Welcome to church. And let me today. Welcome to church. And let me take a moment and just look straight take a moment and just look straight take a moment and just look straight into the camera and say hello to all of into the camera and say hello to all of into the camera and say hello to all of our campuses. We are one church that our campuses. We are one church that our campuses. We are one church that meets in locations all across Alabama meets in locations all across Alabama meets in locations all across Alabama and Georgia. Of course, we are in and Georgia. Of course, we are in and Georgia. Of course, we are in correctional facilities in Alabama and correctional facilities in Alabama and correctional facilities in Alabama and Georgia. God bless you guys. You're not Georgia. God bless you guys. You're not Georgia. God bless you guys. You're not a project to us. You're our church a project to us. You're our church a project to us. You're our church family. We love you so much. And for all family. We love you so much. And for all family. We love you so much. And for all those that are watching online at our those that are watching online at our those that are watching online at our Lake House campuses and our yeah, 30A Lake House campuses and our yeah, 30A Lake House campuses and our yeah, 30A campuses, wherever you are, we're so campuses, wherever you are, we're so campuses, wherever you are, we're so glad you're with us as well. Come on, glad you're with us as well. Come on, glad you're with us as well. Come on, church. Say hello to your church family. church. Say hello to your church family. church. Say hello to your church family. God bless you guys. God bless you guys. God bless you guys. And happy July 4th, everyone. God bless And happy July 4th, everyone. God bless And happy July 4th, everyone. God bless America. Can I hear a good amen? And I'm America. Can I hear a good amen? And I'm America. Can I hear a good amen? And I'm grateful for our country. I'm grateful grateful for our country. I'm grateful grateful for our country. I'm grateful for God's doing here at Highlands. Have for God's doing here at Highlands. Have for God's doing here at Highlands. Have to give a shout-out to our Montgomery to give a shout-out to our Montgomery to give a shout-out to our Montgomery campus and Montgomery Dream Center. Hey, campus and Montgomery Dream Center. Hey, campus and Montgomery Dream Center. Hey, family, you have opened up a new family, you have opened up a new family, you have opened up a new location where we can serve people's location where we can serve people's location where we can serve people's needs in our community. The Montgomery needs in our community. The Montgomery needs in our community. The Montgomery Dream Center. I think that deserves some Dream Center. I think that deserves some Dream Center. I think that deserves some celebration as well. God bless you guys.

celebration as well. God bless you guys. celebration as well. God bless you guys. And part Pastor Mark and Jill that are And part Pastor Mark and Jill that are And part Pastor Mark and Jill that are there, but thank God for your there, but thank God for your there, but thank God for your leadership. And I'm delighted to be here leadership. And I'm delighted to be here leadership. And I'm delighted to be here with you guys. It's been a few weeks with you guys. It's been a few weeks with you guys. It's been a few weeks since I've been in this spot, but you since I've been in this spot, but you since I've been in this spot, but you are in my heart every single day. I are in my heart every single day. I are in my heart every single day. I still pray for you every single day. And still pray for you every single day. And still pray for you every single day. And I I thank God for Church of the I I thank God for Church of the I I thank God for Church of the Highlands. Highlands. Highlands. Over the past few weeks, Tamly and I got Over the past few weeks, Tamly and I got Over the past few weeks, Tamly and I got away and got a little bit of rest. And away and got a little bit of rest. And away and got a little bit of rest. And then we then we then we took some time to celebrate 40 years of took some time to celebrate 40 years of took some time to celebrate 40 years of marriage, everybody. Come on. I know. marriage, everybody. Come on. I know. marriage, everybody. Come on. I know. Thank you. I hung in there, you know, Thank you. I hung in there, you know, Thank you. I hung in there, you know, and I hung in there and and that's why, and I hung in there and and that's why, and I hung in there and and that's why, you know, you know, you know, >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> and I know we have a fantastic marriage. >> and I know we have a fantastic marriage. >> and I know we have a fantastic marriage. We had a great time celebrating it and We had a great time celebrating it and We had a great time celebrating it and then also had a chance to do what we then also had a chance to do what we then also had a chance to do what we call grand camp. So, it was call grand camp. So, it was call grand camp. So, it was a few weeks of or 5 days of having all a few weeks of or 5 days of having all a few weeks of or 5 days of having all of our grandkids together and and Tammy of our grandkids together and and Tammy of our grandkids together and and Tammy and I uh and I uh and I uh it was just us and the kids. it was just us and the kids. it was just us and the kids. Help us, Jesus. Come on, everybody, Help us, Jesus. Come on, everybody, Help us, Jesus. Come on, everybody, right? And it was loads of fun, but I right? And it was loads of fun, but I right? And it was loads of fun, but I realized why God gives you kids in your realized why God gives you kids in your realized why God gives you kids in your 20s and not in your 60s cuz we was we 20s and not in your 60s cuz we was we 20s and not in your 60s cuz we was we was revived to a rag anyway, so it was was revived to a rag anyway, so it was was revived to a rag anyway, so it was it was something and but we love them.

it was something and but we love them. it was something and but we love them. We had a great great time with that. And We had a great great time with that. And We had a great great time with that. And and now I we get to celebrate our church and now I we get to celebrate our church and now I we get to celebrate our church and be involved in Serve Day that's and be involved in Serve Day that's and be involved in Serve Day that's coming up this week and I'm excited coming up this week and I'm excited coming up this week and I'm excited about that. I hope you're planning on about that. I hope you're planning on about that. I hope you're planning on being a part of it. And as we go into being a part of it. And as we go into being a part of it. And as we go into that day, that day, that day, I wanted to help all of us just hear I wanted to help all of us just hear I wanted to help all of us just hear God's word and how it relates to the God's word and how it relates to the God's word and how it relates to the difference we we believe we're we're difference we we believe we're we're difference we we believe we're we're called to make in our communities. So, called to make in our communities. So, called to make in our communities. So, you know that one of our core values, we you know that one of our core values, we you know that one of our core values, we want you to have a this relationship want you to have a this relationship want you to have a this relationship with God, know God. We want you to deal with God, know God. We want you to deal with God, know God. We want you to deal with the issues of your life. We call it with the issues of your life. We call it with the issues of your life. We call it find freedom. We want you to make find freedom. We want you to make find freedom. We want you to make discover your own purpose cuz every one discover your own purpose cuz every one discover your own purpose cuz every one of you have a unique role in God's grand of you have a unique role in God's grand of you have a unique role in God's grand design so that collectively together as design so that collectively together as design so that collectively together as a body of believers, we can make a a body of believers, we can make a a body of believers, we can make a difference in this world. difference in this world. difference in this world. And the thesis of our series in And the thesis of our series in And the thesis of our series in different to make a difference is that different to make a difference is that different to make a difference is that you don't make a difference unless you don't make a difference unless you don't make a difference unless you're different. And one of the things you're different. And one of the things you're different. And one of the things that was unique about the early church that was unique about the early church that was unique about the early church is they were radically different. is they were radically different. is they were radically different. Radically different from the culture Radically different from the culture Radically different from the culture that was in place. Of course, it was a that was in place. Of course, it was a that was in place. Of course, it was a Roman led culture 2,000 years ago in the Roman led culture 2,000 years ago in the Roman led culture 2,000 years ago in the first century church and it was very first century church and it was very first century church and it was very brutal. I mean, you know, that's where brutal. I mean, you know, that's where brutal. I mean, you know, that's where the gladiators and you know, they were the gladiators and you know, they were the gladiators and you know, they were they were just mean and it was brutal they were just mean and it was brutal they were just mean and it was brutal and they were and they were and they were especially bad treated women with with especially bad treated women with with especially bad treated women with with with great disrespect and and they were with great disrespect and and they were with great disrespect and and they were just hateful and there was no kindness just hateful and there was no kindness just hateful and there was no kindness and there was no such thing as like a and there was no such thing as like a and there was no such thing as like a charity or a or something compassionate.

charity or a or something compassionate. charity or a or something compassionate. It was just, you know, just everybody It was just, you know, just everybody It was just, you know, just everybody out for their their own. It was very out for their their own. It was very out for their their own. It was very hierarchical, very, you know, power hierarchical, very, you know, power hierarchical, very, you know, power driven. And then along came this thing driven. And then along came this thing driven. And then along came this thing called Christianity. called Christianity. called Christianity. And and they thought it would die out, And and they thought it would die out, And and they thought it would die out, of course, especially after Jesus was of course, especially after Jesus was of course, especially after Jesus was gone. They thought he was gone. He was gone. They thought he was gone. He was gone. They thought he was gone. He was resurrected and he empowered his church resurrected and he empowered his church resurrected and he empowered his church through his Holy Spirit. And they through his Holy Spirit. And they through his Holy Spirit. And they actually thought that they would actually thought that they would actually thought that they would actually die out and phase out after a actually die out and phase out after a actually die out and phase out after a decade or so and it didn't happen. In decade or so and it didn't happen. In decade or so and it didn't happen. In fact, this group of people ended up fact, this group of people ended up fact, this group of people ended up changing the world. It took about 300 changing the world. It took about 300 changing the world. It took about 300 years for before actually Christianity years for before actually Christianity years for before actually Christianity was was actually Constantine the Great was was actually Constantine the Great was was actually Constantine the Great was the one who actually legalized was the one who actually legalized was the one who actually legalized Christianity and the world was changing. Christianity and the world was changing. Christianity and the world was changing. And and when you look back at how it And and when you look back at how it And and when you look back at how it happened, it didn't happen because they happened, it didn't happen because they happened, it didn't happen because they ended up being in power. I'm not against ended up being in power. I'm not against ended up being in power. I'm not against that, by the way. I'm not advocating that, by the way. I'm not advocating that, by the way. I'm not advocating against, you know, that that that's how against, you know, that that that's how against, you know, that that that's how we can change the world is by running we can change the world is by running we can change the world is by running for office. I'm all for it, actually. I for office. I'm all for it, actually. I for office. I'm all for it, actually. I think it's a very good thing, but that's think it's a very good thing, but that's think it's a very good thing, but that's not how it happened. They did it by the not how it happened. They did it by the not how it happened. They did it by the way they treated people. And they did it way they treated people. And they did it way they treated people. And they did it by the love they showed. And they were by the love they showed. And they were by the love they showed. And they were just different and it was radical just different and it was radical just different and it was radical radically different. And so, where I'm radically different. And so, where I'm radically different. And so, where I'm going to open this up with this week one going to open this up with this week one going to open this up with this week one of this series and show you how this of this series and show you how this of this series and show you how this like Acts 17, I mean, these these like Acts 17, I mean, these these like Acts 17, I mean, these these people, these Christians turned the people, these Christians turned the people, these Christians turned the world upside down by the way they they world upside down by the way they they world upside down by the way they they lived. And in fact, right after lived. And in fact, right after lived. And in fact, right after Constantine the Great, his nephew became Constantine the Great, his nephew became Constantine the Great, his nephew became in power. Even though he was raised in in power. Even though he was raised in in power. Even though he was raised in this Christian environment, Christian this Christian environment, Christian this Christian environment, Christian home. Now, Christianity's actually very home. Now, Christianity's actually very home. Now, Christianity's actually very common. He was determined to restore common. He was determined to restore common. He was determined to restore paganism back into culture society. And paganism back into culture society. And paganism back into culture society. And instead of doing it through brutal instead of doing it through brutal instead of doing it through brutal tactics like, you know, gladiators and

tactics like, you know, gladiators and tactics like, you know, gladiators and all of that again, he decided just to all of that again, he decided just to all of that again, he decided just to infiltrate the school systems and the infiltrate the school systems and the infiltrate the school systems and the thinking environments and and and thinking environments and and and thinking environments and and and politics and government with paganism. politics and government with paganism. politics and government with paganism. And that was his goal. And he thought, And that was his goal. And he thought, And that was his goal. And he thought, "Sure, we'll be able to do that." I "Sure, we'll be able to do that." I "Sure, we'll be able to do that." I actually think the enemy, the devil, is actually think the enemy, the devil, is actually think the enemy, the devil, is trying to put trying to put trying to put paganism back into those institutions, paganism back into those institutions, paganism back into those institutions, but it won't be successful like it but it won't be successful like it but it won't be successful like it wasn't successful then if the church wasn't successful then if the church wasn't successful then if the church will continue to be different. will continue to be different. will continue to be different. And I mean this with all my heart. In And I mean this with all my heart. In And I mean this with all my heart. In fact, even Julian had to agree and had fact, even Julian had to agree and had fact, even Julian had to agree and had to admit that he couldn't he there was to admit that he couldn't he there was to admit that he couldn't he there was one part of the way that they were so one part of the way that they were so one part of the way that they were so different that he just it almost made different that he just it almost made different that he just it almost made him mad, but he couldn't deny it either. him mad, but he couldn't deny it either. him mad, but he couldn't deny it either. Uh in fact, put the the the the little Uh in fact, put the the the the little Uh in fact, put the the the the little quote up there from him. He says, "These quote up there from him. He says, "These quote up there from him. He says, "These impious Galileans, Christians, impious Galileans, Christians, impious Galileans, Christians, support not only their poor, but they're support not only their poor, but they're support not only their poor, but they're taking care of ours, too. They're taking taking care of ours, too. They're taking taking care of ours, too. They're taking They're taking care of the people who They're taking care of the people who They're taking care of the people who hate them." hate them." hate them." They were serving food to those who They were serving food to those who They were serving food to those who disagree with Christianity. They were disagree with Christianity. They were disagree with Christianity. They were clothing the ones who cursed at them, clothing the ones who cursed at them, clothing the ones who cursed at them, and he couldn't make sense of it.

and he couldn't make sense of it. and he couldn't make sense of it. Imagine your enemies having to admit Imagine your enemies having to admit Imagine your enemies having to admit that I don't agree with them, but my that I don't agree with them, but my that I don't agree with them, but my goodness, they sure are amazing people. goodness, they sure are amazing people. goodness, they sure are amazing people. And today we're going to study that. And today we're going to study that. And today we're going to study that. We're in fact all four weeks of this We're in fact all four weeks of this We're in fact all four weeks of this series is going to be a different value series is going to be a different value series is going to be a different value uh that the early church embraced that uh that the early church embraced that uh that the early church embraced that was so radically different that it made was so radically different that it made was so radically different that it made a difference, and then the whole of a difference, and then the whole of a difference, and then the whole of course the goal is for us to do the course the goal is for us to do the course the goal is for us to do the same. That we cannot forget that we're same. That we cannot forget that we're same. That we cannot forget that we're not different because just cuz we opened not different because just cuz we opened not different because just cuz we opened up our walls or you know, doors, and we up our walls or you know, doors, and we up our walls or you know, doors, and we had you know, these buildings and did had you know, these buildings and did had you know, these buildings and did all those things. We have to It comes in all those things. We have to It comes in all those things. We have to It comes in our values and the way we treat people. our values and the way we treat people. our values and the way we treat people. Can't I hear a good amen, everybody, Can't I hear a good amen, everybody, Can't I hear a good amen, everybody, right? And today, uh Pastor Mark right? And today, uh Pastor Mark right? And today, uh Pastor Mark actually assigned me of the topic of actually assigned me of the topic of actually assigned me of the topic of generosity, and this is not a money generosity, and this is not a money generosity, and this is not a money talk. This is a just what generosity talk. This is a just what generosity talk. This is a just what generosity literally is. In fact, uh if you're literally is. In fact, uh if you're literally is. In fact, uh if you're taking notes with me, you can look at taking notes with me, you can look at taking notes with me, you can look at your app or you can look on the screens your app or you can look on the screens your app or you can look on the screens this definition that I want to use today this definition that I want to use today this definition that I want to use today uh for generosity. And watch this, it's uh for generosity. And watch this, it's uh for generosity. And watch this, it's someone who freely gives three things. someone who freely gives three things. someone who freely gives three things. They give their their time, their money, They give their their time, their money, They give their their time, their money, or their kindness, or their kindness, or their kindness, often providing it in a more than usual often providing it in a more than usual often providing it in a more than usual way, in a way that's more than what way, in a way that's more than what way, in a way that's more than what people actually expected. In other people actually expected. In other people actually expected. In other words, you went over the You went over words, you went over the You went over words, you went over the You went over the top in it, then it got their the top in it, then it got their the top in it, then it got their attention. And that's what the early attention. And that's what the early attention. And that's what the early church did. Uh they were so good at just church did. Uh they were so good at just church did. Uh they were so good at just being different that it changed the being different that it changed the being different that it changed the world. And I want to make sure we're world. And I want to make sure we're world. And I want to make sure we're that kind of church, too. And that kind of church, too. And that kind of church, too. And immediately when Pastor Mark says, "And immediately when Pastor Mark says, "And immediately when Pastor Mark says, "And why don't you talk to them about why don't you talk to them about why don't you talk to them about generous living?" My I I immediately generous living?" My I I immediately generous living?" My I I immediately thought of the story of the Good thought of the story of the Good thought of the story of the Good Samaritan. And I want to kind of slow Samaritan. And I want to kind of slow Samaritan. And I want to kind of slow teach it for a little bit. I'm going to teach it for a little bit. I'm going to teach it for a little bit. I'm going to read the whole story. I'll make a few read the whole story. I'll make a few read the whole story. I'll make a few comments in it, give you a little comments in it, give you a little comments in it, give you a little teaching out of it, and then we'll have

teaching out of it, and then we'll have teaching out of it, and then we'll have some takeaways, and then we can go get some takeaways, and then we can go get some takeaways, and then we can go get some roast beef together. Amen, some roast beef together. Amen, some roast beef together. Amen, everybody? You got it? All right. Luke everybody? You got it? All right. Luke everybody? You got it? All right. Luke chapter 10 is where we're going to chapter 10 is where we're going to chapter 10 is where we're going to start. This is the story. In verse 25, start. This is the story. In verse 25, start. This is the story. In verse 25, it says, "On one occasion, it says, "On one occasion, it says, "On one occasion, an expert in the law," so somebody that an expert in the law," so somebody that an expert in the law," so somebody that he was very versed in in Christianity, he was very versed in in Christianity, he was very versed in in Christianity, "stood up to test Jesus." And he said, "stood up to test Jesus." And he said, "stood up to test Jesus." And he said, "Teacher, "Teacher, "Teacher, how do I get to heaven? What What how do I get to heaven? What What how do I get to heaven? What What What would it take for a person to What would it take for a person to What would it take for a person to inherit eternal life?" inherit eternal life?" inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said, "Okay, well, let me ask And Jesus said, "Okay, well, let me ask And Jesus said, "Okay, well, let me ask you a question. What's written in law? you a question. What's written in law? you a question. What's written in law? What do you What do you think the answer What do you What do you think the answer What do you What do you think the answer is? is? is? And how do you read it?" And he And how do you read it?" And he And how do you read it?" And he answered, and he actually answered answered, and he actually answered answered, and he actually answered correctly, "Love the Lord your God." I'm correctly, "Love the Lord your God." I'm correctly, "Love the Lord your God." I'm so glad this guy realized that you don't so glad this guy realized that you don't so glad this guy realized that you don't get to heaven by works or by actually get to heaven by works or by actually get to heaven by works or by actually showing up in church or even going to showing up in church or even going to showing up in church or even going to serve days, that it actually is what's serve days, that it actually is what's serve days, that it actually is what's going on your heart and your going on your heart and your going on your heart and your relationship with Jesus. He said, "Love relationship with Jesus. He said, "Love relationship with Jesus. He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, the Lord your God with all your heart, the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your with all your soul, with all your with all your soul, with all your strength, and all your mind." And And by strength, and all your mind." And And by strength, and all your mind." And And by the way, you cannot separate these two. the way, you cannot separate these two. the way, you cannot separate these two. "And love your neighbor as yourself." In "And love your neighbor as yourself." In "And love your neighbor as yourself." In other words, you have to realize that other words, you have to realize that other words, you have to realize that that we have this deep love for God that that we have this deep love for God that that we have this deep love for God that reflects in how we treat people, which reflects in how we treat people, which reflects in how we treat people, which by the way, I don't even think you can by the way, I don't even think you can by the way, I don't even think you can love God without loving people. I don't love God without loving people. I don't love God without loving people. I don't think you can love people without loving think you can love people without loving think you can love people without loving God. I mean, that I think it comes from God. I mean, that I think it comes from God. I mean, that I think it comes from that they're actually inseparable that they're actually inseparable that they're actually inseparable relationships. And Jesus said, "You relationships. And Jesus said, "You relationships. And Jesus said, "You answered correctly. Do this and you will answered correctly. Do this and you will answered correctly. Do this and you will live."

live." live." And he says, "But he wanted to justify And he says, "But he wanted to justify And he says, "But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, 'All right, himself, so he asked Jesus, 'All right, himself, so he asked Jesus, 'All right, that's fine, but who's my neighbor?'" In that's fine, but who's my neighbor?'" In that's fine, but who's my neighbor?'" In other words, "Who should I treat this other words, "Who should I treat this other words, "Who should I treat this way?" way?" way?" And in reply, Jesus told this story. "A And in reply, Jesus told this story. "A And in reply, Jesus told this story. "A man was going down from Jerusalem to man was going down from Jerusalem to man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat They stripped him of his clothes, beat They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half him, and went away, leaving him half him, and went away, leaving him half dead. And a priest happened to be going dead. And a priest happened to be going dead. And a priest happened to be going down the same road when he saw the man. down the same road when he saw the man. down the same road when he saw the man. He actually just kind of saw it and just He actually just kind of saw it and just He actually just kind of saw it and just tried to ignore it. He just was it was a tried to ignore it. He just was it was a tried to ignore it. He just was it was a bad time for him and he passed by on the bad time for him and he passed by on the bad time for him and he passed by on the other side. He avoided it. other side. He avoided it. other side. He avoided it. So too a Levite, another Christ So too a Levite, another Christ So too a Levite, another Christ follower, another person, God follower, follower, another person, God follower, follower, another person, God follower, when he came to the place and saw him uh when he came to the place and saw him uh when he came to the place and saw him uh passed by on the other side. But a passed by on the other side. But a passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, and by the way, that's an Samaritan, and by the way, that's an Samaritan, and by the way, that's an important detail because Jewish people important detail because Jewish people important detail because Jewish people and Samaritans had racial tensions. They and Samaritans had racial tensions. They and Samaritans had racial tensions. They did had nothing to do with each other. did had nothing to do with each other. did had nothing to do with each other. Yet this Samaritan, because he had Jesus Yet this Samaritan, because he had Jesus Yet this Samaritan, because he had Jesus in his heart and in his life, was able in his heart and in his life, was able in his heart and in his life, was able to smash through those racial tensions to smash through those racial tensions to smash through those racial tensions and barriers and do the right thing. I and barriers and do the right thing. I and barriers and do the right thing. I love that. He says a Samaritan, as he love that. He says a Samaritan, as he love that. He says a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to where the man was. And traveled, came to where the man was. And traveled, came to where the man was. And I want you to notice this little phrase I want you to notice this little phrase I want you to notice this little phrase here, and when he saw him, he took pity here, and when he saw him, he took pity here, and when he saw him, he took pity on him. In other words, it was in the on him. In other words, it was in the on him. In other words, it was in the seeing that started the process in his seeing that started the process in his seeing that started the process in his heart of doing something. And by I've heart of doing something. And by I've heart of doing something. And by I've always maintained that that you you always maintained that that you you always maintained that that you you could you never feel responsible for could you never feel responsible for could you never feel responsible for that which you do not see.

that which you do not see. that which you do not see. And so what we often times do is just And so what we often times do is just And so what we often times do is just don't know. It's it's just better not to don't know. It's it's just better not to don't know. It's it's just better not to know how bad people have it or maybe how know how bad people have it or maybe how know how bad people have it or maybe how people live. And one of the goals people live. And one of the goals people live. And one of the goals actually for Serve Day this Saturday, actually for Serve Day this Saturday, actually for Serve Day this Saturday, more than just doing the project, it's more than just doing the project, it's more than just doing the project, it's all it's good for all of us to go to all it's good for all of us to go to all it's good for all of us to go to where need is and just see it. I'm telling you the truth. I try to once I'm telling you the truth. I try to once a year go to a third world country or a year go to a third world country or a year go to a third world country or some kind of impoverished country just some kind of impoverished country just some kind of impoverished country just to remind myself, bro, you got it good. to remind myself, bro, you got it good. to remind myself, bro, you got it good. And uh and this is how a lot of the And uh and this is how a lot of the And uh and this is how a lot of the world lives. And it just reminds me and world lives. And it just reminds me and world lives. And it just reminds me and every time I come back just wanting to every time I come back just wanting to every time I come back just wanting to do something or do do even more than we do something or do do even more than we do something or do do even more than we already do. In fact, the first time I already do. In fact, the first time I already do. In fact, the first time I ever went to an impoverished place, uh I ever went to an impoverished place, uh I ever went to an impoverished place, uh I was a student pastor and had a van load was a student pastor and had a van load was a student pastor and had a van load of teenagers and we went drove from of teenagers and we went drove from of teenagers and we went drove from Baton Rouge all the way to El Paso, Baton Rouge all the way to El Paso, Baton Rouge all the way to El Paso, Texas, which is a long way. And then we Texas, which is a long way. And then we Texas, which is a long way. And then we crossed into the border of Juarez, crossed into the border of Juarez, crossed into the border of Juarez, Mexico, and even in that place, which Mexico, and even in that place, which Mexico, and even in that place, which was already quite impoverished, was already quite impoverished, was already quite impoverished, the the missionaries who were hosting us the the missionaries who were hosting us the the missionaries who were hosting us wanted us to see what he called the lost wanted us to see what he called the lost wanted us to see what he called the lost city.

city. city. There's that actually a place in the There's that actually a place in the There's that actually a place in the place of wars that's called the law place of wars that's called the law place of wars that's called the law city. And the law city is in the middle city. And the law city is in the middle city. And the law city is in the middle of a dump. They act these people that of a dump. They act these people that of a dump. They act these people that actually created their own town, if you actually created their own town, if you actually created their own town, if you will, in the middle of a dump. When I will, in the middle of a dump. When I will, in the middle of a dump. When I say dump, it was heaps of trash, 10 say dump, it was heaps of trash, 10 say dump, it was heaps of trash, 10 times the height of the of our van, with times the height of the of our van, with times the height of the of our van, with these piles of trash in this road zigzag these piles of trash in this road zigzag these piles of trash in this road zigzag between the mounds of trash. I'll never between the mounds of trash. I'll never between the mounds of trash. I'll never forget as long as I live. I'm I'm back forget as long as I live. I'm I'm back forget as long as I live. I'm I'm back there with all these teenagers sitting there with all these teenagers sitting there with all these teenagers sitting and looking out the window with people and looking out the window with people and looking out the window with people as near to me as the people in the front as near to me as the people in the front as near to me as the people in the front row here at Grants Mill. row here at Grants Mill. row here at Grants Mill. And you're driving by And you're driving by And you're driving by just things I had never seen in my life. just things I had never seen in my life. just things I had never seen in my life. In fact, I'll never forget this one In fact, I'll never forget this one In fact, I'll never forget this one family living in a refrigerator box. So, family living in a refrigerator box. So, family living in a refrigerator box. So, an empty refrigerator box they had found an empty refrigerator box they had found an empty refrigerator box they had found it out of the dump, used it as their it out of the dump, used it as their it out of the dump, used it as their home. And I'll never forget this little home. And I'll never forget this little home. And I'll never forget this little dad, little mom, these you know, two or dad, little mom, these you know, two or dad, little mom, these you know, two or three kids just three kids just three kids just you know, just you know, just you know, just scrunched down in in in the in this box scrunched down in in in the in this box scrunched down in in in the in this box and just And and when we went by, the and just And and when we went by, the and just And and when we went by, the dad and I made eye contact. And y'all dad and I made eye contact. And y'all dad and I made eye contact. And y'all know what I mean by eye contact, like we know what I mean by eye contact, like we know what I mean by eye contact, like we actually saw we saw we saw like you actually saw we saw we saw like you actually saw we saw we saw like you looked in each other's soul for a looked in each other's soul for a looked in each other's soul for a moment. And he looked at me moment. And he looked at me moment. And he looked at me as if he were saying, "Are you going to as if he were saying, "Are you going to as if he were saying, "Are you going to do any Well, like, can you help us?" And do any Well, like, can you help us?" And do any Well, like, can you help us?" And I remember, guys, how it is like it's I remember, guys, how it is like it's I remember, guys, how it is like it's it's seared something in my soul. It it's seared something in my soul. It it's seared something in my soul. It changed it changed me. Just to see it.

changed it changed me. Just to see it. changed it changed me. Just to see it. And I remember it being like messed up And I remember it being like messed up And I remember it being like messed up the rest of the trip. the rest of the trip. the rest of the trip. And coming back and talking about this And coming back and talking about this And coming back and talking about this family and talking to our pastor like, family and talking to our pastor like, family and talking to our pastor like, "And we have to do something. There's "And we have to do something. There's "And we have to do something. There's it's right here, a mile away from it's right here, a mile away from it's right here, a mile away from America, that we we need we need to do America, that we we need we need to do America, that we we need we need to do something for the people of the of of something for the people of the of of something for the people of the of of the law city." And [snorts] um and I and the law city." And [snorts] um and I and the law city." And [snorts] um and I and I that's why I want this serve day for I that's why I want this serve day for I that's why I want this serve day for all of you. I want all of you to to go all of you. I want all of you to to go all of you. I want all of you to to go to a a home that perhaps in the middle to a a home that perhaps in the middle to a a home that perhaps in the middle of July in Alabama doesn't have air of July in Alabama doesn't have air of July in Alabama doesn't have air conditioning. I like you need to see conditioning. I like you need to see conditioning. I like you need to see that. You need to see maybe perhaps the that. You need to see maybe perhaps the that. You need to see maybe perhaps the the walls. I remember going to a home the walls. I remember going to a home the walls. I remember going to a home right here in Birmingham that you know, right here in Birmingham that you know, right here in Birmingham that you know, you could see the outside from the you could see the outside from the you could see the outside from the inside. The the walls were so cracked inside. The the walls were so cracked inside. The the walls were so cracked and and and we had teams there serv- and and and we had teams there serv- and and and we had teams there serv- serving these people. You got to see it. serving these people. You got to see it. serving these people. You got to see it. You'll never take pity on the condition You'll never take pity on the condition You'll never take pity on the condition of humanity unless you see it. Can I of humanity unless you see it. Can I of humanity unless you see it. Can I hear a good amen out there everybody? hear a good amen out there everybody? hear a good amen out there everybody? It's really true. In fact, I'll tell you It's really true. In fact, I'll tell you It's really true. In fact, I'll tell you a little bit more of a humorous way a little bit more of a humorous way a little bit more of a humorous way to illustrate this. You never see what to illustrate this. You never see what to illustrate this. You never see what you're you know, you never feel you're you know, you never feel you're you know, you never feel responsible for that which you do not responsible for that which you do not responsible for that which you do not see. I was driving home recently from see. I was driving home recently from see. I was driving home recently from our office at Grandview at the at our office at Grandview at the at our office at Grandview at the at Highland College and I'm on 280. I was Highland College and I'm on 280. I was Highland College and I'm on 280. I was heading south to Shelby County and I had heading south to Shelby County and I had heading south to Shelby County and I had to get off you know, in the middle of to get off you know, in the middle of to get off you know, in the middle of rush hour which I don't know why they rush hour which I don't know why they rush hour which I don't know why they call it rush hour cuz nobody was moving.

call it rush hour cuz nobody was moving. call it rush hour cuz nobody was moving. Come on everybody, right? But we were we Come on everybody, right? But we were we Come on everybody, right? But we were we were were were we were uh we were uh we were uh I got off to get some gas, but now I got I got off to get some gas, but now I got I got off to get some gas, but now I got to get back on this six lanes of heavy to get back on this six lanes of heavy to get back on this six lanes of heavy traffic and nobody would let me back on traffic and nobody would let me back on traffic and nobody would let me back on the highway. I mean minutes are going by the highway. I mean minutes are going by the highway. I mean minutes are going by and and everybody's just bumper to and and everybody's just bumper to and and everybody's just bumper to bumper and I'm trying to edge out and bumper and I'm trying to edge out and bumper and I'm trying to edge out and and I'm trying to just get somebody's and I'm trying to just get somebody's and I'm trying to just get somebody's attention like you know, like cuz you attention like you know, like cuz you attention like you know, like cuz you know if they could see you and you can know if they could see you and you can know if they could see you and you can just like hey, can I you know, can I get just like hey, can I you know, can I get just like hey, can I you know, can I get out? But you like people are out? But you like people are out? But you like people are intentionally looking the other way just intentionally looking the other way just intentionally looking the other way just driving along and you know, just don't driving along and you know, just don't driving along and you know, just don't cuz you don't feel responsible for that cuz you don't feel responsible for that cuz you don't feel responsible for that which you do not see. And so this car which you do not see. And so this car which you do not see. And so this car came up and this mom I saw her kind of came up and this mom I saw her kind of came up and this mom I saw her kind of we kind of for a second so I she just we kind of for a second so I she just we kind of for a second so I she just turned her head. turned her head. turned her head. But she had her what it looked like But she had her what it looked like But she had her what it looked like maybe a daughter in the passenger seat maybe a daughter in the passenger seat maybe a daughter in the passenger seat 15-ish looking you know, and and and I 15-ish looking you know, and and and I 15-ish looking you know, and and and I just I got her eye contact and I went just I got her eye contact and I went just I got her eye contact and I went You know, she starts laughing. I'm like You know, she starts laughing. I'm like You know, she starts laughing. I'm like can I please do like that? Can I go? You can I please do like that? Can I go? You can I please do like that? Can I go? You know, and I'm just mouthing it cuz you know, and I'm just mouthing it cuz you know, and I'm just mouthing it cuz you know, they can't hear you. So I'm like know, they can't hear you. So I'm like know, they can't hear you. So I'm like you know, I'm making every gesture. you know, I'm making every gesture. you know, I'm making every gesture. She's laughing. I got her laughing. And She's laughing. I got her laughing. And She's laughing. I got her laughing. And so she so she so she you can see her talking to her mom now you can see her talking to her mom now you can see her talking to her mom now and I know it I can't hear it, but I and I know it I can't hear it, but I and I know it I can't hear it, but I know they're say she's saying, "Hey Mom, know they're say she's saying, "Hey Mom, know they're say she's saying, "Hey Mom, we need to let the let's let this guy we need to let the let's let this guy we need to let the let's let this guy out." And her mom finally just looked at out." And her mom finally just looked at out." And her mom finally just looked at me and went and I got out.

and I got out. Because I wasn't a person until they saw Because I wasn't a person until they saw Because I wasn't a person until they saw me. I was just a car. me. I was just a car. me. I was just a car. Okay? I'm telling you church there's Okay? I'm telling you church there's Okay? I'm telling you church there's there's there's some people out there there's there's some people out there there's there's some people out there that all of us need to see and that's that all of us need to see and that's that all of us need to see and that's what happened to this Samaritan. When he what happened to this Samaritan. When he what happened to this Samaritan. When he saw the man, the Bible says he took pity saw the man, the Bible says he took pity saw the man, the Bible says he took pity on him, went to him, bandaged his on him, went to him, bandaged his on him, went to him, bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine, and then wounds, pouring oil and wine, and then wounds, pouring oil and wine, and then put the man on his own donkey, brought put the man on his own donkey, brought put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, took care of him. Look at him to an inn, took care of him. Look at him to an inn, took care of him. Look at this. He stayed overnight. The next day, this. He stayed overnight. The next day, this. He stayed overnight. The next day, he took out two denarii, which is a he took out two denarii, which is a he took out two denarii, which is a denarius a day's wage, so kind of do the denarius a day's wage, so kind of do the denarius a day's wage, so kind of do the math in your own head of what that would math in your own head of what that would math in your own head of what that would have cost you, have cost you, have cost you, and gave them to the innkeeper, and he and gave them to the innkeeper, and he and gave them to the innkeeper, and he said, "Look after him." He says, "And said, "Look after him." He says, "And said, "Look after him." He says, "And when I return, I'll reimburse you for when I return, I'll reimburse you for when I return, I'll reimburse you for whatever expenses you might incur." He whatever expenses you might incur." He whatever expenses you might incur." He gave him a blank check to a complete gave him a blank check to a complete gave him a blank check to a complete stranger, by the way. And Jesus says, stranger, by the way. And Jesus says, stranger, by the way. And Jesus says, "Which of these three do you think was "Which of these three do you think was "Which of these three do you think was the neighbor to the man who fell into the neighbor to the man who fell into the neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" And then the the hands of the robbers?" And then the the hands of the robbers?" And then the expert of the law said, "Well, expert of the law said, "Well, expert of the law said, "Well, duh, it's the man who had mercy on him." duh, it's the man who had mercy on him." duh, it's the man who had mercy on him." And then Jesus said some words that I'm And then Jesus said some words that I'm And then Jesus said some words that I'm on assignment today to say to you, the on assignment today to say to you, the on assignment today to say to you, the church.

Okay? So, we don't just read scripture, Okay? So, we don't just read scripture, we live scripture. Can I hear a good we live scripture. Can I hear a good we live scripture. Can I hear a good amen, everybody? Go and do likewise. amen, everybody? Go and do likewise. amen, everybody? Go and do likewise. It's time to go do and likewise. It's time to go do and likewise. It's time to go do and likewise. Go and do likewise. Go and do likewise. Go and do likewise. Now, again, the key is in the seeing, Now, again, the key is in the seeing, Now, again, the key is in the seeing, which again is one of the values of which again is one of the values of which again is one of the values of Saturday and Serve Day, and really our Saturday and Serve Day, and really our Saturday and Serve Day, and really our whole all of our lives. The key is in whole all of our lives. The key is in whole all of our lives. The key is in the seeing. And let's look at what the the seeing. And let's look at what the the seeing. And let's look at what the three groups of people here saw. The three groups of people here saw. The three groups of people here saw. The thieves saw thieves saw thieves saw a victim to exploit. a victim to exploit. a victim to exploit. They basically said, "You What's yours They basically said, "You What's yours They basically said, "You What's yours is mine, and I'm going to take it." Now, is mine, and I'm going to take it." Now, is mine, and I'm going to take it." Now, I am almost certain there's nobody in I am almost certain there's nobody in I am almost certain there's nobody in this room who can identify with that this room who can identify with that this room who can identify with that group of people. You're just a taker. group of people. You're just a taker. group of people. You're just a taker. You're you're a thief. You're a robber. You're you're a thief. You're a robber. You're you're a thief. You're a robber. You take from people. But that's what You take from people. But that's what You take from people. But that's what the thieves were. So, I'll move on. the thieves were. So, I'll move on. the thieves were. So, I'll move on. But there are groups of people in But there are groups of people in But there are groups of people in society right now that are happy to take society right now that are happy to take society right now that are happy to take from you. from you. from you. And and And Jesus tells that part of And and And Jesus tells that part of And and And Jesus tells that part of that story. What's you What's yours is that story. What's you What's yours is that story. What's you What's yours is mine, I'm going to take it. But then you mine, I'm going to take it. But then you mine, I'm going to take it. But then you have these God followers, a priest and a have these God followers, a priest and a have these God followers, a priest and a Levite. Levite. Levite. And the priest saw a problem to avoid. And the priest saw a problem to avoid. And the priest saw a problem to avoid. It They saw an inconvenience. It They saw an inconvenience. It They saw an inconvenience. They saw, "Well, I I would, I'm busy.

They saw, "Well, I I would, I'm busy. They saw, "Well, I I would, I'm busy. And they basically said or saying what's And they basically said or saying what's And they basically said or saying what's mine is mine and I'm going to keep it. I mine is mine and I'm going to keep it. I mine is mine and I'm going to keep it. I mean, I have something I could give you, mean, I have something I could give you, mean, I have something I could give you, but I'm not going to give it to you. but I'm not going to give it to you. but I'm not going to give it to you. And I want to park here just for a And I want to park here just for a And I want to park here just for a second because second because second because one of the differences that we need to one of the differences that we need to one of the differences that we need to make, the ways we need to be different make, the ways we need to be different make, the ways we need to be different is Christians is Christians is Christians don't even believe what's mine is mine. don't even believe what's mine is mine. don't even believe what's mine is mine. In fact, Christians don't even believe I In fact, Christians don't even believe I In fact, Christians don't even believe I have anything I own anything. have anything I own anything. have anything I own anything. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians chapter The Bible says in 1 Corinthians chapter The Bible says in 1 Corinthians chapter 6 6 6 that I've been bought with a price and I that I've been bought with a price and I that I've been bought with a price and I belong to God. belong to God. belong to God. So, that means not just my tithe. Like, So, that means not just my tithe. Like, So, that means not just my tithe. Like, oh, the tithe is the Lord's and the rest oh, the tithe is the Lord's and the rest oh, the tithe is the Lord's and the rest is mine. No, no, no. Truth be known, is mine. No, no, no. Truth be known, is mine. No, no, no. Truth be known, it's all his. it's all his. it's all his. Your your time's his. Your your time's his. Your your time's his. Your kids are his. Somebody say, "Well, Your kids are his. Somebody say, "Well, Your kids are his. Somebody say, "Well, you can have them. He can have them. I you can have them. He can have them. I you can have them. He can have them. I can have them right now. Okay." can have them right now. Okay." can have them right now. Okay." Your job is his. Your car is his. Your Your job is his. Your car is his. Your Your job is his. Your car is his. Your house is It all belongs to God. house is It all belongs to God. house is It all belongs to God. And then if that's the truth, one of the And then if that's the truth, one of the And then if that's the truth, one of the greatest revelations of your life is greatest revelations of your life is greatest revelations of your life is when you really realize that and you when you really realize that and you when you really realize that and you say, "Well, then then I'm not an owner. say, "Well, then then I'm not an owner. say, "Well, then then I'm not an owner. I'm a steward." I'm a steward." I'm a steward." I I I am being greatly impacted right I I I am being greatly impacted right I I I am being greatly impacted right now by the life of David Green and the now by the life of David Green and the now by the life of David Green and the Hobby Lobby corporation and the family, Hobby Lobby corporation and the family, Hobby Lobby corporation and the family, the Green family.

the Green family. the Green family. Because they're They Talk about Because they're They Talk about Because they're They Talk about different? It's They don't even see different? It's They don't even see different? It's They don't even see like, "Well, we made all this money and like, "Well, we made all this money and like, "Well, we made all this money and we're going to give a bunch of our we're going to give a bunch of our we're going to give a bunch of our money." money." money." They They don't even see it that way. In They They don't even see it that way. In They They don't even see it that way. In fact, I was recently with Mr. Green and fact, I was recently with Mr. Green and fact, I was recently with Mr. Green and by the way, I think you guys already by the way, I think you guys already by the way, I think you guys already know he's been very generous to our know he's been very generous to our know he's been very generous to our church and to to our college and they church and to to our college and they church and to to our college and they they've given We have actually a they've given We have actually a they've given We have actually a seven-story dorm going up right now on seven-story dorm going up right now on seven-story dorm going up right now on the campus of Highlands College that'll the campus of Highlands College that'll the campus of Highlands College that'll be open in December. It's going to get be open in December. It's going to get be open in December. It's going to get us to 808 beds on campus. Come on, give us to 808 beds on campus. Come on, give us to 808 beds on campus. Come on, give God praise for that. It's awesome. God praise for that. It's awesome. God praise for that. It's awesome. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> And a large uh portion of that is is is >> And a large uh portion of that is is is >> And a large uh portion of that is is is is possible because of them. And so, we is possible because of them. And so, we is possible because of them. And so, we were We've actually gotten very, very were We've actually gotten very, very were We've actually gotten very, very close and I've had been in some in close and I've had been in some in close and I've had been in some in different environments and I've had a different environments and I've had a different environments and I've had a bunch of business leaders in our church bunch of business leaders in our church bunch of business leaders in our church say, "Would you please introduce me to say, "Would you please introduce me to say, "Would you please introduce me to Mr. Green?" I said, "Sure, happy to do Mr. Green?" I said, "Sure, happy to do Mr. Green?" I said, "Sure, happy to do it." And I recently had a handful about it." And I recently had a handful about it." And I recently had a handful about about 40 uh business leaders with Mr. about 40 uh business leaders with Mr. about 40 uh business leaders with Mr. Green. And one of the guys asked, "How Green. And one of the guys asked, "How Green. And one of the guys asked, "How do you guys give 50% of your profits of do you guys give 50% of your profits of do you guys give 50% of your profits of this company away for Christian this company away for Christian this company away for Christian ministries to change the world?" And his ministries to change the world?" And his ministries to change the world?" And his answer shocked everybody. answer shocked everybody. answer shocked everybody. Again, Mr. Without hesitation, this Again, Mr. Without hesitation, this Again, Mr. Without hesitation, this 84-year-old man, David Green, said, 84-year-old man, David Green, said, 84-year-old man, David Green, said, "Because it's not ours."

"Because it's not ours." "Because it's not ours." None of it was ever ours. None of it was ever ours. None of it was ever ours. And you can see the guy like, "Yeah, I And you can see the guy like, "Yeah, I And you can see the guy like, "Yeah, I understand that, but help me understand understand that, but help me understand understand that, but help me understand it better. I I mean, like, yeah, I get it better. I I mean, like, yeah, I get it better. I I mean, like, yeah, I get it, but like, what do you really mean?" it, but like, what do you really mean?" it, but like, what do you really mean?" And Mr. Green said, And Mr. Green said, And Mr. Green said, "How would you handle resources if it "How would you handle resources if it "How would you handle resources if it actually wasn't yours? Like, if somebody actually wasn't yours? Like, if somebody actually wasn't yours? Like, if somebody walked up to you and said, 'I have some walked up to you and said, 'I have some walked up to you and said, 'I have some money here that I just want you to to money here that I just want you to to money here that I just want you to to put it in places to make a difference.' put it in places to make a difference.' put it in places to make a difference.' How much easier would it be to spend How much easier would it be to spend How much easier would it be to spend somebody else's money than your own?" somebody else's money than your own?" somebody else's money than your own?" And the answer is, it'd be incredibly And the answer is, it'd be incredibly And the answer is, it'd be incredibly easy. If it'd be incredibly easy. Just easy. If it'd be incredibly easy. Just easy. If it'd be incredibly easy. Just like, give it to me and I'll put it in like, give it to me and I'll put it in like, give it to me and I'll put it in some places to change the world. He some places to change the world. He some places to change the world. He said, "That's how it is. It's not ours." said, "That's how it is. It's not ours." said, "That's how it is. It's not ours." And that's radical. And that's radical. And that's radical. That's really different. And the early That's really different. And the early That's really different. And the early church was that way. church was that way. church was that way. So, Acts chapter 4, I'm going to read So, Acts chapter 4, I'm going to read So, Acts chapter 4, I'm going to read you two places where it says that. But you two places where it says that. But you two places where it says that. But Acts chapter 4, it says this, "All the Acts chapter 4, it says this, "All the Acts chapter 4, it says this, "All the believers actually agreed on this value. believers actually agreed on this value. believers actually agreed on this value. They were in one heart, one mind, They were in one heart, one mind, They were in one heart, one mind, and no one claimed that any of their and no one claimed that any of their and no one claimed that any of their possessions possessions possessions was their own.

was their own. was their own. But they shared everything they had. But they shared everything they had. But they shared everything they had. They weren't forced to, by the way. They weren't forced to, by the way. They weren't forced to, by the way. Governments want to force you to do it. Governments want to force you to do it. Governments want to force you to do it. Christians do it out of our own free Christians do it out of our own free Christians do it out of our own free will. will. will. And they shared everything they had, and And they shared everything they had, and And they shared everything they had, and God's grace was so powerfully at work in God's grace was so powerfully at work in God's grace was so powerfully at work in them that there were no needy persons them that there were no needy persons them that there were no needy persons among them." In other words, God put his among them." In other words, God put his among them." In other words, God put his hand on it. Now, that's different. hand on it. Now, that's different. hand on it. Now, that's different. They realized that what they had wasn't They realized that what they had wasn't They realized that what they had wasn't theirs. It was all belong to God. So, theirs. It was all belong to God. So, theirs. It was all belong to God. So, it's the it's the ownership truth. it's the it's the ownership truth. it's the it's the ownership truth. Ownership says it's mine. Stewardship Ownership says it's mine. Stewardship Ownership says it's mine. Stewardship says it's his. says it's his. says it's his. Ownership says it's mine. Stewardship Ownership says it's mine. Stewardship Ownership says it's mine. Stewardship says it's his. Are y'all with me today, says it's his. Are y'all with me today, says it's his. Are y'all with me today, church? church? church? I'm just trying to show you Pastor Mark I'm just trying to show you Pastor Mark I'm just trying to show you Pastor Mark said, "Show how it's different." Well, said, "Show how it's different." Well, said, "Show how it's different." Well, that's different. that's different. that's different. Okay, so you have the the thieves saw Okay, so you have the the thieves saw Okay, so you have the the thieves saw him as a victim to exploit. The priest him as a victim to exploit. The priest him as a victim to exploit. The priest and Levite saw him a problem to avoid, and Levite saw him a problem to avoid, and Levite saw him a problem to avoid, but the good Samaritan saw this this but the good Samaritan saw this this but the good Samaritan saw this this person as a as as a person to be loved. person as a as as a person to be loved. person as a as as a person to be loved. He saw it as an opportunity, and he was He saw it as an opportunity, and he was He saw it as an opportunity, and he was basically saying, "What's mine is yours, basically saying, "What's mine is yours, basically saying, "What's mine is yours, and I'm going to give it." And that's and I'm going to give it." And that's and I'm going to give it." And that's the attitude I'm asking all of us to the attitude I'm asking all of us to the attitude I'm asking all of us to have. Because the good Samaritan gave have. Because the good Samaritan gave have. Because the good Samaritan gave time, time, time, money, money, money, and kindness, and Jesus comes along and and kindness, and Jesus comes along and and kindness, and Jesus comes along and says, "All right, church, go do the same says, "All right, church, go do the same says, "All right, church, go do the same thing. Go and do likewise." He didn't thing. Go and do likewise." He didn't thing. Go and do likewise." He didn't say celebrate it. He didn't say teach say celebrate it. He didn't say teach say celebrate it. He didn't say teach it. He didn't say preach it. He didn't it. He didn't say preach it. He didn't it. He didn't say preach it. He didn't say agree with it. He said, "Go and do say agree with it. He said, "Go and do say agree with it. He said, "Go and do it." And that's what we're going to do.

it." And that's what we're going to do. it." And that's what we're going to do. Three things, write them down, please. Three things, write them down, please. Three things, write them down, please. The first is we're going to be generous The first is we're going to be generous The first is we're going to be generous with our time. with our time. with our time. So, for some of us, our time is actually So, for some of us, our time is actually So, for some of us, our time is actually more valuable to us than our money. more valuable to us than our money. more valuable to us than our money. And I love the fact that that this that And I love the fact that that this that And I love the fact that that this that this good Samaritan You ever wonder like this good Samaritan You ever wonder like this good Samaritan You ever wonder like where he was going? where he was going? where he was going? Do you ever wonder what got canceled Do you ever wonder what got canceled Do you ever wonder what got canceled because he didn't show up because he was because he didn't show up because he was because he didn't show up because he was doing this other thing? doing this other thing? doing this other thing? This is before cell phone days. Like, This is before cell phone days. Like, This is before cell phone days. Like, the people are like, "Hey, where is the people are like, "Hey, where is the people are like, "Hey, where is Samaritan go?" You know, like, whatever Samaritan go?" You know, like, whatever Samaritan go?" You know, like, whatever they called him, like, "Where's he at?" they called him, like, "Where's he at?" they called him, like, "Where's he at?" you know, and he wasn't there because he you know, and he wasn't there because he you know, and he wasn't there because he decided to let his life get interrupted decided to let his life get interrupted decided to let his life get interrupted by a need. by a need. by a need. Now, I I I'll just flat out tell you, Now, I I I'll just flat out tell you, Now, I I I'll just flat out tell you, Saturday is an interruption of my time. Saturday is an interruption of my time. Saturday is an interruption of my time. I like Saturdays. I I I I I need some I like Saturdays. I I I I I need some I like Saturdays. I I I I I need some little I need some golf tournament time. little I need some golf tournament time. little I need some golf tournament time. I need some hangout time. It's going to I need some hangout time. It's going to I need some hangout time. It's going to be a busy week at Highlands College be a busy week at Highlands College be a busy week at Highlands College College. I got meetings literally every College. I got meetings literally every College. I got meetings literally every single day. I'm preaching at a pastor's single day. I'm preaching at a pastor's single day. I'm preaching at a pastor's conference in the middle of the week. I conference in the middle of the week. I conference in the middle of the week. I I'm I'm kind of looking forward to I'm I'm kind of looking forward to I'm I'm kind of looking forward to Saturday. And so, it's an it's an Saturday. And so, it's an it's an Saturday. And so, it's an it's an interruption. Are y'all listening to me interruption. Are y'all listening to me interruption. Are y'all listening to me out there, everybody, right? So, but out there, everybody, right? So, but out there, everybody, right? So, but what do we do? We say, "You know what? what do we do? We say, "You know what? what do we do? We say, "You know what? We're going to set aside this one." We're going to set aside this one." We're going to set aside this one." And we're going to go out there and And we're going to go out there and And we're going to go out there and we're going to serve the socks off of we're going to serve the socks off of we're going to serve the socks off of people and put on red shirts and and people and put on red shirts and and people and put on red shirts and and make our city go, "What are these crazy make our city go, "What are these crazy make our city go, "What are these crazy Highlands people doing again out there?"

Highlands people doing again out there?" Highlands people doing again out there?" Hey, I'll tell you what we're doing, Hey, I'll tell you what we're doing, Hey, I'll tell you what we're doing, we're painting, we're loving, we're we're painting, we're loving, we're we're painting, we're loving, we're serving, we're giving, we're doing serving, we're giving, we're doing serving, we're giving, we're doing things for people who are in need today things for people who are in need today things for people who are in need today because Jesus told us to go and do because Jesus told us to go and do because Jesus told us to go and do likewise. likewise. likewise. And I love this quote I found. I didn't And I love this quote I found. I didn't And I love this quote I found. I didn't come up with it, but it's sure is pretty come up with it, but it's sure is pretty come up with it, but it's sure is pretty cool. That generosity isn't all just cool. That generosity isn't all just cool. That generosity isn't all just measured by what leaves our wallet. It's measured by what leaves our wallet. It's measured by what leaves our wallet. It's measured by what leaves our calendar. measured by what leaves our calendar. measured by what leaves our calendar. True generosity says, I'm going to take True generosity says, I'm going to take True generosity says, I'm going to take some of my precious time and I'm going some of my precious time and I'm going some of my precious time and I'm going to give this away and that's different. to give this away and that's different. to give this away and that's different. That's that In fact, that's incredibly That's that In fact, that's incredibly That's that In fact, that's incredibly different. And this This coming different. And this This coming different. And this This coming Saturday, we get a chance to kind of Saturday, we get a chance to kind of Saturday, we get a chance to kind of live out first century Christianity. live out first century Christianity. live out first century Christianity. So, I'm going to brag on some some So, I'm going to brag on some some So, I'm going to brag on some some people who give their time. people who give their time. people who give their time. Not their money, their time. Like this Not their money, their time. Like this Not their money, their time. Like this morning, I got here really early, like morning, I got here really early, like morning, I got here really early, like before most people. Really early because before most people. Really early because before most people. Really early because I like to prep and pray and just kind of I like to prep and pray and just kind of I like to prep and pray and just kind of get my game face on, you know, and just get my game face on, you know, and just get my game face on, you know, and just really get my head on straight about really get my head on straight about really get my head on straight about what I'm what my assignments are today. what I'm what my assignments are today. what I'm what my assignments are today. So, I was here really early, but I So, I was here really early, but I So, I was here really early, but I wasn't the first one here. wasn't the first one here. wasn't the first one here. In fact, I wasn't by by a long shot the In fact, I wasn't by by a long shot the In fact, I wasn't by by a long shot the first one here. When I pulled up, I saw first one here. When I pulled up, I saw first one here. When I pulled up, I saw Dream Teamers, volunteers. They don't Dream Teamers, volunteers. They don't Dream Teamers, volunteers. They don't get paid a cent. They're just here out get paid a cent. They're just here out get paid a cent. They're just here out of the goodness of their heart because of the goodness of their heart because of the goodness of their heart because they love Jesus and love people and they they love Jesus and love people and they they love Jesus and love people and they were setting up cones. One had a blower were setting up cones. One had a blower were setting up cones. One had a blower blowing sidewalks. Others were making blowing sidewalks. Others were making blowing sidewalks. Others were making coffee. Others were cleaning children's coffee. Others were cleaning children's coffee. Others were cleaning children's church rooms and sterilizing toys. All church rooms and sterilizing toys. All church rooms and sterilizing toys. All across this building, there were Dream across this building, there were Dream across this building, there were Dream Teamers who were serving, making sure Teamers who were serving, making sure Teamers who were serving, making sure they were ready for you to show up. How they were ready for you to show up. How they were ready for you to show up. How about we put our hands together and give about we put our hands together and give about we put our hands together and give a big thanks to the Dream Teamers.

a big thanks to the Dream Teamers. a big thanks to the Dream Teamers. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Oh, but on top of that, there is a group >> Oh, but on top of that, there is a group >> Oh, but on top of that, there is a group of people who today drove two to three of people who today drove two to three of people who today drove two to three hours to go serve in our correctional hours to go serve in our correctional hours to go serve in our correctional facilities. And And every Dream Teamer facilities. And And every Dream Teamer facilities. And And every Dream Teamer is very, very special, but these really is very, very special, but these really is very, very special, but these really give their time because it's not just give their time because it's not just give their time because it's not just the ministry. They're not They don't the ministry. They're not They don't the ministry. They're not They don't live 10 or 15 minutes away. Most of live 10 or 15 minutes away. Most of live 10 or 15 minutes away. Most of these institutions are in rural places these institutions are in rural places these institutions are in rural places way outside. So, they have to They'll way outside. So, they have to They'll way outside. So, they have to They'll have They'll have two or three hours to have They'll have two or three hours to have They'll have two or three hours to commute, two or three hours there, two commute, two or three hours there, two commute, two or three hours there, two or three hours back home. I mean, it's a or three hours back home. I mean, it's a or three hours back home. I mean, it's a big commitment of their time. big commitment of their time. big commitment of their time. Big thank you to the correctional Big thank you to the correctional Big thank you to the correctional ministry Dream Teamers as well. Yeah, ministry Dream Teamers as well. Yeah, ministry Dream Teamers as well. Yeah, man. man. man. >> [applause] >> And to tell you just one simple story >> And to tell you just one simple story from last year's to Serve Day that from last year's to Serve Day that from last year's to Serve Day that combines both combines both combines both the Dream Team Serve Day and the Dream Team Serve Day and the Dream Team Serve Day and Correctional Ministry. There was I Correctional Ministry. There was I Correctional Ministry. There was I called Pastor Dino yesterday. We've called Pastor Dino yesterday. We've called Pastor Dino yesterday. We've We've talked every day since his son We've talked every day since his son We've talked every day since his son went to heaven. Um we talked every went to heaven. Um we talked every went to heaven. Um we talked every single day. And by the way, Pastor Dino single day. And by the way, Pastor Dino single day. And by the way, Pastor Dino and Delynn and the family are doing and Delynn and the family are doing and Delynn and the family are doing extremely well. They're grieving, but extremely well. They're grieving, but extremely well. They're grieving, but they believe what they preach and they they believe what they preach and they they believe what they preach and they have the hope of God inside of their have the hope of God inside of their have the hope of God inside of their hearts. And by the way, they're watching hearts. And by the way, they're watching hearts. And by the way, they're watching right now if you want to say hello to right now if you want to say hello to right now if you want to say hello to Pastor Dino and Delynn. Love you guys.

Pastor Dino and Delynn. Love you guys. Pastor Dino and Delynn. Love you guys. Love you guys. Love you guys. Love you guys. >> [applause] >> But I called him yesterday. I said, >> But I called him yesterday. I said, "Dino, I need a good Serve Day story "Dino, I need a good Serve Day story "Dino, I need a good Serve Day story about Correctional Ministry. And I just about Correctional Ministry. And I just about Correctional Ministry. And I just give me a good one." And he tells me, give me a good one." And he tells me, give me a good one." And he tells me, "Oh, Chris, "Oh, Chris, "Oh, Chris, there was this this Dream Teamer named there was this this Dream Teamer named there was this this Dream Teamer named Suzanne who went to the correctional Suzanne who went to the correctional Suzanne who went to the correctional facility, obviously a female facility, obviously a female facility, obviously a female correctional facility, and was been correctional facility, and was been correctional facility, and was been ministering to this lady who was there ministering to this lady who was there ministering to this lady who was there for 21 years. Her name is Leola. for 21 years. Her name is Leola. for 21 years. Her name is Leola. And and Leola was not interested in the And and Leola was not interested in the And and Leola was not interested in the love and the gospel and all of that. In love and the gospel and all of that. In love and the gospel and all of that. In fact, he she said it what on one fact, he she said it what on one fact, he she said it what on one occasion when she was there to minister, occasion when she was there to minister, occasion when she was there to minister, she just acted like she was asleep so she just acted like she was asleep so she just acted like she was asleep so this Dream Teamer would leave her alone. this Dream Teamer would leave her alone. this Dream Teamer would leave her alone. Well, she finally got out, but they Well, she finally got out, but they Well, she finally got out, but they never stopped loving her and inviting never stopped loving her and inviting never stopped loving her and inviting her and serving her. And in fact, when her and serving her. And in fact, when her and serving her. And in fact, when she got out, they furnished her home she got out, they furnished her home she got out, they furnished her home and made sure she had new of everything. and made sure she had new of everything. and made sure she had new of everything. And then which began to open her up to And then which began to open her up to And then which began to open her up to the gospel. And then last year on Serve the gospel. And then last year on Serve the gospel. And then last year on Serve Day 2025, they actually went to her Day 2025, they actually went to her Day 2025, they actually went to her house and fixed everything that was house and fixed everything that was house and fixed everything that was broken, built ramps for her, did all broken, built ramps for her, did all broken, built ramps for her, did all kind of things to serve her. So much so kind of things to serve her. So much so kind of things to serve her. So much so that she opened up her heart to the that she opened up her heart to the that she opened up her heart to the gospel of Jesus, not while she was in, gospel of Jesus, not while she was in, gospel of Jesus, not while she was in, but when she got out and got baptized but when she got out and got baptized but when she got out and got baptized immediately declaring that she's a immediately declaring that she's a immediately declaring that she's a follower of Jesus. Now put your hands follower of Jesus. Now put your hands follower of Jesus. Now put your hands together and give God a great praise.

together and give God a great praise. together and give God a great praise. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> [applause] >> See, that that's the heart of this >> See, that that's the heart of this series. That's That's our theme verse in series. That's That's our theme verse in series. That's That's our theme verse in action that we are a chosen people. action that we are a chosen people. action that we are a chosen people. We're a royal priesthood, a holy nation, We're a royal priesthood, a holy nation, We're a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession. Why? To God's special possession. Why? To God's special possession. Why? To declare to the world around us how good declare to the world around us how good declare to the world around us how good our God is. our God is. our God is. And we do that not with power and we not And we do that not with power and we not And we do that not with power and we not we don't do that just with buildings, we we don't do that just with buildings, we we don't do that just with buildings, we do that with how we treat people. do that with how we treat people. do that with how we treat people. And so all day long that's going to And so all day long that's going to And so all day long that's going to happen Saturday. It happens every day, happen Saturday. It happens every day, happen Saturday. It happens every day, but it'll happen all day long and then but it'll happen all day long and then but it'll happen all day long and then one of the things I love so much about one of the things I love so much about one of the things I love so much about Serve Day, it's may not it's not even Serve Day, it's may not it's not even Serve Day, it's may not it's not even money be a pure motivation, but I love money be a pure motivation, but I love money be a pure motivation, but I love it because the whole city has to drive it because the whole city has to drive it because the whole city has to drive by you. by you. by you. And I I've driven around Serve Day all And I I've driven around Serve Day all And I I've driven around Serve Day all day on Saturday and you can't go a mile day on Saturday and you can't go a mile day on Saturday and you can't go a mile without seeing another pile of red without seeing another pile of red without seeing another pile of red shirts. And I know that not everybody's a big And I know that not everybody's a big fan of our church, but most most are, fan of our church, but most most are, fan of our church, but most most are, but they got to drive by every mile they but they got to drive by every mile they but they got to drive by every mile they got to see another pile of red shirts got to see another pile of red shirts got to see another pile of red shirts sweeping, blowing, sweating, just sweeping, blowing, sweating, just sweeping, blowing, sweating, just serving people, painting, just and it's serving people, painting, just and it's serving people, painting, just and it's just and it and it says something.

just and it and it says something. just and it and it says something. Does it not? Does it not? Does it not? It says something. It says something. It says something. So we're generous with our time, we're So we're generous with our time, we're So we're generous with our time, we're generous number two with our money. generous number two with our money. generous number two with our money. And then we all And then we all And then we all I hope you're a faithful tither, I am. I hope you're a faithful tither, I am. I hope you're a faithful tither, I am. But I this is what this is above and But I this is what this is above and But I this is what this is above and beyond that. beyond that. beyond that. I mean, he gave two days wage to a I mean, he gave two days wage to a I mean, he gave two days wage to a complete stranger. Wrote a blank check complete stranger. Wrote a blank check complete stranger. Wrote a blank check to the to the [music] to the innkeeper. to the to the [music] to the innkeeper. to the to the [music] to the innkeeper. And again, the early church lives like And again, the early church lives like And again, the early church lives like this. I told you I'd read you another this. I told you I'd read you another this. I told you I'd read you another verse, here it is. All the believers verse, here it is. All the believers verse, here it is. All the believers were together, had everything in common, were together, had everything in common, were together, had everything in common, they sold property they sold property they sold property >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and possessions >> and possessions >> and possessions to take care of those who had needs. to take care of those who had needs. to take care of those who had needs. And every day they continued to meet And every day they continued to meet And every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts, they together in the temple courts, they together in the temple courts, they broke bread in their homes. That means broke bread in their homes. That means broke bread in their homes. That means they went to church and they went to they went to church and they went to they went to church and they went to small group. That's literally what that small group. That's literally what that small group. That's literally what that means. They [music] worshipped in the means. They [music] worshipped in the means. They [music] worshipped in the temple and they had they had fellowship temple and they had they had fellowship temple and they had they had fellowship in homes, ate together with glad and in homes, ate together with glad and in homes, ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God, enjoying sincere hearts, praising God, enjoying sincere hearts, praising God, enjoying the favor of all the people. And the the favor of all the people. And the the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily. Well, Lord added to their number daily. Well, Lord added to their number daily. Well, of course he did. of course he did. of course he did. Because it was so radical the way they Because it was so radical the way they Because it was so radical the way they loved those that were in need loved those that were in need loved those that were in need that the church grew. that the church grew. that the church grew. And that's our opportunity. And I'd like And that's our opportunity. And I'd like And that's our opportunity. And I'd like to tell you I get it right all the time.

to tell you I get it right all the time. to tell you I get it right all the time. I actually don't. I am a faithful I actually don't. I am a faithful I actually don't. I am a faithful tither. I've I've always lived that way. tither. I've I've always lived that way. tither. I've I've always lived that way. I believe I believe in that. But I have I believe I believe in that. But I have I believe I believe in that. But I have opportunity to be nicer to people and opportunity to be nicer to people and opportunity to be nicer to people and generous to people in times that I don't generous to people in times that I don't generous to people in times that I don't and I wish I actually I'm preaching to and I wish I actually I'm preaching to and I wish I actually I'm preaching to myself today. myself today. myself today. I will tell you one day where I happen I will tell you one day where I happen I will tell you one day where I happen to get it right. [music] to get it right. [music] to get it right. [music] And and it's too rare, honestly, so And and it's too rare, honestly, so And and it's too rare, honestly, so don't think too much of me. don't think too much of me. don't think too much of me. But my family were recently at PF But my family were recently at PF But my family were recently at PF Chang's, our our favorite restaurant as Chang's, our our favorite restaurant as Chang's, our our favorite restaurant as a family. We call it Chang's. And um and a family. We call it Chang's. And um and a family. We call it Chang's. And um and we were there we were there we were there uh eating and I had, you know, kids uh eating and I had, you know, kids uh eating and I had, you know, kids [music] and spouses and grandkids. It's [music] and spouses and grandkids. It's [music] and spouses and grandkids. It's 20-something of It's a lot. 20-something of It's a lot. 20-something of It's a lot. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> It's a lot. >> It's a lot. >> It's a lot. Like when they eat, it's a lot. I was Like when they eat, it's a lot. I was Like when they eat, it's a lot. I was doing the math how much it was going to doing the math how much it was going to doing the math how much it was going to cost and it's a lot. It's a lot. It's a lot. And they were eating and I was doing the And they were eating and I was doing the And they were eating and I was doing the math and so I was in that mode like this math and so I was in that mode like this math and so I was in that mode like this is going to cost me a lot. is going to cost me a lot. is going to cost me a lot. And I they didn't ask me like Papa, will And I they didn't ask me like Papa, will And I they didn't ask me like Papa, will you pay? Like they just assume it. Come you pay? Like they just assume it. Come you pay? Like they just assume it. Come on, dads, where y'all at? You know, just on, dads, where y'all at? You know, just on, dads, where y'all at? You know, just Like I know they I know they ex- they Like I know they I know they ex- they Like I know they I know they ex- they >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you know, anyway.

>> you know, anyway. >> you know, anyway. And so And so And so and our server actually wasn't doing a and our server actually wasn't doing a and our server actually wasn't doing a good job that day. I think they were good job that day. I think they were good job that day. I think they were understaffed and so our glasses were understaffed and so our glasses were understaffed and so our glasses were empty and I'm usually like, "Hey, the empty and I'm usually like, "Hey, the empty and I'm usually like, "Hey, the glass is empty." You know, I'm usually glass is empty." You know, I'm usually glass is empty." You know, I'm usually that guy. that guy. that guy. And I don't even know what came over me And I don't even know what came over me And I don't even know what came over me when she came around finally came when she came around finally came when she came around finally came around. She was kind of, you know, around. She was kind of, you know, around. She was kind of, you know, filling up glasses and stuff. filling up glasses and stuff. filling up glasses and stuff. And I said, I couldn't even believe I And I said, I couldn't even believe I And I said, I couldn't even believe I said this. I [music] said, "Hey, we're said this. I [music] said, "Hey, we're said this. I [music] said, "Hey, we're not in a hurry, so think don't think of not in a hurry, so think don't think of not in a hurry, so think don't think of us first. Take care of the other tables us first. Take care of the other tables us first. Take care of the other tables first. We're not We're not in a hurry." first. We're not We're not in a hurry." first. We're not We're not in a hurry." And I was thinking inside, who are you? And I was thinking inside, who are you? And I was thinking inside, who are you? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> You know. >> You know. >> You know. And she goes, "Oh, that's so nice of And she goes, "Oh, that's so nice of And she goes, "Oh, that's so nice of you. Nobody's ever said that to me." you. Nobody's ever said that to me." you. Nobody's ever said that to me." And then I thought, okay, well, that was And then I thought, okay, well, that was And then I thought, okay, well, that was the connection point there. the connection point there. the connection point there. And so next time she came around, she's And so next time she came around, she's And so next time she came around, she's filling up the glasses again. filling up the glasses again. filling up the glasses again. She uh and I I heard me I heard myself She uh and I I heard me I heard myself She uh and I I heard me I heard myself say this. None of this was planned. I say this. None of this was planned. I say this. None of this was planned. I said, "Hey, is there anything I could said, "Hey, is there anything I could said, "Hey, is there anything I could pray with you about?" And she just pray with you about?" And she just pray with you about?" And she just looked at me like, "You're not supposed looked at me like, "You're not supposed looked at me like, "You're not supposed to say that." to say that." to say that." And I said, "I'm a pastor." And I said, "I'm a pastor." And I said, "I'm a pastor." And a big old tear popped out. Poof. And a big old tear popped out. Poof. And a big old tear popped out. Poof. And she goes And she goes And she goes "Just pray. You have no idea." "Just pray. You have no idea." "Just pray. You have no idea." And I was thinking, yeah, I probably do And I was thinking, yeah, I probably do And I was thinking, yeah, I probably do have an idea.

have an idea. have an idea. So now I'm really in, right? You're in So now I'm really in, right? You're in So now I'm really in, right? You're in at this point I'm in. I'm in I'm at this point I'm in. I'm in I'm at this point I'm in. I'm in I'm connected [music] connected [music] connected [music] to this this person's life. to this this person's life. to this this person's life. And I knew it. I could feel it. And I knew it. I could feel it. And I knew it. I could feel it. So that when we finished the meal, I and So that when we finished the meal, I and So that when we finished the meal, I and again, don't think too much of me. I get again, don't think too much of me. I get again, don't think too much of me. I get it wrong a lot. But I left a large it wrong a lot. But I left a large it wrong a lot. But I left a large tip so much so that she came back and tip so much so that she came back and tip so much so that she came back and said, "Oh, Mr. Hodges, I think you made said, "Oh, Mr. Hodges, I think you made said, "Oh, Mr. Hodges, I think you made a mistake." a mistake." a mistake." And I said, "No, it's not a mistake. And I said, "No, it's not a mistake. And I said, "No, it's not a mistake. That's for you." And she said, "Why That's for you." And she said, "Why That's for you." And she said, "Why would you do that?" would you do that?" would you do that?" And I heard myself none of this And I heard myself none of this And I heard myself none of this rehearsed. I said I heard myself say, rehearsed. I said I heard myself say, rehearsed. I said I heard myself say, "Cuz I'm on assignment "Cuz I'm on assignment "Cuz I'm on assignment by God to let you know how much he loves by God to let you know how much he loves by God to let you know how much he loves you. you. you. He He asked me to do this on his behalf He He asked me to do this on his behalf He He asked me to do this on his behalf for [music] you." for [music] you." for [music] you." And she said again, she goes, "You have And she said again, she goes, "You have And she said again, she goes, "You have You have no idea how much this means." You have no idea how much this means." You have no idea how much this means." And I said, And I said, And I said, "Yeah, I think I do." "Yeah, I think I do." "Yeah, I think I do." And I remember leaving thinking, And I remember leaving thinking, And I remember leaving thinking, "That's what it's about." "That's what it's about." "That's what it's about." I felt for a moment I was actually I felt for a moment I was actually I felt for a moment I was actually connected with God in a way connected with God in a way connected with God in a way where where where that my life that my life that my life and I'm nothing like the Good Samaritan.

and I'm nothing like the Good Samaritan. and I'm nothing like the Good Samaritan. But like on that day I kind of got it But like on that day I kind of got it But like on that day I kind of got it right. right. right. That I was supposed to notice this That I was supposed to notice this That I was supposed to notice this person. And I remember the feeling person. And I remember the feeling person. And I remember the feeling honestly that I got like, "That's what honestly that I got like, "That's what honestly that I got like, "That's what this is all about." this is all about." this is all about." In fact, In fact, In fact, >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> don't don't don't >> don't don't don't >> don't don't don't this is sound so prideful, but I this is sound so prideful, but I this is sound so prideful, but I actually remember walking out thinking, actually remember walking out thinking, actually remember walking out thinking, "Who else Lord should I touch for your "Who else Lord should I touch for your "Who else Lord should I touch for your glory today?" You know, I'm like I was glory today?" You know, I'm like I was glory today?" You know, I'm like I was I'm like, "You have another princess I'm like, "You have another princess I'm like, "You have another princess that has needs my father?" You know, that has needs my father?" You know, that has needs my father?" You know, like I was ready like I was ready like I was ready >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> to to like it felt cuz it felt great. >> to to like it felt cuz it felt great. >> [music] >> It felt like like this is what it's >> It felt like like this is what it's >> It felt like like this is what it's about, church. about, church. about, church. And I'm going to tell you something. And I'm going to tell you something. And I'm going to tell you something. We'll never regret what we give. We'll never regret what we give. We'll never regret what we give. We'll only regret what we keep. We'll only regret what we keep. We'll only regret what we keep. And that's a fact. And that's a fact. And that's a fact. So be generous. I'm asking to be So be generous. I'm asking to be So be generous. I'm asking to be generous. Go out there and be generous generous. Go out there and be generous generous. Go out there and be generous with your time, generous with your with your time, generous with your with your time, generous with your money, [music] and then finally generous money, [music] and then finally generous money, [music] and then finally generous with our kindness. with our kindness. with our kindness. And what I mean by that, look at me. And what I mean by that, look at me. And what I mean by that, look at me. We're going to study this later so I We're going to study this later so I We're going to study this later so I won't get into the detail. We've got to won't get into the detail. We've got to won't get into the detail. We've got to treat people differently than the world treat people differently than the world treat people differently than the world treats people. treats people. treats people. Look at me. Even the mean people. Look at me. Even the mean people. Look at me. Even the mean people. We've got to treat them We treat people We've got to treat them We treat people We've got to treat them We treat people with kindness even when they're not kind with kindness even when they're not kind with kindness even when they're not kind to us.

to us. to us. That's what makes us different. And that's what through history I've And that's what through history I've I've done I did a lot of history study. I've done I did a lot of history study. I've done I did a lot of history study. In fact, I have more in my notes that In fact, I have more in my notes that In fact, I have more in my notes that I'm I've been able to share with you cuz I'm I've been able to share with you cuz I'm I've been able to share with you cuz you know, when the piano plays that you know, when the piano plays that you know, when the piano plays that means hey dude, you're done. And so um means hey dude, you're done. And so um means hey dude, you're done. And so um So that So I know I have to wrap it up. So that So I know I have to wrap it up. So that So I know I have to wrap it up. But you study history But you study history But you study history and the and the Christians stepped into and the and the Christians stepped into and the and the Christians stepped into places like when there were plagues. places like when there were plagues. places like when there were plagues. When everybody was fleeing cities, When everybody was fleeing cities, When everybody was fleeing cities, Christians ran toward it. Christians ran toward it. Christians ran toward it. Would take care of the sick, Would take care of the sick, Would take care of the sick, bury the dead, and often died bury the dead, and often died bury the dead, and often died themselves. And it freaked every Like themselves. And it freaked every Like themselves. And it freaked every Like the world went, "Who are these people? the world went, "Who are these people? the world went, "Who are these people? Why would they do that?" Like the girl Why would they do that?" Like the girl Why would they do that?" Like the girl said, "Why would you do that?" It's said, "Why would you do that?" It's said, "Why would you do that?" It's because God's touched our lives. because God's touched our lives. because God's touched our lives. We forgive. We're kind. Ephesians says We forgive. We're kind. Ephesians says We forgive. We're kind. Ephesians says we're kind and compassionate cuz that's we're kind and compassionate cuz that's we're kind and compassionate cuz that's how God treated us. how God treated us. how God treated us. We just We just can't help it. So what We just We just can't help it. So what We just We just can't help it. So what do we do? do we do? do we do? Man, I'm encouraging you guys. Go live Man, I'm encouraging you guys. Go live Man, I'm encouraging you guys. Go live your lives generously with your time, your lives generously with your time, your lives generously with your time, your money, and your kindness. your money, and your kindness. your money, and your kindness. I mean, let's let's get Today's the I mean, let's let's get Today's the I mean, let's let's get Today's the first Sunday. Let's be faithful in our first Sunday. Let's be faithful in our first Sunday. Let's be faithful in our tithing. But I'm saying even to the tithing. But I'm saying even to the tithing. But I'm saying even to the restaurant you go to after service.

restaurant you go to after service. restaurant you go to after service. Let's go live generous lives. And this Let's go live generous lives. And this Let's go live generous lives. And this Saturday, go get a red shirt, everybody. Saturday, go get a red shirt, everybody. Saturday, go get a red shirt, everybody. Cancel what you had planned and come be Cancel what you had planned and come be Cancel what you had planned and come be a part of a day that'll not only change a part of a day that'll not only change a part of a day that'll not only change our city, but also change you. our city, but also change you. our city, but also change you. And so I'll close with this little And so I'll close with this little And so I'll close with this little story. story. story. So I was recently at a place So I was recently at a place So I was recently at a place um a public place um a public place um a public place and there was a guy in there talking and there was a guy in there talking and there was a guy in there talking about our church who didn't go to our about our church who didn't go to our about our church who didn't go to our church. church. church. And he wasn't necessarily pro-Highlands, And he wasn't necessarily pro-Highlands, And he wasn't necessarily pro-Highlands, but he wasn't against it either. but he wasn't against it either. but he wasn't against it either. Like you you know, in fact, he was Like you you know, in fact, he was Like you you know, in fact, he was saying stuff like he's tell talking to saying stuff like he's tell talking to saying stuff like he's tell talking to his friends about us, but he didn't his friends about us, but he didn't his friends about us, but he didn't belong here. In fact, he's like, "Yeah, belong here. In fact, he's like, "Yeah, belong here. In fact, he's like, "Yeah, I don't go there, but man, I don't go there, but man, I don't go there, but man, um these people are like they're like in um these people are like they're like in um these people are like they're like in every prison." every prison." every prison." He's like defend He doesn't even go here He's like defend He doesn't even go here He's like defend He doesn't even go here and he's defend like defending it to his and he's defend like defending it to his and he's defend like defending it to his buddy. He goes, "Yeah, I don't know if I buddy. He goes, "Yeah, I don't know if I buddy. He goes, "Yeah, I don't know if I agree with him at all, you know, agree with him at all, you know, agree with him at all, you know, theologically or the worship style or theologically or the worship style or theologically or the worship style or whatever and you you know, I don't know, whatever and you you know, I don't know, whatever and you you know, I don't know, but man but man but man man, they're everywhere, you know, they man, they're everywhere, you know, they man, they're everywhere, you know, they bro, they man and he said this he said, bro, they man and he said this he said, bro, they man and he said this he said, "I can't imagine what our city would be "I can't imagine what our city would be "I can't imagine what our city would be like without them." That was That was a proud moment. That was That was a proud moment. You know, You know, You know, I almost like, "Hey, I'm right here."

I almost like, "Hey, I'm right here." I almost like, "Hey, I'm right here." Like I didn't do that though. I Like I didn't do that though. I Like I didn't do that though. I I was just eavesdropping the whole time I was just eavesdropping the whole time I was just eavesdropping the whole time and it and made me think this and I I and it and made me think this and I I and it and made me think this and I I was trying to craft the sentence. I was trying to craft the sentence. I was trying to craft the sentence. I don't even know how good it is, but I'll don't even know how good it is, but I'll don't even know how good it is, but I'll close with it. I want to be a church close with it. I want to be a church close with it. I want to be a church that is that is [music] impossible to that is that is [music] impossible to that is that is [music] impossible to deny because we're so hard to replace. deny because we're so hard to replace. deny because we're so hard to replace. That's what the early church did. What That's what the early church did. What That's what the early church did. What they did is they even people that didn't they did is they even people that didn't they did is they even people that didn't agree with them agree with them agree with them they could they couldn't do anything they could they couldn't do anything they could they couldn't do anything about that because they were so about that because they were so about that because they were so different. different. different. And that actually turned into the whole And that actually turned into the whole And that actually turned into the whole Roman world becoming Christian and and Roman world becoming Christian and and Roman world becoming Christian and and being followers of Jesus. Hey everybody, being followers of Jesus. Hey everybody, being followers of Jesus. Hey everybody, [music] [music] [music] let's be different so we can make a let's be different so we can make a let's be different so we can make a difference and all God's people said a difference and all God's people said a difference and all God's people said a good good good Amen. Amen. Amen. So Father, yeah. Father, So Father, yeah. Father, So Father, yeah. Father, let me pray for you. Stay still for just let me pray for you. Stay still for just let me pray for you. Stay still for just a moment. Father, thank you for these a moment. Father, thank you for these a moment. Father, thank you for these amazing people and I'm commissioning amazing people and I'm commissioning amazing people and I'm commissioning them to the words you told to the expert them to the words you told to the expert them to the words you told to the expert in the law, "Go and do likewise." Hey in the law, "Go and do likewise." Hey in the law, "Go and do likewise." Hey church, go and do likewise. Go live your church, go and do likewise. Go live your church, go and do likewise. Go live your life in such a way life in such a way life in such a way that it makes a difference in the lives that it makes a difference in the lives that it makes a difference in the lives of others.

of others. of others. And so Father, I commission them this And so Father, I commission them this And so Father, I commission them this week, really every week, to live that week, really every week, to live that week, really every week, to live that kind of a way. kind of a way. kind of a way. I never like to close without giving I never like to close without giving I never like to close without giving somebody a chance to be a follower somebody a chance to be a follower somebody a chance to be a follower [music] of Jesus or for a Christian in [music] of Jesus or for a Christian in [music] of Jesus or for a Christian in this room to come back to Jesus. this room to come back to Jesus. this room to come back to Jesus. And if that's you, if I just described And if that's you, if I just described And if that's you, if I just described you, you're you're not a follower of you, you're you're not a follower of you, you're you're not a follower of Jesus, but you want to be. You want to Jesus, but you want to be. You want to Jesus, but you want to be. You want to respond to his compassion and his love respond to his compassion and his love respond to his compassion and his love and his immense forgiveness for you, and his immense forgiveness for you, and his immense forgiveness for you, you're going to get that moment right you're going to get that moment right you're going to get that moment right now. now. now. Or if you're a Christian and you've Or if you're a Christian and you've Or if you're a Christian and you've wandered away, you can come back today. wandered away, you can come back today. wandered away, you can come back today. This can be your day to come back home. This can be your day to come back home. This can be your day to come back home. You say, "Well, Chris, how do I do You say, "Well, Chris, how do I do You say, "Well, Chris, how do I do that?" Telling. That's [music] it. Say that?" Telling. That's [music] it. Say that?" Telling. That's [music] it. Say it in a prayer, and I'll help you with it in a prayer, and I'll help you with it in a prayer, and I'll help you with the words. the words. the words. If I just described you, If I just described you, If I just described you, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> pray this prayer. >> pray this prayer. >> pray this prayer. Say, "Jesus, I need you. Say, "Jesus, I need you. Say, "Jesus, I need you. And I want to respond to your And I want to respond to your And I want to respond to your incredible [snorts] kindness toward me. incredible [snorts] kindness toward me. incredible [snorts] kindness toward me. Your forgiveness, and I want to receive Your forgiveness, and I want to receive Your forgiveness, and I want to receive it today, even though I don't deserve it today, even though I don't deserve it today, even though I don't deserve it. it. it. And I'm going to do what you did for me. And I'm going to do what you did for me. And I'm going to do what you did for me. You gave me your life, I'm giving you You gave me your life, I'm giving you You gave me your life, I'm giving you mine. Everything.

mine. Everything. mine. Everything. Be the Lord of my life. Be the Lord of my life. Be the Lord of my life. Cuz I truly believe Cuz I truly believe Cuz I truly believe you're the son of God who rose from the you're the son of God who rose from the you're the son of God who rose from the dead. dead. dead. And today I'm putting my faith and my And today I'm putting my faith and my And today I'm putting my faith and my life in you. life in you. life in you. In your name I pray. In your name I pray. In your name I pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. How about a hand clap for everybody who How about a hand clap for everybody who How about a hand clap for everybody who just prayed that prayer? God bless you, just prayed that prayer? God bless you, just prayed that prayer? God bless you, church.