Entrusted

Today's the day, each year on this Today's the day, each year on this Sunday, we take a look back on what God Sunday, we take a look back on what God Sunday, we take a look back on what God has been up to in this place and what has been up to in this place and what has been up to in this place and what God might be saying to us, uh nudging us God might be saying to us, uh nudging us God might be saying to us, uh nudging us of how we move forward. So, let's dive of how we move forward. So, let's dive of how we move forward. So, let's dive in. in. in. In John 13:33 and 30 verse 33 and to 35, In John 13:33 and 30 verse 33 and to 35, In John 13:33 and 30 verse 33 and to 35, Jesus was headed to the cross. This was Jesus was headed to the cross. This was Jesus was headed to the cross. This was probably a matter of a days before he probably a matter of a days before he probably a matter of a days before he would face the crucifixion in a matter would face the crucifixion in a matter would face the crucifixion in a matter of time and uh he's headed to the cross. of time and uh he's headed to the cross. of time and uh he's headed to the cross. He's headed to die. He knew he was going He's headed to die. He knew he was going He's headed to die. He knew he was going to die. to die. to die. He knew why he was going to die. He knew why he was going to die. He knew why he was going to die. And it was a choice he made And it was a choice he made And it was a choice he made to be the last lamb sacrificed to be the last lamb sacrificed to be the last lamb sacrificed for all sin. for all sin. for all sin. And for the last few weeks of his life, And for the last few weeks of his life, And for the last few weeks of his life, it's always interesting it's always interesting it's always interesting what he was saying. what he was saying. what he was saying. I've always found it interesting when I've always found it interesting when I've always found it interesting when people uh that I might know or be people uh that I might know or be people uh that I might know or be visiting or talking to who've been visiting or talking to who've been visiting or talking to who've been diagnosed with maybe a terminal illness, diagnosed with maybe a terminal illness, diagnosed with maybe a terminal illness, they've been told that they may not have they've been told that they may not have they've been told that they may not have much time left. It's always interesting much time left. It's always interesting much time left. It's always interesting what people in those what people in those what people in those in that moment choose to say or not say.

in that moment choose to say or not say. in that moment choose to say or not say. A lot of times I've watched uh fabulous A lot of times I've watched uh fabulous A lot of times I've watched uh fabulous people, men and women alike, who were people, men and women alike, who were people, men and women alike, who were told it was just a matter of time but told it was just a matter of time but told it was just a matter of time but there was nothing further the doctors there was nothing further the doctors there was nothing further the doctors could do and it was always fascinating could do and it was always fascinating could do and it was always fascinating and it was a great experience for me to and it was a great experience for me to and it was a great experience for me to be I've been around this all of my life, be I've been around this all of my life, be I've been around this all of my life, of course, being in ministry and I of course, being in ministry and I of course, being in ministry and I always fascinated when they what comes always fascinated when they what comes always fascinated when they what comes out of their thinking and out of their out of their thinking and out of their out of their thinking and out of their hearts and typically someone that's hearts and typically someone that's hearts and typically someone that's followed Jesus for a lengthy period of followed Jesus for a lengthy period of followed Jesus for a lengthy period of time come at death very differently time come at death very differently time come at death very differently than those who have no hope. That's why than those who have no hope. That's why than those who have no hope. That's why scripture says, "Let us not grieve scripture says, "Let us not grieve scripture says, "Let us not grieve as those who have no hope." as those who have no hope." as those who have no hope." And I watch what people say and do, some And I watch what people say and do, some And I watch what people say and do, some of those last time you sit with somebody of those last time you sit with somebody of those last time you sit with somebody you love you love you love and you know it's close. And maybe there's weeks or days. And maybe there's weeks or days. And then the day comes. And with all we believe and we believe And with all we believe and we believe in heaven, we believe a person that's in heaven, we believe a person that's in heaven, we believe a person that's given their life to Christ is is going given their life to Christ is is going given their life to Christ is is going to be with Jesus the moment their eyes to be with Jesus the moment their eyes to be with Jesus the moment their eyes close here and open there.

close here and open there. close here and open there. We know the Bible says they're with him. We know the Bible says they're with him. We know the Bible says they're with him. >> [snorts] >> So here's Jesus >> So here's Jesus facing facing facing probably the most brutal death one could probably the most brutal death one could probably the most brutal death one could die. die. die. It's up on the top of the list, of It's up on the top of the list, of It's up on the top of the list, of course. His time is about over His time is about over on Earth. Of all he could have said. Of all he could have said. Think about all he didn't say. But let Think about all he didn't say. But let Think about all he didn't say. But let me tell you what he did say. John me tell you what he did say. John me tell you what he did say. John 13:33-35. Dear children, Dear children, I'll be with you only a little longer. I'll be with you only a little longer. I'll be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you And as I told the Jewish leaders, you And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, will search for me, will search for me, but you can't come where I'm going. but you can't come where I'm going. but you can't come where I'm going. So now I'm giving you a new commandment. So now I'm giving you a new commandment. So now I'm giving you a new commandment. Love each other as I've loved you. Love each other as I've loved you. Love each other as I've loved you. Just as I've loved you, you should love Just as I've loved you, you should love Just as I've loved you, you should love each other. And your love for one each other. And your love for one each other. And your love for one another will prove to the world that another will prove to the world that another will prove to the world that you're my disciples.

And I can just start rolling off all the And I can just start rolling off all the thoughts in my mind of what he didn't thoughts in my mind of what he didn't thoughts in my mind of what he didn't say. He didn't say He didn't say go overthrow the king. He didn't say hate these people and love He didn't say hate these people and love those people. those people. those people. No, no. Love each other. My parting words to Love each other. My parting words to you. you. you. If you remember nothing else, remember If you remember nothing else, remember If you remember nothing else, remember this, he says in essence. this, he says in essence. this, he says in essence. You love each other like I've loved you. You love each other like I've loved you. You love each other like I've loved you. And just as I have loved you, you should And just as I have loved you, you should And just as I have loved you, you should love each other because your love for love each other because your love for love each other because your love for one another will prove to the world that one another will prove to the world that one another will prove to the world that you're my disciples. you're my disciples. you're my disciples. Do you think the world looks at Do you think the world looks at Do you think the world looks at Christians these days and says, "Wow, I Christians these days and says, "Wow, I Christians these days and says, "Wow, I want to be more like them?" I think if they came to our church, I think if they came to our church, they'd be saying that. they'd be saying that. they'd be saying that. In my totally biased opinion.

In my totally biased opinion. In my totally biased opinion. But there are days I just cringe when But there are days I just cringe when But there are days I just cringe when somebody has said something or done somebody has said something or done somebody has said something or done something using the name of Jesus to try something using the name of Jesus to try something using the name of Jesus to try to prove a point. to prove a point. to prove a point. And I want to go, "He wouldn't say that. And I want to go, "He wouldn't say that. And I want to go, "He wouldn't say that. You made that up." Get a little cranky. I've been on Get a little cranky. I've been on vacation. I've really loosened up, you vacation. I've really loosened up, you vacation. I've really loosened up, you know. know. know. I'm just woo, going to let it fly here. It's interesting that Jesus said to his It's interesting that Jesus said to his followers that your relationship with followers that your relationship with followers that your relationship with each other will be the key each other will be the key each other will be the key to spreading the message of Jesus. to spreading the message of Jesus. to spreading the message of Jesus. We say that Crossings exist to help us We say that Crossings exist to help us We say that Crossings exist to help us find and follow Jesus. We want to be find and follow Jesus. We want to be find and follow Jesus. We want to be known in our community, in our state, known in our community, in our state, known in our community, in our state, and around the country as people who and around the country as people who and around the country as people who we're going to live by faith, we're we're going to live by faith, we're we're going to live by faith, we're going to be a voice of hope, and we're going to be a voice of hope, and we're going to be a voice of hope, and we're going to be known by love. Interesting, the atheist philosopher Interesting, the atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche Fred once asked what Friedrich Nietzsche Fred once asked what Friedrich Nietzsche Fred once asked what made him Someone once asked him what made him Someone once asked him what made him Someone once asked him what made him so negative toward Christians. made him so negative toward Christians. made him so negative toward Christians. And he said this, "I would believe in And he said this, "I would believe in And he said this, "I would believe in their salvation if they looked a little their salvation if they looked a little their salvation if they looked a little more like people who'd been saved."

I'm going to say it again. I'm going to say it again. I would believe in their salvation if I would believe in their salvation if I would believe in their salvation if they looked a little more like people they looked a little more like people they looked a little more like people who've been saved. Who say what they believe, who live out Who say what they believe, who live out what they say They believe, what they what they say They believe, what they what they say They believe, what they say matches what they do. Author Nancy Mairs writes in her Author Nancy Mairs writes in her memoirs, Ordinary Time, "Even while memoirs, Ordinary Time, "Even while memoirs, Ordinary Time, "Even while uncertain about belief in God, she began uncertain about belief in God, she began uncertain about belief in God, she began attending church again to prepare a attending church again to prepare a attending church again to prepare a space into which belief could flood." space into which belief could flood." space into which belief could flood." I like that. I like that. I like that. I think some of you are sitting here I think some of you are sitting here I think some of you are sitting here and you have come here and you have come here and you have come here not real clear about what you believe, not real clear about what you believe, not real clear about what you believe, what you think, what how God feels about what you think, what how God feels about what you think, what how God feels about you one way or the other, all the kinds you one way or the other, all the kinds you one way or the other, all the kinds of questions that people have when of questions that people have when of questions that people have when they're at least willing to make a a a they're at least willing to make a a a they're at least willing to make a a a uh uh uh intentional step toward Jesus. I think intentional step toward Jesus. I think intentional step toward Jesus. I think there's people I love that about there's people I love that about there's people I love that about Crossings. This is a place you can come Crossings. This is a place you can come Crossings. This is a place you can come and ask hard questions. And I do think and ask hard questions. And I do think and ask hard questions. And I do think there are people here that probably have there are people here that probably have there are people here that probably have come here come here come here at least to say, "I'm going to prepare a at least to say, "I'm going to prepare a at least to say, "I'm going to prepare a space into which belief can flood."

space into which belief can flood." space into which belief can flood." If there's something I should believe, If there's something I should believe, If there's something I should believe, if something I need to believe that I if something I need to believe that I if something I need to believe that I don't understand or don't know or don't don't understand or don't know or don't don't understand or don't know or don't believe now, I'm I'm coming to church. I believe now, I'm I'm coming to church. I believe now, I'm I'm coming to church. I I kind of like the music or some people I kind of like the music or some people I kind of like the music or some people love the music. I I'm okay about the love the music. I I'm okay about the love the music. I I'm okay about the preaching. I'll I'll get over that. Or I preaching. I'll I'll get over that. Or I preaching. I'll I'll get over that. Or I that preaching's really, you know, it's that preaching's really, you know, it's that preaching's really, you know, it's it We get all kinds of comments. it We get all kinds of comments. it We get all kinds of comments. Okay, and then and they're all good. But how many of you might be sitting But how many of you might be sitting here saying, "I'm I'm here because I'm here saying, "I'm I'm here because I'm here saying, "I'm I'm here because I'm wanting God to prepare a space in me wanting God to prepare a space in me wanting God to prepare a space in me where he could occupy where he could occupy where he could occupy and flood my soul." And I'm always eager to see people doing And I'm always eager to see people doing that. In a few minutes I'm going to In a few minutes I'm going to prepare a hopefully prepare space into prepare a hopefully prepare space into prepare a hopefully prepare space into which belief can flood for you. which belief can flood for you. which belief can flood for you. When you walked in today in your worship When you walked in today in your worship When you walked in today in your worship rooms, you received a card. For those rooms, you received a card. For those rooms, you received a card. For those watching online, you can view the card watching online, you can view the card watching online, you can view the card with the link provided on your screen. with the link provided on your screen. with the link provided on your screen. On the second Sunday of August every On the second Sunday of August every On the second Sunday of August every year, we have a little bit of business year, we have a little bit of business year, we have a little bit of business we have to do and it's good business and we have to do and it's good business and we have to do and it's good business and it's a good that we we it. it's a good that we we it. it's a good that we we it. We have to approve the bylaws and the uh We have to approve the bylaws and the uh We have to approve the bylaws and the uh uh uh uh require the congregation to approve the require the congregation to approve the require the congregation to approve the fiscal year budget. If there's a change fiscal year budget. If there's a change fiscal year budget. If there's a change of bylaws as well as approving of bylaws as well as approving of bylaws as well as approving nominations for those who would serve on nominations for those who would serve on nominations for those who would serve on the board of elders. The board of elders the board of elders. The board of elders the board of elders. The board of elders can serve two three-year terms, then can serve two three-year terms, then can serve two three-year terms, then they must take a break. And through the they must take a break. And through the they must take a break. And through the years we've had many many many men and years we've had many many many men and years we've had many many many men and women serving on our board of elders and women serving on our board of elders and women serving on our board of elders and that will continue to be the path that will continue to be the path that will continue to be the path forward. We'll want you to fill that out forward. We'll want you to fill that out forward. We'll want you to fill that out and when you leave the rooms there'll be and when you leave the rooms there'll be and when you leave the rooms there'll be uh baskets or receptacles, black boxes uh baskets or receptacles, black boxes uh baskets or receptacles, black boxes where you can put that card. That's a where you can put that card. That's a where you can put that card. That's a you know, most churches this size don't

you know, most churches this size don't you know, most churches this size don't do that. do that. do that. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to me. It just gives me a pulse on how are It just gives me a pulse on how are It just gives me a pulse on how are things. things. things. How are you doing? How are you doing? How are you doing? Are we okay? Are you Are you good with Are we okay? Are you Are you good with Are we okay? Are you Are you good with how we're managing things and taking how we're managing things and taking how we're managing things and taking care of things? That's really what it care of things? That's really what it care of things? That's really what it says to me and uh so it I'd appreciate says to me and uh so it I'd appreciate says to me and uh so it I'd appreciate you do that, fill it out. It says you do that, fill it out. It says you do that, fill it out. It says required by our doc our bylaws uh that required by our doc our bylaws uh that required by our doc our bylaws uh that we do this each year and I'm glad we do we do this each year and I'm glad we do we do this each year and I'm glad we do it. it. it. Now before we do that, uh before we come Now before we do that, uh before we come Now before we do that, uh before we come to that point of the service at the end, to that point of the service at the end, to that point of the service at the end, I want to give you a glimpse of some I want to give you a glimpse of some I want to give you a glimpse of some things. I've got a lot of good news to things. I've got a lot of good news to things. I've got a lot of good news to report to you and uh this summer was report to you and uh this summer was report to you and uh this summer was quite a summer around Crossings and quite a summer around Crossings and quite a summer around Crossings and thankfully through the year thankfully through the year thankfully through the year to see what God has done and I don't to see what God has done and I don't to see what God has done and I don't think sometimes we celebrate as much as think sometimes we celebrate as much as think sometimes we celebrate as much as we should what God is actually up to. we should what God is actually up to. we should what God is actually up to. And I wanted to let you know, I can't And I wanted to let you know, I can't And I wanted to let you know, I can't give you all I mean, I could take two give you all I mean, I could take two give you all I mean, I could take two days to tell you what God's been doing days to tell you what God's been doing days to tell you what God's been doing in this church in the lives of people, in this church in the lives of people, in this church in the lives of people, but I'll take I'll try to take just but I'll take I'll try to take just but I'll take I'll try to take just basically 20 minutes here with 20 25 basically 20 minutes here with 20 25 basically 20 minutes here with 20 25 minutes left. As a church, I'm going to read this As a church, I'm going to read this verse. This is a a verse that is verse. This is a a verse that is verse. This is a a verse that is key to us.

key to us. key to us. It's personal, too, but I'm going to It's personal, too, but I'm going to It's personal, too, but I'm going to read it as a church. read it as a church. read it as a church. So Crossings, let's not store up So Crossings, let's not store up So Crossings, let's not store up treasures here on earth where moths eat treasures here on earth where moths eat treasures here on earth where moths eat them and rust destroys them and where them and rust destroys them and where them and rust destroys them and where thieves break in and steal. Store your thieves break in and steal. Store your thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven where moths and rust treasures in heaven where moths and rust treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy and thieves do not break cannot destroy and thieves do not break cannot destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. Cuz wherever of treasure in and steal. Cuz wherever of treasure in and steal. Cuz wherever of treasure is, there the desires of your heart will is, there the desires of your heart will is, there the desires of your heart will also be. also be. also be. That's a good little litmus test for us. That's a good little litmus test for us. That's a good little litmus test for us. What do I really treasure? What do I really treasure? What do I really treasure? What has the bulk of my thought What has the bulk of my thought What has the bulk of my thought processes each week? processes each week? processes each week? What am I most eager to do, to see, to What am I most eager to do, to see, to What am I most eager to do, to see, to say? If we do this as a church, If we do this as a church, we store up treasures we store up treasures we store up treasures not on earth, not on earth, not on earth, but in heaven. but in heaven. but in heaven. Because where the treasure is is where Because where the treasure is is where Because where the treasure is is where the desires of your heart will be. As I've experienced what God does in As I've experienced what God does in people's lives when they make room for people's lives when they make room for people's lives when they make room for him, him, him, it's amazing what uh has happened in it's amazing what uh has happened in it's amazing what uh has happened in this church. So, I want to let you know this church. So, I want to let you know this church. So, I want to let you know some good news.

some good news. some good news. Uh Josh Costner grew up here at Uh Josh Costner grew up here at Uh Josh Costner grew up here at Crossings. I watched him grow up from a Crossings. I watched him grow up from a Crossings. I watched him grow up from a little kid. He's He's just a phenomenal little kid. He's He's just a phenomenal little kid. He's He's just a phenomenal staff member, plays in the orchestra, staff member, plays in the orchestra, staff member, plays in the orchestra, uh but he's on our team. He's the pastor uh but he's on our team. He's the pastor uh but he's on our team. He's the pastor of finance and administration. That of finance and administration. That of finance and administration. That crazy guy knows where every penny is. crazy guy knows where every penny is. crazy guy knows where every penny is. Every I mean, just drives me nuts. If I Every I mean, just drives me nuts. If I Every I mean, just drives me nuts. If I spend 10 bucks, he's going to ask me spend 10 bucks, he's going to ask me spend 10 bucks, he's going to ask me why. But he sent me this note this week. He But he sent me this note this week. He said uh it was from Luke 21:1-4, and it said uh it was from Luke 21:1-4, and it said uh it was from Luke 21:1-4, and it says this, "While Jesus was in the says this, "While Jesus was in the says this, "While Jesus was in the temple, he watched rich people dropping temple, he watched rich people dropping temple, he watched rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then their gifts in the collection box. Then their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two a poor widow came by and dropped in two a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. I tell you the truth," small coins. I tell you the truth," small coins. I tell you the truth," Jesus said, "the poor widow's given more Jesus said, "the poor widow's given more Jesus said, "the poor widow's given more than all the rest of them. For they have than all the rest of them. For they have than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but given a tiny part of their surplus, but given a tiny part of their surplus, but poor as she is, she has given everything poor as she is, she has given everything poor as she is, she has given everything she has." Josh sent me that. And I'm think I'm thinking, "Are you And I'm think I'm thinking, "Are you questioning my giving?" questioning my giving?" questioning my giving?" Cuz do you think I need to do better? Cuz do you think I need to do better? Cuz do you think I need to do better? No, he said, "Look, No, he said, "Look, No, he said, "Look, I see this verse played out so often, I see this verse played out so often, I see this verse played out so often, pretty much weekly, pretty much weekly, pretty much weekly, by our brothers and sisters who are by our brothers and sisters who are by our brothers and sisters who are incarcerated.

Cuz it's all they got. Cuz it's all they got. And it's a big sacrifice. And it's a big sacrifice. And it's a big sacrifice. But they faithfully give far more But they faithfully give far more But they faithfully give far more than most of us. We're serving a over a thousand men and We're serving a over a thousand men and women every week in our prison ministry, women every week in our prison ministry, women every week in our prison ministry, praying with them, developing leaders praying with them, developing leaders praying with them, developing leaders inside the prisons, engaging in weekly inside the prisons, engaging in weekly inside the prisons, engaging in weekly discipleship, and providing a restart discipleship, and providing a restart discipleship, and providing a restart support for those who have been released support for those who have been released support for those who have been released from prison. from prison. from prison. I'm thankful God called us to do this. I'm thankful God called us to do this. I'm thankful God called us to do this. This was not on our radar. We didn't This was not on our radar. We didn't This was not on our radar. We didn't say, "Let's go do a prison ministry." say, "Let's go do a prison ministry." say, "Let's go do a prison ministry." No, no, no. In COVID, when everything No, no, no. In COVID, when everything No, no, no. In COVID, when everything had fallen apart and our our our budget had fallen apart and our our our budget had fallen apart and our our our budget was cut in half in a matter of weeks, was cut in half in a matter of weeks, was cut in half in a matter of weeks, it's like, "Oh, no. What are we going to it's like, "Oh, no. What are we going to it's like, "Oh, no. What are we going to do?" you know. And then we get a call do?" you know. And then we get a call do?" you know. And then we get a call from the Department of Corrections. Most from the Department of Corrections. Most from the Department of Corrections. Most of you know this. Said, "Would you put of you know this. Said, "Would you put of you know this. Said, "Would you put your worship services in all 22 prisons your worship services in all 22 prisons your worship services in all 22 prisons in the state of Oklahoma?" And it's in the state of Oklahoma?" And it's in the state of Oklahoma?" And it's like, like, like, "Yeah." We said uh We said uh We kind of said yes before we thought we We kind of said yes before we thought we We kind of said yes before we thought we we'll check the budget here. We're not we'll check the budget here. We're not we'll check the budget here. We're not sure what's going on here, but this is sure what's going on here, but this is sure what's going on here, but this is going to be expensive. And you know what going to be expensive. And you know what going to be expensive. And you know what our elders did and what you all did is our elders did and what you all did is our elders did and what you all did is said, "Let's go."

said, "Let's go." said, "Let's go." COVID or not, let's go. We've been COVID or not, let's go. We've been COVID or not, let's go. We've been invited there and we've still we're invited there and we've still we're invited there and we've still we're still there and we're going to stay still there and we're going to stay still there and we're going to stay there as long as they'll let us. But there as long as they'll let us. But there as long as they'll let us. But it's it's exciting to watch what happens it's it's exciting to watch what happens it's it's exciting to watch what happens when these men and women have a glimpse of hope. have a glimpse of hope. And that they're not forgotten. And that they're not forgotten. And that they're not forgotten. And that they're loved And that they're loved And that they're loved by people by people by people who love them who love them who love them and have forgiven them. Our lord Our largest uh Our lord Our largest uh global missions partner is Water 4. That global missions partner is Water 4. That global missions partner is Water 4. That started right here in this room. It came started right here in this room. It came started right here in this room. It came to a a couple in our church years ago uh to a a couple in our church years ago uh to a a couple in our church years ago uh and uh and uh and uh Dea- Deacon Terry Greenlee and they Dea- Deacon Terry Greenlee and they Dea- Deacon Terry Greenlee and they started this there was a need for water started this there was a need for water started this there was a need for water around the world. Water wells are around the world. Water wells are around the world. Water wells are breaking down and they'd go build water breaking down and they'd go build water breaking down and they'd go build water wells and they'd break and nobody could wells and they'd break and nobody could wells and they'd break and nobody could go back and go fix them. So, they came go back and go fix them. So, they came go back and go fix them. So, they came up with an incredible way that water is up with an incredible way that water is up with an incredible way that water is now transported around the globe. It's now transported around the globe. It's now transported around the globe. It's called Water for they've so far provided called Water for they've so far provided called Water for they've so far provided fresh water every day to over 2 and 1/2 fresh water every day to over 2 and 1/2 fresh water every day to over 2 and 1/2 million people. World relief agencies million people. World relief agencies million people. World relief agencies and foundations are coming to Water for and foundations are coming to Water for and foundations are coming to Water for to say, "How do you do that and how can to say, "How do you do that and how can to say, "How do you do that and how can we keep doing that around the globe?"

we keep doing that around the globe?" we keep doing that around the globe?" I'm thrilled to be a part of that board I'm thrilled to be a part of that board I'm thrilled to be a part of that board and to see what happened. It's It's and to see what happened. It's It's and to see what happened. It's It's miracles. I'm telling you it's just miracles. I'm telling you it's just miracles. I'm telling you it's just miraculous and we get to be a part of miraculous and we get to be a part of miraculous and we get to be a part of that. We've been engaged with long-term We've been engaged with long-term friends and pastors in Lebanon in the friends and pastors in Lebanon in the friends and pastors in Lebanon in the Middle East. Middle East. Middle East. Camille Melki was here not long ago, Camille Melki was here not long ago, Camille Melki was here not long ago, spoke to our staff briefly. spoke to our staff briefly. spoke to our staff briefly. I remember he This is Now, this You know I remember he This is Now, this You know I remember he This is Now, this You know what's going Surely you know what's what's going Surely you know what's what's going Surely you know what's going on in the Middle East. I think Camille I I I don't know if he I think Camille I I I don't know if he was serious. He might have been grinning was serious. He might have been grinning was serious. He might have been grinning when he said, "Hey, good Marty, you when he said, "Hey, good Marty, you when he said, "Hey, good Marty, you ought to come over and see us." No, not ought to come over and see us." No, not ought to come over and see us." No, not a chance, pal. a chance, pal. a chance, pal. I don't want to get shot down for Jesus, I don't want to get shot down for Jesus, I don't want to get shot down for Jesus, you know. you know. you know. I'm a coward. Camille Melki is one of the heroes. Camille Melki is one of the heroes. Heart for Lebanon is the ministry. We've Heart for Lebanon is the ministry. We've Heart for Lebanon is the ministry. We've supported them for years. supported them for years. supported them for years. We've been giving them 50,000 a year for We've been giving them 50,000 a year for We've been giving them 50,000 a year for years and they've always felt blessed to years and they've always felt blessed to years and they've always felt blessed to have that and it's certainly helped them have that and it's certainly helped them have that and it's certainly helped them out. This year though, there's a war, out. This year though, there's a war, out. This year though, there's a war, you know, you know, you know, in that part of the world and it's in that part of the world and it's in that part of the world and it's taking a toll.

taking a toll. taking a toll. We sent them $110,000 We sent them $110,000 We sent them $110,000 to help provide the gospel of Jesus in to help provide the gospel of Jesus in to help provide the gospel of Jesus in that region that region that region and Muslims are turning to Christ like and Muslims are turning to Christ like and Muslims are turning to Christ like never before. There's a photo I want you never before. There's a photo I want you never before. There's a photo I want you to see. I asked for permission to show to see. I asked for permission to show to see. I asked for permission to show it. it. it. These are Muslim women who have come to These are Muslim women who have come to These are Muslim women who have come to Jesus. Notice the Muslim with her head Jesus. Notice the Muslim with her head Jesus. Notice the Muslim with her head covered holding a Bible. covered holding a Bible. covered holding a Bible. And Camille said in his note, I never And Camille said in his note, I never And Camille said in his note, I never years ago we never dreamed that could be years ago we never dreamed that could be years ago we never dreamed that could be possible and today it is happening. possible and today it is happening. possible and today it is happening. Who taught Isn't that crazy? >> I love that guy and his ministry and all >> I love that guy and his ministry and all the time we're very involved and I think the time we're very involved and I think the time we're very involved and I think he's going to be with us later this year he's going to be with us later this year he's going to be with us later this year and you'll get a chance to hear from and you'll get a chance to hear from and you'll get a chance to hear from him. him. him. In our two local clinics over the past In our two local clinics over the past In our two local clinics over the past 12 months, we have served almost 15,000 12 months, we have served almost 15,000 12 months, we have served almost 15,000 we've had 15,787 we've had 15,787 we've had 15,787 patient encounters. We probably didn't patient encounters. We probably didn't patient encounters. We probably didn't know that. You may not have heard that know that. You may not have heard that know that. You may not have heard that before. That's in the last 12 months. before. That's in the last 12 months. before. That's in the last 12 months. This is why we built clinics.

This is why we built clinics. This is why we built clinics. Because we went to the city leader and Because we went to the city leader and Because we went to the city leader and state leaders many years ago and said, state leaders many years ago and said, state leaders many years ago and said, "What's missing in the community that "What's missing in the community that "What's missing in the community that perhaps the church could help with?" And perhaps the church could help with?" And perhaps the church could help with?" And they said, "We need health care for the they said, "We need health care for the they said, "We need health care for the working poor." working poor." working poor." For starters. For starters. For starters. We did that, started that and then along We did that, started that and then along We did that, started that and then along came the opportunity to have a community came the opportunity to have a community came the opportunity to have a community center where kids would come to us after center where kids would come to us after center where kids would come to us after school. The schools would bring them to school. The schools would bring them to school. The schools would bring them to us after school where they get something us after school where they get something us after school where they get something to eat, food to take home because they to eat, food to take home because they to eat, food to take home because they may not have any more for the next day. may not have any more for the next day. may not have any more for the next day. So we did that and we still do that. So we did that and we still do that. So we did that and we still do that. The clinic and the community center over The clinic and the community center over The clinic and the community center over on Penn, the clinic down at Midtown. on Penn, the clinic down at Midtown. on Penn, the clinic down at Midtown. It's a ministry we didn't see coming. We It's a ministry we didn't see coming. We It's a ministry we didn't see coming. We just said, "What's the need?" just said, "What's the need?" just said, "What's the need?" We were told what the need was and we We were told what the need was and we We were told what the need was and we got after it. got after it. got after it. God is still working there. We built God is still working there. We built God is still working there. We built those clinics to reach to the least of those clinics to reach to the least of those clinics to reach to the least of these in communities on the north side these in communities on the north side these in communities on the north side and in the Midtown areas, neighborhoods and in the Midtown areas, neighborhoods and in the Midtown areas, neighborhoods that are difficult places to live. We provide health care, food, resources, We provide health care, food, resources, tutoring and more. tutoring and more. tutoring and more. Two weeks ago our community center Two weeks ago our community center Two weeks ago our community center worship service had 326 people on Sunday worship service had 326 people on Sunday worship service had 326 people on Sunday morning worshipping there. They would morning worshipping there. They would morning worshipping there. They would never come to one of our other rooms.

And that's exactly why we built the And that's exactly why we built the clinic and the community center to reach clinic and the community center to reach clinic and the community center to reach those people in their community and those people in their community and those people in their community and their neighborhood. And for them, their their neighborhood. And for them, their their neighborhood. And for them, their community and their neighbors and their community and their neighbors and their community and their neighbors and their kids are being blessed because somebody kids are being blessed because somebody kids are being blessed because somebody just said this might be a good idea in a just said this might be a good idea in a just said this might be a good idea in a certain area of the city certain area of the city certain area of the city to open your hearts. You've done that. to open your hearts. You've done that. to open your hearts. You've done that. Your giving helps that happen and we Your giving helps that happen and we Your giving helps that happen and we keep we have great things that we're keep we have great things that we're keep we have great things that we're able to do. able to do. able to do. Several weeks ago on a Wednesday evening Several weeks ago on a Wednesday evening Several weeks ago on a Wednesday evening the Crossings took over the Oklahoma the Crossings took over the Oklahoma the Crossings took over the Oklahoma City Zoo. I was worried that some of our City Zoo. I was worried that some of our City Zoo. I was worried that some of our staff might be staff might be staff might be kept there, but um kept there, but um kept there, but um I won't mention who that I thought might I won't mention who that I thought might I won't mention who that I thought might be a candidate to stay, but there were be a candidate to stay, but there were be a candidate to stay, but there were some prime candidates, I think. So but some prime candidates, I think. So but some prime candidates, I think. So but we had [laughter] that we Crossings went we had [laughter] that we Crossings went we had [laughter] that we Crossings went to the zoo and I think it was like over to the zoo and I think it was like over to the zoo and I think it was like over I don't know 3,400 people showed up. I don't know 3,400 people showed up. I don't know 3,400 people showed up. Scott Dudley the Scott Dudley the Scott Dudley the Dudley the executive director of our Dudley the executive director of our Dudley the executive director of our clinics invited he got to the database clinics invited he got to the database clinics invited he got to the database and invited 1,500 people. and invited 1,500 people. and invited 1,500 people. Uh let me get let me get this right. He Uh let me get let me get this right. He Uh let me get let me get this right. He invited 1,500 individuals who had been invited 1,500 individuals who had been invited 1,500 individuals who had been to our clinic over the years.

to our clinic over the years. to our clinic over the years. And he sent them emails. They had And he sent them emails. They had And he sent them emails. They had emailed we're headed to the zoo. It's a emailed we're headed to the zoo. It's a emailed we're headed to the zoo. It's a free night at the zoo at Crossings. free night at the zoo at Crossings. free night at the zoo at Crossings. You're welcome to join us. We got a You're welcome to join us. We got a You're welcome to join us. We got a hundred they got a hundred phone calls hundred they got a hundred phone calls hundred they got a hundred phone calls from those folks asking, is this event from those folks asking, is this event from those folks asking, is this event truly free? And secondly, is it a safe truly free? And secondly, is it a safe truly free? And secondly, is it a safe place for us to gather? place for us to gather? place for us to gather? The answer was yes. The answer was yes. The answer was yes. And they came. And they came. And they came. And what a great expression of the body And what a great expression of the body And what a great expression of the body of Christ of Christ of Christ that evening that evening that evening to see what happens when a church to see what happens when a church to see what happens when a church says to the community, we love says to the community, we love says to the community, we love everybody. This summer 842 kids and students went This summer 842 kids and students went to our kids and student camps joined by to our kids and student camps joined by to our kids and student camps joined by 268 adult volunteers who gave up a week 268 adult volunteers who gave up a week 268 adult volunteers who gave up a week of their time, invested their time and of their time, invested their time and of their time, invested their time and energy in the next generation. And these energy in the next generation. And these energy in the next generation. And these kids came home on fire. I my grandsons kids came home on fire. I my grandsons kids came home on fire. I my grandsons were part of that getting to go to camp were part of that getting to go to camp were part of that getting to go to camp this year and uh it was a phenomenal this year and uh it was a phenomenal this year and uh it was a phenomenal thing to see in their faces and hear thing to see in their faces and hear thing to see in their faces and hear their stories. So far, 22 students have their stories. So far, 22 students have their stories. So far, 22 students have gone public in a decision to follow gone public in a decision to follow gone public in a decision to follow Jesus by being baptized. 31 students are Jesus by being baptized. 31 students are Jesus by being baptized. 31 students are now in a class will be in a class where now in a class will be in a class where now in a class will be in a class where they're going to be talking about being they're going to be talking about being they're going to be talking about being baptized. Over the past 12 months in baptized. Over the past 12 months in baptized. Over the past 12 months in this church, in just the last 12 months, this church, in just the last 12 months, this church, in just the last 12 months, 418 people have chosen to come before 418 people have chosen to come before 418 people have chosen to come before their church family just simply to say their church family just simply to say their church family just simply to say "I've decided to follow Jesus." 418 "I've decided to follow Jesus." 418 "I've decided to follow Jesus." 418 people will be doing this again in a few people will be doing this again in a few people will be doing this again in a few weeks on August the 30th and we're weeks on August the 30th and we're weeks on August the 30th and we're waiting for those who will sign up and waiting for those who will sign up and waiting for those who will sign up and be a part of that. And if you don't sign

be a part of that. And if you don't sign be a part of that. And if you don't sign up in that particular day you feel led up in that particular day you feel led up in that particular day you feel led to get baptized, we'll do what we did to get baptized, we'll do what we did to get baptized, we'll do what we did just a few few weeks ago and we'll just a few few weeks ago and we'll just a few few weeks ago and we'll baptize till everybody's baptized, you baptize till everybody's baptized, you baptize till everybody's baptized, you know, we'll just keep going. So. know, we'll just keep going. So. know, we'll just keep going. So. >> [applause] >> So, something's happened we That's never >> So, something's happened we That's never happened here before. happened here before. happened here before. We've never done that before. We've never done that before. We've never done that before. What's he up to? It's the power of Christ It's the power of Christ moving in this church. Because we've been faithful Because we've been faithful in a few things in a few things in a few things and God has honored that and God has honored that and God has honored that and we see him at work and we see him at work and we see him at work in our life. We believe We believe that our giving matters that our giving matters that our giving matters that our support of all kinds of things that our support of all kinds of things that our support of all kinds of things both here at home both here at home both here at home in the state and our country and across in the state and our country and across in the state and our country and across the globe. We believe these things the globe. We believe these things the globe. We believe these things matter.

matter. matter. We decided as a church long ago we're We decided as a church long ago we're We decided as a church long ago we're not going to store up treasures here on not going to store up treasures here on not going to store up treasures here on Earth Earth Earth where moths where moths where moths eat them and rust destroys them and eat them and rust destroys them and eat them and rust destroys them and thieves break in and steal. We're going thieves break in and steal. We're going thieves break in and steal. We're going to store treasure in heaven as a church. to store treasure in heaven as a church. to store treasure in heaven as a church. For us that meant don't debt don't get For us that meant don't debt don't get For us that meant don't debt don't get into debt. We've never We've never taken into debt. We've never We've never taken into debt. We've never We've never taken on long-term debt. That's a commitment on long-term debt. That's a commitment on long-term debt. That's a commitment made by people who started this church made by people who started this church made by people who started this church and I wish they could see how much that and I wish they could see how much that and I wish they could see how much that step of faith then has mattered all step of faith then has mattered all step of faith then has mattered all through these years. through these years. through these years. Not one penny of debt. Not one penny of debt. Not one penny of debt. It takes long to get anything done, It takes long to get anything done, It takes long to get anything done, longer time, longer time, longer time, but I'm glad we have the commitment from but I'm glad we have the commitment from but I'm glad we have the commitment from our leaders through 67 years our leaders through 67 years our leaders through 67 years of we'll be faithful with your giving. of we'll be faithful with your giving. of we'll be faithful with your giving. We're not going to borrow money and get We're not going to borrow money and get We're not going to borrow money and get into debt. into debt. into debt. We'll wait until God provides and then We'll wait until God provides and then We'll wait until God provides and then we'll build or move or go, whatever God we'll build or move or go, whatever God we'll build or move or go, whatever God is leading us. I'm thankful for people, is leading us. I'm thankful for people, is leading us. I'm thankful for people, our founders, our forefathers and those our founders, our forefathers and those our founders, our forefathers and those men and women who started this church. I men and women who started this church. I men and women who started this church. I wish and maybe they can.

I was 22 years old and brilliant when I I was 22 years old and brilliant when I came here. You don't be the mercy and grace they You don't be the mercy and grace they showed they showed me. But all they wanted to do But all they wanted to do is there's somebody within a vicinity of is there's somebody within a vicinity of is there's somebody within a vicinity of 50 ft of this church that don't know 50 ft of this church that don't know 50 ft of this church that don't know Jesus, we better tell them. They never got caught up in their thing, They never got caught up in their thing, their hymns, their music, their their hymns, their music, their their hymns, their music, their doctrine, their this this this this, doctrine, their this this this this, doctrine, their this this this this, their seats. their seats. their seats. It's an unusual thing. I've been in a It's an unusual thing. I've been in a It's an unusual thing. I've been in a lot of churches. I've grew up in two lot of churches. I've grew up in two lot of churches. I've grew up in two great churches. I'm so thankful I'm so thankful because their generosity has allowed us because their generosity has allowed us because their generosity has allowed us to be generous. And I'm thankful for that. And I'm thankful for that. Jesus said, "Give and you receive. Your Jesus said, "Give and you receive. Your Jesus said, "Give and you receive. Your gift will return to you in full." gift will return to you in full." gift will return to you in full." Now Jesus saying it you you You got to Now Jesus saying it you you You got to Now Jesus saying it you you You got to say it if you believe it or not, but say it if you believe it or not, but say it if you believe it or not, but he's saying this, he's saying this, he's saying this, "Give and you'll receive. Your gift will "Give and you'll receive. Your gift will "Give and you'll receive. Your gift will return to you in full, pressed down, return to you in full, pressed down, return to you in full, pressed down, shaken together, and making room for shaken together, and making room for shaken together, and making room for more, running over, poured into your more, running over, poured into your more, running over, poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine lap. The amount you give will determine lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

the amount you get back. the amount you get back. And what I'm saying that for is because And what I'm saying that for is because And what I'm saying that for is because this is a matter of the heart. We have this is a matter of the heart. We have this is a matter of the heart. We have plenty of money. Can I just tell you? plenty of money. Can I just tell you? plenty of money. Can I just tell you? I mean plenty of maybe a I mean plenty of maybe a I mean plenty of maybe a stretch. stretch. stretch. We're meeting our budget. We have We're meeting our budget. We have We're meeting our budget. We have savings. savings. savings. We've We've done exactly what you're We've We've done exactly what you're We've We've done exactly what you're supposed to do and set funds aside for supposed to do and set funds aside for supposed to do and set funds aside for those moments that come along when those moments that come along when those moments that come along when something goes wacko in the economy. something goes wacko in the economy. something goes wacko in the economy. Or when a need comes up, we're glad we Or when a need comes up, we're glad we Or when a need comes up, we're glad we can say yes. can say yes. can say yes. We're ready if God brings it. So, I'm not So, I'm not talking about this today because we're talking about this today because we're talking about this today because we're short. No, I'm I'm not coming at you short. No, I'm I'm not coming at you short. No, I'm I'm not coming at you saying we we need more money. I I'm coming after this today because I I I'm coming after this today because I want you to experience what I've want you to experience what I've want you to experience what I've experienced and countless others have experienced and countless others have experienced and countless others have experienced when we decided to do what experienced when we decided to do what experienced when we decided to do what the Bible says in our giving and do it. the Bible says in our giving and do it. the Bible says in our giving and do it. It's not easy to do, It's not easy to do, It's not easy to do, but do it. Give and Give and receive, receive, receive, and it will return to you in full, and it will return to you in full, and it will return to you in full, pressed down, shaken together, making pressed down, shaken together, making pressed down, shaken together, making room for more, running over, poured into room for more, running over, poured into room for more, running over, poured into your lap.

I've told you before, I've told you before, I'll never forget I'll never forget I'll never forget and this is personal, that's why I share and this is personal, that's why I share and this is personal, that's why I share it, even though I'm not I'm I'm I know it, even though I'm not I'm I'm I know it, even though I'm not I'm I'm I know I'm repeating it. It don't So, don't I'm repeating it. It don't So, don't I'm repeating it. It don't So, don't come up to me and say, "You know, you come up to me and say, "You know, you come up to me and say, "You know, you repeated that." I go, "Yeah, I know I've repeated that." I go, "Yeah, I know I've repeated that." I go, "Yeah, I know I've repeated that." There's things I repeat repeated that." There's things I repeat repeated that." There's things I repeat that I don't know I've repeated. There's that I don't know I've repeated. There's that I don't know I've repeated. There's times people say, "Yeah, you just told times people say, "Yeah, you just told times people say, "Yeah, you just told me that." And I go, "Well, don't remind me that." And I go, "Well, don't remind me that." And I go, "Well, don't remind me then, you know." me then, you know." me then, you know." But I'll never We We decided to take a But I'll never We We decided to take a But I'll never We We decided to take a day or two away and go down on a Friday day or two away and go down on a Friday day or two away and go down on a Friday to Dallas and to Dallas and to Dallas and and hang out down there and do a little and hang out down there and do a little and hang out down there and do a little shopping and stuff. shopping and stuff. shopping and stuff. And I was reading a book on Somebody And I was reading a book on Somebody And I was reading a book on Somebody gave me a book on on giving. gave me a book on on giving. gave me a book on on giving. And I read it and it kind of wrecked me. And I read it and it kind of wrecked me. And I read it and it kind of wrecked me. And Kim and I were we were raised giving And Kim and I were we were raised giving And Kim and I were we were raised giving 10%. Whatever we made in paper routes 10%. Whatever we made in paper routes 10%. Whatever we made in paper routes and Kim babysitting or whatever it was, and Kim babysitting or whatever it was, and Kim babysitting or whatever it was, that's what we did. that's what we did. that's what we did. We've been married by that point We've been married by that point We've been married by that point probably 10 years and we were getting we probably 10 years and we were getting we probably 10 years and we were getting we were really good at giving. were really good at giving. were really good at giving. Kind of pat ourselves on the back. Kind of pat ourselves on the back. Kind of pat ourselves on the back. We give 10%. I remember that I remember that that trip where we looked at each other that trip where we looked at each other that trip where we looked at each other and said and said and said Bible didn't say stop there.

Bible didn't say stop there. Bible didn't say stop there. Bible says start there. So we So we since then since then since then have seen some amazing things happen. have seen some amazing things happen. have seen some amazing things happen. Cuz we said well who says you got to Cuz we said well who says you got to Cuz we said well who says you got to stop at 10? stop at 10? stop at 10? I'm telling you that because I've I'm telling you that because I've I'm telling you that because I've experienced it. I'm not experienced it. I'm not experienced it. I'm not I'm telling you that because it's I'm telling you that because it's I'm telling you that because it's biblical. I'm telling you this because biblical. I'm telling you this because biblical. I'm telling you this because we're in a church that doesn't want to we're in a church that doesn't want to we're in a church that doesn't want to store up stuff here. store up stuff here. store up stuff here. We want to store up treasures in heaven We want to store up treasures in heaven We want to store up treasures in heaven and that's what we can do individually. and that's what we can do individually. and that's what we can do individually. That's what we do as a church. That's what we do as a church. That's what we do as a church. And if you can't believe what God is up And if you can't believe what God is up And if you can't believe what God is up to in this church, you can't imagine to in this church, you can't imagine to in this church, you can't imagine what he's up to with you when you begin what he's up to with you when you begin what he's up to with you when you begin to say I'm going to make more room for to say I'm going to make more room for to say I'm going to make more room for him in my heart. I'm going to create I him in my heart. I'm going to create I him in my heart. I'm going to create I want God to put a space in me where his want God to put a space in me where his want God to put a space in me where his love can come in and I can see something love can come in and I can see something love can come in and I can see something I've not seen or learned before. I've not seen or learned before. I've not seen or learned before. So when it comes to generosity, three So when it comes to generosity, three So when it comes to generosity, three quick things. There's a couple of quick things. There's a couple of quick things. There's a couple of different kinds. There's unpretentious different kinds. There's unpretentious different kinds. There's unpretentious generosity. generosity. generosity. I like this type. It describes I like this type. It describes I like this type. It describes open-handed gift given with a single open-handed gift given with a single open-handed gift given with a single focus free from secondary motives like focus free from secondary motives like focus free from secondary motives like buying influence or showing off. Paul buying influence or showing off. Paul buying influence or showing off. Paul uses it in 2 Corinthians 9:11 where he uses it in 2 Corinthians 9:11 where he uses it in 2 Corinthians 9:11 where he says you'll be enriched in every way so says you'll be enriched in every way so says you'll be enriched in every way so that you can be generous in every that you can be generous in every that you can be generous in every occasion. I really appreciate occasion. I really appreciate occasion. I really appreciate unpretentious givers.

unpretentious givers. unpretentious givers. It's quiet. It's quiet. It's quiet. No fanfare. No fanfare. No fanfare. You'll notice You'll notice You'll notice that our church buildings, our school that our church buildings, our school that our church buildings, our school buildings, there are no names buildings, there are no names buildings, there are no names on buildings. I remember walking through a very large I remember walking through a very large church that had closed. I would never church that had closed. I would never church that had closed. I would never dreamed that church could close. dreamed that church could close. dreamed that church could close. And walking through that church, And walking through that church, And walking through that church, I mean, they had the drapes, there were I mean, they had the drapes, there were I mean, they had the drapes, there were plaques by the drapes, there were I plaques by the drapes, there were I plaques by the drapes, there were I think the bathroom door had a plaque on think the bathroom door had a plaque on think the bathroom door had a plaque on it. This door provided by somebody. it. This door provided by somebody. it. This door provided by somebody. Plaques on the pews, there were plaques Plaques on the pews, there were plaques Plaques on the pews, there were plaques everywhere. I was like, that's why they everywhere. I was like, that's why they everywhere. I was like, that's why they died. That's why the building's That's why the building's gone. gone. gone. And still happens. And still happens. And still happens. Unpretentious generosity. Unpretentious generosity. Unpretentious generosity. Josh Howerton, great pastor down in Josh Howerton, great pastor down in Josh Howerton, great pastor down in Dallas, he says, "Money is a heart test. Dallas, he says, "Money is a heart test. Dallas, he says, "Money is a heart test. God doesn't need your money, he wants God doesn't need your money, he wants God doesn't need your money, he wants your trust. What you do with your your trust. What you do with your your trust. What you do with your resources reveals who actually rules resources reveals who actually rules resources reveals who actually rules your heart, fear of scarcity or faith in your heart, fear of scarcity or faith in your heart, fear of scarcity or faith in God's provision." God's provision." God's provision." Then there's true generosity. Then there's true generosity. Then there's true generosity. Not necessarily better than the other Not necessarily better than the other Not necessarily better than the other one here, unpretentious, but it's true one here, unpretentious, but it's true one here, unpretentious, but it's true generosity. This generosity is not is a generosity. This generosity is not is a generosity. This generosity is not is a is not a detached handout, but a deep is not a detached handout, but a deep is not a detached handout, but a deep investment in a shared relationship.

investment in a shared relationship. investment in a shared relationship. Generosity, Andy Stanley says this, I Generosity, Andy Stanley says this, I Generosity, Andy Stanley says this, I love this guy. Generosity isn't love this guy. Generosity isn't love this guy. Generosity isn't something God wants from you, something God wants from you, something God wants from you, it's something God wants for you. It's it's something God wants for you. It's it's something God wants for you. It's the only way to break the hypnotic spell the only way to break the hypnotic spell the only way to break the hypnotic spell of money and keep your possessions from of money and keep your possessions from of money and keep your possessions from possessing you. possessing you. possessing you. And then the third kind of generosity is And then the third kind of generosity is And then the third kind of generosity is biblical generosity. The New Testament biblical generosity. The New Testament biblical generosity. The New Testament writers viewed human generosity as a writers viewed human generosity as a writers viewed human generosity as a mirror reflection of God's grace. Tim Keller says this, you have to look Tim Keller says this, you have to look at what Jesus did. at what Jesus did. at what Jesus did. When Jesus treasured you, he treasured When Jesus treasured you, he treasured When Jesus treasured you, he treasured you sacrificially. you sacrificially. you sacrificially. If you want to respond to Jesus, that If you want to respond to Jesus, that If you want to respond to Jesus, that means I must not simply live out the means I must not simply live out the means I must not simply live out the cross of Jesus Christ in my cross of Jesus Christ in my cross of Jesus Christ in my relationships, I've also got to live out relationships, I've also got to live out relationships, I've also got to live out the cross of Jesus Christ economically. the cross of Jesus Christ economically. the cross of Jesus Christ economically. And then Tim Keller, one more quote. And then Tim Keller, one more quote. And then Tim Keller, one more quote. I love Tim Keller. When Jesus becomes the treasure, When Jesus becomes the treasure, we get generous we get generous we get generous eyes.

So, today when you walk out of our So, today when you walk out of our rooms, rooms, rooms, and you leave your card in the black box and you leave your card in the black box and you leave your card in the black box or the or the or the uh container that's there for you to uh container that's there for you to uh container that's there for you to leave the cards, leave the cards, leave the cards, I hope you'll be prayerful. I hope you'll be prayerful. I hope you'll be prayerful. Pray for our church. Pray for our church. Pray for our church. Pray that we'll continue to be a church Pray that we'll continue to be a church Pray that we'll continue to be a church that God seems to bring something that that God seems to bring something that that God seems to bring something that to our our plate that we didn't see to our our plate that we didn't see to our our plate that we didn't see coming. coming. coming. We'll always want to be ready We'll always want to be ready We'll always want to be ready to do what God has called us to do in to do what God has called us to do in to do what God has called us to do in this place. And that's all I ask of you to consider. And that's all I ask of you to consider. Prayerfully ask Prayerfully ask Prayerfully ask where you are where you are where you are in your own generosity. What does God want to do for you and What does God want to do for you and through you? through you? through you? And if you don't know the feeling of And if you don't know the feeling of And if you don't know the feeling of what happens when you see God do what happens when you see God do what happens when you see God do something that absolutely shocks you in something that absolutely shocks you in something that absolutely shocks you in your own personal life, certainly in your own personal life, certainly in your own personal life, certainly in your finances, your finances, your finances, I'd love for you to have that, and it I'd love for you to have that, and it I'd love for you to have that, and it happens. It truly happens. It truly happens. It truly happens. happens. happens. It may take time, It may take time, It may take time, but it happens.

When Jesus becomes the treasure, When Jesus becomes the treasure, we get generous we get generous we get generous eyes. eyes. eyes. Thank you for your generosity, church. Thank you for your generosity, church. Thank you for your generosity, church. And thank you for helping us pave the And thank you for helping us pave the And thank you for helping us pave the way, not just in our city, way, not just in our city, way, not just in our city, but in our state, but in our state, but in our state, across the country, and across the across the country, and across the across the country, and across the oceans, in places we never dreamed oceans, in places we never dreamed oceans, in places we never dreamed we would have a privilege we would have a privilege we would have a privilege of serving. And there's more to come. And there's more to come. Let's pray. Let's pray. Let's pray. Father, we thank you so much for the Father, we thank you so much for the Father, we thank you so much for the privilege we have, privilege we have, privilege we have, the freedom we have to worship. the freedom we have to worship. the freedom we have to worship. We thank you for those who are risking We thank you for those who are risking We thank you for those who are risking their lives by by their lives by by their lives by by a belief in Jesus Christ. I thank you for the tremendous I thank you for the tremendous love and love and love and generosity that's come out of this place generosity that's come out of this place generosity that's come out of this place starting with that original 55 people.

Father, may you keep us free from Father, may you keep us free from distractions, distractions, distractions, things that divide us, things that divide us, things that divide us, things that the evil one uses to things that the evil one uses to things that the evil one uses to cause us to question cause us to question cause us to question our own walk with you or perhaps our own walk with you or perhaps our own walk with you or perhaps question the role of our church. So, Father God, we thank you for the So, Father God, we thank you for the cross. May we love each other as you've told us May we love each other as you've told us to love each other to love each other to love each other as that is truly the sign as that is truly the sign as that is truly the sign of a great church. of a great church. of a great church. We thank you for this in Jesus' name and We thank you for this in Jesus' name and We thank you for this in Jesus' name and everybody said, "Amen and amen." Have a everybody said, "Amen and amen." Have a everybody said, "Amen and amen." Have a great day.