Seeking First The Kingdom | Kingdom Culture

doing good. Well, welcome to church. My doing good. Well, welcome to church. My name is Bronson. I'm so programmed to name is Bronson. I'm so programmed to name is Bronson. I'm so programmed to say I'm one of the pastors and leaders say I'm one of the pastors and leaders say I'm one of the pastors and leaders here, but I'm not anymore. Uh I was here, but I'm not anymore. Uh I was here, but I'm not anymore. Uh I was previous one previously one of the previous one previously one of the previous one previously one of the campus pastors here. And as Harry said, campus pastors here. And as Harry said, campus pastors here. And as Harry said, my first job here at uh New Life Church, my first job here at uh New Life Church, my first job here at uh New Life Church, I was the master of custodial arts. Uh I was the master of custodial arts. Uh I was the master of custodial arts. Uh in 2009, Harry hired the greatest in 2009, Harry hired the greatest in 2009, Harry hired the greatest janitor he ever hired. Now, I was janitor he ever hired. Now, I was janitor he ever hired. Now, I was terrible. I got fired into maintenance terrible. I got fired into maintenance terrible. I got fired into maintenance or I got fired from maintenance into or I got fired from maintenance into or I got fired from maintenance into worship. That's what it was. And then worship. That's what it was. And then worship. That's what it was. And then eventually pastor to campus and Harry eventually pastor to campus and Harry eventually pastor to campus and Harry said football season's coming. said football season's coming. said football season's coming. >> What's that coming down the track? >> What's that coming down the track? >> What's that coming down the track? >> The mean machine in red and black is >> The mean machine in red and black is >> The mean machine in red and black is coming. So I'm pretty pumped. Harry, coming. So I'm pretty pumped. Harry, coming. So I'm pretty pumped. Harry, thank you for prepping us for that. Uh, thank you for prepping us for that. Uh, thank you for prepping us for that. Uh, as he said, I pastor a church in as he said, I pastor a church in as he said, I pastor a church in Columbus, Ohio called Christ Church. Uh, Columbus, Ohio called Christ Church. Uh, Columbus, Ohio called Christ Church. Uh, we went there really just to be local we went there really just to be local we went there really just to be local church pastors. And um last fall, the church pastors. And um last fall, the church pastors. And um last fall, the church that planted our church asked if church that planted our church asked if church that planted our church asked if we would take them over and we said, we would take them over and we said, we would take them over and we said, "No, we'll help you." But then as we "No, we'll help you." But then as we "No, we'll help you." But then as we prayed, uh we saw that God was calling prayed, uh we saw that God was calling prayed, uh we saw that God was calling us to come together. And it reminded me us to come together. And it reminded me us to come together. And it reminded me a lot of what you guys have done here at a lot of what you guys have done here at a lot of what you guys have done here at West Little Rock. You know, there's so West Little Rock. You know, there's so West Little Rock. You know, there's so many things that your giving does around many things that your giving does around many things that your giving does around the state. And and one of the things the state. And and one of the things the state. And and one of the things that I learned pastoring in the inner that I learned pastoring in the inner that I learned pastoring in the inner city, I pastored the downtown Little city, I pastored the downtown Little city, I pastored the downtown Little Rock Church, is just what it can look Rock Church, is just what it can look Rock Church, is just what it can look like when poor areas and wealthy areas like when poor areas and wealthy areas like when poor areas and wealthy areas work together in a symbiotic work together in a symbiotic work together in a symbiotic relationship. Um there's so many things relationship. Um there's so many things relationship. Um there's so many things and I I could probably spend 30 minutes and I I could probably spend 30 minutes and I I could probably spend 30 minutes on just this. Um but just as much as the on just this. Um but just as much as the on just this. Um but just as much as the poor need resource,

poor need resource, poor need resource, the wealthy need a place to channel the wealthy need a place to channel the wealthy need a place to channel their resource. Because what we know is their resource. Because what we know is their resource. Because what we know is when wealth uh stays in one coffer, it when wealth uh stays in one coffer, it when wealth uh stays in one coffer, it can end up poisoning the heart. And can end up poisoning the heart. And can end up poisoning the heart. And Jesus talked a lot about how that can Jesus talked a lot about how that can Jesus talked a lot about how that can play out. Uh but this morning, what play out. Uh but this morning, what play out. Uh but this morning, what we're going to do is we're going to stay we're going to do is we're going to stay we're going to do is we're going to stay kind of located in the sermon on the kind of located in the sermon on the kind of located in the sermon on the mount. So, if you can flip in your mount. So, if you can flip in your mount. So, if you can flip in your Bibles over to uh Matthew chapter 6, Bibles over to uh Matthew chapter 6, Bibles over to uh Matthew chapter 6, verse 19. Matthew chapter 6 uh verse 19. verse 19. Matthew chapter 6 uh verse 19. verse 19. Matthew chapter 6 uh verse 19. and we're going to look through verse and we're going to look through verse and we're going to look through verse 34. Okay. Uh we're going to start with a 34. Okay. Uh we're going to start with a 34. Okay. Uh we're going to start with a little bit of history. 1930s little bit of history. 1930s little bit of history. 1930s there was a phenomenon discovered called there was a phenomenon discovered called there was a phenomenon discovered called nuclear fision. Who knows what nuclear nuclear fision. Who knows what nuclear nuclear fision. Who knows what nuclear fision produced? Bombs. Okay, I got a photo here. Uh this Bombs. Okay, I got a photo here. Uh this is from the Manhattan Project. Uh this is from the Manhattan Project. Uh this is from the Manhattan Project. Uh this is the first atomic bomb that was is the first atomic bomb that was is the first atomic bomb that was tested. Uh this bomb contained 20 tested. Uh this bomb contained 20 tested. Uh this bomb contained 20 kilotons of power. It vaporized the kilotons of power. It vaporized the kilotons of power. It vaporized the tower that was holding it. Now this is tower that was holding it. Now this is tower that was holding it. Now this is nuclear fision. Go to the next slide.

nuclear fision. Go to the next slide. nuclear fision. Go to the next slide. 1952 we discovered nuclear fusion. Okay. 1952 we discovered nuclear fusion. Okay. 1952 we discovered nuclear fusion. Okay. The first atomic bomb The first atomic bomb The first atomic bomb held. held. held. 01% the power of the first fusion bomb. 01% the power of the first fusion bomb. 01% the power of the first fusion bomb. Okay. Just breathtaking power. Uh, it it Okay. Just breathtaking power. Uh, it it Okay. Just breathtaking power. Uh, it it vaporized not the tower that held it, vaporized not the tower that held it, vaporized not the tower that held it, but the island it was on. It left a but the island it was on. It left a but the island it was on. It left a crater on the first island. We found crater on the first island. We found crater on the first island. We found unbelievable power. Now, do you know unbelievable power. Now, do you know unbelievable power. Now, do you know where else nuclear fusion occurs? Little where else nuclear fusion occurs? Little where else nuclear fusion occurs? Little science lesson here. science lesson here. science lesson here. >> The sun. Nuclear fusion powers. Now, >> The sun. Nuclear fusion powers. Now, >> The sun. Nuclear fusion powers. Now, because of our sun, it produces because of our sun, it produces because of our sun, it produces beautiful scenes like this, which I hope beautiful scenes like this, which I hope beautiful scenes like this, which I hope you've gotten to see uh this summer. Go you've gotten to see uh this summer. Go you've gotten to see uh this summer. Go to the next slide for me. Our sun produces life and photosynthesis. sun produces life and photosynthesis. So, so we found the most lifegiving So, so we found the most lifegiving So, so we found the most lifegiving power that God created in the universe. power that God created in the universe. power that God created in the universe. And our first instinct was to use it to And our first instinct was to use it to And our first instinct was to use it to make bombs.

God used nuclear fusion to bring life. God used nuclear fusion to bring life. and human beings used it to create power and human beings used it to create power and human beings used it to create power that could level a city. Okay. Now, one that could level a city. Okay. Now, one that could level a city. Okay. Now, one of the most important questions that we of the most important questions that we of the most important questions that we can ask as humans is how we are to can ask as humans is how we are to can ask as humans is how we are to properly wield power. properly wield power. properly wield power. Th this is the question that every great Th this is the question that every great Th this is the question that every great story in history has to answer. Uh if story in history has to answer. Uh if story in history has to answer. Uh if you look at the Lord of the Rings to the you look at the Lord of the Rings to the you look at the Lord of the Rings to the Odyssey, even our own Bible, it asks Odyssey, even our own Bible, it asks Odyssey, even our own Bible, it asks what's the proper way to wield power? what's the proper way to wield power? what's the proper way to wield power? Now, what is power? Simply put, power is Now, what is power? Simply put, power is Now, what is power? Simply put, power is the ability to leverage resources to the ability to leverage resources to the ability to leverage resources to bring about outcomes. It's the ability bring about outcomes. It's the ability bring about outcomes. It's the ability to leverage resources to bring about to leverage resources to bring about to leverage resources to bring about outcomes. Power is the capacity to shape outcomes. Power is the capacity to shape outcomes. Power is the capacity to shape outcomes with resources that have been outcomes with resources that have been outcomes with resources that have been placed in our hands. Now, there's power placed in our hands. Now, there's power placed in our hands. Now, there's power that consumes. We all instinctively know that consumes. We all instinctively know that consumes. We all instinctively know this. And there's power that serves. this. And there's power that serves. this. And there's power that serves. >> And the reality is each and every one of >> And the reality is each and every one of >> And the reality is each and every one of us has power. us has power. us has power. Maybe not political power, maybe not Maybe not political power, maybe not Maybe not political power, maybe not institutional power, maybe not the kind institutional power, maybe not the kind institutional power, maybe not the kind of power that of power that of power that gives you influence in a room, but all gives you influence in a room, but all gives you influence in a room, but all of us have something in our hands. We of us have something in our hands. We of us have something in our hands. We have resources, we have money, we have have resources, we have money, we have have resources, we have money, we have time, we have attention, we have time, we have attention, we have time, we have attention, we have influence, relationships, abilities, and influence, relationships, abilities, and influence, relationships, abilities, and opportunities. And here's what I want opportunities. And here's what I want opportunities. And here's what I want you to see. None of these powers are you to see. None of these powers are you to see. None of these powers are neutral.

neutral. neutral. Every resource is moving your life in a Every resource is moving your life in a Every resource is moving your life in a direction. direction. direction. Every resource you spend has an impact Every resource you spend has an impact Every resource you spend has an impact on the world around you. There's power on the world around you. There's power on the world around you. There's power that consumes. There's power that takes. that consumes. There's power that takes. that consumes. There's power that takes. Power that uses. Power that protects Power that uses. Power that protects Power that uses. Power that protects itself. Power that builds its own itself. Power that builds its own itself. Power that builds its own kingdoms. If you study the great kingdoms. If you study the great kingdoms. If you study the great stories, stories, stories, the villains always use power to consume the villains always use power to consume the villains always use power to consume for themselves. for themselves. for themselves. But the heroes, they used power to serve But the heroes, they used power to serve But the heroes, they used power to serve others. This is what's so compelling others. This is what's so compelling others. This is what's so compelling about the life in the person of Jesus. about the life in the person of Jesus. about the life in the person of Jesus. He used power to serve, to give, to He used power to serve, to give, to He used power to serve, to give, to heal, to enter into the suffering of heal, to enter into the suffering of heal, to enter into the suffering of others. others. others. Here, here's what we're going to look at Here, here's what we're going to look at Here, here's what we're going to look at this morning over the next half hour or this morning over the next half hour or this morning over the next half hour or so. so. so. Jesus wants us to see Jesus wants us to see Jesus wants us to see that the treasure in our hands has the that the treasure in our hands has the that the treasure in our hands has the ability to produce outcomes. It has the ability to produce outcomes. It has the ability to produce outcomes. It has the ability to build worlds.

ability to build worlds. ability to build worlds. It has the ability to build kingdoms. It has the ability to build kingdoms. It has the ability to build kingdoms. What we're going to look at in this What we're going to look at in this What we're going to look at in this sermon is kind of a pathway. We're going sermon is kind of a pathway. We're going sermon is kind of a pathway. We're going to look at what you treasure. And the to look at what you treasure. And the to look at what you treasure. And the truth is what you treasure is ultimately truth is what you treasure is ultimately truth is what you treasure is ultimately what you love. And what you love you'll what you love. And what you love you'll what you love. And what you love you'll ultimately serve. And what you serve ultimately serve. And what you serve ultimately serve. And what you serve decides what kingdom you're building decides what kingdom you're building decides what kingdom you're building with your life. This is one of the most with your life. This is one of the most with your life. This is one of the most important questions that you can answer important questions that you can answer important questions that you can answer is what do you treasure? What are you is what do you treasure? What are you is what do you treasure? What are you serving and what is it producing? Okay. serving and what is it producing? Okay. serving and what is it producing? Okay. So, first question, what what do you So, first question, what what do you So, first question, what what do you treasure? Verse 19, Jesus said, "Don't treasure? Verse 19, Jesus said, "Don't treasure? Verse 19, Jesus said, "Don't store up for yourselves treasure on store up for yourselves treasure on store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and earth, where moth and rust destroy, and earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but where thieves break in and steal, but where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasure where?" store up for yourselves treasure where?" store up for yourselves treasure where?" >> In heaven, where neither moth nor rust >> In heaven, where neither moth nor rust >> In heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and thieves don't break in and destroys, and thieves don't break in and destroys, and thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there steal. For where your treasure is, there steal. For where your treasure is, there your your your >> heart will be also. Now, you notice, do >> heart will be also. Now, you notice, do >> heart will be also. Now, you notice, do you remember who nears? Just show hints. you remember who nears? Just show hints. you remember who nears? Just show hints. Who in here is dating? Anybody engaged?

Who in here is dating? Anybody engaged? Who in here is dating? Anybody engaged? Okay. When you start dating, you start Okay. When you start dating, you start Okay. When you start dating, you start doing something which is you start doing something which is you start doing something which is you start taking your resources and lavishing it taking your resources and lavishing it taking your resources and lavishing it on the other person, right? And it's on the other person, right? And it's on the other person, right? And it's almost always irresponsible. There almost always irresponsible. There almost always irresponsible. There almost always become comes a point in almost always become comes a point in almost always become comes a point in that person's life where they're like, I that person's life where they're like, I that person's life where they're like, I can't afford the lifestyle that I've can't afford the lifestyle that I've can't afford the lifestyle that I've created in dating. And at some point, created in dating. And at some point, created in dating. And at some point, you've got to pull that back. But why do you've got to pull that back. But why do you've got to pull that back. But why do you do it? It's because that person has you do it? It's because that person has you do it? It's because that person has your what? your what? your what? >> They have your heart. But here's what's >> They have your heart. But here's what's >> They have your heart. But here's what's interesting that we see as pastors. interesting that we see as pastors. interesting that we see as pastors. You know the thing that somebody starts You know the thing that somebody starts You know the thing that somebody starts removing when their heart starts going removing when their heart starts going removing when their heart starts going cold towards the other person? cold towards the other person? cold towards the other person? Their money. You want to say see things Their money. You want to say see things Their money. You want to say see things get nasty around money, get involved in get nasty around money, get involved in get nasty around money, get involved in a divorce. a divorce. a divorce. It is one of the most expensive It is one of the most expensive It is one of the most expensive decisions that people make. And almost decisions that people make. And almost decisions that people make. And almost always, Harry, am I telling the truth always, Harry, am I telling the truth always, Harry, am I telling the truth here? The biggest tension is around here? The biggest tension is around here? The biggest tension is around money. Why? Because where your treasure money. Why? Because where your treasure money. Why? Because where your treasure is, is, is, >> your heart is. Now, now question. This >> your heart is. Now, now question. This >> your heart is. Now, now question. This is a risky question without is a risky question without is a risky question without illustration, but have you ever made a illustration, but have you ever made a illustration, but have you ever made a bad investment?

Anybody buy Zoom stock at the height of Anybody buy Zoom stock at the height of the pandemic? the pandemic? the pandemic? It's a bad decision. It's a bad decision. It's a bad decision. Listen, I' I've made bad investments in Listen, I' I've made bad investments in Listen, I' I've made bad investments in relationships. One time I was dating a relationships. One time I was dating a relationships. One time I was dating a girl for three weeks. I was 16. I bought girl for three weeks. I was 16. I bought girl for three weeks. I was 16. I bought her a pair of Coach sunglasses. her a pair of Coach sunglasses. her a pair of Coach sunglasses. We broke up that month. It was a bad We broke up that month. It was a bad We broke up that month. It was a bad investment. investment. investment. Who Who was devastated when they Who Who was devastated when they Who Who was devastated when they realized their Beanie Baby collection realized their Beanie Baby collection realized their Beanie Baby collection was not going to pay for college? It's a was not going to pay for college? It's a was not going to pay for college? It's a bad bad bad investment. We've all done it. We've investment. We've all done it. We've investment. We've all done it. We've invested in commodities that didn't hold invested in commodities that didn't hold invested in commodities that didn't hold their value, relationships that fall their value, relationships that fall their value, relationships that fall apart, careers that implode. And Jesus apart, careers that implode. And Jesus apart, careers that implode. And Jesus says, "I want to teach you to invest in says, "I want to teach you to invest in says, "I want to teach you to invest in things that last." And he uses this things that last." And he uses this things that last." And he uses this phrase, "Store up for yourselves phrase, "Store up for yourselves phrase, "Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven." It's a weird treasure in heaven." It's a weird treasure in heaven." It's a weird phrase, right? What the heck does that phrase, right? What the heck does that phrase, right? What the heck does that mean? Store up for yourselves treasure mean? Store up for yourselves treasure mean? Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven. Is this a transactional thing in heaven. Is this a transactional thing in heaven. Is this a transactional thing where it's like, I invest a hundred where it's like, I invest a hundred where it's like, I invest a hundred earthly dollars, I get a hundred heaven earthly dollars, I get a hundred heaven earthly dollars, I get a hundred heaven bucks when I die. Is this is this how bucks when I die. Is this is this how bucks when I die. Is this is this how this works? this works? this works? What we have to see is when we when we What we have to see is when we when we What we have to see is when we when we have this flat transactional view have this flat transactional view have this flat transactional view of our resources and storing them up in of our resources and storing them up in of our resources and storing them up in heaven, what what it actually is the heaven, what what it actually is the heaven, what what it actually is the result of is we have a really flat view result of is we have a really flat view result of is we have a really flat view of what heaven is. Heaven is not merely of what heaven is. Heaven is not merely of what heaven is. Heaven is not merely a post-mortem destination, a post-mortem destination, a post-mortem destination, but it is an inbreaking reality. He but it is an inbreaking reality. He but it is an inbreaking reality. He heaven is the seat heaven is the seat heaven is the seat of God's throne. Right? Heaven. Heaven of God's throne. Right? Heaven. Heaven of God's throne. Right? Heaven. Heaven is God's throne room. It's where he sits is God's throne room. It's where he sits is God's throne room. It's where he sits in throne in power. And he he issues in throne in power. And he he issues in throne in power. And he he issues edicts and and what Jesus said is the

edicts and and what Jesus said is the edicts and and what Jesus said is the kingdom of heaven is what? It's at hand. kingdom of heaven is what? It's at hand. kingdom of heaven is what? It's at hand. It's breaking in, right? The the kingdom It's breaking in, right? The the kingdom It's breaking in, right? The the kingdom of heaven is coming to bear. What does of heaven is coming to bear. What does of heaven is coming to bear. What does that mean? It means the righteous rule that mean? It means the righteous rule that mean? It means the righteous rule of God of God of God is coming back to reign on the earth. is coming back to reign on the earth. is coming back to reign on the earth. And when you store up your treasure in And when you store up your treasure in And when you store up your treasure in heaven, what you're doing is you're heaven, what you're doing is you're heaven, what you're doing is you're investing your treasure in God's investing your treasure in God's investing your treasure in God's righteous rule. So the question we have righteous rule. So the question we have righteous rule. So the question we have to ask is if we're going to use our to ask is if we're going to use our to ask is if we're going to use our resources and our power properly, we resources and our power properly, we resources and our power properly, we have to ask the question, what does God have to ask the question, what does God have to ask the question, what does God care about? care about? care about? What does God care about? Ultimately, What does God care about? Ultimately, What does God care about? Ultimately, what God cares about is he cares about what God cares about is he cares about what God cares about is he cares about us. The whole story of the Bible, can I us. The whole story of the Bible, can I us. The whole story of the Bible, can I can I liquidate this down for a second? can I liquidate this down for a second? can I liquidate this down for a second? The whole story the Bible tells is that The whole story the Bible tells is that The whole story the Bible tells is that you have a God who made you. And this you have a God who made you. And this you have a God who made you. And this God who made you desires relationship God who made you desires relationship God who made you desires relationship with you. That is the whole story of the with you. That is the whole story of the with you. That is the whole story of the Bible. Bible. Bible. It's the meta narrative is the term of It's the meta narrative is the term of It's the meta narrative is the term of the Bible in a nutshell is that God the Bible in a nutshell is that God the Bible in a nutshell is that God loves you. He wants to be in loves you. He wants to be in loves you. He wants to be in relationship with you. What God cares relationship with you. What God cares relationship with you. What God cares about is you. What God cares about is about is you. What God cares about is about is you. What God cares about is your neighbors. What God cares about is your neighbors. What God cares about is your neighbors. What God cares about is his church.

his church. his church. Cares about his people. So here's the Cares about his people. So here's the Cares about his people. So here's the question. I wrestled with this last question. I wrestled with this last question. I wrestled with this last night. night. night. I was sitting in my hotel room and I was I was sitting in my hotel room and I was I was sitting in my hotel room and I was like, "Okay, how do I come up with a like, "Okay, how do I come up with a like, "Okay, how do I come up with a really great illustration to illustrate? really great illustration to illustrate? really great illustration to illustrate? How do you figure out what you love?" How do you figure out what you love?" How do you figure out what you love?" And it hit me. It's right there in the And it hit me. It's right there in the And it hit me. It's right there in the text. This is not difficult. I just text. This is not difficult. I just text. This is not difficult. I just don't always like it. don't always like it. don't always like it. How How do we know if we're investing in How How do we know if we're investing in How How do we know if we're investing in what God's love? Go what God loves. He what God's love? Go what God loves. He what God's love? Go what God loves. He says where your what treasure is. So, says where your what treasure is. So, says where your what treasure is. So, how do we know? You check the ledger. how do we know? You check the ledger. how do we know? You check the ledger. Honestly, I wish there was a different Honestly, I wish there was a different Honestly, I wish there was a different answer. answer. answer. I wish there was something else I could I wish there was something else I could I wish there was something else I could say than does your budget match what you say than does your budget match what you say than does your budget match what you say say say your heart belongs to. your heart belongs to. your heart belongs to. We were just singing that song, Jesus, I We were just singing that song, Jesus, I We were just singing that song, Jesus, I love you all my life for your glory. All love you all my life for your glory. All love you all my life for your glory. All my life for your story. We all sang that my life for your story. We all sang that my life for your story. We all sang that song. But the difficult question we have song. But the difficult question we have song. But the difficult question we have to ask is, does my budget match that to ask is, does my budget match that to ask is, does my budget match that reality?

reality? reality? I was thinking about this. I'm like, I was thinking about this. I'm like, I was thinking about this. I'm like, this I didn't want to come preach on this I didn't want to come preach on this I didn't want to come preach on this, honestly. this, honestly. this, honestly. Why? It's the most subversive thing in Why? It's the most subversive thing in Why? It's the most subversive thing in our world. But it hit me. I was I was in worship But it hit me. I was I was in worship when Jesus was talking to the rich young when Jesus was talking to the rich young when Jesus was talking to the rich young ruler in Mark chapter 10. ruler in Mark chapter 10. ruler in Mark chapter 10. It says he loved him. It says he loved him. It says he loved him. And so he told him the truth about his And so he told him the truth about his And so he told him the truth about his money. The reality is that your money is money. The reality is that your money is money. The reality is that your money is not passive. And everybody in not passive. And everybody in not passive. And everybody in advertising in our world understands advertising in our world understands advertising in our world understands this. this. this. Okay? Okay? Okay? Your your money is not passive because Your your money is not passive because Your your money is not passive because where your money is, your heart is. So where your money is, your heart is. So where your money is, your heart is. So how does this work? Think about how does this work? Think about how does this work? Think about Instagram. Y'all remember when they Instagram. Y'all remember when they Instagram. Y'all remember when they introduced algorithms introduced algorithms introduced algorithms and just made social media terrible? and just made social media terrible? and just made social media terrible? >> Does anybody know what an algorithm is? >> Does anybody know what an algorithm is? >> Does anybody know what an algorithm is? It's something that feeds you what you It's something that feeds you what you It's something that feeds you what you like and keeps you on your phone. Okay. like and keeps you on your phone. Okay. like and keeps you on your phone. Okay. So, years ago for the Young Bucks when So, years ago for the Young Bucks when So, years ago for the Young Bucks when Instagram first came out, you just saw Instagram first came out, you just saw Instagram first came out, you just saw what all your friends posted for the day what all your friends posted for the day what all your friends posted for the day and at some point it was over and it's and at some point it was over and it's and at some point it was over and it's like, well, I guess I'll go find like, well, I guess I'll go find like, well, I guess I'll go find something else to do. The advertisers something else to do. The advertisers something else to do. The advertisers didn't like that. So, they developed didn't like that. So, they developed didn't like that. So, they developed something that kept you something that kept you something that kept you connected. Okay. So how capitalism works connected. Okay. So how capitalism works connected. Okay. So how capitalism works and we all know this but capitalism and we all know this but capitalism and we all know this but capitalism works by taking things that are outside works by taking things that are outside works by taking things that are outside of the market and moving them into the of the market and moving them into the of the market and moving them into the market. And so when advertising became a market. And so when advertising became a market. And so when advertising became a big thing what they did is your your big thing what they did is your your big thing what they did is your your attention came into the market and attention came into the market and attention came into the market and people started to profit off of it.

people started to profit off of it. people started to profit off of it. That's why they do these things. They're That's why they do these things. They're That's why they do these things. They're not doing these things because they love not doing these things because they love not doing these things because they love you. They're doing these things because you. They're doing these things because you. They're doing these things because they want to profit off of your they want to profit off of your they want to profit off of your attention. But it's become more nasty. attention. But it's become more nasty. attention. But it's become more nasty. the things that are happening with AI the things that are happening with AI the things that are happening with AI right now, guys. right now, guys. right now, guys. The relationships people are forming. The relationships people are forming. The relationships people are forming. Listen, if I were to ask just a handful Listen, if I were to ask just a handful Listen, if I were to ask just a handful of people who use AI in here, could I go of people who use AI in here, could I go of people who use AI in here, could I go through the conversations you've had through the conversations you've had through the conversations you've had with AI? with AI? with AI? Because here's what happens. We start Because here's what happens. We start Because here's what happens. We start having conversations with these chat having conversations with these chat having conversations with these chat bots that we don't have with our bots that we don't have with our bots that we don't have with our spouses, that we don't have with our spouses, that we don't have with our spouses, that we don't have with our friends. Now, here's why this is friends. Now, here's why this is friends. Now, here's why this is important. It's all going to come back. important. It's all going to come back. important. It's all going to come back. Because the new commodity is not your Because the new commodity is not your Because the new commodity is not your attention, it's your affection. attention, it's your affection. attention, it's your affection. Because the most valuable commodity on Because the most valuable commodity on Because the most valuable commodity on earth is the human heart. Because when earth is the human heart. Because when earth is the human heart. Because when the heart is captivated, we will spend the heart is captivated, we will spend the heart is captivated, we will spend all of our money all of our money all of our money >> on that thing. >> on that thing. >> on that thing. >> That's why AI is increasingly getting >> That's why AI is increasingly getting >> That's why AI is increasingly getting more and more expensive. Now, there's more and more expensive. Now, there's more and more expensive. Now, there's power. There's all that type of stuff. power. There's all that type of stuff. power. There's all that type of stuff. But what you have to recognize is that But what you have to recognize is that But what you have to recognize is that what our world does is it is recruiting what our world does is it is recruiting what our world does is it is recruiting your heart to love rival kingdoms.

your heart to love rival kingdoms. your heart to love rival kingdoms. >> It is recruiting your heart to spend all >> It is recruiting your heart to spend all >> It is recruiting your heart to spend all of your resources building rival of your resources building rival of your resources building rival kingdoms. And what Jesus is doing is he kingdoms. And what Jesus is doing is he kingdoms. And what Jesus is doing is he is recruiting your heart to build his is recruiting your heart to build his is recruiting your heart to build his kingdom. And in his kingdom, love and kingdom. And in his kingdom, love and kingdom. And in his kingdom, love and righteousness and equity reign supreme. righteousness and equity reign supreme. righteousness and equity reign supreme. In his kingdom, the hurting are healed. In his kingdom, the hurting are healed. In his kingdom, the hurting are healed. In his kingdom, the powerless are loved In his kingdom, the powerless are loved In his kingdom, the powerless are loved and giving power. What what Jesus is and giving power. What what Jesus is and giving power. What what Jesus is trying to do is to recruit your heart to trying to do is to recruit your heart to trying to do is to recruit your heart to love the things that he loves so that we love the things that he loves so that we love the things that he loves so that we can see his kingdom come to bear on can see his kingdom come to bear on can see his kingdom come to bear on earth as it is in heaven. This is the earth as it is in heaven. This is the earth as it is in heaven. This is the whole prayer of Jesus whole prayer of Jesus whole prayer of Jesus that that we might inhabit the culture that that we might inhabit the culture that that we might inhabit the culture of heaven. So So here's what I I want to of heaven. So So here's what I I want to of heaven. So So here's what I I want to submit to you. God does not want your submit to you. God does not want your submit to you. God does not want your things. God wants your dreams. God wants things. God wants your dreams. God wants things. God wants your dreams. God wants the thing that you most dream of. Because when we dream, we fantasize. Because when we dream, we fantasize. We've all done it. Anybody ever moved We've all done it. Anybody ever moved We've all done it. Anybody ever moved into a house, you're like, "I love this into a house, you're like, "I love this into a house, you're like, "I love this house." And you go into somebody else's house." And you go into somebody else's house." And you go into somebody else's house that's nice and you're like, "I house that's nice and you're like, "I house that's nice and you're like, "I hate this stinking house."

It's your dreams. It's your dreams. What you dream about for your life is What you dream about for your life is What you dream about for your life is ultimately what you invest in. God wants ultimately what you invest in. God wants ultimately what you invest in. God wants to captivate your heart and a greater to captivate your heart and a greater to captivate your heart and a greater story. Here's the issue. story. Here's the issue. story. Here's the issue. Our resources aren't too big. God has Our resources aren't too big. God has Our resources aren't too big. God has all the resources. Our resources are too all the resources. Our resources are too all the resources. Our resources are too small small small to satisfy our hearts. to satisfy our hearts. to satisfy our hearts. But we will try over and over and over But we will try over and over and over But we will try over and over and over and over and over again to spend our way and over and over again to spend our way and over and over again to spend our way to happiness and it never works. to happiness and it never works. to happiness and it never works. Those things always take from us Those things always take from us Those things always take from us and then something really nasty happens and then something really nasty happens and then something really nasty happens which is we begin to serve those things. which is we begin to serve those things. which is we begin to serve those things. Right? Okay. So the first question, what Right? Okay. So the first question, what Right? Okay. So the first question, what do you treasure? What do you treasure? do you treasure? What do you treasure? do you treasure? What do you treasure? What does your budget say that you What does your budget say that you What does your budget say that you treasure? Second question, what do you treasure? Second question, what do you treasure? Second question, what do you serve? serve? serve? Okay, here Jesus moves into the weirdest Okay, here Jesus moves into the weirdest Okay, here Jesus moves into the weirdest analogy on the surface. Um we're in analogy on the surface. Um we're in analogy on the surface. Um we're in verse verse verse [snorts] 22 22 says the eye is the lamp of the body. So says the eye is the lamp of the body. So says the eye is the lamp of the body. So he just said where your treasure is your he just said where your treasure is your he just said where your treasure is your heart will be also. Then he goes into heart will be also. Then he goes into heart will be also. Then he goes into this weird analogy. The eye is the lamp this weird analogy. The eye is the lamp this weird analogy. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, of the body. If your eye is healthy, of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

your whole body will be full of light. your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body But if your eye is bad, your whole body But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So the light will be full of darkness. So the light will be full of darkness. So the light within you is darkness. How deep is that within you is darkness. How deep is that within you is darkness. How deep is that darkness? Then he says, "No one can darkness? Then he says, "No one can darkness? Then he says, "No one can serve two masters since either will hate serve two masters since either will hate serve two masters since either will hate one or love the other or be devoted to one or love the other or be devoted to one or love the other or be devoted to one or despise the other. You cannot one or despise the other. You cannot one or despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." What the heck serve both God and money." What the heck serve both God and money." What the heck is he talking about with the eye thing? is he talking about with the eye thing? is he talking about with the eye thing? So something in Jewish culture is that So something in Jewish culture is that So something in Jewish culture is that they had these sayings about the eye, they had these sayings about the eye, they had these sayings about the eye, about a good eye and a bad eye. Uh you about a good eye and a bad eye. Uh you about a good eye and a bad eye. Uh you see this back in the Psalms says a see this back in the Psalms says a see this back in the Psalms says a generous person, this is the NIV generous person, this is the NIV generous person, this is the NIV translates it, the generous person will translates it, the generous person will translates it, the generous person will be blessed and he shares his food with be blessed and he shares his food with be blessed and he shares his food with the poor. But but actually when you get the poor. But but actually when you get the poor. But but actually when you get to the original language, what it says to the original language, what it says to the original language, what it says is a person with a good eye will be is a person with a good eye will be is a person with a good eye will be blessed and shares his food with the blessed and shares his food with the blessed and shares his food with the poor. It's about vision. poor. It's about vision. poor. It's about vision. It's about vision. When when something It's about vision. When when something It's about vision. When when something captivates your heart, it captivates captivates your heart, it captivates captivates your heart, it captivates your vision for the world. And what your vision for the world. And what your vision for the world. And what Jesus is trying to say is, I want to Jesus is trying to say is, I want to Jesus is trying to say is, I want to captivate your vision for the world that captivate your vision for the world that captivate your vision for the world that you might have a generous eye. What does you might have a generous eye. What does you might have a generous eye. What does a generous eye do? A generous eye in a a generous eye do? A generous eye in a a generous eye do? A generous eye in a generous eye sees needs and asks, I hope generous eye sees needs and asks, I hope generous eye sees needs and asks, I hope I can help. How much can I help? Not, I I can help. How much can I help? Not, I I can help. How much can I help? Not, I hope they don't ask me for money.

hope they don't ask me for money. hope they don't ask me for money. Now a generous eye has to use wisdom, Now a generous eye has to use wisdom, Now a generous eye has to use wisdom, right? That's a huge factor in all this. right? That's a huge factor in all this. right? That's a huge factor in all this. But the motivation of a generous eye is But the motivation of a generous eye is But the motivation of a generous eye is we see suffering and we desire to help. we see suffering and we desire to help. we see suffering and we desire to help. >> But a bad eye, it's a miserly eye. It's >> But a bad eye, it's a miserly eye. It's >> But a bad eye, it's a miserly eye. It's an eye that doesn't want to help, that an eye that doesn't want to help, that an eye that doesn't want to help, that doesn't want to give. Now, now doesn't want to give. Now, now doesn't want to give. Now, now one of the greatest one of the greatest one of the greatest illustrations illustrations illustrations around the recruitment of the heart and around the recruitment of the heart and around the recruitment of the heart and treasure and service and what it treasure and service and what it treasure and service and what it produces came from Tolken's Lord of the produces came from Tolken's Lord of the produces came from Tolken's Lord of the Rings. Rings. Rings. There's this creature named Smeaggel There's this creature named Smeaggel There's this creature named Smeaggel and his brother Deagle finds a ring and and his brother Deagle finds a ring and and his brother Deagle finds a ring and he says, "It's my birthday, precious." he says, "It's my birthday, precious." he says, "It's my birthday, precious." Right? And he that's terrible, but you Right? And he that's terrible, but you Right? And he that's terrible, but you get it. and he says he wants it, right? get it. and he says he wants it, right? get it. and he says he wants it, right? And he kills his brother to get it. And And he kills his brother to get it. And And he kills his brother to get it. And then he he then he he then he he wraps his whole life up in this wraps his whole life up in this wraps his whole life up in this affection, this love for this treasure. affection, this love for this treasure. affection, this love for this treasure. And And And captivates his heart, captivates his heart, captivates his heart, but it absolutely bankrupts his soul.

And he lives a miserable, sad life, And he lives a miserable, sad life, enslaved enslaved enslaved to the power of the ring. And he serves to the power of the ring. And he serves to the power of the ring. And he serves everything is in service everything is in service everything is in service of the one ring. His vision is totally encapsulated is totally encapsulated in the ring. 2008 financial crisis. market just bottoms out. market just bottoms out. And the CDC estimates there are around And the CDC estimates there are around And the CDC estimates there are around 10,000 additional suicides that year. Our our culture Our our culture has a precious [snorts] has a precious [snorts] has a precious [snorts] and we'll do everything we can to build and we'll do everything we can to build and we'll do everything we can to build our life around that precious. our life around that precious. our life around that precious. It's interesting that the word money It's interesting that the word money It's interesting that the word money says you cannot serve both God and says you cannot serve both God and says you cannot serve both God and money. That word money is mammon. money. That word money is mammon. money. That word money is mammon. Mammon is a loaded term in the Mammon is a loaded term in the Mammon is a loaded term in the scripture. Mammon is not just money.

scripture. Mammon is not just money. scripture. Mammon is not just money. Mammon is a rival god. It's a rival Mammon is a rival god. It's a rival Mammon is a rival god. It's a rival power. Jesus is saying you're either if power. Jesus is saying you're either if power. Jesus is saying you're either if you you're either going to serve mammon. you you're either going to serve mammon. you you're either going to serve mammon. This this rival power that takes from This this rival power that takes from This this rival power that takes from you that convinces you that your you that convinces you that your you that convinces you that your security is found in your finances or security is found in your finances or security is found in your finances or you'll serve God. You cannot you'll serve God. You cannot you'll serve God. You cannot serve both. serve both. serve both. Treasure captures the heart. It shapes Treasure captures the heart. It shapes Treasure captures the heart. It shapes the eye. It reveals the master. And the the eye. It reveals the master. And the the eye. It reveals the master. And the master directs the resources. master directs the resources. master directs the resources. Captures the heart. Shapes the eye. The Captures the heart. Shapes the eye. The Captures the heart. Shapes the eye. The eye reveals the master. eye reveals the master. eye reveals the master. And the master determines the resources. And the master determines the resources. And the master determines the resources. Listen. Listen. Listen. When Jesus becomes your treasure When Jesus becomes your treasure When Jesus becomes your treasure and his kingdom becomes your highest and his kingdom becomes your highest and his kingdom becomes your highest goal, your resources cease to be your goal, your resources cease to be your goal, your resources cease to be your God and they become your leverage. When Jesus becomes your treasure When Jesus becomes your treasure and his kingdom becomes your highest and his kingdom becomes your highest and his kingdom becomes your highest goal, your resources cease to rule you goal, your resources cease to rule you goal, your resources cease to rule you and you rule them and you leverage them and you rule them and you leverage them and you rule them and you leverage them to build good things.

to build good things. to build good things. What do you treasure? What do you treasure? What do you treasure? What does your bank account say about What does your bank account say about What does your bank account say about what you treasure? what you treasure? what you treasure? What do you serve? What do you serve? What do you serve? What are you enslaved to? What are you enslaved to? What are you enslaved to? Listen, I I live in a very affluent Listen, I I live in a very affluent Listen, I I live in a very affluent community in Columbus, Ohio. community in Columbus, Ohio. community in Columbus, Ohio. And it is so subtle And it is so subtle And it is so subtle the way the suburbs recruit the heart. the way the suburbs recruit the heart. the way the suburbs recruit the heart. Talked about the houses, not just the Talked about the houses, not just the Talked about the houses, not just the houses. It's the right schools, right? houses. It's the right schools, right? houses. It's the right schools, right? It's the right clothes. It's the right It's the right clothes. It's the right It's the right clothes. It's the right cars. It's all around you. It's the cars. It's all around you. It's the cars. It's all around you. It's the water we swim in. And if we're not water we swim in. And if we're not water we swim in. And if we're not intentional, intentional, intentional, it'll recruit our hearts. It'll recruit it'll recruit our hearts. It'll recruit it'll recruit our hearts. It'll recruit our vision. our vision. our vision. It'll captivate us and it'll become our It'll captivate us and it'll become our It'll captivate us and it'll become our master. I remember years ago there was a master. I remember years ago there was a master. I remember years ago there was a guy in a young adults ministry I led. He guy in a young adults ministry I led. He guy in a young adults ministry I led. He said, "Bro, every time I give, I say said, "Bro, every time I give, I say said, "Bro, every time I give, I say this doesn't own me this doesn't own me this doesn't own me because our resources be can become because our resources be can become because our resources be can become shackles if we let them. But God gave us shackles if we let them. But God gave us shackles if we let them. But God gave us power power power to produce impact.

to produce impact. to produce impact. >> It's dignity." >> It's dignity." >> It's dignity." >> Think about this. God doesn't need our >> Think about this. God doesn't need our >> Think about this. God doesn't need our resources. I I love in the fall raking resources. I I love in the fall raking resources. I I love in the fall raking leaves. And I've got four-year-old twins leaves. And I've got four-year-old twins leaves. And I've got four-year-old twins who help me rake leaves. who help me rake leaves. who help me rake leaves. It's adorable, right? It's adorable, right? It's adorable, right? But why do I bring them along? But why do I bring them along? But why do I bring them along? Because I'm forming them into something. Because I'm forming them into something. Because I'm forming them into something. God is forming you into something. He's God is forming you into something. He's God is forming you into something. He's forming you into a kingdom builder. This forming you into a kingdom builder. This forming you into a kingdom builder. This is way more than just building an is way more than just building an is way more than just building an organization. This is about the organization. This is about the organization. This is about the inbreaking life of God's kingdom coming inbreaking life of God's kingdom coming inbreaking life of God's kingdom coming into your home, your workplace, your into your home, your workplace, your into your home, your workplace, your schools, your neighborhood schools, your neighborhood schools, your neighborhood as Jesus taught us to pray as Jesus taught us to pray as Jesus taught us to pray as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. as it is in heaven. This is ultimately what it's about. So This is ultimately what it's about. So This is ultimately what it's about. So here's the final question. First, what's here's the final question. First, what's here's the final question. First, what's your treasure? Second, what are you your treasure? Second, what are you your treasure? Second, what are you seeking? Third, seeking? Third, seeking? Third, sorry, first, what's your treasure? sorry, first, what's your treasure? sorry, first, what's your treasure? Second, what are you serving? Third, Second, what are you serving? Third, Second, what are you serving? Third, what are you seeking? Jesus goes through what are you seeking? Jesus goes through what are you seeking? Jesus goes through all the things that every human being all the things that every human being all the things that every human being needs. Food, clothing. We're not walking needs. Food, clothing. We're not walking needs. Food, clothing. We're not walking around naked. Not yet. Maybe that'll be around naked. Not yet. Maybe that'll be around naked. Not yet. Maybe that'll be in the afterlife. We'll get that back.

Listen, it's it's important to recognize Listen, it's it's important to recognize Jesus is not talking to a bunch of Jesus is not talking to a bunch of Jesus is not talking to a bunch of affluent people. He's talking to affluent people. He's talking to affluent people. He's talking to peasants. peasants. peasants. And he's saying, "Don't worry. And he's saying, "Don't worry. And he's saying, "Don't worry. Your father has you." Listen, Jesus Your father has you." Listen, Jesus Your father has you." Listen, Jesus Christ lived the most inarguably Christ lived the most inarguably Christ lived the most inarguably compelling life that's ever been lived, compelling life that's ever been lived, compelling life that's ever been lived, didn't he? didn't he? didn't he? >> All of history hinges on the birth date >> All of history hinges on the birth date >> All of history hinges on the birth date of Jesus. He is the most impactful, of Jesus. He is the most impactful, of Jesus. He is the most impactful, regardless of what you think about him, regardless of what you think about him, regardless of what you think about him, he is the most impactful being to ever he is the most impactful being to ever he is the most impactful being to ever live. And if you believe about him, what live. And if you believe about him, what live. And if you believe about him, what he said about himself, that he's God he said about himself, that he's God he said about himself, that he's God himself who left his throne, who emptied himself who left his throne, who emptied himself who left his throne, who emptied himself of power, who was born into a himself of power, who was born into a himself of power, who was born into a manger with animals. manger with animals. manger with animals. The most compelling story. Listen, the The most compelling story. Listen, the The most compelling story. Listen, the villain is the one who consumes all the villain is the one who consumes all the villain is the one who consumes all the resource resources for themselves. The resource resources for themselves. The resource resources for themselves. The hero is the one who uses their resources hero is the one who uses their resources hero is the one who uses their resources to serve other. Jesus is the greatest to serve other. Jesus is the greatest to serve other. Jesus is the greatest hero in history. He emptied himself of hero in history. He emptied himself of hero in history. He emptied himself of power and he got into the dirt with you power and he got into the dirt with you power and he got into the dirt with you and me that he might serve us, that he and me that he might serve us, that he and me that he might serve us, that he might love us, and lived the most might love us, and lived the most might love us, and lived the most compelling life that has ever been compelling life that has ever been compelling life that has ever been lived. Here's the invitation. Get a lived. Here's the invitation. Get a lived. Here's the invitation. Get a greater vision. Here's the invitation.

greater vision. Here's the invitation. greater vision. Here's the invitation. Get a greater vision. Get a greater vision. Get a greater vision. >> Get a greater vision. Get captivated by >> Get a greater vision. Get captivated by >> Get a greater vision. Get captivated by a greater story a greater story a greater story and live a life that shapes history. and live a life that shapes history. and live a life that shapes history. Listen, I was doing some research. Not Listen, I was doing some research. Not Listen, I was doing some research. Not going to lie, I loaded the last couple going to lie, I loaded the last couple going to lie, I loaded the last couple of annual reports from New Life Church of annual reports from New Life Church of annual reports from New Life Church into chat GBT and I was like, "What into chat GBT and I was like, "What into chat GBT and I was like, "What stands out to you?" In Arkansas, for stands out to you?" In Arkansas, for stands out to you?" In Arkansas, for three years straight, every seven hours, three years straight, every seven hours, three years straight, every seven hours, someone at New Life Church has gotten someone at New Life Church has gotten someone at New Life Church has gotten baptized, baptized, baptized, there's been over a thousand baptisms a there's been over a thousand baptisms a there's been over a thousand baptisms a year. That means every seven hours, year. That means every seven hours, year. That means every seven hours, somebody's getting baptized because of somebody's getting baptized because of somebody's getting baptized because of the ministry of New Life Church in the ministry of New Life Church in the ministry of New Life Church in Arkansas. That is incredible. Arkansas. That is incredible. Arkansas. That is incredible. >> These are people who are moving out of >> These are people who are moving out of >> These are people who are moving out of death into life. They're moving out of death into life. They're moving out of death into life. They're moving out of this oppressive life to sin and death this oppressive life to sin and death this oppressive life to sin and death and they're moving into the wide open and they're moving into the wide open and they're moving into the wide open spaces of God's glory and God's grace. spaces of God's glory and God's grace. spaces of God's glory and God's grace. Jesus is the greatest hero in history Jesus is the greatest hero in history Jesus is the greatest hero in history and he's inviting you into his mission. and he's inviting you into his mission. and he's inviting you into his mission. Now, where did Jesus do mission? I got Now, where did Jesus do mission? I got Now, where did Jesus do mission? I got two charts. Sorry to the proenter people two charts. Sorry to the proenter people two charts. Sorry to the proenter people because I skipped like half my stuff.

because I skipped like half my stuff. because I skipped like half my stuff. Two charts. I'm going to give you a Two charts. I'm going to give you a Two charts. I'm going to give you a church growth chart and I'm going to church growth chart and I'm going to church growth chart and I'm going to give you how Jesus did ministry chart. give you how Jesus did ministry chart. give you how Jesus did ministry chart. Okay. Okay. Okay. It's like the next one. Yep. It's that It's like the next one. Yep. It's that It's like the next one. Yep. It's that one right there. Okay. So, here's the one right there. Okay. So, here's the one right there. Okay. So, here's the danger. danger. danger. Here's where churches grow. Comfort. Here's where churches grow. Comfort. Here's where churches grow. Comfort. We get comfortable. We get comfortable. We get comfortable. Usually like, okay, I'm going start Usually like, okay, I'm going start Usually like, okay, I'm going start giving. I'm going to attend. This is giving. I'm going to attend. This is giving. I'm going to attend. This is pretty easy, right? pretty easy, right? pretty easy, right? But then when you start living out the But then when you start living out the But then when you start living out the sermon on the mount, sermon on the mount, sermon on the mount, people get concerned and they say, people get concerned and they say, people get concerned and they say, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. go easy here. Then they start to caution go easy here. Then they start to caution go easy here. Then they start to caution you and then they might start start to you and then they might start start to you and then they might start start to criticize you, right? criticize you, right? criticize you, right? You start hanging out with the people You start hanging out with the people You start hanging out with the people Jesus hung out with. Go to the next one. Here's where Jesus Go to the next one. Here's where Jesus did ministry. He did minister in the did ministry. He did minister in the did ministry. He did minister in the redemptive edge between criticism and redemptive edge between criticism and redemptive edge between criticism and darkness. darkness. darkness. Jesus took Jesus took Jesus took all his power and all his resource and all his power and all his resource and all his power and all his resource and he went to the fringes where lost, he went to the fringes where lost, he went to the fringes where lost, hurting, and broken people are. Go to hurting, and broken people are. Go to hurting, and broken people are. Go to the next slide. There's one more. There the next slide. There's one more. There the next slide. There's one more. There we go.

Here's my question. Here's my question. Are you channeling your resources Are you channeling your resources Are you channeling your resources to the redemptive edge of ministry? to the redemptive edge of ministry? to the redemptive edge of ministry? Are you channeling your life, the energy Are you channeling your life, the energy Are you channeling your life, the energy of your life of your life of your life to that redemptive edge where lost and to that redemptive edge where lost and to that redemptive edge where lost and hurting and broken people are? hurting and broken people are? hurting and broken people are? Listen, God has a great plan for you. Listen, God has a great plan for you. Listen, God has a great plan for you. Plans to prosper you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you, declares the Lord, not to harm you. Plans for hope, plans not to harm you. Plans for hope, plans not to harm you. Plans for hope, plans for a future. for a future. for a future. But what if that prospering But what if that prospering But what if that prospering looked risky? looked risky? looked risky? What if God's plan for you wasn't a plan What if God's plan for you wasn't a plan What if God's plan for you wasn't a plan of comfort, but a plan of eternal impact? What's but a plan of eternal impact? What's going to last? This is the ultimate going to last? This is the ultimate going to last? This is the ultimate question. What's going to last? question. What's going to last? question. What's going to last? People, People, People, relationships. Listen, God is not anti- relationships. Listen, God is not anti- relationships. Listen, God is not anti- things. God loves art. God loves beauty.

But ultimately what God cares about But ultimately what God cares about is people. is people. is people. This is the final question. This is the final question. This is the final question. What are you seeking with your life? What are you seeking with your life? What are you seeking with your life? What are you doing with your power? What are you doing with your power? What are you doing with your power? Because the one who spoke in galaxies Because the one who spoke in galaxies Because the one who spoke in galaxies were formed. were formed. were formed. He's recruiting you and calling you to He's recruiting you and calling you to He's recruiting you and calling you to partner with him in his mission. partner with him in his mission. partner with him in his mission. Amen. I'm going to read a quote to you and I'm going to read a quote to you and going to give you a couple practical going to give you a couple practical going to give you a couple practical steps and we're going to just get get in steps and we're going to just get get in steps and we're going to just get get in God's presence and pray. Guy named Will Willerman said this. He Guy named Will Willerman said this. He said, "The most eloquent testimony to said, "The most eloquent testimony to said, "The most eloquent testimony to the res reality of the resurrection is the res reality of the resurrection is the res reality of the resurrection is not an empty tomb or a well orchestrated not an empty tomb or a well orchestrated not an empty tomb or a well orchestrated pageant on Easter Sunday, but rather a pageant on Easter Sunday, but rather a pageant on Easter Sunday, but rather a group of people whose life together is group of people whose life together is group of people whose life together is so radically different, so completely so radically different, so completely so radically different, so completely changed from the way the world builds a changed from the way the world builds a changed from the way the world builds a community that there's no community that there's no community that there's no explanation other than that something explanation other than that something explanation other than that something decisive has happened in history. When decisive has happened in history. When decisive has happened in history. When we come together and we live like this, we come together and we live like this, we come together and we live like this, it's a signpost to our world that it's a signpost to our world that it's a signpost to our world that something radical has happened.

something radical has happened. something radical has happened. Now listen, lastly, the secret to the Now listen, lastly, the secret to the Now listen, lastly, the secret to the life of Jesus is that he most treasured life of Jesus is that he most treasured life of Jesus is that he most treasured his relationship with the father. his relationship with the father. his relationship with the father. When Jesus got to the end of a long day, When Jesus got to the end of a long day, When Jesus got to the end of a long day, he cracked open a beer and he sat down he cracked open a beer and he sat down he cracked open a beer and he sat down and he watched TV. and he watched TV. and he watched TV. No. Amen. He didn't. No. Amen. He didn't. No. Amen. He didn't. He went out He went out He went out and he spent time with his father. and he spent time with his father. and he spent time with his father. There there's something about There there's something about There there's something about the relationship that Jesus had with his the relationship that Jesus had with his the relationship that Jesus had with his heavenly father that powered everything heavenly father that powered everything heavenly father that powered everything about his life. Why? He treasured God. about his life. Why? He treasured God. about his life. Why? He treasured God. So Jesus treasured what God treasures. So Jesus treasured what God treasures. So Jesus treasured what God treasures. Do you want to treasure God? That's the Do you want to treasure God? That's the Do you want to treasure God? That's the question. How do you how do you develop question. How do you how do you develop question. How do you how do you develop that? I'm going to give you three that? I'm going to give you three that? I'm going to give you three things. One, invest your time with God. things. One, invest your time with God. things. One, invest your time with God. Number two, invest your talent with God. Number two, invest your talent with God. Number two, invest your talent with God. And number three, invest your treasure And number three, invest your treasure And number three, invest your treasure with God. Your time, your talent, and with God. Your time, your talent, and with God. Your time, your talent, and your treasure. Because where your your treasure. Because where your your treasure. Because where your treasure is, treasure is, treasure is, there your heart will be. Also just there your heart will be. Also just there your heart will be. Also just remember church remember church remember church this is not as simple as the passive things that we can give as the passive things that we can give our resources to. This is about an

our resources to. This is about an our resources to. This is about an inbreaking kingdom. inbreaking kingdom. inbreaking kingdom. This is about the work that God's doing This is about the work that God's doing This is about the work that God's doing in our world and he's inviting you into in our world and he's inviting you into in our world and he's inviting you into it. Amen. it. Amen. it. Amen. Bow your heads all across the room. Bow your heads all across the room. Bow your heads all across the room. We're going to go into a time of prayer. If you're comfortable, just hold your If you're comfortable, just hold your hands out in front of you. It's a hands out in front of you. It's a hands out in front of you. It's a posture of receiving. You just say with me, "Come, Holy You just say with me, "Come, Holy Spirit. I just want you to ask two questions. I just want you to ask two questions. God, is there anything God, is there anything God, is there anything that you want to say to me right now? that you want to say to me right now? that you want to say to me right now? Lord, is there anywhere where our heart Lord, is there anywhere where our heart Lord, is there anywhere where our heart is out of order? is out of order? is out of order? Where our resources and our power Where our resources and our power Where our resources and our power is out of order? God speaking.

God speaking. What's he asking you to do about it?