Journey to Financial Freedom: U R His Deed

OJHS:   Journey to Financial Freedom:  U R His Deed

2 Cor. 3:2-3 : 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

1.       God __________you money based on your ____________to manage it. 

·          Matt 25:15  - 15 To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag,[a] each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

2.       Everyone receives ______________– what you do with it depends on your level of ______________. 

·          Matt 25:16-18 - 16 The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. 17 So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. 18 But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

3.       There will always be a ______________of time between ______________and it ______________.

·          Matt 25:19 - 19 “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

4.       God ______________you to have more. 

·          Matt 25:20-24 - 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

5.       God expects a ______________amount of ______________when it comes to money. 

·          Matt 25:27 - 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

6.       There are ______________for not trusting.

·          Matt 25:28, 30 - 28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

7.       The way we handle ______________tells God whether we can be ______________with his business of ______________. 

·          Luke 16:11-13 - 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?12 And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? 13 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

8.       God is not interested in ______________we have but ______________we are after.

·          Matt 19:16-17 - 16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

9.       Jesus often reminds us the way to _____________ _______________of him is ______________ ______________of us.

·          Matt 19:21 - 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

10.   My ______________ _____________my money and I cannot follow Christ while ______________money. 

·         Matt 6:24 - 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

·           Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

11.     If I want my ______________to ______________Christ I have to ______________my ______________in what God loves.

·          John 13:34-35 - 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

12.     When I ______________ ______________I will lack ______________.  

·          Ps. 34:10 - 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,  but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. 

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OJHS: “…And The Rest Is History”

Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 3: 2 - 2 You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.

Sermon Title: OJHS: “…And The Rest Is History”

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Point 1: Biblical Ink vs. 2, 3 (2) You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. (3 )You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

(1) Establish credibility.

(2) Establish authority.

Mark 16: 15 – 18 & Matt 28: 18 put’s it this way you have authority over demons, sickness, sin and disease.

Exodus 32: 16 The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets

Point 2: New Life Ink vs. 3 You show that you are a letter from Christ…

Point 3: Indelible Ink vs. 3b …written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God…

Phil 1: 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

Ephesians 2: 10 he put it in an even better way, (10) For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

vs. 2 known and read by everybody.  

Hebrews 13: 10 don’t worry about your money…You will not go without. He will never leave you nor forsake you…the Lord is your helper…  

Point 4: Your Ink Living Epistles vs. 2 You yourselves are our letters…known and read by everyone

I want my life to be His-Story. My sacrificial giving is His ink. My pledge is His recommendation to this community that He is a life changing faithful God 

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OJHS: Stepping Up to Make a Difference

Sermon Text: Acts 4: 32—37

Sermon Title: OJHS: Stepping Up to Make a Difference

Step 1: Unity Increases vs. 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind
Step 2: Lordship is Contagious vs. 32 No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had 

Lordship is viewing your possessions from the perspective that everything you have belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” These Jerusalem believers did not claim ownership of their possessions.

Does this Kind of Giving Make?  Acts 11:23-24 – …they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Luke 16:11 – So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? The testimony of a committed giver makes a difference because…
Step 3 Vision is Advanced vs. 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus…Giving fuels the future. It doesn't take a financial genius to recognize that a church has to give to grow.

Step 4  Needs are Met vs. 34 – 35 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Can you imagine a church where there were no needy persons? This is God’s ideal plan for His church. He distributes resources among the members so when a need arises, the resources are already in place to meet the need. The believers just have to be willing to relinquish their God-given resources instead of claiming them as their own. If God’s people give God’s things back to Him, needs are met. 

Step 5 Ministry Expands vs. 33 With great power… and much grace was upon them all.
This campaign is not just about raising money—it’s about expanding ministry. There is an explainable anointing of God that comes when believers dedicate themselves and their possessions completely to God. When a church unites to give wholeheartedly to its vision, that church experiences great power and much grace.

It attracts unbelievers to Christ. …and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.(v. 24).
Committed givers make a difference. They reflect the gospel and advance the vision of the church. As a result, other believers are encouraged and unbelievers are brought to Christ.

Give to advance the vision of your church.

Final Action Steps to Making a Difference:
(a) Transfer ownership of your possessions to God. Take time this week to verbally “lay your rights to ownership at His feet” through prayer.
(b) Evaluate your level of giving. Determine to be a committed giver who reflects the grace of the gospel and advances the vision of the church.
(c)  Ask God if there are any resources He has entrusted to you that He wants you to give or sacrifice for your giving commitment. Come ready to give your first fruit…week, day salary…toward 3 year commitment pledge…

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Mary’s Journey – Jesus’ Story

Sermon Text:  John 12:1-7

Sermon Title:  Mary’s Journey – Jesus’ Story

Pre-Test Principles

1.  How does Mary’s use of her perfume strike you?

a)     Tasteful, but too extravagant

b)     Wasteful, without a doubt

c)     Sacrificial, honoring, and perfectly appropriate

2.  What had Jesus done (or what was He about to do) to deserve such a lavish gift?

a)     Raised her brother Lazarus from the dead

b)     Had dinner with them

c)     About to die on the cross for their sins

3.  How did Judas’ attitude differ from Mary’s?

a)     Stink to high heaven

b)     Typical it was a lot of money and people were in need

c)     Self-centered – Mary Christ centered

4.  How is each of them remembered today?

a)     Traitor vs. irritant

b)     Keeper vs. giver

c)     Deserter vs. devoted

Whenever she was in His presence, she honored her Savior by giving Him her best. The first time Jesus stopped at her home in Bethany, she sat at His feet listening to every word He spoke while her sister Martha was distracted with other worries. Martha complained about her single-minded focus, but Jesus complimented her by saying, “Mary has chosen what is better” (Mark 10:38-42).

After the death of her brother Lazarus, Mary mourned deeply for several days with her friends and relatives in their home. Yet the moment she heard of Jesus’ arrival, she immediately got up and ran to meet Him. When she saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and called Him “Lord” (John 11:28-32).

Point 1:  What-a-Sacrifice

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived…Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

And whatever you do for people, you’re doing for Jesus. So, as you give, think about what He deserves (2 Corinthians 8:19).

Point 2: Mary’s Sacrificial Journey or Judas’ Sacrificial Journey 

 vs 4-6 ⁴But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,  ⁵ “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”  ⁶ He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Matthew 26: 13; Mark 14:9

⁷ “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. ”It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.  ⁸ You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

Mark 14:4-5

Post Test Principles

Principle #1: You usually make the best choices when you are spending personal time with God.

Principle # 2: You always reap what you sow.

Principle #3: You seldom meet a sacrificial giver who doesn’t consider it an honor to give.

2 Corinthians 8:1-4 – We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. ²Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. ³For I testify that they have as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, ⁴they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

2 Corinthians 9:7 – Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

11:00 Courage for the Journey Pt 2

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 23: 21b …He also went into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

Sermon Title: Courage for the Journey Pt 2

Point 1: Benaiah’s Journey vs. 20b He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. One morning, we don’t know which morning; Benaiah stared down the hard thing, jumped into a pit on a snowy day, and killed a lion.

This wasn’t the first time Benaiah had stared down an opportunity and challenge to do the hard thing for God. This was the nature of Benaiah’s journey. This is all he knew how to do. The text says in vs. 20 he struck down two of Moab’s best men.

The third thing recorded in the text says he struck down an Egyptian soldier that was over seven feet tall. Vs. 21 says, even though the Egyptian had a spear in his hand Benaiah went against him with a club. He snatched the spear from the Egyptian’s hand and killed him with his own spear.

Point 2: New Life we too are at the morning of our journey.

2 Corinthians 3: 2 – 3 NLT The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in or hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. We too are faced with being a conformist or transformers, being radical in our belief God can do anything, out of the box church.

(a)        Be daring…

(b)        Be devotional…

(c)        Be different…

(d)        Be dangerous…

Conclusion:

8:30 OJHS: Courage for the Journey Pt 2

Sermon Text: 1 Samuel 14: 6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf…

Sermon Title: OJHS: Courage for the Journey Pt 2

Point 1: Jonathan’s Journey 1 Samuel 14: 6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf… In this text we are made privy to the private battle plans of two people; Jonathan and his unnamed armor-bearer.

        When Jonathan and his armor bearer were not about to live their lives thinking they could’ve defeated an army by themselves. They moved and look at what happened. Vs. 13 Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor bearer followed  and killed behind him. Vs. In that first attack Jonathan and his armor bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre. Vs. 15 Then panic struck the whole army—those in the camp and field, and those in the outposts and raiding parties—and the ground shook. It was panic sent by God. Vs. 20 Then Saul and all his men assembled and went to the battle. They found the Philistines in total confusion, striking each other with their swords. 

Point 2: New Life we too are looking at opportunity. 2 Corinthians 3: 2 – 3NLT The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in or hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts.

(a)        Be daring…

(b)        Be devotional…

(c)        Be different…

(d)        Be dangerous…

Conclusion

The Widows Journey

Sermon Text: Mark 12:41-44

Sermon Title:  The Widows Journey

Courage for the Journey Review

Benaiah and Johnathan – Biblical Principles and Revelation

·         The sin of omission is equally as important as the sin of commission.

·         Killing lions and defeating the enemy happens for those who seize the moment.

·         God does not want us to live a life of regret.  In the long run, we regret more for what we didn’t do as opposed to what we did do.

·         God brings the same amount of Godness to solve all problems

·         We are born with two fears…by the time we die – we have over 2,000 fears – we learn fears and we can unlearn them. 

·         [Prayer] Slotha Aramaic for setting a trap

·         Opportunity –Word means serendipitous window to do something.

·         Prayer posture – OT watchman setting traps for opportunities in 2013

·         New Life has an opportunity to do something great for God – everyone must go on the journey – everyone must pledge after earnestly praying.

1. Why did Jesus sit down to watch people give their offerings in the Temple (v. 41-43)?
2. What might have motivated the poor widow to give all she had (v. 44)?
3. What lesson was Jesus trying to teach His disciples (v. 43)?

 Mythical Step #1: The church is only interested in my money.     

​    Truth: God is interested in what I do with my money.

1.    Jesus talked about money

2.    The Bible talks about money

3.    Money is a major part of our culture

Mythical Step 2: My pledge isn’t big enough to make a difference in this campaign.

    Truth: My pledge makes a big difference in my life.

41b Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”

Mythical Step 3: I can’t afford to give with my resources.

      Truth: I can’t afford to live without God’s resources.

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).

44They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

MY STEPS OF ACTION:

1.    If you have never entrusted everything (your life, your salvation, your family, your job, your home, your future, your finances, etc.) to God, get on your knees this week and commit those things to His care and control.

2.    Start asking God what He wants you to pledge to your campaign. Ask Him to increase your faith to give by His revelation and not by your reason.

Courage for the Journey of a Lifetime

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 23: 21b …He also went into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.

Sermon Title: Courage for the Journey of a Lifetime

Point 1: Benaiah’s Journey vs. 20b He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. One morning, we don’t know which morning; Benaiah stared down the hard thing, jumped into a pit on a snowy day, and killed a lion.

This wasn’t the first time Benaiah had stared down an opportunity and challenge to do the hard thing for God. This was the nature of Benaiah’s journey. This is all he knew how to do. The text says in vs. 20 he struck down two of Moab’s best men.

The third thing recorded in the text says he struck down an Egyptian soldier that was over seven feet tall. Vs. 21 says, even though the Egyptian had a spear in his hand Benaiah went against him with a club.

Point 2: New Life we too are at the morning of our journey.

·       Not enough seats…

·       Not enough parking…

·       Not enough room for our children’s ministry…

·       Not enough adult classrooms...

        We have an opportunity to grow. We have an opportunity to have the guts to give God all the glory if we let him use us to solve these problems and reach more souls. Or we can commit the SIN OF OMISSION.

When it comes to God it doesn’t take more of God to do one thing and less of God to do another thing. It’s that view of God that gets us in trouble with believing God for one thing and doubting Him for another. God does all things with same amount of Godness. All problems are equal to God.

NewLife Website: www.nlicic.org

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