Do What You Can, While You Can

Notes: Do What You Can, While You Can

Matthew 26

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Wednesday, July 8, 2015 — 8:00 a.m.

How many of you have ever wasted your time? Maybe you are wasting time on your phone.

70% of the world has smart phones; 5.3 Billion people have a smart phone.

Maybe you waste time with your TV.

Worse than wasting your time is wasting your life.

The woman in Matthew 26 was accused of waste, yet she was doing the exact opposite. Good in this world may be seen completely differently in Heaven.

What do you want more in life, the approval of God or the applause of men?

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Matthew 26: 6-13

6And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? 9For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.”

10But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. 11For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. 12For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

As Jesus said, 2000 years later we are telling this woman’s story.

At this time it was Passover time, there would be all kinds of people around them in Jerusalem now. People who love Jesus and hate Him. A resurrected Lazarus, would have been there also.

Every time we read of Mary she is at the feet of Jesus.

If we sit at His feet maybe we would be bringing more people to Him.

It is revealed to Mary that Jesus is going to die. She decided right then and there that she wants to do something for Jesus.

Matthew 26:13Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”

The great thing Mary did, was she did what she could, while she could.

What is the most precious thing to you in this world? Family, appearance, career? Have you presented it to Jesus?

The value of a gift is not how much it cost, but how much it cost you.

In today’s economy, the gift Mary gave Jesus would have cost between $25k to $30k.

Most people look at how little can we give and still be a Christian. Mary gave her most valuable possession.

Tithing is not the standard it is the entry level.

Tithing is a form of worship.

Acts 4:13 NKJV Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

We should live with a sense that nothing is too good for Jesus.

When is the last time you did something bold for the kingdom of God?

Jesus never said He was going to establish an earthly kingdom.

Mary decided to bring her flowers now. Is there someone that you should be bringing your flowers to right now?

Church should be like filling up gas for your car, filling up with the Spirit and heading out to the world.

The Lord’s work should be a joy, not a burden.

Luke 17:10 NKJV So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”

What Mary did was not waste.

Matthew 26: 8But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste?

Judas said this because he was a thief, not because he cared about anyone else.

Judas means, “the son of waste”, Judas threw it all away for some coins.

We are not to judge MOTIVES but to judge actions of one another.

Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.

Judas, on the surface, looked very spiritual and Mary looks wasteful. The opposite is the truth, though.

Nothing is ever wasted when it is done with the right motive for the glory of God.

What may looks like waste to some, like our Christian lives, can be compared at the end and see which life was wasted.

What we do in this life is past on to our future generations. It would be nice to look back on life and having the only regret of not having done more.

 The choices we make in this life will impact us and generations to come.

1 Corinthians 3:11 NKJV For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

You should care what crowns you are getting in Heaven. Getting to Heaven should not be your only goal.

We need to do what we can while we can.

A person’s actions form an infallible index to his character.

We all need to give what we can. God gave His only Son for us.

Are you sure Jesus Christ is living in you? It will give you purpose and inner peace and so many other fruits.

Valor Christmas Koinonia Message

Notes: Valor

Tuesday December 16, 2014

Verses and short messages by several pastors or group leaders about the Christmas story.

1. Pastor Greg Laurie:

Matthew 1:18-25 NKJV

[18] Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. [19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. [20] But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. [21] And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." [22] So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: [23] "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." [24] Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, [25] and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Joseph is an unsung here in the Bible. He seems to be often forgotten. 

Let's not forget that the scriptures call Joseph a righteous man.

Gabriel ascended upon Mary. Joseph was called upon as well.

There are many attacks that Mary went through and Joseph remained there with her.

God was chosen to lead the family of Jesus Christ.

God chose me to be the leader of my family. I need to look at it that way. Men have a critical part to play in our homes.

2. Pastor Brad Green

Luke 1:26-32 NKJV

[26] Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. [28] And having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" [29] But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. [30] Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. [32] He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

Brad said he thought that Gabriel always seems to get the good gigs.

He was in the Bible four times, two times he appeared to Daniel and the to Zachariah letting him know John the Baptist would be born and then to Mary.

Letting her know that Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior would be her Son.

3. Pastor Ron

Luke 2:1-7 NKJV

[1] And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. [2] This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. [3] So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. [4] Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, [5] to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. [6] So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. [7] And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

He says the Lord will never ask us to show the kind of faith that the Lord required of Joseph.

We may not all be called to preach or do something specific but we all need to do our part.

Ron was talking about how when he tells people he's a pastor how he gets so many different responses. He tries to respond to them as the Lord calls him to each time. Even when it is not comfortable or at a time he wants to.

4. Tim Harding

Luke 2:8-9 NKJV

[8] Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

The first Noel that we sing references these verses.

1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

[16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

God didn't appear to kings but to shepherds. 

Jesus Christ was born to one day tell us "it is finished"

5. 5th Speaker

Luke 2:10-14 NLT

[10] but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. [11] The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! [12] And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger." [13] Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others-the armies of heaven-praising God and saying, [14] "Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."

He is talking about how these men were the first people to know Jesus would be here.

He is talking about how the good tidings are for all of us. 

His cousin came out of brain surgery today where they removed a plum size tumor from his brain. He said it has been amazing how his cousin has been having peace during this time as he has put his faith and fate in God's hands.

6. 6th Speaker

Luke 2:15-20 NLT

[15] When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." [16] They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. [17] After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. [18] All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, [19] but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. [20] The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

He said that these shepherds did what most would probably not have done today. These men didn't argue or debate but went there quickly.

These shepherds were clearly not kings and Jesus Christ was not born in a palace. Yet they were the ones that were given the knowledge.

7. Pastor Mike Jonker

He is talking about how important it is for us as Christian men to set Christian traditions for our families.

He said one of the things they do is read the Christmas story from Matthew or Luke before opening gifts or eating.

He asked do we have Christ centered traditions for our families?

Galatians 4:4-7 NKJV

[4] But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!" [7] Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

God gave us His Son as a gift and that is what we should worship at Christmas time. That is the gift we should care about.

We need to make sure this is the message of Christmas. God's gift to us, not our gifts.

You Da Man

Notes: "You Da Man!”
Pastor Greg Laurie 
Sunday
November 16, 2014
2 Samuel 11

The Biblical Law of Sowing and Reaping

2 Samuel 11:1-5 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. [3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite." [4] Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. [5] Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, "I'm pregnant."

An unguarded strength is a double weakness.

“Can a man take fire into his lap and not be burned?” (Proverbs 6:27)

You don’t feed lust. You starve it.

Sin of lust is setting yourself up to sin.

2 Samuel 11:1-2 NLT
[1] In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem. [2] Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath.

The devil never takes a day off. He is ever vigilant looking for people to destroy.

1 Peter 5:8 NLT
[8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

“Times of leisure are to be more dreaded than those of the most strenuous toil.” –Alan Redpath

“Beware of evening temptations. The sun is down, but sin is up. We need a watchman for the night as well as a guardian for the day.” –C.H. Spurgeon

2 Samuel 11:3 NLT
[3] He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, "She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite."

Sin makes us stupid!

2 Timothy 2:22 NLT
[22] Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Is God putting up “roadblocks” in your life?

“The thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” (2 Samuel 11:27)

The discipline and conviction in David’s life were signs that he was a child of God.

Hebrews 12:8,11 NLT
[8] If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. [11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Proverbs 28:13 NLT
[13] People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Sooner or later, your sin will find you out!

2 Samuel 11:7-10 NLT
[7] When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the army were getting along and how the war was progressing. [8] Then he told Uriah, "Go on home and relax." David even sent a gift to Uriah after he had left the palace. [9] But Uriah didn't go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king's palace guard. [10] When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, "What's the matter? Why didn't you go home last night after being away for so long?"

“You Da Man!”

James 1:14-15 NLT
[14] Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. [15] These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

Just because we are forgiven does not mean we will not reap what we sow.

1 John 3:9 NLT
[9] Those who have been born into God's family do not make a practice of sinning, because God's life is in them. So they can't keep on sinning, because they are children of God.

Bathsheba made it into the messianic line of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 1:6)

Jesus died on the cross for you.

Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)

Notes: Hurried, Worried, Buried (How to Overcome Fear, Worry, and Anxiety)
Matthew 6
Pastor Greg Laurie
SERIES:
God Came Near
Sunday, November 9, 2014 — 8:00 a.m.
http://bit.ly/1qmcFbA

What does the favorite verse of the nonbeliever actually mean?

Matthew 7:1 ESV
[1] "Judge not, that you be not judged.

Pastor Greg said he really likes how people in Australia say "No Worries, mate."

Greg is talking about all the worries people have and the new big world worries like, Ebola and ISIS. 

A study said Most people's number one worry is their appearance. Public speaking typically ranks higher than death.

He told a story about how death usually comes to those that worry about it too much?

How can we overcome worry? Matthew 6 speaks of this.

Matthew 6:25-33 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.


1. The believer should not worry.
Matthew 6:25 ESV
[25] "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

The word worry from the old English word means to choke.

Jesus Christ says stop worrying about your life. Pastor Greg says he can argue that worry can be a sin.

It could be a sin because it is a lack of trust of God. God is in control.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of of its sorrow. But it possibly removes your strength to face it.

Greg says there is a difference between trusting the Lord and testing the Lord.

He is talking about Daniel in the Lions den.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV
[7] casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

This is saying throw your worries on God.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
[6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Birds don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:26 ESV
[26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

He says birds don't sit and wait for food, they have to take action. They wait and look for the food and then go get it.

Greg is talking about how seagulls were around and he thought they are his fish burrito. 

Flowers don't worry, so why should we?
Matthew 6:28 ESV
[28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,

He says that many are obsessed with the way they look, but we will never be as beautiful as the flowers God created.

He is talking about Jennifer Lopez, saying how her entourage of stylist may have hurt her relationships with all of her past lovers.

You can have a chiseled body and a dying soul. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV
[3] Do not let your adornment be merely outward-arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel- [4] rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Who can add one day to their by worry? 

Only God knows your birth and your death.

1 Timothy 4:8-9 NKJV
[8] For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.

2. Worry does not make life better.

4. Put God and His will first in your life.

Psalm 90:1-17 NKJV
[1] Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. [2] Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God. [3] You turn man to destruction, And say, "Return, O children of men." [4] For a thousand years in Your sight Are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night. [5] You carry them away like a flood; They are like a sleep. In the morning they are like grass which grows up: [6] In the morning it flourishes and grows up; In the evening it is cut down and withers. [7] For we have been consumed by Your anger, And by Your wrath we are terrified. [8] You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance. [9] For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh. [10] The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away. [11] Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath. [12] So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom. [13] Return, O LORD! How long? And have compassion on Your servants. [14] Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! [15] Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, The years in which we have seen evil. [16] Let Your work appear to Your servants, And Your glory to their children. [17] And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Speaking of your career, are you doing it for God's glory? If you can not honor God in everything you do, then get a new job.

Proverbs 22:1 NKJV
[1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

There are people in life that cheat and do it the wrong way that appear to be doing better than you. But you have to wait to see ones life play out. Do not look at what others do. Look at what God wants you do.

Seek first not only His Kingdom, but also his righteousness.

He is talking about single people dating. As he calls it "missionary dating" he says it is easier for a non- believer to pull you down from God then you pull them up to God. He says the best place for them to find a spouse is at church.

When you seek God first, you will find the right perspective.

What would you do if God came to you and said, just ask and I will give you what ever you want?

Greg is talking about Solomon and how he asked God for the wisdom to rule His people.

Matthew 6:19-21,31-32 NKJV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. [31] "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

He says when scripture says "therefore" look and see what it is there for.

Greg is talking how you should not flaunt the things you have. That is not putting the Lord first.

Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV
[9] Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; [10] So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV
[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

In Malachai is the only time the Lord says to test him.


Do you giving while your living, then you are knowing where it is going!

Greg is talking about Billy Joel and how Billy Joel said that even with all his success he felt like a failure because he does not have a true love to share it with.

You need to love Jesus Christ first. Then you will not have that void.

The faith of the Christian, provides the hope that we need in this life and to take us into the next life!

"So What"

Notes: "So What?" How the return of Christ should affect us in day-to-day living.
Pastor Greg Laurie
Essentials series
Harvest OC. 
November 6, 2014

So what are we suppose to do, what are we suppose to think in the light of Jesus Christ's return.

Greg is telling a joke about a talking dog. How the dog told all kinds of stories that were lies. The owner of the dog wants to get rid of him because the dog is liar. The owner clearly misses the point of how special the dog is.

Greg says many church goers are like that. He says they are just like people going to movies, missing the point of church.

The glorification of God, the edification of the saints, and he evangelization of the world.

Or we are here for upward, inward and outward. Worshiping, helping at the church, help build up each other and the evangelism of the world.

Pastor's job is to help us do our job. 

Hebrews 10:22-25 NKJV
[22] let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, [25] not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

We need to try and go rescue each other.

Galatians 6:1 NKJV
[1] Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

We must confront and restore. We are not to hunt down and destroy.

We must confront each other, help one another, build up one another.

What if every Christian was just like you?

Would pews be empty or full? Would they evangelize? Would they help others? Etc.

In the church we are all a brick in the wall of the church, we should not be spectators, we should be participants.

Roosevelt said its not the critic who counts... It's the man in the arena....

The credit goes to the believer that is active in the arena.

Some Christians are setting the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match.

Since 2009 the Harvest OC has seen about 4500 professions of faith here. We are just getting started. We are seeing lives change in time and for eternity.

Greg is talking about how it drives him nuts when people say they are over the church. He says at the church so many people come for help, marriage, death, crisis. 

The church is the organization that Jesus Christ ever started.

Yes the church is filled with hypocrites because everyone is a hypocrite at some point in their lives.

Join a church because you need consistency in theology, a pastor, and accountability. 

Matthew 25:14-29 NLT
[14] "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. [15] He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. [16] "The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. [17] The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. [18] But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money. [19] "After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.' [21] "The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [22] "The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.' [23] "The master said, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' [24] "Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, 'Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. [25] I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.' [26] "But the master replied, 'You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn't plant and gathered crops I didn't cultivate, [27] why didn't you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.' [28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

In this parable each person is given a different amount to invest.

It's not what you have that matters to God, it matters what you do with what you have that counts.

Everyone of us is given a God given opportunity to play well with the cards we are dealt.

Matthew 25:20 NLT
[20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, 'Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.'

The one servant actually blamed the master. Many people like to blame God that way.

Benjamin Franklin said that he found that the people who are best at making excuses aren't very good at anything else.

Greg is talking how we can take the gifts God gives us in bury it.

We all have time, talent and treasure.

Matthew 25:28-29 NLT
[28] "Then he ordered, 'Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. [29] To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.

The redistribution of wealth has a different meaning in the Bible doesn't it?

Romans 12:6-8 NLT
[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [7] If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. [8] If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Through grace God has given us all different gifts to use. We must use those gifts. We must develop them and use them to the best of our ability. Gifts are different then talents, but both require practice.

Greg is telling a story of when he was kid and someone told him he had a magical pencil. He says there is no magical pencil, he needed to practice.

Greg is talking about all the different kinds of gifts people have. Helping, details, providing, tongues are all gifts. He says all these are gifts of the Spirit and we need to find ours.

Greg is talking about how it was said that it was always harder to find the 2nd Violinist then the first. People don't like to be second.

God doesn't compare you to anyone else, he compares you to you.

God does not expect the same results, but He does expect the same effort.

It can be a sin to not use the gifts that God has given. It can be the sin of omission. It is a bless to be a blessing.

We want to faithfully serve the Lord until Jesus Christ returns again.

We all want to find our place in the church. We all need skin in the game.

Jesus Christ was God with skin on.

The Church is the Bride of Christ. It is not perfect, we all have faults, but Jesus Christ loves his Bride anyhow!

We are not a museum of saints we are a hospital for sinners! God's church is the only hospital that raises the dead.

God can take that guilt you have away. That guilt is sin and God will forgive your sin.