SOUL-TALK Luke 12:13-21 August 4, 2013 Faith J. Conklin
|
|
- Randolf Carroll
- 6 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 SOUL-TALK Luke 12:13-21 August 4, 2013 Faith J. Conklin A preacher was giving his sermon Sunday morning. He was trying to impress upon the congregation the importance of living a life pleasing to God. He shouted from the pulpit, All you people of this congregation, you d better get right with God. One day you re going to die. Do you hear me? Do you understand what that means? God will judge you. All you people of this congregation, one day you re going to die. You better change your ways. The congregation flinched at the grim words. They got solemn looks on their faces. Except for one man. He was sitting in the front pew. He started laughing. The preacher scowled at him. He leaned over the pulpit. What s so funny? he demanded. Didn t you hear what I just said? All you people of this congregation, one day you re going to die. Yes, I heard you, replied the man. He smiled, But you see, I don t belong to this congregation. We can laugh. It s a reminder. The lessons Jesus gives are for us also. We all need to heed and hear his truth. None of us is excluded not from his warnings and not from his love. This morning s story of the rich fool is no exception. Our text is from Luke. Jesus is asked to intervene in a family dispute over inheritance. As is often the case, it was a matter of rights over relationship. One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions, he replies. It s not what you have that s important. It s who you are. Possessions can t give you life or help you keep it. Then to emphasize his point he tells them a parable. The land of a rich man produced abundantly. He thought to himself, What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops? Then he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, there I will store all my grain and my goods. I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' God said to him, You fool! This very night your life is being required of you. The things you have prepared, whose will they be? So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God. Jesus story challenges a fundamental assumption of his society. It was commonly held that a person s life was measured by the abundance of his or her possessions. The reasoning went like this. If you re right with God, then God will be good to you. You ll be rich and you ll prosper. The opposite was also true. The 1
2 poor, needy, sick and suffering were out of favor with God. Their affliction or lack was their punishment. Many people today still view life that way. It s how they view God also. It s easy to use this parable as a general condemnation of all wealth and those who have it and to cast the rich man as a villain. It then becomes a warning about seeking riches and the danger of having possessions. Certainly this lesson is about money. It s not just about money. It s about the core values of our lives. It s about how we choose and order our priorities. It s about what matters most to us. It s about what s guiding and directing our choices. It s about where we put our trust and find our security. The man in Jesus story isn t a wicked man. He commits no crime. He doesn t cheat anyone. He s successful and prosperous. In fact, in many ways he exemplifies the American ideal of wealth and success. His problem isn t what he does or even what he has. It s what he neglects and what he forgets. It s what s missing in his life. That s what earns him the name fool. One pastor writes: I meet regularly with a few friends and we ask one another an important question. We ask, How is it with your soul? In other words, at the core of your being... what is going on? We ask the question every time we meet for lunch because we ve promised to watch over one another in love. Those who watch over one another in love will ask that question. It s the same question our founder John Wesley had his Methodist Societies and class meetings ask one another each week as they came together for prayer and Bible study. How is it with your soul? That s also the question Jesus poses here. As we listen to the man s soul-talk ; his problem becomes evident. He thought to himself, What should I do, I have no place to store my crops? Then he said, I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.' (have a party!) Do you see the pattern? He thought to himself... he deliberated with himself he had a discussion with himself... he decided for himself. I and my are his only pronouns. His is the only voice to which he listens. It s a fool's monologue. It is, if you ll pardon the pun, an I-dolatrous conversation. How it is with our soul? Jesus invites us to wrestle with that question also. Is our life about grabbing and gaining all we can or giving back gratefully 2
3 what we ve received? Is our stance toward life one of fear or faith? Are we enjoying the gifs God gives us each day or constantly looking at what another has and wishing it were ours? Have we made our relationships with God and others a priority or are we putting them off for some other day? Are we chasing what s important and neglecting what s essential? Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest, theologian and social activist shares how he was reminded of this truth. Father Rohr was preaching in Africa. After his sermon an old man gave this prayer. Lord, let us never move into stone houses. Rohr had no idea what the prayer meant. He found the man and asked why he d prayed as he did. He replied, You know Africa. You have seen our country. People here live in huts and the huts have no doors. That s why your family is my family and my family is your family. As soon as you move into a stone house, you build a door. On the door you put a lock, and behind the door you begin to accumulate more and more things. Then you have to spend the rest of your life protecting all you have acquired. It s a good prayer: Lord, let us never move into stone houses. Lord, let us never focus so much on keeping what we have and gaining more that we forget our relationship with you or one another. Lord, help us to always remember we re all your family. Lord, remind us how we re to behave toward our brothers and sisters. Fool! This night your soul is required of you. There s a sense of urgency and immediacy about our choices. The Greek word translated required of you also means, a payment due. Our life is on loan to us. It belongs to God. It will be returned to God. Our gifts are ours to use. They re ours to enjoy, take pleasure in and celebrate. They re given to bless us. With our blessings comes responsibility. With them comes accountability. How does our living show that truth? How are our lives, rich toward God? Peter Gomes captures part of Jesus purpose here in a sermon he calls, Surplus and Substance. He writes: I want you to think about the life you have been given by God through his great mercy, and about what is most fearful to you and what is most precious to you, and about those things in this world for which you are most grateful. I want you to think about your fair share of your material responsibility in God s world, to this church and to other agencies of good work. He adds, If you begin to reconsider how to live your life with these concerns in mind, I would be willing to speculate that you will find your life increasingly worth living and that is exactly what our Lord has in mind for you. 3
4 Jesus doesn t want us to be foolish. He wants us to have life abundant. He wants us to have a life of joy and fullness; meaning and purpose. He wants us to have a life that s rich in the things that matter most. He wants us to choose the best thing not just accumulate a lot of good things. Jesus knows. It s not how much cash we have in our bank accounts. It s how much compassion there is in our hearts. If we have the one (the compassion); we ll always know what to do with the other. So he tells us a parable about a fool ; a man whose life and loves were turned inward. He offers this story not as a word of judgment but as a gift of grace. He invites us to examine ourselves in the light of it; to do some soulsearching and soul-talking of our own. Foy Valentine is a professor of social ethics at a Baptist theological seminary. One year he spent a summer working at Koinonia Farms in Americus, Georgia. The Koinonia community was founded by Clarence Jordan during the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement. It was a place where black and white people came to live, work and worship together in a time and place when that wasn t done. It was witness to Jordan s belief in the power and love of God to build bridges and break down barriers. It was a wonderful experience for young Foy. When it was time for him to return to the university he told Clarence he was very concerned. He didn t have enough money to pay for his tuition. His work at Koinonia Farms had been unpaid. He was grateful for the experience but it hadn t been economically profitable. Jordan listened. Then he took a check, put it in an envelope and handed it to him. He said, When you get back to school, open the envelope, perhaps what s in here will help meet your needs. When Foy got back to the university he did as Clarence instructed. He opened the envelope. In it were two things. One was a blank check and the other was a note. The note said, Write in whatever you need. Isn t that also how God cares for the needs of his children? When it comes to the things that really matter in life: grace, love, power, hope, healing, courage, forgiveness God simply says, Write in whatever you need. I ll supply it. God invites us to live from that trust. The rich fool took the gifts and forgot the Giver. He forgot that his life wasn t measured in what he d gained. He forgot that all he had was only on loan and that an accounting of its use would be required. He forgot what you and I must not. What matters most in this life is not what we gain but what we give away. In the end, a life lost in God and given away to others is one that truly endures. 4
5 It s told as just a fable. I read it as another parable. At the end of the growing season the people of certain kingdom harvested their crop of grain. It was an abundant one. They put it in barns. Then they discovered an enemy had poisoned the grain. If you ate it, you wouldn t die but you d become insane. You d do and say strange things. You d forget what you need to know. You d make harmful choices. The king called his advisors together to decide what to do. They took an inventory. There wasn t enough pure food available to sustain everyone. Only a few could survive on the small amount of untainted food they had. The advisors told the king there was no option. They d have to eat the poisoned grain until the next harvest. All right, said the king. We ll eat it. Then he added, However, we ll also feed a few people on the grain that s still safe. That way there will be some among us who remember that the rest of us are insane. There will be some among us who remember that the rest of us are insane. Christians eat a special diet. It's called the bread of life. It nourishes our souls. It s provides grace to sustain us. In the foolishness and insanity of the world it enables us to be living reminders of God's truth. It empowers us to live and witness as people of faith. Come to the Table and eat. Here is the food that will keep you sane and make you wise. Here you will always be rich toward God. Amen. 5
The Lord taught this lesson.
Love God More Than Any Thing Grade Preschool taught this lesson. A rich man had a large farm. He had lots and lots of food from his farm. He stored all the food and grain in his barn. Soon his barn was
More informationWhere is Your Treasure? Scripture Text: Luke 12:13 21
1 Where is Your Treasure? Scripture Text: Luke 12:13 21 Introduction What is worship? How do we do it? I think of worship as giving value and worth to something or someone. We do it all the time, and sometimes
More information- newmanlib.ibri.org - The Rich Fool. Luke 12:13-21 Robert C. Newman Abstracts of Powerpoint Talks
The Rich Fool Luke 12:13-21 Robert C. Newman The Rich Fool This is an old story that is very relevant for today. It is also a special type of parable, apparently found only in the Gospel of Luke. We call
More informationOffering & Tithes. Offering & Tithes
OfferingTALK#3 TITLE: Lasting Treasure Scripture Passage: Luke 12:16-21, NRSV We will worship God with our giving in just a few moments. If you have not prepared your gift, feel free to do so now. If you
More informationMaking Parables Plain
Making Parables Plain 13 Lessons On The Parables of Jesus Volume One Lessons Written by: William S. Wallace, Jr. Retired Preacher Copyright -2016 All Rights Reserved 1 Lesson Thirteen: The Parable Of The
More informationPracticing Your Faith: Live as a Steward Luke 12:13-21 February 21, 2016 Rev. Pen Peery First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC
Practicing Your Faith: Live as a Steward Luke 12:13-21 February 21, 2016 Rev. Pen Peery First Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC We are now in the season of Lent the 40 days that lead us to Easter, where
More informationPsalm 49: Human mortality
Psalm 49: Human mortality Psalm 49 (48) (Mode 2. 5.31 / 4 32) Death is an unavoidable dimension of the human condition. The rich and powerful cannot buy their way out of it. They are foolish, therefore,
More informationIt s about me! Week 4
Week 4 It s about me! It s about me! Discover the joy of living as a faithful steward. Made in God s image, we each are called to give generously. As we focus on the lordship of Christ, it is easier to
More informationGive to Invest in Eternity Luke 12:13-21; 16:1-9
Blake Jennings Grace Bible Church - Southwood Give to Invest in Eternity Luke 12:13-21; 16:1-9 Some investments simply don't work out - they decline in value or disappear altogether. In fact, from the
More informationDo you know what I m talking about? We are so blessed with possessions that it is a bit of a problem! What do we do with them?
It All Comes from God Luke 12:13-21, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 So friends what would you do if you took that thanksgiving inventory and discovered that you had so many blessings that you didn t know what to
More informationLuke 12:13-21 July 31, 2016 ONLY A FOOL
Luke 12:13-21 July 31, 2016 ONLY A FOOL What would a very blessed, extremely fortunate day look like to you? For me it would be a marvelously comfortable, 75 degree (with a little southeastern breeze),
More informationSomeone in the crowd said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. 14
September 9, 2018 Parables A Wisdom Parable The Rich Fool Luke 12:13-21 Opening words: There came a time in Jesus s earthly ministry when he was no longer welcomed in the synagogues. The Master was forced
More informationA man did very, very well. Abundantly well.
1 A man did very, very well. Abundantly well. And that man said to himself, My barns aren t big enough for all that my land has produced. What can I do but tear down my barns and build bigger barns? And
More informationTHE PROSPERITY GOSPEL By George Lujack
THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL By George Lujack This article will expose some of the fallacious assertions of the Prosperity Gospel and advise believers to reject this deceptive theological covetousness through
More informationBut, in our lesson for today it is God who calls a man a fool. When God calls you a fool there s not much you can do about it.
1 Luke 12:13-21 Someone in the crowd said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me. 14 But he said to him, Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you? 15 And
More informationLuke 12B. Luke 12B 1. Today we leave the larger discussion of the Pharisees rejection of Jesus and their negative influence on the people
Luke 12B 1 Luke 12B Today we leave the larger discussion of the Pharisees rejection of Jesus and their negative influence on the people o For the rest of Chap 12 and into Chap 13 Jesus turns toward an
More informationIn a Pearls Before Swine comic strip that is usually posted on my. office door, Rat and Pig are seated in church. The preacher says, Today
1 Moderation! Really? Eph. 5:18; Luke 12:13-21 4/2/17 In a Pearls Before Swine comic strip that is usually posted on my office door, Rat and Pig are seated in church. The preacher says, Today I d like
More informationGenerosity and Philosophy. Sermon for First Christian Church of Decatur, Georgia. Season of Pentecost, Sunday, October 15, 2017
Generosity and Philosophy Sermon for First Christian Church of Decatur, Georgia Season of Pentecost, Sunday, October 15, 2017 James L. Brewer-Calvert, Senior Pastor Holy Scriptures: Luke 12: 13-21 The
More informationLuke 12: "A Fool and His Money" about 10 years. He said that the one significant change that he saw each time that he went was
Luke 12:13-21 "A Fool and His Money" When Danny and I travelled through the Holy Land with a group from our Presbytery in 2009, we were led by a minister who had been to Israel and Jordan four times within
More informationWisdom The application of past experiences to present circumstances in order to maximise future human flourishing
Wisdom The application of past experiences to present circumstances in order to maximise future human flourishing Truth 1: Wisdom is better than money Proverbs 8:10-11 Choose my instruction rather than
More informationTreasure the Right Treasure Matthew 6: Steve Graves Ken Broom
Treasure the Right Treasure Matthew 6:19-24 Steve Graves Ken Broom OS OS Operating System Operating System An Operating System is the core program that manages all the other programs in a computer. Once
More informationFirst Baptist Church Woodstock Be Generous: A 28-Day Devotional Journey
First Baptist Church Woodstock Be Generous: A 28-Day Devotional Journey Be Generous 2017 by First Baptist Church Woodstock. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible. New King
More informationGenerosity. Introduction. Whose Things Are They? The Character of a Disciple
1 The Character of a Disciple Introduction is one of the qualities that characterized the Lord Jesus. His life provides an example for us of generosity. is not primarily concerned with money. It is more
More informationLies We Love I m Only Human INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES
Lies We Love I m Only Human Page 1 of 7 Lies We Love I m Only Human 2 Peter 1:3-7 INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES Today we continue our sermon series Lies We Love. For four weeks we re looking at four common
More informationLOVE GOD MORE THAN ANYTHING
Preschool Edition LOVE GOD MORE THAN ANYTHING The Lord taught this lesson. A rich man had a large farm. He had lots and lots of food from his farm. He stored all the food and grain in his barn. Soon his
More informationThe Parable of Modern Man. Luke 12:13-34
The Parable of Modern Man Luke 12:13-34 Biblical Outline A Worldly Perspective (12:13-20) A Transitional Statement & Principle (12:21-28) A Heavenly Perspective (12:29-34) The Setting Luke 12:13 Luke 12:13
More informationLuke 12:13-34 The Parable of the Rich Fool
SMALL GROUP STUDY GUIDES Luke 12:13-34 The Parable of the Rich Fool Luke 12:20 But God said to him, Fool! This night your soul is required of you NOTE FOR LEADERS This document is intended to be used as
More informationFOUNDATIONS GOD S BENEFIT PACKAGE LESSON #4: PROSPERITY
FOUNDATIONS GOD S BENEFIT PACKAGE LESSON #4: PROSPERITY Intro. We ve been looking at God s Benefit Package 1. We talked about God s forgiveness, His healing, and His protection Tonight we re going to look
More informationALL THE PARABLES OF JESUS A SYSTEMATIC SERIES UNVEILING GODS ETERNAL TRUTH IN THE PARABOLIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST
ALL THE PARABLES OF JESUS A SYSTEMATIC SERIES UNVEILING GODS ETERNAL TRUTH IN THE PARABOLIC TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST MEDIA REFERENCE NUMBER WN-613 MARCH 19, 2014 THE TITLE OF THE MESSAGE: The Parable
More informationThe Foolish Rich Man/The Rich Young Man Luke 12:13-21, Matthew 19:16-24
Page1 The Foolish Rich Man/The Rich Young Man Luke 12:13-21, Matthew 19:16-24 Learning Objectives 1. The children will relate the stories of The Foolish Rich Man and The Rich Young Man. 2. The children
More informationMinistry of Seed Planting First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 7/13/08
Ministry of Seed Planting First Presbyterian Church of Kissimmee, Florida Dr. Frank Allen, Pastor 7/13/08 Matthew 13:1-9 (NRSV) That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. [2] Such
More informationMeeting With Christ THE PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL. The danger of greed. Luke 12:13-21
Meeting With Christ Practical and Exegetical Studies on the Words of Jesus Christ Yves I-Bing Cheng, M.D., M.A. Based on sermons of Pasteur Eric Chang www.meetingwithchrist.com THE PARABLE OF THE RICH
More informationIntroduction. Jesus Parable of The Rich Fool. Introduction. Background. Fear God Above All
Introduction Jesus Parable of The Rich Fool Jesus warns against deceptive greed Like today, many in Jesus day were enslaved to greed, covetousness They loved material things above all They valued their
More informationThe Golden Calf and the Christian
Introduction The Golden Calf and the Christian 1. Moses is about God s business - concentrating on what God wants him to do. Exodus 24:12-18 The Golden Calf 1. Meanwhile, A Golden Calf is being constructed!
More informationBiblical Financial Principles
Biblical Financial Principles Who will be Master? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot
More informationJust look to Jesus and don t idolize riches
Just look to Jesus and don t idolize riches James 5:1-8 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
More informationPARABLE: RICH FOOL Luke 12:13-23
PARABLE: RICH FOOL Luke 12:13-23 STRUCTURE Key-persons: Jesus, and the man who interrupted him; in the parable: the rich man Key-location: Region of Perea Key-repetitions: Life: life does not consist in
More informationE&O P7 RERC 2-01a I examine God s precious gift of life and can reflect upon my God-given role
All science topics offer the opportunity for wonder and awe at the beauty and complexity of God s Creation and our stewardship of it. Make links to Eco-Schools, Fair Trade and Charities work. Core learning:
More informationContentment. Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.
Contentment Luke 12:13-21 Then one from the crowd said to Him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. 14 But He said to him, Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you? 15
More information"Missions and Money - Stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30) Pastor Peter Yi February 11, 2018
"Missions and Money - Stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30) Pastor Peter Yi February 11, 2018 (Matthew 25:14-30) 14 Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth
More informationOrganizations that destroy the status quo, win. Whatever the status quo is, changing it gives you the opportunity to be remarkable.
MTP STUDY GUIDE REMARKABLY GENEROUS 38 Remarkably Generous is Impact Church s three-week, intensive church wide study of generosity. This guide will be your journal as we journey together during this part
More informationPart 1: From the Bag to the Barn
Part 1: From the Bag to the Barn Deuteronomy 28 various blessings, and the commanded blessing Introduction: A blessed life is far more than just financial The first and greatest sign of a blessed life
More informationKINGDOM STEWARDSHIP CONVERSATIONS. An exclusive member benefit of Kingdom Advisors. KingdomAdvisors.org
K I N G D O M A D V I S O R S KINGDOM CONVERSATIONS STEWARDSHIP An exclusive member benefit of Kingdom Advisors KingdomAdvisors.org K I N G D O M A D V I S O R S KINGDOM CONVERSATIONS STEWARDSHIP CONVERSATION
More informationMain Point: The things we own are temporary. God s kingdom lasts forever.
The Rich Fool Luke 12:13-21 PPT Title The Rich Fool Main Point: The things we own are temporary. God s kingdom lasts forever. Key Verse: Then He said to them, Watch out! Be on your guard against wanting
More informationThe Foolish Rich Man/The Rich Young Man Luke 12:13-21, Matthew 19:16-24
Fall 2015 ~ Religious Instruction Lesson #9 Learning Objectives The Foolish Rich Man/The Rich Young Man Luke 12:13-21, Matthew 19:16-24 1. The children will relate the stories of The Foolish Rich Man and
More informationAnd I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry. 20
A FAMILY MONEY FIGHT Luke 12:13-21 Summer Sermon Series: Tell the Stories of the Savior! The Text: Luke 12: 13-21: 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance
More information5. The Talents. Matthew 25:14-30
5. The Talents Matthew 25:14-30 Matthew 25:14-30 14 For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another
More informationDISCOVER NEW TESTAMENT GIVING
DISCOVER NEW TESTAMENT GIVING DISCOVER NEW TESTAMENT GIVING Oct. 4, 2015 Sermon in a sentence: Acceptable financial giving in the New Testament is inspired and motivated by Jesus example of giving, and
More informationSermon : When Opportunity Knocks Page 1
Sermon : When Opportunity Knocks Page 1 When Opportunity Knocks Text : Luke 12: 15-21 ; Acts 4: 36 5:11 S#1. A. Jesus calls us as we are, but tells us we must become different. S#2. John 3: 3 Jesus answered
More informationRich Fool or Rich toward God Luke 12:13-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19
KCC April 2017 Rich Fool or Rich toward God Luke 12:13-21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Turn to Luke 12 please. We are going through Luke s parables now. These teachings on parables will go in three parts. We began
More informationKINGDOM STEWARDSHIP CONVERSATIONS. An exclusive member benefit of Kingdom Advisors CONVERSATION GUIDE. KingdomAdvisors.org
K I N G D O M A D V I S O R S KINGDOM CONVERSATIONS STEWARDSHIP CONVERSATION GUIDE An exclusive member benefit of Kingdom Advisors KingdomAdvisors.org Question: Who owns my resources? Advisor Objectives
More informationWhat Does God Say About Money And Giving Adapted in part from The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
What Does God Say About Money And Giving Adapted in part from The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn God Owns Everything, and I Am His Money Manager Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord s, and everything in
More informationBalancing Business and the Christian Life
Balancing Business and the Christian Life This is a study of three basic principles for keeping yourself balanced in business, family and church. To be successful, you must join them together as individual
More informationBenevolence Assistance Request Form
Benevolence Assistance Request Form Date: What is the Benevolence Fund? The Benevolence Fund is a limited financial fund, made available by application to anyone struggling financially due to unforeseen
More informationStewardship is what we do in the Name of Christ
guidelines for Christian Stewards PART THREE The Witness of Life: The Stance of a Christian Steward Stewardship is what we do in the Name of Christ after we say. I believe in Jesus. It is our continuing
More informationSufficient Provision
Chico Alliance Church May 7, 2017 Sufficient Provision Paul recorded some practical principles for maintaining the joy of the Lord no matter what, to the followers of Jesus living in the Greek city of
More informationFaith & Life Connections
Faith & Life Connections A Daily Devotion & Resource Guide for Your Spiritual Journey From the Sermon-Teaching Ministry of Fairhope UMC Bucket Lists: Vision & Hope - Week of January 22, 2012 Extravagant
More informationLordship. Integrated Bible Studies
Lordship Integrated Bible Studies 1. The Call of Lordship 2. The Cost of Lordship 3. The Charge of Lordship 4. The Challenge of Lordship 5. The Confidence in Lordship If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is
More informationRICH FOOL Mary Hall. July 31, Psalm 107; Hosea 11: 1-11; Luke 12: 13-21; Colossians 3: 1-11
1 RICH FOOL Mary Hall July 31, 2016 Psalm 107; Hosea 11: 1-11; Luke 12: 13-21; Colossians 3: 1-11 For so many weeks now I have been opening or praying in this service about horrendous events that occurred
More informationLUKE 12: Translation. Questions. Gospel of Thomas. Differing views. Antecedent in Jewish literature from the second century B.C.
LUKE 12:16-21 21 The Rich Fool Translation 16 And he told them a parable, saying, The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17 And he thought to himself, saying What shall I do, because I have no place
More informationSeries James. This Message Faith Without the Fear of God is Dead part 1 The Judge is standing at the door. Scripture James 5:1-11
Series James This Message Faith Without the Fear of God is Dead part 1 The Judge is standing at the door Scripture James 5:1-11 James wrote this letter to Jewish background believers who were in difficult
More informationDo 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
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
More informationThen they cast him (Stephen) out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
From Saul to Paul Then they cast him (Stephen) out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 7:58) Saul approved of his execution.
More informationDiscipleship Series (2) Following Jesus: SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH
Discipleship Series (2) Following Jesus: SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH Foreword Praise the Lord! We believe that you have already experienced the first taste of being a disciple of Jesus by reading the two booklets
More informationJames 5:1-6 PEOPLE OVER PROFIT. Rev. Dr. Bruce Boria, Senior Pastor Bethany Church
James 5:1-6 PEOPLE OVER PROFIT Rev. Dr. Bruce Boria, Senior Pastor Bethany Church SERMON NOTES: JAMES 5:1-6 QUESTION: What lessons can we glean from those being judged for their mishandling of wealth?
More informationSt. Dominic s Catholic Church
Intentional Disciples Live In Christ November 2013 St. Dominic s Catholic Church I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes
More informationBURIED TREASURE By Rom A. Pegram (10/28/18)
BURIED TREASURE By Rom A. Pegram (10/28/18) All our lives, most of us have been seeking excellence for ourselves; we ve been on a treasure hunt. We ve all desired the very best for us and for our families.
More informationThe Parable of the Rich Fool" Luke 12: 13-21
The Parable of the Rich Fool" Luke 12: 13-21 I m not sure whether to thank the author of Luke for this story or to have a stern conversation with him for including it. He gives the preacher an uneasy task,
More informationJames 5:1-6 PEOPLE OVER PROFIT. Rev. Dr. Bruce Boria, Senior Pastor Bethany Church
James 5:1-6 PEOPLE OVER PROFIT Rev. Dr. Bruce Boria, Senior Pastor Bethany Church SERMON NOTES: JAMES 5:1-6 QUESTION: What lessons can we glean from those being judged for their mishandling of wealth?
More informationFear Not Luke: Certainty of the Truth Luke 12:4-34 Pastor Josh Black August 13, 2017
Fear Not Luke: Certainty of the Truth Luke 12:4-34 Pastor Josh Black August 13, 2017 Fear is the order of the day. During the French Revolution, the national convention of 1793 declared, Terror is the
More informationSunday August 6 th Partnership with God Russ Pearson The stories of Creation may be the most familiar ones in all of
Sunday August 6 th Partnership with God Russ Pearson The stories of Creation may be the most familiar ones in all of Scripture outside of the Christmas and Easter stories of Jesus. When I read the first
More informationSt. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost October 14, 2018 PO Box 411 Mars, PA
One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. Luke 12:15b St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost October 14, 2018 PO Box 411 Mars, PA 16046-0411 www.stjohnchurchmars.org
More informationWhat Jesus says about Tithing Let us address the biggest untruth that any false preacher has ever told; that when Jesus was here on earth He was
What Jesus says about Tithing Let us address the biggest untruth that any false preacher has ever told; that when Jesus was here on earth He was rich. Jesus was not rich when He walked the earth. The reason
More informationDISCUSSION QUESTIONS TAYLOR WALLING WEEK 1 THEHILLS.ORG
WEEK 1 1 When you think about your schedule, what are the places and who are the people with whom you eat the most? How often do you eat on the go vs sitting down? 2 Read Luke 5:27-28. Levi was the last
More informationmanaging God s money ALCORN RANDY A BIBLICAL GUIDE Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois
managing God s money A BIBLICAL GUIDE Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois RANDY ALCORN SECTION I Money and Possessions: Bible 101 CHAPTER 1 Starting Right: A Biblical Mind-Set about Money
More informationRemember Sally from the Charlie Brown Christmas, and her letter to Santa Claus?
Rich Toward God. W hat would you say if you met the Lord? I mean, face to face, on the street, as one person meets another. Here are some answers people have given, some, of course, facetious: If I met
More informationLuke 12: 13-21; Colossians 3: The fool and his barns
Luke 12: 13-21; Colossians 3: 1-11. 31.07.16 1 The fool and his barns I think we can all see why the man who we read about in Luke s Gospel this morning is a fool. When he s built his latest barn and stuffed
More informationQ: Tell us about the title Crazy Love.
A conversation WITH FRancIS CHan Q: Tell us about the title Crazy Love. A: The idea of Crazy Love has to do with our relationship with God. All my life I ve heard people say, God loves you. It s probably
More informationJames begins with a very strong word to the wealthy. But who are these wealthy? Is he speaking to believers or to unbelievers?
WARNINGS TO THE WEALTHY. Rev. Robert T. Woodyard First Christian Reformed Church February 22, 2015, 10:30AM Scripture Text: James 5:1-6 Introduction. How would you preach a sermon about money and riches
More information"Lessons from the Soil and the Sower" Matthew 13:1-9 July 10, Pentecost A Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Boise, Idaho Pastor Tim Pauls
"Lessons from the Soil and the Sower" Matthew 13:1-9 July 10, 2005 8 Pentecost A Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Boise, Idaho Pastor Tim Pauls Matthew 13:1-9 -- That same day Jesus went out of the house
More informationThe Richest Man in Town
The Richest Man in Town Peter Ditzel 16 December 2015: A tradition that many people have at this time of year is watching Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life. Capra made the film "to combat a modern trend
More informationMAN ON A MISSION (Text: Mark 3:7-19)
The Gospel of MARK, Message #11 Barry L. Cameron Pastor MAN ON A MISSION (Text: Mark 3:7-19) Mark tells us about FIVE CONFRONTATIONS Jesus had with the religious leaders of the Jews. - Four are in Chapter
More informationThe Parable of the Rich Fool
Life Giving Lessons: Luke 12:13-21 How much is enough, if you can t take it with you? Rev. Lynell M. Caudillo July 2, 2017 The Parable of the Rich Fool 13 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, Teacher, tell
More informationCommitment: Romans
Commitment: Romans 1.8-17 Growing Community - Talk 2 Aim of the talk: to show that for a community to flourish it needs to be a community where members commit to one another, commit to the world, and commit
More informationLuke 12:13 (NKJV);13 Then one from the crowd said to Him, Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.
Introduction Jesus has been speaking to his faithful followers (vv.1-3) and friends about the dangers of hypocrisy (vv.1-12). Jesus told them to fear hypocrisy and fear God. The fear of God becomes the
More informationSermon: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! - Pastor Todd Goldschmidt Sunday 10:15 am November 13 th, 2011 At Living Hope Lutheran Church
Sermon: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant! - Pastor Todd Goldschmidt Sunday 10:15 am November 13 th, 2011 At Living Hope Lutheran Church Sermon Text: Matthew 25:14-30 New International Version 1984
More informationIntroduction. Do Not Make Full Use of This World. Do Not Make Full Use of This World That Is Passing Away
Introduction World 1 Cor. 7:29-31 Christians are warned not to follow the sinful thinking and conduct of this present world However, we are also warned not to become so entangled with the lawful things
More informationMen From The Past With A Message For The Present
1 BIBLE STUDIES Men From The Past With A Message For The Present MR. BIG BARN BUILDER: THE FOOLISH FARMER Luke 12:16-21 Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: The ground of a certain rich man yielded
More informationIf Jesus Came to Our Church. John 2:13-22
If Jesus Came to Our Church John 2:13-22 According to the gospel writers, Jesus was a regular at religious activities. Luke says that Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day as was his custom (4:16).
More informationGIVE MONEY GENEROUSLY
SESSION 6 GIVE MONEY GENEROUSLY The Point Use what you have to invest in the lives of others. The Passage Proverbs 11:23-29 The Bible Meets Life You may have heard this story. A little boy had two dollars;
More informationAdvent Prayer Word of God 2 Samuel 7:22-29 O God, during this Advent season, open our eyes and hearts to see your handiwork in our lives. Keep us fait
Advent 2017 Advent Prayer Word of God 2 Samuel 7:22-29 O God, during this Advent season, open our eyes and hearts to see your handiwork in our lives. Keep us faithful and courageous in your service and
More information25. "The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids NLT 456
Gospel According to Matthew in ASL Chapter 25 v1 25. "The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids 456 Chapter 25 v1-3 Gospel According to Matthew in ASL 457 who took their
More informationWORD MEANING HOW IT INFLUENCES A CHRISTIAN Christians believe that God is:
1 Year 9 Revision Guide. End of year exam. There will be five questions on the exam paper. 1. This will be a multiple choice question and will be worth 1 mark. 2. This will ask you to state two things
More informationMan's Response to God's Provision
FINANCIAL BLESSING There Will Be No Lack God loves to provide for His people! We never have to beg for provision because God is able and wants to give abundantly in our behalf. "I have been young, and
More informationWhat Would Jesus Say About Materialism? Luke 12: February 2, 2003 Dr. J. Howard Olds
What Would Jesus Say About Materialism? Luke 12:13 21 February 2, 2003 Dr. J. Howard Olds A religious coalition led by Rev. Jim Ball launched a media campaign three months ago asking Americans What Would
More informationJudgment is Certain. 1 Peter 4: 17-19
Judgment is Certain 1 Peter 4: 17-19 Would you agree with me that we serve a holy God, One in whom there has never been or ever will be any sin? We accept that as truth concerning God; He is holy. Would
More informationWhat s In Your Wallet? - outline. Matthew 6:24, NIV
What s In Your Wallet? - outline The First Priority: Serving God For Jesus Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. (Matthew 4:10, NIV)
More informationALL IN. Student Small Group Study Guide
ALL IN Student Small Group Study Guide WEEK ONE: GOD S STORY Goal of Session: Students will be brought into the cosmic and eternal story of God. A beautiful story, weaved throughout History in Scripture
More informationThe Peril of Riches # 18. James 5: 1-6
The Peril of Riches # 18 James 5: 1-6 In our text this evening James addresses an issue that has plagued humanity for centuries: the love of money and the peril such love brings. As we begin, we need to
More information