Next Level, Part 1 - Mark 10:17-27
The goal for the Next Level series is to…
Learn to spend wisely, live freely, and give generously by thinking biblically. To accomplish this does not require making more money, but it does require thinking differently.
Acts 20:35, “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
The key to living generously is not making more money, it is thinking biblically about money. If you don’t learn to think biblically, you will never be able to “afford” living generously regardless of your means financially.
Mark 10:17-22, Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” And he answered and said to Him, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
When money is a source of idolatry, it will become a source of our captivity. Anyone who thinks they own their money and possessions is actually owned by them.
Ownership Stewardship Lordship
When Jesus is Lord of your finances, you will spend wisely. Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”
When Jesus is Lord of your finances, you will live freely. You will live more freely because you will have less worry! (See Matthew 6:25-34)
When Jesus is Lord of your finances, you will give generously. The treasure of heaven is greater than the treasure of this world! Mark 10:21, “Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven…”
Sunday, May 2, is a day of decision, destination, and celebration. Our one day giving goal toward the Impossible Campaign is $2 million. This will help us finish renovating the Independence campus, build the infrastructure for the on-line campus, and begin renovation for our Crossroads campus.
Mark 10:23-27, Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”
When God’s people move in unity for kingdom priorities, impossibilities become realities.