Our world faces a growing gap between the wealthy and the less fortunate. Society calls for justice and equality.
Some propose redistributing wealth, like Robin Hood, taking from the rich to give to the poor. However, this approach raises questions of fairness, especially when considering those who earned their wealth through hard work.
As Christians, shouldn’t we take personal responsibility for caring for our neighbors instead of relying solely on the government?
A Bold Idea: Giving It All Away
To demonstrate the joy of giving, I had an idea: we would collect the Sunday morning offering as usual, but the following Sunday, we would give it all away.
After discussing it with our church leadership, we received an offering of just over $1600. The next Sunday, we prepared 80 envelopes with $20 each and gave one to everyone who attended; if you were old enough to walk, you got an envelope!
Biblical Foundation of Giving
I shared a message on giving, focusing on Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Impact of Secret Giving
We challenged our congregation to secretly give the $20 to someone in need. Stories soon emerged: some used the money to provide meals for families, others bought groceries for those struggling.
One young boy secretly gave his $20 to an elderly woman in a grocery store. The impact of these acts of kindness was profound.
Rewards of Generosity
While giving away the offering seemed impractical at the time, God more than compensated for what we gave.
As followers of Jesus, we are Ambassadors of His Kingdom. We are called to demonstrate His love, not delegate it to a broken government.
Practical Ways to Practice Generous Giving
Here are some practical ways to start practicing generous giving:
Simple Acts of Kindness
If you can afford to dine out, consider setting aside a larger tip to bless your server; perhaps nearly as much as your dinner bill.
Pray for guidance to identify a family in need and then follow through with a blessing.
Thoughtful Gifts
Place one or two hundred dollar bills in a “Thinking of You” card with a simple message of encouragement; and and an ambassador of Jesus; sign His Name to the card.
The Gift of Time
Remember, your time is also valuable. Offering friendship and support can be a priceless blessing too.
Conclusion: Be an Ambassador of Generosity
As ambassadors of Christ, we have the authority to act in His name.
Embrace generosity and experience the joy of blessing others.
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
The devil is not the horn-headed, blood-dripping caricature we make him out to be; he is perfectly beautiful, wise, and evil, doing everything he can to ruin humanity.
A Tragic Loss
Some years ago, I received a phone call from good friends of mine, sharing that their son of 32 years took his own life. They asked if I would please conduct a memorial service for him.
I met with the parents of this young man to get a sense of what happened leading up to his decision to end his own life.
He was a good-hearted young man, always helping someone, had two young boys, and a good job, but struggled with alcohol and drug abuse.
The Memorial Service
After a difficult night, he decided that he could no longer take the pain and left this world on his own accord. It was a sad story, one that is being told these days with greater frequency.
I conducted the memorial service, which seemed to help many in that packed funeral parlor find hope and help.
I am sharing the content of that message below, hoping that it would help another. Please feel free to share this with anyone who may need some hope in this dark world.
The Sermon on the Mount
In the opening salvo of the great message Jesus gave, often referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, He gave these encouraging words, which are appropriate for today.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
The Scripture I just quoted is a reference to the workings of the devil, satan. He is on a mission to destroy all that God has created, especially humanity. The Bible describes satan as a created being.
The Origin of Satan
You may not know this, but he was created as an anointed cherub, who used to walk with God.
The Bible describes him as being created “perfect in beauty and full of wisdom until sin was found in him”, and he was cast out of heaven to the earth. (Ezekiel 28:13-17)
The Fall of Satan
The sin of satan had a great deal to do with the creation of man. Mankind was to be created in the image of God, and would be given tremendous access to God Himself.
Man would have access to heaven, have a close relationship with God, and be given the opportunity to love God; these newly created beings would be called children of God.
Isaiah 14:12-15 reveals the intensity of satan’s declarations made in response to this new creation of man.
Satan’s Hatred for Humanity
Ever since that day when the anointed cherub; that powerfully created being sinned and was ejected from heaven to the earth, he has been on a mission to destroy everything God has created.
This is why he has a special hatred for humanity, because from his point of view, we are the reason he was dethroned!
The devil is not the horn-headed, blood-dripping caricature we make him out to be; he is perfectly beautiful, wise, and doing everything he can to ruin humanity.
The devil was there at the beginning of humanity and he convinced the original pair of created humans to sin against God, thereby giving him a foothold and a way to forward his agenda of suffering and destruction on humanity.
The Broken World
Since then, the world in which we live is broken and in desperate need of hope. For many precious ones trying to traverse the broken landscape of humanity, they get caught in snares craftily laid by this cunning enemy.
The desire for perfect relationships, wealth, fame, status, better jobs, nicer cars, a home, and a host of other wants take their toll.
Surrounded by increasing expectations at every turn, to be stronger, prettier, more handsome, richer, famous, more, more, and then more, we begin to believe the lie that we are “less than.”
The Trap of Substances
Unable to attain all that the cunning devil says we should be, many turn to substances that make us feel better, turning to drugs, alcohol, food, sex; anything to make us feel better, if only for an hour!
Time takes its toll. Worn down, feeling despair, angry for not measuring up, tired of constant failure, trying and striving for something we cannot attain, one perceived failure after another, we fall into depression.
The desire to go on begins to wane; we just want it all to end! This is the desired end of this crafty enemy’s play: to get us to the point of despair!
The Desperation
For an increasing number of broken folks, people we love so much, the pain reaches a threshold they can no longer bear.
The view has narrowed; options have evaporated, and only one option is left. In a moment of painful desperation, it is over! The crafty enemy has succeeded in destroying another precious life created in the image of God!
The Hope in Jesus
There is another option. There is One Who CAN make a difference. His Name is Jesus. He came that we could have life, and that, more abundantly.
The broken, fallen nature of humanity compelled God Himself to intervene.
The plan was daring and would require great sacrifice; God Himself would become a Man and dwell among us, ultimately offering His life sacrificially to redeem fallen man, restoring us to our rightful place with Him.
Jesus’ Sacrifice
Jesus was born to a woman, Mary, whose wild claims that, even though she was a virgin, somehow God impregnated her with His Seed!
She was mocked, scorned, and ridiculed, and we can only surmise that throughout Jesus’ childhood, mockery and bullying came His way!
Jesus knows how we feel in this broken world!
Jesus’ Teachings
He grew to become a Man, and oh, what a Man; He pointed to a different way, an excellent way.
He pointed those who followed Him to a life whereby our identity focused on Him and on the ways of His Father.
The words He spoke were recorded, written down, and preserved to this day!
Jesus’ Distress
Just prior to His death, Jesus went into a Garden to pray; the Bible says He was distressed, even to the point of death, asking His Father to take away the cup He was about to endure; yet He relinquished to the will of His Father instead.
Jesus knows emotional and spiritual distress. He most certainly can relate to yours!
The Cross
Jesus would go willingly to the Cross, offering His Holy, unblemished life in our place, securing for us the forgiveness of sins, and so much more.
We now have an opportunity; not only forgiveness, but also to become a part of His family. The broken world we live in NO LONGER DEFINES US!
Seated with Christ in the heavenly realms; for those who would dare follow Him, this is our current address!
Our Identity
Our identity is now firmly attached to Him, not to some glitzy automobile, fancy home, or exceedingly large bank account, but to His Kingdom, and all the treasures of heaven are ours… NOW!
The Invitation
The invitation to this amazing journey begins with your response to the very words Jesus spoke as He encountered men and women as He journeyed. “Come, follow Me.”
Reach Out
If you or someone you know is in a dark place and the brokenness of this world has you trapped, please reach out, call out, shout out, use the Name of JESUS, say it loud, and say it strong, with all you got!
He WILL respond to you.
Call for Help
Call someone, message somebody, get a hold of someone you know who loves Jesus, and they will help you, and your life will turn.
Please, don’t listen to the words of an enemy who only means to destroy you; he is a liar!
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!
It took a few years to come to this conclusion; but I am convinced that, “I am an alien.”
I know, you are probably rolling your eyes right now thinking, “Rock has finally gone off his ROCK-er.”
Perhaps I have, but kindly allow me to explain…
Following Jesus
It is no big secret that I am an unashamed follower of Jesus. I am not perfect on my journey with Him, however, I do spend quality time with Him and truly call Him my best Friend.
The friendship I am speaking of took a while to develop and was entirely His own idea.
A Spiritual Mess
Many years ago, through an amazing set of circumstances, I came to the realization that I was a spiritual mess.
After chasing drugs, money and other worthless “things,” I found myself faced with a decision to either believe in God, or walk away; rejecting Him, along with His offer of redemption.
A Moment of Decision
I recall kneeling at an altar in an old barn type building one hot July night, where they were holding “religious services.” I risked everything and went to Him; afraid He would reject me, afraid of what people would say, afraid of my own fallibility.
As I knelt there, tears flowing, I said to God, “I have nothing to give you, nothing at all.”
At that moment, I heard the kindest voice say, “I’ll take it.”
A New Beginning
It was there, in that hot building, with dozens of hopeful people looking on, that my friendship with Jesus began.
Amazingly, on the other side of that altar, was my wife, Sherri, having a similar experience and she also became a friend of Jesus that night!
It took no time at all for this relationship with Jesus to really get moving.
He introduced me to His Father, and to the Holy Spirit, who would come and live constantly with me, helping me, teaching me and directing my steps!
Ups and Downs
As I alluded to in the beginning of this writing, I did not, and still do not, always get it right.
There have been some tumultuous times in our friendship. We have had serious disagreements, we have laughed together, wept together, and there have been times when I thought the relationship might be irrevocably damaged; not on His part, but mine!
An Adopted Son
The thing is; this friendship with Jesus is so much more.
When He introduced me to His Father, there was a celebration, and according to God’s own Word; I became adopted into His family…WHAT?
Rescued from Darkness
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
I was rescued from the darkness and brought into His Kingdom! This is not a fantasy show; this is a spiritual reality, but it gets even better!
Adoption Rights
According to God’s Word, not only have I been rescued, I have been adopted as a son! Seriously? The Bible says:
“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”
Adoption – “To take into one’s family through legal means and raise as one’s own child.” The adopted child is treated by law as the natural child of the adopting parents, upon the entry of the final adoption decree. The adopted child, therefore, gains the right to inherit from the adoptive parents and adoptive parents’ relatives. (Child Welfare Information Gateway)
A Permanent Citizen
So…there you have it! I am now a permanent citizen of the Kingdom of God! How amazing is that!
As an adopted son, now living in “The Kingdom of God” it behooves me to learn all I can about my new home and to live in such a manner as to reflect my gratitude for this amazing gift!
As I have studied the ways of His “Kingdom” I have come to the realization that it truly is my spiritual home; I reside there NOW! I don’t have to die to get there!
Sent on a Mission
One thing we learn quickly as an adopted son or daughter is that, God our Father, along with the Son (Jesus) and The Holy Spirit, is on a mission.
Furthermore, those who are adopted into this family of God, are invited to join in this mission and are expected to wholeheartedly engage in it!
Expressing Kingdom Ideas
For this reason, we are “sent” to the world, to express Kingdom ideas such as: love, peace, joy, salvation, forgiveness, kindness.
We are here as missionaries; we are not of this world…still not convinced?
Jesus’ Words
Listen to the words of Jesus Himself as He prays to His Father and ours in the Gospel of John:
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world so that they may have My joy made full in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.”
In an era where churches dot every corner of America, something vital is missing – power. Not the kind that comes from large congregations or impressive buildings, but the transformative power that marked the early Church.
As a preacher deeply passionate about God’s Word, I’ve observed a concerning pattern in modern Christianity that demands our attention.
Dangerous Moment of Divine Encounter
Every time believers gather around God’s Word, described in Hebrews 4:12 as being “sharper than any two-edged sword,” we face a crucial choice. Like metal in a forge, our hearts can either be transformed or hardened.
The process mirrors metallurgy – just as iron can be hardened or softened depending on its treatment, our hearts respond similarly to the Holy Spirit’s touch.
Signs of the Times: Beyond Surface Christianity
Today’s world exhibits numerous signs that Jesus described as precursors to His return.
While previous generations also witnessed world wars and conflicts, our current era shows an unprecedented intensity in these “birth pangs.”
Yet perhaps the most alarming sign isn’t found in global events but within church walls themselves.
Form Without Power: Modern Christianity’s Greatest Challenge
Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 speaks directly to our time, describing people “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.”
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
This isn’t merely about secular society – it’s about those claiming Christ while lacking His transformative power.
Statistical Evidence of Powerless Faith
The numbers tell a sobering story:
Divorce rates among self-proclaimed Christians mirror secular society
Average Christian giving stands at mere 2.3% of income
Church growth through genuine conversion has dramatically declined
Price of Powerless Christianity
If American Christians simply tithed the biblical 10%, an additional $165 billion would be available for Kingdom work. This could:
Eliminate global hunger and preventable diseases
Eradicate worldwide illiteracy
Solve global water and sanitation issues
Fully fund all overseas missions
Path to Authentic Power: Genuine Repentance
The solution isn’t complicated, but it’s costly. True godliness begins internally and manifests externally. As Charles Spurgeon warned, many hide behind “earthworks of nominal religion,” making them the hardest to reach with genuine truth.
I do not doubt that a form of godliness has come to many because it brings them ease of conscience and they are able, like the Pharisee, to thank God that they are not as other men are. Have they not been to Church? Have they not paid for their pew? They can now go about their daily business without those stings of conscience which would come of neglecting the requirements of religion.
These people profess to have been converted and they are numbered with Believers. But, alas, they are not of them. Of all people these are the hardest to reach and the least likely to be saved. They hide behind the earthworks of a nominal religion. They are out of reach of the shot and shell of Gospel rebukes. They fly among the sinners and they have taken up their quarters among the saints. Sad is that man’s plight who wears the name of life but has never been quickened by the Holy Spirit.
Complete transformation, not mere religious observance
A Final Appeal: The Urgency of Response
Jesus’s words in Matthew 7:21-23 stand as a sobering warning – many who claim His name will hear “I never knew you.”
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!