{"id":171,"date":"2018-11-07T11:03:18","date_gmt":"2018-11-07T19:03:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/migrate.bettersermons.org\/?p=171"},"modified":"2020-06-01T11:40:42","modified_gmt":"2020-06-01T18:40:42","slug":"a-fully-funded-adventure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/a-fully-funded-adventure\/","title":{"rendered":"A Fully-Funded Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"
A Fully-Funded Adventure<\/span><\/div>\n

\".\"
\nGod’s stands behind each new Christian with heaven’s bank account of grace, wealth and mercy. Nothing that comes our way overwhelms God’s ability to provide for our needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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I.<\/strong><\/td>\nIntroduction<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nHumor:<\/strong>\u00a0A vet hears a woman in the parking lot with a disobedient dog. The barking, biting, canine cacophony are audible from two blocks away. The red-faced woman drags her mangy mutt into the office with a helpless look. There on the counter she sees a DVD:\u00a0Train Your Dog to Obey<\/em>. Without asking any questions, she blurts out: \u201cQuick! I\u2019ll take it! How much?\u201d \u201cNineteen-ninety-five.\u201d She pulls out a check, fills it in, hands it over, and takes the DVD. Then she asks: \u201cSo how does this work? Do I just have the dog watch this clear through or what?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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II.<\/strong><\/td>\nTools for “Followership”<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nJesus approached twelve men, one at a time, sometimes two at a time<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\n\u201cCome, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men<\/em>.” Matt. 4:29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThis is a risky proposition<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThese men had livelihoods; they were fishermen and tax collectors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nThey had families to support<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nWhen Jesus says, \u201cLeave all that; follow Me; change your life\u2019s focus entirely; abandon your safety net\u201d . . . it\u2019s worth looking at some questions:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nBased on\u00a0what\u00a0<\/em>should they follow Him?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nIs it safe to embrace followership when a real, tangible cost is attached?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nSome of us can give monetary gifts without pain, but a gift of time can hurt!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nA gift of service can invade our lifestyle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\ne.<\/td>\nYou may love working for the church, but do you enjoy sweating for it in the summer months?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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III.<\/strong><\/td>\nRoommate Story<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nA pastor was counseling two young would-be newlyweds just out of their teens.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe awkward news leaked out: they were cohabitating and had been for a while<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThere but for the grace of God go some of us . . .<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThis was a pastoral dilemma: what do you say? What do you ask them to do?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThe wedding is in two months; they\u2019re living together NOW<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nThe couple was already feeling emotional and moral turmoil about it<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe Holy Spirit was nudging them on the matter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nTwo things were hard. Jesus says, \u201cFollow Me,\u201d but sometimes the request is a hard one in all its details.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe couple had already progressed to a certain level of intimacy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nIt is hard to backtrack to safe, spiritual ground with a wedding still nine weeks away<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThey were struggling college kids; they had no other housing options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThey had an apartment in a college town; they couldn\u2019t afford double rent even for two months<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nD.<\/td>\nThe pastor was sympathetic; he had sons and nieces and nephews on those red-blooded years; he knew how hard this can be<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe wanted to encourage them<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe also wanted to hold fast to what the Bible teaches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nPastors sometimes have to say to people: \u201cGuess what? I didn\u2019t write the Bible! I didn\u2019t create this heavenly blueprint for godly living. I\u2019m telling you about it, but I\u2019m not the author of the Ten Commandments.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\n\u201cI love people, but please don\u2019t blame\u00a0me<\/em>\u00a0for things that it says in the Bible.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nE.<\/td>\nThe pastor knew that to counsel with integrity, he had to urge them to fix the problem \u2013 whatever the cost<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe said: \u201cLook. Do you want to follow Jesus all the way? He says, \u2018Come, follow Me.\u2019 Do you want your pending marriage to reflect the full blessings that come from making that your commitment?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nF.<\/td>\nThis is a daily reality for all of us!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\n\u201cCome. Follow Me.\u201d This is Jesus\u2019 invitation for us right now.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nBut it means in every area of our lives: living in obedience<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThe sharp edges of conflict, drifting out of Jesus\u2019 will, is a fact of life which invades my home and your home.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nI\u2019m not preaching \u201cat\u201d you here; this is my daily journey too<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nG.<\/td>\nThe pastor said to these kids: \u201cJust think about it. Full surrender; full followership.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nPastor Dwight Nelson of Andrews University has the expression: \u201cRadical Discipleship.\u201d Full following.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThe pastor said to the couple: \u201cAre you up for it? Even if it\u2019s hard; even if it\u2019s inconvenient; even if it\u2019s expensive. Whatever it costs, this is what I believe Jesus Christ is inviting you to do.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe left them to reflect and wrestle.\u00a0 Ouch.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nH.<\/td>\nThe young man was really convicted by the challenge<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nPart of it was just plain hard, but the nobleness of it, the radical courage it would take was attractive in an Everest way<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nIt would be an awesome thing to enter marriage with two months under your belt of really daring to be obedient<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThat would be a great foundation for the next fifty golden years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe was drawn to this kind of edgy obedience<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nBUT: he didn\u2019t see how God could solve both problems<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThe abstinence: maybe. That was maybe doable.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nBut where was he going to live?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nHe didn\u2019t want to sleep in the back seat of his car for two months.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nI.<\/td>\nHe decided to take a leap of faith<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe had no money, no Plan B, no human back-up solutions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nHe went to the landlady who managed the apartment complex: \u201cI\u2019m moving out.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nShe knew the two kids, knew of their marriage plans: \u201cWhat are you up to?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe gave a stumbling, not-too-graphic answer: \u201cI\u2019m getting baptized as a Christian along with getting married; I just can\u2019t live with my girlfriend before the wedding day.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nA strange look crossed her face. \u201cAll this business of following Jesus means that much to you?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\n\u201cYeah. I\u2019m going to try.\u201d He got up to leave.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\n\u201cWhere are you going to stay? Where are you going to lay your head down tonight?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\n\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nJ.<\/td>\nShe looked at him like he was an alien from a parallel universe with all different values<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nShe reached into a drawer and took out an extra key<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\n\u201cLook. Apartment 8D on the end is vacant; it\u2019s been empty for a couple weeks. It\u2019s the slow time; just take it until the wedding day.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThis kid couldn\u2019t take in what had just happened: PROBLEM SOLVED!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe wanted to obey Jesus and now he could.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nJesus had said to him, \u201cFollow Me,\u201d and had tangibly reached down and said, \u201cYou trust Me enough to follow Me, and I\u2019ll fund your adventure. I\u2019ll write the check. I\u2019ll make good on whatever you need.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nThere was even furniture in the apartment; he got the use of that as well<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nThe next time the kids met with the pastor, they were walking on air<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nIt was exciting to be obedient<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThe way God had come through for them even made the two months of holding hands on the couch and taking cold showers worth while!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nKnowing God was on their side helped them be strong<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nWhat a great wedding day it was, realizing that God had empowered them to truly be all-the-way followers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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IV.<\/strong><\/td>\nBible Stories Where God Provides the Means<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nThere are many stories where people take a chance on obeying God and He provides the means to do it right<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nAbraham had to pack up his belongings (Hebrews 11) and move to a place he didn\u2019t know<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2<\/td>\nLater God ordered him up Mount Moriah to sacrifice his only child<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHow does the story end? God provides the lamb for the offering.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nThere are military stories where a few hundred people, trusting in God, are able to conquer tens of thousands<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nJoseph trusted God enough to obey in hard circumstances<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHeaven responded by making him prime minister of Egypt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nShadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were obedient<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nGod rescued them from the flames<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nGod protected Daniel from the lions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nGod got Peter out of prison<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n8<\/td>\nJesus gave the disciples healing power and miracle strength<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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V.<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Rich Young Ruler<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nOne story goes the other way!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nIt\u2019s a story that evokes sympathy from us; it takes commitment to a level no one in this church has ever faced<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nJesus has never asked one of us to follow in this way<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nMatt. 19: A man asks Jesus, \u201cWhat do I have to do to enter eternal life?\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nJesus replies: \u201cBe a good boy; keep all the commandments. If you\u2019re\u00a0 really, really good, you can maybe get into heaven.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nThose instructions might make us nervous about our own salvation assurance!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nNIV text notes: \u201cThe requirement to \u2018obey the commandments\u2019 is not to establish one\u2019s merit before God but is to be an expression of true faith. The Bible always teaches that salvation is a gift of God\u2019s grace received through faith.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nEphesians 2:8, 9 nails that down beyond all questions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nJesus is really saying: \u201cHave a faith relationship deep enough that you\u2019ll demonstrate it by radical obedience.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nThis young man has lived a superficially obedient life, obeyed all the rules on a surface level<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nReplies: \u201cJesus, I already\u00a0am<\/em>\u00a0a good boy. I\u2019ve gone to Sabbath School and kept the commandments all my life. Last quarter at church I knew all thirteen memory verses and we bring vegetarian dishes (no cheese or dairy products in them) to potluck every week of the year.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nJesus tells him there\u2019s one more thing:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nSell all he\u2019s got. Everything. Put it all up on E-Bay. Liquidate everything he\u2019s got and give the money to the Salvation Army.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\n\u201cThen come and follow Me.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nOf course, he\u2019ll have no choice but to follow, because his bed and Mercedes will both be gone.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nWhy did Jesus give this man such a hard hill to climb?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nNone of us are asked to do this; probably none of us would<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nWhy did Jesus ask this young man to liquidate his entire empire?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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<\/td>\n<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nWe can sympathize with the reality that the young man couldn\u2019t do it<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nThe Bible says that Jesus loved him<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThe Bible says that the kid went away sad<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nIn the faith equation which Jesus could see with His divine, penetrating gaze, He knew this young man could only trust in God if the other stuff was gone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nSome millionaires can have their stuff and still put their faith in Calvary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThis young man could not do that<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n9.<\/td>\nFor all of us, if we have to get poor in order to lean on Jesus, if we have to lose a right eye or an arm in order to have a spirit of dependence, we need to be willing to do that.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nBUT: the 66 books of the Bible tell us that if we will be willing to have a spirit of followership, Jesus will come back and make it an abundant experience<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nYou will never end up poorer \u2013 in the things that really matter \u2013 if you are a disciple.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nJesus WILL provide<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThe rich young ruler would have ended up a richer young ruler in all the eternal ways that really count<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
VI.<\/strong><\/td>\nThe Fisherman’s Promise<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nOur key text is Matthew 4:19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nJesus comes to Peter and Andrew; they\u2019re the first two people He approaches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nHe doesn\u2019t have twelve followers yet; He has zero<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe also has empty pockets: no shekels, no VISA gold card<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nHe says, \u201cCome, follow Me.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nThis is a missionary mandate and promise and guarantee rolled into one<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nJesus says: \u201cI\u2019ll make this happen for you.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nI will make you into a fisher of men<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nI will upgrade you from trout and perch to Tess and Paula<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nI will make you into something new<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nI will make you into a sexually pure person<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\ne.<\/td>\nI\u2019ll provide you with that second apartment<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nf.<\/td>\nI\u2019ll make sure you receive the necessities of life<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nBut right now, today, come, follow Me<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
VII.<\/strong><\/td>\nDead Man Walking<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nDeath row drama written by Sister Helen Prejean is inspiring<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nA Catholic nun was called by Jesus to have a ministry in prison<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nServed hardened criminals about to go to the gas chamber<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nAlso ministered to victims\u2019 families, counseling, helping them recover spiritually from their incredible anger, uncontrollably blind rage and desire for revenge.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nA young girl was abducted, repeatedly raped, tortured, hacked to death<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nThe family had to wait for days until a tragic phone call from the police<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nA favorite uncle, a dentist, had to go to the precinct and identify the remains by dental charts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe had to reach into a bag of lime, look at the severed jawline and confirm that it was his niece<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nBefore that, he had always been against the death penalty. Now, standing there with his heart ripped into pieces, his hand covered in that lime powder, standing there in a bleak coroner\u2019s office, \u201cBoy, suddenly he was for it.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nPrejean had to sit in a circle of grieving moms who had all lost kids to violent crime<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHow could they possibly forgive the perpetrators?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nHow could they follow Jesus in forgiving seventy times seven?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nThese tough, female disciples came up with a line:\u00a0God makes a way out of no way.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nIf Jesus says, \u201cFollow Me; turn the other cheek; forgive like I forgive,\u201d He will make a way for it to happen.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe\u2019ll carve out a path for you in the jungle of emotional impossibilities<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nAnother Prejean story had a good Catholic man waiting for the police to find his daughter\u2019s remains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nImagine days going by, fearing the worst<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nFinally they found a mutilated, nude corpse in the woods<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe had to ride out in a police cruiser, knowing the worst day of his life was just ahead<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n4.<\/td>\nHe walked up to the body, tears streaming down his cheeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nConfirmed: yes, that was his little girl<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nThat was the child he had given baths to and driven to soccer practice<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nThat was the girl he would never see graduate; in fact, her senior-year robe was hanging in the closet at home \u2013 now it would never be used<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nThere would never be a wedding dress, never be grandkids<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\ne.<\/td>\nBut yes, that was his little girl<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n5.<\/td>\nThis Christian man, from instinct, fell to his knees and began to pray the Lord\u2019s Prayer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n6.<\/td>\nOur Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.\u00a0Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses . . .<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n7.<\/td>\nThere was this awful, wrenching, horrible moment.\u00a0Forgive us our trespasses as we . .<\/em>\u00a0. WHAT?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nAs we forgive those who hurt us<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nAs we forgive the murderers and rapists who snuff out the very light of our lives<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nJesus, please forgive us as we forgive them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nJesus says to this man, \u201cCome follow Me, and be a forgiver as I am a forgiver.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n8.<\/td>\nThis brave Christian hesitated, but only for a\u00a0 moment.\u00a0Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe looked up at the sky. \u201cFather, whoever did this, I forgive them.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nPrejean went to two executions and sat next to the fathers of victims<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThe man strapped to the chair said to this father, \u201cMr. Jones, I want to ask forgiveness for what I did to your daughter\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nHe nodded to indicate a forgiveness already given.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nWHY?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nBecause when God asks us to forgive the impossible thing, God makes a way out of no way<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nAn Adventist line says: \u201cAll God\u2019s biddings are enablings.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nHe won\u2019t ask us to do anything without giving us the resources<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nI Cor. 10:13:\u00a0No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nIf God asks us to give offerings and pay tithe, He will give us the resources to obey that invitation!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
VIII.<\/strong><\/td>\nWidow’s Mite<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nAn Adventist woman in the Philippines was part of \u201cTarget 50,000,\u201d an evangelistic outreach to baptize that many just in 1996.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nAt a rally, she emptied her purse for the cause, giving all she had except for 25 pesos \u2013 enough for her bus ride home<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nA second appeal for some other project moved her; there went those last 25 pesos!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nNow how could she get home?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nShe stayed with her sister that night; the next morning the sister gave her a long-forgotten envelope.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nInside was 4,000 pesos: $160.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nGod makes a way out of no way!<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nGeorge Muller began a string of orphanages in England with 50 cents in his pocket<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nOver his lifetime, friends donated $7,500,000.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\na.<\/td>\nFor decades they never missed a meal; food always arrived<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nb.<\/td>\nSometimes at 5:00 p.m. the cupboards were bare with no supper<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nc.<\/td>\nThey would pray and the food would miraculously come in<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\nd.<\/td>\nA bakery truck would hit a pothole outside their door and fifty loaves of bread would fall out. (They probably didn\u2019t rush to fix the pothole).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\ne.<\/td>\nMore than 120,000 became Christians through those orphanages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nC.<\/td>\nThe Holy Spirit gives you words to say, empowers your witness<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nRick Warren,\u00a0A Purpose-Driven Life<\/em>: \u201cThe Holy Spirit releases His power\u00a0the moment<\/em>\u00a0you take a step of faith.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nC. S. Lewis describes God as a loving teacher who holds your hand and guides you as you take your first kindergarten stabs at forming letter and writing words.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nD.<\/td>\nGod gives us this church as a potent gift, helping us to be followers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\nE.<\/td>\nYou are more giving because this church is here<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
IX.<\/strong><\/td>\nConclusion<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nA.<\/td>\nIt\u2019s a risky and proven reality: if we do the things that make up the Christian life \u2013 Bible-reading, prayer, sharing, attending church \u2013 we will ever more clearly hear the invitation of Jesus: \u201cFollow Me.\u201d<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nThis isn\u2019t a one-time invitation: Jesus said it to His disciples every morning over breakfast<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nIt\u2019s a daily lifestyle choice for us too<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n3.<\/td>\nThrough these same growth avenues, God will empower us to take up our crosses and be obedient in deeper and more fulfilling ways<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nB.<\/td>\nNew parents do absolutely anything they can to sustain a good and happy life for their infants: from the bassinets to the best schools to the bridal shower to the board room<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n1.<\/td>\nWe offer our children a loving opportunity and then pull out the VISA gold card to get it done<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/td>\n2.<\/td>\nIt\u2019s the same with our loving heavenly Father<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Submitted by David B. Smith. Better Sermons \u00a9 2005-2007. Click here for\u00a0<\/span>usage guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Fully-Funded Adventure God’s stands behind each new Christian with heaven’s bank account of grace, wealth and mercy. Nothing that comes our way overwhelms God’s ability to provide for our …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=171"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":172,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/171\/revisions\/172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bettersermons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}