Sermon Outlines - Live Rich 8-01-2010

Location: Blogs Sermon Outlines
Posted by: Pastor Van Buskirk	7/27/2010 2:08 PM
Luke 12:13-21 Live Rich Baby Boomers are worried about retiring poor. Young people doubt Social Security. People work night and day to stash away extra cash. Jesus told about a man who tried to live rich (Luke 12:13-21 ESV). The land gave him a bountiful crop. He decided to build bigger barns to store it so that he could eat, drink and be merry the rest of his life. But, he did not live long. That very night, God demanded his life. And, what good was all that he had stored up for himself? Trying to live rich without God and not according to His plan makes one a poor fool. Jesus said, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." In fact, the person who spends his life accumulating, but not giving to advance kingdom work, ends us losing everything he has stored up and his most precious possession, his soul, as well. I heard the definition of “rich” is not how much a person has, but how much he can give. If someone cannot give to the work of God in this world, he is poor. Giving means time, talent, and treasure. Life that is worthwhile is that devoted to furthering the kingdom of God. We either serve God and use money or use God and serve money. We store up treasure in heaven by using our material wealth and talents to win others for the kingdom. There is no in-between. Jesus said (Mark 8:36), “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his [eternal] life?” Saint Paul adds (1 Timothy 6:18-19), [Wealthy Christians] are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure [in heaven] for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” Living your life serving Christ is truly living. He gives you everything you need for now and in eternity. His cross earned you the riches of heaven. Live rich in Him! Amen. Pastor Raymond Van Buskirk, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Baytown, TX www.rlcbaytown.org
Copyright ©2010 Pastor Van Buskirk
Permalink \| Trackback