Where is Your Treasure?
A study of Jesus' parables and money.
Good Seed, Bad Seed, and Kingdom Treasure
June 23, 2024 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Luke 13:18–19
Good Seed, Bad Seed, and Kingdom Treasure. Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - When good and evil grow side by side - we keep trusting! TEXT - Luke 13:18-19 Three responses to evil in the world: 1. Plant seeds. * Luke 13:18-19 (Matthew 13:31-32) * Matthew 13:1-9, 24-27 * Romans 12:9 2. Leave weeds. * Matthew 13:28-30 * Wisdom * Patience. * Luke 13:24-43 * Romans 12:17-21 3. Trust God. * Matthew 21:28-32 * Matthew 21:33-46 * Ask “need” questions. * Beware “trap” questions. NEXT STEPS 1. Ask God to grow your trust. 2. Keep planting seeds! . GROWING IN TRUST If we trust in God, we will obey. God is King and the King is in charge of the Kingdom—always. Disobedience and trust cannot coexist; if we trust God, we will walk in God’s ways - even when bad things happen to us or around us! Consider the fruit of trusting and obeying: * Trusting God helps us wait on him when he delays or is silent regarding our prayers or the fulfillment of his promises. When God delays, it is for a good reason. God’s actions are founded on wisdom and love. Keep trusting. * Trusting God keeps us from taking matters into our own hands. (As if we know better than God.) When we trust, we surrender our plans and agendas. * Trusting God overcomes fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety come when we take our eyes off God and start to look at our surroundings and circumstances. (When we focus on the evil around us instead of God’s goodness). * Trusting God leads to contentment. God promises to give good things to his people and God holds nothing back (Rom. 8:32). He tells us to ask him for our daily bread and to seek first his kingdom. God will supply our needs one day at a time according to his will. * Trusting God leads to acting in faith. Knowing who God is, what God has promised, and what God has done grows faith. Faith allows us to keep trusting God in times of temptation, darkness, adversity, and affliction, as well as in times of joy and abundance.
The Treasure of a Merciful Moneylender
June 9, 2024 • Pastor Leah Carolan • Luke 7:36–50
The Treasure of a Merciful Moneylender (Luke 7:36-50) Pastor Leah Carolan 1. Which Subtitle Best Describes the Story * "Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman" * "A Sinful Woman Forgiven" 2. No Ordinary Tears 3. Three Basic Signs of Hospitality Ignored * Washing of the Feet * A Kiss on the Face * Head Anointed with Oil 4. Another Story to make a Point * A Story About Money? * Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate * A link to https://read.gov/aesop/001.html 5. Categories of People * Righteous > Sinner * Clean > Unclean * Worthy > Unworthy * Pure > Impure * Notable > Despicable * Debt = More Debt NEXT STEPS * Confess to trying to look good on the outside but ignoring your heart. * Ask God to search your heart and show you your sin. * Pray, weep, journal – repent. LUKE 7:36-50 ESV 36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
A Formula for Finding Kingdom Treasure
June 2, 2024 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Luke 18:10–14
A Formula for Finding Kingdom Treasure. Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Treasure Hunters in the kingdom actually find real treasure. TEXT - Luke 18:9-14 OUTLINE 1. Enter the Kingdom. * Luke 17:20-37 * Luke 18:9 * Luke 6:20-26 2. Receive Mercy. * Luke 18:9-14 * Avoid Contempt * Remain Humble * Luke 16:14-15 3. Go Justified. * Luke 18:14 * Philippians 3:4-11 * Romans 3:21-26, 5:1-5, 8:28-39 * Galatians 2:16-17 NEXT STEPS 1. Give up trying to justify yourself and trust Jesus. 2. Read Romans 8 and celebrate finding Kingdom Treasure. 3, Practice giving to others instead of judging others --------------------- Humility Pledge - a path away from self-justification and judgment. "Hypocrite! First take the beam of wood out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s eye." ~ Matthew 7:5 With God’s help, I will engage the ABC’s of humility. 1. ADMIT __ Self-justification is subtle. (I have been deceived by self-justification.) __ I have judged others. (I have thought, “Thank God, I am not like… ) __ I need God to help me. (God have mercy on me.) 2. BELIEVE __ My justification is complete in Jesus! __ Comparing myself to others is wrong! __ Humility is a kingdom treasure! 3. COMMIT __ Instead of judging others, I will serve others. __ I will consider others better than myself. __ In faith, I will give to help someone in need.
Treasure Hunters Celebrate
May 26, 2024 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Luke 15
Treasure Hunters Celebrate Pastor Kent Landhuis TEXT - Luke 15 1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
Wealth Management (Luke 16:1-13)
May 19, 2024 • Pastor Kent Landhuis • Luke 16:1–13
Wealth Management Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Each one of us has a responsibility to manage our wealth wisely. TEXT - Luke 16:1-13 Three spirits of wealth enhancement: 1. The spirit of money management. Luke 16:1-2 1 Peter 4:10 Colossians 3:23 2. The spirit of relational investment. Luke 16:3-7 Luke 15 3. The spirit of treasure multiplication. Luke 16:8-14 Matthew 6:19-33 Matthew 25:14-30 NEXT STEPS 1. Plan and prioritize how to use our resources to love people. 2. Invest in community groups, family groups, and small groups. 3. Bring people into the community of Jesus. PEOPLE MATTER Spend some time reflecting on these truths about relationships and pray that Holy Spirit will lead you to invest in deeper relationships: 1. Jesus showed us that we meet God through other people. When we gather with other Christians, God is with us. (Matthew 18:20). 2. Jesus said love is non-negotiable. The most important commandment Jesus gave us is to love God and love others (Matthew 22:34-40). 3. Jesus showed us how to love people. Jesus did everything He could to help His friends and followers know God. (John 15:12-15). 4. Jesus told His friends not to do life alone. Jesus sent His followers out in pairs to share the good news of God’s peace (Luke 10:1-2). 5. Jesus redefined family. Family is more than just biological parents and, siblings. (Mark 3:31-35). 6. Jesus shared meals with people. In Jesus’s culture, sharing a meal with someone meant you were no longer strangers, but close friends. (Mark 2:15-17, Luke 7:36). 7. Jesus emphasized individuals over tasks. Jesus wants His followers to care for hurting and troubled people (John 21:15-17).
Beware the Love of Money
May 12, 2024 • Pastor Steve Poole • Luke 16:19–31
Beware the Love of Money Pastor Steve Poole TEXT - Luke 16:19-31 The Big Ideas Jesus Wants to Challenge: 1. The rich man goes to hell and the poor man, Lazarus, goes to heaven. 2. The resurrection will not persuade those who have not believed the truth revealed in Scripture. 3. Beware the love of money. · Luke 16:13-14 · “Mammon” is used in some translations and means wealth, money, riches or property. · Do not neglect justice and mercy. · 1 Timothy 6:9-10 APPLICATION 1. Make Jesus the Lord of your life by faith in His death and resurrection. 2. Practice generosity this week (living with open hands).
Treasure Hunters Ask Courageous Questions
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Kent Landhuis
Treasure Hunters Ask Courageous Questions Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Beware of Greed. TEXT - Luke 12:13-21 The Parable of Bigger Barns is about you. 1. Do I want to know the truth? * Matthew 13:10-17 * Philippians 2:3 2. Do I recognize the seductive power of earthly treasure? * Luke 12:13-21 * Luke 18:18-27 3. Do I build bigger barns? * Luke 12:32-34 * Luke 12:21 NEXT STEPS 1. Be courageous. 2. Name your barns. 3. Hold earthly treasures lightly. 4. Give away earthly treasure. GO DEEPER - Rich Toward God Being rich toward God is valuing what God values over ourselves. It is seeking God’s kingdom first. Consider a few more courageous questions: * How does God love me and how does God want me to love others? * How can I build God’s kingdom barns better, and avoid building my barns bigger? * How can I increase my need for God as my earthly treasures increase? * What does God want me to do with the possessions I manage for God? * How can I be wise and avoid being foolish about my wealth? * How can I know the real peril to my soul that is created by my wealth? * How does God want me be rich toward God? (What does it mean to be rich toward God?) * How can I grow to treasure what God treasures? Meditate on this verse: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Prayer: Heavenly Father, inspire and instruct me to be rich toward you. Holy Spirit, prompt me to use my earthly treasures to build your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where is Your Treasure? Following the Treasure Map
April 28, 2024 • Pastor Kent Landhuis
Where is Your Treasure: Following the Treasure Map Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - Parables provide a map to find kingdom treasure. TEXT - Matthew 20:1-16 Treasure maps orient us in at least three ways: 1. Know where you are going: What does the treasure look like? * Matthew 20:1-2 * Isaiah 52:7a. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news…” * Matthew 11:5b. “the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” 2. Know where you are starting: Find the “you are here” button. * Matthew 20:3-15 * Matthew 5:1-12 3. Know where to dig: X marks the spot. * Matthew 20:16 * Luke 14:15-26 NEXT STEPS 1. Meditate on the kingdom treasure in the Beatitudes (see below) 2. Ask the Spirit to lead you to kingdom treasure. 3. Reflect on God’s Kingdom Reign by watching the BibleProject video: https://youtu.be/aoawqm0udfs?feature=shared The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:1-12 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Where is Your Treasure: The Pearl of Great Price
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Steve Poole • Matthew 13:45–46
Where is your Treasure? What is of Greatest Value? Pastor Steve Poole Matthew 13:45-46 - “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” 1. Two Interpretations of Matthew 13:45-46 * God/Jesus is the merchant and we are the pearl of great price * We are the merchant and Jesus/the kingdom is the pearl of great price 2. Three Questions * Have your eyes been opened to see the value of Jesus? * Do you really see God’s will and way as more valuable than yours? * What treasure are you withholding from God? 3. Do you really see God’s way as more valuable than yours? * Is loving my enemy really better than retaliation or grudge holding? * Is tithing 10% and giving extra offerings as God calls me really better than that _____? * Is moderation in _______ really better than indulging in that excess ______? * Is Romans 5:3-4 really the abundant life? * Is God’s plan of for sex being one man and one woman who are married really the better than… ...The gratification I feel from pornography? ...My own sexual desires outside of His will? ...Our cultures definition of positive sexual expression? * Is God’s timing really better than mine? * Is honesty really better than lying? * Is confronting someone who is wrong really better than just talking about them behind their back? * Is praying for our governmental officials really better than trashing them on social media? Romans 12:1-2 – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. What treasure are you withholding from God?
Where is Your Treasure?
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Kent Landhuis
Where is your Treasure? Pastor Kent Landhuis THEME - God’s kingdom brings surprising value. TEXT - Matthew 13:44 1. Kingdom treasure has hidden value. * Matthew 13 * Isaiah 55:1-2 2. Kingdom treasure has immense value. * Matthew 13:44 * Matthew 6:21 3. Kingdom treasure has incomparable value. * Matthew 16:24-26 * Matthew 6:33 NEXT STEPS 1. Pray the prayer of surrender. 2. Follow where the Spirit leads you. PRAYER OF SURRENDER Lord, let my hands be Your hands—heal through them. Let my eyes be Your eyes—I want to see things, people and situations the way You see them. Let my ears be Your ears—speak to me. Let my mouth be Your mouth—I want to speak Your truth. Let my feet be Your feet—take me wherever You want me to go. Let my being be Your being—let my heart beat as one with Yours. Crucify my will and in its place resurrect Your own—I surrender. Take over. Amen.