WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.360 So Luke 16, I don't know if you've heard the human brain, you've probably heard the human brain is more like a picture gallery than a debating hall. 00:00:08.740 --> 00:00:15.380 ! And the Lord Jesus Christ, he is a master preacher, he is the greatest preacher who has ever preached, and he preaches in pictures. 00:00:16.480 --> 00:00:26.000 He preaches in pictures, so he describes himself as the good shepherds, as the bread of life, as the light of the world, as the door. 00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:36.200 And as he speaks those things, you're meant to picture them. And the church is described as a body, and as a bride, and as a branch of Christ. 00:00:36.299 --> 00:00:44.079 They're all pictures, aren't they? The Bible is a picture book. Pictures fill the Bible with God's revelation to us. 00:00:44.960 --> 00:00:54.659 And here, every parable of Jesus is a picture. And no doubt, as Judy read this passage to you, you have a picture in your mind's eye. 00:00:54.659 --> 00:01:02.959 You've got a picture of what this shrewd, dishonest manager looks like. And Jesus wants you to have that picture, he wants you to work that out. 00:01:03.439 --> 00:01:11.259 He wants you this morning to use your imagination. So that you can see in your mind's eye what kind of person this was. 00:01:11.260 --> 00:01:19.000 And it's amazing, isn't it? I grew up with a hymn book, and long, boring sermons, so lots of sermons would be spent thumbing through the hymn book. 00:01:19.480 --> 00:01:24.780 And it's amazing, isn't it? You change one word of a hymn, and it completely changes the meaning. 00:01:25.740 --> 00:01:30.860 So, take my life and let it be, which we'll sing later. Take my wife and let me be. 00:01:30.859 --> 00:01:33.519 One word, isn't it? It changes everything. 00:01:35.260 --> 00:01:38.739 Think of, guide me, O thou great Jehovah, when I tread the verge of Jordan. 00:01:39.280 --> 00:01:41.819 You know, it's speaking about, when I get to heaven, isn't it? 00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:48.620 Bid my anxious fears subside, death of death and hell's destruction, land my safe on Canaan's side. 00:01:48.859 --> 00:01:52.620 Now, it's not actually land my safe, is it? It's land me safe. 00:01:52.620 --> 00:01:59.520 But how many people would love to land their safe, all they have on Canaan's side? 00:01:59.920 --> 00:02:03.340 In other words, I want to take it with me. And you cannot take it with me. 00:02:04.200 --> 00:02:09.040 There's a verse in the Bible that everyone believes. 00:02:09.800 --> 00:02:13.080 Even my most ardent atheist neighbour believes it. 00:02:13.500 --> 00:02:19.460 It's the verse of 1 Timothy, which says, we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of the world. 00:02:19.460 --> 00:02:25.240 That is reality, isn't it? You didn't come in with anything, you will not go out with anything. 00:02:26.180 --> 00:02:28.939 And Jesus is giving us very practical teaching. 00:02:29.060 --> 00:02:31.200 Now, notice the context. Look at verse 1. 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:35.340 The disciples, he also says to the disciples. 00:02:36.200 --> 00:02:37.659 The disciples are listening to him. 00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:40.819 But as always in Luke's Gospel, there is a double audience. 00:02:41.680 --> 00:02:47.939 Can you notice in verse 14, the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were also listening. 00:02:47.939 --> 00:02:49.960 They heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 00:02:52.099 --> 00:02:53.620 So there's a double audience. 00:02:54.539 --> 00:02:59.639 Verse 1 tells us that there is an accusation against the manager for wasting his master's resources. 00:03:00.319 --> 00:03:03.960 And verse 3 tells us the manager is about to be sacked. 00:03:04.939 --> 00:03:08.879 And what does he do in response to him being sacked? 00:03:10.020 --> 00:03:13.219 Well, notice first of all, he gives a realistic assessment of himself. 00:03:13.219 --> 00:03:18.819 He looks at his body, and he says, listen to verse 3, 00:03:19.439 --> 00:03:21.000 I'm not strong enough to dig. 00:03:21.520 --> 00:03:24.079 I'm not strong enough to be a labourer. 00:03:25.780 --> 00:03:28.240 I'm too proud to beg, and I'm too dumb to steal. 00:03:29.240 --> 00:03:31.240 I've been a manager a long time. 00:03:31.520 --> 00:03:32.719 I'm a weak person now. 00:03:32.719 --> 00:03:39.819 And so he devises a strategy, a plan, based on this realistic assessment of himself, 00:03:40.219 --> 00:03:42.139 in the light of his certain future. 00:03:42.719 --> 00:03:44.039 He says, I know what I will do. 00:03:44.400 --> 00:03:47.199 I will act favourably towards my master's debtors, 00:03:47.500 --> 00:03:50.979 so that when I lose my job, they will owe me a favour. 00:03:51.719 --> 00:03:54.680 When I'm out of work, they will need to repay the favour. 00:03:55.460 --> 00:03:57.539 When I've lost my job, they will see me right. 00:03:57.539 --> 00:04:01.439 So verse 5, he goes in and he calls the master's debtors. 00:04:01.759 --> 00:04:03.840 And the first man, he says, how much do you owe? 00:04:03.900 --> 00:04:07.099 He says, I owe 500, 800 gallons of olive oil. 00:04:08.199 --> 00:04:09.840 He says, write it down, I'll take 400. 00:04:11.579 --> 00:04:12.239 Verse 7. 00:04:13.259 --> 00:04:14.939 The next man says, how much do you owe? 00:04:15.159 --> 00:04:16.779 Well, I owe 1,000 bushels of wheat. 00:04:16.939 --> 00:04:17.560 Write it down. 00:04:18.379 --> 00:04:20.379 I'll take 800 bushels of wheat. 00:04:21.219 --> 00:04:26.180 And that is what makes, doesn't it, the response in verse 8, so remarkable. 00:04:26.180 --> 00:04:26.920 Just look at it. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:30.100 This is the man who's been ripped off. 00:04:30.860 --> 00:04:33.260 He's been ripped off by 400 gallons of oil. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:35.700 He's been ripped off by 200 bushels of wheat. 00:04:35.980 --> 00:04:37.000 He's been ripped off. 00:04:37.000 --> 00:04:43.060 But verse 8 tells us, the owner commends the dishonest man. 00:04:44.660 --> 00:04:46.600 Now that is where our difficulty lies, isn't it? 00:04:46.759 --> 00:04:49.320 As you read this passage, you think, what is this doing in the Bible? 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:53.420 In understanding this parable, look at verse 8. 00:04:53.420 --> 00:04:57.640 The master commended the dishonest manager because he'd acted dishonestly. 00:04:58.800 --> 00:05:00.640 Well, that is how we often read it. 00:05:00.699 --> 00:05:02.040 But it's not how it is, is it? 00:05:02.879 --> 00:05:07.300 What is being commanded there in verse 8 is not dishonestly, but shrewdness. 00:05:07.740 --> 00:05:11.400 The master commended the dishonest manner because he'd acted shrewdly. 00:05:11.399 --> 00:05:14.239 Here is a dishonest man's good example. 00:05:15.799 --> 00:05:17.399 He is an example of shrewdness. 00:05:18.399 --> 00:05:20.419 And notice what the Lord Jesus goes on to say. 00:05:20.739 --> 00:05:22.899 He says, choose well the models that you follow. 00:05:24.039 --> 00:05:26.979 For the sons of the world, that's the second part of verse 8. 00:05:26.980 --> 00:05:30.580 The sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 00:05:33.879 --> 00:05:34.660 Isn't that true? 00:05:35.439 --> 00:05:42.500 Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch, the celebrities, the Alan Shivers of this world, the people like that. 00:05:42.600 --> 00:05:43.140 Verse 8. 00:05:43.700 --> 00:05:48.160 Well, the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 00:05:48.220 --> 00:05:48.939 That is right, isn't it? 00:05:48.939 --> 00:05:50.580 We seem so stumbly, aren't we? 00:05:52.520 --> 00:05:53.460 And so lazy. 00:05:53.459 --> 00:05:56.759 And yet those people, they're always doing deals. 00:05:57.879 --> 00:06:00.019 They're always shrewd in their management of wealth. 00:06:00.319 --> 00:06:01.879 And so the Lord Jesus says, learn from them. 00:06:03.000 --> 00:06:03.759 Learn from them. 00:06:04.579 --> 00:06:07.919 Take a realistic assessment of yourself and your situation. 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:12.899 And now act in the light of eternity. 00:06:13.579 --> 00:06:15.919 To ensure that you get a warm welcome into eternity. 00:06:17.560 --> 00:06:18.839 So you think of Rupert Murdoch. 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:21.259 You think of the wealthy men of this country. 00:06:22.019 --> 00:06:23.240 And they are working, aren't they? 00:06:23.240 --> 00:06:25.720 The businessmen, towards the end of the financial year. 00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:29.259 All their eyes are on the 30th of March. 00:06:29.720 --> 00:06:32.660 What is their position going to be on that day? 00:06:33.280 --> 00:06:38.060 And so Jesus is saying, you have all your eyes, not on the 30th of March, but on eternity. 00:06:38.860 --> 00:06:41.480 When you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 00:06:41.939 --> 00:06:42.879 And enter into them. 00:06:42.879 --> 00:06:44.480 Assess yourself now. 00:06:44.900 --> 00:06:46.040 Live now. 00:06:46.519 --> 00:06:49.000 Wisely in the light of the certain future. 00:06:50.340 --> 00:06:51.120 Look at verse 9. 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:57.879 Jesus says, and I tell you, make friends for yourself by means of unrighteous wealth. 00:06:58.079 --> 00:06:59.160 Use worldly wealth. 00:06:59.519 --> 00:07:01.439 And use it to gain friends for yourself. 00:07:01.680 --> 00:07:05.060 So that when it's gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. 00:07:06.120 --> 00:07:10.280 Act shrewdly with a view to that certain day. 00:07:10.279 --> 00:07:13.399 When you will stand before God and enter into glory. 00:07:14.759 --> 00:07:15.839 Use them now. 00:07:16.299 --> 00:07:17.599 But live in the light of the future. 00:07:19.219 --> 00:07:20.579 Not on the 30th of March. 00:07:21.579 --> 00:07:23.799 Live in the light of your entrance of eternity. 00:07:23.800 --> 00:07:27.400 Now I think we don't often hear reminders of this. 00:07:29.360 --> 00:07:30.300 That wealth. 00:07:31.100 --> 00:07:31.379 Money. 00:07:32.480 --> 00:07:34.000 Is a dreadful master. 00:07:35.280 --> 00:07:37.420 Don't let it master you. 00:07:38.680 --> 00:07:40.240 You master your wallet. 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:42.040 In the name of Jesus. 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:44.439 As a servant. 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:46.620 Wealth is very very useful. 00:07:48.280 --> 00:07:49.360 It's a useful servant. 00:07:49.500 --> 00:07:50.780 And I think we need those reminders. 00:07:50.779 --> 00:07:53.619 I remember being at a ministers conference. 00:07:55.319 --> 00:07:57.239 Quite a number of the men I know. 00:07:57.519 --> 00:07:57.959 Tragically. 00:07:58.159 --> 00:07:59.199 Have left their wives. 00:08:00.659 --> 00:08:01.439 Who are ministers. 00:08:03.099 --> 00:08:04.779 They've ended up going off with other women. 00:08:04.899 --> 00:08:06.219 And they've shipwrecked their ministry. 00:08:07.239 --> 00:08:08.839 And a very senior minister came along. 00:08:08.979 --> 00:08:09.839 And to speak to us. 00:08:10.599 --> 00:08:12.719 On walking in sexual purity. 00:08:13.459 --> 00:08:14.619 And in sexual integrity. 00:08:15.459 --> 00:08:16.199 And this man said. 00:08:16.259 --> 00:08:17.240 Let me tell you my habit. 00:08:18.300 --> 00:08:20.100 My habit is to keep reminding my body. 00:08:20.199 --> 00:08:21.759 That Jesus is in control. 00:08:22.699 --> 00:08:24.480 And my body is not in control of me. 00:08:25.399 --> 00:08:26.420 And so often. 00:08:26.540 --> 00:08:27.040 Very often. 00:08:27.120 --> 00:08:27.819 In the middle of winter. 00:08:27.939 --> 00:08:28.860 I go to the bathroom. 00:08:29.600 --> 00:08:30.879 And on a Wednesday morning. 00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:32.539 I turn on the cold tap in the shower. 00:08:33.000 --> 00:08:34.340 And my body recoils. 00:08:34.480 --> 00:08:34.840 And says. 00:08:34.899 --> 00:08:36.000 I'm not going in there. 00:08:36.000 --> 00:08:36.820 And I say. 00:08:36.980 --> 00:08:37.299 Body. 00:08:37.620 --> 00:08:38.100 In there. 00:08:38.179 --> 00:08:38.980 In the name of Jesus. 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:41.360 Because you're not in control. 00:08:41.360 --> 00:08:44.120 And I'll be running around the streets. 00:08:44.200 --> 00:08:44.500 He says. 00:08:44.560 --> 00:08:45.879 And I'm absolutely exhausted. 00:08:46.000 --> 00:08:46.759 And my body says. 00:08:46.800 --> 00:08:47.779 I can't go on. 00:08:48.039 --> 00:08:49.139 I can't go on. 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:49.960 And I say. 00:08:50.060 --> 00:08:50.419 Body. 00:08:50.620 --> 00:08:51.639 In the name of Jesus. 00:08:51.879 --> 00:08:52.440 Go on. 00:08:53.220 --> 00:08:55.139 Now this man is an English public school boy. 00:08:55.659 --> 00:08:56.919 That might explain it. 00:08:57.360 --> 00:08:58.120 But I want to say to you. 00:08:58.139 --> 00:08:59.840 It is exactly the same as your wealth. 00:09:02.240 --> 00:09:03.740 That you need to give your wealth. 00:09:03.740 --> 00:09:04.919 A good lesson this morning. 00:09:06.440 --> 00:09:07.220 That make sure. 00:09:07.480 --> 00:09:09.580 That it is not your wallet. 00:09:09.740 --> 00:09:10.980 That is dictating to you. 00:09:11.980 --> 00:09:14.159 Make sure that your wallet understands. 00:09:14.680 --> 00:09:15.820 That Jesus is Lord. 00:09:16.060 --> 00:09:18.000 Now this is a surprising punchline. 00:09:18.080 --> 00:09:18.300 Isn't it? 00:09:18.320 --> 00:09:18.800 Verse 9. 00:09:18.860 --> 00:09:19.519 Isn't it surprising? 00:09:20.860 --> 00:09:23.180 Jesus is a better theologian than you are. 00:09:23.480 --> 00:09:26.259 And Jesus knows all about justification by faith alone. 00:09:27.539 --> 00:09:28.259 But surely. 00:09:28.919 --> 00:09:29.960 But he is saying isn't he. 00:09:30.000 --> 00:09:31.120 Use wealth now. 00:09:31.820 --> 00:09:34.139 Make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth. 00:09:34.919 --> 00:09:36.379 So that you can determine. 00:09:36.620 --> 00:09:39.620 That you will receive a particularly warm welcome on that day. 00:09:40.379 --> 00:09:41.980 And then he goes on in verse 10. 00:09:43.580 --> 00:09:44.279 To say. 00:09:44.399 --> 00:09:44.580 It says. 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:46.299 Use your wealth now. 00:09:46.419 --> 00:09:48.039 It is actually indicative. 00:09:48.659 --> 00:09:50.019 Of your spiritual fitness. 00:09:51.159 --> 00:09:52.519 How you use your wealth. 00:09:52.620 --> 00:09:53.560 In verses 10 to 12. 00:09:53.820 --> 00:09:54.700 Is indicative. 00:09:54.700 --> 00:09:56.220 Shows you. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:58.500 How you are able to handle the gospel truth. 00:09:59.580 --> 00:10:00.900 How you are able to be a steward. 00:10:01.840 --> 00:10:02.640 A messenger of the gospel. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:03.520 Now we have seen that before. 00:10:03.620 --> 00:10:03.860 Isn't it? 00:10:04.920 --> 00:10:05.940 Where your heart is. 00:10:06.000 --> 00:10:06.900 There your treasure will be also. 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:07.160 No. 00:10:07.220 --> 00:10:08.040 That is not what Jesus says. 00:10:08.240 --> 00:10:09.280 Where your treasure is. 00:10:09.460 --> 00:10:10.640 There your heart will be also. 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:12.420 What you do with your money. 00:10:12.820 --> 00:10:14.360 Shows what your Christian life is like. 00:10:16.780 --> 00:10:17.960 One level of faithfulness. 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.860 Will indicate another level of faithfulness. 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:21.840 And then Jesus goes on in verse 13. 00:10:21.960 --> 00:10:22.240 Doesn't he. 00:10:22.279 --> 00:10:22.460 To say. 00:10:22.580 --> 00:10:23.820 You cannot serve two masters. 00:10:25.340 --> 00:10:26.560 You cannot serve God. 00:10:26.600 --> 00:10:27.620 At the end of verse 13. 00:10:27.960 --> 00:10:29.360 And you cannot serve God. 00:10:29.440 --> 00:10:30.919 And the great God substitute. 00:10:31.659 --> 00:10:31.860 Money. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:35.399 It's all very well isn't it. 00:10:35.440 --> 00:10:35.940 For us. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:37.899 As long as wealth. 00:10:38.019 --> 00:10:38.560 And God. 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:39.700 Are going in the same direction. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:42.159 I can follow them. 00:10:43.259 --> 00:10:44.120 But at some point. 00:10:44.200 --> 00:10:45.279 There's a fork in the road. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:46.019 And God says. 00:10:46.139 --> 00:10:46.740 Come this way. 00:10:47.920 --> 00:10:48.740 And wealth says. 00:10:48.800 --> 00:10:48.920 No. 00:10:48.980 --> 00:10:49.580 Come this way. 00:10:49.860 --> 00:10:50.500 Be secure. 00:10:51.720 --> 00:10:53.340 Make the wise investment decision. 00:10:54.480 --> 00:10:55.820 Go this way. 00:10:56.820 --> 00:10:58.159 And it's a compromised decision. 00:10:58.500 --> 00:10:59.060 And Jesus is right. 00:10:59.100 --> 00:11:00.200 You cannot go both ways. 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:02.240 You cannot go both ways. 00:11:03.220 --> 00:11:04.240 Use wealth. 00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:05.899 To serve God. 00:11:06.279 --> 00:11:08.060 Do not serve God. 00:11:08.460 --> 00:11:09.440 Do not use God. 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:10.379 To serve wealth. 00:11:11.340 --> 00:11:12.120 Use wealth. 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:13.060 To serve God. 00:11:13.419 --> 00:11:14.360 Do not use God. 00:11:14.460 --> 00:11:15.220 To serve wealth. 00:11:16.360 --> 00:11:17.340 Make sure. 00:11:17.659 --> 00:11:19.320 That you bring your wealth. 00:11:19.320 --> 00:11:20.060 Today. 00:11:20.760 --> 00:11:22.120 Under the control of Jesus. 00:11:22.120 --> 00:11:24.460 And I don't know. 00:11:24.519 --> 00:11:25.539 I don't know. 00:11:25.539 --> 00:11:26.579 How better. 00:11:26.579 --> 00:11:27.899 To remind your wallet. 00:11:27.899 --> 00:11:29.459 And give your money. 00:11:29.459 --> 00:11:30.100 A lesson. 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:31.199 Who is in control. 00:11:31.279 --> 00:11:32.139 Than by giving it away. 00:11:33.039 --> 00:11:34.279 If you can think of a better lesson. 00:11:34.579 --> 00:11:34.959 Tell me. 00:11:36.399 --> 00:11:37.559 And I think it's a great lesson. 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:38.959 That you and I need to teach our wallet. 00:11:39.100 --> 00:11:39.840 Very often. 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:42.120 So you remember. 00:11:42.179 --> 00:11:42.360 Don't you. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:43.440 In Luke chapter 1. 00:11:43.779 --> 00:11:45.419 Luke is writing to Theophilus. 00:11:45.600 --> 00:11:46.899 He's writing to Theophilus. 00:11:46.899 --> 00:11:48.139 That he might have certainty. 00:11:49.220 --> 00:11:49.980 And one of the things. 00:11:49.980 --> 00:11:51.320 That he tells Theophilus. 00:11:51.440 --> 00:11:53.759 Is that not only did he do research well. 00:11:54.159 --> 00:11:55.659 But he also tells Theophilus. 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:57.680 That he's providing an ordered account. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.940 So you would expect. 00:12:00.060 --> 00:12:00.279 Therefore. 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:02.000 In the context of this parable. 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:03.680 It will tell us something. 00:12:03.759 --> 00:12:04.700 About the parable itself. 00:12:05.759 --> 00:12:06.460 And sure enough. 00:12:06.460 --> 00:12:07.560 If you look at the next parable. 00:12:07.600 --> 00:12:08.259 Look at the next parable. 00:12:08.259 --> 00:12:09.460 It starts in verse 19. 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:11.200 And you will see. 00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:11.779 That it's a parable. 00:12:11.840 --> 00:12:12.899 That has to do with wealth. 00:12:15.600 --> 00:12:17.179 Now notice verse 19. 00:12:17.799 --> 00:12:19.039 There is a man here. 00:12:19.419 --> 00:12:19.860 Described. 00:12:21.120 --> 00:12:22.580 There was a rich man. 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:23.639 Clothed in purple. 00:12:23.840 --> 00:12:24.620 And fine linen. 00:12:25.179 --> 00:12:26.620 And who feasted sumptuously. 00:12:27.399 --> 00:12:28.159 Every day. 00:12:29.500 --> 00:12:30.100 Here is a man. 00:12:30.139 --> 00:12:30.939 Described as somebody. 00:12:30.939 --> 00:12:32.200 Who has everything. 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:34.539 But he has no name. 00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:37.360 Did you notice that? 00:12:38.259 --> 00:12:39.539 Notice his identity. 00:12:40.840 --> 00:12:42.919 It is determined by his riches. 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:43.939 Verse 19. 00:12:44.039 --> 00:12:45.039 There was a rich man. 00:12:45.480 --> 00:12:47.319 That is all he is known as. 00:12:48.019 --> 00:12:48.519 You know him. 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:50.659 But you don't know his name. 00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:53.000 You don't know his name was John. 00:12:53.039 --> 00:12:53.399 Or Abraham. 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:53.860 Or Joshua. 00:12:53.960 --> 00:12:54.819 Or whatever his name was. 00:12:54.939 --> 00:12:55.939 But he was a rich man. 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:58.659 He was defined by his portfolio. 00:12:59.179 --> 00:12:59.819 His wealth. 00:13:00.340 --> 00:13:01.779 But there was also a poor man. 00:13:01.779 --> 00:13:03.899 And a poor man who has nothing. 00:13:04.360 --> 00:13:05.460 He has nothing. 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:06.600 But he has a name. 00:13:08.259 --> 00:13:09.639 He is called Lazarus. 00:13:10.580 --> 00:13:11.299 Lazarus means. 00:13:11.480 --> 00:13:12.840 He whom God helps. 00:13:13.279 --> 00:13:15.319 What made the rich man rich? 00:13:16.019 --> 00:13:17.080 Was it cloth? 00:13:17.539 --> 00:13:18.439 Was it grain? 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:20.000 Was it land? 00:13:20.639 --> 00:13:21.519 Was it minerals? 00:13:21.759 --> 00:13:22.360 We don't know. 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:24.460 We don't know how this man got his wealth. 00:13:24.759 --> 00:13:26.439 And we don't know how he was doing that year. 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:28.259 Particularly in his wealth accumulation. 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:29.120 And his growth. 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:32.419 But we do know that every day he would pass by Lazarus. 00:13:32.480 --> 00:13:33.320 Sitting at his gate. 00:13:33.679 --> 00:13:34.779 In desperate poverty. 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:37.060 And he made no investment in Lazarus. 00:13:38.139 --> 00:13:40.539 He made no investment in Lazarus. 00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:41.340 Because what dividend? 00:13:41.679 --> 00:13:43.139 What payback could Lazarus give? 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.279 How could Lazarus help him? 00:13:46.539 --> 00:13:47.919 And then the story goes on. 00:13:48.200 --> 00:13:49.200 And we call death. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:49.560 Don't we? 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:50.259 People say. 00:13:50.600 --> 00:13:52.360 That death is the great leveler. 00:13:52.720 --> 00:13:53.600 Have you heard that? 00:13:53.759 --> 00:13:54.560 It's nothing of a thought. 00:13:54.659 --> 00:13:55.360 Look at verse 22. 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:57.159 It's a great reversal. 00:13:57.159 --> 00:13:59.879 Lazarus dies. 00:14:00.819 --> 00:14:02.279 And goes to Abraham's side. 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:03.219 In fellowship with God. 00:14:03.399 --> 00:14:04.419 The rich man dies. 00:14:04.620 --> 00:14:06.639 And simply goes off into Hades or hell. 00:14:06.959 --> 00:14:08.620 He is cut off from God's blessing. 00:14:08.980 --> 00:14:11.379 Because you cannot take anything with you. 00:14:15.019 --> 00:14:16.679 Except you can take one thing with you. 00:14:17.879 --> 00:14:18.459 Can't you? 00:14:19.600 --> 00:14:22.059 You technically can't take a thing at all. 00:14:23.079 --> 00:14:24.620 But you can take a person. 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:27.679 People are eternal. 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:31.139 People will go on into eternity. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:34.659 Flat screen TVs will not go into eternity. 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:39.200 iPads will not go into eternity. 00:14:40.879 --> 00:14:42.060 Second homes. 00:14:43.419 --> 00:14:45.679 Investments won't go into eternity. 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:48.879 People will go into eternity. 00:14:48.879 --> 00:14:53.580 And that is why William and Catherine Booth took as their own personal motto. 00:14:53.700 --> 00:14:55.419 They were the founders of the Salvation Army. 00:14:56.240 --> 00:14:58.399 The motto of the Salvation Army is blood and fire. 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:02.100 But the Booths took as their personal motto one word. 00:15:03.019 --> 00:15:03.460 Others. 00:15:04.639 --> 00:15:05.120 Others. 00:15:06.379 --> 00:15:06.700 Others. 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:08.039 This is the reality. 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.759 We exist for others. 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:11.759 Because we know. 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:12.840 People are eternal. 00:15:13.220 --> 00:15:15.279 And their eternal health is important. 00:15:16.539 --> 00:15:17.580 That they have a soul. 00:15:17.740 --> 00:15:18.480 And an inner being. 00:15:18.600 --> 00:15:20.039 That is well and healthy. 00:15:21.679 --> 00:15:22.879 There is a story of a man. 00:15:22.980 --> 00:15:24.100 Who bought two sets of stickers. 00:15:25.039 --> 00:15:25.899 Red stickers. 00:15:26.179 --> 00:15:26.659 Stickers. 00:15:26.840 --> 00:15:27.700 And green stickers. 00:15:28.740 --> 00:15:30.100 And he went around his house. 00:15:30.360 --> 00:15:31.419 And he put a red sticker. 00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:33.620 On every consumable in the home. 00:15:34.139 --> 00:15:35.580 And then he put a green sticker. 00:15:35.580 --> 00:15:37.179 On everything that would last. 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:38.159 Into eternity. 00:15:38.159 --> 00:15:40.339 Then he sat back on the seat. 00:15:40.459 --> 00:15:41.799 And he looked at what was surrounding him. 00:15:42.019 --> 00:15:44.120 And he was surrounded by red stickers. 00:15:44.939 --> 00:15:46.079 The only green stickers. 00:15:46.179 --> 00:15:47.159 Were on his wife and children. 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:49.199 I can't imagine how they felt about that. 00:15:49.699 --> 00:15:51.600 But they were the only ones. 00:15:52.299 --> 00:15:53.759 Who would last into eternity. 00:15:57.139 --> 00:15:58.459 And what that man realised. 00:15:58.519 --> 00:15:59.019 Is he realised. 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:01.379 I'm spending all my time on consumables. 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.620 Consumables which I can't take with me. 00:16:06.059 --> 00:16:07.299 But it is people. 00:16:08.159 --> 00:16:08.939 That you can take. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:10.519 So Jesus is saying here in verse 9. 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:12.339 Use your money well. 00:16:12.679 --> 00:16:15.139 To invest shrewdly in the eternal health of people. 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:17.919 Use your money well. 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:20.899 To invest shrewdly in the eternal health of people. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:24.059 I was brought up in a Christian home. 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:24.899 In a great home. 00:16:24.959 --> 00:16:26.059 In a home that tithed. 00:16:27.079 --> 00:16:28.219 I was brought up to tithe. 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:29.279 The pocket money I get. 00:16:29.419 --> 00:16:30.860 One in ten goes to the Lord. 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:33.740 Now I could go to my dad. 00:16:34.680 --> 00:16:35.240 And I could say. 00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:35.680 Listen dad. 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:39.500 I'm not so sure that the New Testament is so explicit about tithing. 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:41.580 There's a distinction. 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:43.539 In some ways between law and grace. 00:16:43.600 --> 00:16:45.539 My father would have exactly the right answer for me. 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:46.960 As I feel him give many times. 00:16:47.620 --> 00:16:48.060 He would say. 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:49.639 When you give more under grace. 00:16:49.899 --> 00:16:51.039 Than I give under law. 00:16:51.120 --> 00:16:52.180 Then you can come and tell me. 00:16:53.039 --> 00:16:53.700 That is right. 00:16:53.700 --> 00:16:56.759 Do you think you're required to give less under grace. 00:16:56.820 --> 00:16:57.660 Than you are under law. 00:16:59.960 --> 00:17:01.020 We are dealing aren't we. 00:17:01.060 --> 00:17:01.759 With a generation. 00:17:02.680 --> 00:17:04.500 That is passing away as tithers. 00:17:04.620 --> 00:17:05.460 And so many New Christians. 00:17:05.559 --> 00:17:06.299 They don't tithe anymore. 00:17:06.559 --> 00:17:08.100 We're not under the law to tithe. 00:17:09.480 --> 00:17:10.279 But one in ten. 00:17:10.340 --> 00:17:12.539 Is a very very good biblical principle. 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.000 Just as one in seven for us. 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:14.720 Is a good principle. 00:17:15.420 --> 00:17:16.840 Money is made around. 00:17:17.200 --> 00:17:18.100 To go around. 00:17:21.100 --> 00:17:21.660 My father. 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.700 The moment he was converted. 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.960 His wallet was converted. 00:17:24.080 --> 00:17:25.160 He was converted in his twenties. 00:17:26.500 --> 00:17:27.860 And he was a generous giver. 00:17:28.620 --> 00:17:30.240 My brother was on a train two years ago. 00:17:30.340 --> 00:17:30.940 Going to Swindon. 00:17:31.700 --> 00:17:32.880 And a man came up to him. 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:33.140 And said. 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:34.400 Are you Alan Levy's boy? 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:35.559 We all look alike. 00:17:36.580 --> 00:17:37.680 And he said yes. 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:39.240 He said. 00:17:39.279 --> 00:17:39.759 Your dad. 00:17:39.860 --> 00:17:40.600 Forty years ago. 00:17:40.680 --> 00:17:41.960 Paid for me to go to Bible college. 00:17:43.799 --> 00:17:45.039 I told him I couldn't go. 00:17:45.519 --> 00:17:46.180 And your dad said. 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:48.039 I'll give you this much each month. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.460 The man was David Brown. 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.620 He used to come home from furlough. 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:53.620 And break all our toys. 00:17:53.799 --> 00:17:54.799 But that's another story. 00:17:57.400 --> 00:17:58.240 At my parents. 00:17:58.340 --> 00:17:59.559 50th wedding anniversary. 00:17:59.559 --> 00:18:00.360 In December. 00:18:00.640 --> 00:18:01.740 My brother made a speech. 00:18:02.660 --> 00:18:03.900 Saying that dad had taught us. 00:18:03.960 --> 00:18:04.580 To be generous. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:06.180 And he told the story. 00:18:07.200 --> 00:18:08.140 The best thing about it. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:09.120 Was my mother didn't know. 00:18:09.200 --> 00:18:10.140 That my father had done it. 00:18:12.660 --> 00:18:14.200 Are you teaching your wealth a lesson? 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:16.500 But you say. 00:18:16.580 --> 00:18:17.279 I'm a child. 00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:19.940 The application is still the same. 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:21.279 I'm a little boy or girl. 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:22.660 I don't have much money. 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:24.100 Teach your wealth a lesson. 00:18:25.400 --> 00:18:26.559 I'm a student. 00:18:26.920 --> 00:18:28.580 As if you're on another level of being. 00:18:30.200 --> 00:18:31.480 Teach your wealth a lesson. 00:18:32.340 --> 00:18:34.400 I'm paying rent through the nose. 00:18:35.080 --> 00:18:36.080 Teach your wealth a lesson. 00:18:36.279 --> 00:18:37.559 I've got student loans. 00:18:37.860 --> 00:18:39.200 Teach your wealth a lesson. 00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:40.900 I've got a mortgage. 00:18:40.900 --> 00:18:41.059 I've got a mortgage. 00:18:41.259 --> 00:18:41.759 And children. 00:18:42.580 --> 00:18:43.559 I'm retired. 00:18:43.980 --> 00:18:44.960 Teach your wealth a lesson. 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:46.960 Jesus goes on. 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:48.819 Does the end verses 14 and 15. 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.080 Luke adds. 00:18:51.160 --> 00:18:52.340 The Pharisees were there. 00:18:53.259 --> 00:18:54.140 They loved money. 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:55.160 They sneered at God. 00:18:55.819 --> 00:18:56.680 Isn't that very interesting? 00:18:56.900 --> 00:18:57.580 The two things there. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:58.580 They loved money. 00:18:58.940 --> 00:18:59.880 They sneered at God. 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:02.100 And Jesus says. 00:19:02.160 --> 00:19:03.320 What is highly valued amongst. 00:19:04.380 --> 00:19:04.760 Men. 00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:05.840 Outward security. 00:19:06.120 --> 00:19:06.800 And esteem. 00:19:06.980 --> 00:19:07.940 It is nothing. 00:19:08.620 --> 00:19:09.640 In the eyes of God. 00:19:11.120 --> 00:19:12.140 What counts with God. 00:19:12.200 --> 00:19:12.740 Well what do we know? 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:14.160 We know that what counts with God. 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:14.780 Is godliness. 00:19:15.040 --> 00:19:15.840 And contentment. 00:19:15.920 --> 00:19:16.940 And that is great gain. 00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:18.800 Money's. 00:19:19.600 --> 00:19:20.000 Mastery. 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:21.520 Is monstrous. 00:19:23.160 --> 00:19:24.060 Money's mastery. 00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:25.020 Is monstrous. 00:19:25.320 --> 00:19:26.100 Let us determine. 00:19:26.260 --> 00:19:27.000 To be shrewd. 00:19:27.080 --> 00:19:28.400 And to put to work. 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:30.380 The worldly wealth. 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:30.980 We have. 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:32.220 With eternity in mind. 00:19:34.980 --> 00:19:35.900 I often wonder. 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:36.640 If I was a Christian. 00:19:36.740 --> 00:19:37.519 In Nazi Germany. 00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:38.800 In the 1930s. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:39.720 Would I have stood with. 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.680 Dietrich Bonhoeffer. 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:42.720 Or would I have stood with Hitler? 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:45.320 The majority of Christians. 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:46.160 Stood with Adolf Hitler. 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:48.820 If I was a Christian. 00:19:48.920 --> 00:19:49.940 In apartheid South Africa. 00:19:50.019 --> 00:19:50.820 In the 1960s. 00:19:50.860 --> 00:19:51.900 Would I have stood with Mandela? 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:52.840 Or would I have stood. 00:19:52.880 --> 00:19:53.740 With the apartheid government? 00:19:54.580 --> 00:19:55.759 The majority of Christians. 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.880 Stood with the apartheid government. 00:19:58.400 --> 00:19:58.840 Today. 00:19:58.960 --> 00:19:59.960 Are we being compromised? 00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:03.500 A hundred years from now. 00:20:03.620 --> 00:20:04.259 Will Christians. 00:20:04.440 --> 00:20:05.920 Read about our generation. 00:20:06.080 --> 00:20:06.720 And look at us. 00:20:06.780 --> 00:20:07.000 And say. 00:20:07.160 --> 00:20:08.200 How could they have been. 00:20:08.200 --> 00:20:09.120 So blind? 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:12.900 Listen to this. 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:13.800 Missionary prayer letter. 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:15.080 From a couple working in Nigeria. 00:20:16.660 --> 00:20:17.240 They say. 00:20:17.320 --> 00:20:18.019 There are some good things. 00:20:18.019 --> 00:20:18.860 Happening in our church. 00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:20.320 Our church in Nigeria. 00:20:20.320 --> 00:20:21.060 Is being pastored. 00:20:21.140 --> 00:20:22.040 By a Nigerian man. 00:20:22.060 --> 00:20:22.820 And we are very happy. 00:20:22.820 --> 00:20:23.460 With this solid. 00:20:23.560 --> 00:20:24.380 Biblical sermons. 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:26.280 Though we can't get used. 00:20:26.280 --> 00:20:26.800 To the volume. 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:28.680 Of everyone praying out aloud together. 00:20:29.159 --> 00:20:30.359 That is hard to take. 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.000 But at least. 00:20:31.139 --> 00:20:32.899 It hides our bad language skills. 00:20:33.899 --> 00:20:34.899 Talking about their pastor. 00:20:35.099 --> 00:20:36.339 His teaching and his experience. 00:20:36.440 --> 00:20:37.519 Have given him a good grasp. 00:20:37.519 --> 00:20:38.819 Of the things that are holding back. 00:20:38.879 --> 00:20:39.720 The church in Nigeria. 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:40.859 One being. 00:20:40.960 --> 00:20:41.859 The continued grip. 00:20:41.940 --> 00:20:42.639 That animism. 00:20:42.759 --> 00:20:43.879 And the occult has. 00:20:44.240 --> 00:20:45.240 Because it impacts. 00:20:45.299 --> 00:20:46.980 The everyday lives of people. 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:48.639 It is so ingrained. 00:20:48.639 --> 00:20:49.440 In their lives. 00:20:49.440 --> 00:20:50.619 That it is accepted here. 00:20:50.720 --> 00:20:51.180 As normal. 00:20:52.180 --> 00:20:53.379 Now when I read that. 00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:54.160 I must say. 00:20:54.260 --> 00:20:54.840 I thought that. 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:56.480 I thought that is the church in Africa. 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:56.960 Isn't it? 00:20:58.160 --> 00:20:59.160 It's under oppression. 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:00.000 From the occult. 00:21:01.460 --> 00:21:02.440 Fearing the spirits. 00:21:02.640 --> 00:21:03.340 I thought of myself. 00:21:03.420 --> 00:21:04.660 Typical of the church in Africa. 00:21:04.800 --> 00:21:06.460 In my white superior sort of way. 00:21:07.940 --> 00:21:08.940 But it didn't stop there. 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:10.300 Let me read you the full sentence. 00:21:11.100 --> 00:21:12.180 The continued grip. 00:21:12.280 --> 00:21:12.900 That animism. 00:21:13.020 --> 00:21:13.920 And occultism. 00:21:13.920 --> 00:21:14.920 Has impacting. 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:16.560 The day to day lives of people. 00:21:17.040 --> 00:21:18.120 It is so ingrained. 00:21:18.220 --> 00:21:18.840 In their lives. 00:21:19.180 --> 00:21:20.300 That it is accepted here. 00:21:20.360 --> 00:21:20.840 As normal. 00:21:20.839 --> 00:21:21.919 In the same way. 00:21:22.000 --> 00:21:23.699 That our chasing after wealth. 00:21:24.119 --> 00:21:25.319 Is accepted as normal. 00:21:25.379 --> 00:21:25.919 In the west. 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:27.199 You see brothers and sisters. 00:21:27.419 --> 00:21:28.819 Here is our blind spot. 00:21:30.599 --> 00:21:31.339 Right here. 00:21:31.859 --> 00:21:32.939 It is right here. 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:34.459 In your working account. 00:21:36.139 --> 00:21:36.879 And mine. 00:21:38.559 --> 00:21:40.099 And it may well be a blind spot. 00:21:41.419 --> 00:21:42.480 Let me speak to the elders. 00:21:42.480 --> 00:21:43.419 And deacons of this church. 00:21:45.599 --> 00:21:46.599 Let us never. 00:21:46.819 --> 00:21:47.139 Never. 00:21:47.299 --> 00:21:48.639 Never be embarrassed. 00:21:48.640 --> 00:21:50.800 When we want to build. 00:21:50.800 --> 00:21:52.400 The ministry team of the church. 00:21:53.620 --> 00:21:54.940 Or we need to come to the church. 00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:55.500 And say actually. 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:57.060 We need to give to a building. 00:21:57.259 --> 00:21:58.640 Because we want the work of the gospel. 00:21:58.759 --> 00:21:59.320 To go forward. 00:21:59.380 --> 00:22:00.440 For generations to come. 00:22:00.480 --> 00:22:02.040 We must never be embarrassed. 00:22:02.040 --> 00:22:04.040 About bringing that need to the church. 00:22:04.420 --> 00:22:05.620 Because when we do that. 00:22:05.660 --> 00:22:06.440 As elders and deacons. 00:22:06.520 --> 00:22:07.860 We are saying to you. 00:22:08.180 --> 00:22:10.140 We are giving you an opportunity. 00:22:10.140 --> 00:22:11.880 To make an eternal investment. 00:22:14.100 --> 00:22:14.860 Support us. 00:22:14.859 --> 00:22:16.859 And you are going to support. 00:22:16.919 --> 00:22:18.319 And move for the eternal health. 00:22:18.439 --> 00:22:19.579 And the salvation of people. 00:22:21.439 --> 00:22:22.779 And there will be a warm welcome. 00:22:22.839 --> 00:22:23.879 Awaiting for you in heaven. 00:22:27.719 --> 00:22:28.959 When we are given the opportunity. 00:22:29.139 --> 00:22:29.539 To give. 00:22:29.599 --> 00:22:30.659 To build the church. 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:32.139 To give. 00:22:32.199 --> 00:22:32.819 So that the gospel. 00:22:32.959 --> 00:22:34.299 Will go out to all the nations. 00:22:34.299 --> 00:22:34.939 Of the earth. 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:36.500 We are giving ourselves. 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:37.079 An opportunity. 00:22:37.079 --> 00:22:38.859 To make an eternal investment. 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:40.500 For the health and salvation of people. 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:43.779 And that is why. 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:44.759 We must not be embarrassed. 00:22:44.880 --> 00:22:45.400 About saying actually. 00:22:45.519 --> 00:22:46.259 There is a need for giving. 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:48.099 There is a massive need for giving. 00:22:48.200 --> 00:22:48.660 In the church. 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:49.799 There is a massive need for giving. 00:22:49.900 --> 00:22:50.559 In the church now. 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:51.380 And there will be. 00:22:51.440 --> 00:22:52.400 Over the next number of years. 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:56.940 I read something on economics. 00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:58.000 I know nothing about economics. 00:22:58.180 --> 00:22:59.059 But this made sense. 00:22:59.460 --> 00:23:01.019 All money has an economic cost. 00:23:02.420 --> 00:23:02.880 That is. 00:23:02.900 --> 00:23:04.359 You cannot spend money on a cake. 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:05.660 And on an ice cream as well. 00:23:07.019 --> 00:23:07.960 If you spend. 00:23:08.500 --> 00:23:09.420 On a cake. 00:23:09.420 --> 00:23:10.480 The economic cost. 00:23:10.580 --> 00:23:11.720 Of spending the money on the cake. 00:23:11.800 --> 00:23:12.940 Means that you can't have an ice cream. 00:23:13.400 --> 00:23:13.860 So children. 00:23:14.140 --> 00:23:15.240 You buy Lego. 00:23:15.460 --> 00:23:15.800 With your. 00:23:16.920 --> 00:23:17.480 Pocket money. 00:23:17.580 --> 00:23:18.600 It takes all your money. 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:19.860 To buy the Lego. 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:21.240 Well you cannot buy yourself sweets. 00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:21.560 Can you? 00:23:21.860 --> 00:23:22.480 You can't do that. 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:23.120 It's only one or the other. 00:23:23.300 --> 00:23:24.460 You cannot do two things. 00:23:24.480 --> 00:23:25.200 With the same pound. 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:27.180 And that is a great reminder. 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:27.740 To you and I. 00:23:27.820 --> 00:23:27.920 Is that. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:29.420 Every time I say no. 00:23:29.500 --> 00:23:30.259 To a consumable. 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:32.560 Every time I say no. 00:23:32.580 --> 00:23:33.019 To Lego. 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.400 Or I say no. 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:34.940 To sweets. 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:36.519 Or I say no. 00:23:36.580 --> 00:23:38.180 To comics. 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:41.019 I'm freeing myself. 00:23:41.019 --> 00:23:41.840 To say yes. 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.640 To the spiritual welfare. 00:23:43.860 --> 00:23:44.320 Of others. 00:23:45.200 --> 00:23:46.700 Every time I say no. 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.980 To that flat screen TV. 00:23:49.519 --> 00:23:50.039 Or no. 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:50.840 To that new car. 00:23:50.940 --> 00:23:51.400 Or no. 00:23:51.480 --> 00:23:52.220 To that new sofa. 00:23:52.380 --> 00:23:52.820 Or no. 00:23:52.900 --> 00:23:53.539 To that extension. 00:23:53.900 --> 00:23:54.340 Or no. 00:23:54.420 --> 00:23:55.080 To that new house. 00:23:55.160 --> 00:23:55.779 And none of those things. 00:23:55.820 --> 00:23:56.380 Are bad things. 00:23:56.420 --> 00:23:57.080 Let me say that. 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:58.360 But when we say no. 00:23:58.400 --> 00:23:58.620 To them. 00:23:58.660 --> 00:23:59.840 We are freeing ourselves. 00:24:00.120 --> 00:24:00.779 To say yes. 00:24:00.840 --> 00:24:01.320 To others. 00:24:02.860 --> 00:24:03.920 To the eternal health. 00:24:03.960 --> 00:24:04.360 Of others. 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:07.840 There's an older ministry. 00:24:07.960 --> 00:24:08.259 In London. 00:24:08.259 --> 00:24:10.420 Who in his retirement. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:11.299 A number of years ago. 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:12.339 Visited lots and lots. 00:24:12.379 --> 00:24:13.420 Of gospel preaching churches. 00:24:13.420 --> 00:24:13.980 In our city. 00:24:15.220 --> 00:24:16.579 He listened to lots of recordings. 00:24:16.700 --> 00:24:17.799 Of people preaching in London. 00:24:18.500 --> 00:24:19.220 This is one of mine. 00:24:19.819 --> 00:24:20.299 And he said. 00:24:20.400 --> 00:24:21.039 Every sermon. 00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:21.980 Had one defect. 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:24.079 I did not hear. 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:25.359 One word of warning. 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:30.019 And I need to be warned. 00:24:32.279 --> 00:24:32.720 Wealth. 00:24:33.359 --> 00:24:34.519 Can find a place. 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:35.420 In your heart. 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.160 And mine. 00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:37.980 And we need to root it out. 00:24:39.540 --> 00:24:41.000 And we need to teach our wealth. 00:24:41.040 --> 00:24:41.440 A lesson. 00:24:41.580 --> 00:24:42.880 That Jesus is Lord. 00:24:47.420 --> 00:24:48.540 I go to Hamel Cafe. 00:24:48.860 --> 00:24:49.080 Because I. 00:24:49.180 --> 00:24:50.120 That seems to come up. 00:24:50.180 --> 00:24:51.000 Quite a lot of my sermons. 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:52.720 I have a bacon egg roll. 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.440 And a can of coke. 00:24:53.600 --> 00:24:53.779 For bread. 00:24:53.820 --> 00:24:55.000 It's the breakfast of champions. 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:58.100 But if I go there tomorrow. 00:24:58.200 --> 00:24:58.960 As I probably will. 00:24:59.240 --> 00:25:00.700 And I take the American dollars. 00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:01.580 That I have with me. 00:25:02.019 --> 00:25:03.519 And I say to the Turkish owner. 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:03.720 That. 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:05.019 I say take it. 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:06.139 Take it. 00:25:07.579 --> 00:25:08.279 He would say. 00:25:08.359 --> 00:25:10.279 That is not British sterling money. 00:25:11.359 --> 00:25:12.079 And I would say. 00:25:12.139 --> 00:25:12.299 No. 00:25:12.339 --> 00:25:13.119 It's American dollars. 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:14.240 And it's worth even more. 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:15.799 Than what your bacon and egg is. 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.680 Take it. 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:18.660 Go on. 00:25:18.720 --> 00:25:19.259 Take it. 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:20.639 He would say. 00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:21.079 No. 00:25:22.980 --> 00:25:24.279 I don't have to go on my slate. 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:25.700 And I will be in his debt. 00:25:27.119 --> 00:25:28.700 The Turkish man would say to me. 00:25:28.700 --> 00:25:29.420 He would say. 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:31.039 Your dollars mean nothing here. 00:25:31.039 --> 00:25:32.339 They are not legal tender. 00:25:37.159 --> 00:25:38.619 I trust that you will get to heaven. 00:25:40.259 --> 00:25:42.279 I trust that you will stand at the gates of heaven. 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:45.279 And let's say you empty out your pockets. 00:25:45.960 --> 00:25:46.559 What have you got? 00:25:47.899 --> 00:25:48.639 A house. 00:25:49.740 --> 00:25:50.319 A flat. 00:25:51.159 --> 00:25:52.019 A portfolio. 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.200 A portfolio. 00:25:55.079 --> 00:25:56.139 A car. 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:58.920 A flat screen TV. 00:25:58.920 --> 00:26:01.340 An iPhone. 00:26:03.880 --> 00:26:04.400 Look. 00:26:04.480 --> 00:26:05.019 I've got it all. 00:26:06.740 --> 00:26:07.980 You will hear the words. 00:26:08.039 --> 00:26:09.000 It means nothing here. 00:26:10.080 --> 00:26:11.400 It means nothing here. 00:26:11.460 --> 00:26:12.940 It is not legal tender here. 00:26:13.820 --> 00:26:15.120 It is not legal tender. 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:18.360 I got to the US. 00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:21.140 I arrived in Houston airport. 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.660 I've been on a nine hour flight. 00:26:23.460 --> 00:26:25.039 You arrive in America. 00:26:25.380 --> 00:26:27.000 And you queue for passport control. 00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:28.180 And the terrifying. 00:26:29.420 --> 00:26:30.740 Large people with guns. 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:31.519 And dogs. 00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:33.720 And I stood in a queue. 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.740 For 25 minutes. 00:26:34.819 --> 00:26:36.240 To get passport control. 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:39.160 There was a very very large black woman. 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.480 In an ill fitting uniform. 00:26:40.599 --> 00:26:42.059 Which looked like it was about to burst. 00:26:43.779 --> 00:26:45.160 And I came to the front of the queue. 00:26:46.039 --> 00:26:47.019 And I came to the desk. 00:26:47.059 --> 00:26:47.660 I was fed up. 00:26:47.720 --> 00:26:48.220 And I was tired. 00:26:48.299 --> 00:26:49.200 I handed her my passport. 00:26:49.339 --> 00:26:50.039 She looked at me. 00:26:50.559 --> 00:26:50.960 And said. 00:26:51.019 --> 00:26:51.619 Long flight. 00:26:51.619 --> 00:26:54.619 I smiled. 00:26:55.159 --> 00:26:55.519 She said. 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:56.779 Put your right hand on the machine. 00:26:57.699 --> 00:26:58.739 Put your fingerprints in. 00:26:58.819 --> 00:26:59.519 Put your left hand. 00:26:59.659 --> 00:27:00.239 Do your thumb. 00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:01.799 Look into the camera. 00:27:01.899 --> 00:27:02.699 And they always ask you. 00:27:02.739 --> 00:27:03.639 What are you here for? 00:27:05.139 --> 00:27:05.579 And I said. 00:27:05.599 --> 00:27:07.459 I'm a Presbyterian minister. 00:27:07.599 --> 00:27:08.739 Visiting churches to preach. 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:11.139 She said. 00:27:11.199 --> 00:27:11.879 Preaching what? 00:27:11.880 --> 00:27:14.500 I said. 00:27:14.580 --> 00:27:15.340 Preaching the gospel. 00:27:16.860 --> 00:27:18.240 She stamped the passport. 00:27:18.600 --> 00:27:19.140 Closed it. 00:27:21.560 --> 00:27:22.940 With a broad smile. 00:27:23.340 --> 00:27:23.760 She said. 00:27:23.800 --> 00:27:24.840 You are most welcome brother. 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:27.900 I walked on through. 00:27:29.060 --> 00:27:30.180 You're at the gates of heaven. 00:27:31.700 --> 00:27:33.040 And you empty your pockets. 00:27:35.640 --> 00:27:36.860 And somebody shouts. 00:27:36.940 --> 00:27:37.640 I remember you. 00:27:39.540 --> 00:27:40.660 Didn't you come to my village. 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:42.279 To translate the scriptures. 00:27:45.000 --> 00:27:46.080 I remember you. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.660 Didn't you give money. 00:27:47.820 --> 00:27:48.480 So that that lady. 00:27:48.620 --> 00:27:49.240 Could go to Morocco. 00:27:50.820 --> 00:27:51.700 And reach. 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:52.700 Men and women. 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.620 With the gospel there. 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:56.480 I remember you. 00:27:56.600 --> 00:27:57.220 Didn't you come. 00:27:57.540 --> 00:27:58.300 To share the gospel. 00:27:58.600 --> 00:27:59.540 In that summer camp. 00:28:01.240 --> 00:28:02.080 I remember you. 00:28:02.080 --> 00:28:02.680 You gave money. 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:03.060 So that. 00:28:03.320 --> 00:28:04.100 That my daughter. 00:28:04.279 --> 00:28:05.279 Could go to that summer camp. 00:28:05.320 --> 00:28:06.259 And she was converted there. 00:28:07.540 --> 00:28:08.440 I remember you. 00:28:08.480 --> 00:28:09.240 You gave money. 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:10.640 To help build that village. 00:28:10.660 --> 00:28:13.000 In ridiculously expensive London. 00:28:13.460 --> 00:28:14.680 Which served the gospel. 00:28:14.820 --> 00:28:16.220 For generations to come. 00:28:17.820 --> 00:28:18.759 I remember you. 00:28:18.820 --> 00:28:19.500 Didn't you support. 00:28:19.640 --> 00:28:20.279 Those missionaries. 00:28:20.360 --> 00:28:21.040 That trained up. 00:28:21.080 --> 00:28:22.320 A generation of workers. 00:28:22.740 --> 00:28:23.600 I remember you. 00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:25.060 And then there is a voice. 00:28:25.660 --> 00:28:26.240 That is heard. 00:28:26.320 --> 00:28:27.259 Over all of them. 00:28:27.500 --> 00:28:28.279 And it says this. 00:28:28.400 --> 00:28:29.759 As much as you have done. 00:28:30.160 --> 00:28:31.300 Unto the least of these. 00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:32.960 You've done it unto me. 00:28:32.960 --> 00:28:36.120 I tell you. 00:28:36.120 --> 00:28:36.640 Very. 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:36.640 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:36.640 00:28:36.640 --> 00:28:37.200 Very. 00:28:37.200 --> 00:28:37.279 Very. 00:28:37.279 --> 00:28:37.380 Very. 00:28:37.380 --> 00:28:37.940 Very. 00:28:37.940 --> 00:28:38.039 Very. 00:28:38.519 --> 00:28:40.059 Be warned. 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.579 Be warned. 00:28:42.799 --> 00:28:44.519 Use worldly wealth. 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.519 To gain friends. 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:45.559 To gain friends. 00:28:45.660 --> 00:28:46.259 For yourselves. 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:48.220 So that when it is gone. 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:49.619 You will be welcomed. 00:28:49.619 --> 00:28:50.859 Into eternal dwellings. 00:28:51.759 --> 00:28:53.099 The master commended. 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:54.079 The dishonest manager. 00:28:54.440 --> 00:28:55.940 Because he acted shrewdly. 00:28:57.119 --> 00:28:57.960 A shrewd. 00:28:58.579 --> 00:28:59.599 And generous. 00:28:59.920 --> 00:29:00.819 Use of wealth. 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:03.980 May that characterize IPC. 00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:05.120 Let us pray. 00:29:05.120 --> 00:29:05.519 Amen.