Sermon Series- Where's your heart?

Yesterday during Sunday morning service, we had a great finish to the sermon series on The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. What did Oak Ridge walk away with? First, an understanding of the Treasure Principle: "You can't take it with you, but you can sent it on ahead" (Alcorn). We also discussed the 6 Keys the author gave for understanding the principle:

1. God owns Everything. I'm His money manager. We are the managers of the assets God has entrusted - not - given to us.


2. My heart always goes where I put God's money. Watch what happens when you reallocate your money from temporal things to eternal things (cr. Matthew 6:21).


3. Heaven, not earth, is my home. We are citizens of a better place - a heavenly place (cr. Hebrews 11:16).


4. I should live not for the dot but for the line. From the dot - our present life on earth - extends a line that goes on forever, which is eternity in heaven.


5. Giving is the only antidote to materialism. Giving is a joyful surrender to a greater person and a greater purpose. It dethrones me and exalts Him.


6. God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving. God gives more so we can give more - generously.

Each family present during the series also got a free copy of the book to read and pass on to others. And although the sermon was brought about by low giving and a budget shortfall, the lessons obtained were more than just about money. Of course the imperative of tithing was present, but also the surrender of the heart, will, and mind. As well as giving the most valuable thing of all: time. As followers of Christ, we were reminded that our receipts, calendars, attitudes, relationships, etc. tell the true story of if we have truly been following our Lord. Serving self, or sacrificially, generously, and consistently giving up my rights, time, talent, and treasure for the glory of the Father. As did Jesus by leaving heaven and coming to earth, taking on flesh, giving of Himself, and ultimately taking the wrath of sinners on the cross. Our Lord shared many truths requiring His followers to evidence that in their choices (Matthew 6:21, John 13:34-35, John 15). This series was a refreshing reminder of living the simple life: In Christ, for Christ, and by Christ. Depending on Him in all things, not worrying and hoarding... Hope you discovered or rediscovered the joy of giving.

Next week we will begin the Easter series, which will take us through Easter, April 24th, including a sunrise service that morning. Hope you can join us. Press on- Phil.3:14, David.