All of Me

Intro- About me

You will also want to note that I am a terrible evangelist! I want to tell you a story of bad evangelism I did.

Told her about my ministry and testimony. “I think I do need to add a little religion to my life. Can I visit your church?” I don’t think you will like my church.

I uninvited her to church! Can you believe that?! What was I thinking? I did have a bible verse in mind. Can I share it with you?

Matthew 13:44

English Standard Version Chapter 13

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

People in Palestine often hid treasured. No Banks.

If someone died, then it would be lost

Our Friend, is probably a peasant. Doesn’t really have a lot. works the field for a wealthy man.

As he is plowing, his plow hits something hard. It is a treasure box.

We don’t know what is in it, but we know it is of great value.

We all love a get rich story- Don’t we?

My wife and I play “If we won the lottery”

Not as much fun, as we have matured in the Lord.

I would plant churches in 10 new countries. I would hire nannies and adopt hundreds of children. (Oh you mean start an orphanage)

This story is a little different. Not your classic get rich and rub it in their face story. Oh, He wins the lottery, but the ticket isn’t his.

The treasure belongs to the landowner, you see. It’s on his property.

He buries the treasure again. Goes and sells everything that he has.

What do you think a peasant field worker had?

Clothes. Tools for living. The necessities to live. He completely forgets about the present time, thinking only of the future treasure.

Is this what Jesus meant, when he said, do not worry about what you will eat, or what clothes you will wear? Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be added onto you?

This guy must have looked like he was losing his mind! He couldn’t tell anyone what was happening? They would steal the treasure.

What are you doing?! What are you going to wear? Where will you live?!

But he carries on- confident. He gets just enough money. Buys the field. Now the treasure is his!

3 things I want to point out:

1. The treasure is hidden- No one can find it for you. It’s hidden. Until you see it. You can never un-see it. You must make a decision when you see it. What will you do?

2. The treasure costs everything- You can’t withhold anything- Rich young Ruler. What must I do to inherit eternal life? Sell all you have and give it to the poor, come and follow me.

He left sad. He missed the treasure.

Do I have to sell everything? Probably! The reason you asked means you are holding on.

My story-(working and doing ministry- stressed out and miserable. God what do you want me to do?

living off of faith for the ministry- room mate and rent due.

I grew so much. I love that season of my life.

That season cost me everything else! But it was worth it! brings me to point 3

3. The treasure is so worth it! - Worthy of everything!

Do you think the peasant was sad about his clothes he sold after he dug up the treasure? Do you think he was bummed he had to give up all of his old tools? OF COURSE NOT!

Do you recognize the value of the Kingdom?

My friend didn’t- That’s why she said. “I need to add a little religion in my life”

Later she asked me why I didn’t think she would like my church. I told her about the the time Jesus said this:

If you want to save your life, you will lose it. If you lose your life for my sake, you will receive eternal life.

Kari, you can’t add Jesus to the life you already life. You have to exchange the life you live for Jesus.

Her eyes teared up… “I’m not sure I like this life I have that much anyway.” The Lord had obviously been working in her.

Well you are probably ready to come to my church. I have good news for you. There is a better life. We prayed and she showed up the next week, and every week after.

I still get a note every year on the anniversary of this date, thanking me for showing her God and connecting her to the Kingdom life.

I want to ask you…are you experiencing the treasure? Or have you re-buried it and continue to come visit it once in a while, holding on to everything you have.

Today is the day! Give it up.

Satan would say, tomorrow you should get serious about this Jesus thing.

The Bible always talks about now and today!

It Is WORTH IT! Life and life to the full. By giving up what I thought my life should be, I have lived a crazy, adventurous, supernatural, outrageously fun life. You can too!

Let me pray for you.