I. THE GOOD LIFE

Our job for full-time ministry may not be a step up for the kingdom of God but a step down.

God may have given you the ability, right where you are. To help plant churches and missionaries reach those God has called them to, as well as the ability to reach others in your own unique sphere of ministry.

No matter your platform, whether you are a salesperson, flight attendant, stay at home mom or doctor or lawyer. Our platform is for the glory of God. So, give generously to the causes of evangelism, justice, and mercy that are close to His heart.

- Randy Alcorn

II. GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, AND GREAT NEWS

1. GOOD NEWS - CONTENTMENT
2. BAD NEWS - MATERIALISM
3. GREAT NEWS - ETERNITY

1. GOOD NEWS: CONTENTMENT

Material things can’t bring us contentment and money can’t buy happiness, the knowledge that money and things won’t satisfy us frees us to look to Jesus.

- Randy Alcorn

2. BAD NEWS: MATERIALISM

Paul’s concern isn’t about how much money we make or even whether we’re richer than others. Rather, he focuses on what we treasure most and how much we keep in relation to what we give.

- Randy Alcorn

3. GREAT NEWS: ETERNITY

Once we truly embrace Gods ownership, it’s a small step to regularly ask him what he wants us to do with His money and possessions.

- Randy Alcorn

There is clearly a place for enjoying what money can buy, when accompanied by generous giving. Scripture doesn’t exalt socialism, endorse asceticism, glorified poverty, or condemn the enjoyment of materialism possessions.

God is not stingy with his children- he models the same extravagant generosity he calls us to show others.

Yes, God does want us to be rich, but he wants us to be rich in deeds.

- Randy Alcorn

THE DOCTRINE OF ETERNAL REWARDS

• God rewards us generously - Matthew 19:29
• God rewards us fairly - Acts 17:31
• God rewards us in his perfect knowledge - Hebrews 4:13
• God wont overlook anyone or anything as he gives rewards - Ephesians 6:8
• God will reward us for showing kindness to the undeserving - Luke 6:35
• God will reward us for wise stewardship - Matthew 25:14-23
• God will reward us for identifying with those suffering for Christ - Hebrews 10:34-35

Next Step Takeaways:
With God:
- Giving is secure in Heaven

Giving gives the greatest control and also the greatest security, because once we give it away, it can never be lost or taken from us.

- Randy Alcorn

Next Step Takeaways:
With Others:
- Giving gives us eternal responsibilities on the new earth

Your role in that Kingdom is not only as a son or daughter of the King, but also as an investor, an asset manager, and eternal beneficiary. Your reward’s may include the privilege of being a ruler in that kingdom.- A king or queen serving the King of Kings.

- Randy Alcorn

Next Step Takeaways:
On Mission:
- Giving has a boomerang effect

God asks us to give radically in order to let go of a mediocre Christian life and grab hold of an abundant life.

- Randy Alcorn

Next Step Takeaways:
On Mission:
- God invites you to test His provision by giving

Because God is the greatest giver in the universe, he won’t let you out give him. God ahead and try. See what happens. When more comes back, whatever you do, don’t hold it tightly.

- Randy Alcorn

Next Step Takeaways:
On Mission:
- God wants you to believe that giving is the good life

Not only shouldn’t we be satisfied by hoarding or overspending; we cant be. Generosity really is the good life.

- Randy Alcorn

The Big Idea:
Freedom from materialism to have freedom for generosity.