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The Roman Centurion’s turning point: Compassion & Power • Would you consider getting to know Jesus yourself by reading the gospel of John? Mary’s turning point: Hope • What sort of hope did Mary find in the resurrection of Jesus Christ? Peter’s turning point: Forgiveness • Can you relate to Peter as a man needing forgiveness? In what ways?

Jesus asks God to change the circumstances Pray the simple thing first. Remember that God can do anything. God said No to Jesus. Which means that God says No even to those He loves. Notice what Jesus doesn’t do when God says no. He does not give into our natural tendency of: fight or flight. Are there certain ways that you have been “walking away” from a pain that God is calling you to bear? Jesus accepted God’s will. He put His trust in God and bore the pain. His obedience gave us life and hope today, and ours will do the same for others (and ourselves). Four things that suffering does to us: • Builds resilience • Draws us closer in relationships • Changes our priorities • Develops compassion

Interactive Questions: How much is the life of a pet worth? How much is a human life worth? • Mary gave her priceless treasure to Jesus in response to God giving her His priceless treasure in His son. What would it look like for you to offer this to Jesus? • Once we give our priceless treasure to Jesus, don’t expect others to applaud.

Two questions • Is this passage saying that if we care for the needy that we can earn a place in heaven? • What was the motivation of these people who helped and what should ours be? As a church we are called to move from “planned compassion” towards “heart compassion”, embodying the heart of Jesus wherever we go. 3 Practical Points 1. You have to go and be there… 2. "Who here is in need?" 3. Be willing to be uncomfortable.

1. God gives us money (talents) to invest for Him. (Matthew 25:14-18) Are you putting “money to work” for God? 2. Everyone will be accountable. (Matthew 25:19) If you died tomorrow, how is your Spiritual Profit? (Matthew 6:20, treasures in heaven) 3. “Good seed” testify to His love. (Matthew 25:21, 23) “Bad seed” will end up in the fire. (Matthew 25:24-30) Are you “good seed” or “bad seed”? (Matthew 13:36-43)

What kind of life would you want to live where there are no regrets? Live each day with urgency (as if Jesus were coming tomorrow) and live each year with perseverance (because Jesus might take a really long time). Spiritual preparedness is not something that others can provide for you, every person needs their own oil. So my question for you today is this: what would it take for you not just to be fired up for God now, but fired up for the rest of your life? Wait Training Plan 1. Remember His grace. 2. Get inspired. 3. Drop something and pick up something.

Are You Ready? Wait Training Wait so you are ready at any moment (Matthew 24:36-51) Wait as if it might take a long time (Matthew 25:1-13) What steps must I take to become spiritually mature? Ongoing disciplines: New ones: Wait by actively increasing the Master’s assets (Matt 25:14-29) Wait by loving and serving those in need (Matt 25:1-46) How has God called me to make a difference for Christ? Resources (money, time, talents,story): To who? friends, family, work, church others

“Wait Training” Are You Ready? series, pt. 1 Matthew 24: 1-28 Pastor Andrew Huang In Matthew 24: 4-21, Jesus is talking about the time between his first and second coming; namely, the time we find ourselves in now. He predicts what it is going to be like.

Psalm 100 is an invitation to enter joyfully into God's presence, and give thanks publicly as a community. 6 Things to know about God: • He is Creator. He is Master. He is Great Shepherd. (v3) • He is good. He is love. He is faithful. (v5) In response to what we know about God, we are invited to: • Joyfully shout, worship with gladness, and sing. (v.1-2) • Thank God and praise Him. (v.4) Questions: Is your expression of joy too limited? too private? Do you need more freedom to have a more joyful life? Is your generosity a reflection of your love of Jesus?

To make disciples who love God, love people, and serve the world.

More than Money series

Pastor Andrew and Guest Speaker Jonathan Zinghkai. The video in the "Related Episodes" area is referred to within the first 15 minutes of the talking time. It must be played separately and is about 4 minutes long.

The Generosity Pendulum: Let’s ask God to move us towards… a lifestyle of _____________-driven, ____________ saturated generosity! 1. His ____________________ work • Micah 6:1-8; Romans 5:6-8 2. Our ___________________ response for His grace • Micah 6:8 a) Act _________________ b) Love _______________ c) Walk _________________ Question: Where is your heart this morning? In light of the gospel, let’s continue to allow His grace to compel us to be generous with both our __________ & our _______________! • 1 John 3:16-18 • 1 Thessalonians 2:8 “…when the Spirit enables us to understand what Christ has done for us, the result is a life poured out in deeds of justice and compassion for the poor.” - Keller

Jesus gave this command to us: “Do not worry!” He told us we can do this by: 1. Trusting God to know and provide for our basic needs. (v.30) Can you be content with just this? 2. Seeking the Kingdom of God, where His will is done. (v.31) Does your lifestyle reflect Kingdom life? 3. Having our hearts in the right place, that being heaven. (v.33) Where are your treasures, because where your treasures are your heart is? “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” (Corrie ten Boom)

Live Simply, Give Generously (Year #3) What’s new this year? Our goal: We want to give more than just our money for kingdom causes, but our hearts, our relational investment, our gospel partnership, our service, and our prayers! • $20K matching (instead of $10K) to be used creatively for more than just a donation… • The Cube (for families) Money is OPPORTUNITY Luke 16: 1-13 The dishonest manager is not being commended for his ethics but his SHREWDNESS. Definition: Use this green paper to MAKE FRIENDS and build something that will LAST FOR ETERNITY. An irresistable offer: Trade the SMALL, UNRIGHTEOUS, AND BORROWED, for the MUCH, TRUE, AND YOURS FOREVER. The ultimate question Jesus is asking us is: Who is your master (and savior)?

10 Life Assessment Questions Taken from, “Tribal Church” by Steve Stroope Please rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 5 (1=very poor, 5=excellent) Fitness: Faithfulness: Fruitfulness: Evangelism Acts 22:1-21 Paul shares his story: • I am one of you guys…(v. 3-5) • but then, something happened to me…(v. 6-16) • and this is the reason why…(v.17-21

A. David’s Extravagant Kindness to Mephibosheth: 1. David the victor was perfectly entitled to eliminate King Saul’s heirs, but chooses to show kindness to Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son. (2 Sam 9:7) Def. Entitlement: the right or authority to do or have something Is there someone God wants you to show extravagant kindness to this week? 2. Mephibosheth called himself “a dead dog,” thinking he did not deserve King David’s kindness. (2 Sam 9:8) In what ways are you like Mephibosheth before God? 3. David granted Mephibosheth to always eat at the king’s table. (2 Sam 9:13) As a Christian, do you feel like an heir to your Heavenly Father’s spiritual kingdom? Especially when you come to the Lord’s Table? B. God’s Extravagant Kindness to Us 1. God gave us Jesus, who laid down his life for us. (1 John 3:16) 2.

This is good news for ALL people. The sign: the Savior is ACCESSIBLE to everyone. There is a special place for SMALL people in God's kingdom. The coming of Jesus causes people to DROP EVERYTHING in order to receive Him.

The Advent season is a time of spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ. In short, it is a time of waiting.

Outline 1. Anticipating Christmas - Christmas the __________ __________ way - Christmas the Advent way is __________, __________ and ____________. 2. A Theology of Work - It\'s in God\'s nature to ___________. - It\'s in Our nature to ___________ ____________. 3. Moving from Work to Rest We are called to: - Rest in the ________________. - Rest in Partnering with ________________. - Rest in the Midst of ____________ ____________. Application: My Advent commitment is to rest in ____________________ My Christmas \"Not-to-Do\" List is ____________________