What Rivets Christ's Attention?

February 25, 2007
Mark 12:41-44
Dr. Roger Ferguson, Sr. Pastor

THEME: Jesus' love is pure. He needs nothing from us and He knows our frailty and He still loves us. Jesus calls us to obey Him and then He gives us what He requires of us! In this season, God is working in us that we may be equipped for God to do awesome things through us.

I. Jesus' attention is riveted to the person who seizes an opportunity instead of coasting.
(Mark 12:41-42)

1. Jesus sees how we give.
(Mark 12:41)

2. Change your " got to" to "get" to.
(Mark 12:42)

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
II Corinthians 9:7

II. Jesus' attention is riveted to real sacrifice.
(Mark 12:43-44)

Three levels of giving: (1)tithing; (2) Generosity and (3) sacrifice (change of lifestyle).

"But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them."

II Samuel 24:24

III. Jesus smiles when we trust Him to meet our needs.
(Mark 12:44)

1. Value the Vision isn't raising funds; it is raising our faith in the God who transforms people to be "fully devoted followers of Christ".

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Hebrews 11:6

2. Faith raising shrinks our fears.

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread."
Psalm 37:25

Act on the truth you've heard.
1. Because of Jesus' love and provision what will you sacrificially do for Value the Vision?
2. Have you trusted Christ as your Savior and Lord and followed Him in baptism?
3. Pray for the unity of FBCO members as we Value the Vision and reach out to those in need of what only Christ can give.