The 3 imperatives of giving:

1) Return, 2) Bring, 3) Test

The 4 steps of growth in giving:

* Non-giver to Initial Giver (TEST)

* Initial Giver to Consistent Giver (TIMELY)

* Consistent Giver to Proportional Giver (TITHE)

* Proportional Giver to Sacrificial Giver (TRUST)

Take the 4-month giving challenge @ wlbc.life/four

1. We are created to serve

2. We are saved to serve

3. We are gifted to serve

4. We are commanded to serve

5. We need each other's service

6. We serve others as a way of serving God

7. We serve as a way of worship

8. Our service shows we belong to Christ

9. Our service makes life far more meaningful

10. Our service will be rewarded

* Our challenge is not our present circumstances, proficiency, or profits. Our challenge is our perspective and priorities.

* We are not owners but are stewards

* 3 Options with Time, Talent, and Treasure: waste, spend, generously invest

1) We live in the moment!

Your life is your… Loves

Your life contains… Intersections

Your life is blessed with… Fortunes

Your life is part of God’s… Eternity

2) We live for Eternity!

Romans 8:17

*   A highly nuanced question - Who’s asking?

* Among the most profound questions

* What happened in the Two Gardens?

* The magnitude of Adam’s sin

* God’s plan includes suffering

* The Surgeon’s scalpel

* The Designer of redemptive suffering

Four stages God uses to help us:

1) Crisis (v22-25)

2) Commitment (v26)

3) Confession (v27)

4) Cooperation (v28)

1. Becoming mature requires exercising one's spiritual senses. (5:11-14)

2. Becoming mature requires an awareness of the potential hindrances to growth. (6:1-6)

3. Becoming mature requires ongoing work to receive the word. (6:7-8)

4. Becoming mature will be evidenced by hope. (6:9-12)

1) Trust in the goodness of God (v1-15)

2) Look beyond the present (v16-22)

3) Let God be your portion (v23-28)

We only have hope...

1. When we humbly confess.

2. When we persistently pray.

3. When we passionately pursue.

4. When we rightly repent.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. The Word of God testifies of the Word made flesh

2. The Word of God reveals the reality of sin

3. The Word of God transforms our mind

4. The Word of God provides endurance to finish the race

5. The Word of God equips us for every good work

What Kind of Father is God?

1. God is a Caring Father

2. God is a Consistent Father

3. God is a Close Father

4. God is a Capable Father