The Treasure Principle

Notes: The Treasure Principle 
April 9, 2017
Pastor Greg Laurie and Randy Alcorn 
Harvest OC

Today is Palm Sunday.

Right before the Triumphal Entry...
John 12:9-11 ESV
[9] When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. [10] So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, [11] because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

What is the significance of Palm Sunday? It is the plan and purpose of God.

John 12:12-13 ESV
[12] The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. [13] So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!"

The price was paid for our redemption on the cross.

Acts 4:27-30 ESV
[27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. [29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

We are risen with Christ.

What do people in Heaven know about people on earth?
We will be aware of passing of time, we won't know everything, we will still be finite. 

It is possible that people in Heaven, will know what is going on here on Earth. It will be with a Heavenly perspective.

Romans 8:28 ESV
[28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

We will recognize each other in Heaven.

God Himself is called Happy.

Hebrews 1:9 ESV
[9] You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

We will live happily ever after. Knowing that, we should participate in that happiness today.

Acts 20:35 ESV
[35] In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

God is a giving God.

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV
[9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

You can't take it with you...
Matthew 6:19 ESV
[19] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,

...you can send it on ahead.
Matthew 6:20-21 ESV
[20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Tithing isn't the ceiling of giving, it's the floor. Jesus didn't lower the bar of living, He was raising the bar.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 NKJV
[17] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, [19] storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

To be prepared for Heaven is to be be prepared to meet God.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
[21] For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

In Christ our sins are covered and we are prepared for Heaven.