2. 12. More to Life Luke 12:22-34 p. 961

3. Good News  Passage today tends to weigh on our hearts.  Life is tough enough.  This passage says the opposite of what we think.  Good News (v 32):  “It’s your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom”

4. 1. Given the Kingdom  Sounds esoteric, obscure, pie-in-the-sky. It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom  Our story:  Getting rid of everything to come to Canada.

5. 1. Given the Kingdom...  We were confident God would provide as He promised  Jesus’ amazing new story: God is acting in the world to bring salvation

6. 1. Given the Kingdom...  We will inherit a Kingdom, the Kingdom:  A Kingdom of Shalom (peace & wellbeing)  A Kingdom of joy & abundance in the Holy Spirit  A Kingdom without striving, oppression, fear, want,...  An eternal Kingdom of bliss and fulfillment It is the Father’s good pleasure to give it to us.

7. 1. Given the Kingdom...  Do not be held back:  By the encumbrance of stuff  By the worries of this life.

8. 2. Free from Fear  Title of this sermon: “More to life”  v. 23 “life is more than...”  Easy to say... But someone as to pay the bills.  We live in the most affluent society...... that has ever existed

9. 2. Free from Fear...  Reuters News report (2012):  Anxiety disorders: increased more than 1200% since 1980  It is real. It is debilitating.  Jesus says: “why are you anxious... ?” (v 25-26)  We’re used to the platitudes:  “Don’t worry, everything’s going to be fine”  Jesus doesn’t say that.

10. 2. Free from Fear...  Jesus’ words (v 29-31):  “Seek his kingdom and these things will be added to you”  Our Father in Heaven will provide.  Our Father knows what we need.

11. 2. Free from Fear...  Freedom from anxiety comes from:  Seeking first his kingdom  Trusting God to provide.  He doesn’t always make things easy...... but He will care for us. Lectio Divina: contemplatio.

12. Living It  Firstfruits:  He gets the firstfruits  We give in confidence God will supplyu.  God comes first if I want to live without anxiety.

13. Living It  Keep our focus:  Not be distracted by the worries of this life.  This is where “the church” comes in  We need to encourage – and – be encouraged

14. Living It o Sunday Worship o Small Group o Morning Prayer 7am (Mon, Wed, Fri)