In the greatest sermon ever given Jesus instructed His followers to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He pointed out that wherever our treasure is, our heart would be there also. The question is, “How does one lay up treasures in heaven?” The answer is to invest in those going there. There are two investment accounts for heaven’s treasures. The first one is the Gospel account. We must be telling the Good News. The second is the Goodness account. These two accounts work hand in hand. It is the second one I want to speak to here.
 
In Matthew 25, Jesus speaks of the judgment when He will place the sheep and goats in opposite camps. He then tells the sheep to enter the Kingdom and speaks of the good things they did for Him when He was hungry, thirsty, naked, in prison and without housing. They are confused and ask when they did such things for Him. He responds by informing them that when they did it for the least they did it for Him.
 
Our culture looks for authentic Christianity today. And real Jesus followers are kind to the hurting. At Olive Baptist we are investing in a ministry village that is designed to do the work outlined in Matthew 25. Our Charis House is a place we provide for ladies who are coming out of prison. Intensive discipleship is demanded. Life skills are taught and productive followers of Christ are built. This residential facility is an investment in ladies going to heaven. We see them saved and transformed by God’s grace.
 
Our vision contains a clinic for free healthcare staffed with encouragers to share the Gospel. Our Goodness Ministry provides clothing and food. Counseling for troubled families is a part of the Ministry Village. When we meet the needs of people and do it in Jesus’ name, we are finding people open to the Gospel. We are unapologetic about the Gospel. That is the reason we are here.
 
I often hear it said everything rises and falls on leadership. Leaders are extremely important. However, we find everything rises and falls on Lordship. When Jesus is Lord, ministry and the Gospel walk hand in hand. The Gospel and Goodness accounts allow us to lay up treasures in heaven.
 
Often I am asked why we do ministry evangelism. Here is my response:
1. Jesus called for it.
2. It is right and it works.
3. It is on the final exam at the judgment.

Our second Charis House is now complete. However, we are not ready to move the ladies in. We still need some furnishings. The house is registered at Target. I encourage you to stop by and purchase something for the house. It is as easy as buying for a wedding shower. This is another great way of investing with goodness.
 
Pastor Ted Traylor

Posted on Friday, February 29th, 2008 at 8:53 am.
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