04 Finishing the Story - Who's on First?

Finishing the Story Pt. 4: Who's On First? By Louie Marsh, 9-27-2026 "44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44–46, ESV) 1) The Kingdom of God is of SUPREME value. "44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…. finding one pearl of great value…(Matthew 13:44a–46a, ESV) "19"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19–21, ESV) "33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV) 2) The Kingdom of God is revealed in DIFFERENT WAYS to different people. …which a man found and covered up… in search of fine pearls, 46who, on finding one pearl of great value… (Matthew 13:44a, 45a,46a, ESV) "34And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions." (Mark 12:34, ESV) 3) The only real response is a JOYFUL SURRENDER. Then in his joy he goes… went and sold… "24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24, ESV) 4) The Kingdom of God is free but not CHEAP. sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:44b, 46b, ESV) · It costs me EVERYTHING. "1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:1–2, ESV) "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer.