Welcome to New Covenant Church!

We are so glad you have joined us to celebrate the Risen Lord! This week, we will hear a lesson from Fr. Christopher Caudle called "A Very Good Year." Here are the scriptures for this week:

Scriptures
Psalm 49:1-11
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:13-21

We look forward to seeing you online with us!

Hear the sermon now, "A Very Good Year" - Fr. Christopher Caudle

Summary

Fr. Christopher explores a unique parable from Luke's Gospel (Luke 12), focusing on themes of abundance, greed, and trust in God. It emphasizes how Jesus uses storytelling to challenge listeners to consider their attitudes toward wealth and reliance on God rather than material possessions. The message addresses both those experiencing abundance and those facing scarcity, encouraging gratitude, generosity, and faith.

Introduction to the Parable and Its Uniqueness

Fr. Christopher begins by highlighting that Luke's Gospel contains unique passages, including a parable where God Himself directly speaks, which is uncommon in biblical stories. Jesus, known as the master storyteller, surprises his audience with unexpected twists in his parables, and this one is no exception. The parable is set before a large crowd and starts with a young man requesting Jesus to intervene in a family inheritance dispute, revealing underlying greed and dissatisfaction.

The Central Warning Against Greed

Jesus's response to the younger brother's request is a caution against greed, emphasizing that possessions do not measure life’s value. This warning follows an earlier caution against hypocrisy, which stresses aligning one’s heart with God’s purposes and living with integrity that will ultimately be revealed.

The Parable’s Narrative: Abundance and the Rich Man’s Plan

The parable describes a rich man who wakes up to an overwhelming harvest, symbolizing an "avalanche of abundance." Instead of gratitude or generosity, the man focuses on storing his surplus by building bigger barns. He plans to enjoy life easily, eating and drinking without concern for others or the future.

God’s Response and the Reality of Life’s Transience

God interrupts the man’s self-centered plan with a stark reminder that life is uncertain and can end unexpectedly. God calls the man "foolish" for neglecting the essential reality that his life itself is not in his control and questions who will inherit his wealth when he dies. This challenges listeners to consider the futility of hoarding wealth without being "rich toward God".

What It Means to Be Rich Toward God

Being rich toward God involves gratitude, generosity, and investing in the future beyond oneself. Unlike the rich man who hoards for personal consumption, believers are encouraged to express thankfulness for God’s provision, share generously with others, and build legacies that reflect God’s values. The parable invites reflection on how one’s wealth and life plans align with God’s kingdom.

Guidance for Those Facing Scarcity

For those not experiencing abundance, Jesus’s teaching in Luke 12 offers reassurance: do not worry about material needs such as food or clothing. God’s care for creation, like ravens and flowers, exemplifies His provision. Believers are urged to seek God’s kingdom first, trusting that their needs will be met, and to lay aside anxiety and fear, embracing God’s invitation to live under His reign.

Practical Application and Personal Reflection

Fr. Christopher shares how faith in God’s provision can overcome anxiety. He concludes by urging listeners to examine their own lives: whether they feel anxious or fearful, and are placing their trust in God or material security. The core message is that salvation and true security are found in the Father God, not possessions or plans.

In summary, he challenges believers to respond to God’s generosity with gratitude and generosity, invest in eternal values, and trust God fully regardless of their material circumstances.

P rayer