Introduction: One of the topics people least like to hear preached about is money. Similarly, one of the topics pastors least like to preach about is money. Why is that? There are many reasons but I think part of it is we have made it about a“have to” instead of “want to”. Today we will look at how Ezra 3 moves us from the “have to” to “want to” First, let me share a story I heard in a sermon by Erick Sorenson. A $100 bill, a $20 bill, and a $1 bill met up with each other at the shredder at the end of their natural lives. The $100 said, “Well, I’ve had a good life. I’ve seen the whole world. I’ve been on cruises in Caribbean, safaris in Africa, and vacations in Europe.” The $20 said, “Well, I’ve not done quite as well, but I have been to Atlantic City, Disneyland, and Starbucks.” They both turned to $1 bill and asked, “How about you?” He said, “Oh, I’ve seen the whole nation from coast to coast. I’ve been from church to church to church...” The $100 bill...
