HERE IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND TOUCHING SCENES FROM THE LIFE OF JESUS RECORDED IN BIBLE

1. The Oriental feast was a public event - could be a revival or a riot!  This one was special.
2. The deep study into the lives, feelings, sacrifices, and results in people's lives- worth much
3. But unless you let the Bible touch you- its story and parable are powerless in your life.-

If you let this one touch you- the alabaster box can perfume your heart even today!

I.- WHICH WILL LOVE HIM MOST?   Luke 7:36-50

After the heartache of Matthew 11- Jesus needed special love - deep discouragement- so -feast!

A.- JESUS WAS INVITED TO A FEAST, AND ATE WITH A PHARISEE NAMED SIMON (common name) v.36-40

1. A woman came- bringing an alabaster box - deliberately, for she had heard Jesus sat at meat
2. She stood at His feet- Weeping (What had He said?) dried his feet with hair, anointed with perfume
3. The Pharisee condemned Jesus & her in his mind- Jesus -40b -he said "Master, say on."

B.- THE PARABLE JESUS GAVE WAS OF TWO DEBTORS WHO BOTH FOUND FORGIVENESS - NOTE DIFFERENCE 46-43

1. Great difference in debt- equal forgiveness- but difference in appreciation- love! Which?
2. Simon knew right answer & Jesus complimented him on it!-  But the parable had an interpretation

C.- JESUS GAVE THE APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE IN SUCH A WAY THAT BROUGHT SALVATION TO ONE -44-50

1. Simon's failure was because he judged appearances- thought he was forgiven little -wrong!
2. "Wherefore" v.47 -"Her sins forgiven -for she loved much!" Her gift- or love?  Counted?
3. The Pharisees were disturbed- so Jesus spoke directly to her - v.50 -Saved & Peace -

I have heard Pharisees here criticize some who have sinned easily- but whose love shows much

II. WHAT WAS THE ALABASTER BOX? v. 37b

Unless we look deeply into hearts and deeds - we miss the real beauty of this passage -

A.- THE ABABASTER BOX WAS BROUGHT TO THE HOUSE BECAUSE JESUS WAS THERE, & IT WAS PRECIOUS

1. The flask of perfume- often hung around a lady's neck -could be a tenth of her dowry!
2. She brought it because Jesus was there- (Purpose) - and used it for Him (Action) of faith

B.- WHAT COULD BE AN ALABASTER BOX FOR THE LORD TODAY? IT MIGHT VARY - WHAT DO YOU THINK PRECIOUS?

1. In Clifton strike- family fed us on credit - here one for 12 years kept me in office coffee-
2. The C. E. Bldg- started by one's $100 in '56, forced action by grass widow selling house- & gift
3. The bonds -some came easy - some came by sweat & blood! -but all have enjoyed the benefit.
4. Our 1st organ-from a mechanic on credit; 1st Econoline from lady-hair wet from Baptistry!  Love
5. The worker we named Compson Hall for & at his death- 2 met me at 2 am to minister -Thanks
6. Ladies planted flowers- kids pulled them up with weeds- & for love, the ladies gave it to the Lord

C.- BUT THE REAL VALUE OF THE ALABASTER BOX IS IN ONE'S WILLINGNESS TO GIVE IT TO THE LORD!

1. When I was saved- I said "Here am I, Tell me & I will do it" - have to be told loud!  Do you?
2. Many have also made same surrender- We love the Lord - it is no sacrifice to give all to Him
3. When I first heard of Tithing I believed it!  Not always practiced it but always wanted to!

III.- HERE IS OUR ALABASTER BOX TODAY !

I can make some sin by one word - "Sex".  Shame!  But worse are those who sin when I say "Money"

A.- I AM YOUR PASTOR, I COUNSEL YOU ON SALVATION, BAPTISM, MARRIAGE, BIRTH, DEATH, AND ON MONEY!

1. Do your giving through your church- it's honest!- Boys Town gets 4x need, has $209 Mil. net worth
2. You PAY tithes; GIVE thanks; and MAKE sacrifices; some fools get excited & bleed to death

B.- DO YOU LOVE THE LORD ENOUGH TO REALLY PURPOSE IN YOUR HEART WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO DO? - Prayerful

1. USHERS DISTRIBUTE F.P.O's- Check top page 1 - All do this!  Costs nothing!
2. Pg.2 What does law say- underline your income level- Head of Household? How much do you want?
3. Bottom Pg.2 - I.- check week or Month- if you can't trust this church-find one you can!
4. Note Sunday School - & Kids - & III- Specials!  What is your level?  Now what is worthy?
a.-ABC Missions- our State Missions program-$6,000 in red-  b. Our Colleges- Gene Eymann- c. Our Gerbers- Ray Fousel- d. Gospel Wings- Art Saunders- e. Spacone's Ranch- Ron Taylor- f. Youth Director Gary Sharp- g. M.M. program for new Churches- BEST INVESTMENT!

Everyone should have some planned missionary support - & keep a little for Alms- It's the Lords -

Copy for yourself on pg.1, tear off bottom pg. 2 - blank or not & fold- & pass to the aisle when I say

C.- THE REAL GIFT IS WHEN YOU FIRST OF ALL GIVE YOURSELF TO THE LORD!

1. If you love the Lord you will plan - and do! -fold & pass!
2. Worship is when we do things together for the Lord - thrills our hearts -

WILL YOU LOVE THE LORD - THEN HAVE FAITH TO COME TO HIM, AND COURAGE ENOUGH TO CLAIM HIS PEACE?

If you do not have faith to accept Him as your Savior, you will be forever lost
If you do not have faith to trust Him with your life and money, you will miss His peace!