Summary: Thesis: Life is not about how much money you make but how you invest your money, your resources and your time in God’s Kingdom and other people.

Series: Beyond the Benjamin’s – Benjamin on the $100 dollar bill.

Introduction to series:

Hold up a $100.00 dollar bill and show the church.

Thesis: Life is not about how much money you make but how you invest your money, your resources and your time in God’s Kingdom and other people.

The series title “Beyond the Benjamin’s” emerged in a discussion the staff and I had on Biblical financial stewardship and a book I was reading called “The Generosity Ladder.”

Giving of our money, our time and our resources is pivotal in our spiritual growth. A person’s giving record in these three areas reveals a person’s heart and who is the center of their heart.

Let’s look at $100.00 bill again! Who is on the $100? Answer Benjamin Franklin.

As I have prepared this sermon series I decided to look once again at the life of Benjamin Franklin to see if he lived beyond his financial success. History reminded me that he was a successful business man. In my research I discovered that Benjamin Franklin was a close friend of the great revival preacher George Whitefield. Whitefield was responsible along with the Wesley’s and Jonathan Edwards for one of the Great Awakenings here in the USA and in Britain.

I read a few letters written between these two famous men as they discussed politics, God, Jesus, country, Britain and leaving a legacy. Whitefield was committed to Jesus and the Great Commission while Franklin was committed to the United States and assisting her into becoming a great nation for God. In the letters they discussed theological topics, like the deity of Jesus, His ministry, His teachings, God, the deist’s theology and thinking and the Gospel message. It was obvious from the letters that these two thought different theologically. But I was impressed with Whitefield’s cander and directness with Benjamin Franklin about salvation and the importance of making Jesus a priority in your life as Lord and Savior.

It’s important to know that these two were good friends and when Whitefield came to town to preach he stayed with Benjamin Franklin. They would pray together and discuss the Bible together and Franklin would go to many of Whitefield’s revival meetings speaking of his great preaching ability. Franklin also could not understand why the pastors of the city Philadelphia did not embrace this great preacher of God’s word. He said this because George would have to hold meetings in fields and not in churches because most pastors would not allow him in their churches.

As I continued in my research on Benjamin Franklin I discovered he had become a successful printer and successful businessman and then retired to pursue inventions, help the US and to help out others. His financial success placed him in a secure financial condition to do these other things. It is interesting to note that he used the finances he accumulated to give back to his country, to others and to better the lives of the people of America.

Some of his accomplishments:

Franklin launched the first Library in America were the common person could check out books for no cost in 1731. He organized and launched the first fire-fighting brigade in 1736 to help put out fires and to help save lives and property. He invented the Franklin stove 1743 making life in kitchen for wives better and warmer. He organized and launched the first hospital in 1751 for the Philadelphia people. He launched the first fire insurance system for fire, we use this system today to insure ourselves in the case of fire, theft or storm damage. He did this in 1752 to help people not be so devastated by the common occurrence of fires in Philadelphia – remember candles were the norm for light in that time. He invented swim fins that divers wear – not sure what motivated him for this invention? He invented bifocals which I am enjoying right now as I preach. He is most known for his kite experiment which confirmed his theory of electricity which we all enjoy today and use daily as a result of this discovery.

As I looked at this man’s life and legacy I discovered that He believed in leaving a good legacy behind. He showed his love for his country and for others by his life’s actions and even his sacrifices.

When Benjamin Franklin died on April 17, 1790 at the age of 84 - 20,000 people attended his funeral because of his impact on their lives.

I believe his spiritual legacy is revealed in what he said to Congress shortly before his death.

The Constitutional Convention had been meeting for five weeks, and had hit a perilous deadlock. The large states were insisting that congressional representation be based on population; the smaller states wanted a one-state-one-vote rule. The entire effort to create a stronger union was in jeopardy. Eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin, quiet during most of the deliberations, then addressed the group.

And he said:

Mr. President,

The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasoning’s with each other-our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own want of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of Government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.

In this situation of this Assembly, groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when presented to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the Contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, & they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor.

To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance?

I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?

We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings, that "except the Lord build the House they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better, than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall become a reproach and bye word down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human wisdom and leave it to chance, war and conquest.

I therefore beg leave to move-that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that Service… (from http://www.beliefnet.com/resourcelib/docs/21/Benjamin_Franklins_Request_for_Prayers_at_the_Constitutional__1.html).

The story is told that when they came back together the issues were resolved and a national split avoided and all were satisfied with the out come. Why, because the Congress all got on their knees and prayed to God for wisdom and insight. God intervened and it all came about by the leading of an elderly statesman named Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin lived beyond His money and financial success and honored God – and he also invested into this country and into the lives of others in this great country. He left a legacy which still lives on to this day impacting millions each and every day. Just look at the lights, listen to the fire trucks, look at a unite - United States, think about him when you drive by your public library, when politicians pray and congress prays, when you read on the 100 dollar bill “In God we Trust.” When you swim with fins, when you look through you bifocals and when you do to a hospital in an emergency or even when you pay your insurance.

How are you doing in your life with your legacy?

Video Illustration: Wake by bluefishtv.com.

Clip talks about the importance of leaving a wake that is eternal and of value.

Jesus as we all know also left a legacy for us to follow and in His teachings we discover that his second favorite subject to teach on was finances – income - money – riches - and it’s proper impact on our lives. He spoke about this frequently because he knew this item had to be managed Biblically or it would destroy a person’s heart and eternal legacy.

Over the next few weeks we will be looking at some of the parables of Jesus – his favorite teaching method to convey spiritual truth and life lessons to His listeners.

Parables were Jesus favorite way to communicate truth. This style of teaching was common in the middle-east and was well received by the Hebrews, Arabs, Romans, Greeks, Babylonians and Syrians.

A parable or a fable is a story which is told but is filled with figurative spiritual meaning. A parable is a picturesque and has suggestive speech or a story line which conveys ideas in the form of imagery.

The following thoughts reveal why Jesus used the parabolic method (They are adapted from - All the Parables of The Bible by Herbert Lockyer).

• Parables attract attention and when fully understood are sure to be remembered. They are a great help for our short-term memories!

• Parables help the mind to process the points in a story or a fable and therefore increase the ability of the mind to think and dig deeper into the subject of the study.

• Parables stir up the emotions of a person listening and awaken the conscience of a person.

• Parables grab a hold of a person’s interest and usually hold their attention longer than just mere speaking or lecturing.

• Parables preserve truth in its purest form and present that truth in an interesting and creative way.

• Parables reveal truth to listeners and make known mysteries by comparing them to things that are common in everyday life.

• Parables are foreshadows of a future projected in word in the here and now.

Jesus was and is the Master story-teller and we need to learn from His favorite form of teaching and apply the truths found in these “Parables” to our lives today.

Why? So we too can leave an eternal legacy behind when we go from here to eternity.

T.S. - So let’s look at some of Jesus’ parables found in Luke and another one in Matthew and discover that your life’s legacy is more important than the Benjamin’s you earn.

Sermon 1: Beyond the Benjamin’s: Your Life’s Legacy!

Scripture Texts:

Luke 12:13-21 – Parable of the rich fool (read)

13Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

14Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”

15Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

16And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.

17He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

18“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

19And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

20“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

21“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Matthew 7:21-28 – Parable of two houses (read)

21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,

Matthew 25:14-30 – Parable of the talents and rewards.

Matthew 19:16-26 – The Parable of the Camel and the Rich man.

The two parables we read and the two other referenced are focused on money, riches and resources from life and how they are used in the scope of eternity and Heaven. Jesus addressed this subject of finances because He knew it’s power to do good or to do evil!

Introduction:

We have read a few parables from Jesus that deal with the importance of leaving a legacy for your life. He makes it clear in His parables that accumulating money is not what is important in living our lives. It’s not the goal of our lives or the legacy of our life but it is actually what we do with it. It’s how we use it in our life -- do we use it for God, or for others – or only for ourselves?

I. The parable of the rich fool is very pointed and direct.

a. Luke 12:13-21 – Parable of the rich fool teaches us the following:

i. Jesus in this parable addresses the subject of the weed of greed and the damage it can do to one’s life and one’s legacy.

1. Jesus makes it clear in this story that the rich man was a fool – in other words stupid –ignorant and in danger with God. Why? Because he abandoned God and His ways to make money – to accumulate wealth and resources.

2. Why the warning by Jesus in many of His parables? Because money – or riches – or the Benjamin’s have caused millions of people to abandon God for an idol of gold.

a. I have had too many people tell me that they have to work hard, make money and then after getting financially secure then they can serve and honor God.

b. Jesus tells his listeners and us today that life is not about greed – the hoarding of money – the accumulation of riches - for one’s own benefit.

c. Leaving a legacy is about having your priorities in proper alignment in life.

i. God

ii. Family

iii. Ministry

iv. Work

3. I know right now in this auditorium some of you are in your heads disagreeing with me and, yes, even with Jesus on this point.

a. The reason you think this way is you have been taught by others, the media and culture that life is about accumulating money and this is what life is all about.

i. But it’s not according to Jesus teachings.

b. Jesus says, “Don’t get sucked into this deception of the Devil!”

i. Greed is like weed and it will cloud your thinking and your perceptions of life.

ii. Greed is a deadly weed that kills a eternal legacy!

c. Jesus says, “a man’s life or the value of his life is not measured by God by how much money or possessions he or she has.”

i. But how you used what He gave you!

d. An eternal life legacy is one which --- 1st Invests in God and His Kingdom – 2nd invests in their families and 3rd Invests in others.

4. Jesus reminds the listener that just because you have money tucked away and all your financial needs are met in life that you cannot assume you can lay back and be merry.

a. This by the way in the deception of this age!

b. Many believe this today they think it’s time to take life easy once the bank account is big enough and it’s a time to be merry. But Jesus reminds them and us that things could change in an instance with a disaster – like a financial collapse or you could just die today and all your money will go to others.

5. So therefore invest in God – His Kingdom – your family – then others!

a. These things leave eternal legacy’s that will out live you!

ii. Jesus is warning all of us that if we only think of ourselves and hoard money for ourselves and in the process forget about God and His agenda then we have lost our eternal legacy.

1. In the end – in His view – God’s perspective – your life is meaningless – it’s worthless!

iii. There is no living legacy for the one who just thinks of himself and puts all His needs and greed’s first – in the end their life will mean nothing!

1. A life lived like this has no eternal value – It has no spiritual reward in Heaven – it’s really all worthless!

2. If God is neglected while you make money you are not leaving an eternal legacy!

a. You instead are serving a golden idol!

3. I will add if you never give to God what is God’s then your life will end up meaning nothing and it will leave no eternal legacy.

a. This is why we are instructed to give to God, to His work, and to eternal things.

T.S. – A rich fool is one who has no wisdom of his/her eternal legacy. They hoard their money all for themselves and never invests what God has given them into the Kingdom of God, nor into their families or into others lives. Many do this today – even many professing Christians. But you can go back in history and find men who did leave and eternal life’s legacy.

II. The Story of Milton Hershey:

a. Hands on activity: Have Moy and the ushers pass out the Hershey candy bars.

i. This last week I was in Hershey Pa. for the FCA National Convention for FCA pastors.

1. The Convention was filled with spiritual refreshment and inspiration.

2. Our theme was, understanding the changing times.

3. We were encouraged to make a difference for the Kingdom of God with our ministries even in our changing times.

4. Highlight specific services.

a. Tim Delina

b. Communion service

c. Tony Simon

ii. At the FCA Convention I discovered the inspiring story of Milton S. Hershey.

1. I must admit I have eaten a lot of Hershey candy bars in my day and never really thought about the name on the candy bar “Hershey.”

a. I was more concerned about the sweet taste of the chocolate I was biting into and it’s amazing taste than the person who invented it.

b. I don’t know about you but I love chocolate!

c. How many have eaten a Hershey chocolate bar?

d. How many love chocolate?

2. But after this week in Hershey and exploring the Chocolate Factory, the Chocolate Museum, and doing the trolley tour through Hershey, I will never forget this man’s amazing life legacy.

b. Milton Hershey left behind a generous legacy that to this day still lives on touching 1,000 of lives each and every day. Yet he died in 1945! How is that possible you think?

i. Hershey was a Christian man who was raised Mennonite and he had made a commitment to God in his young years. His commitment was to invest into the lives of others with his riches and his resources he would make.

ii. He was a determined pioneer who had 2 failed business --- but he never gave up and finally he succeeded in making a successful caramel factory and then a world famous chocolate factory.

iii. He was born in 1857. He was raised in rural central Pennsylvania and only had an elementary education. He would overcome the odds against Him with the help of the Lord and a determination to build a great chocolate candy empire. He would become one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in America. He would in his home town build the great Hershey chocolate factory and cause prosperity to come to the small community of Derry Township starting in 1894 when he added his own recipe for chocolate to caramels. The first Hershey chocolate bar was produced in 1900 and all of America enjoyed it. It was affordable and owe so sweet and tasty. The chocolate factory broke ground in what is now Hershey, Pa in 1903 starting the legacy of Hershey.

1. This week I was so blown away by hearing about the legacy that Hershey left behind in the town of Hershey, Pa. - Here is His legacy from http://www.thehersheycompany.com/about-hershey/our-story/milton.aspx and my touring this wonderful place:

iv. Lets first talk about his family heritage: Milton Hershey’s Mother: Veronica “Fanny” Hershey: By all accounts, Veronica “Fanny” Snavely Hershey was the practical, down-to-earth influence in Milton Hershey’s life. A deeply religious woman, she wore the plain dress of her Reformed Mennonite Church throughout her life. It was his mother’s Christian values of hard work and perseverance that contributed greatly to Hershey’s later success. The Mennonites were a strict-living sect who emigrated from Europe’s German-speaking Palatinate region in the 18th century. Many of them (including both sides of Milton Hershey’s family) settled in central Pennsylvania, where they continue to flourish today.

1. His dad Henry Hershey was an in the clouds type person not rooted or grounded and he had a hard time providing for his family.

v. His education: Early Education: Derry Church School: Because his family moved so often during his childhood, Milton Hershey’s education was necessarily hit-or-miss. In eight years of formal education, he attended seven different schools. This one-room schoolhouse in Derry Township, for example, is one that Milton Hershey attended. It can still be seen today situated next to Milton Hershey’s High Point Mansion.

1. All his life, Hershey was conscious of his limited education, so he was especially devoted to providing opportunities for others, such as his school for boys.

vi. The Young Apprentice:

1. In 1871, Milton Hershey left school for good and was apprenticed to a local printer who published a German-English newspaper. But he didn’t like that kind of work, and the arrangement ended quickly.

2. Next, his mother stepped in and succeeded in getting her son apprenticed to a Lancaster County confectioner named Joseph Royer. The 14-year-old Hershey turned out to have a natural talent for candy-making and in the next four years learned the art and science of creating tasty confections.

vii. Milton Hershey’s Wife: Catherine S. Hershey

1. Success did not come early or easily to Milton Hershey, but once he became an established businessman, Hershey was able to turn his attention to personal matters. On a trip to Jamestown, NY, he met an attractive, 26-year-old woman with a sparkling personality. Her name was Catherine Sweeney, or “Kitty” as she was called by her family. The auburn-haired beauty immediately captured the older Hershey’s heart, and the couple was married in New York City on May 25, 1898.

2. The marriage was a good one for both Kitty and Milton, with each doting on the other and the two of them traveling the world together. Still, the fact that they never had children remained a disappointment.

a. Instead, the Hershey’s established a boarding school for orphan boys and they came to think of the boys as their family.

b. In 1915, Kitty died following a long and debilitating illness.

c. Milton Hershey never remarried, and for the rest of his life carried her picture with him everywhere he went.

c. The Hershey Story:

i. Hershey had a few failed business prior to his successful caramel company going bankrupt and taking a few family members with him.

ii. But his caramel company succeeded.

iii. Hershey and the world’s fair and the discovery of chocolate machines and his trip to Europe.

iv. Hershey adds chocolate to caramels 1894.

v. Hershey produces Milk Chocolate Bar for all of America to enjoy in1900. Affordable and oh so good!

vi. Hershey starts building 1st Hershey Chocolate factory 1903 completes in 1905.

vii. Homes for Employees: While the factory was being constructed, the rest of the town was being planned, including residences for the company’s employees. On streets with names like Trinidad, Java, Granada and Ceylon (all places where cocoa beans are grown), homes were built for Hershey workers and executives. He wanted everyone to have the opportunity to own their own homes. Milton Hershey did not want his community to look like a factory town, so he instructed builders to use a variety of designs.

1. Inevitably, the question arose as to what to name the community. Since it was not an incorporated entity (and still isn’t to this day), it had no governmental standing by itself, being merely a part of Derry Township. So the town was simply named after its post office: Hershey

viii. Cocoa House: 1905: Milton Hershey wanted to make his new community an attractive place to live, so he made sure it provided more than merely the basic necessities. The first building constructed after the factory itself was the Cocoa House located at the intersection of Chocolate and Cocoa Avenues. It originally served as the town center and included a store, bank, post office, boarding rooms and lunchroom.

1. Hershey also provided a laundry, a blacksmith shop, a printing plant, a café, a department store and a barber shop.

2. Companies were started to supply water, electric power, sewage and telephone service. His charge for public utilities to His home town workers was the cheapest in the country.

ix. The Hershey Trust Company: 1905 - Milton S. Hershey’s legacy extends beyond the company he founded, the town he built and the products he created that are enjoyed by millions. As early as 1905, he established an independent trust company to provide the town’s financial services and manage the assets that were to fund his many philanthropic endeavors. Today, the Hershey Trust Company manages the funds of the Milton Hershey School Trust and the M.S. Hershey Foundation, as well as private individuals, families and institutions.

x. Hershey Kiss comes to public market in 1907.

xi. HERSHEYPARK Opens: 1907: Milton Hershey realized that all work and no play made for unhappy workers. So early on he set aside land in his model community for recreational purposes. Originally planned as picnic grounds, by 1910 Hershey Park had expanded to include a children’s playground, a band shell (with daily concerts!), a swimming pool, a zoo and a bowling alley. Hershey also added amusement rides, such as a model railway and carousel.

1. Like the chocolate factory and, indeed, the town itself, Hershey Park quickly became a tourist attraction with excursion trains and trolleys bringing groups to Hershey from surrounding communities.

2. Today, of course, HERSHEYPARK is 110 acres of excitement and fun for the whole family with over 60 rides and attractions, including ten world-class roller coasters.

xii. High Point Mansion: Milton and Catherine Hershey chose a site on a hill overlooking the chocolate factory for their own home. Called High Point, it was completed in 1908 and, with 22 rooms and a staff of only three, was rather modest compared to the homes of other wealthy industrialists of the age. Kitty Hershey personally oversaw the landscaping, which included many flower gardens, fountains and statues. She loved roses!

1. Sadly, the Hershey’s did not have long to enjoy their new home together. Kitty died in March of 1915 after many years of a progressive nerve illness which lead to ammonia.

2. After Kitty’s death he went to Cuba and did the same thing with a Sugar Cane factory and town.

a. In 1930, Milton Hershey donated High Point to the Hershey Country Club, retaining only a small upstairs apartment in which he continued to live until his death in 1945.

xiii. In 1909, he launched a weekly newspaper, called the Hershey Press.

xiv. Hershey Industrial School: 1909 On November 15, 1909, Milton Hershey and his wife Catherine established a boarding school for orphan boys to be located at the Homestead, Milton Hershey’s birthplace. To fund the school, Hershey also created the Milton Hershey School Trust and endowed it with 486 acres of farmland. The school’s initial enrollment was ten students. As the school grew, more buildings and programs were added. In 1951, the school’s name was changed to Milton Hershey School, and in 1976 its Deed of Trust was altered to allow the enrollment of girls as well.

1. Today, the school provides a free K-12 education and a home on a 9,000-acre campus to more than 1900 underprivileged boys and girls.

a. All who live in homes with 8-12 other brothers or sisters and a married couple to raise them.

b. While we were visiting we saw many signs advertising for house parents to these children and they pay 69,000 per couple with all expenses for living paid for.

2. Hershey also believed that Sunday was the Lord’s Day so he built a chapel that all students and staff went to on Sundays to honor the Lord’s Day.

a. It was mandatory for all to go and honor God for His provision and His blessings on Sunday.

b. You could only miss church if you were in the hospital and that rule still applies to this day!

c. To Hershey your spiritual growth was as important as your academic growth!

3. When Milton Hershey died in 1945 he donated his entire estate worth 60 million dollars to the school and orphanage and gave his shares in Hershey to them as well, which is what funds the school to this day.

a. Look on the back of a Hershey Chocolate Bar – there is a Thank You for supporting these children.

4. When you graduate from the high school today from you get a new suit case, a new wardrobe for the suitcase, $100.00, a new laptop computer, and $80,000 dollars for College.

a. Nothing is required to be paid back!

5. Hershey still communicates to his students even after his death by his followers – They tell the graduating class each year how blessed they have been – they remind them that nothing is asked to be paid back from what they received. But the students are all taught and encouraged about the importance of giving to God, and to others. They stress the importance of passing on the blessings they had received to others in need.

xv. The M.S. Hershey Foundation: In the depths of the Great Depression, Milton Hershey created The M.S. Hershey Foundation, endowing it with 5,000 shares of Hershey Chocolate Company stock to help fund educational and cultural activities in Derry Township. Three years later, the fund began supporting the new Hershey Junior College, which offered tuition-free education to local residents and Hershey employees until its closing in 1965.

1. Today, this non-profit foundation funds the Hershey Theater, Hershey Museum, Hershey Gardens and Hershey Community Archives, thus playing a valuable role in the financial and cultural life of the community.

xvi. During the Depression era there was no unemployment in Hershey Pa. because the town was booming and buildings were being built to help everyone in this tough time.

1. Hershey was committed to use his resources to help people in need.

xvii. Community Center: 1933: Built across the street from the Cocoa House, this Italian Renaissance-style structure is six stories tall and covers six acres of floor space. It originally contained an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, a library, a hospital, game rooms, a cafeteria and a world-class theater designed to accommodate both films and live stage shows. The Hershey Men’s Club also moved into this facility from the Cocoa House.

1. Junior College: Between 1938 and 1965, the building was home to the Hershey Junior College. It also provided studio space for two radio stations and a public television station. Today, most of the building (except for the theater) is occupied by The Hershey Company sales and marketing team.

2. During this time all who lived in Hershey went to the college for free paid by Hershey!

xviii. Hershey Sports Arena: 1936 As part of Milton Hershey’s Depression-era building campaign, a sports arena was constructed to house the local ice hockey team. Originally named the Hershey bars (their team colors were maroon and silver just like the candy bars), the team quickly changed its name to less commercial HERSHEY BEARS. They remain a successful American Hockey League franchise, having most recently won the league championship in 1996-97. Billed as the “largest span concrete monolithic structure in America,” the Hershey Sports Arena was also home to ice-skating revues, basketball from high school to the pros, indoor soccer, wrestling and conventions. For sporting events, the arena can seat 7,200 people.

xix. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: 1963: Milton Hershey’s generosity continued on even after his death. In 1963, the Milton Hershey School Trust contributed $50 million and land to the Pennsylvania State University for the establishment of a medical center. In addition to a world-class medical facility with more than 500 physicians, the center also includes the Penn State College of Medicine, as well as a Children’s Hospital. The Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has emerged as one of the nation’s leading health care facilities, offering a full spectrum of advanced medical and surgical diagnostics and treatments. Meanwhile, the College of Medicine has turned out thousands of well prepared doctors, nurses, scientists and health care professionals since it opened its doors in 1967.

d. As I learned of Hershey’s legacy this last week I was blown away and even brought to tears as this man molded for us all what it means to Love God with your whole heart, mind and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself!

Conclusion:

How are you doing with your legacy?

Here are some other parables that apply to our subject of living beyond the Benjamin’s and instead leaving a legacy that honors God and blesses others.

Matthew 7:21-28 – Parable of two houses:

21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’

23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

24“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,

 Are you doing God’s will?

 Living your life in line with Jesus’ teachings?

 Are you a doer of God’s word in your life?

 If you do the above you leave a Godly Legacy!

Matthew 25:14-30 – Parable of the talents and rewards:

14“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.

15To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.

16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.

17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.

18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.

20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’

21“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

22“The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’

23“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

24“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.

25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?

27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28“‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.

29For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.

30And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

 Are you using the Benjamin’s God has given you for the Kingdom of Heaven or just for yourself?

 God will give you more if you give it away for Him and His Kingdom. If you hoard it you will lose it all!

 The spiritual truth is you cannot out give God!

Matthew 19:16-26 – The Parable of the Camel and the Rich man:

16Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

17“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments.”

18“Which ones?” The man inquired. Jesus replied, “‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,

19honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

20“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

21Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

22When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

23Then Jesus said to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.

24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

25When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

26Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Point of the message today and altar call: Jesus wants us to live our lives in a way that when we die our eternal legacy of our life lives on! Will yours live on?