How Greed Makes You Stupid

Scott Risley
Luke 12:13-34

Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool to warn about the problem of greed. When the rich man's crop yielded an abundant harvest, he planned to tear down his barns, build bigger ones to store his abundance of grain, and then take life easy. God tells the man he will die that very night. Jesus explains how life and relationships are more important than money and we should live our lives as stewards, not owners. Jesus says to be generous to God first because it turns our hearts to God and we will store up treasures in heaven.

Parable Of The Rich Fool

Conrad Hilario
Luke 12:13-34

Jesus tells the parable of the ?rich fool? to persuade against materialism. Materialism stems from unbelief in God's provision: it's a waste of time, can be enslaving, and prevents us from serving God. In contrast, Christians should be putting our stock in eternal things - like relationships and giving our money back to God.

Is It Time to Dwell in Paneled Houses when My House Lies Desolate?

Gary DeLashmutt
Haggai 1:1-14

The prophet Haggai admonishes Zerubbabel, the governor of Israel, and Joshua, the high priest, for prioritizing the construction of their own homes over the construction of the Lord's temple. The Israelite's response to discouragement is not unlike our own; when obstacles come into our path, giving in to those obstacles instead of resisting them creates a God-sized hole that we will try to fill with a multitude of things, such as materialism. God's dealing with the Israelite's in this passage is the same as His dealing with us: when we truly want to, God, in His grace, will help us get back on the right path to glorifying Him.

The Kosmos

Mike Sullivan
1 John 2:15-17

The apostle John commands his audience not to love the "kosmos" (i.e., the world system). This system includes three primary values: 1) the lust of the eyes (materialism); 2) the lust of the flesh (hedonism); and 3) the boastful pride of life (egotism). These values are authored and promoted by Satan and are designed to keep people away from God. John says believers should reject the kosmos because it stands in the way of our intimacy with God, it is temporal, and because if we do reject it, our investments in this life will last into eternity.

What About Wealth?

Jim Leffel
Matthew 6:22-32

Beginning with the parable from Jesus in Luke 12:13-24, we unpack the dangers of materialism and the ever increasing drive for material wealth based on Jesus' assertion in Luke 12:15. The "rich fool" in the parable is shown to have a false sense of security, empty ambition, and a false worldview. The diminishing returns of seeking wealth and material possessions can be replaced by pursuing the commands of Matthew 6:22-32: 1.) don't worry; 2.) seek the kingdom of God; and 3.) invest in worthwhile ends. Includes an on-stage interview with Karl Fox to discuss financial success and trusting God with wealth.

Gaining Freedom from the Love of Money

Conrad Hilario
Matthew 6:19-20

The love of money is an addiction for most people in our culture, and unlike other addictions that are widely regarded as harmful, materialism is often celebrated and promoted instead. Christians, however, are not to follow the widespread cultural norms and perspective on money but should pursue an attitude of contentment. Contentment frees up Christians to enter into deep relationships, comes from a genuine sense of security in Christ, and results in true happiness and freedom.

Living the Life of Faith (Part 3)

Dennis McCallum
Matthew 6:19-24

The book of Hebrews continues to instruct the church on the life of faith. The author warns believers to flee from loving money. Exhortation is given to instead place faith in God as a defense from greed and the fear of man.

Freedom from the Love of Money

Scott Risley
Hebrews 13:5-6

Many people believe contentment results from accumulating material wealth. We learn that contentment derives from love and that discontentment results from a focus on money. We contrast traits and results of contentment and discontentment. Those who are content are thankful and appreciative, have no expectations, experience real security from God, take their identity from God, resist cultural values and are free to enjoy God and relationships. Discontent people are unappreciative of what they have and are anxious. They carry arbitrary expectations, resulting in continual disappointment. They also experience false and fleeting contentment, compare themselves with others and are indoctrinated by cultural values.

Walking in the Light

Ryan Lowery
Ephesians 5:1-14

Paul outlines how the transforming love of God should affect the behavior of those following Him. This teaching touches on sexuality, materialism, and coarse speech. Our behavior in these areas can be transformed by the love of God so that we think of others before ourselves.