The Father's Treasure

Jim Leffel

1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Is money spiritually neutral? We look at warnings of having your heart serve wealth in this life, and guidance on areas including anxiety and faith. We look at aspects of what spiritual rewards and treasures God has given us, how to put God first, and his people as the true treasure of the master that we serve.

Letters to the Churches Part 3

Scott Risley

Revelation 3:7-4:2

We look at the final two churches John addresses in this letter. Jesus opened a door of opportunity for the church in Philadelphia to play a role in His plan. On the other hand, Jesus patiently knocks on the door waiting to be let in by people who have shut him out. The people in the church in Laodicea are called out as being the worst of the seven churches. Their deeds were useless and their riches had zapped their love for God. God offers us all a way to become spiritually rich through His son who waits for us patiently.

Unshakeable Contentment

Ryan Lowery

Philippians 4:12-22

Paul expresses his gratitude to the Philippians for their generosity to support him financially. He expresses his ability to learn contentment in whatever the circumstances. Four principles are seen that have helped Paul be content: 1) being grateful for what he has; 2) remembering wealth is not a means to an end; 3) actively guarding the heart against greed; and 4) understanding generosity as a means to worship God.

The Shrewd Manager

Gary DeLashmutt

Luke 16:1-12

Jesus' parable of the shrewd manager reflects a few principles regarding our resources: 1) as Christians, we are are managers of God's resources; 2) our ability to manage God's resources will end soon; and 3) we can enjoy eternity in heaven more as we give generously in the present. It is of high importance that God's resources are seen as His resources, not ours, if we are to be effective in managing them until Jesus comes back.

The Unrighteous Manager

Ryan Lowery

Luke 16:1-14

In context, Jesus commends the unrighteous manager of his parable for his cleverness. Jesus' point is obviously not to promote stealing, but rather the clever use of money. While money is temporary, relationships are permanent. Followers of Christ should use money wisely for eternal purposes.

Wisdom Wealth and Poverty

Scott Risley

Proverbs 23:20-21

Wealth is a prominent theme throughout Proverbs. In fact, Proverbs says the most about wealth and poverty than any other book in the Bible. Various proverbs, observations, and principles on why some people are wealthy while others remain impoverished are discussed. Proverbs also warns us about greed. Teachings from the New Testament regarding the dangers of wealth are included. Listeners are encouraged to read Ron Sider's book "Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger" for more insight on the issue of poverty.

Proverbs: Fools, Wise People and their Money

Dennis McCallum

Proverbs 8

Proverbs is full of wisdom when it comes to our finances. Areas that are spoken on include: debt; trusting in riches; the poor and the problems of the poor; attitudes toward money; and ultimately what is money actually for? Proverbs helps the believer consider ethical questions when it comes to wealth.

Freedom and God's Wisdom

Gary DeLashmutt

1 Corinthians 9:1-23

For Christians, there is freedom within the boundaries of God's moral absolutes, but it is important to consider whether things are beneficial to others. Although Paul had the right to financial support as a church planter, he waived that right so that non-Christians in Corinth would not think he was in it for the money. The wisdom of God tells us that we should be willing to sacrifice freedom if it is going to be a hindrance to others hearing or understanding the gospel. In other words, the "law of love" supersedes the "law of liberty." Paul's motivation to live this way was following Christ's example. We should also remember that Christ gave up his rights for each of us.

A Life Centered in God

Dennis McCallum

Proverbs 3:1-12

There are six points that lead to proper interpretation of the promises laid out in Proverbs. As we understand these points, God's promises become more clear. One of the promises that God makes to His followers is to make their paths straight. In order to fully realize this promise and experience it in our own life, we must first choose to entrust our whole self to God. Compartmentalizing the areas we give over to God will not allow us to fully experience this promise.