Pastor John Kilough's Blog

My thoughts on life, theology, today's church, and family

An Excuse for Sound Doctrine

It is very perplexing to hear things like, “Well it is giving us the opportunity to have the discussion.” I am hearing this a lot lately when church leaders are asked what they think of Rob Bell’s latest book, “Love Wins.” Instead of taking a stand for righteousness and declaring the work heresy; it sounds as if they are saying that heresy is an excuse to talk about sound biblical doctrine. Really, I thought we were supposed to be teaching sound doctrine all along? My friends if there is no hell, then why did Jesus have to die for my sins? (For a great review on the book, “Love Wins” look here.)

Ben Patterson declares, “We must practice the discipline of saying both yes and no, it is hard, it’s not fun, and it doesn’t usually preach to packed houses. But believers in every age have had to learn it or lose the faith.” (The Art & Craft of Biblical Preaching pg. 254-255) Patterson uses an example of a church whose new pastor led the church into serious theological error. This was strange considering the previous pastor was a godly, beloved man who led the church for three decades and never preached anything but gospel truth. When Patterson asked a friend who knew the church what had happened she said, “He told them the truth all those years. What he didn’t tell them was what wasn’t the truth.” Patterson says that the pastor said the yes, but he never said the no and because of that the people never really understood the yes.

Dallas Willard says, “It is almost universally conceded today that you can be a Christian without being a disciple.”[1] I would like to ask those in the church, “Why do we need an excuse to learn about the doctrines of the church or learn how we should be living in regards to these beliefs? Where are the strong voices of yesteryear who would stand up for righteousness and declare heresy when they saw it?”

Willard goes on to say, “Nondiscipeship is the elephant in the church. It is not the much discussed moral failures, financial abuses, or the amazing general similarity between Christians and non-Christians. These are only the effects of the underlying problem. The fundamental negative reality among Christian believers now is their failure to be constantly learning how to live their lives in The Kingdom Among Us. And it is an accepted reality.”[2]

It is funny that when I bring up the problems I see with where the postmodern church is going, I am lectured about being negative or out-of-touch with what is going on with today’s generation. Yet these same folks are quick to say to me, “What the church needs today is a serious paradigm shift in its thinking; change or be left behind.”  They have no problem telling me I’m negative, but then they fail to see their own offense toward those who have serious concerns; what arrogance!

God forgive us for being silent on the heresy that is coming out of some streams of the emergent church, because we have been told we are outdated in our thinking. We do not need an excuse to have a discussion on what You have given to the church of Jesus Christ as the instruction for daily living.

2 Tim 4:1-5

4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine . Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

NIV

 

 

 

Stinking Thinking

I went to a training event on “Leadership” the other day sponsored by a church organization. During the class the instructor made this comment. “I grew up listening to the old songs of the church and The Gaithers. I still love the music very much, but when you listen to this old style of music and it brings a tear to your eyes it is more nostalgia than anything else.” I don’t desire to misled here, I love the newer worship songs and I believe we must stay up-to-date when it comes to worship styles, but my friends this is not worship wars; this is postmodern stinking thinking at its very worst.  In the postmodern church there isn’t any room for those over fifty because the over fifty are too melancholy to feel the very presence of God.

Graham Johnston says this in describing the postmodern person, “In the end, ten distinctives would emerge as the hallmark of postmodern people: they’re reacting to modernity and all its tenets, they reject objective truth, they’re skeptical and suspicious of authority, they’re like missing persons in search of a self and identity, they’ve blurred morality and are into whatever’s expedient, they continue to search for the transcendent, they’re living in a media world unlike any other, they’ll engage in the knowing smirk, they’re on a quest for community, and they live in a very material world.”[1]

I find it very interesting that there is such a push in the modern church to give over control to those who are under forty, even when they don’t have a good understanding of clear biblical doctrine. Is it because leadership is afraid these younger folks will leave the church? I think so! When we should be encouraging the younger generation to repent from their stinking thinking, we are giving them the keys to the building. At a time in our church world when we are losing strong voices we need the mature voices that are still with us to stand and correct the foolishness that is so prevalent in the church today.

 

No Weird Stuff

I came across an Assembly of God church’s Facebook page that had this under its “getting to know us” tab, “NO WEIRD STUFF!” Anyone who knows me knows that I have been saying for years now that the postmodern age is changing the Pentecostal Church’s core beliefs and this is a sure sign of that.

“A Pentecostal church that does not have what we call altar services, does not lay hands on the sick, or does not listen to the voice of the Lord in messages in prophecy or tongues and interpretation really isn’t committed to being Pentecostal.  We may fear that such things will drive people away, but experience has shown us over and over again that live Pentecostal churches grow, and dull churches fade away.”[1]

This is the “NO WEIRD STUFF” the church above is talking about. Healing lines, altar calls, singing and speaking in tongues, prophecies, and interpretation of tongues; these are now considered WEIRD STUFF by the postmodern church.

I was lectured to not long ago by an Assemblies of God minister who told me, “Young people are not going buy into this anymore. We have moved into a new age where these things are no longer acceptable.” There is this idea that Pentecostal expression is going to be different in the Twenty-First Century. My response to that is, really?

Did God not have the ability to look forward in the Twenty-First Century and know enough to give us what we needed to have expression that would see a world impacted and changed for Him?

1 Cor 14:22-27

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” 26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

NIV

“All of these must be done,” speaks volumes to me and tells me that God’s plan for strengthening and equipping His church is the same as it was in the First Century. At Angle Lake Neighborhood Church it is my hope and desire that people will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, that the sick and lonely hearted will find the healing that they need, that those who are bound by life controlling issues will be set free by the power of the Holy Spirit, that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will be present as God equips and empowers His people to set the world on fire for Him and that the fruit of the Holy Spirit will help each and every believer to grow to full maturity in Him.  If that is WEIRD STUFF, then Lord come and mess us up in Your glory and mercy!

1 Cor 1:18-31

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. 26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.   31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

NIV

 

 

Spending

“Financial Freedom”
Chapter 4

Spending

Ps 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
NIV

When Han and I were first married I went to Sears one day and asked for a Sear’s Credit Card. They asked me what I did for a living and I told them that I was on Active Duty in the U.S. Army. They then asked me when my tour in the Army would be up. I told them in less than a year. The lady at the counter told me don’t even waste your time filling out the application, you will not get a Sears Credit Card. This was a blessing in disguise because it caused Han and I to save and pay cash for all the things we wanted.

Today credit is easy and available and this causes people to spend more than they make. What a trap-bondage, especially for young people. Most newlyweds are on a limited financial base; yet within three to four years, they have attempted to equal or surpass their parent’s standard of living. I heard this on the radio several years ago, so I don’t know who to give the credit to, but if you use a credit card once for a $3,000.00 usage and only make the minimum payment at the standard interest rate it will take you 20 years to pay off that debt and in the process you will have paid $7,000.00 of interest. That totals $10,000.00 you have paid a credit card company on an initial $3,000.00 debt. I don’t know about you, but I would rather pay myself than a credit card company!

The number one reason people are in financial bondage is Overspending. I suggest you sit down as a family and see if you are overspending or of you have things under control.

Are You Overspending?

(Answer the following questions)

1. Shopping for me is therapy.          True    False

2. I have credit-card debt and pay interest on it.   True   False

3. Many of my credit card charges are for items that are not necessary for survival.  True    False

4. Often I buy little things that I want that are not on my shopping list.  True        False

5. I/we have house and/or car payments that really stretch our income.  True     False

6. I/we have purchased new furniture and/or appliances or other items this past year on a promotional plan that promised “No interest or payment until __________.   True    False

7. I/we own at least two of the following items that we have purchased on credit within the past two years: home or car stereo; DVD, VCR, TV; Play Station or other video games; cell phone; any kitchen appliance; or recreational items.  True    False

8. I/we buy a lot of CDs and videos and/or we love going to movies, concerts, and sporting events for which we often purchase tickets.  True    False

9. I have purchased new clothes within the past month even though my closet is already full.   True   False

10. I/we love dining out, and do so at least once a week often using our credit card.   True    False

The more “true” answers you have, the more your spending is out of control.[1]

Overspending is a behavior that needs to be changed. Before someone can change unwanted behaviors they must first understand what causes these behaviors. We all have triggers in our lives that, when stimulated, produce actions. You must discover what triggers are causing this overspending in your life. If you struggle with overspending, take a minute and think through what some of the triggers might be in your life that are the cause.

Wise Spending Principles

1. Don’t buy what you can’t afford.
2. Pay yourself first.
3. Time really does equal money.
4. Money can create a whole new set of problems.
5. Consumption equates to lost opportunities.
6. Adjust your lifestyle as you age.[2]

Benefits of Reduced Spending

If you can reduce your spending by $1000.00 per year you will have $83.00 a month to put into a retirement account. It may not seem like much, but if you invest wisely you can achieve financial freedom.

Finding ways to save thousands of dollars is tough, but we can find thousands of ways to save $5.00.  Here are just a few ideas on how to save money. I would guess you can come up with many more on your own.

Household cost: Plan shopping in advance, buy only what you need, look for the best values, shop are garage sales and discount stores.

Auto expenses: Buy used vehicles, join a carpool, wash the car and change the oil yourself, increase the deductible on your car insurance.

Food saving: Don’t eat out very often, shop at bulk food stores, stick to your list to avoid impulse buying, use coupons, cook in quantity-freeze meals to avoid fast-food nights, don’t shop hungry, and leave children home when you shop.

Clothing: Shop for sales, take care of your clothes, buy and sell at garage sales, learn to sew, and avoid dry-cleanables.

Insurance: Educate yourself on the variety of options available.

 

 

 

Budgeting

“Financial Freedom”
Chapter 3

Budgeting

Luke 14:28-30
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’
NIV

Spiritually speaking, goals are measurable objectives that you believe God wants you to achieve. Budgeting is one tool that will help Christ followers achieve those goals. A failure to plan can be very costly and keep us from being everything God desires us to be.

When we fail to plan and set goals we miss out on God opportunities that include the possibility that we will never reach our God-given potential and touch the hearts and lives God desires. We also are not being good managers of God’s provision for us by going into bondage (debt). Remember the old saying, “People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.”

Guidelines for Setting Goals

1. A goal is a measurable and time-specific objective toward which you believe God wants you to move.
2. Set your goals and standards on God’s conviction-not on what others possess.
3. Goals need to be realistic, practical, reachable, and have deadlines.
4. Faith-sized goals that stretch you and require God’s help should be considered.
5. Financial goals change as circumstances change, so be flexible and patient.
6. Goals need to be written down-creating more accountability and motivation.
7. Each goal needs a set of plans to reach it, with a beginning and completion date for each step along the way.
8. You may need the help of others in order to create plan and find tools to reach the goals.
9. Setting goals requires uninterrupted time, attention, and serious commitment.
10. Every goal needs to be prayerfully considered and have ownership by all parties involved in achieving the goal.[1]

When I do pre-marital counseling, one of the things I do is encourage the couple set short-term and long-term goals. I would highly suggest that you do the same for your family now and state clearly the objective in dollars and offer a clear deadline; as an example, save $25,000 by age 30, buy a $15,000 car for cash in three years and pay off my $2,000 debt with two years.

Remember, the greatest hindrance to financial planning is procrastination. Get started right now and follow through.

Gal 6:7-10
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
NIV

When it comes to financial planning remember this, if you sow nothing (don’t plan), you reap nothing. If you sow too late, you reap a limited harvest!

Your child comes to and says he desires to buy a $100.00 bicycle in one year, what advice would you give to him on his spending practices? If you are careful with your money and don’t spend it on things that are not important, you’ll have enough money to buy what you desire.

 

 

 

 

David Wilkerson

I was grieved to hear about David Wilkerson being killed yesterday in a car accident (read). The Christian world has lost a spiritual father and a prophetic voice calling the church back to what it should be.  Like others, I have been blessed tremendously by the newsletters containing his sermons that came to our home free of charge every three weeks. Those encouraging, strong words sustained me many times over the years. One of his sermons that encouraged me the most was, “The Gospel of Accommodation.” Thank you David Wilkerson for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you these many years, you touched and inspired my life!

 

God’s Provision

“Financial Freedom”
Chapter 2

Receiving God’s Provision

Matt 6:33-34
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
NIV

As I write these words the Gas Station down the road is selling gas for $4.18 a gallon. Turn on the TV or read a paper and the main issue is the economy. Everything we see and hear is telling us that the economy in the United States is very, very bad. It is easy to say don’t worry, but saying it and doing it are two different things. We have all heard someone says, “Don’t worry, God will provide.” What emotions did you have when you read that?  Does this mean we don’t have to work at all if God is going to provide?

Prov 6:6-11
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest —11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.
NIV

Proverbs seems to be saying that if you don’t work then poverty will be your reward.

1 Tim 5:8
8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
NIV

Work

Deut 8:18
18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
NIV

Why would God command us to work for money, aren’t there more important things we could be doing?

Gen 2:15
15 The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
NIV

God, as Lord of our lives, has provided work which gives us the money we need for daily needs, a means to contribute to our community and also a vehicle for building our skills and self-confidence. As we work and receive money in exchange for our time and contribution, God’s plan also includes giving the first portion to Him, giving to special needs as He leads, and saving for future needs. What makes work hard is sin.

Saving

Although we will be going over saving in a later lesson, it is important to acknowledge our need to save.

It is not unspiritual to save; nor does it represent a lack of faith. This is one principle that God’s people need to learn and practice more. To put money into savings means you have the ability to store money for the purchase of a future need. Too often we use credit-the reverse of savings. When you use credit you but a product, then try to pay the purchase price later: Unfortunately, the price also incurs an interest charge, which makes that payment even more difficult. A far better concept taught in God’s Word is to sacrifice in the short-term to attain long-term goals. It is important to budget some savings. Otherwise, the use of credit becomes a lifelong necessity and debt a way of life. Savings allow you to purchase with cash and shop for the best buys.
Larry Burkett[1]

Begin a saving fund now, no matter how small, no matter how inadequate, a beginning is a beginning! When you choose to save, you are receiving God’s provision. When you have savings, God can use you and what He has provided for you to meet your needs and to bless others.[2]

Prayer

The idea of provision has changed over the years. It once meant enough to get by; today it means wants. When we pray to God asking Him to give us His provision, we must be careful that we are not putting our wants ahead of our needs. When we are trying to understand what our needs are verses our wants, it is important to bath this understanding in prayer; asking God to help us make the right decision.

Phil 4:18-19
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
NIV

All of us have much to be thankful for when we consider the number of needs that God meets for us each day through work, savings, and His provision. Be encouraged today!

Luke 11:11-13
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
NIV

 

Time to Wake Up

I guess it had to lead to this eventual; you can’t water down the Word of God without consequences. In Rob Bell’s latest book “Love Wins,” the Word of God is seriously watered down. As I read this book it became very obvious to me that Rob Bell is trying to change doctrine in order to embrace his postmodern view of God.

The thing that kept going through my mind as I read this book was, “What makes Rob Bell qualified to challenge establish church doctrine?” This review of Rob Bell’s book “Love Wins,” is well written and I recommend everyone read it. I would also hope that, considering young pastor everywhere have been greatly influenced by Rob Bell’s writings and teaching, the local and national church leadership will take a stand on this false teaching. Thought this article was interesting and I believe a sign of things to come. I have written a thesis talking about how postmodernism has impacted the Pentecostal church and anyone interested in reading my thesis can contact me through the church website to obtain a copy.

Blessings

Pastor John Kilough

 

Freedom or Bondage

“Financial Freedom”
Chapter 1
Freedom or Bondage

2 Cor 10:3-6
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
NIV

Three generations ago large person debt was the exception not the rule. That generation’s philosophy was that if they didn’t have the cash, they didn’t buy the goods.[1] Today debt has become a way of life. Average credit card debt per household with credit card debt: $14,750.[2]

Bondage is defined as being controlled by someone or something, enslaved, having limited options or owned by someone or something.

Financial bondage may manifest itself as credit card/consumer debt, but the root cause is linked to two factors:

1. Dissatisfaction with one’s lot in life that drives us to lust for more, bigger and better.
2. An incomplete knowledge of God’s Word on finances and money.[3]

What is Financial Freedom?

1. Freedom from loving money and striving for more. Have you ever been caught in the trap of putting so much focus on money and possessions that your thoughts are on things rather than on God and His Word?[4]

1 Tim 6:10
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
NIV

How can we keep balance and a right perspective about money?

1 Tim 6:6-10
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
NIV

Although we covered it last week, let’s say it again; is it wrong to have money or wealth?

No!

Paul assumes some will have money;

1 Tim 6:17-19
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
NIV

So what is the right attitude we are to have about money in relationship to our first step?

Luke 12:15
15 Then 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.”
NIV

2. Freedom from financial pressure. Have you ever found yourself with more month than money? How does that feel?[5] The greatest pressure and stress you will ever feel will come from financial pressures and bondages. The number one reason couples argue is Money and the underlying reason for most marriages failing is Money!

We will be gong over budget in the following chapters let me just say here that following a budget and saving for future needs will keep you and your family safe from financial pressures and this will make your family happier!

3. Freedom from debt. This too we will go over in later chapters, but please understand that debt will limit everything you do. If you are struggling with overwhelming debt, a good financial plan with regular system for saving and careful use of credit will help keep you free from bondage to debt!

Rom 13:8
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
NIV

Prov 22:7
The rich rule over the poor,
and the borrower is servant to the lender.
NIV

4. Freedom from fear and worry over material needs and protection from compromise.

When the pursuit of money and the building of assets become our primary focus, we become men and women of the dollar rather than individuals who understand and live out the Lordship of Christ. When we are rightly focused, we will trust in and delight ourselves in the Lord and His Word and be balanced financially.[6]

James 5:1-5
5:1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.
NIV

Acts 24:16
16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
NIV

1 Peter 5:7
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
NIV

Phil 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
NIV

 

Financial Freedom

Starting today I will begin a new study on financial freedom. I have done this class here at the church twice now and people seem to enjoy it very much. So todays lesson will be the introduction, come back every week for the next lesson.

Pastor John

“Financial Freedom”
Introduction

The Journey to Becoming A Steward

There is great scene in the Disney movie, “Finding Nemo” where Nemo’s dad, a clown fish, is flapping around on a dock where there are dozens of seagulls. When the seagulls see the little fish flapping around on the dock they start to squawk, “Mine, Mine,” over and over again. When I first saw that I thought is was very funny and very truthful in that the seagulls are only interested in one thing, food!

Having grandchildren and two granddaughters who play together very well, you can bet that the one word they use often is “MINE!” Their mothers are very quick to point out to them that sharing is the thing to do.  However, the thing that seems to develop in our lives naturally is this idea of ownership.  Is this the reason we struggle often with the concept stewardship? The place to start might be at understanding what stewardship is.

1 Cor 4:2
2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
NIV

How is stewardship defined? A steward is a person who manages and cares for the assets/property of another. The steward represents the owner as a caretaker, custodian, or chosen servant.[1]

With that definition in mind, then let me suggest to you today that every believer is a steward because God has given each of us time, talents, and treasures to manage on His behalf, and use them to serve Christ.  However, the chose is ours if we will be a faithful or unfaithful steward.

For our purposes in this study we will discuss how to find financial freedom in choosing to be a faithful steward of God! Remember, the freedom that God wants to give you and me cannot be experienced in the area of finances unless we acknowledge God’s ownership over everything and accept the role of a steward. It is up to God to decide whether or not to entrust you with wealth!

What do you think the purpose of money is?

Provide basic needs-Philippians 4:19

Confirm direction-Jeremiah 10:23

Bless others-Romans 12:13

Reveal God’s power-2 Corinthians 9:11

Support the communication of the Gospel-2 Corinthians 8 & 9[2]

2 Cor 9:8-9
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
NIV

Money is a tool: We are not to hoard it, serve it, or purse it as anything other than a means to an end. Since everything comes from God, and ultimately belongs to God, every decision we make-from giving to missions to buying a new pair of Nikes-has spiritual implications. Therefore we must ask the question, “Am I using my money the way God wants me to?”[3]

Money is a test: Money may serve as a test-financially, practically, and spiritually. The writer of Proverbs understood this when he said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise I may have too much and disown you an say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9. [4]

Money is a testimony:   How you use your money is a direct reflection of what you believe. If you truly believe that everything comes from God, you will use your money to accomplish His purposes, and that will stand as a testimony to the world. We pay a great price if we allow materialism to erode our testimony.[5]

Luke 10:25-37

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” 27 He answered: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
NIV

What three attitudes concerning stewardship are displayed in this story?

1. Attitude of the Robbers: What’s yours is mine, and I’m going to take it.

2. Attitude of the Priest: What’s mine is mine, and I’m going to keep it.

3. Attitude of the Samaritan: What’s mine is yours, and I’m going to give it.

A man who was on a walk fell over a cliff a caught a branch on the way down screamed out, “Is there anyone up there who can help me?” Just then, he heard a booming voice from above that said, “Yes, I will help you. I am the Lord. Just relax and let go.” There was a long pause. Then the man said, “Is there anyone one else up there who can help me?’[6]

Letting go is never easy, and relying on our own devices is a hard habit to break. The one area in our lives that seem to be hardest to let go and trust God in is our control over the things we believe are ours. However, if we are truly going to experience financial freedom, trusting God with our money is the first step!

This study is not a quick fix, getting into financial trouble took time, getting out of that trouble will also take time. If you are not having financial issues, good; this class will give you the tools to stay out of trouble. For next week do the attached homework sheets.

 

 

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