debt
Habits, 30 March 2025
30 03 25 Filed in: Sermons | Master Your Money
Habits: Five Biblical Principles
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Master Your Money
March 30, 2025
Luke 12:16-21
Series Big Idea: We can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word.
Sermon Big Idea: Our habits create our lives, for better or worse.
Habits. They create our lives, for better or worse. What are some of your good habits? What are some of your not-so-good habits?
The word habit derives from the Latin words habere, which means "have, consist of," and habitus, which means "condition, or state of being” so it makes sense that author James Clear in his bestselling book Atomic Habits declared, “You are your habits.”
Today’s we’re finishing our series Master Your Money. We began by saying there is hope for your finances, no matter your current reality. Then we talked about the heart and how our behavior follows belief. In week three, we talked about financial health and the things we can do with money. Today we’re looking at habits and five biblical principles that will help us shape our future.
There are five biblical money management habits:
Spend less than you earn
Give generously.
Avoid the use of debt.
Plan for financial margin.
Set long-term goals.
Two weeks ago, we talked about live, give, grow, and owe. I want to revisit it and look at how they can lead us to financial freedom. After all, we can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word, which includes more than 2000 verses on money and possessions. We need to develop good habits in our lives to Master our Money.
To review, the live principle is spend less than you earn. God owns it all. We are His stewards. We begin with a budget. Many believe a budget restricts freedom, but it actually creates it. If you’re in debt, this is especially important since you don’t want to go further in debt, which will always occur if you spend more than you earn. Simple.
We begin by giving generously. Many give their leftovers, spare change, whatever they have at the end of the month. I suppose that’s fine when it comes to Girl Scout cookies or supporting a child’s field trip, but I’m talking about biblical generosity. The Old Testament principle was the tithe, 10%, which is a good place to start.
I realize for those of you not used to giving, ten percent might seem like a lot. Start with 5%. Maybe you need to start with 1% but start giving. Even if you don’t think you can afford it, take God at His word.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)
It can be scary to trust God, but He never fails. You can’t out give God. I’m not asking you to take a leap of faith, but a step of faith. Once you start giving and move to percentage giving, level 3 is sacrificial giving.
Let me say again this is not a fundraising pitch. We’re not in a capital campaign and our bills are being paid thanks to the generosity of many of you. This is about you taking a faith-filled risk and seeing how God responds.
Owe obviously speaks to debt. Ideally, avoid it at all costs…because there are costs associated with debt, and they are high.
I read recently our nation’s debt is more than $36 trillion and the interest we are paying on that debt…for fiscal year 2023 our government’s interest expenses totaled almost $900 billion! What do have to show for nearly a trillion dollars? Nothing!
I know your debt’s not that high, but many of you are paying a fortune in debt expenses. If that’s you, logically pay down the debts with the highest interest rates…usually credit cards. Repay other debts next and repay your mortgage last, if you have one. There are tax reasons for this, and the rate is usually lower than other loans.
Grow is about maintaining margin, saving for emergencies and then God-given goals. Rainy days will come…I promise! If you don’t have an emergency fund, you will someday have a financial emergency! Proverbs 30 says to pray for daily bread, but elsewhere in Proverbs 6 we’re advised to set aside some money for the future. Plus, investments can generate income through interest, dividends, and appreciation.
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants. (Proverbs 27:23-27)
Pay attention. Plan. Save. Things break!
On the other extreme of debt, tragically, many hoard money. Some of you don’t have months of living expenses saved up, you have years or even decades of wealth…for what?
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ (Luke 12:16-17)
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ (Luke 12:18-19)
“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?’ (Luke 12:20)
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)
How much is enough? You can’t take it with you! “You can’t take it with you—but you can send it on ahead.” – Randy Alcorn
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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 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. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
I must admit it can be challenging to know how much is enough. What about investments? What about leaving an inheritance? Is it wrong to have money? No, but it is a sin if your money has you!
Several years ago, I was at the National Pastor’s Convention in San Diego. The late Tony Campolo was doing a Q&A and a gutsy person asked how he could talk about serving the poor while staying in a nice hotel. I was on the edge of my seat! I’ve felt guilty for buying things like another pair of shoes when there are people who walk barefoot. Heather and I own two cars while many have only a bicycle. Tony replied by quoting the ancient wisdom of Solomon:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3)
Campolo said something like, “There is a time to be with the poor and a time to be with the rich, a time to suffer and a time to enjoy comfort.
What an answer! My paraphrase is don’t feel guilty, but be grateful and generous.
Part of that generosity may be with your wisdom. Some of you need help with your finances. Some of you are able to help. I would love for you to let me or the office know if you need help or are able to help. We’re working on several projects over the next several months to help those of you in trouble get the help you need.
As I said in week one, virtually every one of us is rich…compared to the rest of the world. How will we steward and use the gifts we’ve been given for God’s glory?
So What?
When we had children in the house, we taught them the 10/10/80 principle. Give 10, save 10, and the rest is yours. At some point, that 80 may become far more than you need and you can increase your giving.
I’ve long appreciated the words of John Wesley:
It all begins with our heart. Do we really believe God owns it all? Do we trust Him to provide our daily bread? Have we experienced Jesus’ declaration that it’s better to give than to receive? Are you content? Faith-filled? Wise?
Look at your habits. What’s your next step in your relationship with God…and money?
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Master Your Money
March 30, 2025
Luke 12:16-21
Series Big Idea: We can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word.
Sermon Big Idea: Our habits create our lives, for better or worse.
Habits. They create our lives, for better or worse. What are some of your good habits? What are some of your not-so-good habits?
The word habit derives from the Latin words habere, which means "have, consist of," and habitus, which means "condition, or state of being” so it makes sense that author James Clear in his bestselling book Atomic Habits declared, “You are your habits.”
Today’s we’re finishing our series Master Your Money. We began by saying there is hope for your finances, no matter your current reality. Then we talked about the heart and how our behavior follows belief. In week three, we talked about financial health and the things we can do with money. Today we’re looking at habits and five biblical principles that will help us shape our future.
There are five biblical money management habits:
Spend less than you earn
Give generously.
Avoid the use of debt.
Plan for financial margin.
Set long-term goals.
Two weeks ago, we talked about live, give, grow, and owe. I want to revisit it and look at how they can lead us to financial freedom. After all, we can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word, which includes more than 2000 verses on money and possessions. We need to develop good habits in our lives to Master our Money.
To review, the live principle is spend less than you earn. God owns it all. We are His stewards. We begin with a budget. Many believe a budget restricts freedom, but it actually creates it. If you’re in debt, this is especially important since you don’t want to go further in debt, which will always occur if you spend more than you earn. Simple.
We begin by giving generously. Many give their leftovers, spare change, whatever they have at the end of the month. I suppose that’s fine when it comes to Girl Scout cookies or supporting a child’s field trip, but I’m talking about biblical generosity. The Old Testament principle was the tithe, 10%, which is a good place to start.
I realize for those of you not used to giving, ten percent might seem like a lot. Start with 5%. Maybe you need to start with 1% but start giving. Even if you don’t think you can afford it, take God at His word.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)
It can be scary to trust God, but He never fails. You can’t out give God. I’m not asking you to take a leap of faith, but a step of faith. Once you start giving and move to percentage giving, level 3 is sacrificial giving.
Let me say again this is not a fundraising pitch. We’re not in a capital campaign and our bills are being paid thanks to the generosity of many of you. This is about you taking a faith-filled risk and seeing how God responds.
Owe obviously speaks to debt. Ideally, avoid it at all costs…because there are costs associated with debt, and they are high.
I read recently our nation’s debt is more than $36 trillion and the interest we are paying on that debt…for fiscal year 2023 our government’s interest expenses totaled almost $900 billion! What do have to show for nearly a trillion dollars? Nothing!
I know your debt’s not that high, but many of you are paying a fortune in debt expenses. If that’s you, logically pay down the debts with the highest interest rates…usually credit cards. Repay other debts next and repay your mortgage last, if you have one. There are tax reasons for this, and the rate is usually lower than other loans.
Grow is about maintaining margin, saving for emergencies and then God-given goals. Rainy days will come…I promise! If you don’t have an emergency fund, you will someday have a financial emergency! Proverbs 30 says to pray for daily bread, but elsewhere in Proverbs 6 we’re advised to set aside some money for the future. Plus, investments can generate income through interest, dividends, and appreciation.
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks,
give careful attention to your herds;
24 for riches do not endure forever,
and a crown is not secure for all generations.
25 When the hay is removed and new growth appears
and the grass from the hills is gathered in,
26 the lambs will provide you with clothing,
and the goats with the price of a field.
27 You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed your family
and to nourish your female servants. (Proverbs 27:23-27)
Pay attention. Plan. Save. Things break!
On the other extreme of debt, tragically, many hoard money. Some of you don’t have months of living expenses saved up, you have years or even decades of wealth…for what?
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ (Luke 12:16-17)
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ (Luke 12:18-19)
“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?’ (Luke 12:20)
“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)
How much is enough? You can’t take it with you! “You can’t take it with you—but you can send it on ahead.” – Randy Alcorn
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. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 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. (1 Timothy 6:17-19)
I must admit it can be challenging to know how much is enough. What about investments? What about leaving an inheritance? Is it wrong to have money? No, but it is a sin if your money has you!
Several years ago, I was at the National Pastor’s Convention in San Diego. The late Tony Campolo was doing a Q&A and a gutsy person asked how he could talk about serving the poor while staying in a nice hotel. I was on the edge of my seat! I’ve felt guilty for buying things like another pair of shoes when there are people who walk barefoot. Heather and I own two cars while many have only a bicycle. Tony replied by quoting the ancient wisdom of Solomon:
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3)
Campolo said something like, “There is a time to be with the poor and a time to be with the rich, a time to suffer and a time to enjoy comfort.
What an answer! My paraphrase is don’t feel guilty, but be grateful and generous.
Part of that generosity may be with your wisdom. Some of you need help with your finances. Some of you are able to help. I would love for you to let me or the office know if you need help or are able to help. We’re working on several projects over the next several months to help those of you in trouble get the help you need.
As I said in week one, virtually every one of us is rich…compared to the rest of the world. How will we steward and use the gifts we’ve been given for God’s glory?
So What?
When we had children in the house, we taught them the 10/10/80 principle. Give 10, save 10, and the rest is yours. At some point, that 80 may become far more than you need and you can increase your giving.
I’ve long appreciated the words of John Wesley:
- Gain all you can – through honest and ethical means.
- Save all you can – by living frugally and avoiding waste.
- Give all you can – by using wealth to help others and do good.
It all begins with our heart. Do we really believe God owns it all? Do we trust Him to provide our daily bread? Have we experienced Jesus’ declaration that it’s better to give than to receive? Are you content? Faith-filled? Wise?
Look at your habits. What’s your next step in your relationship with God…and money?
Health, 16 March 2025
17 03 25 Filed in: Sermons | Master Your Money
Health: Today’s Reality
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Master Your Money
March 16, 2025
Psalm 24:1-2; Luke 16:10-11
Series Big Idea: We can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word.
Sermon Big Idea: God owns it all but allows us to steward it in this life.
God owns it all. Everything we have belongs to Him. We are merely stewards. This was announced in our scripture reading from Psalm 24. This includes our money. There are only four things we can do with money: live, give, grow, or owe. We can find financial freedom through God’s Word.
There are five things we can do with money. I know, I said four, but we’re going to look at them today and what God says about them. Thanks to the Ron Blue Institute, we have another worksheet for you in your bulletin. Fill in the bottom numbers.
Income - $
Give – $
Owe (debt) – $
Owe (taxes) – $
Grow (save) – $
LIVE = Income - (Give + Owe Debt + Owe Taxes + Grow)
Let’s unpack these together.
Give
I have repeatedly said this series is not about what College First wants from you but rather what God wants for you. When we open our hands and give, it allows God to release His resources. We don’t give to receive, but the blessings are inevitable. My friend, David Munn, is one of the most generous people I know. He loves this text:
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
This is a quote from Psalm 112:9. I could talk for hours about the truth of these words in my own life. I share this with humility, not to boast about myself but about God’s faithfulness. Throughout our marriage, we have given beyond a tithe (10%), and God has provided in remarkable ways:
Your experience may differ, but I promise that if you are faithful to God, He will be faithful to you. While it doesn’t mean immediate financial returns, God will reward our stewardship.
“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Randy Alcorn notes, “However, the cheerfulness often comes during and after the act of obedience, not before it.”
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? (Luke 16:10-11)
I’ve heard people say, “Tithing (giving 10% of your income) is an Old Testament principle and we’re not under the old law.” Jesus always took the old law and raised the bar. For example,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
The tithe—10%—is for beginners. Some people give 90% and live off the tithe! It doesn’t matter if you earn $100 or $100,000, the principle remains the same.
Everything we have belongs to God. Not 10%. Not 90%. One hundred percent. But it doesn’t stop there. This extends beyond money to our possessions and homes. When a missionary family needed housing, we gave them our home for a year and lived with friends. We were blessed even more than they were! This shouldn’t be a surprise since…
…the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35b)
The wisdom of Proverbs declares
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)
I know some of you are thinking this doesn’t make sense. I can’t afford to give. My budget doesn’t balance (do you even have one?!). Give to God first and watch God math take over! You can’t afford to NOT tithe! Give your best to God. Give Him the first fruits, not your leftovers.
Grow
Next, it’s important to save for the future.
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
There is a 100% chance that you will need a rainy day fund because it rains! Some call it an emergency fund. Emergencies happen to all of us, and we can’t predict them. We can only prepare for them.
Next, there are two people we owe: the government and lenders.
Owe (Taxes)
They say the only sure things in life are death and taxes. I know this is radical, but God created the government. It reflects God’s provision. Whether your candidate is in the White House, Governor’s Mansion, or City Hall, we need to pray for them…and pay them!
Jesus was asked about taxes (they’re not new!) by religious leaders.
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” (Matthew 22:17)
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” (Matthew 22:18-20)
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
Pay your taxes!
Owe (Debt)
Debt is another challenge.
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7)
Credit card debt is particularly dangerous due to high interest rates. Avoid debt whenever possible. If you must borrow, do so wisely. Presuming upon the future is risky (James 4:13-16). My advice to my children—and to you—is simple: Avoid debt at all costs (pun intended). Wait. Save.
Live
Once we’ve given to God, paid off debts, and set aside money for savings, we can create a budget. This is what we live off. It may not be as much as you want, but that’s what you have. Live within your means. That means don’t spend more than you have. We call that…debt!
So What?
The Bible is so practical. It speaks to all five uses of money. What is God speaking to you today? Maybe it’s to take a step of faith and trust that God will bless you for being obedient by tithing. Perhaps you need to take time to create a budget. The formula is right in front of you, the “live” amount is what you assign to housing, food, clothes, and fun. Some of you need to declare war on debt, pay off those credit cards and then take that trip or buy that new tv.
There are only four/five things you can do with money. What will you do with yours? Remember, it’s actually God’s.
Credits: some material from the Ron Blue Institute, some edits by ChatGPT
Kirk Schneemann
College First Church of God
Master Your Money
March 16, 2025
Psalm 24:1-2; Luke 16:10-11
Series Big Idea: We can find freedom in our finances through God’s Word.
Sermon Big Idea: God owns it all but allows us to steward it in this life.
God owns it all. Everything we have belongs to Him. We are merely stewards. This was announced in our scripture reading from Psalm 24. This includes our money. There are only four things we can do with money: live, give, grow, or owe. We can find financial freedom through God’s Word.
There are five things we can do with money. I know, I said four, but we’re going to look at them today and what God says about them. Thanks to the Ron Blue Institute, we have another worksheet for you in your bulletin. Fill in the bottom numbers.
Income - $
Give – $
Owe (debt) – $
Owe (taxes) – $
Grow (save) – $
LIVE = Income - (Give + Owe Debt + Owe Taxes + Grow)
Let’s unpack these together.
Give
I have repeatedly said this series is not about what College First wants from you but rather what God wants for you. When we open our hands and give, it allows God to release His resources. We don’t give to receive, but the blessings are inevitable. My friend, David Munn, is one of the most generous people I know. He loves this text:
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)
This is a quote from Psalm 112:9. I could talk for hours about the truth of these words in my own life. I share this with humility, not to boast about myself but about God’s faithfulness. Throughout our marriage, we have given beyond a tithe (10%), and God has provided in remarkable ways:
- We were short $100 one week—$50 arrived in the mail, and $50 was given to us in cash.
- I have found cash taped to my office door.
- We prayed for a minivan, told nobody, and were given one two hours later!
- We faced over $300,000 in uncovered medical bills and ended the year debt-free except for our mortgage.
- When facing financial uncertainty, God provided unexpected jobs, housemates, and generous gifts.
Your experience may differ, but I promise that if you are faithful to God, He will be faithful to you. While it doesn’t mean immediate financial returns, God will reward our stewardship.
“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Randy Alcorn notes, “However, the cheerfulness often comes during and after the act of obedience, not before it.”
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. 11 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? (Luke 16:10-11)
I’ve heard people say, “Tithing (giving 10% of your income) is an Old Testament principle and we’re not under the old law.” Jesus always took the old law and raised the bar. For example,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)
The tithe—10%—is for beginners. Some people give 90% and live off the tithe! It doesn’t matter if you earn $100 or $100,000, the principle remains the same.
Everything we have belongs to God. Not 10%. Not 90%. One hundred percent. But it doesn’t stop there. This extends beyond money to our possessions and homes. When a missionary family needed housing, we gave them our home for a year and lived with friends. We were blessed even more than they were! This shouldn’t be a surprise since…
…the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35b)
The wisdom of Proverbs declares
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)
I know some of you are thinking this doesn’t make sense. I can’t afford to give. My budget doesn’t balance (do you even have one?!). Give to God first and watch God math take over! You can’t afford to NOT tithe! Give your best to God. Give Him the first fruits, not your leftovers.
Grow
Next, it’s important to save for the future.
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8)
There is a 100% chance that you will need a rainy day fund because it rains! Some call it an emergency fund. Emergencies happen to all of us, and we can’t predict them. We can only prepare for them.
Next, there are two people we owe: the government and lenders.
Owe (Taxes)
They say the only sure things in life are death and taxes. I know this is radical, but God created the government. It reflects God’s provision. Whether your candidate is in the White House, Governor’s Mansion, or City Hall, we need to pray for them…and pay them!
Jesus was asked about taxes (they’re not new!) by religious leaders.
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” (Matthew 22:17)
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” (Matthew 22:18-20)
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21)
Pay your taxes!
Owe (Debt)
Debt is another challenge.
"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7)
Credit card debt is particularly dangerous due to high interest rates. Avoid debt whenever possible. If you must borrow, do so wisely. Presuming upon the future is risky (James 4:13-16). My advice to my children—and to you—is simple: Avoid debt at all costs (pun intended). Wait. Save.
Live
Once we’ve given to God, paid off debts, and set aside money for savings, we can create a budget. This is what we live off. It may not be as much as you want, but that’s what you have. Live within your means. That means don’t spend more than you have. We call that…debt!
So What?
The Bible is so practical. It speaks to all five uses of money. What is God speaking to you today? Maybe it’s to take a step of faith and trust that God will bless you for being obedient by tithing. Perhaps you need to take time to create a budget. The formula is right in front of you, the “live” amount is what you assign to housing, food, clothes, and fun. Some of you need to declare war on debt, pay off those credit cards and then take that trip or buy that new tv.
There are only four/five things you can do with money. What will you do with yours? Remember, it’s actually God’s.
Credits: some material from the Ron Blue Institute, some edits by ChatGPT
Rebel (and spend less), 11 December 2011
13 12 11 Filed in: Sermons | Advent Conspiracy
Big Idea: one way to make this Christmas season different is to spend less and give more.
We are in the most chaotic season of the year, businesses are doing whatever possible to lure us into their stores or onto their websites, credit cards are being used more than snow blowers in Alaska, and calendars are filled with parties and special events. So much for, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
We continue Advent Conspiracy. The conspiracy is to do the season differently. The celebration of a king’s birth, lying in an animal food trough on a silent night has become the most stress-filled, debt-producing, narcissistic season of the year. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Each week we are focusing on one word. Last week it was worship. We said to do the season differently we need to worship more, focusing our attention on the one who is worthy and deserving of our affections and attentions—Jesus Christ.
Today’s word is rebel. Does this surprise you? What comes to mind when you think of rebel? I don’t think most people in our culture would think of Jesus-followers as being rebels, yet for centuries, many have led radical, counter-cultural lives. The context of Jesus’ birth itself was filled with rebels.
Rebellion is part of our tradition as followers of Jesus. I often talk about the importance of context when reading the Bible, and the Advent narratives are no exception.
We talk a lot about Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, but one of the dominant characters in the story is Herod. Herod was a nasty man. Actually, there several people named Herod as there were several names Caesar or the Pope. Herod was a governor appointed by the Roman Empire. He began his rule at age 25. He was obviously a friend of Rome and extremely insecure about his empire. He killed three of his sons, a wife, his mother-in-law, siblings, and even one of his key advisors. His empire was built on power and might. Even though he wasn’t Jewish, he held the title “king of the Jews.”
He was an impressive man. He built stadiums and coliseums. He built a palace on a huge hill that he had built even higher. He even rebuilt the temple, super-sizing it and placing a Roman eagle on it. The temple then became a huge business, with people selling sacrifices. Do you remember the story? Jesus goes postal and knocks over their tables.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” (Matthew 7:1-6)
We looked at this passage last week. Jesus had the right to be on the throne according to the genealogies in Matthew, so rather than seeking Jesus to destroy, he kills all baby boys.
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:7-12)
Jesus is very aware of Herod, his power, and his influence. His cousin, John the Baptist, was beheaded by Herod.
At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day — for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! (Luke 13:31-33)
Jesus knows He is going to die a political death. He is aware of Herod. We need to be aware of Herod. We need to be aware of our culture. Jesus wants us to pledge allegiance to a different empire. Which kingdom will we pledge allegiance to? That is the real question today. We can follow Jesus—the real King of Kings—or we can follow the kings and rules and marketers and leaders of this world.
Christ-followers for generations have been rebels. They have lived radical, counter-cultural lives. Many have given their lives for their faith, refusing to bow down to the idols and gods of this world.
What about us? Do we worship the idols of our world—money, success, power—or humbly surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. (Luke 23:6-9)
Herod wants Jesus to entertain him!
Zealots were activists. They were protestors. Jesus did not join them.
How do we ignore the kingdom? We focus on another Kingdom.
Jesus ignored Herod because He was living for a different Kingdom.
My challenge to you is ignore Herod and our materialistic culture that says more and bigger is better. Do you need all of that stuff? Do you need to buy all of that stuff? Do you need to go into debt to get all of that stuff?
I’m not going Scrooge on anyone! I love to give and receive gifts. In fact, I’ve already done my part this year to stimulate the economy, but I’ve also done so challenged by the idea of spending less.
Are there gifts I can offer that aren’t found at Target? Can I give my presence rather than just a bunch of presents? Why do I give gifts? Really.
In 2007, film maker Morgan Spurlock of “Supersize Me” fame made a movie called “What Would Jesus Buy.” It’s makes quite a statement.
An article in this week’s AnnArbor.com noted that the Prosperity Gospel preached in many churches is to blame for some of the overspending. According to a Time magazine survey, more than 60 percent of Christians agree that “God wants people to be financially prosperous.”
Let’s be rebels this Christmas. Let’s be radical! Let’s give thought and care into not only what we buy, but why. Will it matter in six months? Will we still be paying for our gifts in six months? 50% of the people charging their purchases still owe for last year’s Christmas! Despite the recession, “the average American plans to spend $751 on gifts this year, up 22 percent from last year’s spending plans.”
Here’s a few questions to think about the next time you’re at the mall...
- why am I here?
- do I need this?
- how will I pay?
- what if I wait?
- where will I put it?
I want to offer two gift suggestions that will not end up in next year’s garage sale.
The first is a gift to Hope Clinic, our local ministry partner. We have catalogs of gifts you can purchase—everything from hot meals to medical care to prescriptions for needy in our community.
The second is clean water. Thousands of men, women and children die every DAY just because they lack clean drinking water. A gift to The Water Project can literally save lives.
We can serve MasterCard or the Master.
We can serve the king of this world or the King of kings.
We worship and live radical lives because He is worthy of our complete and total devotion.
Let’s worship more, spend less, give to Hope Clinic and the Water Project, and make this Christmas matter.
You can listen to the podcast here.
We are in the most chaotic season of the year, businesses are doing whatever possible to lure us into their stores or onto their websites, credit cards are being used more than snow blowers in Alaska, and calendars are filled with parties and special events. So much for, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”
We continue Advent Conspiracy. The conspiracy is to do the season differently. The celebration of a king’s birth, lying in an animal food trough on a silent night has become the most stress-filled, debt-producing, narcissistic season of the year. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Each week we are focusing on one word. Last week it was worship. We said to do the season differently we need to worship more, focusing our attention on the one who is worthy and deserving of our affections and attentions—Jesus Christ.
Today’s word is rebel. Does this surprise you? What comes to mind when you think of rebel? I don’t think most people in our culture would think of Jesus-followers as being rebels, yet for centuries, many have led radical, counter-cultural lives. The context of Jesus’ birth itself was filled with rebels.
Rebellion is part of our tradition as followers of Jesus. I often talk about the importance of context when reading the Bible, and the Advent narratives are no exception.
We talk a lot about Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, but one of the dominant characters in the story is Herod. Herod was a nasty man. Actually, there several people named Herod as there were several names Caesar or the Pope. Herod was a governor appointed by the Roman Empire. He began his rule at age 25. He was obviously a friend of Rome and extremely insecure about his empire. He killed three of his sons, a wife, his mother-in-law, siblings, and even one of his key advisors. His empire was built on power and might. Even though he wasn’t Jewish, he held the title “king of the Jews.”
He was an impressive man. He built stadiums and coliseums. He built a palace on a huge hill that he had built even higher. He even rebuilt the temple, super-sizing it and placing a Roman eagle on it. The temple then became a huge business, with people selling sacrifices. Do you remember the story? Jesus goes postal and knocks over their tables.
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.’” (Matthew 7:1-6)
We looked at this passage last week. Jesus had the right to be on the throne according to the genealogies in Matthew, so rather than seeking Jesus to destroy, he kills all baby boys.
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Matthew 2:7-12)
Jesus is very aware of Herod, his power, and his influence. His cousin, John the Baptist, was beheaded by Herod.
At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day — for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! (Luke 13:31-33)
Jesus knows He is going to die a political death. He is aware of Herod. We need to be aware of Herod. We need to be aware of our culture. Jesus wants us to pledge allegiance to a different empire. Which kingdom will we pledge allegiance to? That is the real question today. We can follow Jesus—the real King of Kings—or we can follow the kings and rules and marketers and leaders of this world.
Christ-followers for generations have been rebels. They have lived radical, counter-cultural lives. Many have given their lives for their faith, refusing to bow down to the idols and gods of this world.
What about us? Do we worship the idols of our world—money, success, power—or humbly surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean. When he learned that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at that time.
When Herod saw Jesus, he was greatly pleased, because for a long time he had been wanting to see him. From what he had heard about him, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. He plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave him no answer. (Luke 23:6-9)
Herod wants Jesus to entertain him!
Zealots were activists. They were protestors. Jesus did not join them.
How do we ignore the kingdom? We focus on another Kingdom.
Jesus ignored Herod because He was living for a different Kingdom.
My challenge to you is ignore Herod and our materialistic culture that says more and bigger is better. Do you need all of that stuff? Do you need to buy all of that stuff? Do you need to go into debt to get all of that stuff?
I’m not going Scrooge on anyone! I love to give and receive gifts. In fact, I’ve already done my part this year to stimulate the economy, but I’ve also done so challenged by the idea of spending less.
Are there gifts I can offer that aren’t found at Target? Can I give my presence rather than just a bunch of presents? Why do I give gifts? Really.
In 2007, film maker Morgan Spurlock of “Supersize Me” fame made a movie called “What Would Jesus Buy.” It’s makes quite a statement.
An article in this week’s AnnArbor.com noted that the Prosperity Gospel preached in many churches is to blame for some of the overspending. According to a Time magazine survey, more than 60 percent of Christians agree that “God wants people to be financially prosperous.”
Let’s be rebels this Christmas. Let’s be radical! Let’s give thought and care into not only what we buy, but why. Will it matter in six months? Will we still be paying for our gifts in six months? 50% of the people charging their purchases still owe for last year’s Christmas! Despite the recession, “the average American plans to spend $751 on gifts this year, up 22 percent from last year’s spending plans.”
Here’s a few questions to think about the next time you’re at the mall...
- why am I here?
- do I need this?
- how will I pay?
- what if I wait?
- where will I put it?
I want to offer two gift suggestions that will not end up in next year’s garage sale.
The first is a gift to Hope Clinic, our local ministry partner. We have catalogs of gifts you can purchase—everything from hot meals to medical care to prescriptions for needy in our community.
The second is clean water. Thousands of men, women and children die every DAY just because they lack clean drinking water. A gift to The Water Project can literally save lives.
We can serve MasterCard or the Master.
We can serve the king of this world or the King of kings.
We worship and live radical lives because He is worthy of our complete and total devotion.
Let’s worship more, spend less, give to Hope Clinic and the Water Project, and make this Christmas matter.
You can listen to the podcast here.