Ka-Ching-Onomics: "God"
Series: Ka-Ching-Onomics
"God" by John Burke - March 4, 2007
This is our final message about money – and how to get the role of money in our lives to square with God’s view of abundant living.
1. Today, John talked about the “elephant in the room” when it comes to talking about church and your money: The belief that churches talk about money so that the church or its leaders will be better off. So let’s start with some honest discussion about this: Do you think that “the church” - and particularly Gateway Church, is about all about making more money? If not Gateway, have you ever thought that about another church? Do any of the answers below describe something you have thought about church/religion and money.
a. Ka-ching: Money is just what EVERYONE is about – it’s human nature… and the church is not any different
b. I’ve seen those guys on TV who always want people to send their money to them – and they take advantage of people who are most vulnerable. There is just no way to trust churches when they start talking money.
c. God teaches that following Him should bring rewards, so it’s natural that the Church would expect to benefit. They just don’t need to get it from me.
d. It really IS about the plastic buckets.
e. Other…..
Take about 10 minutes a talk in your group about any ways you’ve seen/heard a bad mix between money and religion.
2. We’ve talked a lot about money over the last few weeks, and one of the things we’ve learned in this series is that there is more discussion about money in the Bible than about MANY other so-called “spiritual” topics (i.e., prayer, Holy Spirit). Why do you think God spends so much time talking to us about money in the Bible? (10 minutes)
3. This week, John focused on the different reasons people give to a church: guilt, helping meet needs, obedience to God, and/or love for others. Most likely, the way and the amount people give would be different depending on which of these motives is front and center. Take a few minutes to talk about how each of these motives would lead to different approaches to giving. (Briefly share any personal experiences with each of these motivations if you have them.) If you have ever given money to a church or other cause, or give now, what has been the most typical motivation for you? (10 – 15 minutes)
4. Have you ever deliberately tried to “test” God by giving the “first fruits” of what you earn to a church or to some other ministry that you were called to support? If so, talk with your group about what that was like: What made you decided to do it? Was it hard? Was your daily life handicapped as a result? Was it blessed? (10 – 15 minutes)
5. A natural place to end this series is with a “heart check” on the topic of money. Have you changed your general thinking about money as a result of this series and if so, how?
• First, do you really believe that everything you have (all your Jelly Bellies) comes from God… or do you think it is your own production?
• Next, do you REALLY believe that God wants to free you up by helping get your financial life in order?
• Do you think that junking the lies about “stuff”, getting out of debt, starting to save, and honoring God FIRST with your money would make your life better?
Scripture verses from the message:
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10.
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
“Moreover, when God gives people wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:19
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own? No servant can serve two masters…You cannot serve both God and Money.”
Luke 16:11-13
"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
I Chronicles 29:14
"A tithe [10th part] of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD.”
Leviticus 27:30
“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 you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops…then all the nations will call you blessed.”
Malachi 3:10-12
Related Next-Step Resources:
Good Sense Workshop - Gateway U: March 9 & 10.
Sign up and get more info here
Other readings on financial health:
Financial Peace Revisited by David Ramsey
Total Money Makover by David Ramsey
Treasure Principle: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn
(all available at Gateway's Bookstore)
posted by Linda Gerber @ 1:16 PM
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