Mark Your Calendar
| March 10th | Church Fellowship in the gym!!!!! Directly after the morning worship service. |
| March 24th | Teen Parent Meeting after the morning worship service. |
| March 30th | Community Spring Fling from 11a – 3p |
| March 31st | Easter Celebration 9 Breakfast in the gym 10 Bible Study for every age 11 Morning Worship |
From the Desk of Pastor Tom
Why are we talking about money? Well, the Bible frequently discusses money. Jesus uses money to illustrate spiritual truths and daily life, as it’s hard to navigate life without it. A Christ-centered life will naturally reflect in financial decisions. Money is not just about illustrations; the Bible offers practical guidance for wise financial management. Our Acts study reveals how the early church handled money, aiming for unity in understanding. To serve God, family, church, and community effectively, we must grasp practical and theological aspects. Instead of detailing budgeting, let’s focus on the bigger financial picture.
Consider this – American debt stands at approximately 17.5 trillion dollars, highlighting our financial challenges. What drives us? What is the American dream? Many believe hard work leads to success, wealth, and a better life. This dream draws people to the USA. Yet, the pursuit raises questions: What’s the end goal? How much suffices?
Money poses challenges – we chase, hoard, or spend recklessly, seeking love, happiness, and contentment. Our internal desires exceed mere financial pursuits.
Christians and non-believers alike grapple with money, warranting attention to Jesus’ teachings. The purpose of a Christian’s life transcends paycheck-to-paycheck living or keeping up appearances. Pursuing a “good life” isn’t life’s essence or our purpose. Christianity isn’t a mere add-on for a comfortable life; it demands wholehearted devotion in every aspect, especially with material resources. The Bible’s perspective on money is profound and transformative.
When the Bible addresses the topic of money, its approach is both revolutionary and counterintuitive. It neither advocates for lavish indulgence nor embraces the extreme of asceticism where all material possessions are deemed inherently evil. For instance, Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament commands Christians to find our greatest joy in God rather than relational or material blessings. Those moments and items can be correctly seen as God’s good gifts, meant for our enjoyment. However, Ecclesiastes serves as a poignant reminder that apart from God, these blessings lose their value, dissolving into meaninglessness and leaving behind a void that perpetually seeks to be filled. 19th-century German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer mirrored this concept when he compared wealth and fame to seawater, suggesting that the more we consume, the more insatiable our thirst becomes. This metaphor may have its roots in ancient Roman wisdom, highlighting a timeless human condition. It prompts the crucial question: if material wealth cannot satisfy our deepest longings, what can? The Bible provides eternal truth through God’s Word. In Matthew 6, Jesus elaborates on what constitutes true treasure in the kingdom of God. Here, He challenges us to evaluate whether our finances serve as a mere tool in our hands or have taken the place of God in our lives.
Watch It Again
Sunday Worship – Pastor Tom
Sunday Bible Study – Chip Edwards
Galatians – Lesson 3a – The Same Gospel For All People
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