Reading for Insomniatic Moments

If you are interested in reading the dissertation that I finished writing this past year, Wealth and Discipleship in Affluent America, we've printed up a few copies available for check-out at the church information window. Let me know what you think!

Blessings,

jeff

wealth and affluence teachings

I have been having fun teaching a Sunday School class on the topic of discipleship in the midst of affluence. Last week, we talked about what Scripture says about wealth and discipleship. Below are the key principles from Scripture that we talked about, including a few Scripture references. Of course, more could be said (and in fact, we had to stop before we got to Pauline thought and the rest of the epistles), but here is what we discussed. If you would like the whole powerpoint, send me an email and I can get it to you.

Have a great week,
jeff

What does Scripture say about wealth and discipleship?
1. God is a God of abundance. (Genesis 1)
2. Humans are called to be stewards of what God owns. (Gen. 2:15)
3. Humans are never satisfied with God’s limits. (Gen. 3:6)
4. We are blessed to be a blessing. (Gen. 12:3)
5. God orients our lives towards himself and each other. (the Law, Exodus, Leviticus,
Deuteronomy)
6. God recognizes there are going to be different economic classes.
7. Affluence can lead to separation and abuse. (I Kings 12:4)
8. Treatment of the poor is bound up in the worship of God. (Amos 2:6-8)
9. Jesus celebrated abundantly, but shunned excess.
10. Riches are not just about money, but devotion. (Matt. 6:24,25)
11. Riches can be used for good. (Matt. 6:4)
12. Our wealth (i.e. “talents”) must be used knowing they don’t belong to us. (parable of
the talents matt. 25)
13. What we invest our resources in matters. (parable of rich fool luke 12)
14. Conversion reorients one’s financial life. (Luke 19: 1-10, Mark 10:17-31)

I can't believe it but...

I turned in my dissertation yesterday. Woo Hoo! Can't quite come to terms with the fact that my early mornings and late nights are back in my control. A big relief. But on the other hand I'm gonna miss it. I was trying to tell Kristi yesterday the writing was like birthing a child and she would have nothing of it. I don't blame her.

The Relationship Between Wealth and Discipleship in Affluent America. Expect it on your store shelves very soon.

or don't.

Thanks for celebrating with me.
jeff