Financial Margin
Welcome
We are so glad you have joined us today. We hope that you find today's worship experience both encouraging and challenging.
Financial Margin
In our culture today, financial stress is completely normal. You see it in almost everyone with whom you come in contact. Living paycheck to paycheck, debt, worry, anxiety, and fear are a part of the American financial scene. Today, we are going to explore Financial Margin. Financial margin is the ability to be financially at rest. Not anxious, not worried, and not afraid. It is something that most people do not have...but I believe God wants us to experience it. It is possible...and, according to the Bible, it is good!
Proverbs 21:20
Proverbs 21:21 NIV
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
1 Timothy 6:6-10
1 Timothy 6:6-10 NIV
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 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. 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.
The House of the Wise
There is a wise way to manage the money God entrusts to us; and there is a foolish way. Unfortunately, most Americans choose the foolish way. According to 1 Timothy 6:6, there is great gain associated with contentment. Not just marginal, sort of gain, but great gain.
Matthew 6:19-21
Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
“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.
The Practical Solution
The culture's definition of happiness is "more than I currently have". For most of us, margin is not an income problem; it is a lifestyle problem. Even more than a lifestyle problem, it is a spiritual problem. Where your money goes, your heart follows. Practically, to create financial margin, you either have to earn more or spend less.
The Spiritual Solution
To really create financial margin, you must put God first in your finances. If you will put God first, you will experience at least three benefits: 1) You will experience God's blessing; 2) You will become supernaturally content; 3) You will end up with what matters most.
Malachi 3:10
Malachi 3:10 NIV
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.
Proverbs 15:16
Proverbs 15:16 NIV
Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.
Proverbs 8:18-19
Proverbs 8:18-19 NIV
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.
This Week's Challenge
Begin each day asking God to keep you spiritually content throughout the day. Commit or recommit to tithe for the next 90 days.
Catalyst Leadership Conference
The Catalyst Leadership Conference is coming back to Atlanta on October 6-8, 2010. This year’s speakers include Andy Stanley, Francis Chan, Craig Groeshel, Beth Moore, T.D. Jakes, Seth Godin, Daniel Pink, and many other of the top leaders in the world. If you are interested in attending, Please see Pastor Stone for more details. You may register at www.catalystconference.com. The conference will sell-out, so it is important that you make your reservations early. Rooms will be $90 for the two nights. You must turn in your money by August 1 if you would like for us to make your room reservations.
Upcoming Seniors Activities
The Seniors Group will be going to the Mountain Opry on Signal Mountain on Friday evening, July 30. See Larry and JoAnna Small for more details. On Sunday, August 15, the Seniors will be enjoying lunch together at the City Cafe on Lee Highway and Bonny Oaks after the morning Celebration Service. The next Seniors’ Breakfast will be on Saturday, August 28, at 9:00 a.m. at the Golden Corral in Fort Oglethorpe.
Current Sermon Series
Sometimes it seems like the only way to keep up with all the demands on our lives is to run at maximum capacity...and then some. But there is another way...one where we have room to breathe and space to respond to what life brings our way. Come explore what it means to live with Margin. July 11: Margin July 18: Scheduling Margin July 25: Financial Margin August 1: Moral Margin
New Sermon Series: I Love The Church
Everybody can tell you what’s wrong with the Church. But this sermon series will tell you why “I Love The Church”. This five weeks series will lead right into the National “Back To Church” campaign on September 12. The sermons include: August 8: I Love The Church Because God Loves The Church August 15: I Love The Church Because It Is God’s Family August 22: I Love The Church Because It Makes A Impact August 29: Because I Love The Church, I Will... (Part 1) September 5: Because I Love The Church, I Will... (Part 2) September 12: Back to Church Sunday
Church-wide Board Meeting
We will have a church-wide board meeting for the Finance Board, the Ministries Board, and the Facilities Board on Wednesday evening, August 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. If you are on any of these boards, please make plans to attend this meeting.
2010 Youth Retreat
This year's retreat is focused on developing a renewed sense of urgency in our walk with Christ as we dive into Ephesians 5:14-17. The dates for the retreat are October 1 - 3. The cost is $130.00, all-inclusive. See Jason for more details.
Back To Church Sunday
We will be participating with over 2,000 churches in America to extend over 1,000,000 invitations to encourage formerly churched people to ReDiscover Church. Did you know 82% of Americans say they are receptive to attending church if they were invited by a friend. Back To Church Sunday...September 12, 2010. Be watching for more details.
Youth and Parents Luncheon
Pastor Stone and Jason would like to meet with all our youth and their parents for a special discussion luncheon on Sunday, August, 22, after the Morning Celebration Service. Pizza and drinks will be served. We are hoping to hear how you would like to see your youth ministry progress. Please make plans to attend this meeting.