Text: 1 Kings 19:16 Requested a Double Portion of Elijah’s Spirit (2 Kings 2:6-14) Not referring to a greater ability to prophesy or perform miracles, but it had to do with the desire to follow in the footsteps of his master and continue his work (cf. Deuteronomy 21:17) Those who have led us are worthy [...]

Text: Luke 16:19-31 Focused Only on This Life (v. 19) Nothing wrong with riches (1 Timothy 6:17) or enjoying life (Ecclesiastes 11:9) But wealth & enjoyment are not our ultimate goal (1 Timothy 6:9; Ecclesiastes 7:2-3) If we’re not careful, these can turn us away from God (Luke 8:14) This world is only temporary (1 [...]

Text: Mark 12:41-44 The Rich Were Not Condemned Jesus made a comparison between the rich men & the poor widow — but He was not condemning the rich We cannot put all of our money into the treasury — God requires a portion (1 Corinthians 16:2) There are other things God expects us to do [...]

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:16-34 Churches of God (v. 16) Similar to Paul’s mention of the “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16) Can we do anything we want as long as the congregation agrees to it? … No — we’re still accountable to God/Christ Required to act by His authority (Colossians 3:17) This is why sound churches [...]

Text: Proverbs 27:23-27 Current Economic Turmoil — yet we still have obligations (2 Thessalonians 3:10; 1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 4:28) Our Responsibility Take care of yourself — “your flocks … your herds“ Be good stewards — do not neglect your flocks, know their condition Economies Can Collapse — “riches are not forever” How can we [...]

Text: Acts 5:1-11 The Background (Acts 4:34-37) Lesson about Money We are free to use it as we see fit (Acts 5:4) But our use of money must be guided by divine principles In matters of liberty, we must not pass judgment against others (Romans 14:4,10) Their Sin – Lied to the Holy Spirit (v. [...]

Be Content – Philippians 4:11-12 Be Thankful – James 1:17 Be Generous – Galatians 6:10 Be Hardworking – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 Be a Good Steward – Matthew 25:24-28 Be Hopeful – Matthew 6:19-21

Our Attitude – James 1:17; Philippians 4:10-12; 1 Timothy 6:9-10 Our Responsibility Care for self – 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10 Care for our own – 1 Timothy 5:8 Help the needy – Ephesians 4:28; Galatians 6:10 Give to local church – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Help support preachers – Galatians 6:6 Pay taxes – [...]