"the Three C's Of Financial Stability"

Faith is ticking one tick at a time. Knowing that God will give us strength for the next tick. According to I Peter 1:8 we can have a “joy inexpressible.” Don’t worry. Be content.

b. Contentment with godliness results in great gain. if you drift into trusting wealth rather than the Lord for present or future security, you’re off course (Prov. 11:28; Jer. 17:5-6). If you’re storing up treasures on earth, rather than in heaven, you’ll lose it all (Matt. 6:19-34). If you live in abundance, but don’t help the poor, you’re committing the sin of the people of Sodom (Ezek. 16:49). If you’re seeking contentment in money or things, rather than in God Himself, you will come up empty (1 Tim. 6:5-10). So, be careful so that you’re not deceived.

C. Applic. Illust: We can trust God to provide what we need when we need it! Illust: Poland Trip – one member had hand made gifts for translators, etc. As the bags trickled in, person would ask if their box had come. No. No. No. Sunday worship was last time would see many of these people. Wanted to be able to give to them. Saturday night two bags came in! Gifts in one bag! Proverbs 28:22 - He that hasteth to be rich [hath] an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him

III. Financial Stability Requires We: “Practice the Joy of Contributing. (II Cor. 9:7)

*We have moved from sinful behavior of coveting to the stability of contentment now to the joy of contributing! Friend, there is JOY in realizing God has made you a conduit of blessing.

A. Examine Your Attitude in Giving.

1. II Cor. 9:7 tells us that: “God loves a cheerful giver”. How do we get that attitude? Realize that God is a loving giver! God has given His Son! (John 3:16), “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. (James 1:17). God has graciously and freely given to us His best. We should joyfully give to the Lord. My attitude in giving should reflect the joy of my salvation.

2. Illust: Many know our mission team didn’t get our luggage for 9-13 days! After a couple of days the Ukrainian women had heard that our people did not have bags. Anna, a Ukrainian missionary in Georgia, said: “Now you can relate to us! We don’t have anything either.” True! Then, however, this dear woman said: “Wait, I was given three sweaters since I have been here. Would you like one of mine?” Wow! She was grateful for what had, so she was willing to contribute joyfully.

B. Realize the Amount to Give and the Advantage of Giving.

1. What is the basic amount that Christians are to give? Christians who want to please the Lord often have questions about tithing. The dictionary defines the word “tithe” as “a tenth part of something paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax especially for the support of a religious establishment.” It was a common practice in the Old Testament and was required of members of the nation of Israel. Christians who want to please the Lord often have questions about tithing.

2. According to research from “Share Faith Magazine” – American Christians now give less per capita than during the Great Depression. When we finally look at those in church, at best 25% of the congregation give. That’s at best. If you have that level of participation, you’re not in the norm, according to other research, which says only about 3-5% actually tithe in most cases. And, it’s not the wealthy who always tithe. The statistics suggest that if you make less than $20k, you’re eight times more likely to give than someone who makes more than $75k. Let me also tell you these facts, 80% of all Americans who tithe carry no credit card debt! 28% of tithers in US are debt free! Maybe is something!