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The Church’s Finances. The Church and Money. Money is morally neutral Rome had a monetary system under which church operated Paul gave instructions about the church and money Responsibilities authorize resources. The Church and Money. How did churches “raise money”?
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The Church and Money • Money is morally neutral • Rome had a monetary system under which church operated • Paul gave instructions about the church and money • Responsibilities authorize resources
The Church and Money • How did churches “raise money”? • 1 Cor. 16:1-2 – members on 1st day of week • 2 Cor. 9:6-7 – attitude of givers • No businesses, “fund raisers”,…
The Church and Money • Improper attitudes: • Materialism – Rev. 3:15-18, Jas. 2:1-4 Some times, “run” by materialistic leaders or members
The Church and Money • Improper attitudes: • Making merchandise of the kingdom of heaven – Jn. 2:13-17, Matt. 21:12-13 • Merchandising very popular
The Church and Money • Improper attitudes: • Unauthorized works – churches today do many things in the name of good works without authority – providing entertainment, social needs, political activism, para-church organizations, etc.
The Church and Money • Improper attitudes: • Indifference & failure to fulfill responsibilities – sometimes churches limited by failures of its members to properly give
The Church and Money • Improper attitudes: • Lacking faith in working – some churches do nothing or very little. Defensive posture! 1 Thess. 1:2-4, cf. Rev. 2:19
The Church and Money • Members with access • Preacher, treasurer, elders, deacons, etc. can act dishonestly with resources. Embezzle, misuse funds, etc.! i.e. Judas Iscariot
The Church and Money • Members with access • Wise stewardship puts in safeguards, transparency and accountability1 Cor. 16:3-4, 2 Cor. 8:16-21
The work of the church! • Worshipping God – Heb. 10:25, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:18, 14:40, etc. • We have authority to utilize resources to carry these out
The work of the church! • Evangelism – 1 Tim. 3:15, 1 Thess. 1:8 • Paul supported – Phil. 4:15-17, 2 Cor. 11:8 • Located preacher – Ac. 20:31, 1 Cor. 9:8-12
The work of the church! • Benevolence (limited) – 1 Tim. 5:11-16, Ac. 6:1, 11:29-30 • Help brethren with needs - Rom. 15:25-26, 1 Cor. 6:3
The work of the church! • Authority for a treasury – 1 Cor. 16:1-2, “lay something aside that there be no collections when I come”
The work of the church! • NEVER are resources used for edification –Entertainment, gymnasiums, fellowship halls, social programs. • WHERE is the authority????
The church is a manifestation of God’s wisdomEph. 3:10-11 Let us respect His boundaries!