Lazarus and What's His Name?

Patrice McCormac
Luke 16:19-31

Although being wealthy is not a sin, it can blind us to the things of God. God gives each of us a measure of wealth, whether a little or a lot, with the intent that we use it to bring Him glory. God has a great concern for the poor. We can use our wealth on our selves as the rich man did or we can use it to serve the poor and bring glory to God.

Foolish-Wise

Lee Campbell
Luke 12:13-34

The foolish focus their attention on accumulating wealth in order to ensure a comfortable life, but the wise are rich toward God. The wise focus their attention on God's kingdom and live a life of love towards others, trusting God to take care of all their needs.

The God Who Is Ethical Part 2

James Rochford
Exodus 20:12-17

The Law was given to us for our good. God knows much better than we do about what is good for us. The Law was designed to teach us how far short we fall from God's moral standard and lead us to Christ to receive mercy.

A Tale of Two Lifestyles

Patrice McCormac
Nehemiah 5

Nehemiah was an example to the nobles who were taking advantage of the poor of how to not be blind to the needs and suffering of the people. He is an example to all of us of how to use money well.

Living In Light of Jesus' Return

Gary DeLashmutt
James 5:1-11

James' audience is poor Christians who are being mistreated by rich non-Christians. James stresses how Jesus' future return should affect the way we live. God often allows mistreatment in this life but will ultimately intervene and condemn those who refuse to repent. So, Christians should not take personal revenge, but leave that to the Lord. They should not quit serving the Lord when it seems fruitless, but wait upon His reward when He returns. Don't pass judgment on fellow-Christians because Jesus will evaluate all of us when He returns.

Walk as Children of Light

Scott Risley
Ephesians 5:1-14

To walk as children of light begins with a deep change in your identity. We live as children of light because of what God has done for us, forgiving and adopting us as His beloved children. We live as children of light because the old way does not fit anymore. Also, we want to live in a way that pleases God. Finally, we live as children of light for the sake of our witness to others.

Grace to Give

Mike Sullivan
2 Corinthians 8-9

God wants Christians to be generous and will give great opportunities to be generous. Grace-based giving is not bound by our circumstances. It is inspired by Christ. Grace-based giving shares resources with those in need and is accountable to handle money in an honorable way. Grace-based giving remembers God's role in supplying the resources to give. Grace-based giving results in recipients giving thanks and glorifying God.

Exchanging the Old Self for the New Self

Dennis McCallum
Ephesians 4:21-28

If you are forgiven in Jesus, you have a new birth, a new identity. This new birth means you have to believe and live in that identity. Believing and living in this new identity releases God's power to transform your mind which leads to living a life of love.

Living Out Your New Identity in Christ

Conrad Hilario
Ephesians 4:17-19

Living out your new life in Christ involves not living as the world lives, in the futility of their mind, but knowing that only God gives real meaning in life to anything we do. He gives us significance and value. He ensures that suffering has a purpose. Are you living in such a way that distinguishes you from the world?