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The Scary Truth about Christian Giving
The Bible gives a two-sided portrayal of wealth: It is good, but it can seduce us into sin. The solution, according to New Testament scholar Craig L. Blomberg, is to freely share it. In Christians in an Age of Wealth: A Biblical Theology of Stewardship (Zondervan), Blomberg, who teaches at Denver Seminary, argues that sacrificial giving is an essential part of good stewardship. He spoke with CT editor at large Rob Moll about our spending patterns and whether Christians are required to tithe. (Photo (c) Luke Peterson, used by Creative Commons license)
Giving to Combat Materialism
Check out Randy Alcorn’s 11 guidelines for giving. They’ll help combat materialism and provide solid stewardship guidance for God’s abundance. (Photo: Alexandre Dulaunoy, Creative Commons)
Don’t Buy – Make Christmas Gifts!
Gift-giving doesn’t have to be expensive. Check out this article about hand-made, home-crafted gifts. You can be a good steward of resources AND give meaningful, useful gifts that won’t end up in someone’s sock drawer or garbage can. (Photo: Muffet, Creative Commons)
Expecting the Unexpected
Lectionary Reflection, First Sunday of Advent, Year A December 1, 2013 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. — Matthew 24:44 What do you expect of this season? What does Advent mean to you? Is it a time of waiting and watching for glimpses of […]
DIY Instead of BUY
The new d0-it-yourself movement is reminding us that we do have alternatives. In addition to being fun, thrifty, and personal, making things yourself is immensely rewarding. Check out this article from MNN with abundant links. You’ll find suggestions for gifts, bread, toys, cosmetics, household cleaners, and much more. (Photo: chatirygirl, Creative Commons)
8 Reasons Why Believers Give to Your Church
If you want your church to grow, you must learn how to motivate believers to invest their resources into the kingdom for ministry and for facilities, says “Purpose-Driven Pastor” Rick Warren. It is a key responsibility of leadership. See whether Warren’s eight reasons ring true for your church. (Photo by Lisafx, via Bigstock.com)
Stewardship in 5 Simple Steps
Many people would love to give to their congregation more regularly and methodically, but they don’t know how — or even how to plan it. Here is a simple five-step process that we introduced to my congregation. Feel free tocopy or adapt it for your use. (Photo © koya79 – Fotolia.com)
Spiritual Vitality and Stewardship
Check out the September 2013 issue of the Episcopal Church Foundation’s Vital Practices Vestry Papers “Wholehearted Stewardship.” Be sure to read Fr. Bill Nesbit’s article “Spiritual Vitality.”
Spend Less, Give More
Like many Americans, you may be bruised by the nation’s economic problems and less inclined to stick with a giving plan. It can be tough to give when you’re struggling to pay monthly bills. But regardless of your situation, here are some tips that can help jump-start your giving plan, says a writer for Lifeway.com. […]
Three Simple Actions: Modeling Stewardship for ‘Tweens
Chris McKenna, Director of Middle School Ministry at Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Caledonia, Michigan, shares three simple actions to help ‘tweens become better stewards of God’s gifts. (Photo: Jose Kevo, Creative Commons)
