Sunday Recap - Sunday July 26th - Stewardship Sunday

1. God owns everything

- It is important to remember that we are stewards and not owners of what we have. 

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

- God has given to us abilities to produce and generate income - He has entrusted to us time (our lives), talents (gifts) and treasures (money) to us to steward for His glory. 

- An owners mindset is ‘I did this, this is mine, look what I have achieved, I am in control and I have the right to use what I have as I wish. 

- A stewards mindset is ‘what I have has been given and entrusted to me, I will be faithful and use it in line with the principals of the giver. 

- We are stewards of what God has entrusted to us. 

2. God desires to prosper our finances.

- God desires to prosper our finances so we are able to abound in every good work of establishing His Kingdom here on earth. 

2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

- Prospering is Biblical. Prospering is having the means and abundance to look outside of your immediate family to meet the needs of others. 

- Prospering happens through two biblical principals. 

Proverbs 21:5
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.

1. Good Planning (Budgeting)

2. Hard work 

Prosperity happens when we choose to make wise financial decisions over a long period of time through budgeting and hard work (using our time, talents and treasures well). 

3. Put God first 

- Jonny encouraged us that good financial stewardship begins with The Tithe.What is The Tithe? Tithing is returning the first 10% of what God entrusts to us, worshipping Him with our first and best. Jonny taught how the tithe is not just an Old Testament practise under the law but it pre-dates the law by 430 years beginning in Genesis 14:21 and was affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 23:23.

- We give the tithe to the local church, supplying and fuelling ministry for the advancement of His Kingdom. 

Jonny shared the five reasons He tithes:
1.        I trust in God as my provider
-       Give us today our daily bread
2.        It reorientates my heart to put Jesus as number 1 in my life
-       Every time I get paid, I tithe first as an act of worship
3.        It helps me to operate in faith and not fear
-       I trust Jesus to provide through 90% rather than 100% on my own accord
4.        Jesus said to do it
-       No further explanation needed
5.        It gives my money eternal purpose
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal

Here are four questions to consider for your financial stewardship:

- Are you honouring God and putting Him first with your finances through a Tithe to the local church ?
- Do you have a budget to steward well what God has given to you?
- Are you open and seeking to bless others with where your abundance allows?
- Are you working hard to use the time, talents and treasures God has given you to the best of your ability?

Discuss what challenged and encouraged you from this message and how you will engage in the upcoming time of prayer fasting.