LIVE FREE
PEOPLE EVERYWHERE JUST WANT TO BE FREE
"We live in one of the wealthiest economies on earth. Yet many of us feel crunched for time, stressed in our finances or perplexed about what makes life meaningful. Our culture is driven by a sense of scarcity, fear and an unquenchable quest for more. If we don’t make conscious choices to resist these impulses, the force of a materialistic and consumeristic society will make most of our decisions for us.
We are encouraged by the growing awareness among people of faith that the gospel of Jesus is holistic and touches every aspect of our lives. We see Christians of every variety desiring a life of faith that includes being a good neighbor, valuing relationships, cultivating an inner life, caring about people affected by poverty and consciously becoming better stewards of creation. However, this good vision for the church will remain largely unrealized unless practical realities and competencies are addressed.
In a holistic understanding of the gospel every part of life is sacred and integral to what it means to be a follower of Jesus. This means we must learn to talk more honestly and openly about the details of our financial lives as an essential aspect of Christian discipleship."
-Mark Scandrette, Free: Spending Your Time and Money on What Matters Most
We are encouraged by the growing awareness among people of faith that the gospel of Jesus is holistic and touches every aspect of our lives. We see Christians of every variety desiring a life of faith that includes being a good neighbor, valuing relationships, cultivating an inner life, caring about people affected by poverty and consciously becoming better stewards of creation. However, this good vision for the church will remain largely unrealized unless practical realities and competencies are addressed.
In a holistic understanding of the gospel every part of life is sacred and integral to what it means to be a follower of Jesus. This means we must learn to talk more honestly and openly about the details of our financial lives as an essential aspect of Christian discipleship."
-Mark Scandrette, Free: Spending Your Time and Money on What Matters Most
WHY GIVE
FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO.
When it's upside down, money controls people and destroys lives.
It's the #1 cause of divorce, a top level contributor to stress and a common cause of suicide. However, when it's right side up, money can be a source of joy and a tool that helps people grow closer to God and each other.
The Bible teaches that obeying God in our finances...
- Is a reflection of the heart. [Matthew 6:19-20]
- Is a privilege. [I Corinthians 8:2-4, 7]
- Is faith in action. [Acts 4:32-35]
Our faith in a generous God is formed and refined in the act of giving.
There is a deep satisfaction that comes from following Jesus' example of generosity, and it is a privilege to use our resources to continue telling God's story. Countless people have experienced God's blessings when they obey him in their finances, but often the first step is the hardest one to take.
That's why we created the 90 Day Giving Challenge. Throughout the Bible we are taught that faithful giving is an important spiritual discipline and integral part of honoring God and growing in faith. As such, we want to challenge you to honor God in this area of your life by taking the challenge to give over the next 3 months.
Stewardship is much more than a money issue; it's a discipleship issue. Jesus made it clear that Biblical giving is one of the greatest opportunities God gives us for our own spiritual growth: "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
The word "tithe" is derived from the Hebrew word ma'aser and literally means a tenth. Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10, God says, "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.'"
This is the only place in Scripture where God tells us to put him to the test. In other words, he's saying, Go ahead. I dare you. See if you can out-give me.
The Bible tells us that the purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your life (Deuteronomy 14:23). Regularly giving is a reminder that God is the supplier of everything you have. It is also God's personal invitation to an outpouring of his blessing in your life. Of course, many say that the tithe is no longer relevant as it was used as a tax in the Old Testament. While this may be true, anytime Jesus redefined things, he usually upped the ante, going for the heart of the matter which was usually above and beyond the law. So whether you feel compelled to give a tenth or a different amount entirely, what seems important is that we do so with hearts full of generosity.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Is God wise? Do you trust him? These are two fundamental questions behind the act of giving. If God is wise, then you should listen to what he says about financial stewardship. If you trust him, then you should trust him with all aspects of your life, including your finances. So go ahead. Accept God's invitation to put him to the test. Start giving faithfully and watch what he does in and through your life.
It's the #1 cause of divorce, a top level contributor to stress and a common cause of suicide. However, when it's right side up, money can be a source of joy and a tool that helps people grow closer to God and each other.
The Bible teaches that obeying God in our finances...
- Is a reflection of the heart. [Matthew 6:19-20]
- Is a privilege. [I Corinthians 8:2-4, 7]
- Is faith in action. [Acts 4:32-35]
Our faith in a generous God is formed and refined in the act of giving.
There is a deep satisfaction that comes from following Jesus' example of generosity, and it is a privilege to use our resources to continue telling God's story. Countless people have experienced God's blessings when they obey him in their finances, but often the first step is the hardest one to take.
That's why we created the 90 Day Giving Challenge. Throughout the Bible we are taught that faithful giving is an important spiritual discipline and integral part of honoring God and growing in faith. As such, we want to challenge you to honor God in this area of your life by taking the challenge to give over the next 3 months.
Stewardship is much more than a money issue; it's a discipleship issue. Jesus made it clear that Biblical giving is one of the greatest opportunities God gives us for our own spiritual growth: "Wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
The word "tithe" is derived from the Hebrew word ma'aser and literally means a tenth. Ten percent of everything belongs to the Lord. In Malachi 3:10, God says, "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.'"
This is the only place in Scripture where God tells us to put him to the test. In other words, he's saying, Go ahead. I dare you. See if you can out-give me.
The Bible tells us that the purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your life (Deuteronomy 14:23). Regularly giving is a reminder that God is the supplier of everything you have. It is also God's personal invitation to an outpouring of his blessing in your life. Of course, many say that the tithe is no longer relevant as it was used as a tax in the Old Testament. While this may be true, anytime Jesus redefined things, he usually upped the ante, going for the heart of the matter which was usually above and beyond the law. So whether you feel compelled to give a tenth or a different amount entirely, what seems important is that we do so with hearts full of generosity.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Is God wise? Do you trust him? These are two fundamental questions behind the act of giving. If God is wise, then you should listen to what he says about financial stewardship. If you trust him, then you should trust him with all aspects of your life, including your finances. So go ahead. Accept God's invitation to put him to the test. Start giving faithfully and watch what he does in and through your life.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
OUR MONEY & OUR MISSION
We believe that we all get to participate in the reconciling work of God as we simply listen and respond to the invitation of the Spirit in the ordinary activity of our everyday lives. Here at The Practicing Church, we seek to be followers of Jesus known for their generosity, kindness and service to others. We believe that Jesus came to set people free, and our desire is to create space for connection to the living God for spiritual transformation into Christlikeness for the sake of others.
Yes, it's a big dream and one we believe God has given us. And yet, we don't think it is possible without a community of people who will live life together, practicing the way of Jesus in our neighborhoods, weaving a fabric of care and friendship for genuine reconciliation and renewal in everyday life. And we really believe this -- we are committed to being the presence of Jesus in the communities in which we live, work and play.
So what matters most? We believe that the teachings of Jesus directly confront and challenge our individualistic, consumeristic ways in which we see the world. Jesus invites us to look at what we have through a lens of abundance rather than scarcity and to use what we’ve been given to do good. This is why he told his disciples, “sell your possessions and give to the poor– because we live in a world where our Creator provides everything we need to be fulfilled. As Jesus said, “Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions,” (and I would add, consumptive experiences). We have enough and we don’t need more to be fulfilled in this moment.
The gospel invites us into a life of radical contentment, generosity, gratitude, trust and simplicity. We can reimagine our assumptions about time, money and material possession to pursue a life of greater freedom. We can choose to pursue meaning, value people, and engage the needs of those around us by investing in the mission of the church. We can be free to spend our time and money on what matters most.
Yes, it's a big dream and one we believe God has given us. And yet, we don't think it is possible without a community of people who will live life together, practicing the way of Jesus in our neighborhoods, weaving a fabric of care and friendship for genuine reconciliation and renewal in everyday life. And we really believe this -- we are committed to being the presence of Jesus in the communities in which we live, work and play.
So what matters most? We believe that the teachings of Jesus directly confront and challenge our individualistic, consumeristic ways in which we see the world. Jesus invites us to look at what we have through a lens of abundance rather than scarcity and to use what we’ve been given to do good. This is why he told his disciples, “sell your possessions and give to the poor– because we live in a world where our Creator provides everything we need to be fulfilled. As Jesus said, “Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions,” (and I would add, consumptive experiences). We have enough and we don’t need more to be fulfilled in this moment.
The gospel invites us into a life of radical contentment, generosity, gratitude, trust and simplicity. We can reimagine our assumptions about time, money and material possession to pursue a life of greater freedom. We can choose to pursue meaning, value people, and engage the needs of those around us by investing in the mission of the church. We can be free to spend our time and money on what matters most.
