God and fellow Christians are hurt by our idolatry and legalism and How the Gospel protects us from it.

Psalm 13 - Gray Sutanto at IPC, London by Covenant City Church

Galatians 4:1-7 by Covenant City Church

How God's promise affects us.

Exodus 34: 1-14 by Covenant City Church

God is just, God is merciful. To be both and have us be in communion with Him, God became our propitiation on the Cross.

Part 1 where you invest is where your heart is. (Matt 6:19-21)

A. There is "stuff" that the world considers valuable

- Money and materialism is a powerful idol in our society today.

- Accumulating all this earthly "stuff" is a bad investment.

B. There is "stuff" that God considers valuable.

- Life about so much more than money- it's about God and His kingdom!

- There are specific ways that God wants us to use our money.(to take care of our needs 1thes2:9, to take care of the local church acts 4:34-35, to take care of other worthy causes)

C. Principle #1: where you invest is where your heart is

- The way we handle our money indicates our view of God and His kingdom.

- Ownership: God owns everything

- Stewardship: God gives us the responsibility to handle His resources faithfully.

- Track your expenses as a way to gauge the condition of your heart.

Part 2 matt 6: 22-23

A. If your perspective is "bad" and covetous, your heart will be full of darkness.

- Wicked perspective leads to "prosperity theology" regarding money.

- Warped perspective leads to "poverty theology" regarding money.

B. If your perspective is sound, the heart will be full of truth.

- Our principles and paradigms about money must conform to the bible.

- We faithfully take care of God's money by being "strategic". (The parable of the talents - Matt 25:14-30; "Simple" stewardship: minimalism as an end in itself: "strategic" stewardship: investing in whatever will advance God's kingdom.)

C. Principle #2: Your perspective about money feeds your heart

- The key to strategic stewardship is budgeting.

- Plan to give. Giving doesn't have to be impulsive.

Part 3 Matt 6:34

A. Who is your master: Money or Jesus Christ?

- Why do you worry so(Matt 6:25-30)

- Debt is a major issue in our society anf is a cruel master.

- Jesus Christ is king who demands 100% of our devotion.

Galatians 3: 1-9 by Covenant City Church

1 Peter 2:1-12 by Covenant City Church

Consequences of soft legalism