North River Podcast

Israel waited a long tome in anticipation for the coming messiah, and God delivered.

As we head into the Christmas season, we reflect on a name that we hear a lot this time of year: Immanuel, which means "God with us". 

Jordan Massey wraps up our Joy of Giving series with some biblical teaching on financially supporting the church.  He explores three main questions: Should we give? How much should we give? Why should we give?

Dr. Ben Barnett from Bridge Pointe Church leads our thoughts this week as part of our All Atlanta Virtual Service.

Douglas Jacoby continues our series "Joy of Giving", talking about obstacles that get in the way of our generosity.


FOR FURTHER REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

Father, are material assets competing with You for lordship over my life? Have I been giving enough to experience a joyful liberty from the tyranny of money and things?

• 1 Timothy 6:7–11
• Ezekiel 28:4–5
• Revelation 3:17–18.

Lord, I realize that in most places around the world, I would be regarded as extremely wealthy (even if I am lower or middle class in this place and time). Have You put so much into my hands because You have blessed me with the gift of giving? What have I been missing out on by not exercising this gift to a greater degree?

• Romans 12:5–8
• 2 Corinthians 9:7
• Galatians 6:9

Excerpt From “The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated.” by Randy Alcorn

Harold Channer has a conversation with Chase Mackintosh about his life and ministry at North River Church, lessons he has learned, and what is the Christlike response to our current climate. 

Tom Brown continues our series on the Joy of Giving with a focus on investing in our future hope, eternity with God.


FOR FURTHER REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION 

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." - Jim Elliot

Father, what’s the eternal downside in giving as much as I can give to You now? In contrast, what’s the eternal downside of minimizing or delaying my giving?”

• Luke 16:10–12
• Luke 19:17
• Mark 10:29–30
• 2 Corinthians 5:9–11

Father, if I don’t release my resources now for Your kingdom causes, will I be in danger of becoming more wrapped up in earthly, rather than heavenly, treasure?”

• 1 Timothy 6:17–18
• Matthew 6:21
• Hebrews 3:15.

From The Treasure Principle, Revised and Updatedby Randy Alcorn

Jeff Hickman starts off our series for the month of November, focusing on the biblical teaching of giving and stewardship, drawing on insights from the book The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn.


FOR FURTHER REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

Father, what am I guarding and keeping for myself that’s preventing me from depending wholeheartedly on You? Which of “my” assets can I give to You, so that You, not money and things, will be my center of gravity?

• Luke 16:13
• Psalm 42:1–2
• Matthew 5:6

Lord, am I honoring You as owner of the assets You’ve entrusted to my care? Or am I treating You as a mere financial consultant, to whom I pay a fee (2 percent, 10 percent, or…)? Have I been acting as if I own the store and You work for me rather than recognizing that You own it and I work for You?

• Leviticus 25:23
• Deuteronomy 10:14
• 1 Chronicles 29:11-12

Questions taken from:

The Treasure Principle (Revised and Updated) by Randy Alcorn

Kendall Knight closes our our series on the miracles with a powerful look at the significance of the resurrection.

As followers of Jesus, are we focused on the right things?