Attack the Chains / Freedom Through Finances

Weekend Service for June 22Scripture Readings: Proverbs 22:7 | Romans 13:8Everything we have and everything we are belongs to God. This foundational truth shapes how we approach our finances, our possessions, and even our sense of self. When we recognize that our resources are not truly our own, but gifts entrusted to us by God, it changes our priorities and our sense of responsibility. Instead of being driven by the world’s constant push to acquire more through debt, we are called to steward what we have with wisdom and intentionality.The culture around us normalizes debt as a way of life—loans for cars, homes, and even everyday purchases. Yet, Scripture consistently warns about the dangers of debt, describing it as a form of bondage and a source of stress and anxiety. While borrowing is not condemned outright, the language of the Bible is clear: debt can enslave us, distract us from God, and hinder our ability to be generous. The borrower becomes servant to the lender, and our hearts can become entangled in worry and obligation.Practical steps, like budgeting and following a plan to pay off debts, are not just financial advice—they are spiritual disciplines. By being intentional with our money, we create space to live generously, to provide for our families, and to be free from the anxiety that comes with owing others. The “debt snowball” method—paying off the smallest debts first and rolling those payments into larger ones—mirrors the biblical principle of steady, faithful progress. It’s not about quick fixes or get-rich-quick schemes, but about cultivating a heart that is content, disciplined, and open-handed.God’s vision for His people is one of freedom and generosity. In the Old Testament, debts were canceled every seven years, ensuring that no one remained perpetually burdened. This radical generosity is a reflection of God’s own heart, who canceled our greatest debt through Christ. We are called to live simply, within our means, and to seek the kind of financial freedom that allows us to respond to God’s call with open hands and open hearts.[00:00] Welcome[00:43] Everything Belongs to God[01:47] The Debt Snowball Explained[03:22] The Importance of Budgeting[04:12] The Culture of Debt[05:19] The Lure and Trap of Easy Credit[06:37] What Scripture Says About Debt[09:57] Changing Our Mindset About Money[10:56] Debt as Bondage and Warning[12:24] Where Is Your Heart?[13:29] The Year of Debt Release[14:31] Generosity in Lending[16:22] The Freedom to Be Generous[17:29] The Illusion of Satisfaction[19:36] The Relief of Paying Off Debt[21:18] Learning from Failure[22:44] Living Simply and Generously[24:10] Closing Prayer