Weekend Service for June 29Scripture Readings: Genesis 41:34-36 | Proverbs 13:11Financial freedom and wise stewardship are not just practical goals—they are deeply spiritual pursuits that reflect our trust in God and our willingness to prepare for what lies ahead. Many of us desire to be free from debt, but desire alone is not enough; it takes a deep resolve, even a kind of righteous anger, to break free from the chains that hold us back. Debt can become so normal that we forget how much it limits us, but God calls us to live unshackled, ready for both the expected and the unexpected.Preparation is a biblical principle woven throughout creation. Proverbs points us to the ant, a tiny creature that works diligently in the summer to prepare for winter. The ant doesn’t wait for crisis; it acts in wisdom, knowing what is coming. In the same way, we are called to prepare—not just when the pressure is on, but in seasons of plenty, so that we are ready for lean times. This is not just about money; it’s about a posture of readiness and obedience.Joseph’s story in Genesis 41 is a powerful example. He didn’t squander the years of abundance but stored up resources, trusting God’s guidance. When famine came, Egypt was ready—not just for themselves, but to bless others. Joseph’s faithfulness in preparation allowed him to provide for his family and even those who had wronged him. This is the heart of biblical stewardship: using what God has given us wisely, so we can be generous and responsive to His call.Learning and taking action, even when we don’t fully understand, is part of this journey. Whether it’s fixing a go-kart or learning about investments, the key is to step forward, seek wisdom, and not be paralyzed by fear or ignorance. Mistakes will happen, but growth comes through action and humility.Ultimately, our financial decisions are not just about us. They are about being free to serve, to give, and to respond to God’s leading. Jesus calls us to hold our possessions loosely, to be generous, and to live in such a way that we can say yes to Him at any moment. When we prepare well, we reflect God’s character and open ourselves to be used for His purposes in our families, communities, and beyond.[00:00] Welcome[01:23] The Need for Urgency in Tackling Debt[02:09] Debt as Chains: Breaking Free[03:29] Preparing Before Crisis Hits[05:41] Personal Story: Procrastination and Preparation[07:09] Wisdom from Proverbs: Lessons from the Ant[08:48] The Importance of Working in Season[09:37] Overcoming Barriers to Financial Learning[11:04] Procrastination and Taking Action[13:27] Learning Through Mistakes and Obedience[14:22] Jesus’ Teaching on Possessions and Generosity[16:15] Joseph’s Story: Faithfulness in Preparation[18:24] Storing Up in Abundance for Lean Times[20:50] Preparing for the Expected and Unexpected[22:22] The Call to Learn and Invest Wisely[24:27] Teaching Work Ethic and Attitude[27:53] Choosing Our Attitude and Future[28:55] Living Generously and Being Ready for God’s Call[30:12] Prayer and Closing Reflections

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

Weekend Service for June 15Scripture Readings: Proverbs 21:20 | Luke 14:28Financial freedom is not just about accumulating wealth or escaping debt; it’s about aligning our hearts and resources with God’s purposes. The journey begins with recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. We are not owners, but stewards, entrusted with His resources to manage wisely. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered accumulation to God-centered stewardship, where our financial decisions become acts of worship and obedience.Living on less than we make, avoiding debt, saving for emergencies, budgeting intentionally, and pursuing generosity and contentment are not just practical steps—they are deeply spiritual disciplines. These principles, rooted in Scripture, challenge the cultural norm of living on borrowed money and chasing after fleeting pleasures. Instead, they call us to a life of discipline, planning, and trust in God’s provision. The story of the rich young ruler reminds us that it’s not wealth itself that is the problem, but the grip it can have on our hearts. Jesus calls us to count the cost, to build our lives on a solid foundation, and to be willing to let go of anything that hinders our wholehearted pursuit of Him.The first practical step toward financial freedom is simple but profound: save a small emergency fund. This is not about hoarding, but about preparing wisely for the unexpected, so that we are not derailed by life’s inevitable challenges. Just as a house cannot stand without a solid foundation, our financial lives need a base of stability. This allows us to move forward with confidence, to pay off debt, and ultimately to be generous. The goal is not to build a mountain of wealth for ourselves, but to be free to give, to bless others, and to reflect the generous heart of God.Ultimately, financial freedom is about becoming whole people—mentally, spiritually, and materially—so that we can serve God and others with open hands and open hearts. It’s about contentment, trust, and a willingness to let God reshape our desires and priorities. As we embark on this journey, may we seek not just financial stability, but the freedom to be radically generous and fully devoted to Christ.[00:00] Welcome[00:58] Dave Ramsey’s Story and Principles[01:56] Does God Hate Wealth?[04:21] God Owns Everything: The Stewardship Principle[05:41] Living on Less, Avoiding Debt, and Budgeting[06:37] Generosity and Contentment[07:32] Marriage and Financial Unity[08:02] The Seven Baby Steps Overview[10:00] Proverbs on Planning and Wealth[12:50] Counting the Cost: Jesus’ Teaching[13:49] Building on a Solid Foundation[14:59] Real-Life Foundation Stories[15:42] Paying Off Debt and Finding Relief[20:05] Prayer for Wholeness and Contentment[22:38] Closing Prayer and Blessing