Erika F. Puni, PhD Stewardship Ministries Director General Conference

The Sermon on the Mount u The Primary Audience: (5:1,2) The 12 Disciples of Jesus u The Approach: (5:3-12) Blessings precedes heart commitment u The Message: (5-7) Practical Christianity (discipleship)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19,20 (NIV)

Financial saving for the future is good stewardship, but investing with God in His mission on earth yields better return TRUTH #1

“For where your treasure is, there your HEART will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NIV)

Where’s Your Heart? Faith Risky Investment Secure Investment TemporalEternal Pagan Worry GodMoney Disciple HEAVENLYEARTHLY

It is natural for the human heart (mind) to focus and follow what it perceives as important in life. TRUTH #2

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

Whom to Worship? He is Life Means of Worship Object of Worship Human Product Human Product The Creator Limited Value No Life The Giver God’s Gift Eternal Value GODMONEY

Spiritual worship is an attitude of the heart. It’s about commitment, loyalty, service and love for God. TRUTH #3

u Life: Food and Drinks è Look at the birds of the air (Matthew 6:26) u Body: Health and Clothes è Look at the grass of the field (Matthew 6:28-30) Humans Worry About…

u Is Un-Healthy è Will not extend human life (Matthew 6: 27) u Is Un-Godly è It makes “self” the focus (Matthew 6:32) Human Worry

u About things that you cannot control (Matthew 6:34) u About things that are in the future (Matthew 6:34) Don’t Worry...

Disciples of Christ (Christian stewards) don’t worry, they trust God with all their heart. Worry is the opposite of faith. TRUTH #4

“But seek first his KINGDOM and his RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 (NIV)  Money, Retirement Plans, Sustentation  Food and Water  Clothes, Shoes, Houses and Cars  Health Insurance, Medications and Education  Security and Safety  Marriage, Children, Special Friends  Plus many other things we may need in life

“Nothing can do us real good without the blessing of God. What God blesses is blessed.... God has a care for us, even to bestow His temporal blessings upon us. He knoweth that we have need of these things.... Every deliverance, every blessing, that God in the past has granted to His people, should be kept fresh in memory’s hall as a sure pledge of further and richer, increasing blessings that He will bestow. There is no limit to the blessings that it is our privilege to receive.” Our Father Cares, p

u God and Heaven u Important Things and Priorities u Lordship and Surrender u Faith and Trust u Commitment and Loyalty u Worship and Spirituality u Discipleship and Relationship Stewardship Issues

It’s a Matter of the Heart! u Kingdom means the rulership and lordship of Jesus Christ in our hearts u Righteousness is God’s gift that we receive from being in a right relationship with Him daily

Where’s Your Heart? Faith Risky Investment Secure Investment TemporalEternal Pagan Worry GodMoney Disciple HEAVENLYEARTHLY

Stewardship is about who is number one in your life. Stewardship is about Jesus as Lord and King of your heart. Stewardship is about having a personal relationship with Him now. TRUTH #5

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 (KJV) The Light of the World, William Hunt (1853-4)