1. Slaves to God or to Man?

2. Psalm 24:1-2
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,     the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas     and established it on the waters.

3. Matthew 25:14
14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.

4. James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

5. I Corinthians 7:20-21
20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 

6. I Corinthians 7:22-24
22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

7. Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rule over the poor,     and the borrower is slave to the lender.

8. Debt is Common in Society
National Debt = $21 Trillion
Wisconsin Debt = $310 Billion
Average Household Debt = $137,063

9. Some Reasons
“Keeping up with the Jones”

10. Proverbs 13:7
7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;     another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

11. Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

12. Some Reasons
“Keeping up with the Jones”
Using debt to invest

13. Using Debt to Invest Farm land Home mortgage Student loans
Buying stocks with credit
Railroad bonds
Canal bonds

14. Ecclesiastes 11:2
2 Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight;     you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

15. Ecclesiastes 9:11 11 I have seen something else under the sun:
The race is not to the swift     or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise     or wealth to the brilliant     or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

16. Ecclesiastes 9:12 12 Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come:
As fish are caught in a cruel net,     or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times     that fall unexpectedly upon them.

17. Some Reasons “Keeping up with the Jones” Using debt to invest
Response to crisis

18. Proverbs 22:7
7 The rich rule over the poor…

19. Proverbs 10:15
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortified city,     but poverty is the ruin of the poor.

20. Proverbs 13:11b
…whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

21. I Corinthians 7:21
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.

22. I Corinthians 7:23
23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.

23. Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

25. Prayer Available
If you need prayer, the elders are available to pray for you after the service.