1. The Church’s Finances

2. The Church and Money
Money is morally neutral
Rome had a monetary system under which church operated
Paul gave instructions about the church and money
Responsibilities authorize resources

3. The Church and Money
How did churches “raise money”?
1 Cor. 16:1-2 – members on 1st day of week
2 Cor. 9:6-7 – attitude of givers
No businesses, “fund raisers”,…

4. The Church and Money
Improper attitudes:
Materialism – Rev. 3:15-18, Jas. 2: Some times, “run” by materialistic leaders or members

5. Merchandising very popular
The Church and Money
Improper attitudes:
Making merchandise of the kingdom of heaven – Jn. 2:13-17, Matt. 21:12-13
Merchandising very popular

6. The Church and Money
Improper attitudes:
Unauthorized works – churches today do many things in the name of good works without authority – providing entertainment, social needs, political activism, para-church organizations, etc.

7. The Church and Money
Improper attitudes:
Indifference & failure to fulfill responsibilities – sometimes churches limited by failures of its members to properly give

8. The Church and Money
Improper attitudes:
Lacking faith in working – some churches do nothing or very little. Defensive posture! 1 Thess. 1:2-4, cf. Rev. 2:19

9. The Church and Money
Members with access
Preacher, treasurer, elders, deacons, etc. can act dishonestly with resources. Embezzle, misuse funds, etc.! i.e. Judas Iscariot

10. The Church and Money
Members with access
Wise stewardship puts in safeguards, transparency and accountability 1 Cor. 16:3-4, Cor. 8:16-21

11. The work of the church!
Worshipping God – Heb. 10:25, Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:18, 14:40, etc.
We have authority to utilize resources to carry these out

12. The work of the church! Evangelism – 1 Tim. 3:15, 1 Thess. 1:8
Paul supported – Phil. 4:15-17, 2 Cor. 11:8
Located preacher – Ac. 20:31, Cor. 9:8-12

13. The work of the church!
Benevolence (limited) – 1 Tim. 5:11-16, Ac. 6:1, 11:29-30
Help brethren with needs - Rom. 15:25-26, Cor. 6:3

14. The work of the church!
Authority for a treasury – 1 Cor. 16:1-2, “lay something aside that there be no collections when I come”

15. The work of the church!
NEVER are resources used for edification –Entertainment, gymnasiums, fellowship halls, social programs.
WHERE is the authority????

16. Let us respect His boundaries!
The church is a manifestation of God’s wisdom Eph. 3:10-11
Let us respect His boundaries!