2. Four Financial Situations Crisis One paycheck from disaster Good “financial” shape God-honoring lifestyle

3. If we don’t control our money, it will control us: zwhere we live zwhere we work zwho we have as friends zhow we use our time

4. Cultural Myths z“Things bring happiness.” z“Debt is EXPECTED and unavoidable.” z“A little more money will solve all your problems.”

5. The Pull of the Culture Group Activity:

6. Course Overview zContrast what the culture says about money with what the Bible says about money. zDevelop personal Spending Plans.

7. The Mind and Heart of God zGod created everything. zGod owns everything. zWe are trustees.

8. A trustee has no rights—only responsibilities.

9. The Financial Dilemma zOne servant zTwo masters

10. No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. - - - Matthew 6:24

11. Two Great Truths zGod holds us ACCOUNTABLE for how we manage the money and possessions entrusted to us. zWe will be found either faithful or foolish.

12. Key Question: Will God consider my financial decisions to be faithful or foolish?

13. Five Financial Areas zEarning zGiving zSaving zDebt zSpending

14. We Become a... zDiligent Earner zGENEROUS Giver zWise Saver zCAUTIOUS Debtor zPrudent Consumer

15. Genuine Financial Freedom Is: The CONTENTMENT we experience as we faithfully manage our financial resources according to God’s purposes and principles.

16. A Budget Is: zThe fundamental tool that enables us to control our money so that it doesn’t end up controlling us.

17. A Budget Is: zThe fundamental tool that enables us to control our money so that it doesn’t end up controlling us. zA Spending Plan for how we will allocate our financial resources.

18. A Spending Plan Is: A way to reach our financial GOALS and live out our values and priorities.

19. zSets safe limits financially. A Spending Plan: zProduces FREEDOM.

20. The Benefits of a Spending Plan zGives us facts.

21. The Benefits of a Spending Plan zGives us facts. zAvoids WASTE.

22. The Benefits of a Spending Plan zGives us facts. zAvoids WASTE. zKeeps our VALUES and priorities in check.

23. The Benefits of a Spending Plan zGives us facts. zAvoids WASTE. zKeeps our VALUES and priorities in check. zLeads to financial freedom.