Stewardship

Whose opinion really matters?

Paul urges the Corinthians not to think of Peter, Apollos, and himself as leaders, but as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. He presents three characteristics of a true minister. Today we will only look at the first one…

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager

We could title these verses, “The proper use of Money.” Our use of money is a good test of the lordship of Christ. Money can be a wonderful servant but a terrible master. We must remember that the love of money is still “the root of all kinds of evil&quo …

Division of the "spoils” from the war.

This section of Scripture deals with the confiscated spoils from the war, and it is truly amazing (vv. 25-54). All captives and goods were to be divided according to a strict formula. Moses told the soldiers not to keep for themselves all the booty they had taken, but to give a p …

Collection For The Saints In Jerusalem

One of the things in Christian circles that tends to be done in a careless manner is stewardship or the handling of money. The apostle Paul in this passage organizes the collection of funds for the saints in Jerusalem so that it will be managed honestly and faithfully. Especially in financial …

IllustrationJourney to the Mouth of Coppermine River

In his book of sermons “The Living Faith,” Lloyd C. Douglas tells the story of Thomas Hearne, who, in his journey to the mouth of the Coppermine River, wrote that a few days after they had started on their expedition, a party of Indians stole most of their suppli …

IllustrationWhere is your treasure?

St Augustine wroteWhere your pleasure is, there is your treasure.Where your treasure is, there is your heart.Where you heart is, there is your happiness.(In Who Said That by George Sweeting) …

IllustrationAn annual check-up with the doctor.

When you go to a doctor for your annual check-up, he or she will often begin to poke, prod, and press various places, all the while asking, “Does this hurt? How about this?” If you cry out in pain, one of two things has happened. Either the doctor has pushed too hard, w …

IllustrationRich Uncle Dies

A man had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital. He could receive little company and was to avoid excitement. While in the hospital a rich uncle died and left him a million dollars. His …