Teaching on Money Without Being Weird: 5 Churches Doing It Right

Teaching on money without being weird. Teaching on money without being weird. Five churches that are doing it right. Five churches that are doing it right. Five churches that are doing it right. Hey friends, Rich Burch on seminary solo Hey friends, Rich Burch on seminary solo Hey friends, Rich Burch on seminary solo episode. Today we're diving in and episode. Today we're diving in and episode. Today we're diving in and giving you some practical examples of giving you some practical examples of giving you some practical examples of churches that are doing a great job churches that are doing a great job churches that are doing a great job teaching about generosity and finance in teaching about generosity and finance in teaching about generosity and finance in their churches without being strange and their churches without being strange and their churches without being strange and going weird on it. This is one of those going weird on it. This is one of those going weird on it. This is one of those areas that makes people nervous. And I areas that makes people nervous. And I areas that makes people nervous. And I don't want you to do that with your don't want you to do that with your don't want you to do that with your people. So, we're going to give you people. So, we're going to give you people. So, we're going to give you those examples. But can I be honest those examples. But can I be honest those examples. But can I be honest about my own journey with this? Early on about my own journey with this? Early on about my own journey with this? Early on in our marriage, Christine and I, we in our marriage, Christine and I, we in our marriage, Christine and I, we were really not doing well. We were were really not doing well. We were were really not doing well. We were professional. Financially, we were not professional. Financially, we were not professional. Financially, we were not doing well. You know, we were doing well. You know, we were doing well. You know, we were professional Christians, worked at a professional Christians, worked at a professional Christians, worked at a church, all that sort of thing. And, you church, all that sort of thing. And, you church, all that sort of thing. And, you know, we came to the end of the month, know, we came to the end of the month, know, we came to the end of the month, we had $35 left, which was not a lot of we had $35 left, which was not a lot of we had $35 left, which was not a lot of money, even back in the 1900s, for a money, even back in the 1900s, for a money, even back in the 1900s, for a whole week's worth of groceries. And I whole week's worth of groceries. And I whole week's worth of groceries. And I remember I was like justifying, what are remember I was like justifying, what are remember I was like justifying, what are we going to do? What are we going to do? we going to do? What are we going to do? we going to do? What are we going to do? You know, I was thinking about, well, You know, I was thinking about, well, You know, I was thinking about, well, maybe we shouldn't give this month. We maybe we shouldn't give this month. We maybe we shouldn't give this month. We could take that money. And my wife used could take that money. And my wife used could take that money. And my wife used just five words. She said, "Of course, just five words. She said, "Of course, just five words. She said, "Of course, we're going to tithe." And I loved her we're going to tithe." And I loved her we're going to tithe." And I loved her clarity then and that has shaped really clarity then and that has shaped really clarity then and that has shaped really it changed the trajectory and even in my it changed the trajectory and even in my it changed the trajectory and even in my own life. And from that those early own life. And from that those early own life. And from that those early days, we have not been able to outgive days, we have not been able to outgive days, we have not been able to outgive God. You know, since then, tithing has God. You know, since then, tithing has God. You know, since then, tithing has been a critical part of our spiritual been a critical part of our spiritual been a critical part of our spiritual journey. And now, you know, have been journey. And now, you know, have been journey. And now, you know, have been able to for years give even more than able to for years give even more than able to for years give even more than tithing. And I want that for the people tithing. And I want that for the people tithing. And I want that for the people in your church. And so, this really does in your church. And so, this really does in your church. And so, this really does matter. It matters huge to your people matter. It matters huge to your people matter. It matters huge to your people in your church. You know, a couple weeks in your church. You know, a couple weeks in your church. You know, a couple weeks ago, I remember I was talking on this ago, I remember I was talking on this ago, I remember I was talking on this talk with church leader and they were talk with church leader and they were talk with church leader and they were like, "Oh, we don't talk about money like, "Oh, we don't talk about money like, "Oh, we don't talk about money stuff. We don't want to kind of offend stuff. We don't want to kind of offend stuff. We don't want to kind of offend people." Well, there's over 2300 verses

people." Well, there's over 2300 verses people." Well, there's over 2300 verses in the Bible about this. And if you're in the Bible about this. And if you're in the Bible about this. And if you're skipping this, you're clearly skipping a skipping this, you're clearly skipping a skipping this, you're clearly skipping a large part of the council of God. Why on large part of the council of God. Why on large part of the council of God. Why on earth would you do that? Listen, Jesus earth would you do that? Listen, Jesus earth would you do that? Listen, Jesus talked about money a lot. depending on talked about money a lot. depending on talked about money a lot. depending on how you count them. 16 of the 38 how you count them. 16 of the 38 how you count them. 16 of the 38 parables. We're talking about money or parables. We're talking about money or parables. We're talking about money or possession. Although the exact ratio possession. Although the exact ratio possession. Although the exact ratio might be debated, it's a big deal for might be debated, it's a big deal for might be debated, it's a big deal for him. So, it's not just broadly a big him. So, it's not just broadly a big him. So, it's not just broadly a big deal for scripture. It is specifically a deal for scripture. It is specifically a deal for scripture. It is specifically a big deal for Jesus. He comes back to big deal for Jesus. He comes back to big deal for Jesus. He comes back to this time and time again. And you know this time and time again. And you know this time and time again. And you know what? The culture around us, it is what? The culture around us, it is what? The culture around us, it is categizing our people. It is categizing categizing our people. It is categizing categizing our people. It is categizing our people about money already. In fact, our people about money already. In fact, our people about money already. In fact, there's a stat from 2024 that uh sorry, there's a stat from 2024 that uh sorry, there's a stat from 2024 that uh sorry, 2025, Q2 2025, that US household debt is 2025, Q2 2025, that US household debt is 2025, Q2 2025, that US household debt is closing in on 19 trillion. Credit cards closing in on 19 trillion. Credit cards closing in on 19 trillion. Credit cards and auto balances just keep inching up. and auto balances just keep inching up. and auto balances just keep inching up. Your congregation, the people in your Your congregation, the people in your Your congregation, the people in your church are already being discipled by church are already being discipled by church are already being discipled by someone around money. It's Visa. It's someone around money. It's Visa. It's someone around money. It's Visa. It's AMX that are doing it. The question are AMX that are doing it. The question are AMX that are doing it. The question are are you going to step in and make a are you going to step in and make a are you going to step in and make a difference with your people around what difference with your people around what difference with your people around what the Bible says and how they and how the the Bible says and how they and how the the Bible says and how they and how the Bible wants them to live. Listen, Bible wants them to live. Listen, Bible wants them to live. Listen, teaching does influence behavior. Bara, teaching does influence behavior. Bara, teaching does influence behavior. Bara, a study from them talks about the a study from them talks about the a study from them talks about the virtuous cycle that when churches help virtuous cycle that when churches help virtuous cycle that when churches help people with their finances and help them people with their finances and help them people with their finances and help them get their their money right and get get their their money right and get get their their money right and get generosity right, that reinforces those generosity right, that reinforces those generosity right, that reinforces those messages and then you have great stories messages and then you have great stories messages and then you have great stories to then turn on to other people. But to then turn on to other people. But to then turn on to other people. But listen, way too many churches go quiet,

listen, way too many churches go quiet, listen, way too many churches go quiet, go silent on this. About a quarter of go silent on this. About a quarter of go silent on this. About a quarter of all churches in one study talked about all churches in one study talked about all churches in one study talked about the fact that they do not talk about it the fact that they do not talk about it the fact that they do not talk about it at all. Listen, if you are not talking at all. Listen, if you are not talking at all. Listen, if you are not talking about money, Amazon, Amx, and Apple are about money, Amazon, Amx, and Apple are about money, Amazon, Amx, and Apple are happy to talk about it. If you won't happy to talk about it. If you won't happy to talk about it. If you won't preach or disciple your people about preach or disciple your people about preach or disciple your people about dollars, Prime Points, and payments dollars, Prime Points, and payments dollars, Prime Points, and payments will. I feel like the rich young ruler will. I feel like the rich young ruler will. I feel like the rich young ruler was sent for you and me. We are living was sent for you and me. We are living was sent for you and me. We are living in an age of rich young rulers and we've in an age of rich young rulers and we've in an age of rich young rulers and we've got to coach our people around this. got to coach our people around this. got to coach our people around this. There's a real reality check for us. There's a real reality check for us. There's a real reality check for us. Only 21% of the people sitting in your Only 21% of the people sitting in your Only 21% of the people sitting in your church say that they give 10% or more to church say that they give 10% or more to church say that they give 10% or more to the church. And if you've looked at the church. And if you've looked at the church. And if you've looked at donor data, you know that that's a high donor data, you know that that's a high donor data, you know that that's a high number. There's no way that 20% of your number. There's no way that 20% of your number. There's no way that 20% of your church is currently tithing. Clear, church is currently tithing. Clear, church is currently tithing. Clear, confident teaching in this area matters. confident teaching in this area matters. confident teaching in this area matters. So, here's the deal. If half of your So, here's the deal. If half of your So, here's the deal. If half of your people are struggling with with this people are struggling with with this people are struggling with with this whole area, if a bunch of your people whole area, if a bunch of your people whole area, if a bunch of your people are not giving, man, you need to be are not giving, man, you need to be are not giving, man, you need to be teaching on generosity. And so, what teaching on generosity. And so, what teaching on generosity. And so, what we've done here is we're going to go we've done here is we're going to go we've done here is we're going to go through five examples from five through five examples from five through five examples from five fantastic churches that and some of the fantastic churches that and some of the fantastic churches that and some of the things that they do. I'll kind of point things that they do. I'll kind of point things that they do. I'll kind of point out what I love about them, and we're out what I love about them, and we're out what I love about them, and we're going to listen to or watch a clip from going to listen to or watch a clip from going to listen to or watch a clip from that to kind of give you a sense of what that to kind of give you a sense of what that to kind of give you a sense of what it talks about. So, you should steal it talks about. So, you should steal it talks about. So, you should steal these ideas for teaching on generosity these ideas for teaching on generosity these ideas for teaching on generosity at your church. First church, Crossroads at your church. First church, Crossroads at your church. First church, Crossroads Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Couple Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Couple Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Couple things I love about them. They do the things I love about them. They do the things I love about them. They do the 90-day tithe test. It's a classic. We've 90-day tithe test. It's a classic. We've 90-day tithe test. It's a classic. We've seen a number of churches do this, but seen a number of churches do this, but seen a number of churches do this, but they also have a thing called Blue Team.

they also have a thing called Blue Team. they also have a thing called Blue Team. Let's talk about the 90-day tithe test. Let's talk about the 90-day tithe test. Let's talk about the 90-day tithe test. You know, interesting that passage in You know, interesting that passage in You know, interesting that passage in Micah where it talks about test me in Micah where it talks about test me in Micah where it talks about test me in this, which is a strange thing that God this, which is a strange thing that God this, which is a strange thing that God says and they've taken that to the says and they've taken that to the says and they've taken that to the logical conclusion. and they said, "Hey, logical conclusion. and they said, "Hey, logical conclusion. and they said, "Hey, if you want to test God in that, we'll if you want to test God in that, we'll if you want to test God in that, we'll give you your money back. A money back give you your money back. A money back give you your money back. A money back guarantee." Doesn't sound that cheesy guarantee." Doesn't sound that cheesy guarantee." Doesn't sound that cheesy from us, believe me, or from them, but from us, believe me, or from them, but from us, believe me, or from them, but it is a great way for you to to it is a great way for you to to it is a great way for you to to challenge your people to step up, for challenge your people to step up, for challenge your people to step up, for them to engage, to try to test the Lord them to engage, to try to test the Lord them to engage, to try to test the Lord in tithing. But they also do something in tithing. But they also do something in tithing. But they also do something called the blue team, which I love. This called the blue team, which I love. This called the blue team, which I love. This is a declared team. It's a team of is a declared team. It's a team of is a declared team. It's a team of people who have self-declared and said, people who have self-declared and said, people who have self-declared and said, "Hey, we're going to teach or we're "Hey, we're going to teach or we're "Hey, we're going to teach or we're going to tithe and we want to be a part going to tithe and we want to be a part going to tithe and we want to be a part of tithing and we get led in on like a a of tithing and we get led in on like a a of tithing and we get led in on like a a little team at the church." Well, it's little team at the church." Well, it's little team at the church." Well, it's not such a little team. You get like a not such a little team. You get like a not such a little team. You get like a free sticker every year. You get free sticker every year. You get free sticker every year. You get information from the church. They send information from the church. They send information from the church. They send you some specific teaching. So, this is you some specific teaching. So, this is you some specific teaching. So, this is an opportunity for you. Offer a time box an opportunity for you. Offer a time box an opportunity for you. Offer a time box challenge. Something like the tithe challenge. Something like the tithe challenge. Something like the tithe challenge might be good. Talk think challenge might be good. Talk think challenge might be good. Talk think through the blue challenge. We've got through the blue challenge. We've got through the blue challenge. We've got links for all of this in the show notes.

links for all of this in the show notes. links for all of this in the show notes. It would be a great place for you to It would be a great place for you to It would be a great place for you to start. Let's just go and watch a quick start. Let's just go and watch a quick start. Let's just go and watch a quick clip from Crossroads Church in clip from Crossroads Church in clip from Crossroads Church in Cincinnati. Get a chance to hear a Cincinnati. Get a chance to hear a Cincinnati. Get a chance to hear a little bit from them. If if you don't little bit from them. If if you don't little bit from them. If if you don't trust us, I I just want to give you some trust us, I I just want to give you some trust us, I I just want to give you some advice. advice. advice. Go find a church you can trust. If it's Go find a church you can trust. If it's Go find a church you can trust. If it's not this one, that's okay. Go find a not this one, that's okay. Go find a not this one, that's okay. Go find a church you can trust and bring your church you can trust and bring your church you can trust and bring your tithe there. See, I what I want for you tithe there. See, I what I want for you tithe there. See, I what I want for you I I don't I don't want your money. I I I don't I don't want your money. I I I don't I don't want your money. I want you to have God. And you're not want you to have God. And you're not want you to have God. And you're not going to get God's best if you're not going to get God's best if you're not going to get God's best if you're not giving him your first. So find a place giving him your first. So find a place giving him your first. So find a place you can give your first and start you can give your first and start you can give your first and start practicing it. God has not changed on practicing it. God has not changed on practicing it. God has not changed on this. this. this. He hasn't. He hasn't. He hasn't. One of the most famous places where he One of the most famous places where he One of the most famous places where he talks about the tithe in the whole Bible talks about the tithe in the whole Bible talks about the tithe in the whole Bible is Malachi chapter 3. And he starts this is Malachi chapter 3. And he starts this is Malachi chapter 3. And he starts this way. He says, "I the Lord do not way. He says, "I the Lord do not way. He says, "I the Lord do not change." I haven't changed. So you, the change." I haven't changed. So you, the change." I haven't changed. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Then he says, ' Ever since the time of Then he says, ' Ever since the time of Then he says, ' Ever since the time of your ancestors, you have turned away your ancestors, you have turned away your ancestors, you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. from my decrees and have not kept them. from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me and I will return to you, Return to me and I will return to you, Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty. But but you ask, says the Lord Almighty. But but you ask, says the Lord Almighty. But but you ask, how are we to return?

how are we to return? how are we to return? God's response, will a mere mortal rob God's response, will a mere mortal rob God's response, will a mere mortal rob God, yet you rob me. But you ask, how God, yet you rob me. But you ask, how God, yet you rob me. But you ask, how are we robbing you? In tithes and are we robbing you? In tithes and are we robbing you? In tithes and offerings. You're under a curse, your offerings. You're under a curse, your offerings. You're under a curse, your whole nation, because you are robbing whole nation, because you are robbing whole nation, because you are robbing me. And then look at the next thing that me. And then look at the next thing that me. And then look at the next thing that that he says. It's incredible. God says, that he says. It's incredible. God says, that he says. It's incredible. God says, "Test me in this, says the Lord "Test me in this, says the Lord "Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw Almighty, and see if I will not throw Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour open the floodgates of heaven and pour open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not out so much blessing that there will not out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." be room enough to store it." be room enough to store it." God's such a better parent than me. God's such a better parent than me. God's such a better parent than me. When my kids mess up, I'm not test. When my kids mess up, I'm not test. When my kids mess up, I'm not test. see if I will not pour open the see if I will not pour open the see if I will not pour open the floodgates of the ransom bank account. floodgates of the ransom bank account. floodgates of the ransom bank account. I'M LIKE, TEST ME IN THIS AND SEE IF I I'M LIKE, TEST ME IN THIS AND SEE IF I I'M LIKE, TEST ME IN THIS AND SEE IF I WILL NOT GROUND YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR WILL NOT GROUND YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR WILL NOT GROUND YOU FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. LIFE. LIFE. That's not God. God's a God's a positive That's not God. God's a God's a positive That's not God. God's a God's a positive reward parent. See, I'm not after reward parent. See, I'm not after reward parent. See, I'm not after condemning you today, wherever you are condemning you today, wherever you are condemning you today, wherever you are in your giving journey. I'm not after in your giving journey. I'm not after in your giving journey. I'm not after condemning you. I don't think God's condemning you. I don't think God's condemning you. I don't think God's after condemning you. I I don't think after condemning you. I I don't think after condemning you. I I don't think it's condemnation. I think it's an it's condemnation. I think it's an it's condemnation. I think it's an invitation to step in and to trust him.

invitation to step in and to trust him. invitation to step in and to trust him. Will you put him first in your heart is Will you put him first in your heart is Will you put him first in your heart is the question. You know, if you've never the question. You know, if you've never the question. You know, if you've never tithed, maybe the conversation you want tithed, maybe the conversation you want tithed, maybe the conversation you want to have with God is around this topic in to have with God is around this topic in to have with God is around this topic in the push. Maybe your push commitment is the push. Maybe your push commitment is the push. Maybe your push commitment is a tithe for the very first time in your a tithe for the very first time in your a tithe for the very first time in your life as a way of telling him that he's life as a way of telling him that he's life as a way of telling him that he's first in your heart. That's tithing. first in your heart. That's tithing. first in your heart. That's tithing. That's the starting point for biblical That's the starting point for biblical That's the starting point for biblical giving, but it's not all of the levels giving, but it's not all of the levels giving, but it's not all of the levels of biblical giving. In Malachi, he of biblical giving. In Malachi, he of biblical giving. In Malachi, he talked about tithes, plural, because talked about tithes, plural, because talked about tithes, plural, because every time you get paid, every time you every time you get paid, every time you every time you get paid, every time you get money, you give God the first 10% of get money, you give God the first 10% of get money, you give God the first 10% of it. Tithes. But he also talked about it. Tithes. But he also talked about it. Tithes. But he also talked about offerings plural. There's actually offerings plural. There's actually offerings plural. There's actually multiple kinds of offerings. Uh the the multiple kinds of offerings. Uh the the multiple kinds of offerings. Uh the the first is what you do with your 90%. See, first is what you do with your 90%. See, first is what you do with your 90%. See, offerings is about my own. See, it's offerings is about my own. See, it's offerings is about my own. See, it's actually accurate to say that this is actually accurate to say that this is actually accurate to say that this is where biblical generosity actually where biblical generosity actually where biblical generosity actually begins. Tithing isn't giving so much as begins. Tithing isn't giving so much as begins. Tithing isn't giving so much as it is returning. In fact, in the Bible, it is returning. In fact, in the Bible, it is returning. In fact, in the Bible, God never says, "Give me your tithe." He God never says, "Give me your tithe." He God never says, "Give me your tithe." He says, "Bring it to me and return it." says, "Bring it to me and return it." says, "Bring it to me and return it." Why? Because it's his. You can't give Why? Because it's his. You can't give Why? Because it's his. You can't give what's not yours. You can you can return what's not yours. You can you can return what's not yours. You can you can return it, but you can't give it. See, true it, but you can't give it. See, true it, but you can't give it. See, true generosity starts with what you do with generosity starts with what you do with generosity starts with what you do with your own in that 90%. All right. Uh your own in that 90%. All right. Uh your own in that 90%. All right. Uh number two, we've got Liquid Church number two, we've got Liquid Church number two, we've got Liquid Church Generous Living. Love these guys. They Generous Living. Love these guys. They Generous Living. Love these guys. They also do a 90-day tithe challenge with a also do a 90-day tithe challenge with a also do a 90-day tithe challenge with a money back guarantee. They provide money back guarantee. They provide money back guarantee. They provide weekly videos and emails to encourage weekly videos and emails to encourage weekly videos and emails to encourage that. They have budget workshops, that. They have budget workshops, that. They have budget workshops, practical handouts. They've done a practical handouts. They've done a practical handouts. They've done a number of series like this. I love their number of series like this. I love their number of series like this. I love their series, The Blessing of Generous Living.

series, The Blessing of Generous Living. series, The Blessing of Generous Living. We'll have a clip here in a minute. We'll have a clip here in a minute. We'll have a clip here in a minute. Again, it's a bold offer. It's got lots Again, it's a bold offer. It's got lots Again, it's a bold offer. It's got lots of clarity. They're dripping content. of clarity. They're dripping content. of clarity. They're dripping content. This is a critical piece, a critical This is a critical piece, a critical This is a critical piece, a critical learning from this. Liquid has done this learning from this. Liquid has done this learning from this. Liquid has done this multiple years in a row. That's another multiple years in a row. That's another multiple years in a row. That's another learning here. If you're going to do a learning here. If you're going to do a learning here. If you're going to do a tithe challenge, don't just do it once. tithe challenge, don't just do it once. tithe challenge, don't just do it once. You've got to come back time and time You've got to come back time and time You've got to come back time and time again. What we see in churches that have again. What we see in churches that have again. What we see in churches that have done this is people might do it the done this is people might do it the done this is people might do it the first year, but then fall off. They first year, but then fall off. They first year, but then fall off. They don't actually tithe. But then when it don't actually tithe. But then when it don't actually tithe. But then when it comes around to the second third year comes around to the second third year comes around to the second third year they people will reup and it has a huge they people will reup and it has a huge they people will reup and it has a huge impact on them as they do that have one impact on them as they do that have one impact on them as they do that have one clear challenge on that. They also clear challenge on that. They also clear challenge on that. They also provide I love that they pair it with provide I love that they pair it with provide I love that they pair it with budgeting classes and coaching hours budgeting classes and coaching hours budgeting classes and coaching hours that kind of stuff to help. So let's that kind of stuff to help. So let's that kind of stuff to help. So let's take a look and watch a quick clip here take a look and watch a quick clip here take a look and watch a quick clip here from this series the blessing of from this series the blessing of from this series the blessing of generous living so you can get a a sense generous living so you can get a a sense generous living so you can get a a sense what's going on there. In fact this is what's going on there. In fact this is what's going on there. In fact this is the only place in the Bible where God the only place in the Bible where God the only place in the Bible where God challenges his people to test him. Let's challenges his people to test him. Let's challenges his people to test him. Let's read this challenge God gives in verse read this challenge God gives in verse read this challenge God gives in verse 10. It says this. Say it together. Test 10. It says this. Say it together. Test 10. It says this. Say it together. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty. And me in this, says the Lord Almighty. And me in this, says the Lord Almighty. And see, test me and see if I will not throw see, test me and see if I will not throw see, test me and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour open the floodgates of heaven and pour open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not out so much blessing that you will not out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Guys, circle have room enough for it. Guys, circle have room enough for it. Guys, circle two words in your Bible. Type them in two words in your Bible. Type them in two words in your Bible. Type them in the chat. Test me. Everyone say it. Test the chat. Test me. Everyone say it. Test the chat. Test me. Everyone say it. Test me. Nowhere else does the Bible say me. Nowhere else does the Bible say me. Nowhere else does the Bible say this. In fact, the Bible says, "Don't this. In fact, the Bible says, "Don't this. In fact, the Bible says, "Don't put the Lord your God to the test except put the Lord your God to the test except put the Lord your God to the test except in one spot, one area of generosity, the in one spot, one area of generosity, the in one spot, one area of generosity, the tithe." See, the tithe is a test. It's a tithe." See, the tithe is a test. It's a tithe." See, the tithe is a test. It's a test of your heart. It's a test of God's

test of your heart. It's a test of God's test of your heart. It's a test of God's faithfulness. See, when you honor God faithfulness. See, when you honor God faithfulness. See, when you honor God first in your finances, he says, "Test first in your finances, he says, "Test first in your finances, he says, "Test me and see if I can't be trusted." me and see if I can't be trusted." me and see if I can't be trusted." Remember, I own everything. I am your Remember, I own everything. I am your Remember, I own everything. I am your father. I own everything under heaven father. I own everything under heaven father. I own everything under heaven belongs to me. You see, if I can't be belongs to me. You see, if I can't be belongs to me. You see, if I can't be trusted to do what? What's God say he'll trusted to do what? What's God say he'll trusted to do what? What's God say he'll do? He says, "You return the tide and do? He says, "You return the tide and do? He says, "You return the tide and see if I will not open the floodgates of see if I will not open the floodgates of see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven." Start with a little trickle, heaven." Start with a little trickle, heaven." Start with a little trickle, then a little bit more, a little bit then a little bit more, a little bit then a little bit more, a little bit more, and pour out so much blessing in more, and pour out so much blessing in more, and pour out so much blessing in your life that YOU WON'T EVER CONTAIN IT your life that YOU WON'T EVER CONTAIN IT your life that YOU WON'T EVER CONTAIN IT ALL. YOU AIN'T GOING TO HAVE ROOM, BABY. ALL. YOU AIN'T GOING TO HAVE ROOM, BABY. ALL. YOU AIN'T GOING TO HAVE ROOM, BABY. IT'S A PICTURE OF ABUNDANCE, of IT'S A PICTURE OF ABUNDANCE, of IT'S A PICTURE OF ABUNDANCE, of blessing, of overflow. God says, "WHEN blessing, of overflow. God says, "WHEN blessing, of overflow. God says, "WHEN YOU GIVE ME YOUR TITHE, I PROMISE TO YOU GIVE ME YOUR TITHE, I PROMISE TO YOU GIVE ME YOUR TITHE, I PROMISE TO BLESS THE REST." And at first, we think, BLESS THE REST." And at first, we think, BLESS THE REST." And at first, we think, man, I I don't have enough. But somehow man, I I don't have enough. But somehow man, I I don't have enough. But somehow at months end I I have more than enough. at months end I I have more than enough. at months end I I have more than enough. See folks this is a fundamentally See folks this is a fundamentally See folks this is a fundamentally different way of looking at life. The different way of looking at life. The different way of looking at life. The world tells you spend every last set of world tells you spend every last set of world tells you spend every last set of yourself all these for me. God says no yourself all these for me. God says no yourself all these for me. God says no no I want you to trust me. And if you no I want you to trust me. And if you no I want you to trust me. And if you return the tithe you pass my test. And return the tithe you pass my test. And return the tithe you pass my test. And now watch this. I can trust you with now watch this. I can trust you with now watch this. I can trust you with more. Not just more than enough. Now you more. Not just more than enough. Now you more. Not just more than enough. Now you may say I know what some of you are may say I know what some of you are may say I know what some of you are thinking here. Some of you are like, thinking here. Some of you are like, thinking here. Some of you are like, "Who's going to eat all those M&M's, "Who's going to eat all those M&M's, "Who's going to eat all those M&M's, Tim? Is that you after the service?"

Tim? Is that you after the service?" Tim? Is that you after the service?" Yes, you're right about that. Yes, you're right about that. Yes, you're right about that. Some of you saying, "But but Tim, what Some of you saying, "But but Tim, what Some of you saying, "But but Tim, what about what about my my student loans?" about what about my my student loans?" about what about my my student loans?" You know what God says? He says, "Test You know what God says? He says, "Test You know what God says? He says, "Test me." What about my job situation right me." What about my job situation right me." What about my job situation right now? He says, "I dare you to test me. now? He says, "I dare you to test me. now? He says, "I dare you to test me. But what about our house?" God says, But what about our house?" God says, But what about our house?" God says, "Test me. If you will test me and live "Test me. If you will test me and live "Test me. If you will test me and live generously, the only thing you may lack generously, the only thing you may lack generously, the only thing you may lack is room enough to contain all the is room enough to contain all the is room enough to contain all the blessing that I plan to pour out on you. blessing that I plan to pour out on you. blessing that I plan to pour out on you. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not open the and see if I will not open the and see if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so floodgates of heaven and pour out so floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing, you may have room enough much blessing, you may have room enough much blessing, you may have room enough for it. Can I ask like, what would it be for it. Can I ask like, what would it be for it. Can I ask like, what would it be like for you to take God at his word like for you to take God at his word like for you to take God at his word this spring to actually live generously, this spring to actually live generously, this spring to actually live generously, stop robbing God, and test him with the stop robbing God, and test him with the stop robbing God, and test him with the tithe? tithe? tithe? In Malachi, God's basically laying a In Malachi, God's basically laying a In Malachi, God's basically laying a challenge down to me and to you. He challenge down to me and to you. He challenge down to me and to you. He says, um, "Do you want to keep 100% for says, um, "Do you want to keep 100% for says, um, "Do you want to keep 100% for yourself and live with a curse without yourself and live with a curse without yourself and live with a curse without my favor or return 10% to me, the maker my favor or return 10% to me, the maker my favor or return 10% to me, the maker of heaven and earth, and receive my of heaven and earth, and receive my of heaven and earth, and receive my blessing?" That's literally the tithe blessing?" That's literally the tithe blessing?" That's literally the tithe challenge we're confronted with. Test me challenge we're confronted with. Test me challenge we're confronted with. Test me in this. See if you can't outgive me.

in this. See if you can't outgive me. in this. See if you can't outgive me. How many of you know you can never How many of you know you can never How many of you know you can never outgive God? Amen. You'll never live outgive God? Amen. You'll never live outgive God? Amen. You'll never live more generously than God. See, if he more generously than God. See, if he more generously than God. See, if he can't be trusted to lead you into a life can't be trusted to lead you into a life can't be trusted to lead you into a life of generosity that bling brings the of generosity that bling brings the of generosity that bling brings the blessing of your father in heaven, guys, blessing of your father in heaven, guys, blessing of your father in heaven, guys, and that's why our whole church this and that's why our whole church this and that's why our whole church this spring, we are doing a 90-day tithe spring, we are doing a 90-day tithe spring, we are doing a 90-day tithe challenge. I'm challenging every single challenge. I'm challenging every single challenge. I'm challenging every single person here straight out of the word of person here straight out of the word of person here straight out of the word of God. Those of you who are watching God. Those of you who are watching God. Those of you who are watching online, those at every campus starting online, those at every campus starting online, those at every campus starting today, I believe the Lord wants to today, I believe the Lord wants to today, I believe the Lord wants to challenge those of you who maybe have challenge those of you who maybe have challenge those of you who maybe have been holding back your finances from been holding back your finances from been holding back your finances from God. This is a chance to take God at his God. This is a chance to take God at his God. This is a chance to take God at his word and jump on board this spring. All word and jump on board this spring. All word and jump on board this spring. All right, number three, Pantano Christian right, number three, Pantano Christian right, number three, Pantano Christian in Tucson, Arizona, the altars of in Tucson, Arizona, the altars of in Tucson, Arizona, the altars of generosity. This is one of my favorite generosity. This is one of my favorite generosity. This is one of my favorite churches, one of my favorite pastors in churches, one of my favorite pastors in churches, one of my favorite pastors in the entire country. I love what God's the entire country. I love what God's the entire country. I love what God's doing at Pantano. And if you're not doing at Pantano. And if you're not doing at Pantano. And if you're not tracking with them, you should. I love tracking with them, you should. I love tracking with them, you should. I love this because he talks about how tithing this because he talks about how tithing this because he talks about how tithing or giving is worship in motion. Again, or giving is worship in motion. Again, or giving is worship in motion. Again, we'll have a link here in a in a minute.

we'll have a link here in a in a minute. we'll have a link here in a in a minute. And there's they have this great idea of And there's they have this great idea of And there's they have this great idea of it's what they call an add a $10 a week it's what they call an add a $10 a week it's what they call an add a $10 a week to your tithe challenge. I love the to your tithe challenge. I love the to your tithe challenge. I love the concreteness of that. It's it's concreteness of that. It's it's concreteness of that. It's it's shrinking the ask. It's asking them. shrinking the ask. It's asking them. shrinking the ask. It's asking them. It's making a kind of tangible ask. It's It's making a kind of tangible ask. It's It's making a kind of tangible ask. It's it's taking meeting people where they it's taking meeting people where they it's taking meeting people where they are where they might wrestle with are where they might wrestle with are where they might wrestle with tithing or what they give. And so, it's tithing or what they give. And so, it's tithing or what they give. And so, it's saying, "Hey, what if we just asked?" saying, "Hey, what if we just asked?" saying, "Hey, what if we just asked?" And it's really trying to frame it as And it's really trying to frame it as And it's really trying to frame it as worship, not as, you know, a giving worship, not as, you know, a giving worship, not as, you know, a giving thing or as a, you know, a fundraising thing or as a, you know, a fundraising thing or as a, you know, a fundraising thing. But they also offer a number of thing. But they also offer a number of thing. But they also offer a number of other supports like we've seen in other other supports like we've seen in other other supports like we've seen in other churches, budgeting, wor estate churches, budgeting, wor estate churches, budgeting, wor estate planning, those sort of things to help. planning, those sort of things to help. planning, those sort of things to help. The takeaway for here is this idea of The takeaway for here is this idea of The takeaway for here is this idea of the $10 a week. Add that to your giving, the $10 a week. Add that to your giving, the $10 a week. Add that to your giving, your weekly giving. That's a like an your weekly giving. That's a like an your weekly giving. That's a like an easy thing that people can step into. easy thing that people can step into. easy thing that people can step into. So, let's take a listen now to a clip So, let's take a listen now to a clip So, let's take a listen now to a clip from Pantanoch Christian. from Pantanoch Christian. from Pantanoch Christian. >> I don't know if you remember, we have a >> I don't know if you remember, we have a >> I don't know if you remember, we have a thing around here called the $10 thing around here called the $10 thing around here called the $10 challenge. Anybody remember the $10 challenge. Anybody remember the $10 challenge. Anybody remember the $10 challenge? And I did some math a few challenge? And I did some math a few challenge? And I did some math a few years ago and the math has changed years ago and the math has changed years ago and the math has changed because you keep bringing people which because you keep bringing people which because you keep bringing people which is awesome. But I I did it last night. I is awesome. But I I did it last night. I is awesome. But I I did it last night. I was like, if everybody that calls was like, if everybody that calls was like, if everybody that calls Pantano home right now were to give an Pantano home right now were to give an Pantano home right now were to give an extra $10 a week, what would we be able extra $10 a week, what would we be able extra $10 a week, what would we be able to do? You know how much that is in a to do? You know how much that is in a to do? You know how much that is in a year? $3.6 million.

year? $3.6 million. year? $3.6 million. 3.6. 3.6. 3.6. And I just had this moment where I was And I just had this moment where I was And I just had this moment where I was like, you know how many campuses we like, you know how many campuses we like, you know how many campuses we could plant? You know how many global could plant? You know how many global could plant? You know how many global partners we could help? You know how partners we could help? You know how partners we could help? You know how many countries that don't have Jesus we many countries that don't have Jesus we many countries that don't have Jesus we could go into with $3.6 million? Not one of us has to give that gift, but Not one of us has to give that gift, but if all of us give 10 bucks. So if you if all of us give 10 bucks. So if you if all of us give 10 bucks. So if you give nothing, give 10 bucks. If you give give nothing, give 10 bucks. If you give give nothing, give 10 bucks. If you give $10,000 a week, which by the way, that's $10,000 a week, which by the way, that's $10,000 a week, which by the way, that's wild. wild. wild. Give $10,000 in 10. Give $10,000 in 10. Give $10,000 in 10. And watch God multiply. All right, here And watch God multiply. All right, here And watch God multiply. All right, here we go. Number four, Life Church making we go. Number four, Life Church making we go. Number four, Life Church making change. I want you to check out the Life change. I want you to check out the Life change. I want you to check out the Life Church series, Making Change. This is a Church series, Making Change. This is a Church series, Making Change. This is a fantastic series. I love it because fantastic series. I love it because fantastic series. I love it because they've really reduced down to these they've really reduced down to these they've really reduced down to these four great symbols and these four great four great symbols and these four great four great symbols and these four great principles in such a great way. Craig principles in such a great way. Craig principles in such a great way. Craig and the entire team, they're obviously and the entire team, they're obviously and the entire team, they're obviously amazing communicators. Less is more, amazing communicators. Less is more, amazing communicators. Less is more, stress is bad, giving is good, tomorrow stress is bad, giving is good, tomorrow stress is bad, giving is good, tomorrow matters. And they've built the whole matters. And they've built the whole matters. And they've built the whole series around that. They've paired it series around that. They've paired it series around that. They've paired it with Uver devotionals, group courses, with Uver devotionals, group courses, with Uver devotionals, group courses, like financial peace. So, they've really like financial peace. So, they've really like financial peace. So, they've really kind of surrounded that around it. The kind of surrounded that around it. The kind of surrounded that around it. The thing that the takeaway for you is thing that the takeaway for you is thing that the takeaway for you is you've got to dumb it down. You've got you've got to dumb it down. You've got you've got to dumb it down. You've got to put the cookies on the bottom shelf.

to put the cookies on the bottom shelf. to put the cookies on the bottom shelf. If you want your people to live If you want your people to live If you want your people to live generously, to push back against, generously, to push back against, generously, to push back against, listen, Amazon makes things really easy. listen, Amazon makes things really easy. listen, Amazon makes things really easy. The one-click buy button, man, that's The one-click buy button, man, that's The one-click buy button, man, that's radically easy. How can we make positive radically easy. How can we make positive radically easy. How can we make positive financial habits as easy as that? Life financial habits as easy as that? Life financial habits as easy as that? Life Church does it in spades. I love this Church does it in spades. I love this Church does it in spades. I love this kind of four-word maxim that they've kind of four-word maxim that they've kind of four-word maxim that they've built, the 7-day reading plan to take built, the 7-day reading plan to take built, the 7-day reading plan to take people, you know, deeper. So good. Let's people, you know, deeper. So good. Let's people, you know, deeper. So good. Let's listen in now. We'll watch a quick clip listen in now. We'll watch a quick clip listen in now. We'll watch a quick clip of this, but again, check our show notes of this, but again, check our show notes of this, but again, check our show notes to see the entire episode. You're going to see the entire episode. You're going to see the entire episode. You're going to want to see that. to want to see that. to want to see that. >> Here's what we're going to talk about >> Here's what we're going to talk about >> Here's what we're going to talk about today. Week number one, we're going to today. Week number one, we're going to today. Week number one, we're going to talk about less is more. Everybody say talk about less is more. Everybody say talk about less is more. Everybody say less is more. less is more. less is more. >> Less is more. >> Less is more. >> Less is more. >> Then we're going to talk about stress is >> Then we're going to talk about stress is >> Then we're going to talk about stress is bad. Everybody say stress is bad. bad. Everybody say stress is bad. bad. Everybody say stress is bad. >> Stress is bad. >> Stress is bad. >> Stress is bad. >> Then week three, we're going to talk >> Then week three, we're going to talk >> Then week three, we're going to talk about giving is good. Everybody say about giving is good. Everybody say about giving is good. Everybody say giving is good. giving is good. giving is good. >> Giving is good. >> Giving is good. >> Giving is good. >> And then week four, we're going to talk >> And then week four, we're going to talk >> And then week four, we're going to talk about tomorrow matters. about tomorrow matters. about tomorrow matters. >> Tomorrow matters. >> Tomorrow matters. >> Tomorrow matters. >> What are we going to talk about? Let's >> What are we going to talk about? Let's >> What are we going to talk about? Let's say it out loud, everybody. We're going say it out loud, everybody. We're going say it out loud, everybody. We're going to talk about to talk about to talk about >> less is more, stress is bad, giving is >> less is more, stress is bad, giving is >> less is more, stress is bad, giving is good, tomorrow matters. That's really good, tomorrow matters. That's really good, tomorrow matters. That's really good. All of our churches again, what do good. All of our churches again, what do good. All of our churches again, what do we talk about? Less is more, stress is we talk about? Less is more, stress is we talk about? Less is more, stress is bad, giving is good, tomorrow matters.

bad, giving is good, tomorrow matters. bad, giving is good, tomorrow matters. One more time, because we're all going One more time, because we're all going One more time, because we're all going to remember this. If you'll notice, I've to remember this. If you'll notice, I've to remember this. If you'll notice, I've even got a dance move. I didn't plan it, even got a dance move. I didn't plan it, even got a dance move. I didn't plan it, but I got a move going on here. What are but I got a move going on here. What are but I got a move going on here. What are we talking about? Less is more, stress we talking about? Less is more, stress we talking about? Less is more, stress is bad, giving is good, and tomorrow is bad, giving is good, and tomorrow is bad, giving is good, and tomorrow matters. Today I want to dive into the matters. Today I want to dive into the matters. Today I want to dive into the theme that less is more. Because if theme that less is more. Because if theme that less is more. Because if you're like me, I've been programmed to you're like me, I've been programmed to you're like me, I've been programmed to believe that more believe that more believe that more is always better. For my whole life, I is always better. For my whole life, I is always better. For my whole life, I always thought if one is good, then two always thought if one is good, then two always thought if one is good, then two is better. If $1 is good, $2 would be is better. If $1 is good, $2 would be is better. If $1 is good, $2 would be better. If one car is good, two would be better. If one car is good, two would be better. If one car is good, two would be better. If one kid is good, better. If one kid is good, better. If one kid is good, six would be better. six would be better. six would be better. At least on most days, you know. I If At least on most days, you know. I If At least on most days, you know. I If one is good, then more is better. If one one is good, then more is better. If one one is good, then more is better. If one is good, then more is better. In fact, is good, then more is better. In fact, is good, then more is better. In fact, wow, look at this. Where did this come wow, look at this. Where did this come wow, look at this. Where did this come from? How many of you have ever enjoyed from? How many of you have ever enjoyed from? How many of you have ever enjoyed the candy called Spreeze? All of our the candy called Spreeze? All of our the candy called Spreeze? All of our churches, you've had a spree.

churches, you've had a spree. churches, you've had a spree. >> The uh the red ones are the best by far. >> The uh the red ones are the best by far. >> The uh the red ones are the best by far. The red ones are the best by far. I The red ones are the best by far. I The red ones are the best by far. I always believed if a few sprees were always believed if a few sprees were always believed if a few sprees were good, then more was better. Until about good, then more was better. Until about good, then more was better. Until about the fifth or the sixth grade when one the fifth or the sixth grade when one the fifth or the sixth grade when one time I went to the movie theater and time I went to the movie theater and time I went to the movie theater and instead of buying one roll of sprees, instead of buying one roll of sprees, instead of buying one roll of sprees, guess what I bought? Say it with me. I guess what I bought? Say it with me. I guess what I bought? Say it with me. I brought two. That's exactly right. I brought two. That's exactly right. I brought two. That's exactly right. I went into the movie theater and I went into the movie theater and I went into the movie theater and I started diving into them, started diving into them, started diving into them, eating one at a time. I went all the way eating one at a time. I went all the way eating one at a time. I went all the way through the first container. Then I got through the first container. Then I got through the first container. Then I got into the second one and then by the end into the second one and then by the end into the second one and then by the end of the movie these were no longer called of the movie these were no longer called of the movie these were no longer called sprees. They were now called spew. sprees. They were now called spew. sprees. They were now called spew. That's right. I vomited That's right. I vomited That's right. I vomited the most colorful vomit in the history the most colorful vomit in the history the most colorful vomit in the history of the world. You talk about a of the world. You talk about a of the world. You talk about a technicolor yawn. I mean it was just technicolor yawn. I mean it was just technicolor yawn. I mean it was just everywhere. Everywhere. Everywhere. One everywhere. Everywhere. Everywhere. One everywhere. Everywhere. Everywhere. One is good, sometimes two isn't better. I is good, sometimes two isn't better. I is good, sometimes two isn't better. I want to talk today about the theme that want to talk today about the theme that want to talk today about the theme that sometimes less is more. And I've got sometimes less is more. And I've got sometimes less is more. And I've got just in honor of that theme, one verse just in honor of that theme, one verse just in honor of that theme, one verse in your notes today. Now, a lot of times in your notes today. Now, a lot of times in your notes today. Now, a lot of times I like to use a lot of verses, but guess I like to use a lot of verses, but guess I like to use a lot of verses, but guess what? If there's only one verse and you what? If there's only one verse and you what? If there's only one verse and you internalize that one verse and you internalize that one verse and you internalize that one verse and you memorize that one verse and you know memorize that one verse and you know memorize that one verse and you know that one verse for the rest of your

that one verse for the rest of your that one verse for the rest of your life, then we could make an argument life, then we could make an argument life, then we could make an argument that less is actually more. And so in that less is actually more. And so in that less is actually more. And so in honor of this theme today, you're going honor of this theme today, you're going honor of this theme today, you're going to get one verse. Now, I cannot promise to get one verse. Now, I cannot promise to get one verse. Now, I cannot promise that I might not just spiritually drop that I might not just spiritually drop that I might not just spiritually drop one in out of memory because God's word one in out of memory because God's word one in out of memory because God's word is hidden in my heart. I can't make but is hidden in my heart. I can't make but is hidden in my heart. I can't make but in your notes in the spirit of the theme in your notes in the spirit of the theme in your notes in the spirit of the theme there is one verse and the verse is there is one verse and the verse is there is one verse and the verse is found in Ecclesiastes 4:6 and let's all found in Ecclesiastes 4:6 and let's all found in Ecclesiastes 4:6 and let's all say this aloud better is what better is say this aloud better is what better is say this aloud better is what better is one handful with tranquility than what one handful with tranquility than what one handful with tranquility than what than two handfuls with toil and it's than two handfuls with toil and it's than two handfuls with toil and it's chasing after the wind. Let's do it with chasing after the wind. Let's do it with chasing after the wind. Let's do it with an illustration like this. Better is an illustration like this. Better is an illustration like this. Better is what? Let's say it out loud. Better is what? Let's say it out loud. Better is what? Let's say it out loud. Better is one handful with tranquility than what? one handful with tranquility than what? one handful with tranquility than what? Then two handfuls with toil and stress Then two handfuls with toil and stress Then two handfuls with toil and stress and fear and panic and financial worry and fear and panic and financial worry and fear and panic and financial worry and a chasing after the wind. I hope and a chasing after the wind. I hope and a chasing after the wind. I hope you'll remember this. Let's say it again you'll remember this. Let's say it again you'll remember this. Let's say it again because we're going to internalize this because we're going to internalize this because we're going to internalize this one verse. Better is one handful with one verse. Better is one handful with one verse. Better is one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil tranquility than two handfuls with toil tranquility than two handfuls with toil and it's chasing after the wind. One and it's chasing after the wind. One and it's chasing after the wind. One more time, man. We're going to drive more time, man. We're going to drive more time, man. We're going to drive this in deep today. You're You may say, this in deep today. You're You may say, this in deep today. You're You may say, "Man, that guy was repetitive." But you "Man, that guy was repetitive." But you "Man, that guy was repetitive." But you will remember. You will remember. You will remember. You will remember. You will remember. You will remember. You will remember less is more, stress is will remember less is more, stress is will remember less is more, stress is bad, giving is good, and tomorrow bad, giving is good, and tomorrow bad, giving is good, and tomorrow matters. Better is one handful with matters. Better is one handful with matters. Better is one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil tranquility than two handfuls with toil tranquility than two handfuls with toil and a chasing after the wind. When is

and a chasing after the wind. When is and a chasing after the wind. When is one handful better? Why is one handful one handful better? Why is one handful one handful better? Why is one handful better? Because if I have one hand and better? Because if I have one hand and better? Because if I have one hand and someone needs a hand up, what can I do? someone needs a hand up, what can I do? someone needs a hand up, what can I do? I can give them a hand up. If I have one I can give them a hand up. If I have one I can give them a hand up. If I have one hand full and someone needs something, I hand full and someone needs something, I hand full and someone needs something, I can do what? I can offer something to can do what? I can offer something to can do what? I can offer something to someone who is in need. If I have one someone who is in need. If I have one someone who is in need. If I have one hand full and someone needs comfort, hand full and someone needs comfort, hand full and someone needs comfort, what can I do? I can offer them comfort. what can I do? I can offer them comfort. what can I do? I can offer them comfort. If I have one handful and I want to take If I have one handful and I want to take If I have one handful and I want to take a nap, a nap, a nap, what can I do? I can take a nap. Okay? what can I do? I can take a nap. Okay? what can I do? I can take a nap. Okay? Because why? Say it with me. better is Because why? Say it with me. better is Because why? Say it with me. better is one handful with tranquility than two one handful with tranquility than two one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and a chasing after handfuls with toil and a chasing after handfuls with toil and a chasing after the wind. So what I want to do is really the wind. So what I want to do is really the wind. So what I want to do is really focus on when less is more. Less of what focus on when less is more. Less of what focus on when less is more. Less of what doesn't matter. Why? So I can experience doesn't matter. Why? So I can experience doesn't matter. Why? So I can experience more of what does. If you'll look in more of what does. If you'll look in more of what does. If you'll look in your notes, what I want you to do is your notes, what I want you to do is your notes, what I want you to do is look at the the the the question the look at the the the the question the look at the the the the question the statement and I want you to work for a statement and I want you to work for a statement and I want you to work for a minute to try to define what does matter minute to try to define what does matter minute to try to define what does matter to think about in your life and ask to think about in your life and ask to think about in your life and ask yourself what really matters. If you yourself what really matters. If you yourself what really matters. If you have a hard time thinking, you know, the have a hard time thinking, you know, the have a hard time thinking, you know, the top three things that really matter, uh top three things that really matter, uh top three things that really matter, uh I was talking to a person, it was really I was talking to a person, it was really I was talking to a person, it was really sad. Um and yet at the same time it was sad. Um and yet at the same time it was sad. Um and yet at the same time it was oddly powerful. This person found out oddly powerful. This person found out oddly powerful. This person found out that she had about three months or so to that she had about three months or so to that she had about three months or so to live. And all of a sudden, man, I'm live. And all of a sudden, man, I'm live. And all of a sudden, man, I'm telling you, in her life, there was like telling you, in her life, there was like telling you, in her life, there was like real clarity about what's important and

real clarity about what's important and real clarity about what's important and what's not important. Okay, just imagine what's not important. Okay, just imagine what's not important. Okay, just imagine if you've got a limited time to live. if you've got a limited time to live. if you've got a limited time to live. What would you put on the paper? What What would you put on the paper? What What would you put on the paper? What what is really really important? And in what is really really important? And in what is really really important? And in our life groups this week and in our FPU our life groups this week and in our FPU our life groups this week and in our FPU classes this week, we might talk about classes this week, we might talk about classes this week, we might talk about this. What is it that is most important? this. What is it that is most important? this. What is it that is most important? I actually posted on social media and I actually posted on social media and I actually posted on social media and asked people what they thought uh was asked people what they thought uh was asked people what they thought uh was most important. most important. most important. >> All right, number five, Saddleback. >> All right, number five, Saddleback. >> All right, number five, Saddleback. These guys are in Lake Forest, These guys are in Lake Forest, These guys are in Lake Forest, California. Uncommon sense. You probably California. Uncommon sense. You probably California. Uncommon sense. You probably know, have heard of Saddleback, but I, know, have heard of Saddleback, but I, know, have heard of Saddleback, but I, you know, they name the fact that we're you know, they name the fact that we're you know, they name the fact that we're living in skyrocketing consumer debt and living in skyrocketing consumer debt and living in skyrocketing consumer debt and low financial literacy. These two things low financial literacy. These two things low financial literacy. These two things terrible together. So, they put together terrible together. So, they put together terrible together. So, they put together this great resource hub. They ran this great resource hub. They ran this great resource hub. They ran workshops. They launched financial workshops. They launched financial workshops. They launched financial freedom groups. you can and we've got a freedom groups. you can and we've got a freedom groups. you can and we've got a link to what they call the uncommon link to what they call the uncommon link to what they call the uncommon sense series hub with all that sense series hub with all that sense series hub with all that information there. The thing I love information there. The thing I love information there. The thing I love about this is they are surrounding their about this is they are surrounding their about this is they are surrounding their people with resources that are people with resources that are people with resources that are associated that are connected to this associated that are connected to this associated that are connected to this whole area, making it easier for their whole area, making it easier for their whole area, making it easier for their people to ultimately live a better life people to ultimately live a better life people to ultimately live a better life on the financial side. So, let's take a on the financial side. So, let's take a on the financial side. So, let's take a listen. Again, check the link below so listen. Again, check the link below so listen. Again, check the link below so you can learn more about what they've you can learn more about what they've you can learn more about what they've done. Let's take a listen in to a clip done. Let's take a listen in to a clip done. Let's take a listen in to a clip of the message from Saddleback Church.

of the message from Saddleback Church. of the message from Saddleback Church. This series that we're going to focus on This series that we're going to focus on This series that we're going to focus on these next few weeks, this subject is these next few weeks, this subject is these next few weeks, this subject is one of the most important subjects in one of the most important subjects in one of the most important subjects in culture right now. There is so much culture right now. There is so much culture right now. There is so much confusion when it comes to money. So confusion when it comes to money. So confusion when it comes to money. So much fear that we live with. And I much fear that we live with. And I much fear that we live with. And I believe a lot of this is fueled by believe a lot of this is fueled by believe a lot of this is fueled by narratives that we receive in our world narratives that we receive in our world narratives that we receive in our world that we just embody. I think there's a that we just embody. I think there's a that we just embody. I think there's a lot that plays into inflation and lot that plays into inflation and lot that plays into inflation and economics and everything that's economics and everything that's economics and everything that's happening in our world that that really happening in our world that that really happening in our world that that really does impact us financially. And I think does impact us financially. And I think does impact us financially. And I think about it through the angle of about it through the angle of about it through the angle of conversations I've had with people conversations I've had with people conversations I've had with people throughout the years about finances. And throughout the years about finances. And throughout the years about finances. And we'll talk about money and I'll hear we'll talk about money and I'll hear we'll talk about money and I'll hear this often. I'll hear, "I really want to this often. I'll hear, "I really want to this often. I'll hear, "I really want to fill in the blank. I want to be more fill in the blank. I want to be more fill in the blank. I want to be more generous. I want to be a better steward. generous. I want to be a better steward. generous. I want to be a better steward. I want to manage money better, but I I want to manage money better, but I I want to manage money better, but I just feel like I can't." And that just feel like I can't." And that just feel like I can't." And that statement is loaded. Now, here's an statement is loaded. Now, here's an statement is loaded. Now, here's an assumption I'm going to make about you. assumption I'm going to make about you. assumption I'm going to make about you. And this is the assumption. You want to And this is the assumption. You want to And this is the assumption. You want to do better with money, but there are do better with money, but there are do better with money, but there are barriers that are holding you back. I barriers that are holding you back. I barriers that are holding you back. I believe that deep within your heart, believe that deep within your heart, believe that deep within your heart, there's there's a part of you that wants there's there's a part of you that wants there's there's a part of you that wants to do better with finances. You want to to do better with finances. You want to to do better with finances. You want to be more generous. You want to be a be more generous. You want to be a be more generous. You want to be a better steward. But there's something in better steward. But there's something in better steward. But there's something in your life that's holding you back. And your life that's holding you back. And your life that's holding you back. And it's different for all of us. Some of us it's different for all of us. Some of us it's different for all of us. Some of us it's a mindset that we carry. Some of us it's a mindset that we carry. Some of us it's a mindset that we carry. Some of us it might be a hard attitude. Others it it might be a hard attitude. Others it it might be a hard attitude. Others it might be some habits that you've gotten might be some habits that you've gotten might be some habits that you've gotten stacked under. So, we're going to look stacked under. So, we're going to look stacked under. So, we're going to look over the course of this series at those over the course of this series at those over the course of this series at those common barriers and what God's truth common barriers and what God's truth common barriers and what God's truth says about them. And here's another says about them. And here's another says about them. And here's another truth. To move forward, we must identify

truth. To move forward, we must identify truth. To move forward, we must identify and remove the barrier that stands and remove the barrier that stands and remove the barrier that stands between us and the life that God has between us and the life that God has between us and the life that God has created us to live. We need to identify created us to live. We need to identify created us to live. We need to identify that which is preventing us from moving that which is preventing us from moving that which is preventing us from moving in the direction that God wants our in the direction that God wants our in the direction that God wants our lives to go. And my belief is the more lives to go. And my belief is the more lives to go. And my belief is the more that we understand God's truth and we that we understand God's truth and we that we understand God's truth and we live it, the greater levels of freedom live it, the greater levels of freedom live it, the greater levels of freedom that we'll experience in every area of that we'll experience in every area of that we'll experience in every area of our life. And it's not just my belief, our life. And it's not just my belief, our life. And it's not just my belief, it's Jesus's belief, too. And he would it's Jesus's belief, too. And he would it's Jesus's belief, too. And he would say this in John 8:32. Listen to his say this in John 8:32. Listen to his say this in John 8:32. Listen to his words. You will know the truth and the words. You will know the truth and the words. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. When you and I truth will set you free. When you and I truth will set you free. When you and I understand the word of God, the understand the word of God, the understand the word of God, the principles of God for our life and we principles of God for our life and we principles of God for our life and we apply them, it leads to freedom in any apply them, it leads to freedom in any apply them, it leads to freedom in any area of our life. Now, part of the area of our life. Now, part of the area of our life. Now, part of the challenge and why we're calling it challenge and why we're calling it challenge and why we're calling it uncommon sense is because in many ways uncommon sense is because in many ways uncommon sense is because in many ways there's confusion around money. I I say there's confusion around money. I I say there's confusion around money. I I say this often times to my kids when it this often times to my kids when it this often times to my kids when it comes to finances. Part of this is a comes to finances. Part of this is a comes to finances. Part of this is a tactic because a lot of my kids' friends tactic because a lot of my kids' friends tactic because a lot of my kids' friends are buying them cars and I'm not buying are buying them cars and I'm not buying are buying them cars and I'm not buying my kids a car. So, I need some theology my kids a car. So, I need some theology my kids a car. So, I need some theology to back it. So, um, what I say is, and to back it. So, um, what I say is, and to back it. So, um, what I say is, and this is a proverb, there are a lot of this is a proverb, there are a lot of this is a proverb, there are a lot of people that when you look at their people that when you look at their people that when you look at their lives, they look like they're doing lives, they look like they're doing lives, they look like they're doing great financially, but under the great financially, but under the great financially, but under the surface, it's a mess. And then there are surface, it's a mess. And then there are surface, it's a mess. And then there are a lot of people that they look they're a lot of people that they look they're a lot of people that they look they're living a completely ordinary life and living a completely ordinary life and living a completely ordinary life and they don't look like they're living they don't look like they're living they don't look like they're living financially well off, but there is financially well off, but there is financially well off, but there is underneath the service, they've been underneath the service, they've been underneath the service, they've been wise. And my dad used to call it stealth wise. And my dad used to call it stealth wise. And my dad used to call it stealth wealth. They would they would say that wealth. They would they would say that wealth. They would they would say that it's a kind of stealth wealth that you it's a kind of stealth wealth that you it's a kind of stealth wealth that you you don't know that they're doing great.

you don't know that they're doing great. you don't know that they're doing great. And that that reality for us when it And that that reality for us when it And that that reality for us when it comes to our understanding, we can get comes to our understanding, we can get comes to our understanding, we can get confused. So that's why we're going back confused. So that's why we're going back confused. So that's why we're going back to what does the Bible teach? And God's to what does the Bible teach? And God's to what does the Bible teach? And God's desire is for us to be obedient and desire is for us to be obedient and desire is for us to be obedient and experience freedom as a result of that. experience freedom as a result of that. experience freedom as a result of that. So today we're going to look at Matthew So today we're going to look at Matthew So today we're going to look at Matthew chapter 25. We're going to go through a chapter 25. We're going to go through a chapter 25. We're going to go through a parable that Jesus taught. And it's good parable that Jesus taught. And it's good parable that Jesus taught. And it's good for us to know Jesus would speak more for us to know Jesus would speak more for us to know Jesus would speak more about money than heaven, hell, faith, about money than heaven, hell, faith, about money than heaven, hell, faith, and prayer combined. So, he had a lot of and prayer combined. So, he had a lot of and prayer combined. So, he had a lot of things to say about this subject. And in things to say about this subject. And in things to say about this subject. And in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, there are 2,300 there are 2,300 there are 2,300 verses about money. So, it's comes up a verses about money. So, it's comes up a verses about money. So, it's comes up a lot. And the reason why is because for lot. And the reason why is because for lot. And the reason why is because for so many people, money is the very thing so many people, money is the very thing so many people, money is the very thing that stands between them and the journey that stands between them and the journey that stands between them and the journey that God invites us onto. It becomes a that God invites us onto. It becomes a that God invites us onto. It becomes a massive barrier in a disciplehip massive barrier in a disciplehip massive barrier in a disciplehip lifelong pursuit of Jesus. So, we're lifelong pursuit of Jesus. So, we're lifelong pursuit of Jesus. So, we're going to go after that barrier so that going to go after that barrier so that going to go after that barrier so that we can live with God's kind of freedom we can live with God's kind of freedom we can live with God's kind of freedom that he wants in our lives. And we're that he wants in our lives. And we're that he wants in our lives. And we're going to start with Matthew 25. Matthew going to start with Matthew 25. Matthew going to start with Matthew 25. Matthew 25, Jesus is speaking. And I'm going to 25, Jesus is speaking. And I'm going to 25, Jesus is speaking. And I'm going to read through this. You can pull out your read through this. You can pull out your read through this. You can pull out your notes. It's on the front page of your notes. It's on the front page of your notes. It's on the front page of your notes. It's in really small font, by the notes. It's in really small font, by the notes. It's in really small font, by the way. Um, so you might need to get some way. Um, so you might need to get some way. Um, so you might need to get some glasses out. I tried in the first glasses out. I tried in the first glasses out. I tried in the first service today to read from that page.

service today to read from that page. service today to read from that page. And I I was like, man, I need some bif And I I was like, man, I need some bif And I I was like, man, I need some bif focals. So, um, so I'm reading from my focals. So, um, so I'm reading from my focals. So, um, so I'm reading from my notes here, but it's the same passage. notes here, but it's the same passage. notes here, but it's the same passage. Matthew 25, starting in verse 13. It Matthew 25, starting in verse 13. It Matthew 25, starting in verse 13. It says, so you two must keep watch for you says, so you two must keep watch for you says, so you two must keep watch for you do not know the day or the hour of my do not know the day or the hour of my do not know the day or the hour of my return. Now Jesus gives this line return. Now Jesus gives this line return. Now Jesus gives this line between two kingdom kingdom of God between two kingdom kingdom of God between two kingdom kingdom of God parables. So he's describing the kingdom parables. So he's describing the kingdom parables. So he's describing the kingdom of God and in the middle he calls us to of God and in the middle he calls us to of God and in the middle he calls us to awareness and urgency of his return that awareness and urgency of his return that awareness and urgency of his return that he's coming back. You don't know when it he's coming back. You don't know when it he's coming back. You don't know when it is. It's going to surprise you. It's is. It's going to surprise you. It's is. It's going to surprise you. It's going to come in a moment when you're going to come in a moment when you're going to come in a moment when you're not expecting it. So you can live in not expecting it. So you can live in not expecting it. So you can live in such a way even though you don't know such a way even though you don't know such a way even though you don't know the when. He gives us the what of how to the when. He gives us the what of how to the when. He gives us the what of how to prepare for his return. And this is what prepare for his return. And this is what prepare for his return. And this is what he says. The kingdom of God will be can he says. The kingdom of God will be can he says. The kingdom of God will be can be illustrated like this. It's like a be illustrated like this. It's like a be illustrated like this. It's like a story of a man who is going on a long story of a man who is going on a long story of a man who is going on a long trip. He called together his servants trip. He called together his servants trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he and entrusted his money to them while he and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. Now in your notes, I want you was gone. Now in your notes, I want you was gone. Now in your notes, I want you to underline that phrase that says his to underline that phrase that says his to underline that phrase that says his servants and his money. So these two servants and his money. So these two servants and his money. So these two phrases are important. So Jesus is going phrases are important. So Jesus is going phrases are important. So Jesus is going to give identity to the servants. Now to give identity to the servants. Now to give identity to the servants. Now the Bible speaks a lot about our the Bible speaks a lot about our the Bible speaks a lot about our identity that when you enter into a identity that when you enter into a identity that when you enter into a relationship with Jesus, you put your relationship with Jesus, you put your relationship with Jesus, you put your trust in him. God gives you a new trust in him. God gives you a new trust in him. God gives you a new identity. He calls us sons and daughters identity. He calls us sons and daughters identity. He calls us sons and daughters of the most high God. And not only are of the most high God. And not only are of the most high God. And not only are we called sons and daughters, but we're we called sons and daughters, but we're we called sons and daughters, but we're also called servants. So the apostle also called servants. So the apostle also called servants. So the apostle Paul would describe himself as a Paul would describe himself as a Paul would describe himself as a bondervant of Jesus. So you see in this

bondervant of Jesus. So you see in this bondervant of Jesus. So you see in this passage a master that is going to trust passage a master that is going to trust passage a master that is going to trust his money to his servants. It's it's not his money to his servants. It's it's not his money to his servants. It's it's not normal. Like typically a master would normal. Like typically a master would normal. Like typically a master would give his sons and daughters the money, give his sons and daughters the money, give his sons and daughters the money, the inheritance, but this master is the inheritance, but this master is the inheritance, but this master is trusting his servants. So his servants trusting his servants. So his servants trusting his servants. So his servants were entrusted with his money while he were entrusted with his money while he were entrusted with his money while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to was gone. He gave five bags of silver to was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one and two bags of silver to another one and two bags of silver to another one and two bags of silver to another and one bag of silver to the last. Now and one bag of silver to the last. Now and one bag of silver to the last. Now notice five, two, and one. They're each notice five, two, and one. They're each notice five, two, and one. They're each given a different amount from the same given a different amount from the same given a different amount from the same master. He divided it in proportion to master. He divided it in proportion to master. He divided it in proportion to their abilities and then he left on the their abilities and then he left on the their abilities and then he left on the trip. So, he's gone and they've got to trip. So, he's gone and they've got to trip. So, he's gone and they've got to decide what am I going to do with what's decide what am I going to do with what's decide what am I going to do with what's been placed into my hands. Okay, so been placed into my hands. Okay, so been placed into my hands. Okay, so that's it, friends. There are some five that's it, friends. There are some five that's it, friends. There are some five that you should check out. Check the that you should check out. Check the that you should check out. Check the links below. Make sure you do that. But links below. Make sure you do that. But links below. Make sure you do that. But here are just a couple tips on how to here are just a couple tips on how to here are just a couple tips on how to preach about money with clarity and zero preach about money with clarity and zero preach about money with clarity and zero cringe. How to preach money with with cringe. How to preach money with with cringe. How to preach money with with clarity and zero cringe. Number one, clarity and zero cringe. Number one, clarity and zero cringe. Number one, lead with purpose, not pressure. Listen, lead with purpose, not pressure. Listen, lead with purpose, not pressure. Listen, you you want something for your people, you you want something for your people, you you want something for your people, not from them. Let's show them the not from them. Let's show them the not from them. Let's show them the connection between their financial life connection between their financial life connection between their financial life and freedom, margin, and mission. Number and freedom, margin, and mission. Number and freedom, margin, and mission. Number two, name the cultural liturgies. Debt, two, name the cultural liturgies. Debt, two, name the cultural liturgies. Debt, dopamine, and one-click checkout is dopamine, and one-click checkout is dopamine, and one-click checkout is discipling your people daily. Quote the discipling your people daily. Quote the discipling your people daily. Quote the macro household economic data. Let macro household economic data. Let macro household economic data. Let people know that they're a part of a people know that they're a part of a people know that they're a part of a much broader thing and that the Bible, much broader thing and that the Bible, much broader thing and that the Bible, ancient truth, wants to speak to this ancient truth, wants to speak to this ancient truth, wants to speak to this current day reality to lead them out of current day reality to lead them out of current day reality to lead them out of that. Number three, make the ask

that. Number three, make the ask that. Number three, make the ask measurable. So, what we see throughout a measurable. So, what we see throughout a measurable. So, what we see throughout a bunch of these, the 90-day tithe bunch of these, the 90-day tithe bunch of these, the 90-day tithe challenge or the $10 a week step creates challenge or the $10 a week step creates challenge or the $10 a week step creates traction because it's clear. It helps traction because it's clear. It helps traction because it's clear. It helps people get a sense of what to do next. people get a sense of what to do next. people get a sense of what to do next. And pair every sermon with a tool. So, And pair every sermon with a tool. So, And pair every sermon with a tool. So, then number four, pair every sermon with then number four, pair every sermon with then number four, pair every sermon with a tool. Apps, worksheets, groups, a tool. Apps, worksheets, groups, a tool. Apps, worksheets, groups, coaching that we need to make it super coaching that we need to make it super coaching that we need to make it super practical. You, this cannot be ethereal. practical. You, this cannot be ethereal. practical. You, this cannot be ethereal. This can't all be in people's heads. This can't all be in people's heads. This can't all be in people's heads. We've got to make it super clear for We've got to make it super clear for We've got to make it super clear for them. Number five, use oneliners that them. Number five, use oneliners that them. Number five, use oneliners that travel. Life Church did such a good job travel. Life Church did such a good job travel. Life Church did such a good job on this. Those four kind of super on this. Those four kind of super on this. Those four kind of super catchy. I want to highlight that for you catchy. I want to highlight that for you catchy. I want to highlight that for you and me. These organizations that in some and me. These organizations that in some and me. These organizations that in some ways we're competing with to disciple ways we're competing with to disciple ways we're competing with to disciple our people around money, around our people around money, around our people around money, around resources. They do a good job on resources. They do a good job on resources. They do a good job on simplifying things. We've got to do a simplifying things. We've got to do a simplifying things. We've got to do a good job on simplifying. That doesn't good job on simplifying. That doesn't good job on simplifying. That doesn't mean make things simple, but it means mean make things simple, but it means mean make things simple, but it means making them clear. And then finally, making them clear. And then finally, making them clear. And then finally, number six, tell stories, yours number six, tell stories, yours number six, tell stories, yours included. Why did I start with a little included. Why did I start with a little included. Why did I start with a little bit of an embarrassing story about my bit of an embarrassing story about my bit of an embarrassing story about my own struggle in this area early in our own struggle in this area early in our own struggle in this area early in our marriage when we were hitting some marriage when we were hitting some marriage when we were hitting some financial pressure? Because your story financial pressure? Because your story financial pressure? Because your story of whatever the $35 a week grocery story of whatever the $35 a week grocery story of whatever the $35 a week grocery story is in your world, you've got stories is in your world, you've got stories is in your world, you've got stories like that where you've wrestled with like that where you've wrestled with like that where you've wrestled with money. You are not perfect on this money. You are not perfect on this money. You are not perfect on this front. People are looking for front. People are looking for front. People are looking for transparency and authenticity. There was transparency and authenticity. There was transparency and authenticity. There was a part a time in our culture where a part a time in our culture where a part a time in our culture where people were looking for church leaders people were looking for church leaders people were looking for church leaders to be these like holier than thou to be these like holier than thou to be these like holier than thou perfect people. That day is gone. They perfect people. That day is gone. They perfect people. That day is gone. They want you to speak about these things.

want you to speak about these things. want you to speak about these things. Friends, there's an elephant in your Friends, there's an elephant in your Friends, there's an elephant in your auditorium and it's that you're not auditorium and it's that you're not auditorium and it's that you're not talking about resources. You're not talking about resources. You're not talking about resources. You're not talking about money. You're not talking talking about money. You're not talking talking about money. You're not talking about how people can use their about how people can use their about how people can use their resources. In fact, there is a huge resources. In fact, there is a huge resources. In fact, there is a huge risk. I like to call it malpractice by risk. I like to call it malpractice by risk. I like to call it malpractice by omission. If you're not talking about omission. If you're not talking about omission. If you're not talking about these things, if you're not discipling these things, if you're not discipling these things, if you're not discipling your people about their wallets, don't your people about their wallets, don't your people about their wallets, don't be shocked when Wall Street disciples be shocked when Wall Street disciples be shocked when Wall Street disciples them instead of what the Bible and what them instead of what the Bible and what them instead of what the Bible and what Jesus has to say to them. Well, there it Jesus has to say to them. Well, there it Jesus has to say to them. Well, there it is, friends. Teaching on money without is, friends. Teaching on money without is, friends. Teaching on money without being weird. Five churches that are being weird. Five churches that are being weird. Five churches that are doing it right. Thanks for being a part doing it right. Thanks for being a part doing it right. Thanks for being a part of Unseen. Let me know if there's of Unseen. Let me know if there's of Unseen. Let me know if there's anything we can do to help you.