Christ and Cash — A Focus on Our Finances
March 16, 2010
Christ and Cash – A Focus on Our Finances
Lesson 1: “Thinking and Personal Finance”
Adult Sunday and Wednesday Bible Study
West Broad Church of Christ
March 7, 10, and 14, 2010
J.L. Nesmith, Jr., D. Min., Facilitator
(Resource: Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover)
Introduction:
On today we will begin a month-long discussion on finances. During our time together, we will seek to address several questions. Among these are:
· What is the American attitude toward money?
· What should our attitude be towards money as Christians?
· How should we use money in our “physical” lives?
· How should we use money in our “spiritual” lives?
As is the case in all our classes, you are encouraged to engage and make contributions to the discussion. Let’s get started!
I. Currency and Thought
Dave Ramsey noted that, “personal finance is 80 percent behavior and 20 percent head knowledge.” But behavior is predicated upon thought, and we Americans have a particular way of thinking about money.
· Our thought: Debt is a tool used to create prosperity.
o A matter of fact
o A biblical consideration
o Lessons from the experts
o A comparison of “schools.” Question: How do you respond to the old school/new school view of credit? Which school do you “attend?”
· Our thought: I’m helping a friend or relative when I cosign a loan.
o A matter of fact
o A case in point
o A biblical consideration
· Our thought: Cash Advance, Payday Loans, Rent-to-Own, Title Pawning and Tote-the-Note Car Lots are necessary services that help lower-income people get ahead.
o A matter of fact
o A biblical consideration
· Our thought: You should get a credit card to build your credit.
o A matter of fact
o Understanding underwriting
o The crisis of cards. Question: Does this discussion make you think about your credit cards? In what way?
Conclusion:
Ramsey asserts that financial wholeness is based largely upon what one does. But actions result from thoughts. Question: What would happen if we made the changes in our financial thinking God calls us to make in our spiritual thinking? We will review more of these attitudes and thoughts during our next meeting. I hope to see you here!
