Mo Money, Mo Problems?
Dear Mosaic Family,
Tomorrow, we continue our Tough & Tender series by talking about money. If you're new to Christianity, you might find it odd that we're talking about money in church. Why are we talking about money? Because at Mosaic, we talk about what how the Gospel of Jesus Christ impacts real life, and money dominates real life. Especially in Boston.
We've all got a philosophy of money. Question is, where did you get that philosophy? Arguably, the most popular poets of our day are rappers, and many have a clear philosophy: make money to spend money (on yourself).
"Money on my mind, money is all I think of" - Lil Wayne
"Get rich or die tryin" - 50 cent
"Mo money, mo problems" - The Notorious B.I.G.
"Having money isn't everything, not having it is" - Kanye West
"Oh well, guess you win some and lose some, as long as the outcome is income" - Drake
What's your practical philosophy of money? Did you know the Holy Scriptures talk about money all the time? Money is mentioned 2,172 times in Scripture, compared to believing - 272 times, prayer - 371 times, and love - 714 times. Why so much talk about money? You know why. Money dominates our hearts and minds. We think about it all the time. We are almost "possessed" by it. So what's the alternative? Stop thinking about money? No. We need to start thinking about money from an eternal perspective.
In a legendary sermon on money, John Wesley gives three (carefully qualified) principles on money: gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can. He writes: "The right use of money is of the utmost importance to the Christian, yet it is a subject given too little attention. Wealth has often been regarded by poets and philosophers as a source of evil and yet the fault lies, not with money, but with those who use it. Indeed, money should be regarded as a gift of God for the benefits that it brings in ordering the affairs of civilization and the opportunities it offers for doing good. In the hands of God’s children, money is food for the hungry, clothing for the naked and shelter for the stranger. With money we can care for the widow and the fatherless, defend the oppressed, meet the need of those who are sick or in pain."
Join us tomorrow as we talk about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ transforms us from takers to givers, and how this practically impacts our contentment, work, living standard, stewardship, saving, investing, debt, and most importantly, our generosity. True spirituality always impacts material reality.
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9
With Love,
Pastor Jan
This Week's Announcements
Members' Meeting Potluck
Sunday, October 20, 1 p.m.
Our third quarterly members' meeting is coming up! If you are a committed member of Mosaic or being voted into membership, please attend and bring a dish to share.
Child Dedication Class
Sunday, October 27, 11:15 a.m.
We will be holding an application class for all who are interested in dedicating their child this fall. Please sign up to attend by contacting raquel@mosaicboston.com.
Baptism Class
Sunday, November 3, 5 p.m.
Want to be baptized? The first step toward baptism at Mosaic is to attend our baptism class. Email admin@mosaicboston.com to sign up.
Membership 101 Class
Sunday, November 10, 1 p.m.
Want to learn more about what Mosaic Boston is all about? Come hear the story of Mosaic, why we are here, and how you can join the church through membership. Pizza lunch provided, please RSVP to admin@mosaicboston.com
Songs for Sunday
If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday, you can find the playlist here.