ETERNAL HERITAGE (3)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
1. Making wise investments for the future
a) A man's investment in his family involves the development of marketable skills and the resources to profitable use those skills. Business that grows out of a family's effort will tend to have greater quality and craftsmanship, because the entire family name is affected by their products. Capital investments for equipment and improvement should come from family resources rather than outside interest. By borrowing, the family became servant to the lender.
b) Additional investments should be in functional asset, such as land and equipment, which insure freedom of operation during lean financial times. A functional asset is an item that is useful to us now, but could be easily traded for other item, when our needs change.
c) As a general rule, do not invest money in things which we cannot control, such as stocks. Rather than expecting others to manage our investments, buy only those things we can care for and which will enhance the freedom we have to carry out the work that God has given us.
d) Investment should be made from abundance and not from needed family or business income. It must be a separate program and it must in no way put pressure on the family.
e) Wise investment involves using God's money to advance his kingdom. His money must not be hoarded resource, but a ready reserve. Investment must never violate scriptural principles.
f) We become rich towards God by giving for the furtherance of his kingdom.
i) 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV)
ii) Giving to the Lord beyond the tithe, will be prompted by him and confirmed by our wives. The prompting must be completely consistent with scriptural guideline:
@1. Giving to the fatherless and widows
"27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27 NIV)
@2. Giving to needy Christians
"13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." (Romans 12:13 NIV)
@3. Giving to the poor.
"17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." (Proverbs 19:17 NIV)
@4. Giving to Christian leaders
"17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages." (1 Timothy 5:17-18 NIV)
@5. Giving to ministries that are worthy
"15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters," (1 Corinthians 16:15 NIV)
The End ...
1. Making wise investments for the futurea) A man's investment in his family involves the development of marketable skills and the resources to profitable use those skills. Business that grows out of a family's effort will tend to have greater quality and craftsmanship, because the entire family name is affected by their products. Capital investments for equipment and improvement should come from family resources rather than outside interest. By borrowing, the family became servant to the lender.
b) Additional investments should be in functional asset, such as land and equipment, which insure freedom of operation during lean financial times. A functional asset is an item that is useful to us now, but could be easily traded for other item, when our needs change.
c) As a general rule, do not invest money in things which we cannot control, such as stocks. Rather than expecting others to manage our investments, buy only those things we can care for and which will enhance the freedom we have to carry out the work that God has given us.
d) Investment should be made from abundance and not from needed family or business income. It must be a separate program and it must in no way put pressure on the family.
e) Wise investment involves using God's money to advance his kingdom. His money must not be hoarded resource, but a ready reserve. Investment must never violate scriptural principles.
f) We become rich towards God by giving for the furtherance of his kingdom.
i) 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV)
ii) Giving to the Lord beyond the tithe, will be prompted by him and confirmed by our wives. The prompting must be completely consistent with scriptural guideline:
@1. Giving to the fatherless and widows
"27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." (James 1:27 NIV)
@2. Giving to needy Christians
"13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." (Romans 12:13 NIV)
@3. Giving to the poor.
"17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." (Proverbs 19:17 NIV)
@4. Giving to Christian leaders
"17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages." (1 Timothy 5:17-18 NIV)
@5. Giving to ministries that are worthy
"15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters," (1 Corinthians 16:15 NIV)
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