Everything I Need I Already Have

John D. Rockefeller was once asked "How much is enough?" And to this question he responded, "One more dollar." As we wrap up this series entitled "All In", I am constantly brought back to this idea of what brings us joy? Where do we find fulfillment? What do we hope to accomplish and what do we hope to become with all our stuff?

It is amazing to me what sin can do to us. It not only seeks to kill and destroy us at the end of our lives, it seeks to misguide us on our journey through life, hoping to get us to think that freedom comes in chasing after what culture deems successful and good.

I think for the average Christian, especially teens, we feel trapped by our faith...and we tend to seek freedom in worldliness and materialism because we feel shackled by our faith... We just want to fit in, we want an identity, we want freedom.

And it is because of this truth, that we end this materialism and stewardship series by seeking a fresh reminder of what God has made us and given us through faith in Jesus...

Have you ever had a lot of money at one time? Maybe you and your friends tried on your business caps as kids and started a lemonade stand...maybe you have had a birthday party and tons of money came in as presents (wait until your wedding!). Whatever it was, you know what I am talking about...you collect it all and count it...not once...not even twice...but maybe three or four times. Whether it is just coins or crisp dollar bills, we love to know how much we have...why? Because it stirs up something inside of us that tells us...we're doing good...we're set...we can finally get _______ (you fill in the blank).

My question for you as we finish up this series on money is, have you ever done that with God? Just sat down and read through your Bible to see all that we have in Jesus? The more we read, the more we see that through faith, Jesus has made us sooooo incredibly rich...we have everything we need in Him...identity, purpose, and a future!

So that is how we are going to finish up this series...I made a quick run through of the New Testament to seek out passages that remind us of what we are in Jesus...some of these have to do with money, some are simply pictures of grace and the Gospel. It isn't a complete list by any standards, but its a start...

So grab your Bible and start counting...its not money, its something much better! Use this week to soak in how blessed you are in Jesus!

Romans

3:21-25

5:1-2

5:6-11

8:1-2

8:28

10:11-13

12:1-2

1 Corinthians

1:30-31

6:9-11

15:20-22

2 Corinthians

5:21

8:1-9

Galatians

1:3-5

2:19-21

Ephesians

1:3-8

2:1-10

3:14-21

Philippines

1:21

2:5-8

Colossians 1:22

1 Timothy

1:12-14

1:15

6:6-10

6:17-19

Titus

3:3-7

3:14

Hebrews

4:14-16

9:15

10:9-10

1 Peter

1:3-5

1:18-21

1 John

1:8-9

3:1

3:16-18

4:9-11

Plan to join us this Thursday night at Matt & Amanda's at 7pm for senior high KAIROS! We hope to see you then!