StoneBridge Community Church
Back on Track #3: Getting My Finances Back on Track
Pastor Jeff Cheadle
Locations & Times
StoneBridge Campus
4832 Cochran St, Simi Valley, CA 93063, USA
Saturday 5:30 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
Growth Groups
Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA
Sunday 12:00 PM
Online "Connection Card"
Thanks for joining us today! Follow this link to a simple online "Connection Card" where you can let us know you were here and share any prayer concerns.
http://bit.ly/2jWI2Qt
American Credit Card Debt Statistics
<i>NerdWallet</i> analyzed data from several sources, including the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the U.S. Census Bureau, to determine how much debt Americans are carrying, why they have so much debt and how this debt will grow and affect the U.S. economy in the future. Very interesting article.
https://nerd.me/2ht7SZgBible Verses on Money
What does the Bible say about money? <i>Bible Study Tools</i> website
http://bit.ly/1nAL1Lw1. Treat…
<b>1. Treat your work as a ministry and a gift from God.</b>
More Bible Verses on Work
What does the Bible say about work? <i>Bible Study Tools</i> website
http://bit.ly/2keBgpSRediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work
"If we want to impact our culture and truly be salt and light, we must teach Christians how to integrate their faith and their work. We must teach them to how to do their jobs with Christian distinctiveness, with excellence and with accountability." —Hugh Whelchel, "How Then Should We Work? Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work" <i>Institute for Faith, Work & Economics</i> (www.tifwe.org), a Biblical advocacy think tank in the Washington, D.C. area committed to equipping Christians with a Biblical theology of work and economics.
http://bit.ly/2kFruhp
For reflection/discussion
<b>For reflection/discussion:</b> What work have you done? What is your attitude toward your work? Have you viewed your work as a ministry and as a gift from God? Why or why not? What difference would it make for us to view our work as a ministry and a gift?
2. Put…
<b>2. Put a biblical financial plan into plan.</b>
Learn to live…
<b>Learn to live <i>below</i> your means.</b>
The Millionaire Next Door
"What is so profound about these discoveries? Just this: Most people have it all wrong about wealth in America. Wealth is not the same as income. If you make a good income each year and spend it all, you are not getting wealthier. You are just living high. Wealth is what you accumulate, not what you spend" — Thomas J. Stanley and William D Danko, <i>The Millionaire Next Door.</i>
http://bit.ly/1bloMEJHow To Save Automatically
"Redirect part of your paycheck from checking to savings, and then leave it alone…" How to Create an Automatic Savings Plan, <i>The Balance</i>.
http://bit.ly/2k4lpaPFree Money You May Be Missing
"In 2014, the average U.S. worker missed out on approximately 2.4% of their annual income by not maximizing their 401k employer match… By placing your savings in a 401k, you reduce the income tax on your take-home pay. Having $100 taken out of your income for your 401k will only reduce your paycheck by about $60 to $80 per month because of the tax benefits you gain, depending on your salary and tax bracket…" —Caroline Banton, "The Average Worker Misses Out on $1,336 in Free Money Each Year"
http://bit.ly/2jBGZF4Why Give 10% or More to the Lord's Work
"When believers are taught to make it a priority to give to God first, it will ultimately bring greater financial freedom and blessing into their personal lives and to the ministries they support." —Brian Kluth, Dimensions, Vol. 20, Fall, 1997, pp. 1-2.
http://bit.ly/2jqlEuQWhat the Bible Teaches About Tithing
Answers to questions you may have about tithing. Very helpful, presented in outline form, with biblical references.
http://bit.ly/2jIFMtoTen Practical Ways to Control Your Spending
"It’s not how much money we make, but how we handle it that matters. And it all begins by recognizing the money we’re handling is not our own. It belongs to another, before whom we will one day stand…” —Randy Alcorn, "Ten Practical Ways to Control Spending and Wisely Manage God’s Money"
http://bit.ly/2k3O3cdUnpacking the Financial Lifestyle of 10-10-80
"Instead of saving leftovers, make it a priority and an automatic must before you start spending your paycheck. Saving 10% of your gross income every month will allow you to build solid financial footing, will give you much needed peace of mind and will help you prioritize long-term financial health over fulfilling short-term financial wants." —Megan Pacheco, "Unpacking the Financial Lifestyle of 10-10-80" Crosswalk
http://bit.ly/2kFmBRfFor reflection/discussion
<b>For reflection/discussion:</b> Do you have a plan on how to manage the financial resources God has trusted to your care? Do you have a clear idea of how much you save, give to God's work, and spend each month? Do you struggle with saving, tithing, and/or living within your means? Why or why not? What are the negative consequences of not doing these things?
3. Ruthlessly eliminate…
<b>3. Ruthlessly eliminate your debt.</b>
The Debt Slayers
"American consumers are simultaneously earning record income while accumulating record debt. And there is little difference between the amounts that Christians and non-Christians earn, spend, save, charge, or donate to charities." ?–John W. Kennedy, "The Debt Slayers" <i>Christianity Today.</i> Discusses Christian approaches to debt reduction including those of Dave Ramsey, Larry Burkett, Mary Hunt, Willowcreek's <i>Good Sense </i>program, and others.
http://bit.ly/2kFt92h17 Brilliant Ways To Pay Off Debt Faster
"Debt sucks. There is no getting around that. For the majority of the American population, debt will suck the life out of you. The sooner you can pay off debt, the better." —Tim Jordan, "17 Brilliant Ideas to Pay Off Debt Faster than Ever in 2017"
http://bit.ly/2kesZC5How To Get Out of Debt With the Debt Snowball
"Mathematically, it makes sense to pay on the debt with the highest interest rate first. After all, doesn’t that save you the most money? Maybe, but it’s more important to pay your debts in a way that keeps you motivated to keep going… If you begin with the biggest one, you might think you’re not making fast enough progress, lose steam, and not finish the job.It’s better to get quick wins that pump you up." A simple explanation of how the "Debt Snowball" can help you eliminate debt. <i>Dave Ramsey</i>
http://bit.ly/2keM1ZtRegister for Financial Peace University
This is a <i>new and updated</i> 9-week program hosted by Stonebridge. It includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, saving for education and retirement, and more. FPU takes Biblical concepts and turns them into practical, action steps. <i>Financial Peace University</i> starts March 19th @ 3:00pm. Register at this link. <b>HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.</b>
https://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/classes/1037352For reflection/discussion
<b>For reflection/discussion:</b> The Bible doesn't call debt a sin, but it clearly does warn us about the dangers of debt. What are some of the ways debt impacts our lives, our happiness, our relationship with God and others, and our ability to support God's work and help others? Do you have a plan to get out of debt?
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