Finished a three week series on our values and attitudes concerning the stuff we own, or rather, the stuff God has entrusted to us. If you missed any of the Sundays, let me encourage you to listen online. I also wanted to make a few book suggestions for further study. This is such an important aspect of our discipleship and we need to continually examine ourselves to make sure we are being transformed by the Gospel in this area.
Money, God or Gift by Jamie Munson – We have this book available free of charge at Genesis so pick up a copy at the Resource Table next time you come. Very good, short, and easy to read book covering the key ideas taught in the Bible on the topic. Jamie Munson is one of the pastors of Mars Hill Church in Seattle.
Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn – I highly recommend this book to you. Alcorn is a pastor and leader of Eternal Perspectives Ministries. This book is designed to help the reader rethink perspectives on money and possessions, and learn the grace-based disciplines involved in growing as a Christ-follower.
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn – A much shorter version of the previous book, but containing snippets of the same teaching and ideas as Money, Possessions, and Eternity.
Neither Poverty Nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions by Craig L. Blomberg – Another book I highly recommend, Blomberg goes through the entire Bible starting with the book of Genesis and explains what the Bible has to say on the topic of money, wealth, poverty, giving, and the like. This book is a little more theological, but it also takes the Bible very seriously and gives a very comprehensive view of the Biblical texts.
The Total Money Makeover: A Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey – Ramsey is the host of The Dave Ramsey Show, a nationally syndicated radio show with over 3 million listeners. This is more of a “how to” book that lays out a plan people can take as they apply the Biblical principles taught in the other books. This book is not really a theology of money book, rather it contains goals people can set and actions they should take as they grow in their understanding of stewardship, generosity, and living for eternity. If you are completely stuck, this book may be a big help in creating a strategy to move in the right direction.
