Though it’s hard to know what life would have been like on earth had humans not sinned, one thing we can know for sure: there would have been no hoarding, no greed, no poverty — things that have plagued our world since recorded history. Our sense of ownership, of what we have worked for and, if we did it honestly, is rightfully ours, is nevertheless a manifestation of life in a fallen world. In the end, however, regardless of how much we do or do not own, there’s one important point that we should always remember.

Read the following texts. What is the central point in them all, and how should that point impact what we do with whatever material means God has blessed us with? (Psalm 24:1, Hebrews 3:4, Psalm 50:10, Genesis 14:19, Colossians 1:15-17).

Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com

We are stewards and managers of what He has entrusted to us; that is, God ultimately owns it all, and He is the one who gives us life, existence, and the strength to have anything at all. It is only logical, then, that when we are finished with what God has given us, and have taken care of our family, we should return the rest to Him.

“In giving to the work of God, you are laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven. All that you lay up above is secure from disaster and loss, and is increasing to an eternal, an enduring substance” “[and] will be registered to your account in the kingdom of heaven.” — Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 342.

There are many advantages to giving now, while we live. Here are a few:

1. The donor actually can see the results of the gift — a new church building, a young person in college, an evangelistic campaign funded, etc.
2. The ministry or person can benefit now when the need is greatest.
3. There is no fighting among family or friends after your death.
4. It sets a good example of family values of generosity and love for others.
5. It minimizes estate tax consequence.
6. It guarantees that the gift will be made to your desired entity (no interference from courts or disgruntled relatives).
7. It demonstrates that the heart of the donor has been changed from selfishness to unselfishness.
8. It stores up treasures in heaven.

<–Wednesday Friday–>

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The post Thursday: Spiritual Legacy appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/thursday-spiritual-legacy/

Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, G. Edward Reid, as they provide additional insights into this Quarter’s Sabbath School lessons, “Managing for the Master, Till He Comes”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xezy62gGOs&w=560&h=315]

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The post 10 Giving Back – It is Written – Discussions with the Author appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-giving-back-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/

You can view an in-depth discussion of Giving Back in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFpBhEGLrR4&w=560&h=315]

With thanks to

Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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The post 10: Giving Back – HopeSS Video Discussion appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/10-giving-back-hopess-video-discussion/

Is this True or False? Giving money to the cause of Christ is the most productive way to witness. Join us as we discuss Lesson 10, Giving Back.

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The post Giving Back – Hit the Mark Sabbath School appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/giving-back-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/

What principles can we take from the following texts regarding how we should deal with money?

1 Timothy 6:17

2 Corinthians 4:18

Proverbs 30:8

Eccles. 5:10

Image © Jeff Preston from GoodSalt.com

Money can have a powerful hold on human beings, a hold that has led to the ruin of many. Who has not heard of people who have done terrible things because of money — even when they already had a lot of it to begin with?

It doesn’t have to be that way, though. By God’s power, we can overcome the enemy’s attempt to take what was meant to be a blessing (material possessions) and turn them into a curse.

In the context of being a good steward in planning for death, one danger that people face is the temptation to hoard assets now, justifying that hoarding with the idea that, well, “When I die, I can give it all away then.” Though better than just spending it all now (one billionaire had said that he knew that he would be living right only if the check for his funeral bounced), we can and should do better than that.

“I saw that many withhold from the cause while they live, quieting their consciences that they will be charitable at death; they hardly dare exercise faith and trust in God to give anything while living. But this deathbed charity is not what Christ requires of His followers; it cannot excuse the selfishness of the living. Those who hold fast their property till the last moment surrender it to death rather than to the cause. Losses are occurring continually. Banks fail, and property is consumed in very many ways. Many purpose to do something, but they delay the matter, and Satan works to prevent the means from coming into the treasury at all. It is lost before it is returned to God, and Satan exults that it is so.” — Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 154.

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

Amen!(2)

The post Wednesday: Deathbed Charity appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/wednesday-deathbed-charity/