...Wayne Grudem’s Business for the Glory of God: The Bible’s Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business analyzes a myriad of misconstrued facets of business and how these facets are rather intended and are able to be implemented as acts that glorify God. Primarily, these various components of business carry negative connotations, because, it seems, more often than not that businesses fall into corruption and scandal due to greed and lust. Grudem does an exceptional job in explaining that it is not the concepts of business themselves, such as money or owning multiple possessions, that are evil, but rather the acts of coveting, idolizing, or being wicked stewards of money or possessions. In business, Grudem articulates, the main position supported...
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...Whose money is it? What is money? We all use a piece of paper which`s called “money”, but, what is really money? Why are we dependent on money? Is money one of the vital things in our life? Can we get full happiness from money? So many questions come to my mind when I think about money. However I have not get into the power of money and only have an abstract understanding of it, one thing which really concerns me is how I can handle money wisely. Basically, money is the store of value, which indicates that it can be reliably saved, used or stored for later use. Money is also unit of account, which serves the common base for prices. Money is definitely a medium of exchange. People can buy their needs by money or sell things for money. Many economics say that Modern economies could not function without money. So, people all around the world all know how powerful it is, and that`s why we all work for money. Central Banks print out money and provide for society and economy, so does it mean money is originated from any bank or government? What is God`s plan about money to His people? Unfortunately, many people do not realize that money is one of the creations of God for His children. God has given us physical and mental ability to use the resources for our daily life necessity. Handling money wisely, diligently and loyally is one of the most important things in our life. Since this piece of paper is very powerful and valuable, it can see who you are. In our eyes, we can see two kinds...
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...Luke 16:1-16:18 How Much Can God Trust You? Luke 16:1-18 INTRODUCTION After spending the past few weeks studying the Parable of the Loving Father (sometimes called the Prodigal Son), we arrive at chapter 16 to find one of the most unusual parables Jesus ever uttered. Some Bible teachers merely skip over it or ignore it. I call it the parable of the Crooked Manager. It’s a story about an employee who “cooked the books” for his employer. He used dishonest methods to give an accounting of his company’s assets. It reads much like a deposition from the Enron! It’s a parable about money, which shouldn’t be surprising because of the 38 parables Jesus told, 19 of them dealt with handling possessions. Baptism is important, but there are 16 times more verses in the New Testament on handling money than are devoted to baptism. The Lord’s Supper is important, but there are 32 times more Biblical statements about Christian financial management than about the Lord’s Supper. Since Jesus had so much to say about it, we’d better pay attention. I hope you know you can trust God–but when it comes to handling God’s money, how much can he trust you? Keep your Bibles open because we will read each section of scripture as we discuss it. First, we will consider: I. THE PARABLE: THE GOOD EXAMPLE OF A CROOK (1-8) Let’s just read the parable beginning in Luke 16:1: Jesus told his disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him...
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...The book Business for the Glory of God is a great resource on business and each chapter starts with a phrase. The book has many opportunities for glorifying God but also many temptations to sin and what it can do to you and your business. The writer Grudem concisely lays out his reasons why business is good and very briefly raising some of the dangers of greed, envy and materialism. The weakest arguments by far are his argument that inequality of possessions is the way God intended things to be, that this is a good thing that gives glory to God. While extreme wealth and extreme poverty are both considered 'bad things' there's no way of drawing a line, no attempt at working out how some inequality is good but too much inequality is bad. Nor is there recognition that in the countries that have excelled in competition, profit making and generally getting rich is also the countries with the greatest inequality. So while it is good to be in business, and it is good to equip those who are called to business, this short book is unbalanced by taking complicated issues and making them black and white. For me is what the Bible is about taking a yes being a yes and a no meaning don’t do it, nor go there because he gives you all the reasons of what happens in evil deeds. Companies close, people go bankrupt and show on the news of people going to jail for fraud for being greedy. Hebrews 12:11 NIV No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces...
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...Christian in the world today: Smart idea or foolish choice? What should a Christian valued person do in these scary economic times? Let’s dig deeper in the Bible to find out. God expects us to be good stewards of the money and other items of wealth that He has given to us. He emphasizes this so much that Jesus even used the parable of the talent in the Book of Matthew in the New Testament to illustrate the fact that He expects us to do something with the money God has entrusted to us. The parable makes it obvious that God doesn’t expect us to be stupid about how we use our money. Technically, it is not even our money. It is His money. Therefore, we should consider God’s will about how He wants it spent so that it is used in godly manner. The parable of the talent as discussed in the Matthew makes it perfectly clear that God doesn’t expect us to just sit idle with our money. Given that godly expectation; there are many low risk ways to invest our money. Whether we use stocks, bonds, treasury bills or a savings account; there are many ways to be a good steward of Gods money during the short time that we have it here on earth. As investors; we are not being careless with God’s money as long as we do our research and feel confident that we are investing with His Will in mind. Researching how to invest Gods money equals wise choices. Investing can be a wise choice as long as one does their research as mentioned above. Unfortunately, many Christians make the mistake of thinking that investing...
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...The Bible mentions money over 800 times Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Let’s break this down for a minute first of all give means to 2 Cor. 9-7 dotes; a giver, bestower. Gives means: to present voluntarily and without expecting compensation; bestow The Bible mentions money over 800 times, I know people get squeamish when you mention money in the church because they see so many that are greedy and so many that have been taking advantage of but it is not ok for believer to shy away from a subject because of false teaching that is the reason to address it, to call it out that are not ignorant but we are going back to the word if there is a doubt a question a cause for concern it is time for us to take these things back to God. The world is supposed to come to the church not the other way around but so many in the church are beat down, broke and discouraged. 2 Corinthians 9 New International Version (NIV) 9 There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. 2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 For if...
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...of God Can Be In the Business World I know that before I read Wayne Grudem’s book, I felt as if I didn’t really want to be in the business world because of all the negative aspects that I’ve heard. Our society today idolizes money and success and if you don’t rely on God then you will easily fall into the snares of the devil. “God created us in such a way that we would want to imitate his character. He created us in such a way that we would take spontaneous delight in seeing reflections of his character in our own actions and in the actions of others” (pg. 15). Even in the Business World, this is possible. Grudem discusses 9 key business activities that will help you be able to glorify God through business. The 9 key business activities are Ownership, Productivity, Employment, Commercial Transactions, Profits, Money, Inequality of Possessions, Competitions, Borrowing and Lending. There were also two chapters on the Attitudes of the Heart and the Effect on World poverty. I loved how in every chapter, Grudem starts with “…is fundamentally good and provides many opportunities for glorifying God but also many temptations to sin” and ends with, “But the distortions of something good must not cause us to think the thing itself is evil…” I feel as if he did this just to emphasize the dangers of greed, envy, and materialism and show us that the business it’s self isn’t evil, but if you give in to temptation, it is a wicked place. Grudem tells us that we can live a life for God in the...
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...from the Greek word mammonas, a term used to describe greed for money. Mammon collaborates with materialistic craving, unlawful gain, and the over valuing money to the point of idolatry. In fact, those under the spell of mammon inwardly think “I don’t need God, I’ve got money.” Personified as a false a god in the New Testament, those who love mammon are guilty of valuing money to the point of idolatry. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24) For the love of money is the root of all evil. We brought nothing into this world and it is assured we will take nothing out of it. No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24 You can’t serve two...
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...new person when I allowed God to transform me to become the person He wanted me to be for His glory. Therefore, I emphasized well to the hearing of the church that it is not what the people do for God that can change them and please God, but it is what God is doing in our lives that we are changed. …… Take up your cross and follow me, God said. 2. We worked as entertainers in the past for a noble purpose. Why would God not honor our godly intention? Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. (Proverbs 10:2 , NIV) As a servant of God and from a Christian point of view, occupation in clubs and bars are considered sinful because the women...
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...GLORY OF GOD The Bible’s Teaching on the Moral Goodness of Business Book Review BUSI 301 In the book, “Business for the Glory of God”, the author, Wayne Grudem, states there are many aspects of business that a Christian can use to glorify God. The main aspects are Ownership, Productivity, Employment, Profit, Money and Borrowing and Lending. According to Grudem, all these things can bring glory to God in the way they reflect the nature that is God and His provision for man. God structured humans in such an intricate way to give them the ability to provide food, shelter and clothing for themselves and families. He also designed us to be a part of a community, one with an economic system for sustainability. The basis for all economic systems is free enterprise. The ability to govern one’s own business and to set forth the mandates therein is essential to the well being of any strong economy. In today’s marketplace, many consumers have become weary of businesses due to the high level of corruptness and the large amount of government interference. Grudem suggest that rather than business being viewed with inherently evil motives, consumers should understand that business activities are sometimes manipulated and used as a means to sin. In this book, he proposes that the practice and nature of business is a blessing given by God to mankind. The Introduction and fist chapter begin by acknowledging that many view business ownership as a means to procure money, and a lot...
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...Business For The Glory of GOD Can business activity in itself be morally good and pleasing to God? This is the main question we are looking at in reading the book this term. In my readings I have found some very interesting thoughts and questions about business, God and business in a Godly perspective. In each chapter of the book, Grudem explains to us that business is essentially a gift from God, therefore is good. In Business for the Glory of God, Grudem explores the following aspects of business activity: 1. Ownership 2. Productivity 3. Employment 4. Commercial Transactions (buying and selling) 5. Profit 6. Money 7. Inequality of Possessions 8. Competition 9. Borrowing and Lending 10. Attitudes of Heart 11. Effect on World Poverty One chapter in Business for the Glory of God talks about borrowing and lending. As some Christians refuse to accrue any debt, this chapter helps to give insight regarding the acceptance of certain debt. If one is purchasing a home, then signing a mortgage loan for 30 years is normal. The main objective in borrowing money or accruing debt is the intent to repay in the proper time line. Borrowing can be unwise. In cases where one borrows too much and cannot repay, this does go against the Bibles teachings. Proverbs 22:7 says, “the wicked borrows but does not pay back.” When used in a responsible manner lending and borrowing can bring much good to the economy. Grudem explains how the “process...
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...Faith Integration : Final Project Managerial Finance July 1, 2012 ABSTRACT This essay will provide a scriptural key to understanding the topics of finance in a Christian worldview perspective. The illustrations will be reflected through the events found in God’s word, providing a greater understanding into the relevance of the Bible in today’s economic world. It will show the importance of the integration of faith, as God has provided his wisdom for today in the illustrations of the Holy Word. Refer to II Timothy 3: 16 – 17; “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (NIV, 2005), to understand that God’s word continues to apply today as it has maintained strength and reference to aspects of life and development. The topic of finance is addressed throughout the scriptures with suggestions for the proper practice. It is clear in the study of his word that finance is a part of the structural design that is to provide for the development of humankind and the world. INTRODUCTION TO FINANCE Stewardship How faith integration manifest itself within the practice of corporate finance can only be found when studying God's word within the Holy Bible and practicing its teachings. One important aspect of integrating ones faith within the context of finance...
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...something new and be blessed as you read. MINDSET OF KINGDOM MILLIONAIRES Money is like a current, it is either flowing to you or flowing away from you that is why it is called Currency. So you need to learn how to magnatise money. Most people are poor because of lack of knowledge and examples/training they received from parents and authority figures. If you grew up in an environment that says "money is meant to be spent", you'll never have savings" Psalm 66:12 Every year loads of people are joining the millionaires club! God wants to raise you as a person who can make a difference in your world. It is not true that there is money scarcity in the world, rather every year millions of people cross the millionaires threshold. Don't listen to the what ifs and words of distractions around you. You work towards getting blessed first and watch God teach you how to handle it. There are people who lack the right knowledge to make wealth, some Christians will cry and pray for financial breakthroughs but their financial levels never change because they haven't obeyed the laws of wealth making. There are certain laws you must follow to make wealth, if you don't obey them you can't be a millionaire! The law of gravity doesn't respect anointing! 2Timothy 1:7 To be a millionaire you have to overcome the spirit of fear! Things may not always go right at first but don't let that stop you, God hasn't given you the spirit of fear! The secret of success is that there are...
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...Craig Keener points out that Jesus uses a traditional Jewish argument “how much more?” (234). He talks of how if God provides care for the birds and flowers, how much more for his children who are made in his image (Keener, 234)? Through this type of argument, Jesus teaches a lesson. He points out God’s provision for his beings (Keener, 235). Jesus shows that God will provide more care than is needed for his children regardless of who they are (Keener, 235). According to Davies and Allison, Matthew’s main point is clear. Matthew wants to show that those who believe and focus on God in heaven will be able to cast away all materialistic troubles and treasures (Allison and Davies, 647). Matthew uses the specific structure of the passage to get his point across. The verses 6.28-30 repeat the...
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...Testimony: For Christian in general use the term "testify" or "to give one's testimony" to mean "the story of how one became a Christian"; less commonly it may refer to a specific event in a Christian's life in which they believe God has done something deemed particularly worth sharing. Actually, I have so many events in my life where God has done something to the faith I learned to exercise in every decisions I made. God has led me in times when I find the way so unclear that all I must need is God’s leading. These all started when I began engaging myself in missionary work. Since then when what is ahead is uncertain it became my opportunity to let God be in control. One of the best experience I had was the recent evangelistic meeting held somewhere in Capiz. I will not dig into the details of the whole crusade but prior to our arrival in that place. The evangelistic director gave us P8, 200.00 as our budget. This includes the fare and meal on the way. When I sum up the fare it would approximately cost us a minimum of 7,500. So what would happen to us along the way. Doubts crept into my mind and I immediately find a way to have someone in my team members to go to the director and ear out my “my” concerns. Deep inside my mind was the plan of giving up because of the budget. In addition, the place is an 11-hour hike mountain so where should I go if we run out of food. I was full of doubts and I didn’t even think of praying. All I had in mind was giving up. A week before...
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