Unevangelized: In 2007, 1.9 billion people worldwide (28% of the population) had yet to hear the message of the gospel.10
Lost: Two-thirds of people alive today do not know the Savior of mankind. This includes 1.35 billion Muslims, 888 million Hindus, 388 million Chinese folk-religionists, 386 million Buddhists, 262 million ethnoreligionists, 106 million New-Religionists, 26 million Sikhs, 15 million Jews, and 154 million atheists.11
Unchurched: The population of un-churched Americans is nearing 100 million.12
Church Attendance: 20 percent of Americans attend weekly religious services. 25.4 percent of conservative Protestants attend a weekly service.13
Poverty: More than 1 billion people live in absolute poverty. This includes 700 million people living in slums, 500 million people on the verge of starvation, 93 million beggars, and 200 million children exploited for labor.14
Christian Wealth and World Poverty: On average, American Christians enjoy an annual household income of $42,409, while 1.2 billion of the world's poorest people must survive on $1 a day.15
The Top Half: In the year 2000, net assets of $2,160 was sufficient to place a household in the top half of the world's wealth distribution.16
Hungry: More than 800 million people go to bed hungry every day.17
Sick: 1.5 billion of the world's people have no access to medical care.19
Homeless: 55 million of the world's people live in caves.20
Uneducated: 121 million children around the world are totally outside of the educational system.21
Oppressed: Oppressive governments deny religious freedom to 2.2 billion people worldwide.22
Enslaved: More than 27 million of the world's people are slaves.23
- source: www.generousgiving.org
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
Why Should Christians Give?
Why Give?
1. Obedience -
On the first day of the week let each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crop; then you barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need (Ephesians 4:28)
2. Rewards
Give it and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matthew 25:23)
3. Recognition of God’s Ownership
Yours, Oh Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on the earth is yours, Oh Lord, and this is your Kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that you that people are made great and given strength. (1 Chronicles 29:11-12)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalms 24:1)
4. To Gain an Eternal Perspective
So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and dispraise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money (Luke 16:11-13)
Command them to do good, to rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves and a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
5. Love
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthian 8:9)
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17)
1. Obedience -
On the first day of the week let each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crop; then you barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine (Proverbs 3:9-10)
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need (Ephesians 4:28)
2. Rewards
Give it and it shall be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Luke 6:38)
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matthew 25:23)
3. Recognition of God’s Ownership
Yours, Oh Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on the earth is yours, Oh Lord, and this is your Kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that you that people are made great and given strength. (1 Chronicles 29:11-12)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. (Psalms 24:1)
4. To Gain an Eternal Perspective
So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and dispraise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money (Luke 16:11-13)
Command them to do good, to rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves and a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
5. Love
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthian 8:9)
But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Profiles of Christians Who Rob God
Bill and Donna
The Situation: Bill and Dona are in their mid-thirties. Bill has steady work as a salesman, but there always seems to be too much month left at the end of their money. Bill and Donna sincerely intend to put in the offering box whatever’s left at the end of the month. But, between house payments and bills and occasionally socking a little money into savings, there’s just never anything left. They fell bad, but what can you to when you are out of money?
The Problem: Bill and Donna don’t understand “first fruits.” They should give to the Lord off the top, not out of “what’s left” of no left. They don’t realize that the tithe belongs to God, and that there’s a word for taking money and that doesn’t belong to you – stealing.
Bob and Elaine
The Situation: Bob is in his early fifties. His wife Elaine says, “for years we frittered away our income on all kinds of luxuries. Now we’re twelve years from retirement and we don’t have anything saved. On top of that, we’ve still got two kids in college that need our help. “we’d like to give to the church,” Bob explains. “But Scripture says we’ve got to provide for our family first. After we get our kids through school and maybe get a nest egg started, then we’ll start giving.
The Problem: Bob and Elaine are keeping what belongs to God in order to compensate for their poor planning and lack of discipline in the past. Their first debt is not to their children’s college education. Their first debt is to God. If it wasn’t tuition cost, it would be something else. Since they have no true conviction about giving and no standard of giving to start wit, they’ll always find a reason not to give.
The Situation: Bill and Dona are in their mid-thirties. Bill has steady work as a salesman, but there always seems to be too much month left at the end of their money. Bill and Donna sincerely intend to put in the offering box whatever’s left at the end of the month. But, between house payments and bills and occasionally socking a little money into savings, there’s just never anything left. They fell bad, but what can you to when you are out of money?
The Problem: Bill and Donna don’t understand “first fruits.” They should give to the Lord off the top, not out of “what’s left” of no left. They don’t realize that the tithe belongs to God, and that there’s a word for taking money and that doesn’t belong to you – stealing.
Bob and Elaine
The Situation: Bob is in his early fifties. His wife Elaine says, “for years we frittered away our income on all kinds of luxuries. Now we’re twelve years from retirement and we don’t have anything saved. On top of that, we’ve still got two kids in college that need our help. “we’d like to give to the church,” Bob explains. “But Scripture says we’ve got to provide for our family first. After we get our kids through school and maybe get a nest egg started, then we’ll start giving.
The Problem: Bob and Elaine are keeping what belongs to God in order to compensate for their poor planning and lack of discipline in the past. Their first debt is not to their children’s college education. Their first debt is to God. If it wasn’t tuition cost, it would be something else. Since they have no true conviction about giving and no standard of giving to start wit, they’ll always find a reason not to give.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Adult Children and Parent's Money
Why does money destroy families?
Inheritances or gifts to children by parents can cause tremendous tension among siblings or between parents and children. For example if a car is purchased for a child or if a parent helps with the down payment on a house and the same treatment is not given to their siblings friction may occur within the family. This often the case in at the death of a parent. It is not so much the money as it is real estate or personal items that create the division between family members.
Much of a person's perception and understanding of money goes back to what their parents taught them. "Whether or not you are successful as a parent will not be determined until your children have raised their children." -Dr. Howard Hendricks
One of the most important things to do for your children is to have a family meeting to discuss your wishes. This is a very important step whether you have millions or very little. This should be done with all of your adult children and possibly their spouses. The meeting should be in a comfortable setting. The parents should express the wealth transfer process at their death and who is to receive what items. Allow each child to express his or her feelings without any interuptions. If there are differences in opinion allow an open discussion. They will hear their parents wishes directly from the mouth of mom and dad rather than an attorney reading it from the will. Everyone may not leave the room completely satisfied but they will definitely not be surprised by their parents decision. This will tremendously reduce the stress and tension in the family.
"Love your children equally but treat them uniquely." - author unknown. The family conference will the one of the best things that a parent can do for their children. It will likely bring the family closer together in the end.
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor. (Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 NIV)
Inheritances or gifts to children by parents can cause tremendous tension among siblings or between parents and children. For example if a car is purchased for a child or if a parent helps with the down payment on a house and the same treatment is not given to their siblings friction may occur within the family. This often the case in at the death of a parent. It is not so much the money as it is real estate or personal items that create the division between family members.
Much of a person's perception and understanding of money goes back to what their parents taught them. "Whether or not you are successful as a parent will not be determined until your children have raised their children." -Dr. Howard Hendricks
One of the most important things to do for your children is to have a family meeting to discuss your wishes. This is a very important step whether you have millions or very little. This should be done with all of your adult children and possibly their spouses. The meeting should be in a comfortable setting. The parents should express the wealth transfer process at their death and who is to receive what items. Allow each child to express his or her feelings without any interuptions. If there are differences in opinion allow an open discussion. They will hear their parents wishes directly from the mouth of mom and dad rather than an attorney reading it from the will. Everyone may not leave the room completely satisfied but they will definitely not be surprised by their parents decision. This will tremendously reduce the stress and tension in the family.
"Love your children equally but treat them uniquely." - author unknown. The family conference will the one of the best things that a parent can do for their children. It will likely bring the family closer together in the end.
Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor. (Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 NIV)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Giving Among Christians
Jesus Christ said more about money than about any other single thing because, when it comes to a man’s real nature, money is of first importance. Money is an exact index to a man’s true character. All through Scripture there is an intimate correlation between the development of a man’s character and how he handles his money. - Richard Halverson
I have always said that the strength of a person's faith can be determined by looking at only two things – their checkbook and tax return. It is not the amount but rather how faithful one is with the resources in which God has blessed us.
Here are some facts:
•IRS – Tax returns show that giving is inversely related to income. The more income the less we give.
•Barna – 37% of people who go to church regularly give $0
•Ronsavelle – in the 1990’s, evangelical giving fell from 6.38% to 4.08% of income
•Prudential – only 8% of wills contain giving
•Only 3%-5% of those who donate money to a church tithe (give 10% of their incomes). Among evangelical, 9% tithed in 2002. (Barna)
•If Christian giving increased from 2.5% (the current rate) to 10% of income (a simple tithe), an additional $150 billion would be available for Kingdom Work.
•Most church giving comes from people over age 55.
•Howard Dayton, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, states that with many pastors, most of their giving comes from members over 65. They estimate that it takes 5 people under age 35 to replace one senior’s giving.
The Ultimate Reason for Giving: Giving breaks the power of money-God wants my heart, not my money. Matthew 6:19-24.
The average Christian continues to take a Modern and Post-modern worldview on their finances and possessions rather than a Biblical Worldview. If one continues to spend as the world does and not give as God commands there will be a constant battle between them and God. They will never reach the full potential for the blessings that God has in store for them.
I have always said that the strength of a person's faith can be determined by looking at only two things – their checkbook and tax return. It is not the amount but rather how faithful one is with the resources in which God has blessed us.
Here are some facts:
•IRS – Tax returns show that giving is inversely related to income. The more income the less we give.
•Barna – 37% of people who go to church regularly give $0
•Ronsavelle – in the 1990’s, evangelical giving fell from 6.38% to 4.08% of income
•Prudential – only 8% of wills contain giving
•Only 3%-5% of those who donate money to a church tithe (give 10% of their incomes). Among evangelical, 9% tithed in 2002. (Barna)
•If Christian giving increased from 2.5% (the current rate) to 10% of income (a simple tithe), an additional $150 billion would be available for Kingdom Work.
•Most church giving comes from people over age 55.
•Howard Dayton, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, states that with many pastors, most of their giving comes from members over 65. They estimate that it takes 5 people under age 35 to replace one senior’s giving.
The Ultimate Reason for Giving: Giving breaks the power of money-God wants my heart, not my money. Matthew 6:19-24.
The average Christian continues to take a Modern and Post-modern worldview on their finances and possessions rather than a Biblical Worldview. If one continues to spend as the world does and not give as God commands there will be a constant battle between them and God. They will never reach the full potential for the blessings that God has in store for them.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Union in Crisis
In the Mid 1700s there was a man by the name of John Newton. He was the captain of a slave ship that transported slaves from Africa to the West Indies and other parts of the world. In 1748 he cried out to God in the time of dire need - his ship was filling with water during a terrible storm. On his way back to Liverpool, England he began reading the Bible and other literature on Christianity. Even though he gave his life to Christ, he continued his career in slave trade. Some called him a hypocrite. He agreed, saying that he could not consider himself a believer until he gave up slave trading.
Newton later became a lay minister and wrote many hymns, the most recognized being “Amazing Grace.”
The story does not end there. John Newton was a mentor in the life of William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was a member of the House of Parliament and spent 26 years of his career attempting to abolish slave trade. Many of the Parliament members were slave owners and did not see slavery as a conflict to their moral principles. It is sad to say that it took so long for him and many others to convince the majority of Parliament that slavery was wrong and immoral.
Finally, through Wilberforce's tireless efforts, The Slave Trade Act of 1807 was passed abolishing slave trade. Eventually, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 was passed, completely abolishing slavery.
How is this relevant to poverty in Union, South Carolina? For most of us, we simply pass by those in need thinking that it is not OUR problem. We believe that because we have done all of the right things in life, we are better off. We see others as lesser for making bad decisions or falling on hard times. This is similar to the way the British Parliament viewed slavery. They did not see these people as being equal or even being “people”. This was simply because they were born in a different part of the world and had darker skin. But finally, a small group of people, including Wilberforce, rallied for a change by showing that slave trade and slavery was immoral and wrong. Turning our backs to our brothers and sisters in need is also morally and Biblically wrong.
Union has been through tremendous hardship over the past several years with leadership failures, fraud, and corruption in many levels of government. In addition to this, unemployment is north of 21%, while the national average is less than 10%. Over 30% of the citizens receive Medicaid benefits; at least 74% of children receive free or reduced lunch; teen pregnancy is the highest in the state; more than 18% of the families in Union live under the poverty level (as of 2000 census - probably higher today), while the national average is 13.4%.
This is a WAKE UP CALL for all citizens of Union, especially Christians. Not only are we failing to fulfill God’s commandments but we are letting our community continue to worsen. We must do what is moral as humans and what is our duty as Christians. It is not too late.
Similar to the verse in “Amazing Grace”- Union is Lost but can again be Found. To begin with, it’s time to call the Christian community to follow the commandments of God to help the “least of my brothers” (Matthew 25:31-46). This should not be done simply by giving them a handout but rather a hand up. Over the next several weeks there will be an announcement of the creation of an organization that will focus on bringing the community together in an effort to help those in need by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, providing for the emergency physical needs, and guiding them through the transition into a productive meaningful life.
Joe E. Hines, Jr.
Joe is a Certified Financial Planner and Partner with Global View Investment Advisors, LLC with offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC. He is a director on the Governing Board of Miracle Hill Ministries, Member of the Greenville Estate Planning Council, and on a mission to fight poverty in South Carolina.
Newton later became a lay minister and wrote many hymns, the most recognized being “Amazing Grace.”
The story does not end there. John Newton was a mentor in the life of William Wilberforce. Wilberforce was a member of the House of Parliament and spent 26 years of his career attempting to abolish slave trade. Many of the Parliament members were slave owners and did not see slavery as a conflict to their moral principles. It is sad to say that it took so long for him and many others to convince the majority of Parliament that slavery was wrong and immoral.
Finally, through Wilberforce's tireless efforts, The Slave Trade Act of 1807 was passed abolishing slave trade. Eventually, the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 was passed, completely abolishing slavery.
How is this relevant to poverty in Union, South Carolina? For most of us, we simply pass by those in need thinking that it is not OUR problem. We believe that because we have done all of the right things in life, we are better off. We see others as lesser for making bad decisions or falling on hard times. This is similar to the way the British Parliament viewed slavery. They did not see these people as being equal or even being “people”. This was simply because they were born in a different part of the world and had darker skin. But finally, a small group of people, including Wilberforce, rallied for a change by showing that slave trade and slavery was immoral and wrong. Turning our backs to our brothers and sisters in need is also morally and Biblically wrong.
Union has been through tremendous hardship over the past several years with leadership failures, fraud, and corruption in many levels of government. In addition to this, unemployment is north of 21%, while the national average is less than 10%. Over 30% of the citizens receive Medicaid benefits; at least 74% of children receive free or reduced lunch; teen pregnancy is the highest in the state; more than 18% of the families in Union live under the poverty level (as of 2000 census - probably higher today), while the national average is 13.4%.
This is a WAKE UP CALL for all citizens of Union, especially Christians. Not only are we failing to fulfill God’s commandments but we are letting our community continue to worsen. We must do what is moral as humans and what is our duty as Christians. It is not too late.
Similar to the verse in “Amazing Grace”- Union is Lost but can again be Found. To begin with, it’s time to call the Christian community to follow the commandments of God to help the “least of my brothers” (Matthew 25:31-46). This should not be done simply by giving them a handout but rather a hand up. Over the next several weeks there will be an announcement of the creation of an organization that will focus on bringing the community together in an effort to help those in need by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, providing for the emergency physical needs, and guiding them through the transition into a productive meaningful life.
Joe E. Hines, Jr.
Joe is a Certified Financial Planner and Partner with Global View Investment Advisors, LLC with offices in Greenville and Charleston, SC. He is a director on the Governing Board of Miracle Hill Ministries, Member of the Greenville Estate Planning Council, and on a mission to fight poverty in South Carolina.
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