How Greed Makes You Stupid

Scott Risley

Luke 12:13-34

Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool to warn about the problem of greed. When the rich man's crop yielded an abundant harvest, he planned to tear down his barns, build bigger ones to store his abundance of grain, and then take life easy. God tells the man he will die that very night. Jesus explains how life and relationships are more important than money and we should live our lives as stewards, not owners. Jesus says to be generous to God first because it turns our hearts to God and we will store up treasures in heaven.

Parable Of The Rich Fool

Conrad Hilario

Luke 12:13-34

Jesus tells the parable of the ?rich fool? to persuade against materialism. Materialism stems from unbelief in God's provision: it's a waste of time, can be enslaving, and prevents us from serving God. In contrast, Christians should be putting our stock in eternal things - like relationships and giving our money back to God.

Wealth Management

Jim Leffel

Philippians 4:1

After unpacking a parable on a shrewd manager from Jesus in Luke 16, we discuss what it means to invest material wealth in eternal rewards - using our resources for relationships that will never end. We have been entrusted with true riches, and Christ instructs us to be stewards of God's resources with faithfulness. What would it look like to set and follow through with deliberate goals for how to manage and steward the things God's given you, both material and immaterial, in such a way that they bring eternal rewards?

Simple Living in Light of Eternity

Dennis McCallum

1 Thessalonians 4:11

The Bible calls on Christians to live lifestyles of sacrificial love. We live in a culture that is very materialistic - hyper focused on success, money, and advancement. These things become a barrier to loving God and others. Dennis McCallum examines cultural trends, and lays out the biblical call for Christians to live simply. \r\n

Simple Living for Teens

Ryan Weingartner

1 Thessalonians 4:11

In this XSI breakout session, Ryan Weingartner unpacks what it looks like for teenagers to grow spiritually in a world so focused on material possessions. Discontentment is a barrier to spiritual growth - Ryan offers scriptural and practical solutions for helping today's teens live simply and experience true contentment.

Global Partnerships - Changing the Face of Eternity

Dave Glover

Lou Kassa

1 Thessalonians 4:11

The gospel today is continuing to expand across the globe and through the spreading of house churches. The Western church can participate in the gospel's global advancement through global partnerships, collaborative ministries that promote apostolically gifted, indigenous leaders who are multiplying churches. This workshop describes the importance of these partnerships, the process of securing them, and the success of several partnerships so far. Aklilu Kassa shares about his own experience in this partnership as a partner in Ethiopia.

Who is the Real King?

Dennis McCallum

Esther 1:1-8:17

This story of Esther, a Jew, who was very beautiful, and became a queen to Xerxes, the king of Persia, shows clearly God's sovereignty. Esther uses her beauty to save her people in the 127 provinces of Persia from death by Xerxes' worker, Haman, who hated Jews because one refused to bow to him.

What About Wealth?

Jim Leffel

Matthew 6:22-32

Beginning with the parable from Jesus in Luke 12:13-24, we unpack the dangers of materialism and the ever increasing drive for material wealth based on Jesus' assertion in Luke 12:15. The "rich fool" in the parable is shown to have a false sense of security, empty ambition, and a false worldview. The diminishing returns of seeking wealth and material possessions can be replaced by pursuing the commands of Matthew 6:22-32: 1.) don't worry; 2.) seek the kingdom of God; and 3.) invest in worthwhile ends. Includes an on-stage interview with Karl Fox to discuss financial success and trusting God with wealth.

Gaining Freedom from the Love of Money

Conrad Hilario

Matthew 6:19-20

The love of money is an addiction for most people in our culture, and unlike other addictions that are widely regarded as harmful, materialism is often celebrated and promoted instead. Christians, however, are not to follow the widespread cultural norms and perspective on money but should pursue an attitude of contentment. Contentment frees up Christians to enter into deep relationships, comes from a genuine sense of security in Christ, and results in true happiness and freedom.