Why Are We Rich MIKE MAZZALONGO U S

Why Are We Rich? MIKE MAZZALONGO

U. S. Economic Stats • • • Unemployment – 3. 5% Inflation – 2. 3% Shrinking Welfare rolls Incomes increasing – 3% U. S. A. #1 in oil and gas Mortgage rates – 4%

The question should not be, “How much richer can we become? ” BUT “Why are we rich? ”

Why are we rich, and what should this mean for us?

Why Are We Rich? 1. Wealth means that God has blessed us The Lord makes poor and rich; He brings low, He also exalts. - I Samuel 2: 7

Wealth without Gratitude { Greed Fear

Wealth → Gratitude → Joy

Why Are We Rich? 1. Wealth means that God has blessed us 2. Wealth means that we are vulnerable

8 Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, 9 That I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord? ” Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God. - Proverbs 30: 8 -9

Materialism { Idolatry Lust War

Wealth without Gratitude { Despair Depression Disbelief

Why Are We Rich? 1. Wealth means that God has blessed us 2. Wealth means that we are vulnerable 3. Wealth means that we have responsibilities

From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. - Luke 12: 48

Responsibilities • Wealth permits a strong nation

Responsibilities • Wealth permits a strong nation • Wealth permits us to help those in need

Responsibilities • Wealth permits a strong nation • Wealth permits us to help those in need • Wealth permits us to spread the gospel

Wealth’s ultimate purpose is to prepare us to be rich in heaven.

Why Rich? • To provide thanksgiving • To help others who are in need • To store riches in heaven

The final question concerning wealth will be: “How Rich am I with God? ”