Third Course: Economy
Chapter 8: Abundance
The Economy of Creation
Abundance is built into nature. Think about how many seeds there are in one tomato.
UNMASKING THE MYTH OF SCARCITY. Our economic theories are based on a scarcity model. That leads to competition and hoarding. God will provide for his creation and there is no real scarcity.
THE ECONOMY OF THE PRESENT AGE. Jesus warns against the current ecumenic model in the Sermon on the Mount when he says don’t worry about clothes or what you will eat.
CHURCHES IN THE ECONOMY OF SCARCITY. Churches often focus on the expense side. Perhaps more focus on the income side would reveal the abundance of God.
SCARCITY AND ABUNDANCE IN THE EXODUS STORY.
A LITANY OF GOD’S ABUNDANT PROVISION. Creation was made with the capacity to proliferate into abundance. The account of Jesus feeing the 5,000 is an example of turning the scarcity mindset into an abundant one.
BEARING WITNESS TO THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S KINGDOM. Ideas on how the slow church can practice abundance.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE OFFERING PLATE. There are other ways to sustain a church ministry besides offerings.