Sunday morning Advance article - early preview

To all my FPU class members:

Bro. Paul has blessed me this week by allowing me to write "his" column in the Advance for this Sunday. How cool is that! The article's focus (of course) is on personal finances and promotion of the Dave Ramsey Live event on May 3.

I thought I would give you all a preview of the article before Sunday morning. Check it out.


Larry's Advance article for March 30, 2008:

Money is an excellent servant, but a horrible master.

In Romans 12:2 we read, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…" I'm afraid that many Christians today, have been conformed to the world's image when it comes to money. Approximately 70% of American families live paycheck to paycheck, and the average typical household debt totals more than $38,000. We have too much month at the end of our money!

It may surprise you to learn just how much the Bible says about finances. There are more than 2,350 verses on how to handle money and possessions, and our Lord said more about money than almost any other subject. He knows how important it is to be in control of our money, instead of it controlling us.

Over the last three years, my family and I have undergone a total money makeover, living on less than we make and aggressively paying off all of our debt, while still continuing to give above the tithe to our church. God has done an amazing work in our lives, and we invite you to join us on the journey of Financial Peace.

Our financial counselor through this process has been best selling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host, Dave Ramsey. Dave makes financial talk simple, giving you a step by step plan to get out of debt and then save, invest, and give like never before.

Dave will be in Kansas City for his Total Money Makeover Live Event on Saturday, May 3 at Kemper Arena. Our church has been given a special discount rate of $23 per ticket, and I invite you to sign-up through the church and attend this life changing event. Once the live event is over, we will be offering additional Financial Peace University classes.

For more information on this event, please see the article in this week's Advance, or stop by the table in the main lobby after the service.

Larry Jones
Associate Worship Pastor