Time to Choose | Joel Rainey | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Time to Choose

Covenant Church • Jul 19, 2026 • 43 min

Start 2-Day Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

True financial freedom is not found in accumulating more money, but in surrendering every area of our lives—including our finances—to the lordship of Jesus Christ. When we choose to serve God rather than wealth, we shift our focus from temporary earthly gain to eternal investments that never fade. By viewing our material resources through God's perspective, we can throw off financial bondage and live in the abundant freedom promised through the gospel.

Themes

Financial FreedomLordship of ChristStewardshipEternal InvestmentIdolatry vs. Worship

Pastor's Points

1.

Invest in the eternal

2.

Have an accurate view of wealth

3.

Make a choice

Key Points

1.
Forgiveness through Jesus Christ frees believers from every form of spiritual and practical bondage, including financial bondage.
2.
Having financial problems is not solved by simply getting more money; true freedom requires a change of heart and perspective.
3.
Consumer and revolving debt keep individuals trapped in a modern form of financial bondage that hinders generosity and peace.
4.
Investing in earthly treasure is like participating in a Ponzi scheme because material goods are ultimately temporary and subject to destruction.
5.
Examining where your outgoing money goes reveals the true condition and priorities of your heart.
6.
A healthy vision of wealth sees material possessions as temporary tools to manage for God's kingdom rather than treasures to hoard.
7.
It is impossible to serve both God and money simultaneously, so every believer must actively decide who or what will master their life.

Sermon Moments

“Jesus spoke more about money than he did about hell, yet many people would rather hear about hell than talk about money.”

“The great misunderstanding about money is thinking that if you have money problems, the answer is simply more money.”

“On the day of your death, multi-millionaires and homeless beggars instantaneously find themselves on equal ground.”

“If you want to know the condition of your heart, look at the outgoing funds on your banking app for fifteen seconds.”

“Jesus is not asking you to lose your treasure; He is asking you to relocate it.”

“The difference between people who live in financial freedom and those who don't is about who you serve, not what you have.”

“West Virginia was formed when delegates chose to rebel against a rebellion; believers must similarly rebel against culture's financial rebellion to serve God.”

This Week

Open your banking app or bank statements this week to honestly evaluate what your spending reveals about your heart's priorities.

Identify areas of unnecessary consumer debt and create a practical plan to stop relying on credit cards for unbudgeted expenses.

Set aside a specific portion of your income to invest directly into eternal kingdom work, such as your church or global mission efforts.

Reflect on how you view your possessions—ask God to help you see money as a tool for hospitality and ministry rather than your identity.

Evaluate what non-financial and spiritual legacies you are actively passing down to your children and the next generation.

Pray for contentment, rejecting the cultural urge to compare your lifestyle or net worth with those around you.

Commit your financial stewardship to Jesus in prayer, surrendering control of your finances, checkbook, and career choices to His lordship.

Remember This

Financial freedom does not come from having more money, but from choosing God as your ultimate master and investing your resources into eternal priorities.

A Challenge for You

In that world where debt is king, where wealth is worshiped, where greed is applauded, where material wealth is a golden calf, God's call is for you and me to purposefully carve out a succession and rebel against that rebellion. And if we do that, his promise is freedom. Choose wisely.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.