Is the Church a Business? A Christian View of Money, Work & Stewardship - Episode 335

<p>Is capitalism evil? Was the early church in Acts 2 practicing socialism? And why does it feel so uncomfortable to hear someone say "the church is a business"?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of Digging Deeper, Pastor Matt, Pastor Tom and Pastor Sarah unpack Sunday's "Work as Worship" sermon and dig into what the Bible says about money, ownership, government and generosity. We look at the myth of "the haves and the have-nots," why Acts 2 describes voluntary, open-handed giving rather than forced redistribution, and how the Old Testament offers a "third way" built on justice and care for the poor.</p><p><br></p><p>We also talk about living as a Christian in a heavily taxed, increasingly secular Canada, how the first-century church thrived without political power, why voting and civic engagement still matter, and how faithful business owners and self-employed people can honour God through their work.</p><p><br></p><p>Finally, we tackle the gut reaction many people have to "the church is a business" — what it really means (good stewardship, accountability, checks and balances, caring well for staff and volunteers) and how the same principles apply to your marriage, your family budget and the way you spend your time.</p><p><br></p><p>IN THIS EPISODE:</p><p>- Socialism vs capitalism through a biblical lens</p><p>- Acts 2: generosity, private property and voluntary sharing</p><p>- The Old Testament's "third way": justice and care for the poor</p><p>- Following Jesus in Canada's tax and political system</p><p>- Encouragement for Christian business owners and entrepreneurs</p><p>- Is the church a business? Stewardship, accountability and trust</p><p>- Teaching your family about money and not wasting time</p><p>- Casting a vision of work as worship in every ministry role</p><p><br></p><p>CHAPTERS (approximate - please check against the final video)</p><p>00:00 Welcome and catching up</p><p>04:30 The "Work as Worship" series</p><p>06:00 The haves and the have-nots: the myth of socialism</p><p>10:00 Acts 2 - is it communism?</p><p>12:30 The Old Testament's "third way"</p><p>15:00 Living as Christians in Canada's system</p><p>20:00 The early church, slavery and cultural change</p><p>24:00 Why Christian worldview helped humanity flourish</p><p>27:00 Is the church a business?</p><p>31:00 Your marriage and family are a business too</p><p>33:00 Stewarding our time</p><p>34:30 Casting vision for work as worship</p><p><br></p>