FINANCIAL BIBLE STUDY: April 20, 2026
APRIL 20, 2026
This meeting was a financial Bible study session led by Pastor Adam, focusing on Lesson 2 about having a heart right with God regarding finances. Pastor Adam shared his extensive financial background and taught participants about being faithful money managers for God, emphasizing that money represents time, energy, and effort. The key message was to put money on a mission for God's kingdom rather than just giving randomly, with specific examples including Christian education in the Philippines and church facility improvements. Participants were encouraged to develop giving goals and identify which ministries or causes God has placed on their hearts. The session included discussion of budgeting principles, debt management, and the importance of hearing God's voice regarding financial decisions. Several participants asked questions about specific scenarios including college savings plans and real estate investments, which Pastor Adam addressed with practical advice and recommendations to consult with financial professionals for complex situations.
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Financial Bible Study - Lesson 2
Detailed Meeting Notes Meeting Overview
This was the second session of a financial Bible study led by Pastor Adam Murrell, focusing on developing a heart aligned with God regarding finances and becoming faithful money managers. The meeting included prayer, teaching, practical examples, and Q&A with participants.
This Week's Primary Assignment
Put Money on a Mission:
1. Identify a specific ministry or cause to support financially
2. Determine the amount you will give (no amount is too small)
3. Analyze where your money goes after bills are paid
4. Include relevant Bible verses that support this mission
a. Submit this as part of your ongoing financial plan
5. Answer the question: Can you be trusted with God's money? (Rate yourself 1-10)
a. What was the main reason for you giving yourself that grade?
b. What are some actions you can do to earn a better grade?
c. If you are 7, how do you get to an 8 or if you are a 3 how do you get to a 4 (baby steps)
6. Practice the before-bed visualization of goals with scripture and gratitude routine
a. See yourself accomplishing goals, experience it with your imagination (feel it)
Pastor Adam's Background and Credentials
Pastor Adam shared his extensive financial expertise to establish credibility:
• Ran two of the busiest H&R Block tax offices in Chicago during the 1990s (Broadway/Uptown and Lawrence locations)
• Licensed in life insurance, health insurance, and securities (Series 6, 63, and 26) • Worked as a Business Office Manager (BOM) handling compliance and investments • Became a mortgage loan officer in early 2000s
• Featured in Chicago Magazine for 10 years as one of the top loan officers in the Chicago area • Featured in Forbes Magazine 2-3 times as one of the most successful mortgage professionals in America
• Has personally consulted with over 1,000 families on their financial situations
• Owns rental properties and has experience with various investment vehicles
Homework Feedback from Lesson 1
Pastor Adam reviewed approximately 10 submissions and provided general feedback:
• Positive observations: Participants shared diverse goals including debt elimination, home improvements, burial plots, leaving inheritances for grandchildren, and investing
• Areas needing improvement: Not enough scripture attached to goals; some listed too much scripture without specific goals
• Key reminder: Participants should not be "professional students" who only know the Word intellectually—it must get into their hearts (doer of the Word)
• Early testimonies: Several participants already experienced breakthrough after taking first steps from the previous session
Core Teaching: Lesson 2 - Having a Heart Right with God
Key Scripture References
1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money
"But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through many sorrows."
Key questions posed:
• What is your relationship with money?
• Is money good or evil when God puts it in your hands?
• Rate yourself 1-10 as a money manager for God (10 being the greatest)
1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"
Application: God knows the secret motives of your heart regarding finances. You cannot lie to God about your true feelings and intentions with money.
Luke 16:10-12 - Faithfulness with Little and Much
"He who is faithful with the little things is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little thing is dishonest and unjust also in much. Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the case of unrighteous mammon (money, deceitful riches, possessions), who will entrust you with true riches? And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another, whether God or man, who will give you that which is your own (the true riches)?"
Key principles:
• Money is a test—God doesn't care how much you make, He cares about your faithfulness • If you're not faithful with little, you'll never be faithful with much
• Money is "the least of these things" because it's visible and measurable
• If you can't be faithful with what you can see (money), how will you be faithful with spiritual things? • Every dollar in your bank account is a gift from God—it's not your money, He owns everything
Matthew 6:20-21 - Treasure in Heaven
"But gather and heap up and store for yourself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Application: There is a heavenly bank account. Where you spend your money, time, and effort reveals where your heart truly is.
Haggai 2:8 - God Owns Everything
"The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts."
Key point: You are a manager/steward of God's finances, not the owner.
Core Principles Taught
Money Represents Time, Energy, and Effort
Pastor Adam emphasized that when taking an offering, it represents people's worship to the Lord— potentially 40 hours of work or more. The widow's mite (less than a penny) was the best offering because of her heart and sacrifice.
Be a Sower, Not a Thrower
Pastor Adam shared his personal journey:
• For many years, he would "throw money" at anyone who asked, giving thousands without discernment
• He learned to become a "purposeful giver" based on 2 Corinthians 9 (cheerful giving with purpose) • Now focuses on finding "good soil" for maximum harvest (100-fold return)
Put Money on a Mission for God
This was the central assignment for the week. Participants were challenged to:
• Identify specific ministries or causes God has placed on their hearts
• Determine an amount to give (no amount too small—even $5 counts)
• Seek God's voice through prayer before making financial decisions
• Holy Spirits voice is your financial planner (CEO)
• Avoid vague goals like "I want to give more to God"—be specific
Specific Mission Examples Shared:
Christian Education in the Philippines
Pastor Adam shared about 7 families in Bishop Ray Lorena's Christian school who are short on tuition:
• Cost: $1,000 per child for the entire year
• Total need: $7,000 for all 7 families
• Success story: One graduate was accepted to Georgetown University on a full ride, which will change her entire family tree
• This represents "good ground" investment
Church Teen Room
Investment in the teen room has yielded results:
• Teenagers are now excited to come to church
• They're coming up with ideas to invite more friends
• Investing in 13-year-olds at a prime age for spiritual development
• Reference to "Field of Dreams" principle: "If you build it, they will come"
Church Nursery
Need identified for a nursery to accommodate:
• Xavier (second-time visitor) and his fiancée who are expecting a child
• Javier (new visitor) with two small children
• Goal: Attract younger families to balance the spiritually mature congregation
Church Landscaping and Garden
Fran has done excellent work, but ongoing needs include:
• New mulch and maintenance
• Before Fran's involvement, weeds grew knee-high
• Poor exterior appearance sends the wrong message to the neighborhood and community.
College Funds for Fireman's Nephews
Pastor Adam shared a personal mission for Louise's nephew (deceased fireman):
• Plan to set up college funds for the fireman's 2 children
• $5,000 investment per child
• Projected growth to $23,000 by age 18
• Money placed in an investment account they cannot touch
• Will open an opportunity to the entire church to participate
Orphan Sponsorship in Africa
Pastor Adam and Danielle have sponsored 2 children from infancy to age 18:
• May never meet these children in this life
• Expectation to meet them in heaven and hear how their entire families were saved • Example of putting money on a mission even when it hurts financially
Practical Financial Principles Discussed
Mindset and Habits
• Atomic Habits principle: Getting 1% better every day results in 365% improvement over a year
• Rich vs. poor mindset: Wealthy people don't wish or gamble—they engineer plans and execute them
• Avoid procrastination: Don't wait for "someday" to give or save—start now with what you have
• Scripture memorization: Personalize verses and rehearse them like an actor rehearses lines
• Meditation technique: Speak confessions out loud to strengthen faith and program your subconscious
Building Your House on the Rock
Pastor Adam contrasted two approaches:
House Built on Rock (God's Word) vs. House Built on Sand (The World)
Based on biblical principles
Based on emotions and feelings
Jesus is God of your finances
Following past behavior patterns
Proactive with money
Reactive to circumstances
Withstands storms of life
Collapses when storms come
Has emergency fund
One emergency away from bankruptcy
Budgeting and Spending Analysis
Pastor Adam emphasized the importance of knowing where money goes:
• Categorize spending: Most banks and credit card accounts automatically categorize transactions • Identify subscriptions: Example given of paying for Amazon Music on 3 different phones ($9.99 each) when a family plan costs less than $15
• Small expenses add up: Woman spending $4 on soda, $3 on candy, plus scratch-off tickets at gas station = $50/month that could pay off debt
• Find excess income: After paying bills, identify where discretionary money is going.
Debt Management Strategies
• Provide Pastor Adam with credit card balances, interest rates, and monthly payments for a customized debt payoff plan
• Consider 0% balance transfer offers for high-interest credit card debt
• Read fine print carefully—furniture store "no payment for 12 months" deals can backcharge all interest if not paid off in time
• When you pay off a debt, celebrate the milestone with your family
• After paying off a debt, take that payment amount and ask God where to plant it the following month
Seed Planting Principle
Pastor Adam taught a unique giving strategy:
• A seed produces after its own kind (oranges produce oranges, apples produce apples) • If you have student loan debt, find someone else with student loan debt and make one of their payments
• This plants a seed for your own debt to be paid off
• When you plant, you will reap 30, 60, or 100-fold return
Selling Unused Items
Pastor Adam and Danielle's example:
• Took pictures of kids' old sporting equipment and baseball bats
• Posted on Facebook Marketplace
• Sold items for $140
• Many people have clothes with tags still on them that could be sold or given away • Principle: If you have a need, plant a seed
Before-Bed Visualization Practice
Pastor Adam recommended a powerful nightly routine:
• The last hour before bed is the most important time
• Read your goals and scriptures out loud
• Speak them to yourself with gratitude
• Thank God for these things before they manifest
• Your subconscious hears this as the last input of the day
• Your brain works on creating avenues while you sleep
• The Holy Spirit can visit your subconscious during the night
• You'll wake up with ideas and solutions
Questions and Answers Session
Question 1: Does the mission have to be religious?
Can giving go to causes like Tunnel to Towers or Special Olympics instead of religious missions? (Vickie)
Answer:
Yes, whatever God puts on your heart is acceptable. Pastor Adam personally focuses on getting people saved through Bible schools, missionaries, and Christian education, but participants should follow what's in their hearts. The key is finding good ground and being purposeful rather than just giving randomly.
Question 2: What about savings accounts for property taxes and insurance?
What are your thoughts on savings accounts or other vehicles for budgeting property taxes and insurance? How many accounts should someone have, and should certain categories be lumped together? (Dusan)
Answer:
It depends on how disciplined you are. For disciplined people like Dusan and Branka:
• Use high-yield savings accounts (currently around 4% interest)
• Credit unions or online accounts typically offer better rates than traditional banks • Could potentially use one account for everything
• Alternative strategy: Stack CDs by opening a $500 CD every month for 12 months, creating a rotating system
• Avoid regular savings accounts that only pay around 1% or less
• Call credit unions to negotiate—sometimes they'll offer extra interest if you open a checking account
Question 3: Is it worthwhile to convert a 401(k) to a Roth IRA?
Answer:
This requires consultation with both a financial planner and a tax planner because:
• It depends on your current age (especially if over 59½)
• Depends on the size of your nest egg
• Depends on your current tax bracket
• At age 72 or 72½, you must start taking required minimum distributions
• If you've been a good saver, you may not be in a lower tax bracket in retirement • Converting to Roth means paying taxes now but tax-free withdrawals later
• This is especially important in high-tax states like Illinois
Question 4: Is commercial real estate a good investment?
Answer:
Commercial real estate can be good, but you must understand how it works:
• It's like a "white elephant"—requires significant knowledge and management
• You need good tenants and good business fundamentals
• Don't invest in commercial real estate without proper understanding of market location and types of businesses that would be tenants
• How recession=proof are the tenants business?
Question 5: Setting up college funds for grandchildren (Dana)
Dana's daughter and son-in-law have 2 young boys (oldest is 5, attending Timothy Christian School). The husband stays home with the kids while the wife works. Where should Dana start a college fund?
Answer:
• Primary recommendation: 529 college savings plans
• Illinois still offers tax benefits for 529 contributions
• Grandparents can fund these accounts
• Dana would get a tax write-off for contributions
• Important consideration: If the family has debts, it may be better to help them pay off debt first rather than starting college funds
• Understand how the family created the debt situation
• is it a spending problem, or a one off emergency that created the debt?
• Legacy planning option: If children are already well-off, consider life insurance for kids (very cheap when young) that can shelter tax-free money for the future
• or Roth IRA option for children
Personal Testimonies and Examples
Medical Debt Paid Off
During the week between sessions, someone in the group had their medical debt completely paid for by another person. God put it on someone's heart to pay another person's medical bills—a powerful example of God's provision and partnership.
Facebook Marketplace Success
Pastor Adam and Danielle sold old sporting equipment and baseball bats for $140, demonstrating how unused items can generate income for debt payoff or giving.
Ongoing Assignments
• Review and update last week's goals to ensure they are specific with relevant scriptures attached • Reach out to Pastor Adam within the first week if you have questions about feedback • Email Pastor Adam with individual questions about specific financial subjects or goals • Continue memorizing and personalizing scripture verses related to finances
Important Reminders and Action Items
For Participants
• Attend the next meeting in 2 weeks at 7:00 PM
• Keep your business/financial plan in front of you and keep revisiting it
• Hold yourself accountable
• Celebrate every milestone you accomplish
• Email Pastor Adam with specific questions during the week
• Work on making your goals more specific and executable
Key Quotes from the Session
"Money is not bad. It's the love of money that's the root of all evil. Money is just a tool. Money takes on the spirit of the person who has it." - Pastor Adam
"You are on a mission from God! That's why you're here. When you plant, you will reap." -
Pastor Adam
"If you're not faithful with the little, you will never be faithful with the lot." - Pastor Adam
"The Holy Spirit needs to be the CEO of your finances. The Bible is your final vote." - Pastor Adam
"Stop trying to figure out how you're gonna get this done—just put it down on paper! Get the Bible verses, confess the Word, talk to your mortgage, talk to your debts, tell it what to do." - Pastor Adam
"That's the difference between a good idea and a God-breathed idea. If you heard it from God, it will not fail." - Pastor Adam
Next Session
The next meeting is scheduled for 2 weeks from this session at 7:00 PM. Participants are expected to complete their homework assignments and come prepared with questions and testimonies of what God has done in their financial lives.