I would like to carry this theme of barriers removed, bonds created and evil conquered from the realms of global war to the heart of personal spiritual conflict . In particular I would like to talk to you about the barriers that keep us separated and distant from God, that lead to an ineffectual relationship with God, that stops the big things from happening in our lives that can let evil seduce our souls. As with Churchill and Roosevelt, it is often in the singing of hymns that this sort of experience can become so powerfully real and immediate for us. And it is, without question, a most difficult subject. I can tell you there is no subject more touchy to handle, that creates a bigger fuss, that has people running for cover than money.
Sex runs a close second but it is money that takes the prize.
Perhaps this is why Jesus talked about money more than any other subject. I like to visualize this as trying to fit through the narrow gates of heaven with our wallets bulging from our hip pockets so full of money and credit cards that we simply can not squeeze through. Although our possessions are not sinful, they can be a problem for us. By our generous giving this barrier can be removed and the very gates of heaven opened to us. Scripture tells us that a percentage of what one has belongs to the Lord and must be returned.