The Parson's Pen Dr. Wallace Wheeles, Senior Pastor Debt Free Living (February 6, 2012)

A first for everything. After almost 45 years of ministry, I missed a service because of illness. Thought I might make the 9:45 and thought better of it and then thought 11:00, but Peggy said if you pass out what good will that do. So, I called in a member of the Stewardship Team David Kapchinske. He did what I was unable to do, but I prepared a message, so you will get a part of it on this Pen.

I am convinced from reading the Bible that God wants all his children to live free. II Kings 4: 1-7 shows that the problem with debt is age old, resulting in physical slavery. Georgia was started as a colony by emptying the debtors' prisons in England. Six states are allowing for jail time for debts today. Debt is a great burden and responsible for 90 % of the divorces, by some estimates, suicide, depression, nervous breakdowns, family fights, and so much more.

I remembered the old song by Tennessee Ernie Ford "16 Tons. The chorus went like this:

You load 16 tons, what do you get?
Another day older and deeper debt.
St. Peter, don't call me 'cause I can't go.
I owe my soul to the credit card company.

I know he said Company Store but today he would sing it as I wrote. Debt in that song is a form of financial slavery and many folks like in that form of slavery. Again, this is not God's will for your life. No I am not a prosperity preacher that will tell you "Come to this church and God will make you rich." What I will tell you is that God has a better plan for your life. We offer the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace course, coming up on Feb 19. We, also, have Suze Orman's Financial Freedom course, John Commutta's Debt Free Living course and resources from Crown Finance Ministries. As a community of faith we offer these to the community at large, no strings attached, except to see you living an abundant life, as our Christ has promised.

As a pastor, and I subscribe to debt free living as much as possible, am available to talk with you, your family and friends. I committed to helping any and all with any resources I have or can find. If you are living in financial slavery, please call me at 770-428-1543. The "tempter" will tell you not to call or that there is a catch and I promise you there is no catch. I will, however, make no apologies for being a Christian and a pastor. I promise not to condemn you for where you are, as some has shared with me that was a fear. I will, also, let you know it breaks my heart to see folks living in such depressive states and see the family break-ups. If I, or we as a church, can help save one family break-up, all our efforts will be worth it.

Wallace Wheeles
Senior Pastor