Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 2
Steve Russell says the “great controversy between us and the world” begins with faith being “something in the heart, not just a historical faith”; how does he connect “Jesus born in you” to money and possessions, and what would have to change in your life for your finances to become evidence of heart-faith rather than mere belief?
Another way to ask: Russell says real faith is in the heart, not just in your head. How does he connect “Jesus born in you” to how you handle money and stuff, and what would need to change for your finances to show real heart-faith?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Russell connects “Jesus… born in you” with a changed life where money and possessions are handled in surrendered, brother-serving ways rather than self-protective ways. Based on his teaching, finances show heart-faith when you hold possessions “with open hands,” help brothers in need even at personal cost, and focus on “what we need” rather than making a lot of money.
- He says the controversy with “the world” is that faith must be “something in the heart, not just a historical faith,” since “everybody… believed in Jesus,” but not as a heart reality.
- He ties heart-faith to transformation: “What should happen when you really give your life to Jesus, when he actually is born in you… and he starts to affect your life?”
- He describes costly aid as normal discipleship: “You need to care for your brother… it doesn’t matter if you are going to lose money or not.”
- He summarizes Swiss Brethren ownership as surrendered stewardship: it’s okay “to own things,” but to hold them “with open hands.”
- He ends by urging a different aim: “focus… what we need rather than… making a lot of money.”