Money, Possessions, and Eternity
by Randy Alcorn
Paperback: Tyndale House Publishers (2003); 503 pages

About the Book
The result of extensive biblical study, Alcorn's work feels like a textbook on money, possessions, stewardship, and giving. Though its length is perhaps its most distinguishing feature, this book is also unique in its long-range perspective. Alcorn characteristically keeps his gaze—and therefore the eyes of his readers—on eternity.

The author's message is for both the very wealthy and the very poor: Our souls are immortal; our belongings are not. He rightly says that our spiritual condition can (and will) be gauged by our actions and attitudes regarding our possessions. As followers of Christ, we must remember that we cannot serve both God and money.

Alcorn challenges each of us to ask ourselves what, in the face of eternity, has been accomplished through our handling of our possessions. Our answer to that question will have direct bearing on our blessings in heaven.

How It Will Help
Though its length is somewhat daunting, Alcorn's book is accessibly written, and its size is one of its strengths. The author touches on so many aspects of money (and does so well enough) that a pastor could return to this text for years on end and find gold every time. Plus, his work is saturated with Scripture, which provides both excellent theology and plenty of ammunition for any biblical preacher.

Structurally, Alcorn focuses on four facets of money: what it is, who it belongs to, how God sees it, and how it can be used for two different kingdoms.

Of further use will be the appendix, which addresses certain issues in more depth, and the study guide, notes, and subject and Scripture indexes.

Table of Contents

Part One: The Challenge of Money and Possessions
     1. Money: Why Is It So Important to God?
     2. The Weakness of Asceticism
     3. The Nature of Materialism
     4. The Dangers of Materialism
     5. Materialism in the Church
     6. Prosperity Theology: The Gospel of Wealth

Part Two: Seeing Money and Possessions in Eternity's Light
     7. Two Treasuries, Two Perspectives, Two Masters
     8. The Steward's Eternal Destiny
     9. The Steward's Eternal Rewards
     10. The Steward and the Master
     11. The Pilgrim Mentality

Part Three: Giving and Sharing Our Money and Possessions
     12. Tithing: The Training Wheels of Giving
     13. Giving: Reciprocating God's Grace
     14. Helping the Poor and Reaching the Lost
     15. Ministry Finances and Fund-raising: Special Ethical Concerns

Part Four: Handling Our Money and Possessions
     16. Making Money, Owning Possessions, and Choosing a Lifestyle
     17. Debt: Borrowing and Lending
     18. Saving, Retiring, and Insuring
     19. Gambling, Investing, and Leaving Money
     20. Battling Materialism in the Christian Family
     21. Teaching Children About Money and Possessions
     Conclusion: Where Do We Go from Here?

Appendixes
     A. Financial Integrity and Accountability in Churches and Ministries
     B. The Use of Ministry Funds for Buildings
     C. Lending Money, Charging Interest, and Co-signing a Loan
     D. Practical Guidelines to Control Spending
     E. Should Giving Always Be Kept Secret?
     Study Guide
Notes
Scripture Index
Topic Index

About the Author
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them.

Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon, for 13 years. He has also taught part-time on the faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah Bible College, both in Portland, Oregon.

Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci, and their Dalmatian, Moses. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.

Other books by Alcorn:

50 Days of Heaven: Reflections That Bring Eternity to Light (Tyndale House, 2006)
Wait Until Then (Tyndale House, 2006)
Heaven (Tyndale House, 2004)
Why Pro Life? (Multnomah, 2004)
The Grace and Truth Paradox (Multnomah, 2003)
The Purity Principle (Multnomah, 2003)
The Law of Rewards (Tyndale House, 2003)
The Treasure Principle (Multnomah, 2001)
Pro Life Answers to Pro Choice Questions (Multnomah, 2000)