Podcasts about Parable

Faith-based investing has expanded dramatically in recent decades. What began as a niche concept—often misunderstood or difficult to implement—has grown into a global movement driven by conviction, transparency, and a renewed understanding of stewardship. Today, new tools are opening fresh doors for Christians who want their investing to reflect biblical values.Among the most discussed innovations are exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer investors greater flexibility and access. To explore the growing opportunity, we spoke with Brian Mumbert, President of Timothy Plan and a long-time pioneer in Faith-Based Investing.From Idea to Movement: The Story Behind Timothy PlanBefore ETFs and portfolio screens were commonplace, Timothy Plan helped shape the language and frameworks believers use today to think about investing.“Back in the early 90s, Timothy Plan was really just an idea,” Mumbert recalls. “In 1994, that idea became a mutual fund aimed to serve non-denominational pastors. Our very first slogan asked, ‘How much is okay to invest in abortion or pornography?' And the answer is simple—none.”The motivation wasn't merely strategic—it was theological. It pushed Christians to wrestle with a deeper question: If God owns it all, how would He want us to invest what He has entrusted to us?Over time, what began as a single fund evolved into a broader conversation about alignment between faith, stewardship, and financial markets. Three decades later, Mumbert describes Faith-Based Investing not merely as a strategy, but as a movement—one that begins “with the heart” and calls believers to steward God's resources rather than treat them as their own.What's Driving the Momentum Today?While conviction hasn't changed, the landscape around investing has. Mumbert points to one factor in particular: information.“When we started, it was incredibly hard to access meaningful information about companies—what they owned, where they profited, or whether their business practices aligned with biblical values,” he explains. Today, the opposite is true. Digital media, public disclosures, and social platforms constantly reveal what companies support and how they operate.That transparency has awakened discernment. Investors are asking new questions: What am I participating in? What am I profiting from? Is there a better alternative?With more options now available—across asset classes and risk profiles—momentum continues to build.ETFs Explained: Why They're Attracting Faith-Based InvestorsAmong the fastest-growing vehicles in the investing world are ETFs—exchange-traded funds. For those less familiar, Mumbert offers a simple explanation:“ETFs hold a basket of investments and trade throughout the day like a stock. They generally offer lower fees, greater transparency, and the ability to buy or sell at any point during the trading day.”Mutual funds remain a valuable entry point for many investors, but ETFs introduce distinctive advantages:Lower average costsPassive, rules-based strategiesReal-time liquidityFull disclosure of holdingsEase of access across platformsAnd most importantly for Faith-Based Investing, greater transparency reinforces values alignment.What Sets Timothy Plan's ETFs Apart?While the vehicle may be new, the convictions behind Timothy Plan's offerings remain unchanged.“Every Timothy Plan product is pro-life and pro-family,” Mumbert emphasizes. “Our ETFs are screened and filtered the same way as our mutual funds. The convictions haven't changed—just the investment vehicle.”Timothy Plan also employs volatility-weighted strategies designed to prevent oversized company exposure, helping reduce the impact of major market corrections.A Growing Opportunity for Purpose-Driven InvestorsThe rise of ETFs represents more than access—it represents maturation within Faith-Based Investing. With stronger tools, better research, and expanding product sets, Christians now have more opportunities than ever to align their portfolios with their values.For Mumbert, that alignment is not merely practical; it's an expression of stewardship.“It's really about how God would have us invest the money He's entrusted to us.”As the ecosystem grows, so does the hope that more investors will embrace that vision—not out of obligation, but out of conviction shaped by faith.If you're exploring how to bring greater alignment between your financial decisions and your values as a follower of Christ, Faith-Based Investing continues to expand with new tools, new research, and more accessible investment vehicles. To learn more about faith-aligned investment strategies, visit TimothyPlan.com to explore their ETFs, mutual funds, and educational resources.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm 60 and living off mutual funds with no income. My expenses are about $2,024 a month, so my savings will run out in about two years. I have health challenges and can't work, and Social Security Disability hasn't been approved yet. I'm looking for affordable housing options and Medicare/health insurance solutions.My wife passed away recently, and she handled all our finances. I haven't paid bills in 25 years and don't have a budget. I'm closing some credit cards, but I'm not sure what to do next or where to turn for help.I'm 66 and considering paying off my mortgage. We can afford the payments, but I could pay them off using less than 10% of my 401(k). Should I do that, or just keep making monthly payments?We can't qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and we're being sued for a loan tied to a vehicle that died. I'm not sure whether Chapter 13 or debt consolidation makes more sense once you factor in legal fees and total cost.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Timothy PlanOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

So Dom Crossan (JC) and Philip Clayton (PC) came together for this conversation I've been hoping would happen for a year and a half, and it was everything I wanted. We started with this question about why atheist political philosophers like Badiou and Žižek are turning to Paul because they need someone who has a militancy about being human that can resist civilization's death-dealing power. Dom and Phil had this beautiful back-and-forth about whether we should start with Cosmology or the Bible - Dom says both, simultaneously, which is a contradiction but he owns it. They talked about civilization as fundamentally violent since Mesopotamia, whether we're a sustainable species, and what it means that we can finally ask that question seriously. The Kingdom of God language came up as "kin-dom" - returning to our evolutionary origins where we lived in groups of about 200 people, before agriculture trapped us in civilization. Phil made this point about how our brains were formed on the grasslands of Africa for hundreds of thousands of generations, and now we're living in a hyper-civilized world where the devil looks primitive compared to OpenAI's $500 billion valuation. The hope is in asking the right questions, in returning to a kin-dom structure, and in Jesus sending out his disciples to do healing, not setting up a healing shop in Nazareth. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube ⁠Join us at Theology Beer Camp, October 8-10, in Kansas City! As a scholar, Philip Clayton (Ingraham Professor, Claremont School of Theology) works at the intersection of science, philosophy, and theology. As an activist (president of EcoCiv.org, President of IPDC), he works to convene, facilitate, and catalyze multi-sectoral initiatives toward ecological civilization. As a disciple of Jesus, he finds himself energized by the Spirit in the Quaker community. John Dominic Crossan, professor emeritus at DePaul University, is widely regarded as the foremost historical Jesus scholar of our time. He is the author of several bestselling books, including The Historical Jesus, How to Read the Bible and Still Be a Christian, God and Empire, Jesus: A Revolutionary Biography, The Greatest Prayer, The Last Week, and The Power of Parable. He lives in Minneola, Florida. ⁠⁠UPCOMING ONLINE LENT CLASS: Jesus in Galilee w/ John Dominic Crossan⁠⁠⁠⁠ What can we actually know about Jesus of Nazareth? And, what difference does it make? ⁠⁠⁠⁠This Lenten class ⁠⁠⁠⁠begins where all of Dr. John Dominic Crossan's has work begins: with history. What was actually happening in Galilee in the 20s CE? What did Herod Antipas' transformation of the "Sea of Galilee" into the commercial "Sea of Tiberias" mean for peasant fishing communities? Why did Jesus emerge from John's baptism movement proclaiming God's Rule through parables—and what made that medium so perfectly suited to that message? Only by understanding what Jesus' parables meant then can we wrestle with what they might demand of us now. ⁠⁠⁠⁠The class is donation-based, including 0, so join, get info, and join up here.⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Homebrewed Christianity ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠production. Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Homebrewed Christianity⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theology Nerd Throwdown⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Rise of Bonhoeffer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 75,000 other people by joining our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack - Process This!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get instant access to over 50 classes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.TheologyClass.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow the podcast, drop a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, send ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member of the HBC Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, Brad East, and James Wood trace the evangelical spiritual formation movement from Richard Foster through Dallas Willard to John Mark Comer. They explore why disciplines resonate today amid technological distraction and desire for embodied faith, while navigating tensions between individual and communal formation, liturgy's role, and concerns about practices becoming self-optimization divorced from gospel foundations. — Mere Fidelity is a podcast from Mere Orthodoxy and is listener-supported. If you would like to support this work, become a Mere Orthodoxy Member today at http://mereorthodoxy.com/membership. Get 30% of the Baker Book of the Month, 30 Key Moments in the History of Christianity: Inspiring True Stories from the Early Church Around the World, by going to  Apply for a full-tuition scholarship for Beeson Divinity School's M.Div program that begins Fall 2026 here: https://bit.ly/beesonscholarships — Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 01:06 – Tracing the Spiritual Formation Movement 08:35 – Why Spiritual Disciplines Resonate Today 19:45 – Technology, Attention, and the Appeal of Forms 25:00 – Critiques: Self-Optimization and Theological Drift 33:12 – The Role of Set Prayers and Liturgy 44:50 – Inhabiting Forms vs. Formalism 53:00 – Suffering as Spiritual Formation 58:47 – The Danger of Christian Elitism 01:12:54 – The Parable of the Three Bricklayers

Many Americans are wondering whether the housing market has finally begun turning a corner—or if uncertainty is still here to stay. After years of elevated mortgage rates, stubbornly low inventory, and affordability concerns, the question feels more relevant than ever.Today, mortgage expert Dale Vermillion, author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home, joined the show to weigh in on what the 2026 housing landscape may look like and how today's buyers and sellers can navigate it with wisdom.A More “Normal” Market ReturnsAccording to Vermillion, the extreme swings of recent years may finally be behind us.“It isn't the market of 2020–2021 when rates were in the twos, threes, and fours,” Vermillion explains. “But it's also certainly not 2008. This is a very normal market.”He noted that although many think of today's mortgage rates as high, they are actually below the 30-year average. Inventory is rising, sales are stabilizing, and government attention on housing has increased. Together, these factors point toward a gradual shift into a buyer's market—a welcome change for those who've spent the last few years watching listings disappear before they could schedule a tour.A common frustration remains: if rates have risen, why haven't prices fallen faster?The answer is complex. While price increases largely flattened this year (+0.7%), Vermillion notes that the market remains regional rather than national. Certain areas have softened, but not enough to drive a nationwide price reset.A major reason: the “lock-in effect.” Millions of homeowners refinanced below 3% in 2020–21 and weren't willing to trade those rates for a higher one. But as Vermillion observes, that dynamic is fading. For the first time in years, more loans now exist above 6% than below 3%, allowing inventory to loosen.Why Fed Rate Cuts Don't Equal Lower Mortgage RatesEven though the Federal Reserve has been cutting rates, mortgage rates haven't always followed. That's because mortgage rates are tied more closely to the bond market, inflation data, and job reports—not directly to the Fed's benchmark rate.Another overlooked factor: mortgage-backed securities (MBS). When the government increases MBS purchases, mortgage rates often decline more reliably than when the Fed cuts consumer rates.The emotional side of the housing market can't be ignored. The bidding wars of 2020–21 left many would-be buyers discouraged. But Vermillion believes attitudes are shifting:“Inventory is up from roughly 450,000 units nationally early last year to over a million now. So from a buyer standpoint, it's time to be encouraged again.”With more sellers re-entering the market, buyers have choice again—and choice increases leverage.Vermillion stressed that affordability challenges today are driven as much by property taxes and insurance costs as by mortgage rates. Homeowners in several states have seen insurance premiums and assessments climb dramatically—sometimes outpacing wage growth.For aspiring first-time buyers, budgeting remains the first step. Vermillion's advice: determine what you can afford before visiting a lender, rather than letting a lender tell you what qualifies on paper.For First-Time Buyers: Get Pre-Approved, Not Pre-QualifiedA true pre-approval involves:A full applicationCredit checkIncome verificationDocumentation of debts and assetsThis makes offers more competitive and prevents buyers from shopping at unrealistic price points.During the pandemic boom, paying $20,000–$50,000 above asking price became the norm in many markets. Vermillion notes that this period has largely ended:“Homes today are selling around 94–97% of the listing price in most areas. We're not seeing bidding wars like before.”For buyers, that's stabilizing. For sellers, it simply resets expectations toward reality.Move-Up Buyers: Timing May Be Better Than You ThinkFor homeowners considering a move—whether for space, schools, or lifestyle—Vermillion's advice mirrors that given to first-time buyers: set a realistic budget and lean on wise counsel.Sellers should also invest in preparing their homes to show well, as presentation still drives both speed and price.Vermillion believes 2026 may be a strategic window:“I think this is the year to do it. Rates may come down a little more, but not dramatically. Buyers and sellers who plan well and manage expectations can succeed in this environment.”From a stewardship standpoint, the takeaway is simple: markets change, rates fluctuate, and headlines swing. But Christians are invited to place their confidence not in economic cycles but in the Lord, “who establishes our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).A wise plan, a realistic budget, and sound counsel can go a long way—especially in a year where the housing market is finally beginning to level out.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm looking for a trustworthy and affordable tax preparation service. Are there any organizations I should avoid? And are there any Christian-based or low-cost options—especially for seniors?I'm turning 65 soon, and I'm debt-free. I want my condo to go to my children when my wife and I pass away. Should I use a will, put them on the deed, or create a trust? What's the best approach?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home by Dale VermillionOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We call it the Parable of the Sower, but Jesus' focus is really on the condition of the soil—and the state of our hearts. In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark, as Paul explains how to listen to God's Word with humility and faith, and how to avoid living like rocky soil.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons

Sports betting is exploding across the country. With online platforms, mobile apps, and aggressive marketing, it's never been easier to gamble — or easier to hide it. What many view as harmless entertainment may actually be reshaping how we think about money, community, and even discipleship.Pastor and author Kyle Worley—Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas, co-host of the Knowing Faith podcast, and author of Home with God: Our Union with Christ—recently wrote on this growing trend for Faithful Steward magazine. Today, he joins the show to explain why the rise of sports gambling deserves more careful thought from believers.A Different Kind of GamblingSports gambling carries a unique appeal. Unlike casinos or the lottery, it taps into nostalgia, play, and community.“Sports connect to childhood memories and communal experiences,” Worley notes. “That nostalgia makes sports betting feel natural, even harmless.”The danger lies in how subtly wagering attaches itself to something already meaningful—games shared with friends, family, or childhood heroes—making it easier to dismiss spiritual risks.What Does Scripture Actually Say?The Bible does not explicitly outlaw gambling. But it repeatedly warns against the desire for quick, hasty gain. Worley points to 1 Timothy 6:9–10, noting that it speaks directly to the temptations and destruction tied to wealth pursued rapidly and without wisdom. Gambling fits that pattern.Scripture's concern is not merely financial but formational. Gambling trains us to view wealth through the lens of chance, speed, and self-interest—the opposite of stewardship, patience, and contentment.The spiritual stakes aren't just internal. They are profoundly communal. Worley cites Old Testament scholar Bruce Waltke:“The righteous disadvantage themselves for the sake of the community; the unrighteous advantage themselves at the expense of the community.”Modern betting apps are built on asymmetric outcomes—they profit only because others lose. And statistically, those losses fall disproportionately on the vulnerable.Many platforms use predatory models:Winners face worse odds or even shuttered accountsConsistent losers are enticed with better odds and larger limitsWorley compares it to handing a chainsaw to a child—unjust simply because not everyone absorbs the harm equally.Normalization and Cultural FormationSports gambling has moved from taboo to mainstream with startling speed. Betting lines now appear on ESPN, broadcasts, and social media—even during youth-oriented sports programming.The result: a generation being formed to see gambling as normal and morally neutral.Worley warns that where gambling proliferates, other forms of exploitation follow — including human trafficking during major sporting events. While the Bible may speak indirectly about gambling, it speaks directly about exploitation.Some point to the biblical practice of casting lots as justification for gambling. Worley draws a sharp distinction:Casting lots was a religious act of trust—not a wager. It carried no profit motive and served no entertainment purpose. Reframing it as support for modern gambling misunderstands its role entirely.How Churches Can Disciple BetterFor pastors and ministry leaders, Worley offers three recommendations:Talk More About Money - Many Christians lack a positive theology of wealth. That vacuum leaves them vulnerable to cultural narratives.Address “Respectable” Vices - Gambling isn't the only fun, socially accepted vice that harms stewardship. Churches must disciple beyond obvious sins.Create Healthy Avenues for Play and Connection - Sports betting offers counterfeit community, especially for men. Churches should provide better alternatives.The Wisdom Required TodayIn the end, debates about whether gambling is technically permissible miss the deeper biblical question: Does this help me love God and neighbor well?Worley's counsel is simple: navigate these decisions in community, under Scripture, with wisdom. Quick profit is never neutral—it forms us. And it shapes the people around us.As sports betting continues to surge, Christians will need more than opinions. They will need conviction, clarity, and a vision of stewardship that honors God and protects the vulnerable.———————————————————————————————————————Kyle Worley's full article, “The Real Stakes of Sports Betting,” appears in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine. When you become a FaithFi Partner with a monthly gift of $35 (or $400 annually), you'll receive Faithful Steward magazine and other exclusive resources to help you grow as a faithful steward. Visit FaithFi.com/Partner to learn more.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'll be 63 this year, and I've been earning more than usual. I want to make sure I'm not going over the Medicare IRMAA income limits.My parents are still living, and they've willed their house to all four siblings. We're the only ones who want to keep it—everyone else wants to sell. We can't afford to buy the others out. How do we handle that situation?My husband and I are both 60. We're debt-free and have about $100,000 in savings. What's the best way to grow that money so we can use it for retirement?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)The Real Stakes of Sports Betting (Article by Kyle Worley - Faithful Steward: Issue 4)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse continue their deep dive into the Parable of the Prodigal Son by examining the often-overlooked character of the elder brother. While the younger son's rebellion is obvious, the elder brother's self-righteous moralism represents a more subtle—and perhaps more dangerous—form of lostness. Through careful exegesis of Luke 15:25-32, the hosts explore how religious performance, resentment of grace, and merit-based thinking can keep us far from the Father's heart even while we remain close to the Father's house. This conversation challenges listeners to examine their own hearts for traces of elder brother theology and calls us to celebrate the scandalous grace that restores sinners to sonship. Key Takeaways Two ways to be lost: The parable presents both flagrant rebellion (the younger son) and respectable self-righteousness (the elder son) as forms of spiritual lostness that require God's grace. The elder brother's geographic and spiritual position: Though physically near the house and faithful in service, the elder brother was spiritually distant from the father's heart, unable to celebrate grace extended to others. Moralism as a subtle distance: Self-righteous religion can be more deceptive than open rebellion because it appears virtuous while actually rejecting the father's character and values. The father pursues both sons: God's gracious pursuit extends not only to the openly rebellious but also to the self-righteous, demonstrating that election and grace are sovereign gifts, not earned rewards. The unresolved ending: The parable intentionally leaves the elder brother's response unstated, creating narrative tension that challenges the original audience (Pharisees and scribes) and modern readers to examine their own response to grace. Adoption as the frame of obedience: True Christian obedience flows from sonship and inheritance ("all that I have is yours"), not from a wage-earning, transactional relationship with God. Resentment reveals our theology: When we find ourselves unable to celebrate the restoration of repentant sinners, we expose our own need for repentance—not from scandal, but from envy and pride. Key Concepts The Elder Brother's Subtle Lostness The genius of Jesus' parable is that it exposes a form of lostness that religious people rarely recognize in themselves. The elder brother never left home, never squandered his inheritance, and never violated explicit commands. Yet his response to his brother's restoration reveals a heart fundamentally opposed to the father's character. His complaint—"I have served you all these years and never disobeyed your command"—demonstrates that he viewed his relationship with the father transactionally, as an employer-employee arrangement rather than a father-son bond. This is the essence of legalism: performing religious duties while remaining distant from God's heart. The tragedy is that the elder brother stood within reach of everything the father had to offer yet experienced none of the joy, fellowship, or security of sonship. This form of lostness is particularly dangerous because it wears the mask of righteousness and often goes undetected until grace is extended to someone we deem less deserving. The Father's Gracious Pursuit of the Self-Righteous Just as the father ran to meet the returning younger son, he also went out to plead with the elder brother to come into the feast. This detail is theologically significant: God pursues both the openly rebellious and the self-righteous with the same gracious initiative. The father's response to the elder brother's complaint is not harsh correction but tender invitation: "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours." This reveals that the problem was never scarcity or the father's favoritism—the elder brother had always possessed full access to the father's resources and affection. The barrier was entirely on the son's side: his inability to receive sonship as a gift rather than a wage. This mirrors the historical situation of the Pharisees and scribes who grumbled at Jesus for receiving sinners. They stood adjacent to the kingdom, surrounded by the promises and covenant blessings of God, yet remained outside because they could not accept grace as the principle of God's dealing with humanity. The invitation still stood, but it required them to abandon their merit-based system and enter the feast as recipients of unearned favor. The Unresolved Ending and Its Challenge to Us Luke deliberately leaves the parable unfinished—we never learn whether the elder brother eventually joined the celebration. This narrative technique places the reader in the position of the elder brother, forcing us to answer for ourselves: will we enter the feast or remain outside in bitter resentment? For the original audience of Pharisees and scribes, this unresolved ending was a direct challenge to their response to Jesus' ministry. Would they continue to grumble at God's grace toward tax collectors and sinners, or would they recognize their own need and join the celebration? For contemporary readers, the question remains equally pressing. When we hear of a notorious sinner coming to faith, do we genuinely rejoice, or do we scrutinize their repentance with suspicion? When churches extend membership to those with broken pasts, do we celebrate restoration or quietly question whether they deserve a place at the table? The parable's open ending is not a literary flaw but a pastoral strategy: it refuses to let us remain passive observers and demands that we examine whether we harbor elder brother theology in our own hearts. Memorable Quotes The father's household is a place where grace produces joy, not just merely relief. The elder brother hears the joy before he sees it. That's often how resentment works, isn't it? We're alerted to the happiness of others and somehow there's this visceral response of wanting to be resentful toward that joy, toward that unmerited favor. — Jesse Schwamb There is a way to be near the house, church adjacent, religiously active, yet to be really far from the father's heart. The elder brother is not portrayed as an atheist, but as a moralist. And moralism can be a more subtle distance than open rebellion. — Jesse Schwamb God doesn't keep sinners from repenting. The reprobate are not prohibited or prevented by God from coming to faith. They're being kept out by their own stubborn refusal to come in. That's where this punchline hits so hard. — Tony Arsenal Full Transcript [00:00:44] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 477 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse.  [00:00:51] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother.  [00:00:55] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother.  [00:00:56] Parables and God's Word [00:00:56] Jesse Schwamb: Speaking of ears to hear, it struck me that this whole thing we've been doing all this parable talk is really after the manner of God's words. And one of the things I've really grown to appreciate is how God speaks to the condition of those whom he addresses. He considers our ability, our capacity as his hearers to process what he's saying, and that leads into these amazing parables that we've been talking about. He doesn't speak as he is able to speak. So to speak, but I didn't mean that to happen. But as we were able to hear, and that means he spoke in these lovely parables so that we might better understand him. And today we're gonna get into some of the drama of the best, like the crown jewel as we've been saying, of maybe all the parables. The Parable of the Lost Son. We spoke a little bit about it in the last episode. Definitely want to hit that up because it's setting you up for this one, which is the definitive episode. But now we're gonna talk about this first, this younger lost son. Get into some of all of these like juicy details about what takes place, and really, again, see if we can find the heart of God. Spoiler. We can and we'll,  [00:02:04] Tony Arsenal: yeah,  [00:02:04] Affirmations and Denials [00:02:04] Jesse Schwamb: but before we do both of those things, it's of course always time at this moment to do a little affirming with or denying against. Of course, if you haven't heard us before, that's where we take a moment to say, is there something that we think is undervalued that we wanna bring forward that we'd recommend or think is awesome? Or conversely, is there something that's overvalued that's just, we're over it. The vibe is done. We're gonna deny against that. So I say to you, as I often do, Tony, are you affirming with or deny against?  [00:02:31] Tony's Nerdy Hobby: Dungeons and Dragons [00:02:31] Tony Arsenal: I'm affirming tonight. Um, I don't know how much the audience realizes of a giant ridiculous nerd I am, but we're about to go to entirely new giant nerd depths. [00:02:43] Jesse Schwamb: All right. I  [00:02:43] Tony Arsenal: think,  [00:02:44] Jesse Schwamb: let's hear it.  [00:02:44] Tony Arsenal: So, um, I was a huge fan of Stranger Things. Some, there's some issues with the show, and I understand why some people might not, um, might not feel great about watching it. You know, I think it falls within Christian liberty. But one of the main themes of the show, this is not a spoiler, you learn about this in episode one, is the whole game. The whole show frames itself around Dungeons and Dragons, right? It's kind of like a storytelling device within the show that the kids play, Dungeons and Dragons, and everything that happens in the Dungeons and Dragons game that they're playing, sort of like, um, foreshadows what's actually gonna happen in the show. Which funny if, you know Dungeons and Dragons lore, you kind of learn the entire plot of the story like ahead of time. Um, but so I, stranger Things just finished up and I've kind of been like itching to get into Dungeons and Dragons. I used to play a little bit of tabletop when I was in high school, in early college and um, I just really like the idea of sort of this collaborative storytelling game. Um, whether it's Dungeon Dragons or one of the other systems, um, Dungeons and Dragons is the most popular. It's the most well published. It's the most well established and it's probably the easiest to find a group to play with. Although it is very hard to find a group to play with, especially, uh, kind of out in the middle of nowhere where I live. So this is where the ultra super nerdy part comes in.  [00:04:02] Jesse Schwamb: Alright, here we  [00:04:03] Tony Arsenal: go. I have been painstakingly over the last week teaching Google Gemini. To be a dungeon master for me. So I've been playing Dungeons and Dragons more or less by myself with, uh, with Google Gemini, and I'm just having a lot of fun with it. Um, you can get a free copy of the rules online if you, I think it's DND, the letter NDND beyond.com. They have a full suite of like tools to create your character. Access to a basic set of the core rules. Um, you can spend a lot of money on Dungeons and Dragons, uh, and if you want to like really get into it, the books are basically textbooks. Like you're buying $300 or 300 page, $300, 300 page textbooks, um, that are not all that differently costs than like college textbooks. You'll buy a 300 page Dungeon master guide that's like $50 if you want a paper copy. So, but you can get into it for free. You can get the free rolls online, you can use their dungeon, the d and d Beyond app and do all your dice rolls for free. Um, you, you can get a free dice roller online if you don't want to do their, their app. Um, but it's just a lot of fun. I've just been having a lot of fun and I found that the, I mean. When you play a couple sessions with it, you see that the, the um, the A IDM that I've created, like it follows the same story beats 'cause it's only got so much to work with in its language model. Um, but I'm finding ways to sort of like break it out of that model by forcing it to refer to certain websites that are like Dungeons and Dragons lore websites and things like build your, build your campaign from this repository of Dungeons and Dragons stuff. So. I think you could do this with just about any sort of narrative storytelling game like this, whether you're playing a different system or d and d Pathfinders. I mean, there's all sorts of different versions of it, but it's just been a lot of fun to see, see it going. I'm trying to get a group together. 'cause I think I would, I would probably rather play Dungeons and Dragons with people, um, and rather do it in person. But it's hard to do up here. It's hard to get a, get a group going. So that's my super nerdy affirmation. I'm not just affirming Dungeons and Dragons, which would already be super nerdy. I'm affirming playing it by myself on my phone, on the bus with Google Gemini, AI acting like I'm not. Just this weird antisocial lunatic. So I'm having a lot of fun with it.  [00:06:20] Jesse Schwamb: So there are so many levels of inception there. Yeah. Like the inception and everything you just said. I love it.  [00:06:27] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Well, what I'm learning is, um, you can give an, and, and this is something I didn't realize, what ai, I guess I probably should have, you know, it's not like an infinite thing. Um, you can give an AI instructions and if your chat gets long enough, it actually isn't referring back to the very beginning of the chat most of the time. Right. There's a, there's like a win context window of about 30 responses. So like if you tell the AI, don't roll the dice for me, like, let me roll dices that are related to my actions, eventually it will forget that. So part of what I've been doing is basically building, I'm using Google Gemini when the AI does something I don't want it to do, I say, you just did something I don't want it to do. Gimme a diagnostic report of why you did that. It will explain to me why it did what it did. Right. Why it didn't observe the rules. And then I'm feeding that into another. Prompt that is helping me generate better prompts that it refers back to. So it's kind of this weird iterative, um, yeah, I, I don't, I'm like, I maybe I'm gonna create the singularity. I'm not sure. Maybe this is gonna be possible. We should sit over the edge. It's gonna, it's gonna learn how to cast magic spells and it's gonna fire bolt us in the face or something like that. Right. But, uh, again, high risk. I, I, for one, welcome our AO AI dungeon masters. So check it out. You should try it. If you could do this with chat GPT, you could do it with any ai. Um, it, it, it is going to get a little, I have the benefit because I have a Google Workspace account. I have access to Google Pro or the Gemini Pro, which is a better model for this kind of thing. But you could do this with, with chat GPT or something like that. And it's gonna be more or less the same experience, I think. But I'm having a, I'm having a ton of fun with it. Um. Again, I, I, there's something about just this, Dungeons and Dragons at its core is a, it's like a, an exercise in joint storytelling, which is really fascinating and interesting to me. Um, and that's what most tabletop RPGs are like. I suppose you get into something like War Hammer and it's a little bit more like a board. It's a mixture of that plus a board game. But Dungeons and Dragons, the DM is creating the, I mean, not the entire world, but is creating the narrative. And then you as a player are an actor within that narrative. And then there's a certain element of chance that dice rolls play. But for the most part, um, you're driving the story along. You're telling the story together. So it's, it's pretty interesting. I've also been watching live recordings of Dungeons and Dragon Sessions on YouTube. Oh,  [00:08:50] Jesse Schwamb: wow.  [00:08:51] Tony Arsenal: Like, there's a, there's a channel called Critical Role. Like these sessions are like three and a half hours long. So, wow. I just kinda have 'em on in the background when I'm, when I'm, uh, working or if I'm, you know, doing something else. Um, but it's really interesting stuff. It's, it's pretty cool. I think it's fun. I'm a super nerd. I'm, I'm no shame in that. Um, I'm just really enjoying it.  [00:09:09] Jesse Schwamb: Listen, nerdery is great. That's like part of the zeitgeist now. Listen to culture. It's cool to be a nerd. I don't know much about d and d. I've heard a lot about this idea of this community that forms around. Yeah. The story, correct me if I'm wrong, can't these things go on for like years, decades?  [00:09:25] Tony Arsenal: Oh yeah, yeah. Like, you can do there. There, some of this has made its way into the official rule books, but basically you could do what's called a one shot, which is like a self-contained story. Usually a single session, you know, like you get a Dungeon master, game master, whichever you wanna call the person. Three to four, maybe five characters, player characters. And one session is usually about two hours long. So it's not like you sit down for 20 minutes, 30 minutes at a time and play this right. And you could do a one shot, which is a story that's designed to, to live all within that two hour session. Um, some people will do it where there isn't really any planned like, outcome of the story. The, the DM just kind of makes up things to do as they go. And then you can have campaigns, which is like, sometimes it's like a series of one shots, but more, it is more like a long term serialized period, you know, serialized campaign where you're doing many, um, many, many kinds of, uh, things all in one driving to like a big epic goal or battle at the end, right? Um, some groups stay together for a really long time and they might do multiple campaigns, so there's a lot to it. Game's been going on for like 50, 60, 70 years, something like that. I don't remember exactly when it started, but  [00:10:41] Jesse Schwamb: yeah.  [00:10:41] Tony Arsenal: Um, it's an old game. It's kinda like the doctor who of of poor games and it's like the original tabletop role playing game, I think. [00:10:47] Jesse Schwamb: Right. Yeah, that makes sense. Again, there's something really appealing to me about not just that cooperative storytelling, but cooperative gameplay. Everybody's kind of in it together for the most part. Yeah. Those conquest, as I understand them, are joint in nature. You build solidarity, but if you're meeting with people and having fun together and telling stories and interacting with one another, there's a lot of good that comes out of that stuff there. A lot of lovely common grace in those kind of building, those long-term interactions, relationships, entertainment built on being together and having good, clean, fun together.  [00:11:17] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Well, and it's, you know, it's, um. It's an interesting exercise. It's it, in some ways it's very much like improv. Like you, you think of like an improv comedy like show I've been to somewhere. Like, you know, you go to the show and it's an improv troupe, but they're like calling people from the crowd up and asking them for like different scenarios they might do. It's kind of like that in that like the GM can plan a whole, can plan a whole thing. But if I as a player character, um. And I've done this to the virtual one just to see what it does, and it's done some interesting things. One of the campaigns I was playing, I had rescued a merchant from some giant spiders and I was helping, like, I was helping like navigate them through the woods to the next town. And we kept on getting attacked and just outta nowhere. I was like, what if I sort of act as though I'm suspicious of this merchant now because why are we getting attacked all the time? And so I, I typed in sort of like a little. A mini role play of me accusing this guy. And it was something like, Randall, we get, we're getting attacked a lot for a simple merchant, Randall merchant. What happens if I cast a tech magic? What am I gonna find? And he's like, I don't know what I'm gonna find. I know I don't know anything. And then I cast a tech magic and it shifted. I mean, I don't know where the campaign was gonna go before that, but it shifted the whole thing now where the person who gave him the package he was carrying had betrayed him. It was, so that happens in real life too in these games, real life in these games. That happens in real, in-person sessions too, where a player or a group of players may just decide instead of talking to the contact person that is supposed to give them the clue to find the dungeon they're supposed to go to, instead they ambush them and murder them in gold blood. And now the, the dungeon master has to figure out, how do I get them back to this dungeon when this is the only person that was supposed to know where it is? So it, it does end up really stretching your thinking skills and sort of your improvisational skills. There's an element of, um, you know, like chance with the dice, um, I guess like the dice falls in the lot, but the lot is in the handle. Or like, obviously that's all ordained as well too, but there is this element of chance where even the DM doesn't get to determine everything. Um, if, if I say I want to, I want to try to sneak into this room, but I'm a giant barbarian who has, you know, is wearing like chain mail, there's still a chance I could do it, but the dice roll determines that. It's not like the, the GM just says you can't do that. Um, so it's, it's a, I, I like it. I'm, I'm really looking forward to trying to, getting into it. It is hard to start a group and to get going and, um, there's a part of me that's a little bit. Gun shy of maybe like getting too invested with a group of non-Christians for something like this. 'cause it can get a little weird sometimes. But I think that, I think that'll work out. It'll be fun. I know there's actually some people in our telegram chat. Bing, bing, bing segue. There we go. There's some people in our telegram chat actually, that we're already planning to do a campaign. Um, so we might even do like a virtual reform brotherhood, Dungeons and Dragons group. So that might be a new sub channel in the telegram at some point.  [00:14:13] Jesse Schwamb: There you go. You could jump right in. Go to t.me back slash reform brotherhood.  [00:14:18] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Jesse, what are you affirming since I just spent the last 15 minutes gushing about my nerdy hobby?  [00:14:23] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, no, that was great. Can I, can I just say two things? One is, so you're basically saying it's a bit like, like a troll shows up and everybody's like, yes. And yeah. So I love that idea. Second thing, which is follow up question, very brief. What kind of merchant was Randall.  [00:14:39] Tony Arsenal: Uh, he was a spice trader actually.  [00:14:42] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. I don't trust that.  [00:14:43] Tony Arsenal: And, and silk, silk and spices.  [00:14:45] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. That's double, that's too strict.  [00:14:47] Tony Arsenal: He was actually good guy in the, in the story that developed out of this campaign. He actually became part of my family and like, like, like got adopted into the family because he lost everything on his own. Randy we're  [00:15:00] Jesse Schwamb: talking about Randy.  [00:15:01] Tony Arsenal: Randy Randall with one L. Yeah. The AI was very specific about  that.  [00:15:05] Jesse Schwamb: There's, there's nothing about this guy I trust. I, is this still ongoing? Because I think he's just trying to make his way deeper in,  [00:15:11] Tony Arsenal: uh, no, no. It, I'll, I'll wait for next week to tell you how much, even more nerdy this thing gets. But there's a whole thing that ha there was a whole thing out of this That's a tease. Tease. There was a, there was a horse and the horse died and there was lots of tears and there was a wedding and a baby. It was, it's all sorts of stuff going on in this campaign. [00:15:27] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. And I'm sure. Randy was somewhere near that horse when it happened. Right?  [00:15:32] Tony Arsenal: It was his horse.  [00:15:33] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, exactly. That's  [00:15:35] Tony Arsenal: exactly, he didn't, he didn't kill the horse. He had no power to knock down the bridge The horse was standing on.  [00:15:40] Jesse Schwamb: Listen, next week, I'm pretty sure that's what we're gonna learn is that it was all him. [00:15:45] Tony Arsenal: Alright, Jesse, save us from this. Save us from this, please. Uh,  [00:15:49] Jesse Schwamb: no.  What  [00:15:50] Tony Arsenal: you affirming, this is  [00:15:50] Jesse Schwamb: great.  [00:15:50] Jesse's Affirmation: Church Community [00:15:50] Jesse Schwamb: It's possible that there is a crossover between yours and mine if we consider. That the church is like playing a d and d game in the dungeon Masters Christ, and the campaigns, the gospel. So I was thinking maybe is it possible, uh, maybe this is just the, the theology of the cross, but that sometimes, like you need the denial to get to the affirmation. Have we talked about that kind of truth? Yeah,  [00:16:14] Tony Arsenal: yeah,  [00:16:15] Jesse Schwamb: for sure. So here's a little bit of that. I'll be very, very brief and I'm using this not as like just one thing that happened today, but what I know is for sure happening all over the world. And I mean that very literally, not just figuratively when it comes to the body of Christ, the local church. So it snowed here overnight. This was, this is the Lord's Day. We're hanging out in the Lord's Day, which is always a beautiful day to talk about God. And overnight it snowed. The snow stopped relatively late in the morning around the time that everybody would be saying, Hey, it's time to go and worship the Lord. So for those in my area, I got up, we did the whole clearing off the Kai thing. I went to church and I was there a little bit early for a practice for music. And when I pulled in, there weren't many there yet, but the whole parking lot unplowed. So there's like three inches of snow, unplowed parking lot. So I guess the denial is like the plow people decided like, not this time I, I don't think so. They understood they were contracted with the church, but my understanding is that when one of the deacons called, they were like, Ooh, yeah, we're like 35 minutes away right now, so that's gonna be a problem. So when I pulled in, here's what I was. Like surprise to find, but in a totally unexpected way, even though I understand what a surprise is. And that is that, uh, that first the elders and the deacons, everybody was just decided we're going to shovel an entire parking lot. And at some point big, I was a little bit early there, but at some point then this massive text change just started with everybody, which was, Hey, when you come to church, bring your shovel. And I, I will tell you like when I got out of the car. I was so like somebody was immediately running to clear a path with me. One of those like snow pushers, you know what I mean? Yeah. Like one, those beastly kind of like blade things.  [00:17:57] Tony Arsenal: Those things are, those things are the best.  [00:17:59] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. You just run. And so you have never met a group of people that was more happy to shovel an entire large asphalt area, which normally shouldn't even be required. And. It just struck me, even in hindsight now thinking about it, it was this lovely confluence of people serving each other and serving God. It was as if they got up that morning and said, do you know what would be the best thing in the world for me to do is to shovel. And so everybody was coming out. Everybody was shoveling it. It was to protect everyone and to allow one into elaborate, one access. It was just incredible. And so I started this because the affirmation is, I know this happens in, in all of our churches, every God fearing God, loving God serving church, something like this is happening, I think on almost every Lord's day or maybe every day of the week in various capacities. And I just think this is God's people coming together because everybody, I think when we sat down for the message was exhausted, but. But there was so much joy in doing this. I think what you normally would find to be a mundane and annoying task, and the fact that it wasn't just, it was redeemed as if like we, we found a greater purpose in it. But that's, everyone saw this as a way to love each other and to love God, and it became unexpected worship in the parking lot. That's really what it was, and it was fantastic. I really almost hope that we just get rid of the plow company and just do it this way from now on. Yeah, so I'm affirming, recognize people, recognize brothers and sisters that your, your church is doing this stuff all the time and, and be a part of it. Jump in with the kinda stuff because I love how it brings forward the gospel.  [00:19:35] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. That's a great story. It's a great, uh, a great example of the body of Christ being, what the body of Christ is and just pulling together to get it done. Um, which, you know, we do on a spiritual level, I think, more often than a physical level these days. Right, right. But, um, that's great. I'm sitting here going three inches of snow. I would've just pulled into the lot and then pulled out of the lot. But New Hampshire, it hits different in New Hampshire. Like we all d have snow tires and four wheel drive.  [00:20:02] Jesse Schwamb: It's, it's enough snow where it was like pretty wet and heavy that it, if, you know, you pack that stuff down, it gets slick. You can't see the people, like you can't have your elderly people just flying in, coming in hot and then trying to get outta the vehicle, like making their way into church.  [00:20:14] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:20:15] Jesse Schwamb: So there was, there was a lot more of that. But I think again, you would, one of the options would've been like, Hey, why don't we shovel out some sp spaces for the, for those who need it, for, you know, those who need to have access in a way that's a little bit less encumbered. Oh, no, no. These people are like, I see your challenge and I am going to shovel the entire parking lots.  [00:20:35] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. It used to happen once in a while, uh, at the last church, uh, at, um, your dad's church. We would, where the plow would just not come on a Sunday morning or, or more often than not. Um, you know, what happens a lot of times is the plows don't want to come more than once. Right. If they don't have to. Or sometimes they won't come if they think it's gonna melt because they don't want to deal with, uh, with like customers who are mad that you plowed and that it all melts. But either way, once in a while. The plow wouldn't come or it wouldn't come in time. And what we would do is instead of trying to shovel an entire driveway thing, we would just went, the first couple people who would get there, the young guys in the church, there was only a couple of us, but the younger guys in the church would just, we would just be making trips, helping people into the, yeah. Helping people into the building. So, um, it was a pretty, you know, it was a small church, so it was like six trips and we'd have everybody in, but um, we just kind of, that was the way we pulled together. Um, yeah, that's a great, it's a great story. I love, I love stuff like that. Yeah, me too. Whether it's, whether it's, you know, plowing a, a parking lot with shovels instead of a plow, or it's just watching, um, watching the tables and the chairs from the fellowship, you know, all just like disappear because everybody's just, uh, picks up after themselves and cleans and stuff. That's, that's like the most concrete example of the body of Christ doing what the body of Christ does. Um, it's always nice, you know, we always hear jokes about like, who can carry the most, the most chairs,  [00:22:04] Jesse Schwamb: most  [00:22:04] Tony Arsenal: chairs. Uh, I think it's true. Like a lot of times I think like I could do like seven or eight sometimes. [00:22:10] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, you, that's, so, one more thing I wanna say. I, I wanted to tell you this privately, Tony, 'cause it just cracked me up 'cause I, you'll appreciate this. But now I'm realizing I think the brothers and sisters who listened to us talk for any length of time and in the context of this conversation, but the church will appreciate this too. On my way out, I, I happened because I was there early and the snow was crazy. I parked way further out, way on the edge of the lot to just allow for greater access because of all the shoveling that was happening. And by the way, I really hope there were a ton of visitors this morning because they were like, wow, this, this church is wild. They love to shovel their own lot and they're the happiest people doing it. Some sweaty person just ushered me in while they were casting snow. Like,  [00:22:47] Tony Arsenal: is this some new version of snake handling? You shovel your own lot and your impervious to back injuries.  [00:22:53] Jesse Schwamb: Uh. So I was walking out and as I walked past, uh, there was a, uh, two young gentlemen who were congregating by this very large lifted pickup truck, which I don't have much experience with, but it looked super cool and it was started, it was warming up, and they were just like casually, like in the way that only like people with large beards wearing flannel and Carhartt kind of do, like casually leaning against the truck, talking in a way that you're like, wow, these guys are rugged. And they sound, they're super cool, and they're probably like in their twenties. And all I hear as I pass by is one guy going, yeah, well, I mean that's, I was, I said to them too, but I said, listen, I'd rather go to a church with God-fearing women than anywhere else.  [00:23:36] Tony Arsenal: Nice.  [00:23:37] Jesse Schwamb: I was just like, yep. On the prowl and I love it. And they're not wrong. This is the place to be.  [00:23:42] Tony Arsenal: It is.  [00:23:43] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. This is the place to be. Yeah. So all kinds of, all kinds of good things I think going on in that in the house of the Lord and where wherever you're at, I would say be happy and be joyful and look for those things and participate in, like you said, whether it's physical or not, but as soon as you said like the, our young men, our youth somehow have this competition of when we need to like pack up the sanctuary. How many chairs can I take at one time? Yeah. It's like the classic and it just happens. Nobody says like, okay, everybody line up. We're about to embark on the competition now. Like the strong man usher competition. It's just like, it just happens and  [00:24:17] Tony Arsenal: it's  [00:24:17] Jesse Schwamb: incredible.  [00:24:18] Tony Arsenal: I mean, peacocks fan out their tail feathers. Young Christian guys fan out. All of the table chairs, chairs they can carry. It's uh, it's a real phenomena. So I feel like if you watch after a men's gathering, everybody is like carrying one chair at a time because they don't wanna hurt their backs and their arms. Oh, that's  [00:24:36] Jesse Schwamb: true. That's  [00:24:37] Tony Arsenal: what I do. Yeah. But it's when the women are around, that's when you see guys carrying like 19 chairs. Yeah. Putting themselves in the hospital.  [00:24:42] Jesse Schwamb: That's what I, listen, it comes for all of us. Like I, you know, I'm certainly not young anymore by almost any definition, but even when I'm in the mix, I'm like, oh, I see you guys. You wanna play this game? Mm-hmm. Let's do this. And then, you know, I'm stacking chairs until I hurt myself. So it's great. That's, that is what we do for each other. It's  [00:25:01] Tony Arsenal: just, I hurt my neck getting outta bed the other day. So it happens. It's real.  [00:25:05] Jesse Schwamb: The struggle. Yeah, the struggle is real.  [00:25:07] The Parable of the Lost Son [00:25:07] Jesse Schwamb: Speaking of struggle, speaking of family issues, speaking of all kinds of drama, let's get into Luke 15 and let me read just, I would say the first part of this parable, which as we've agreed to talk about, if we can even get this far, it's just the younger son. [00:25:24] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:25:25] Jesse Schwamb: And again, don't worry, we're gonna get to all of it, but let me read beginning in, uh, verse 11 here. This is Luke chapter 15. Come follow along as you will accept if you're operating heavy machinery. And Jesus said, A man had two sons and the younger of them said to his father, father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me. So he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country. And there he squandered his estate living recklessly. Now, when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country and it began to be impoverished. So he went and hired himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. So he went and as he was desiring to be fed with the pods that the swine were eating because no one was giving anything to him. But when he came to himself, he said, how many of my father's men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger. I'll rise up and go to my father, and I'll say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired men. So he rose up, came to his father, but while he was still a long way off. His father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him. And the son said to him, father, I've sinned against heaven and before you, I'm no longer worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his slaves, quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet and bring the fat in calf and slaughter it and let us celebrate. For the son of mine was dead and has come to life again. He was lost and he has been found and they began to celebrate.  [00:27:09] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. This is such a, um, such a, I don't know, like pivotal seminal parable in the Ministry of Christ. Um, it's one of those parables and we, we mentioned this briefly last week that even most. It, it hasn't passed out of the cultural zeitgeist yet. A lot of biblical teaching has, I mean, a lot, I think a lot of things that used to be common knowledge where, where you could make a reference to something in the Bible and people would just get it. Um, even if they weren't Christian or weren't believers, they would still know what you were talking about. There's a lot of things in the Bible that have passed out of that cultural memory. The, the parable of the prodigal son, lost son, however you wanna phrase it, um, that's not one of them. Right. So I think it's really important for us, um, and especially since it is such a beautiful picture of the gospel and it has so many different theological touch points, it's really incumbent on us to spend time thinking about this because I would be willing to bet that if you weave. Elements of this parable into your conversations with nonbelievers that you are praying for and, and, you know, witnessing to and sharing the gospel with, if you weave this in there, you're gonna help like plant some seeds that when it comes time to try to harvest, are gonna pay dividends. Right. So I think it's a really, it's a really great thing that we're gonna be able to spend, you know, a couple weeks really just digging into this. [00:28:40] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, and to define the beginning, maybe from the end, just slightly here, I like what you said about this cultural acknowledgement of this. I think one of the correctives we can provide, which is clear in the story, is in the general cultural sense. We speak of this prodigal as something that just returns comes back, was lost, but now is found. And often maybe there is this component of, in the familial relationship, it's as if they've been restored. Here we're gonna of course find that this coming to one senses is in fact the work of God. That there is, again, a little bit of denial that has to bring forward the affirmation here that is the return. And so again, from the beginning here, we're just talking about the younger son. We have more than youthful ambition.  [00:29:19] The Essence of Idolatry and Sin [00:29:19] Jesse Schwamb: This heart of, give me the stuff now, like so many have said before, is really to say. Give me the gifts and not you, which is, I think, a common fault of all Christians. We think, for instance of heaven, and we think of all the blessings that come with it, but not necessarily of the joy of just being with our savior, being with Christ. And I think there's something here right from the beginning, there's a little bit of this betrayal in showing idolatry, the ugliness of treating God's gifts as if there's something owed. And then this idea that of course. He receives these things and imme more or less immediately sometime after he goes and takes these things and squanderers them. And sin and idolatry, I think tends to accelerate in this way. The distance from the father becomes distance from wisdom. We are pulled away from that, which is good. The father here being in his presence and being under his care and his wisdom and in his fear of influence and concern, desiring then to say, I don't want you just give me the gifts that you allegedly owe me. And then you see how quickly like sin does everything you, we always say like, sin always costs more than you want to pay. And it always takes you further than you want to go. And that's exactly what we see here. Like encapsulated in an actual story of relationship and distance.  [00:30:33] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And I, you know, I think, um. It's interesting to me.  [00:30:39] The Greek Words for Property [00:30:39] Tony Arsenal: You know, I, I, I'm a big fan of saying you don't need to study Greek to understand your Bible, but I'm also a big fan of saying understanding a little bit of Greek is really helpful. And one of the things that I think is really intriguing, and I haven't quite parsed out exactly what I think this means, but the word property in this parable, it actually is two different Greek words that is translated as property, at least in the ESV. And neither one of them really fit. What our normal understanding of property would be. And there are Greek words that refer to like all of your material possessions, but it says, father, give me the share of property. And he uses the word usia, which those of us who have heard anything about the trinity, which is all of us, um, know that that word means something about existence. It's the core essence of a person. So it says, father, give me the share of usia that is coming to me. And then it says, and he divided his bias, his, his life between them. Then it says, not many days later, the younger son gathered all that he had took a journey into the far country. There he squandered his usia again. So this, this parable, Christ is not using the ordinary words to refer to material, uh, material accumulation and property like. I think probably, you know, Christ isn't like randomly using these words. So there probably is an element that these were somehow figuratively used of one's life possessions. But the fact that he's using them in these particular ways, I think is significant. [00:32:10] The Prodigal Son's Misconception [00:32:10] Tony Arsenal: And so the, the, the younger son here, and I don't even like calling this the prodigal sun parable because the word prodigal doesn't like the equivalent word in Greek doesn't appear in this passage. And prodigal doesn't mean like the lost in returned, like prodigal is a word that means like the one who spends lavishly, right? So we call him the prodigal son because he went and he squandered all of his stuff and he spent all of his money. So it doesn't even really describe the main feature or the main point of why this, this parable is here. It's just sort of like a random adjective that gets attached to it. But all of that aside, um. This parable starts off not just about wasting our property, like wasting our things, but it's a parable that even within the very embedded language of the parable itself is talking about squandering our very life, our very essence, our very existence is squandered and wasted as we depart from the Father. Right? And this is so like, um, it's almost so on the head, on the on the nose that it's almost a little like, really Jesus. Like this is, this is so like, slap you in the face kind of stuff. This is right outta like Romans, uh, Romans one, like they did not give thanks to God. They did not show gratitude to God or acknowledge him as God. This is what's happening in this parable. The son doesn't go to his father and say, father, I love you. I'm so happy to stay with you. I'm so happy to be here. He, he basically says like. Give me your very life essence, and I'm gonna go, I'm gonna go spend it on prostitutes. I'm gonna go waste your life, father, I'm gonna waste your life, your existence, your bias. I'm gonna go take that and I'm gonna squander it on reckless living. And I guess we don't know for sure. He, it doesn't say he spends it on prostitutes. That's something his brother says later and assumes he did. So I, I don't know that we do that. But either way, I'm gonna take what's yours, your very life, your very essence. And also that my life, my essence, the gift you've given me as my father, you've given me my life. In addition now to your life or a portion of your life. And I'm gonna go squander that on reckless living, right? Like, how much of a picture of sin is that, that we, we take what we've been given by God, our very life, our very essence, we owe him everything, and we squander that on sinful, reckless living. That that's just a slap in the face in the best way right out of the gate here.  [00:34:28] Jesse Schwamb: Yes, that, that's a great point because it's, it would be one thing to rebel over disobedience, another thing to use the very life essence that you've been given for destructive, self-destructive purposes. And then to use that very energy, which is not yours to begin with, but has been imbued in yours, external, all of these things. And then to use that very thing as the force of your rebellion. So it's double insult all the way around. I'm with you in the use of Greek there. Thank you. Locus Bio software. Not a sponsor of the podcast, but could be. And I think that's why sometimes in translations you get the word like a state because it's like the closest thing we can have to understanding that it's property earned through someone's life more or less. Yeah. And then is passed down, but as representative, not just of like, here's like 20 bucks of cash, but something that I spent all of me trying to earn and. And to your point, also emphasizing in the same way that this son felt it was owed him. So it's like really bad all around and I think we would really be doing ourselves a disservice if we didn't think that there's like a little bit of Paul washer saying in this, like I'm talking about you though. So like just be like, look at how disrespectful the sun is. Yeah. Haven't we all done this? To God and bringing up the idea of prodigal being, so that, that is like the amazing juxtaposition, isn't it? Like Prodigal is, is spent recklessly, parsimonious would be like to, to save recklessly, so to speak. And then you have the love the father demonstrates coming against all of that in the same way with like a totally different kind of force. So.  [00:36:02] The Famine and Realization [00:36:02] Jesse Schwamb: What I find interesting, and I think this is like set up in exactly what you said, is that when you get to verse 14 and this famine comes, it's showing us, I think that like providence exposes what Sin conceals.  [00:36:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:36:16] Jesse Schwamb: And want arrives. Not just because like the money ran out, but because again, like these idols, what he's replaced the father with, they don't satisfy. And repentance then often begins when God shows the emptiness of light apart life apart from him. That's like the affirmation being born out of the denial. And so I think that this also is evolving for us, this idea that God is going to use hardship, not as mere punishment, but as mercy that wakes us up and that the son here is being woken up, but not, of course, it's not as if he goes into the land, like you said, starts to spend, is like, whoa, hold on a second. This seems like a bad idea. It's not until all of that sin ever, like the worship of false things collapses under its own weight before it, which is like the precursor of the antecedent, I think, to this grand repentance or this waking up.  [00:37:05] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, I also think it's, um.  [00:37:08] The Depths of Desperation [00:37:08] Tony Arsenal: A feature of this that I haven't reflected on too deeply, but is, is worth thinking about is the famine that's described here only occurs in this far country that he's in. [00:37:17] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah.  [00:37:17] Tony Arsenal: Right. So even that's right. And this is like a multitude of foolish decisions. This is compounding foolish decisions that don't, don't make any sense. Like they don't really actually make any sense. Um. There's not a logic to this, this lost son's decision making. He takes the property. Okay. I guess maybe like you could be anxious to get your inheritance, but then like he takes it to a far country. Like there's no reason for him to do that. If at any point through this sort of insane process he had stopped short, he would not have been in the situation he was in. Yes. And that, I love that phrase, that providence, you know, reveals, I don't know exactly how you said it, but like providence reveals what our sin can bring to us. Like he first see sins against his father by sort of like demanding, demanding his inheritance early. Then he takes it and he leaves his country for no reason. He goes to this far country, then he spends everything and then the famine arises. Right? And the famine arises in this other country.  [00:38:13] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:38:13] Tony Arsenal: And that's, I think that is still again, like a picture of sin. Like we. We don't just, we don't just take what the father has and, and like spend it like that would be bad enough if we weren't grateful for what we have and what we've been given, and we just waste it. But on top of that, now we also have taken ourselves to a far country. Like we've gone away from the good, the good land of the Lord, as those who are not regenerate. We've gone away from the, the Lord into this far country. And it's not until we start to have this famine that we recognize what we've done. And again, this is, this is where I think we get a picture. There's so many theological, like points in this parable particular that it almost feels a little bit like a, like a. Parable that's intended to teach some systematic theology about for sure, the oral salus, which I think there's probably a lot of like biblical theology people that are ready to just crawl through the screen and strangle me for saying that. But this is such a glorious picture of, of regeneration too. [00:39:16] The Journey Back to the Father [00:39:16] Tony Arsenal: Like he comes to himself, there's nothing, there's nothing in the story that's like, oh, and the servant that he was, the other servant he was talking to mentioned that the famine, like there's nothing here that should prompt him to want to go back to his home, to think that his father could or would do anything about it, except that he comes to himself. He just comes to the realization that his father is a good man and is wise and has resources, and has takes care of his, of his servants on top of how he takes care of his sons. That is a picture of regeneration. There's no, yeah. Logical, like I'm thinking my way into it, he just one day realizes how much, how many of my father's servants have more than enough bread. Right. But I'm perishing here in this, this foolish other country with nothing. Right. I can't even, and the, the pods that the pigs ate, we can even, we can get into the pods a little bit here, but like. He wants to eat the pods. The pods that he's giving the pigs are not something that's even edible to humans. He's that destitute, that he's willing to eat these pods that are like, this is the leftover stuff that you throw to the pigs because no, no, nobody and nothing else can actually eat it. And that's the state he's in at the very bottom, in the very end of himself where he realizes my father is good and he loves me, and even if I can never be his son again, surely he'll take care of me. I mentioned it last week, like he wasn't going back thinking that this was gonna be a failing proposition. He went back because he knew or he, he was confident that his father was going to be able to take care of him and would accept him back. Right. Otherwise, what would be the point of going back? It wasn't like a, it wasn't like a, um, a mission he expected to fail at. He expected there to be a positive outcome or he wouldn't have done it. Like, it wouldn't make any sense to try that if there wasn't the hope of some sort of realistic option.  [00:41:09] Jesse Schwamb: And I think his confidence in that option, as you were saying, is in this way where he's constructed a transaction. Yeah. That he's gonna go back and say, if you'll just take me out as a slave, I know you have slaves, I will work for you. Right. Therefore, I feel confident that you'll accept me under those terms because I'll humble myself. And why would you not want to remunerate? Me for the work that I put forward. So you're right, like it's, it's strange that he basically comes to this, I think, sense that slavery exists in his life and who would he rather be the slave of,  [00:41:38] Tony Arsenal: right? [00:41:39] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. And so he says, listen, I'm gonna come to the father and give him this offer. And I'm very confident that given that offer and his behavior, what I know about how he treats his other slaves, that he will hire me back because there's work to do. And therefore, as a result of the work I put forward, he will take care of me. How much of like contemporary theology is being preached in that very way right now?  [00:41:58] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:41:59] Jesse Schwamb: And that's really like why the minimum wages of sin is all of this stuff. It's death. It's the consequences that we're speaking about here. By the way, the idea about famine is really interesting. I hadn't thought about that. It is interesting, again, that sin casts him out into this foreign place where the famine occurs. And that famine is the beginning of his realization of the true destruction, really how far he's devolved and degraded in his person and in his relationships and in his current states. And then of course, the Bible is replete with references and God moving through famine. And whereas in Genesis, we have a local famine, essentially casting Joseph brothers into a foreign land to be freed and to be saved.  [00:42:39] Tony Arsenal: Right.  [00:42:40] Jesse Schwamb: We have the exact opposite, which is really kind of interesting. Yeah. So we probably should talk about, you know, verse 15 and the, and the pig stuff. I mean, I think the obvious statement here is that. It would be scandalous, like a Jewish hero would certainly feel the shame of the pigs. They represent UNC cleanliness and social humiliation. I'm interested again, in, in this idea, like you've started us on that the freedom that this younger brother sought for becomes slavery. It's kind of bondage of the wills style. Yeah. Stuff. There's like an, an attentiveness in the story to the degrading reversal in his condition. And it is interesting that we get there finally, like the bottom of the pit maybe, or the barrel is like you said, the pods, which it's a bit like looking at Tide pods and being like, these are delicious. I wish I could just eat these. So I, I think your point isn't lost. Like it's not just that like he looked at something gross and was so his stomach was grumbling so much that he might find something in there that he would find palatable. It, it's more than that. It's like this is just total nonsense. It, this is Romans one. [00:43:45] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And these pods, like, these aren't, um, you know, I guess I, I don't know exactly what these are. I'm sure somebody has done all of the historical linguistic studies, but the Greek word is related to the, the word for keratin. So like the, the same, the same root word. And we have to be careful not to define a Greek word based on how we use it. That's a reverse etymology fallacy. Like dunamis doesn't mean dynamite, it's the other direction. But the Greek word is used in other places, in Greek literature to describe like the horns of rhinoc, like,  [00:44:21] Jesse Schwamb: right,  [00:44:21] Tony Arsenal: this, these aren't like. These aren't pea pods. I've heard this described like these are like little vegetable pods. No, this is like they're throwing pieces of bone to the pigs.  [00:44:31] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah.  [00:44:31] Tony Arsenal: And the pigs, the pigs can manage it. And this is what this also like, reinforces how destitute and how deep the famine is. Like this isn't as though, like this is the normal food you give to pigs. Like usually you feed pigs, like you feed pigs, like the extra scraps from your table and like other kinds of like agricultural waste. These are, these are like chunks of bony keratin that are being fed to the pigs. So that's how terrible the famine is that not even the pigs are able to get food.  [00:45:00] Jesse Schwamb: Right?  [00:45:00] Tony Arsenal: They're given things that are basically inedible, but the pigs can manage it. And this, this kid is so hungry, he's so destitute that he says, man, I wish I could chew on those bony, those bony pods that I'm feeding them because that's how hungry and starved I am. You get the picture that this, um. This lost son is actually probably not just metaphorically on the brink of death, but he's in real risk of starvation, real risk of death that he, he can't even steal. He can't even steal from the pigs what they're eating, right? Like he can't even, he can't even glean off of what the pigs are eating just to stay alive. He, he's literally in a position where he has no hope of actually rescuing himself. The only thing that he can do, and this is the realization he has, the only thing he can do is throw himself back on the mercy of his father.  [00:45:50] Jesse Schwamb: That's  [00:45:50] Tony Arsenal: right. And, and hope, again, I think hope with confidence, but hope that his father will show mercy on him and his, his conception. I wanna be careful in this parable not to, I, I think there's something to what you're getting at or kinda what you're hinting at, that like his conception of mercy is. Not the full picture of the gospel. Yes. His conception of mercy is that he's going to be able to go and work and be rewarded for his laborers in a way that he can survive. And the gospel is so much broader and so much bigger than that. But at the same time, I think it's, it's actually also a confident hope, a faith-filled hope that his father's mercy is going to rescue him, is going to save him. So it is this picture of what we do. And, and I think, I think sometimes, um, I want to be careful how we say this 'cause I don't wanna, I don't want to get a bunch of angry emails and letters, but I think sometimes we, um, we make salvation too much of a theology test. And there's probably people that are like, Tony, did you really just say that? I think there are people who trust in the Lord Jesus thinking that that means something akin to what. This lost son thinks  [00:47:03] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:47:03] Tony Arsenal: Exactly. They trust. They trust that Jesus is merciful and, and I'm not necessarily thinking of Roman Catholics. I'm not thinking of Roman Catholic theology for sure. I do think there are a fair number of Roman Catholic individuals that fall into this category where they trust Jesus to save them. Right. They just don't fully understand exactly what Jesus means, what that means for them to be saved. They think that Christ is a savior who will provide a way for them to be saved by His grace that requires them to contribute something to it. Arminians fall into that category. Right. I actually think, and I, I think there's gonna be if, if there's, if the one Lutheran who listens to our show hears this is gonna be mad, but I actually think Lutheran theology kind of falls into this in a sort of negative fashion in that you have to not resist grace in order to be saved. So I think. That is something we should grapple with is that there are people who fit into that category, but this is still a faith-filled, hope-filled confidence in the mercy of the father in this parable that he's even willing to make the journey back. Right? This isn't like right, he walks from his house down the street or from the other side of town. He's wandering back from a far country. He, he went into a far country. He has to come back from a far country. And yes, the father greets him from afar and sees him from afar. But we're not talking about like from a far country. Like he sees him coming down the road, it, he has to travel to him, and this is a picture of. The hope and the faith that we have to have to return to God, to throw ourselves on the mercy of Christ, trusting that he has our best interest in mind, that he has died for us, and that it is for us. Right? There's the, the knowledge of what Christ has done, and then there's the ascent to the truth of it. And then the final part of faith is the confidence or the, the faith in trust in the fact that, that is for me as well, right? This, this is a picture of that right here. I, I don't know why we thought we were gonna get through the whole thing in one week, Jesse. We're gonna spend at least two weeks on this lost son, or at least part of the second week here. But he, this is, this is also like a picture of faith. This is why I say this as like a systematic theology lesson on soteriology all packed into here. Because not only do we have, like what is repentance and or what does regeneration look like? It's coming to himself. What does repentance look like? Yes. Turning from your sins and coming back. What is, what is the orde solis? Well, there's a whole, there's a whole thing in here. What is the definition of faith? Well, he knows that his father is good. That he has more than enough food for his servants. He, uh, is willing to acknowledge the truth of that, and he's willing to trust in that, in that he's willing to walk back from a far country in order to lay claim to that or to try to lay claim to it. That's a picture of faith right there, just in all three parts. Right. It's, it's really quite amazing how, how in depth this parable goes on this stuff,  [00:49:54] Jesse Schwamb: right? Yeah. It's wild to note that as he comes to himself, he's still working. Yeah, in that far off country. So this shows again that sin is this cruel master. He hits the bottom, he wants the animal food, but he's still unfed. And this is all the while again, he has some kind of arrangement where he is trying to work his way out of that and he sees the desperation. And so I'm with you, you know, before coming to Christ, A person really, I think must come to themselves and that really is like to say they need to have a sober self-knowledge under God, right? Yeah. Which is, as we said before, like all this talk about, well Jesus is the answer. We better be sure what the question is. And that question is who am I before God? And this is why, of course, you have to have the law and gospel, or you have to have the the bad news before you can have the good news. And really, there's all of this bad news that's delivered here and this repentance, like you've been saying, it's not just mere regret, we know this. It's a turning, it's a reorientation back to the father. He says, I will arise and go to my father. So yeah, also it demonstrates to me. When we do come to ourselves when there's a sober self-knowledge under God, there is a true working out of salvation that necessarily requires and results in some kind of action, right? And that is the mortification of sin that is moving toward God again, under his power and direction of the Holy Spirit. But still there is some kind of movement on our part. And so that I think is what leads then in verse 19, as you're saying, the son and I do love this 'cause I think this goes right back to like the true hope that he has, even though it might be slightly corrupted or slightly wa

Money and marriage—two things God designed to bless us, but they can also be two of the greatest sources of stress. What if we turned financial conflict into connection? Dr. Shane Enete joins us today to share six creative ways couples can build stronger relationships by having intentional financial conversations—what he calls “money dates.”Dr. Shane Enete is an Associate Professor of Finance at Biola University and founded the Biola Center for Financial Planning. He is also the author of the book Whole Heart Finances: A Jesus-Centered Guide to Managing Your Money with Joy.Why You Need to Talk About Money—IntentionallyMany couples avoid conversations about money out of fear. A study of 2,000 couples found that half of them were uncomfortable discussing money because they worried it would lead to conflict. The irony is that by avoiding those talks, the conflict only deepens.On average, couples argue about money 58 times a year. But what if, instead of waiting for issues to flare up, you set aside regular time to talk about your finances together—proactively and prayerfully?That's the heart behind the idea of money dates. You might have to rip off the bandage at first, but we want to help couples make these conversations not just necessary—but enjoyable.Turning Financial Talks Into DatesThese aren't meant for finger-pointing but for course correction—a time to realign your financial goals with your values.But also, why not make it a date? Dating can be a lot of fun if you're intentional. So why not combine something enjoyable with something that's often uncomfortable? When you connect in a fun environment, even money talk becomes more meaningful.The key is consistency. Whether it's over dinner, coffee, or a quiet walk, having a regular rhythm of financial connection helps you stay on the same page as a couple—and deepens your trust.Money Date #1: Share Your Money StoryEvery person brings a financial backstory into marriage—habits, fears, and attitudes shaped by family and early experiences.Think of it as your money autobiography. Reflect on what you learned about money growing up, what messages you received from your parents, and how those experiences influence your decisions today.Take your spouse out for dinner and share those stories. You'll gain empathy and understanding for each other's perspectives. When you know your partner's money story, their spending or saving habits make a lot more sense.Try this: Ask each other, “What's your earliest memory of money?” The answers may surprise you—and bring you closer.Money Date #2: Give TogetherGenerosity is one of the most unifying acts a couple can experience. Here are a few ways to make generosity a shared journey:Set a giving goal. Track your family's progress and celebrate milestones together.Join a giving circle. Partner with friends or your small group to pool resources for a cause you all care about.Create a stretch goal. As your income grows, commit to increasing your giving percentage over time.These conversations shift the focus from money as a source of stress to money as a means of Kingdom impact.Money Date #3: Cook the BooksThis one's both literal and figurative! Instead of going out, stay home and cook a meal together—or grab takeout for a picnic. Use the relaxed environment to talk about your budget rhythm:Who tracks expenses?What budgeting tools or apps will you use?How often will you review spending?The FaithFi app can help simplify this process. It lets couples track giving, spending, and saving all in one place—while keeping biblical wisdom at the center.Money Date #4: Check Your Credit (at the Spa!)Debt can carry emotional weight, so create a peaceful setting for this conversation. A spa day is perfect. It's relaxing—and you can often find affordable day passes.While you unwind, discuss:How much debt do you currently carry?How did your family handle debt growing up?What boundaries would you like to establish regarding credit use?This isn't about blame. It's about caring for each other and agreeing on a plan that both of you believe in.Money Date #5: Number Your DaysThis one takes its inspiration from Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”Couples should view estate planning as an act of love and care. When you prepare a will, name a guardian, or establish a power of attorney, you're doing something deeply selfless—caring for others even after you're gone.Spend a date identifying:Who will serve as executor or guardian for your children?How do you want your assets used to bless others?What legacy of faith and generosity do you want to leave behind?Growing Together Through Financial StewardshipMoney dates are about far more than numbers. They're about connection, empathy, and shared purpose. When couples talk about money in ways that honor God and each other, they grow in wisdom—and unity.When you come together around money with openness and grace, you draw closer not just to each other, but to the heart of God.———————————————————————————————————————Dr. Enete's full article, “Six Great Money Dates,” appears in the 2nd issue of Faithful Steward magazine. When you become a FaithFi Partner with a monthly gift of $35 (or $400 annually), you'll receive Faithful Steward magazine and other exclusive resources to help you grow as a faithful steward. Visit FaithFi.com/Partner to learn more.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My employer closed over six months ago, and I've been unemployed since. My unemployment benefits are gone, and I'm paying my mortgage and bills from savings, which are running low. I've owned my home for over 30 years and have good credit. How can I protect my home, and is mortgage forbearance a good option without hurting my credit?I own a condo, and our HOA has issued two large special assessments for roof repairs—first $1,000 per unit for several months, and now another $781 per month. The original contractor was paid and disappeared. Are there government agencies that can investigate or protect owners in this situation, and what rights do I have?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Six Great Money Dates (Article by Dr. Shane Enete - Faithful Steward: Issue 2)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Given on Septuagesima Sunday, 2026.

By Matthew Curry - Micah 6:8 instructs us to 'do justly'. This sermon walks through what it means to do justly by using the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20 as an example.

C-Lo recaps the Devils beating the Predators. Brandon Beane met the media as they introduced Joe Brady as head coach of the Bills. We played some Rob Saleh from Hard Knocks when he was with the Jets and he talked about a crow attacking an eagle. We heard NFL Films audio of Josh McDaniels with Drake Maye on the sideline. The Moment of The Day: Benefits of coaching teeball (it involves the moms).

Are you looking for tools that clarify, simplify, and anchor faithful stewardship in biblical wisdom? That question has shaped our vision for the newly updated FaithFi app—a discipleship tool designed to help you build financial rhythms that bring peace, clarity, and Christ-centered focus to your money decisions.To help unpack what's new, we sat down with Chad Clark, Chief Technology Officer at Kingdom Advisors and FaithFi. Chad has led the development of the FaithFi app since day one, shaping it into a tool that serves real families seeking to honor God with His resources.When the app first launched, the goal was straightforward: build a biblical stewardship tool that was both practical and accessible. Early versions focused primarily on budgeting and cash-flow management. Over time, the app expanded to include a robust content library of articles, podcasts, and videos, along with a community discussion board—features that helped users learn and encourage one another.This latest update is the biggest we've ever released, and Chad explains what guided the development:“One of the most important questions we can ask when building technology is: How do we make it simpler for the user? Money can be complex. Budgeting software shouldn't make it harder.”To solve that problem, the update introduces:Secure bank connections for importing balances and transactionsNew simplified budgeting tools that make setup easyImproved automated categorization to reduce manual workThese upgrades are designed to help users spend less time tinkering with tools and more time reflecting on the why behind their financial decisions.One of the standout features in the new update is something we're calling Rhythms—structured daily, weekly, and monthly check-ins that help users slow down, reflect, and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.Daily rhythms pair brief transaction reviews with short devotionals and reflection questions. Weekly and monthly rhythms zoom out, helping users observe habits, cash-flow patterns, and financial goals—all with suggested adjustments and heart-level reflection prompts.Chad notes that these rhythms are especially powerful for couples who want to cultivate greater unity and shared stewardship. With a simple weekly or monthly check-in, couples can talk, plan, pray, and adjust together.The update also brings FaithFi content directly into the app in a more seamless and beautiful way. Faithful Steward magazine articles will now have a mobile expression, and studies and devotionals will soon follow. It's one more way the app is becoming a true financial discipleship environment rather than just a budgeting tool.The app now includes optional AI features—but with intentional guardrails. All AI is opt-in, self-hosted, and never sent to third-party models. The goal isn't novelty or complexity; it's simply to automate tedious workflows and simplify budgeting so users can focus not merely on what they're doing with money, but why.“The goal,” Chad says, “is to help people be attentive and obedient to what God is calling them to do with what He's entrusted to them.”Stewardship grows when we slow down, pay attention, and invite God into the decisions we make with His resources. The updated FaithFi app was built to help you do exactly that—establishing rhythms that encourage wisdom, gratitude, reflection, unity, and greater participation in God's Kingdom work.The new version is available now. Just search FaithFi in your app store, or visit FaithFi.com and click App.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have an annuity that will mature in a year or two. It originally came from an IRA. What are my options once it matures—should I roll it into another annuity or back into an IRA?If I have a Medigap supplemental policy, do I need both Medicare Part A and Part B, or just one of them?I don't understand why prices keep going up instead of stabilizing. Why does inflation happen in simple terms?You mentioned recently that students can now get on the Certified Kingdom Advisor track. How could a university start offering that program?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Kingdom Advisors University PartnershipsOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For most of us, water is rarely something we think about. It's as close as the kitchen sink, the refrigerator door, or the bottle beside us at work. But for millions of people around the world, clean water remains out of reach—and the consequences stretch far beyond thirst.Jesus once said, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones… that person will certainly not lose their reward” (Matthew 10:42). On today's episode of Faith & Finance, Aaron Griggs of Cross International shows us just how literal—and transformative—that cup of water can be.Globally, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water. In places like Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda, the crisis is especially severe. Women and children often walk long distances every day to gather water from open pits shared with animals. The water is contaminated, illness is common, and the time lost reinforces generational poverty. Girls miss school, mothers miss work, and entire communities struggle to flourish.This quarter, FaithFi is partnering with Cross International, a Christ-centered humanitarian ministry working alongside local churches and Christian leaders to meet urgent needs and create sustainable change. Their work in Sub-Saharan Africa is showing what can happen when clean water meets the living water of the gospel.After a well is installed in a village, physical health improves quickly—but the long-term effects are even more remarkable. Hours once spent fetching water are freed for school, work, farming, and small business. Women gain economic opportunity. Children gain education. And through Cross International's ministry partners, families are introduced to Jesus, often receiving their first Bibles in their own language.One woman in Zambia described this transformation with simple gratitude:“I never knew that I would be where I am now. My family is healthier, and my children are in school. God has blessed us.”Another woman, Grace, shared how access to water restored not only her family but also her church. For years, her congregation met under a tree because there wasn't enough water for construction. After a new well was installed, the church was rebuilt, children joined their parents in worship, and an entire community experienced renewed dignity and hope. Her favorite Scripture says it best:“Whoever believes in me… rivers of living water will flow from within them.” — John 7:38Cross International's work meets physical needs, but always in the name of Christ. Water is a doorway—opening opportunities for flourishing today and pointing to eternal life in Him. That's why FaithFi is partnering with Cross International this quarter to serve 250 children across Malawi, Zambia, and Uganda, providing not only clean water but also food, education, and the hope of the gospel.For just $62, one child receives these essential resources for a year. Every gift supports not just a child, but often an entire family and community, moving them toward long-term stability and lasting hope.Clean water changes everything—it restores dignity, strengthens families, and reflects the life-giving love of Christ.To learn more or to join us in this effort, visit: FaithFi.com/Cross.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a question about the ‘Trump Accounts' for newborns. What dates are they eligible for, and are there any pros or cons?I just turned 65, and I'm still working with employer health coverage. Do I need to enroll in Medicare Part A or Part B now, or can I wait?While stationed at Fort Polk and Fort Hood, I bought insurance policies that would pay off my houses if something happened to me. I can't find the paperwork anymore. How do I track down which insurers those policies were with?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Cross InternationalNational Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)TrumpAccounts.govOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Was I unfair to the ECT position?In Part 5 of our series on what the Bible says about hell, we return to one of the most debated doctrines in Christian theology: Eternal Conscious Torment (ECT).In earlier sessions, I critically examined the biblical evidence commonly cited in support of ECT. In this livestream, I revisit that material with fresh eyes and cover one aspect of the position I have not yet addressed, "weeping and gnashing of teeth." We also revisit the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man in light of some in-house pushback we received from last week's episode. What the Bible Actually Says About Hell, Part 5. That You May Know Him, Episode 285.

In this podcast, let's take a look - a timely look, at a familiar parable, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. As we dig in, hopefully we can see that this parable is about far more than kindness and compassion towards others - it's about salvation! Let's take a look together now . . .

Money has a way of making life feel complicated. Whether we're facing major financial crossroads or simply trying to steward everyday expenses with wisdom, many of us default to figuring things out on our own. But Scripture reminds us that navigating life in isolation isn't a sign of strength—it's often a barrier to wisdom. Proverbs 11:14 teaches that “where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Wise counsel, especially when rooted in biblical truth, protects us from blind spots, emotional decision-making, and unnecessary regret.On this episode of Faith & Finance, Sharon Epps—President of Kingdom Advisors and a familiar voice to FaithFi listeners—joins us to explore why seeking counsel is an essential part of faithful stewardship. Sharon explains that while Scripture is our ultimate authority, God often uses people to speak wisdom into our lives. Advisors, mentors, and trustworthy peers help us see what we might otherwise miss, and their influence can redirect us toward obedience, humility, and clarity.Yet many believers hesitate to ask for help. Sharon acknowledges that reluctance often stems from pride—the subtle belief that we should be able to manage life independently. But asking for help is an act of faith, not weakness. It invites others to use the gifts God has given them and prevents us from making decisions based solely on fear, impulse, or confirmation bias.Drawing from the story of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12, Sharon highlights the danger of listening only to voices that tell us what we want to hear. Rehoboam rejected the wisdom of seasoned counselors in favor of peers who affirmed his own desires—and the outcome was disastrous. The lesson is clear: godly counsel may not always feel comfortable, but it aligns us with God's purposes and challenges us to pursue stewardship that honors Him.Sharon then offers practical guidance for how believers can seek wise counsel today. At times, this involves working with trained financial professionals—such as Certified Kingdom Advisors (CKA)—who integrate biblical wisdom with planning, investing, and long-term financial strategy. In other seasons, we need mentors who have walked ahead of us and can offer perspective, or peer friendships that speak truth with honesty and grace. Sometimes the right conversation happens over coffee; other times it requires prayer, pastoral guidance, and spiritual discernment.For those currently overwhelmed by a financial decision, Sharon's simple encouragement is: don't go it alone. Isolation amplifies anxiety, while community brings clarity. Invite trusted voices into the process, seek the Lord in prayer, and remember James 1:5—God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.Listeners interested in working with a financial professional trained to offer biblically faithful and practically sound counsel can connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) at FindACKA.com.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I aren't always on the same page when it comes to money. We moved last year and kept our old house as a rental, which would cover both mortgages. He wants to pay off the rental, but the rental rate is under 4%, and the new house rate is almost 7%. Which mortgage should we pay down first, and how can we better approach our finances together?I'm 57 and retired. I want to invest something for my six-year-old grandson's future—not just for college, but for when he's older—and I want to make sure it can't be accessed until then. What are my options?My 26-year-old son wants to buy his first home and doesn't always take my advice. I want to guide him wisely without pushing too hard. What's the best way to help him think about down payments, inspections, and timing as a young buyer?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Wow! Exploring the Beauty of God Donate to Support The Journey

Join Dr. Judith as she delves into the heart of emotional alchemy, exploring how the soul can transform pain into Christ-like power. In this episode, you'll learn the art of turning wounds into wisdom and pain into purpose. Dr. Judith shares profound insights into the spiritual and neurological aspects of emotional transformation, using compelling examples and timeless wisdom. Discover how to align with divine will, embrace your pain with compassion, and radiate love and strength through the journey of emotional alchemy. This episode provides practical exercises and deep reflections that guide you toward a profound internal transformation, turning past wounds into present blessings. Tune in to understand the sacred process of moving from hurt to healing, to holiness.00:00 Introduction to Emotional Alchemy00:23 Understanding Christ-like Power02:28 Aiden's Journey: From Control to Surrender05:20 Embracing Pain with Compassion09:01 The Fires of Transformation10:31 The Parable of the Blacksmith11:36 Stages of Emotional Alchemy15:18 The Power of Love in Healing21:13 Becoming a Beacon of Compassion22:44 Conclusion: The Art of Emotional Alchemy

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Read Online“And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. Mark 4:8–10The Parable of the Sower is one of Jesus' foundational teachings. When preaching from a boat to a large crowd, Jesus used parables to reveal the mystery of the Kingdom of God. Afterward, His disciples questioned why He spoke in veiled language rather than directly. Jesus responded, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that ‘they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven'” (Mark 4:11–12).At first, this response might seem perplexing. Why would Jesus teach in a way that some would not understand, potentially hardening their hearts further? To understand this, we turn to the Prophet Isaiah, whom Jesus quoted (cf. Isaiah 6:8–13). God commissioned Isaiah to preach to a people who were stubborn and unrepentant, saying they would “look and see but not perceive” and “hear and listen but not understand.” Despite Isaiah's zeal, God permitted their hardness of heart so they could face the consequences of their refusal to repent. This prophetic action sheds light on Jesus' use of parables.God “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). However, for those who refuse His Word, God sometimes permits their obstinacy as an act of mercy. Parables serve a dual purpose. For those open, they invite reflection and reveal deeper truths that lead to greater faith. For those closed, parables expose their resistance, deepening their awareness of spiritual emptiness. This process, though painful, is a merciful act, meant to confront individuals with the consequences of their sin and lead them to repentance.The Parable of the Sower, in particular, invites us to examine the “soil” of our own hearts. God, in His generosity, spreads the seed of His Word widely, offering grace and Truth to everyone. What kind of soil are you? Are you like the path, where the Word is quickly devoured by distractions, pride, or indifference, leaving no room for growth? Are you like the rocky ground, receiving the Word with enthusiasm but lacking the roots to endure trials and tribulations? Or are you like the thorny ground, where worldly anxieties, the lure of riches, and divided priorities choke the Word before it can bear fruit?Ideally, we are none of the above. Jesus calls us to cultivate rich soil—a heart receptive to His Word, where His grace takes root and bears abundant fruit. Only when we are receptive to grace and nurture the truths we have received through fidelity can we see God's Word flourish in our lives.This parable also teaches us how to respond to those who appear closed and obstinate. It is tempting to grow discouraged or angry and give up. But that is not what Jesus did, nor is it what Isaiah did. Isaiah fulfilled his mission to preach, even to those who rejected him. Similarly, Jesus continued to preach, using parables to reach all people, knowing that rejection would come. Reflect today on the soil of your heart and the hearts of those whom you are called to evangelize. Through prayer, nourish the Word of God within you so it can bear fruit. Persevere in sharing God's Word with others. When Isaiah asked how long he should continue preaching, God responded, “Until the cities are desolate, without inhabitants, Houses, without people, and the land is a desolate waste.” In other words, do not stop, even in the face of rejection. Even when all hope seems gone. Sow the seed of God's Word faithfully, trusting that even the hardened soil of obstinate hearts can one day bear good fruit. My relentless Lord, You sow Your Word with superabundant generosity, showering Your Truth upon all in the hope of their repentance. Grant that I may be among those who listen attentively, cherish Your Word, and nourish it within my heart. As my faith takes root and grows, use me as an instrument of Your grace to reach out to others, tirelessly sowing Your Truth in those You have entrusted to me. Strengthen me to persevere in this mission until the end of my days on earth. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Parable of the Sower by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Jesus taught that the true measure of giving isn't the size of the gift but the heart behind it. Generosity begins long before anything leaves our hands. It starts with what we treasure, love, and worship.Few writers explore the inner life of faith as clearly as Pierce Taylor Hibbs, senior writer at Westminster Theological Seminary and the author of more than twenty books on Christian living. In today's episode, he joins us to invite believers to examine not just the act of giving but the spiritual forces beneath it.In a recent article for the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine titled "Motive Is Everything," he draws from counselor David Powlison to explain that there's always a “sun” around which the planets of our lives turn. We're always pulled toward something—success, security, comfort, pleasure, affirmation, or money—because we're created to worship. The question isn't whether we worship, but what we worship.When the created things we enjoy begin to occupy the center, Scripture calls it idolatry. Money is especially powerful in this way because it overlaps with pleasure and power. It promises control over life and the ability to enjoy it—two desires that easily eclipse our devotion to God if left unchecked.To explore the heart behind generosity, Hibbs points to one of Scripture's most striking stories: the widow's offering in Mark 12. We don't know her name, but Jesus knew her heart. While others gave large sums, she dropped two small coins into the temple treasury—an amount no one else would have celebrated. Yet Jesus did. He saw not the amount but the motive.That's the point: Giving is never merely transactional. It's deeply spiritual. It reveals what we value most.Hibbs notes that Scripture treats the heart—the lebab—as the control center of our lives. The Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck wrote that the heart is the source of both our rational and volitional life. It shapes what we think, desire, choose, and pursue. Outward actions are merely the visible tip of an iceberg. Beneath them lies motive.Jesus makes the same point in Luke 6:45: “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good…for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Our generosity flows from whatever we treasure most. If we treasure God, giving becomes worship. If we treasure self, giving becomes calculation, obligation, or strategy.This reframes generosity. It's not just about allocating money. It's about the posture of the soul. It includes time, attention, hospitality, compassion, and quiet acts of service—not only dollars in a plate.So how do we cultivate godly motives? Hibbs suggests beginning with Scripture—especially the Gospels—and watching how Jesus treats people. Jesus continually draws attention to what's happening beneath the surface: motives, desires, and loves.We don't wait for perfectly pure motives to give—we'll never act if we do. But we do allow the Spirit to search us, shape us, and re-center our hearts on Christ, the God who gives first so that we might become givers.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My son owns a rental property in Baltimore, but the tenant hasn't paid rent for two months. This has happened before, and it's putting financial strain on his family. We're debating whether to sell the house, but it would need some work. If we keep it, are there any tax deductions or benefits since the tenant isn't paying? What should my son do?I'm 64 and still working full time, but I'd like to withdraw money from my 401(k). Since I'm over 59½, can I do that without the 10% penalty even though I'm still employed? What should I know about taxes and plan rules?My wife is retired and in her 60s, but I'm not yet at retirement age. We're both on the mortgage. Can we still get a reverse mortgage, or do both borrowers have to meet the age requirement?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Motive Is Everything by Pierce Taylor Hibbs (Faithful Steward Issue 4 Article)The Book of Giving: How the God Who Gives Can Make Us Givers by Pierce Taylor HibbsOur Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're back with our continuing third collection. This week it's: "Shadow - A Parable" by Edgar Allan Poe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Wow! Exploring the Beauty of God Donate to Support The Journey

We're back with our continuing third collection. This week it's: "Shadow - A Parable" by Edgar Allan Poe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Living Proof Ministries is pleased to share a teaching series about the Parable of the Talents originally recorded during Beth's May 2014 Living Proof Live event held in Spokane, WA.We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

Living Proof Ministries is pleased to share a teaching series about the Parable of the Talents originally recorded during Beth's May 2014 Living Proof Live event held in Spokane, WA.We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

When Jesus spoke about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25, He revealed one of the most sobering and misunderstood truths in all of Scripture. In this eye-opening message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover what the Lord truly meant about His coming judgment, His kingdom, and the separation that will one day take place between the righteous and the lost. When the King sits on His glorious throne, will you be found among His sheep … or His goats?

Why do we give? Many Christians would answer simply: because Scripture tells us to. But if giving is only an obligation, something we do because we “should,” generosity will always feel heavy—like a tax, a duty, or a calculation. The Bible offers a far more compelling vision. It tells a story where generosity flows not from guilt or pressure, but from grace.Most of us genuinely want to be generous. Few people say, “I don't want to give.” Yet generosity doesn't always come easily. We run the numbers. We think about what's coming next. We worry whether our gift will make a difference. Sometimes we even reduce generosity to a math problem—something we'll do once everything feels secure.Beneath those questions is a deeper one: Why do we give in the first place?Scripture doesn't begin the conversation about giving with budgets or even with commands. It begins with identity. Before you ever give a dollar, you are already living on a gift. Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). You have received mercy instead of judgment, forgiveness in place of guilt, adoption instead of estrangement. Daily bread, new life, a secured future in Christ—all of it is grace.And when grace takes root, generosity follows.Paul describes this beautifully: “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). This isn't just poetic language—it's the pattern of Christian generosity. Jesus did not cling to comfort, status, or security. As Philippians 2:7 says, He emptied Himself. He entered our poverty so we could share His riches. The gospel doesn't merely forgive sinners; it forms a generous people who reflect the heart of the Giver.That means our giving is never about earning God's favor or proving our faith. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19). The same is true with generosity—we give because He first gave.This changes the tone entirely. Instead of pressure, generosity becomes privilege. Instead of fear—fear of not having enough, fear of loss—it becomes trust. Giving becomes a declaration that God is our provider, not our bank account, and that our security is anchored in Christ, not in financial margins.And this grace-shaped generosity is not reserved for the wealthy. Every believer has received the riches of Christ, which means every believer has something to give. Sometimes it looks like a financial sacrifice. Other times, like hospitality, encouragement, time, or presence. Generosity is broader than money and deeper than obligation.In the end, we don't give to become generous people. We give because God has already been generous with us. Generosity doesn't begin with what we give—it begins with what we've received. When grace becomes the foundation, giving becomes a joy.———————————————————————————————————————If you'd like to explore how the gospel reshapes the way we think about money, stewardship, and generosity, we're about to release a new 21-day devotional called Our Ultimate Treasure, written by our own Rob West. It's designed to help you slow down, reflect on God's grace, and connect biblical faith to everyday financial decisions. You can preorder your copy—or place a bulk order for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. Or receive it automatically when you become a FaithFi Partner at FaithFi.com/Give.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm recently widowed, and our home is for sale. Once it sells, I'll have a significant amount of money to manage wisely. I'm debt-free and have family I'd like to bless, but I also want to make good long-term decisions. Where should I start?My boyfriend is 62 and took early retirement. He's about to receive a profit-sharing payout but has no plan beyond keeping the money in cash. I'm trying to help him figure out what to do with it. What's the best way to get him started?My daughter is a teacher with a pension and many years before retirement. She has about $25,000 in a high-yield savings account. Would opening a Roth IRA at a place like Schwab or Fidelity be the best next step, or should we consider other options for long-term growth?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Financial Next Steps After Losing A Spouse by Valerie Neff Hogan, J.D., CFP (Faithful Steward Issue 3 Article)Widow ConnectionNational Christian Foundation (NCF)Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful StewardshipWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Message by Scott Pinkham

Carlos Lollett unpacks truths in the Parable of the Talents to see how we can be faithful to God.

Sermon: Parable of the Four SoilsScripture: Matthew 13:1-23Speaker: Pastor Andrew Happ

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Have you met many shepherds lately? Seems like a dying profession. They're out there, but they don't get much press. Which is a shame, because Jesus thought the work of a shepherd was mission-critical.  Turns out, it still is. The work of a shepherd is intentional, tedious, and repetitive. A shepherd knows their flock, how many are supposed to be there, and notices when one wanders off. You've got to know your flock well to notice when just a singular sheep goes astray. That's how God knows us.  That's why, nearly 100 years ago to the day, Dr. Umphrey Lee decided that Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1–7) should be the featured Scripture adorning the walls of our Sanctuary. As we go through week three of “The Final Four,” we'll take a look at this marvelous story and why it's more relevant than ever.

A Parable of PromiseSeries: The God of Promise Speaker: Dr. Wes FeltnerDate: 25th January 2026Passage: Matthew 13:24-30

Most people, when asked about their biggest financial regret, will point to mistakes involving debt, missed investment opportunities, or overspending. But for today's guest, the regret was far more surprising—and far more spiritual. Dr. Art Rainer says his greatest financial regret is not having started tracking his generosity sooner.On this episode of Faith & Finance, Dr. Art Rainer joins us to talk about how something as simple as recording our giving can strengthen our stewardship, deepen our joy, and align our financial lives more closely with Scripture. Rainer, founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, has spent years helping believers think biblically about money. But this particular practice—tracking generosity—came to him through a friend and quickly reshaped his financial priorities.Dr. Rainer identifies four compelling reasons every believer should consider tracking their giving. First, generosity is not merely an optional add-on to the Christian life; according to Scripture, it's a financial priority. Proverbs 3:9 calls us to honor the Lord with our wealth and with the firstfruits of our increase. God created us not to stockpile resources but to act as conduits of His provision. If generosity stands at the front of faithful stewardship, it makes sense to pay attention to it—just as we would with saving, budgeting, or debt reduction.Second, Rainer explains that we naturally “chase what we track.” What we measure shapes what we pursue. Many of us track our net worth, our spending categories, or our fitness goals—and we make progress because the very act of monitoring fuels intentionality. If that's true for paying off debt or saving for a car, why wouldn't it be even more true for generosity, one of the most transformative habits in the Christian life?Third, he notes that generosity is missing from the financial dashboards believers tend to rely on. Our balance sheets and net worth statements are helpful tools, but they tell only part of the story—and often reward the very behaviors Scripture warns us not to idolize. In fact, traditional financial statements treat giving as a negative, a depletion of wealth, even though Scripture teaches that generosity stores up lasting treasure (Matthew 6:19–21). Tracking giving puts what God values most back into view.Finally, tracking generosity helps believers remember why they give in the first place. Every dollar represents impact—lives changed, ministries strengthened, needs met, and the gospel advanced. While most of that impact won't be fully seen until eternity, keeping a record helps us trace God's faithfulness and celebrate His work through us. It turns giving into worship, gratitude, and mission rather than mere obligation.Dr. Rainer concludes with simple encouragement to get started: look back at prior giving, record it, and move forward. A spreadsheet is enough. The goal isn't pride, but praise—remembering God's provision and rejoicing in the privilege of generosity.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm receiving a substantial inheritance—approximately half a billion dollars—and neither my children nor I need it. I want to use it wisely and not simply pass the responsibility to my kids. How should I approach that?My sister and I want to start a Christian film studio to create apologetics content. What does it take legally to set up a 501(c)(3), and how would someone support themselves financially while running one?I just had a CD mature, and I'd like to reinvest the $50,000 into an account that yields more than 2%. I remember you mentioned something in the 6% range, which is now around 5%. What are my options for safe investments with higher yields?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives by Ron Blue with Jeremy WhiteChristian Money SolutionsInstitute for Christian Financial HealthExcellence in Giving | National Christian Foundation (NCF)GainbridgeBankrateWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, TX Has American Christianity Failed?The post The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Part 3 – Bryan Wolfmueller, 1/22/26 (0221) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

God has entrusted every believer with gifts, abilities, and opportunities — but what are you doing with what you've got? In this powerful message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover the life-changing truths from Jesus' Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. Some invest what God gives them and see it multiply for His glory, while others bury their blessings in fear or apathy. One day, the Master will return to settle accounts. Will He find you faithful with what He's placed in your hands?

Investing doesn't require a fortune — just a willingness to begin with what you have. That's the message Mark Biller, Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, emphasizes as he encourages listeners to start small, stay consistent, and keep investing simply as an act of faithful stewardship.Biller starts by reminding beginners that wise investing is built on a solid financial foundation. Before putting money at risk in the markets, he urges individuals to pay down high-interest consumer debt, establish a modest emergency fund, and follow a spending plan. Paying off double-digit credit card debt offers a guaranteed return that most investments struggle to match. The exception comes when an employer offers matching contributions in a retirement plan—since a match functions like an immediate return on contributions, it's often worth taking advantage of even while still eliminating smaller debts.For those ready to invest, workplace retirement plans—such as 401(k)s—are typically the best place to begin. They offer three major benefits: tax-advantaged growth, automatic contributions that promote consistency, and, in many cases, employer-matching contributions. Biller calls the match “free money,” noting that it's effectively part of an employee's compensation and should not be left on the table. For listeners without a workplace plan, an IRA—and especially a Roth IRA for younger workers—provides similar tax advantages and helps develop long-term investing habits.New investors often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of financial information available today. Biller warns that waiting until you “know everything” often results in never starting at all. The more important step is to build momentum by contributing regularly, even in small amounts. Investing is a habit, and habits gain strength through repetition.To keep things simple, Biller recommends relying on broad, low-cost index funds—often available through both workplace plans and discount brokerage firms. Index funds offer immediate diversification, require minimal expertise, and allow investors to learn gradually without taking on unnecessary risk. More sophisticated strategies can come later; simplicity removes barriers at the beginning.Alongside practical guidance, Biller highlights several behavioral realities: choose a few trusted financial voices, tune out noise that stirs fear or greed, and resist a false urgency to time the market. Successful investing requires patience and emotional steadiness more than constant research.As the conversation wraps up, Biller offers encouragement: while investing can appear complex, most of the benefits come from a few basic disciplines. You don't need large sums to begin; time in the market is your greatest ally. Maintain a heart-level posture as a steward, trusting that God can multiply small beginnings into meaningful long-term outcomes. Wise investing is ultimately an expression of faithful management, not accumulation for its own sake.To learn more about Sound Mind Investing, you can go to SoundMindInvesting.org. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My wife and I have been blessed, and through our business and frugal lifestyle, we've saved a significant amount. We also partner in projects in Haiti, Honduras, and El Salvador. Right now, we have about $250,000 in a stock account and $400,000 with LPL Financial. Would it be smarter to consolidate those investments to make them easier to manage and potentially grow faster? I'd appreciate your advice.Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Sound Mind Investing (SMI)Starting Small, Finishing Well by Joseph Slife (SMI Article)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, we deep-dive into the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Ruler (Luke 16:19-31) in order to answer the following question: Did Jesus believe that hell was temporary or forever? What the Bible Actually Says About Hell, Part 4. That You May Know Him, Episode 284.

Be wary whom you go to work for. Moral compromises add up and eventually destroy you.

Economic forecasters expect U.S. growth in 2026 to settle between 1.5% and 2%—sluggish, but not recessionary. Still, analysts warn that if inflation reignites or global trade pressures intensify, a mild downturn is possible. For many households, this uncertainty fuels anxiety—especially around rising health-care costs.On today's program, Lauren Gajdek, Senior Director of External Affairs at Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), joins us to offer practical guidance for navigating health-care expenses in a slow-growth, high-uncertainty environment.Lauren notes that beyond slower GDP projections, unemployment remains elevated at 4.4% and inflation has yet to return to the Federal Reserve's 2% target. That combination creates financial pressure for both working families and retirees. If someone loses their job—and, with it, employer-provided health coverage—Lauren explains the options: COBRA allows continuation of benefits, but the individual must pay the full premium, which is extremely costly. Marketplace plans on Healthcare.gov also carry high premiums and, increasingly, high out-of-pocket maximums. For many families, the total annual exposure can exceed $20,000.That's why Lauren highlights an alternative that more Christians are turning to: health-care sharing ministries. CHM—founded on the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)—is not insurance. Instead, members remain legally responsible for their medical bills, and CHM facilitates the sharing of eligible expenses among members.To help listeners understand the model, Lauren outlines how cost sharing works in practice. Members pay a monthly amount based on the program level and family size. For example, CHM's Gold program is priced at $299 per “unit,” where each adult is a unit and all dependent children together count as one additional unit—making it particularly advantageous for families. CHM also offers Silver, Bronze, and SeniorShare options, allowing households to tailor participation to their needs and budgets.When medical needs arise—an emergency-room visit, for example—the member pays their defined personal responsibility amount, and CHM shares the remaining eligible expenses. Related follow-up care from the same incident can also be submitted for reimbursement.As the nation's oldest health-care sharing ministry and a longtime underwriter of Faith & Finance, CHM has paid more than $13 billion in medical bills since its founding. Lauren emphasizes that while it operates as a ministry, CHM also provides practical financial support, helping Christians manage health care costs during uncertain economic times.If you're interested in learning more, you can visit CHMinistries.org/FaithFi for additional details.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I own a small, mortgage-free house on 18 acres, and we'd like to purchase neighboring land at a discount to expand our nonprofit's safe haven for domestic violence survivors. We have limited savings and no debt, and I'm turning 62 next month. Should we consider a reverse mortgage, rent out the smaller house, sell the property, or finance the purchase? What's the wisest option for our situation?I'm about to receive a sizable check from an account that closed. While I look for a financial advisor, where should I park the money for a few weeks or months to earn interest? I know money markets are insured up to $250,000, but what if the deposit is much larger? Do I need multiple accounts, or is there a way to increase the insured amount in one place?When I tithe and give offerings and then receive a giving statement for tax season, is it wrong to claim that deduction? Am I ‘taking money back from God,' or am I just misunderstanding how taxes and deductions work?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jesus said the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom—five wise and five foolish. In this eye-opening message from Pastor Jeff Schreve, discover what the Parable of the Ten Virgins teaches about true salvation and spiritual readiness. Some were prepared with oil in their lamps; others thought they could borrow from someone else. But when the midnight cry rang out—“Behold, the Bridegroom is coming!”—it was too late to get ready. Don't wait until the door is shut. Be wise, be watchful, and be ready for the coming of the King!

Staying on budget doesn't have to be complicated—or exhausting. A growing number of families are discovering that a simple, five-minute weekly check-in can make the difference between feeling reactive and feeling in control. On today's episode of Faith and Finance, Crystal Payne joins us to offer a practical rhythm for keeping your spending aligned with your priorities. Crystal is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com and the author of several bestselling books on frugal living and family budgeting. She writes extensively on financial stewardship in the latest issue of Faithful Steward magazine.Crystal's approach centers on six weekly questions—each one designed to build awareness, reduce stress, and encourage intentionality rather than guilt or perfectionism.1. What worked this week? Begin with the wins. Identifying progress reinforces good habits and motivates continued change.2. What didn't work this week? Honesty about drift or weak spots brings clarity. Patterns often emerge in categories such as dining out or impulse purchases. The goal isn't shame—it's information.3. What do I want to change? Awareness should lead to one small, actionable adjustment for the week ahead—rebalancing a category, revising expectations, or improving tracking.4. What surprised me? Looking for unexpected expenses, higher bills, or forgotten credits helps reduce future anxiety and highlights planning opportunities.5. Was I over budget anywhere? Overages aren't failures; they show where reality differs from assumptions. This is where Crystal recommends treating your budget like a GPS—when life takes a detour, simply recalculate.6. Any “aha” moments? These reflect where money, values, and emotions intersect. Many people recognize that a bit of planning reduces tension, that habits shape outcomes, or that spending aligns—or doesn't—with their priorities.At the heart of this rhythm is intentionality. Crystal notes that a budget isn't meant to sit in the background until there's a problem. When revisited consistently, it becomes a tool that works for you rather than a set of rules you feel pressured to obey.For married couples, Crystal suggests reviewing the budget together, approaching the conversation with curiosity rather than criticism. Shared visibility promotes unity and helps both spouses move their priorities forward without resentment or misunderstanding.A five-minute weekly review may sound small, but over time it transforms budgeting from crisis-management into stewardship. It helps families spend purposefully, adjust gracefully, and ensure their financial decisions reflect what they truly value.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I are trying to decide how to handle our son's $6,500 student loan. He's in the military and hasn't made payments since 2015. Should we pay it off in full from our retirement or savings, or just pay the minimum $75 per month and put that amount into an emergency fund for him and his wife? Also, would paying monthly affect his credit score?I'm 36 and have a 401(k), but I contribute about $25 every two weeks. I'd like to invest more, but I don't fully understand the differences among NASDAQ, S&P, index funds, and other investment options. What's the best strategy for someone my age who can take some risk?I retired at 66 and have never touched my employer retirement account or my IRA. I just turned 73, so I have to start taking RMDs. How are RMDs calculated, and how can I use them in a way that still allows me to tithe, give, and leave money to my children?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)MoneySavingMom.comHow Can I Keep My Budget On Track? By Crystal Paine (Article in Faithful Steward Issue 4)Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the early hours of March 13, 1964, twenty-eight-year-old Kitty Genovese returned home from work and parked her car in a lot near her Queens apartment, completely unaware that someone was following her. As she approached the door to her apartment building, Kitty's stalker ran up behind her and stabbed her in the back twice before being scared off by a neighbor who yelled from his window. Wounded, Kitty managed to get to the back of the building, but her attacker soon returned and brutally assaulted her. By the time an ambulance arrived an hour later, it was too late; Kitty Genovese died before she reached the hospital.Kitty's murder and the arrest of her killer, Winston Moseley, were quickly overshadowed by what were believed to be the facts of the attack, primarily the widely held belief that at least thirty-eight neighbors had seen the assault or heard Kitty's cries for help and did nothing. Despite there having been no evidence to support that belief, the narrative quickly became about urban apathy, with the death of a Queens bartender merely a footnote. The murder of Kitty Genovese is one of the most notorious violent crimes in modern American history—not because of the details or circumstances of the crime, but because of the legend and mythology that has built up around it.ReferencesCook, Kevin. 2014. Kitty Genovese: The Murder, the Bystanders, the Crime that Changed America. New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.Gallo, Marcia M. 2014. "The Parable of Kitty Genovese, the New York Times, and the Erasure of Lesbianism." Journal of the Hisotry of Sexuality 273.Gansberg, Martin. 1964. "37 who saw murder didn't call the police." New York Times, March 27: 1.New York Times. 1964. "Queens man seized in death of 2 women." New York Times, March 20: 21.Pearlman, Jeff. 2004. "'64 murder lives in heart of woman's 'friend'." Chicago Tribune, March 12: 4.Peltz, Jennifer. 2015. Kitty Genovese Killer Denied Parole in Notorious 1964 Case . November 17. Accessed January 9, 2026. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/kitty-genovese-killer-denied-parole-notorious-1964-stabbing-new-york-city/1274332/.Roberts, Sam. 2020. "Sophia Farrar dies at 92; belied indifference to Kitty Genovese." New York Times, September 10.Rosenthal, Abe. 1964. "Apathy is puzzle in queens killing." New York Times, March 28: 21. —. 1964. "Study of the Sickness called apathy." New York Times, May 3: 24.Simon, Scott. 2016. The Witness' Tells A Different Story About The Kitty Genovese Murder. May 28. Accessed January 9, 2026. https://www.npr.org/2016/05/28/479824705/-the-witness-tells-a-different-story-about-the-kitty-genovese-murder. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Living Proof Ministries is pleased to share a teaching series about the Parable of the Talents originally recorded during Beth's May 2014 Living Proof Live event held in Spokane, WA.We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

Living Proof Ministries is pleased to share a teaching series about the Parable of the Talents originally recorded during Beth's May 2014 Living Proof Live event held in Spokane, WA.We would love to have you join us for a Living Proof Live Event! Beth always brings a fresh word. Check out our Events webpage to see Beth in-person (https://www.lproof.org/events).---------------Living Proof Ministries is dedicated to encouraging people to come to know and love Jesus Christ through the study of Scripture."For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two-edged sword." –Hebrews 4:12---------------Connect with us:WEBSITE: https://www.lproof.org/YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRJmg8jt3mQ4DTELKDde4rQINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/livingproofministries/FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LivingProofMinistriesWithBethMoore/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/BethMooreLPM

Read OnlineThe disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?” Mark 2:18–19Fasting was common in Old Testament times. Its purpose was to express repentance, mourning, or preparation for divine intervention. This was especially true among John the Baptist's disciples who fasted in response to John's call to repentance and preparation for the coming of the Messiah.Though the Pharisees fasted, their fasting was often for show, to illustrate a false piety. Recall the Pharisee's prayer in the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector: “The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income'” (Luke 18:11–12). In today's Gospel, Jesus explains that His disciples do not fast now, but that a day is coming when they will need to fast. Jesus explains this within the context of revealing His divine identity as the Bridegroom of God's people.Through the prophets, God often described His relationship with His people in terms of a marriage covenant. Isaiah said, “For your husband is your Maker; the LORD of hosts is his name, Your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, called God of all the earth” (Isaiah 54:5). Hosea prophesied, “I will betroth you to me forever: I will betroth you to me with justice and with judgment, with loyalty and with compassion…” (Hosea 2:22–23).While Jesus, the Bridegroom, was with them physically, His disciples were at their wedding banquet, celebrating the new marriage covenant God was establishing with them. It was inappropriate to fast at such a banquet. However, “the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day” (Mark 2:20). This is a reference to Jesus' Passion, Death, and Ascension. He prophesied that once the New Marital Covenant was sealed in His Blood and His earthly mission completed, “they will fast on that day.” That day is today!In the early Church, fasting was also common: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2–3). In this instance, fasting helped the teachers and prophets in Antioch discern Saul and Barnabas' mission in preparation for sending them forth.Today, Jesus not only calls us to regular forms of fasting and mortification, doing so is an essential part of our spiritual journey. This teaching is clear in the New Testament. For example, at the beginning of Jesus' ministry He entered the desert and “fasted for forty days and forty nights” (Matthew 4:2). This models for us the value of fasting as we attempt to fulfill our missions and overcome the temptations of the evil one.If we want to imitate our Lord, deepen our covenantal bond with Him, and further His mission, then we must regularly fast. Though fasting is only required twice a year—on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday—we are encouraged to do so weekly, especially on Fridays, uniting this practice to our prayer life. Reflect today on your practice of fasting and other forms of regular mortification. Fasting is an interior discipline that unites us to the suffering Christ and prepares our hearts to receive His abundant grace. By helping us overcome the enticements of the flesh and distractions of this world, fasting refocuses our souls on the eternal wedding feast that awaits us in Heaven. Embrace fasting not as a burden, but as a joyful opportunity to grow in holiness, deepen your covenantal relationship with the Bridegroom, and prepare more fully for the mission on which He sends you.My Lord and Bridegroom, through the shedding of Your Blood, You have established a New Covenant of love and salvation with me. I long to deepen this covenant and remain faithful to the mission You have entrusted to me. When I am tempted by the disorder of my appetites or distracted by the allurements of the world, remind me of the necessity and grace of fasting. Help me to embrace this holy practice with joyful anticipation of its spiritual rewards and with greater trust in Your providence. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller of St. Paul Lutheran, Austin, TX Has American Christianity Failed?The post The Parable of the Prodigal Son, Part 2 – Bryan Wolfmueller, 1/16/26 (0162) first appeared on Issues, Etc..