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What do Bigfoot and credit reports have in common? They're both surrounded by myths. While we may never settle the question of an eight-foot-tall creature wandering the woods, we can clear up the confusion around credit reports. On this episode of Faith & Finance, Neile Simon, a Certified Credit Counselor with Christian Credit Counselors, stops by to clear up some of the most common misconceptions about credit reports and credit scores. Understanding how credit really works can help you avoid costly mistakes and make wiser financial decisions. Myth #1: Paying Off Debt Instantly Fixes Your Credit Paying down debt is always a good step—but it doesn't instantly produce a perfect credit score. A credit score reflects your history of borrowing and repayment. Lenders use it as a snapshot of how responsibly you've managed credit over time. That means improvement takes patience. The most important habit is simple: consistently pay your bills on time. Over time, that steady pattern will strengthen your credit profile. And beware of anyone claiming they can “fix your credit overnight.” Building good credit always takes time. Myth #2: Credit Counseling Ruins Your Credit Score Many people fear that seeking help will damage their credit—but that's not true. Participating in a credit counseling program is considered a neutral mark on your credit report. What can affect your score is closing accounts, not the counseling itself. In fact, nonprofit credit counseling agencies often help people regain control of their finances through structured debt management plans. If you seek help, make sure the organization is accredited and nonprofit. That's why Christian Credit Counselors is the only organization we recommend for credit counseling and debt management. Myth #3: Canceling Credit Cards Boosts Your Score Closing credit cards may seem responsible, but it can actually lower your credit score. Why? Because it reduces your available credit, which increases your credit utilization ratio—a key factor in credit scoring. If you have credit cards with zero balances and no annual fees, keeping them open can actually help your score. If you must close accounts, do it gradually—perhaps one every six months—to minimize the impact. Myth #4: Too Many Inquiries Hurt Your Score This myth was once more accurate than it is today. Credit bureaus now recognize that consumers shop for loans. If you're applying for a mortgage or car loan, multiple inquiries within a short window—typically about 45 days—are counted as a single inquiry. That means you can compare offers without damaging your credit score. And when it comes to checking your own credit report, that's considered a soft inquiry, which does not affect your score at all. In fact, it's wise to check your credit regularly to monitor for fraud or mistakes. Myth #5: You Don't Need to Check Your Credit If You Pay Bills on Time Even responsible borrowers should check their credit reports. Studies suggest that a large percentage of credit reports contain errors. Reviewing your report once or twice a year allows you to catch mistakes or fraudulent activity early. You can obtain free reports from all three major bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Correcting errors can take time—sometimes up to 90 days—so staying proactive is important. Myth #6: All Credit Reports Are the Same There are three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Each may contain slightly different information because creditors don't always report to all three bureaus, and updates may occur at different times. Different lenders may also use different scoring models depending on the type of loan—auto, mortgage, or credit card. For the most complete picture, it's wise to review all three reports. Myth #7: Divorce Automatically Removes Joint Debt Divorce agreements may divide debts between spouses—but they don't change the original credit contract. If your name remains on a joint account, you're still legally responsible for the debt. If the other person misses payments, your credit score can suffer too. That's why it's important to close joint accounts or refinance debts into one person's name whenever possible. Myth #8: All Negative Marks Disappear After Seven Years Some negative items disappear after seven years—but not all. For example: Chapter 13 bankruptcy: up to 7 years Chapter 7 bankruptcy: up to 10 years Positive closed accounts: can remain for 10 years The good news is that positive information usually stays longer than negative information, helping your score recover over time. Myth #9: You Can Pay Someone to “Fix” Your Credit Many companies promise fast credit repair—but most simply send dispute letters to creditors. If the information on your credit report is accurate, it cannot be removed. That means many consumers pay fees without seeing real results. The truth is, you can dispute errors yourself for free. Christian Credit Counselors provides free resources and sample dispute letters to help you correct inaccuracies. The Bottom Line Understanding how credit works empowers you to use it wisely. Credit reports aren't mysterious or magical—they simply reflect how consistently and responsibly you've handled debt over time. With accurate information, good habits, and a little patience, you can build a strong credit profile that supports your financial goals. And when challenges arise, seeking wise counsel and staying informed can help you move toward greater financial freedom. If you're struggling with credit card debt, Christian Credit Counselors can help. They've helped thousands of people get out of debt 80% faster while honoring their financial obligations. Visit ChristianCreditCounselors.org or call 800-557-1985 to learn more. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My small retail business in a local mall is struggling as other stores close and sales decline. We're starting to lose money and take on debt. Should I consider closing the business and pursuing a new venture or a job to stabilize our family's finances? We've always tithed on our gross income. After selling our previous home, we made a non-taxable profit but used it to buy another home that still needs repairs and has a small mortgage. Should we tithe on that profit, or focus on maintaining the home and paying down the mortgage? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors AnnualCreditReport.com Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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 - The King has Come "Shattering Unrealistic Expectations" (Matthew 13:1-23) In this episode of the McGregor Podcast, David Miller explores the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, focusing on how Jesus shatters unrealistic expectations about responses to the gospel. David Miller breaks down the meaning, purpose, and application of the parable, revealing why some hearts remain hard while others bear lasting fruit. Through practical encouragement for sharing faith and thoughtful guidance for parents, listeners are reminded that true spiritual growth is a result of God's grace. Tune in to be challenged, encouraged, and inspired to sow the seeds of the gospel faithfully. March 8, 2026 David Miller • Membership & Missions Pastor Sermon Notes Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com
The security guard at the grocery store is a sign before they are a deterrent. This episode takes Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower as its anchor and reads scarcity not as a natural condition but as a managed one — enforced through bodies, symbols, and spatial logic. What does it mean when abundance collapses not into emptiness, but into enclosure? Season 2 finale.
Now this morning…I want us to move on… and tighten the focus a little bit. The last time we spoke… we saw the Sacred Sower…that's Jesus. We saw the small seed…that's the pungent Gospel that we preach. We saw the significant shrub that comes up. That is what the Gospel is supposed "to do". But now watch…watch. The fourth thing we see… is a strange shade tree.
Jesus tells the parable of the Prodigal Son, inviting us to reflect on the times that we have turned away from our Heavenly Father, who longs to bring us back into the family of faith. (Lectionary #235) March 7, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” - Psalm 127:3 Children are a precious gift from God—an inheritance to cherish and steward well. Along with the joy of welcoming a new baby comes a new layer of responsibility, including financial decisions that can shape your family's future. A thoughtful checklist can help bring clarity and peace during a season that is both beautiful and demanding. Here are several key financial steps to consider after bringing a newborn home. Add Your Baby to Health Insurance In the midst of sleepless nights and constant diaper changes, don't forget to update your health insurance. Most plans allow about 30 days after birth to add your baby to your policy. While reviewing your coverage, confirm that pediatric care, vaccinations, and potential hospital visits are included. The birth of a child qualifies as a life event, meaning you can make necessary adjustments to your plan. Review Your Life Insurance Coverage Life insurance is essential for parents—not for the baby, but for you. A common guideline is to carry term life insurance equal to at least 10 times the primary breadwinner's salary. Don't overlook the caregiving spouse either. Replacing the cost of childcare, household management, and daily care would be significant, making coverage for both parents wise and necessary. Update Your Budget A new baby brings new expenses—and often quickly. Consider creating a dedicated “baby” category in your budget to account for diapers, wipes, clothing, feeding supplies, and medical needs. You may need to shift funds from other areas to stay balanced. Planning now can ease stress later and help you adjust as needs evolve. Create or Update Your Will A will is not just about distributing assets—it's where you designate a guardian for your child. While this can feel like a difficult decision, having a plan in place is essential. After prayerful consideration, choose someone who would care for your child with wisdom and love. You can always revise your decision later. A clear will can also prevent confusion or conflict and ensure your assets pass according to your wishes. As Proverbs 13:22 reminds us, “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” That inheritance includes not only finances but also a legacy of faith and stewardship. Strengthen Your Emergency Fund If you don't already have an emergency fund, aim to save three to six months of living expenses. If you had one before your baby arrived, you may need to increase it to reflect higher monthly costs. Unexpected medical bills, job changes, or major purchases—such as strollers or childcare—can quickly strain finances. A strong emergency fund provides stability during uncertain moments. Update Your Taxes and Withholding With a new child, you can claim an additional dependent on your tax return, which may qualify you for a child tax credit of up to $2,200 per child. You'll also want to update your W-4 at work so your withholding reflects your new household size. This may increase your take-home pay throughout the year. Begin Education Savings Starting early can make a significant difference. A 529 plan allows tax-free investment growth for qualified education expenses, including private K–12 schooling, vocational training, and college. You can open a plan in any state, and family members or friends can contribute to it. New options like the Trump Accounts opening up in July of 2026—are government-seeded investment accounts designed to support future education, business startup costs, or homeownership—are also expanding the ways families can plan ahead. Protect Your Child's Identity Finally, consider placing a credit freeze on your child's file with the major credit bureaus. This simple step can help guard against identity theft and prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in their name. Stewarding the Gift Welcoming a child is one of life's greatest joys—and one of its greatest responsibilities. Financial preparation won't eliminate every uncertainty, but it can create stability and margin for what matters most: loving your child and pointing them toward Christ. As you plan, remember that the ultimate inheritance you pass on is not financial—it's a legacy of faith, wisdom, and trust in the Lord who provides for every season. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: How can I evaluate whether a ministry is a wise place to give? I've received appeals from the Far East Broadcasting Company about outreach into North Korea, but I don't know how to vet them. At 70 and 75, after health and job setbacks, we want to steward about $30,000 wisely for our kids and 15 grandkids. We're not experienced investors—what's the best way to handle this at our stage of life? I began Social Security at full retirement age but still work full-time. My benefit hasn't been recalculated despite higher earnings. Who can help me resolve this—an agency or an attorney? After downsizing and paying off debt, we have a manageable mortgage and solid savings. Should we pay extra to pay off the mortgage quickly, or keep the payments and focus on saving and enjoying this season? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) ECFA | Charity Navigator Betterment | Schwab Intelligent Portfolios® | Sound Mind Investing (SMI) Social Security Administration (SSA.gov) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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.
Paul White teaching from Isaiah, part of the Concerning Jesus series on learning to read the OT through the lens of Jesus. For a PDF outline of this lesson, click the link below: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bieflQGX3XsC97ncYFtXJXCiI-t9Skwx/view?usp=sharing
Homes hold memories. They hold family history, meaning, and for many, a lifetime of love. But as we age, the very places that once felt secure can quietly become harder—and riskier—to live in. Most homes in the U.S. were never designed for aging bodies. Yet many older adults feel emotionally and financially locked in. The result? Families delay important housing decisions until a crisis forces change. Today, we were joined by Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, about a lesser-known option that may help older adults move into safer homes—without taking on new required monthly payments. The Hidden Danger: Falls at Home Falls are far more common—and costly—than most people realize. Roughly 30 million older Americans fall each year. About one in five of those falls results in serious injury, often leading to hospitalization. The direct medical costs alone total nearly $50 billion annually. But the emotional and lifestyle costs for families can be even greater. What's sobering is where these falls happen. Not in extreme situations—but in ordinary places: Stairways Bathrooms Entryways Narrow hallways These everyday features become obstacles as mobility changes. Why So Many Homes Don't Fit Aging Adults Most homes were built decades ago for young families in different stages of life. Only a small percentage include basic accessibility features such as: Step-free entries Main-floor bedrooms Main-floor bathrooms Wider doorways and hallways As a result, stairs, tubs, and tight spaces often push older adults toward assisted living or nursing homes—not because they want to move, but because their homes no longer support their safety. Why Many Families Feel “Stuck” Even when homeowners recognize their house isn't ideal anymore, they often hesitate to move. There are two major reasons: 1. Emotional Attachment This is the home where children were raised, and milestones were celebrated. Letting go isn't easy. 2. Financial Lock-In Many retirees either: Have very low mortgage rates (2–3%), or Own their homes outright They worry that selling means taking on a new mortgage payment—something they might regret later in life. So they stay…often until something goes wrong. A Little-Known Option: Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Many people assume a reverse mortgage is only for accessing equity in their current home. But there's another option: using a reverse mortgage at the point of purchase. Here's how it can work: A homeowner sells their current home. They use the proceeds to purchase a new, safer home. A reverse mortgage helps cover the difference. For example: Sell a $300,000 home. Purchase a $500,000 home. Use a $200,000 reverse mortgage for purchase. The key distinction? No required monthly mortgage payments for as long as the homeowner lives in the home. That opens the door to: Newer construction Energy-efficient homes Low-maintenance properties Better design for aging in place A Shift in Thinking: Prevention, Not Reaction One of the wisest principles in Scripture is found in Proverbs 27:12: “The prudent see danger and take refuge.” Housing decisions in later life should reflect that kind of prudence. Rather than waiting for: A fall A wheelchair A medical emergency Families can proactively ask: How can we use the housing wealth we've built to improve safety and quality of life—while we're still healthy? When purchasing a home for the “fourth quarter” of life, it shouldn't just be your best home—it should be your safest home. Stewarding Home Equity Wisely Interestingly, two-thirds of retirees still carry a mortgage. Even when downsizing, some may still need financing. A reverse mortgage for purchase can allow retirees to: Avoid required monthly payments Preserve some cash for investments or future needs Move into a safer home Maintain flexibility Like any financial tool, it isn't right for everyone. But for some families, it may provide a path forward they didn't realize existed. Moving Forward Housing is more than real estate—it's stewardship. It's about safety, dignity, and wise preparation for the season ahead. If you'd like to learn more about whether a reverse mortgage for purchase could fit your situation, you can explore your options at Movement.com/Faith. As with any major decision, seek wise counsel, pray for clarity, and take steps not just to protect your assets—but to protect your well-being. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My grandfather set up 529 plans for my two older kids. If there's money left after they graduate, can I transfer it to my younger daughter? And once she's finished, could I split any remaining funds into separate accounts for each child's future family? I often hear advice to put 10% into precious metals for retirement. What's your take—and is there a biblical perspective on that? Also, in retirement, when we're living off savings, how should we think about tithing? Do we give 10% of what the nest egg produces? After caring for my mom and losing my job, I'm nearly 50, $15,000 in debt, facing eviction, and starting over with no savings. What should I prioritize first? My wife and I are newly married and plan to live full-time in an RV for ministry. We'll live on my retirement income and use the remainder for spending. Should we manage that with cash, debit, or credit? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Movement Mortgage Tithing: A Fresh Look at an Ancient Practice (Article by John Cortines in Faithful Steward, Issue 3) Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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 Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood explores how prodigal sons and daughters can return to a living relationship with Jesus through true repentance. Focusing on Gospel of Matthew Chapter 3, Steve explains John the Baptist's call to repentance as an inner change of heart that leads us back to God the Father. Drawing on Psalm 32 and the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Gospel of Luke Chapter 15, this episode shows that repentance is not despair, but hope—a movement from sinful self to the Father who welcomes His children home with mercy and joy. A powerful encouragement for anyone who feels far from God or longs for a fresh start in their faith. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.
Teach Us to Pray: Understanding Effective Prayer In the latest episode of our series "Teach Us to Pray," we delve into the teachings of Jesus found in Luke 11. This passage provides profound insights into the nature of prayer and the relationship between the believer and God. Here, we explore the key themes and lessons drawn from the parables Jesus used to teach his disciples about effective prayer. The Lord's Prayer: A Recap The session begins with a recap of the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing its simplicity and depth. Jesus reminds his disciples to approach God as a Father, seeking His will over their own, asking for forgiveness and the ability to forgive, and for guidance away from temptation. This foundational prayer is not just a formula but a reflection of a relationship with God. The Parables of Persistence and Provision The Parable of the Friend at Midnight In Luke 11:5-8, Jesus tells the story of a man who goes to his friend at midnight to ask for bread. Despite the initial reluctance due to the inconvenience, the friend eventually provides what is needed because of the man's persistence. This parable highlights the importance of persistence in prayer, but more importantly, it challenges the perception of God as a reluctant giver. The Parable of the Good Father Continuing in Luke 11:11-13, Jesus contrasts earthly fathers with the Heavenly Father. If human parents, despite their flaws, know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will God give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him? This parable shifts the focus from the act of asking to the nature of the one being asked. Reframing Prayer: The Who Over the How The key takeaway from these parables is the reframing of prayer from a focus on method to a focus on the One to whom we pray. The disciples initially believed that the effectiveness of Jesus' prayers was due to a particular technique. However, Jesus taught them that it was His relationship with the Father that made His prayers effective. Community and Reputation The cultural context of these parables is crucial. In Jewish society, hospitality was a communal responsibility. The reputation of the entire community was at stake when a guest arrived. Similarly, God's reputation and the reputation of His kingdom are at stake in answering prayers. God answers prayers not because of our persistence alone but because of His nature and His commitment to His kingdom. The True Essence of Prayer Ultimately, the essence of prayer lies in recognizing who God is—a good Father who delights in answering prayers aligned with His will. This understanding encourages believers to pray without ceasing, building their relationship with God and aligning their lives with His purposes. Conclusion In conclusion, the teachings of Luke 11 remind us that effective prayer is less about the "how" and more about the "who." By focusing on God's character and His kingdom, believers can approach prayer with confidence and assurance that their prayers are heard and answered according to His will. As we continue to explore the theme of prayer, let this truth shape and inspire our prayer lives: God is a good Father who desires to bless His children and expand His kingdom through answered prayers.
In this second live Q&A of our Lent 2025 series Jesus in Galilee, Dom works through nearly 40 questions from the more than 2,000 people in the class — and Dom is, as promised, brief. The conversation moves from Cyrus and the economic disruption of Roman Galilee, to the misplaced colon in Isaiah 40 that quietly rewrote John the Baptist's identity, to why Mark borrowed a Roman horror story about a prostitute at a banquet to tell the story of John's execution. Dom defends his claim that Jesus underwent a genuine conversion after John's death — bigger than Paul's, he says, because it involved a different vision of God entirely — and insists that the apocalyptic tradition of waiting for God to intervene is not just a theological mistake but, after 2,000 years, edges toward something harsher than delusion. As always, Dom leaves you with more to think about than when you started. To join the class and get access to all four visual lectures, head to CrossanClass.com. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube 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. 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. Previous Podcast Episodes with Dom & Tripp A Tale of Two Gods: Why C.S. Lewis's Famous Argument Falls Apart From Iron Swords to Nuclear Bombs: Tracing 3,000 Years of Escalatory Violence Paul, Christ, & the Mystery of Execution & Resurrection Paul, Josephus, & the Challenge of Nonviolent Resistance Paul, Rome, & the Violent Normalcy of Civilization Paul & the Fictional History of Luke-Acts Paul & Thecla Ask JC Anything 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
What if the Bible doesn't just give us advice about money—but reshapes the way we think about it entirely? The messages we absorb from culture shape our fears, our goals, and even where we look for security. But Scripture offers a different foundation—one that brings clarity, freedom, and purpose to every financial decision. Ron Blue—co-founder of Kingdom Advisors and a pioneer in biblical financial stewardship—joined the show today to share how Scripture reframes our assumptions about money and calls us into a deeper, more faithful way of living. The False Promise of Security One of the most powerful cultural assumptions about money is that it provides security. We spend much of our lives trying to answer the question: How much is enough? But Scripture turns that question upside down. True security, the Bible teaches, isn't found in wealth, savings, or income—it's found in God alone. Culture urges us to pursue more, feeding discontent and anxiety. Scripture calls us instead to pursue faithfulness. Money can create the illusion of certainty. But it cannot protect us from life's ultimate realities. It cannot buy peace. It cannot purchase eternity. Only God provides the kind of stability that lasts forever. Contentment Is a Spiritual Choice Many people feel that no matter how much they have, it never feels like enough. Scripture addresses that tension directly. Hebrews 13:5 calls us to “be content with what you have,” reminding us that contentment isn't a financial outcome—it's a spiritual posture. Contentment grows when we trust that God knows our needs and promises to provide for them. Gratitude replaces striving. Peace replaces fear. Joy replaces comparison. Fear often sits beneath our financial habits—the fear of not having enough or losing what we already have. But Scripture gently redirects our hearts: God is our provider, and He will supply what we need when we need it. From Ownership to Stewardship Another assumption Scripture overturns is the idea that what we have belongs to us. The Bible consistently teaches that God is the true owner of everything. He created it. He sustains it. And for a season, He entrusts resources to us. That changes the central question of our financial lives. Ownership asks: What do I want? Stewardship asks: What does God want? When we see money as something entrusted to us rather than as something we possess, it reshapes how we spend, save, give, and plan. We begin to live not as controllers, but as faithful trustees—managing God's resources for His purposes. Scripture also helps us understand a difficult reality: people receive different amounts of resources. God loves each of us equally, but He treats us uniquely. He knows what each person needs and what each can faithfully steward. That perspective invites trust instead of comparison. Much like a loving parent treats each child according to their personality and needs, God provides for each of His children differently. What we have today is not random—it reflects His wisdom and care. The Next Faithful Step When Scripture reshapes our understanding of money, the goal isn't perfection—it's faithfulness. The question becomes simple and practical: What is my next faithful step? Not how much more can I accumulate. Not how secure can I make myself. But how can I steward what God has entrusted to me today? That perspective brings freedom. It replaces pressure with purpose and transforms money from a source of anxiety into a tool for worship, generosity, and trust. Because in the end, the Bible doesn't just change what we do with money—it changes what we believe about it, and ultimately, who we trust to provide. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I have about $40,000 in credit card debt, and I'm trying to decide the best way to tackle it. Should I pursue credit counseling or consider a home equity loan—and why might credit counseling be the better option? I want to be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to me, and I'm trying to understand the difference between tithing and offerings. I haven't been giving a full 10% of my gross income, and I'm wondering if I'm missing the mark. Can you offer some clarity? I'm about to apply for Social Security and want to know the best way to do it. Is it better to apply online, by phone, or in person at a local office? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Tithing: A Fresh Look at an Ancient Practice (Article by John Cortines in Faithful Steward, Issue 3) Christian Credit Counselors Social Security Administration (SSA.gov) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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.
The time has come for a new apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Clark G. Gilbert; time for your podcast hosts to rise to the occasion with another Apostolic Profile episode. He escaped the religious persecution Mormons often suffer growing up in Scottsdale, AZ, to go to BYU. Then off to Harvard for business, to acquire more useful skills for his forthcoming career in the Church Education System (CES). Before CES, however, Gilbert was responsible for trimming all the fat at Deseret News, which amounted to firing 40% of the workforce and shifting it to an unabashedly apologetic mission statement defending the church. Once appointed to CES, Gilbert instituted a series of Orwellian surveillance systems at BYU to punish thought crime; Ernest Wilkinson would be proud and Jeffrey Holland finally has a man to fire some muskets. Now Gilbert joins as the youngest apostle, securing his future position as prophet circa 2050s-70s. This "disruptive innovator" has a lot of new ideas to keep the church as extremist-conservative as is legally permissible heading into the 22nd century. This call to the Apostleship by Dallin Oaks ensures Oaks' legacy remains long after he's become a shepherd of worms. Patrons get a bonus segment comparing Gilbert's interviews at Deseret News and SL Tribune immediately after his ordination, which tangentially serves as a case study for the deterioration of journalism at Deseret Media, due to Gilbert himself. After that, it's our next installment of Oaks' book, Pure in Heart, where he discusses the importance of mindset and intentionality when rendering service, especially for the church. We end with happy news about a potential future cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Show Notes: Clark Gilbert https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_G._Gilbert Gilbert's likely tenure as future prophet https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1r8c74x/on_his_first_day_in_the_q15_clark_g_gilbert/ Official press release https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/clark-gilbert-called-quorum-of-the-twelve-apostles Gilbert Op-ed for ChurchNewsroom https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/how-education-family-and-testimony-are-fundamental-in-the-life-of-elder-clark-g-gilbert The Parable of the Slope https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/10/16gilbert?lang=eng Disruptive Technologies: Catching the Wave https://hbr.org/1995/01/disruptive-technologies-catching-the-wave The Disruption Machine by Jill Lepore https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/06/23/the-disruption-machine Gilbert's profile on BYU Law and Wheatley Institute with law-focused talks https://www.religiousfreedomlibrary.org/authors/clark-g-gilbert Gilbert: Stewardship of Our First Freedom https://www.religiousfreedomlibrary.org/documents/the-stewardship-of-our-first-freedom#note-30 Gilbert: The Courage of Our Convictions https://www.religiousfreedomlibrary.org/documents/the-courage-of-our-convictions-how-religious-expression-goes-beyond-religious-liberty Gilbert: Dare to be Different https://www.deseret.com/2022/9/14/23319209/elder-clark-gilbert-religious-universities-should-dare-to-be-different/ American Disestablishment: The Conclusion by Miles Smith https://davenantinstitute.org/american-disestablishment-the-conclusion/ Disestablishmentarianism https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disestablishmentarianism Governance and the Religion Question: Voluntaryism, Disestablishment, and America's Church-State Proposition by Carl H. Esbeck https://scholarship.law.missouri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1156&context=facpubs Becket Foundation "Religious Liberty" SCOTUS victories https://becketfund.org/cases/?fwp_case_court=us-supreme-court&fwp_case_status=past Hosanna-Tabor https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/565/171/ Trinity Lutheran https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/582/15-577/ Our Lady of Guadalupe https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/591/19-267/ Carson v. Makin https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/596/20-1088/ How SCOTUS is Dismantling the Separation of Church and State https://www.americanprogress.org/article/how-the-supreme-court-is-dismantling-the-separation-of-church-and-state/ American Council of Education https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/american-council-on-education/ Becoming BYU https://aims.byu.edu/becoming-byu LDS Education Boss Touts BYU's Commitment to Religious Freedom by Peggy Fletcher Stack https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/24/byu-will-never-back-away-its/ Spiritual Crackdown at BYU? By RadioWest https://radiowest.kuer.org/podcast/radiowest/2025-01-16/a-spiritual-crackdown-at-brigham-young-university BYU New Employment Policy https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/03/10/new-employment-policy/ BYU employment questionnaire https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/ecclesiastical-leader-questions-new-ces-hires Fine Print: The Deseret News Spins its Circulation Numbers by Rachel Piper https://www.cityweekly.net/news/fine-print-the-deseret-news-spins-its-circulation-numbers-2207487 Dallin Oaks and Clark Gilbert: Stand Fast with Love in Proclaiming Truth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6IXLufuAAQ Gilbert Deseret News interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORUY06HPmfM Gilbert SL Trib interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FPwhJhBJ-A Ben Park video on Gilbert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTXXNeydptg Gordon Monson: Clark Gilbert has been called as an LDS apostle. Now, we'll see if he's chosen. https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/02/13/maybe-clark-gilbert-will-be/ Gordon Monson: LDS Church education boss should put down the hammer at BYU and pick up an olive branch: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/06/byu-there-is-too-much-fear-too/ Dark days: New rules have BYU professors running scared https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/05/byu-blue-why-these-are-dark-days/ Sword of Laman: Pure In Heart, by Dallin H. Oaks The Mansion, by Henry Van Dyke: https://americanliterature.com/author/henry-van-dyke/short-story/the-mansion Happy News: A bold new plan could finally cure Type 1 diabetes: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260302030648.htm Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. Our most recent discussion was on The Unpaid Army of God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de543-d9tME He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/ Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop Or find the merch store by clicking on "Store" here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10 We
Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who leases his land to sharecroppers and goes far away, but the tenants won't give the owner his fair share.Join Pastor Daryl as he journeys through the entire Bible. Visit the radio station website. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Subscribe to Pastor Daryl's daily devotional and listening plan. If you enjoy Simply the Bible, please give us a rating and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. That helps us a lot! Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley now meets Sunday mornings in a tent on our church property at 3853 E Lake Hazel Road in Meridian. For service times, online messages, and info on small groups meeting throughout the week, please visit our website at calvarytv.org.
What can we learn about freedom in Christ from the Parable of the Prodigal Son? The Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller (Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas) joins Andy and Sarah for part one of a three-part series on his new book Finally Free: Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Concordia Publishing House. He shares his first memory of learning about the Parable of the Prodigal Son, what the parable teaches us about who Jesus is, in what way we are slaves, how the illusion of sin as freedom has shaped our culture, where we see contrition in this parable, and the first freedom we have in Christ. Find Finally Free at cph.org/finally-free-three-lessons-in-the-parable-of-the-prodigal-son. Find more content from Rev. Wolfmueller at youtube.com/wolfmueller1 and wolfmueller.co. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.
Holy urgency rises when you realize the Gospel didn't just save you, it sent you. In this episode of The Sharing Grace Podcast, Jay Austin, Mark Ragsdale, and Brandon Rieb unpack the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 and ask the question that lingers in every heart: What kind of soil am I? From 100X fruit in Brevard to four generations of discipleship in 2 Timothy 2:2, the team explores what it means to move from managing church to multiplying disciples. They tackle the two ditches of money and mastery, the call to give God our first and best, and the practical rhythms of a multiplier's mindset. This is not about fundraising. It is about fruitfulness. Join the conversation and step into the mission.
How do you advance God's Kingdom at your job? In this message from Family Church, Care Pastor Jason Dallas teaches the difference between your work and your job — and how understanding that difference can transform your mindset, your attitude, and your impact in the workplace. Through Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel), Colossians 3:23, and Matthew 20 (the Parable of the Vineyard Workers), we learn: • Your work is your title — your job is obedience to God • Kingdom advancement starts with purpose • Passion is stewardship, not chasing feelings • Persistence means trusting God's grace, not fairness Whether you love your job, feel overlooked, or are considering a change, this message will challenge you to shift your focus from comparison to calling. At Family Church, we exist to build strong families across all generations on biblical foundations for spiritual growth and Kingdom advancement.
In this special Lenten episode of "The Scandal of the Kindom", Christopher is joined by a very special guest—his 10-year-old son, Benjamin—for a thoughtful and funny conversation about the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–9, 18–23). Through the eyes of a child, they explore what Lent really means—comparing it to dryer lint, talking about giving things up (or adding meaningful practices), and reflecting on what helps our hearts become “good soil.” With insights on prayer, distractions, kindness, and the world's need for more peace, this episode offers a fresh, honest, and joy-filled perspective on preparing our hearts for Easter.
What happens to your soul when you let an algorithm do your thinking? Spoiler alert: it's not great. In this episode, Dr. Jeffery Skinner dives into the sneaky ways AI and digital platforms are reshaping our conscience and dulling our discernment. You might think you're just scrolling through memes or getting your daily news fix, but you're actually sidelining the part of you that wrestles with deeper questions about faith and morality. It's like outsourcing your soul's workout to a couch potato. We'll explore how this digital age affects our spiritual growth and discernment, and why it's crucial for us to reclaim our ability to think critically and seek God authentically. So grab your headphones, and let's get into why your soul might be missing out on some serious gym time while you're busy clicking ‘like' on everything.Scripture ReferencesRomans 12:2 — Transformation through the renewing of the mindHebrews 5:14 — Mature believers train themselves to discern good and evilMatthew 25:14–30 — The Parable of the TalentsLuke 6:40 — A disciple, when fully trained, will be like their teacherActs 15 — The Jerusalem Council as communal discernmentGalatians 5:13–25 — Life in the Spirit and formation of character1 Timothy 4:7–8 — Training in godlinessJAMES K.A. SMITH — Desiring the Kingdom & You Are What You Love Smith's big idea is that we are formed by what we habitually do, not primarily by what we intellectually believe. He draws from Augustine — we are lovers before we are thinkers. Our desires are shaped by repeated practices, or what he calls cultural liturgies.The Wesleyan Arminian angle: Smith gives us the mechanism of formation that Wesley always assumed but didn't systematize. Wesley's class meetings, his means of grace, his disciplined rhythms — these were all essentially liturgical formation practices. Smith helps you articulate why they worked and why their absence hurts.Key ideas to track down:∙ Liturgy as desire formation — practices shape loves before the mind engages∙ The mall as cathedral — his famous illustration of secular liturgies forming us toward consumption∙ Counter-formation requires intentional, embodied, communal practiceALAN JACOBS — How to Think (2017)Jacobs is winsome, careful, and genuinely funny. His core argument is that thinking well is not primarily an intellectual skill — it's a moral and social practice. We think badly not because we're stupid but because we're embedded in communities that reward certain conclusions and punish others.He introduces the idea of the “inner ring” — borrowed from C.S. Lewis — the social pressure to think like your tribe. Algorithms weaponize the inner ring. They identify your tribe, amplify its voice, and make departure feel socially costly.Key ideas to track down:∙ Thinking as a communal practice that can be corrupted by social incentives∙ The “repugnant cultural other” — his term for how we're trained to caricature those who think differently∙ Charitable interpretation as a spiritual disciplineJOHN DYER — From the Garden to the City (2011)Dyer is the most theologically careful of the group and writes from an evangelical framework that translates well into Wesleyan categories. His central argument is that technology is never neutral — it always shapes the user, not just the world the user acts on.He traces this from Genesis forward. Every technology from agriculture to the printing press to the smartphone changes what humans pay attention to, what they value, and ultimately who they become.Dyer gives biblical and historical credibility. This isn't a panic about modern machines — it's a pattern as old as humanity. The question has always been whether we are using tools or being used by them.Key ideas to track down:∙ Technology as transformation — it changes us, not just our circumstances∙ The Babel narrative as a technology cautionary tale∙ The difference between tools that extend human capacity and tools that replace human judgmentTRISTAN HARRIS — Humane Technology WorkHarris is not a theologian but he is our most credible secular witness. As a former Google design ethicist he speaks from the inside. His core argument is that social media and AI are not neutral platforms — they are persuasion engines optimized for engagement, which means optimized for outrage, anxiety, and compulsion.His most useful concept for your episode is “the race to the bottom of the brain stem” — the competition among tech companies to capture attention by appealing to the most reactive, least reflective parts of us.For Wesleyan Arminian framework: Wesley was deeply concerned with what he called the “carnal mind” — the unregenerate, reactive, self-centered orientation of the human soul. Harris, without knowing it, has mapped the technology infrastructure that feeds the carnal mind and starves the renewed one.Key ideas to track down at humanetech.com:∙ The asymmetry of power between algorithm and user∙ Engagement vs. wellbeing as competing design goals∙ His congressional testimony — specific, quotable, publicly availableSHOSHANA ZUBOFF — The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2019)Zuboff is dense but her core idea is accessible and important: human experience has become raw material harvested by technology companies to predict and modify behavior. She calls this behavioral modification at scale.I did not go deep into her economics. What matters is her moral argument: this system requires human beings to be predictable. And predictable people are, by definition, not growing. Not being transformed. Not surprising even themselves.The Wesleyan connection is sharp: entire sanctification, growth in grace, the Spirit's renewing work — all of these assume a human being who is genuinely changing. Surveillance capitalism needs you to stay the same. Grace refuses to let you.Key ideas to track down:∙ Behavioral surplus — the data harvested beyond what you knowingly give∙ The goal of certainty over human behavior as the system's deepest aim∙ Her concept of instrumentarian power — shaping behavior without direct coercionDALLAS WILLARD — Formation TheologyWillard isn't writing about AI but he is your theological backbone for the whole episode. His central claim is that spiritual formation is the church's primary task and that it requires intentional, disciplined, often uncomfortable engagement with practices that renovate the soul.His concept of “the gospel of sin management” is particularly useful. The critique that the church has reduced discipleship to behavior modification rather than genuine transformation of the whole person.For your Wesleyan Arminian framework: Willard was deeply influenced by Wesley, and his formation theology maps almost directly onto Wesley's via salutis — the way of salvation as a journey of genuine transformation, not just positional declaration.Key ideas to track down:∙ Spiritual disciplines as training, not trying — you don't try to run a marathon, you train for one∙ The renovated will as the goal of formation∙ “Non-discipleship is the elephant in the church” — this is one of his most quotable lines and widely attributed so worth verifyingReferenced ResourcesAndy Crouch — The Life We're Looking For (2022)James K.A. Smith — Desiring the Kingdom (2009) and You Are What You Love (2016)John Dyer — From the Garden to the City (2011)Reverend Dr. Tim Gaines-Christian Ethics (2021)Alan Jacobs — How to Think (2017)Shoshana Zuboff — The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2019)Shoshana Zuboff Youtube Harvard LectureTristan Harris — most of his quotable material lives at humanetech.com and his congressional testimonies, which are publicly searchable.The episode unfolds as a candid examination of how our reliance on artificial intelligence might be weakening our spiritual discernment and moral agency. Dr. Skinner introduces a fictional conversation where Mia, a young woman grappling with personal dilemmas, seeks advice from an AI. This scenario sets the stage for a larger discussion on the implications of turning to technology over human interaction for guidance. The AI, while appearing supportive and non-judgmental, represents a broader trend of individuals seeking validation and answers from algorithms, rather than engaging in the messy, beautiful work of community and spiritual growth. As the episode progresses, listeners are invited to reflect on their habits and the subtle shifts in their spiritual practices caused by digital engagement. Dr. Skinner articulates how algorithms prioritize efficiency and comfort, often at the expense of genuine moral engagement and personal growth. He details the necessity of re-establishing practices that encourage discernment, such as communal discussions and personal reflection, which can counteract the passive consumption of information. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action: to put down our devices, engage with our conscience, and embrace the challenging yet rewarding path of spiritual formation that requires presence, conversation, and the courage to...
Today's Scripture passages are Exodus 27 - 28 | Mark 4:10-20 | Luke 8:9-18. Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPWORD40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Many investors feel a real tension today. They want their portfolios to reflect biblical convictions. They care about justice, stewardship, and human dignity. Yet they're also navigating volatility, inflation, and economic uncertainty. When markets feel unstable, the question quietly surfaces: Do I have to choose between faithfulness and financial performance? The answer may surprise you. Today, we sat down with Stella Tai, Stewardship Investing Impact and Analysis Manager at Praxis Investment Management, one of the country's oldest faith-based mutual fund families and a valued underwriter of this program. Our conversation centered on whether values-aligned investing can truly pursue both impact and competitive returns—even in uncertain times. The Tension Investors Feel In strong markets, impact investing can sound inspiring and straightforward. But when markets grow choppy, many investors feel drawn into survival mode. “I need to focus on returns.” “I can't afford to think about impact right now.” Stella noted that this tension isn't just financial—it's spiritual. People of faith don't want to pull back from caring about stewardship or community flourishing. But they also worry: Will my returns suffer if I invest with conviction? That's an honest question. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 21:5 that “the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” There's a difference between being responsive and being reactionary. When anxiety drives decisions, fear often replaces conviction—and that's when costly mistakes happen. Discipline Over Panic At Praxis, stewardship in uncertain markets begins with discipline. Stella described three anchors: Financial rigor in every market cycle. Serious analysis, ongoing evaluation of risk and opportunity, and team-based decision-making help ensure emotions don't drive the ship. Integration of impact with fundamentals. Impact and performance are not competing priorities. They are designed to work together. A long-term orientation. Rooted in stewardship, not speculation. Hebrews 12:11 reminds us that discipline may feel painful in the moment, but it yields a peaceful fruit of righteousness. That's true in spiritual formation—and in investing. What Values-Aligned Performance Actually Looks Like One common misconception is that screening companies based on faith convictions automatically sacrifices performance. Stella explained that Praxis uses what's called benchmark tracking. In simple terms, that means aiming to closely track the broader market while thoughtfully excluding companies that don't align with biblical values. The goal isn't to “beat the market.” It's to minimize what's known as “tracking error”—the gap between a fund's returns and its benchmark. In other words, you can seek market-level returns while owning companies that better reflect your convictions. Over full market cycles—not just in a single quarter—faith-based investors should expect competitive returns. That commitment to consistency is central. Impact Beyond Screening Screening is often the most familiar strategy in values-aligned investing. But real impact doesn't stop there. Praxis recently released its Real Impact Report, highlighting a framework that includes multiple strategies—from screening and shareholder advocacy to direct community investing. One powerful example involved long-term engagement with a large utility company in the Southeast. Instead of divesting, Praxis used its ownership stake to advocate for: A just transition for workers and communities as coal plants retire Science-based emissions reduction targets Responsible planning tied to renewable energy growth The company published just transition metrics and began tracking progress. That's what patient, long-term engagement looks like. Rather than stepping away, they stayed invested—believing transformation often happens through steady, faithful presence. Where to Begin If you're intrigued by impact investing but feel overwhelmed, start with clarity. Ask yourself: What values matter most to me? What kind of world do I want my capital to help build? What are my long-term financial goals? Then consider working with an advisor familiar with faith-based investing options. You don't have to master every strategy. Firms like Praxis Investment Management handle the research, engagement, and implementation. Your role is simpler—and profound: to say, "I want my money to reflect my values." When multiplied across many investors, even small portfolio decisions can move markets toward greater justice, dignity, and stewardship. And in uncertain times, that kind of disciplined conviction may be one of the most faithful investments you can make. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 60 and recently lost a long-time job. I have about $1.5 million in a volatile 401(k) and would prefer not to draw from it yet. With my wife working part-time and income limited, how should I reposition this account to make it safer and navigate this transition? If I take Social Security before full retirement age and accept the reduced benefit, how do cost-of-living adjustments factor in? Do future COLAs help offset that early-retirement reduction? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Praxis Investment Management Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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.
John Bevere joins Kap Chatfield to unpack the Second Coming of Jesus, the Parable of the Ten Virgins, and what true spiritual readiness looks like. A bold, biblical conversation on holiness, repentance, and preparing as the Bride of Christ.
The Gospel of Mark (Chapter 4) explores the teachings of Jesus through the lens of parables, using the analogy of a lit lamp not being hidden but placed on a stand to give light to all so that his followers' spiritual "light"—their good deeds and faith—should not be concealed but shine forth for others to see and glorify God. Hearing Jesus podcast available at https://amzn.to/3QLEpee Rachel Grohl books available at www.rachelgrohl.com Gospel of Mark available at https://amzn.to/40rYHOt ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Mark's History of North America podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Audio credits: Hearing Jesus podcast with Rachel Groll (episode 654, 23sep2024) How Our Faith Grows (Life Audio, Salem Web Network). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
DAY 121: The Parable of the Sower Welcome to the Gospel in a Year on the Catholic Sprouts Podcast. In this episode we are reading Luke 8:1-18 To get the most out of this journey through the Gospels, we suggest you PRINT THE GOSPEL IN A YEAR NOTEBOOK. It's free and ready for you right here --> http://catholicsprouts.com/the-gospels-in-a-year-on-the-catholic-sprouts-podcast Thank you for joining us! Come Lord Jesus!
Don't Bury Your Gift: The Silent Drift That Kills Your Calling Episode Description: What if the greatest danger to your faith isn't open rebellion… but quiet drift? In this episode, Rob challenges us to examine something subtle but dangerous — spiritual passivity. We don't renounce our faith. We don't walk away from God. We just slowly sideline our calling. We get busy. We get successful. We get comfortable. And before we know it, the gift God gave us is sitting unused. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4 and Jesus' parables about buried talents, Rob reminds us of Paul's clear warning: "Do not neglect your gift." This isn't just advice for Timothy. It's a wake-up call for every Christian. In This Episode, You'll Discover: Why spiritual drift is more dangerous than obvious failure How busyness and comfort can bury your calling The real meaning behind "Don't neglect your gift" Why faithfulness is about multiplication — not maintenance A powerful story about gifted Christians who slowly disengaged Simple, practical ways to get back on mission today Key Scriptures: 1 Timothy 4:12–14 — "Do not neglect your gift." 1 Timothy 2:4 — God wants all people to be saved. Matthew 25 — The Parable of the Talents Luke 19 — The Parable of the Minas The Hard Question: When was the last time you used your gift to help someone grow spiritually? Are you still reaching? Still teaching? Still encouraging? Still on mission? Or has comfort quietly buried what God meant to be multiplied? Practical Next Steps: Stay in the fellowship — don't rush home. Approach the visitor sitting alone. Study the Bible with someone seeking truth. Pray intentionally for one person. Invite someone this week. Dust off your gift — start small. You don't have to be in full-time ministry to be fully engaged in the mission. Your workplace is your field. Your neighborhood is your ministry. Your relationships are your stewardship. Final Challenge: One day the Master will return. And He will ask: What did you do with what I gave you? Let's make sure we haven't buried our talent. Let's keep the main thing the main thing. That's the 10X Christian life. Support the Podcast: Sign up for Rob's weekly newsletter at RobSkinner.com Read and review The 10X Christian on Amazon Share this episode with someone who needs a wake-up call Because the goal is simple: Live a no regrets life. Make this life count. Multiply disciples, leaders, and churches.
J.I. Packer once wrote, “What matters in life is not what you make of it, but what God makes of it for you.” That contrast becomes especially clear when it comes to money. When circumstances shift, and uncertainty rises, the quiet question surfaces: Will there be enough? Our culture tells us peace comes through self-provision—earning more, saving more, planning better. But Scripture invites us into a different posture: resting in a Father who provides. Look at the Birds: Provision Begins with Relationship In Matthew 6:26, Jesus directs our attention upward: “Look at the birds of the air…your heavenly Father feeds them.” Birds don't build financial models or stockpile reserves. Yet God sustains them. Jesus' point isn't irresponsibility—it's relationship. Behind every plan, paycheck, and effort stands a God who sees, knows, and provides. Throughout Scripture, this truth repeats like a steady drumbeat: Abraham climbs Mount Moriah in obedience, and God provides a ram (Genesis 22:13–14). The widow of Zarephath runs out of resources, and God sustains her jar of flour and jug of oil (1 Kings 17:14–16). Peter wonders how to pay the temple tax, and Jesus provides the exact coin in a fish's mouth (Matthew 17:27). From Genesis to Revelation, God's provision is precise, purposeful, and personal. Every Need, Not Every Wish Paul echoes this promise in Philippians 4:19: “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Notice what Paul doesn't say. He doesn't promise every want, preference, or wish list. He promises to meet every need. And that supply doesn't flow from our economy, our income, or our investments—it flows from God's riches. Provision is not sourced in us. It's sourced in Him. Jesus Is Our Provision The truth goes even deeper. Jesus doesn't just provide—He is our provision. In John 6:35, He says, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” Peace, then, is not found in financial comfort or problem-free living. It's found in the presence of Christ. When we forget this, we drift into two familiar traps: Fear: What if there isn't enough? Self-reliance: I'll make sure there's enough. Both pull us away from trust. The Source Behind Everything We Have Scripture reminds us that God provides not only resources but the ability to obtain them. Moses tells Israel, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Our skills, opportunities, work ethic, and even our capacity to earn—all come from Him. When that truth settles in, something shifts. Financial security stops being something we manufacture and becomes something we receive. Trusting God as provider doesn't lead to inactivity. It frees us to work, plan, save, and give with joy. Our efforts become acts of stewardship rather than self-provision. Money becomes a place of spiritual formation rather than fear. That's why Jesus teaches us to pray for “daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Not because God lacks resources—but because our hearts need daily dependence. Daily bread cultivates daily trust. Where Are You Looking for Provision? Take a moment to ask: Am I looking to my paycheck for security? My savings? My plans for the future? Or the hand of a Father who feeds the birds and calls me His child? Whether you're in a season of abundance or a season of need, Jesus doesn't just promise provision—He gives Himself. And He invites you to trust Him day by day. When we trade fear for faith, striving for surrender, and self-reliance for dependence, we discover the deep joy of resting in a Father who sees and provides. Go Deeper: A Daily Journey of Trust This is the journey explored in Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Devotional to Faithful Stewardship. It's an invitation to trust God as Provider, Owner, and Treasure in every financial decision. You can pick up a copy—or place a bulk order for your church or small group—at FaithFi.com/Shop. And if you're using the FaithFi app, you'll find excerpts woven into the first 21 daily Rhythms, helping you connect your financial decisions with your spiritual life each day. Start today by establishing a new rhythm—seeing your money not as your security, but as an opportunity to trust the God who provides. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'm 65 and plan to work for another 5 to 6 years. I have $65,000 in a Roth IRA that hasn't been invested. I've heard suggestions ranging from corporate bonds and CDs to an ETF. How should I think about investing this money? I'm 60, with a $700,000 pension lump sum, and am considering a buffered-income variable annuity for a few years before taking withdrawals. Is that a wise move? My husband and I are pastors with small 401(k)s. We're curious about crypto—can we move funds directly from a 401(k) to invest in it, and is that advisable? When financing a car, is it better for a married couple to put the loan in one spouse's name or both—and does that change later in life? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship List of Faith-Based Investment Fund Families IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | Fidelity® Wise Origin® Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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.
Parable Ministries Presents: Hebrews Part 7.-Check out our other podcasts!"Rejoice, O Beloved!"CommentariesMy Dusty Bible-Connect with Us:contact@parableministries.comParableMinistries.comParablePublishing.comInstagramTikTok-Alex is a lifelong follower of Christ who embarked on a journey of faith at the tender age of 3. From serving the homeless with Church at the Park to joining YWAM, Alex's mission is to illuminate the beauty of God's love and provide a balanced understanding of the entire Bible, not just selective passages.-Music created by Chad HoffmanArtwork created by Anthony Kuenzi-If you feel led to give to Parable Ministries, please visit: Donate
Stewardship of Money & Possessions: do you have a Money problem or a Master problem? Pastor Corey reads the Parable of the Rich Fool and points out that we aren't meant to be reservoirs with our money. We're meant to be rivers — ever flowing and connected to the main source, our Heavenly Father.
Teacher: Rob Zimmermann Download Sermon Notes Watch Episode Give Online: http://westgatechapel.org/give Connect With Us: http://westgatechapel.org/connect Chapters (00:00:00) - Heavenly Worship(00:05:13) - Wonders of Westgate Chapel Sunday(00:06:52) - Wonders of the World(00:08:27) - Communion(00:21:44) - All my Life You Have Been So Good(00:23:04) - Germany Mission Team Share Stories(00:30:10) - Prayer for the Germany Team(00:31:51) - Giving of Our Tithe and Offerings(00:33:18) - The King Is Coming(00:34:51) - The Parable of the Persistent Widow(00:41:19) - Luke 18: A Warning for the Kingdom Coming(00:47:18) - The Long Wait for Valentine's Day(00:51:54) - The Judge in Jesus' Parable(00:55:39) - The Parable of The Widow(00:57:42) - The Unrighteous Judge in the Parable(01:05:39) - The Righteous Judge(01:06:41) - Putting Our Trust in the Righteous Judge(01:07:24) - Luke 18: Will He Find Faith?(01:15:35) - He Will Never Fail(01:25:19) - Wrap Our Time Together: Church
Missio Church Elder/Pastor Kody LaBarthe preaches from Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
What did Jesus really mean when He said the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one?In this message from Luke 15:1–7, we explore the Parable of the Lost Sheep — one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus — and uncover the scandal, absurdity, and beauty of grace.This isn't just a comforting story about being rescued. It's a disruptive story about a God whose love defies social norms, economic logic, and religious expectations.In this sermon, we explore:Why the religious leaders were uncomfortable with JesusThe social pressure of belonging and “normal” faithThe economics of grace (why leaving the 99 makes no sense)Whether we are the lost sheep… the 99… or invited to become like the shepherdWhat radical grace means in a polarized worldJesus doesn't offer a technical theological argument here.He offers a story that forces us to ask:
Join us as we explore the biblical and prophetic significance of the year 2026. Delve into Typology, Bible Chronology, and the historical context of the End Times, to understand the time in which we are living, and why we are close to the End or Consummation of the Age, with a special look at the typology of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This in-depth discussion offers insights into the urgency of the times and the importance of living faithfully for Christ.
Send a textThe PIT Crew splits! Leona, Gwyn, and Garos search for some mystical spring water, and Reshi searches the Ruins of Qehetbe as Tiraveil's apprentice.=== LINKS === Join our Community! ( https://discord.gg/CHUCNTxnat ). Bonus Content! ( https://www.ko-fi.com/halfwitsfailedcrits ). Follow! ( https://www.threads.net/@halfwitpodcasts ). Listen to our other shows! ( https://www.HalfwitPodcasts.com ). Rate & Review! ( https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/halfwits-failed-crits-1012806 ). === CREDITS === Game System: PenultiMyth: Finite Rules for Infinite Stories - created by Jonathan Swenson. Theme Song: The Parable Infused Tribune - composed by Dungeon Maestro.Find their socials at ( https://linktr.ee/dungeonmaestro ). Other music and sound effects used on Dark Fantasy Studio Premium, Zapsplat Gold, and Ghosthack Music licenses. Support the show
Join us as we explore the biblical and prophetic significance of the year 2026. Delve into Typology, Bible Chronology, and the historical context of the End Times, to understand the time in which we are living, and why we are close to the End or Consummation of the Age, with a special look at the typology of the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This in-depth discussion offers insights into the urgency of the times and the importance of living faithfully for Christ.
Are you stewarding what God has placed in your hands — or burying it? In this powerful message from 1 Peter 4 and the Parable of the Talents, we explore biblical stewardship, responsibility, spiritual authority, and what it truly means to live as an ambassador for Christ. This isn't about comfort — it's about calling. Discover: • The difference between salvation and spiritual empowerment • What the Parable of the Talents really means • Why accountability matters in the Kingdom of God • How to step into leadership in your home, workplace, and community • What it means to carry the ministry of reconciliation This message will challenge you to stop playing small and start living with eternal purpose. Scripture references include 1 Peter 4:10–11, Matthew 25:14–30, 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, and Acts 2. If you're ready to take responsibility for your faith and live with intention, this message is for you.
Jesus gave three short parables after the one on different types of soil. The first was about putting a lamp where it can be seen. The second was on the way the kingdom grows without our being aware of it. And the third was on the tiny beginnings of the kingdom of God and the promise of great growth. The more we shine and cast the seed of the Word, the greater is the growth of God's kingdom.
Have you ever said something you instantly regretted? Reacted instead of responded? Ignored that quiet warning in your spirit? In this episode, we talk about the universal struggle of falling short — and the overwhelming mercy of God that meets us there. Drawing from Romans 3 and Romans 7, we’re reminded that even the apostle Paul wrestled with doing what he didn’t want to do. Sin is part of our fallen human condition — but shame and distance from God don’t have to be. This conversation is about repentance, reconciliation, and the loving Father who runs toward us when we turn back to Him. What We Discuss Why we instinctively choose wrong at times Paul’s transparent struggle with sin (Romans 7:14–16) The difference between conviction and condemnation Why guilt often pushes us away from God instead of toward Him The heart of the Father in repentance This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Falling ShortBy: Megan J. Conner Bible Reading:“For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23 (NKJV) Have you ever said something you wished you could take back? Or decided to go against that still small voice warning you not to make a specific choice or take a particular action? If you are anything like me, your answer to these questions is a resounding, disappointed yes. Likely, after you spoke when you should have remained silent, or conducted yourself in a manner that failed to represent Kingdom qualities, your instantaneous response was regret. Why is it that we so often choose what we shouldn’t? Because “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sometimes, it isn’t even a conscious thought-out decision, but rather an instinctive reaction. We just automatically do or say without thinking. Even the apostle Paul, whom many of us esteem as a father in the faith, transparently shared his own struggle with sin when he said: “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate” (Romans 7:14-16, NLT). It is so easy to beat ourselves up when we fall short, but as Paul shared, we are only human. This is not an excuse for us to sin, but rather an acknowledgement of our fallen state and God’s unfathomable mercy. The Lord knows we will fail again… and again… and again. He knew it from the very beginning when it was decided in the Garden that Christ would come and pay the penalty for our sins so that we might be reconciled to the Father. Our Heavenly Father is not asking us to be perfect or to achieve some unattainable standard of Christianity. Instead, He has made a way for us to remain connected to Him despite our sin through the blood of Jesus and the gift of repentance. When our children make poor choices, what is it that we want most from them? We desire repentance and reconciliation. True, there might be consequences for their actions, but our ultimate goal is to retain the relationship and remind them of our unfailing love for them. It is the same with the Lord. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, NIV). Even if we understand this to be true, somehow, when we know we have done wrong, we end up distancing ourselves from the Lord rather than drawing nearer to Him. Just like Adam and Eve in the Garden all of those years ago, we want to cover our shame. We want to hide from an all-seeing God. While logically we know this is impossible, we still somehow think, if we remain in the shadows, it will go unnoticed. However, the awareness of our own thoughts or deeds within our hearts can only be silenced for so long. Regret will eat away at our peace until we finally surrender it to the Lord. What will we find when we reach this point of surrender? A harsh judge ready to issue punishment? No, we will find our loving Father running towards us with open arms, just as we read in the parable of the prodigal son, ready to embrace us (mud, muck, and all). He will wash away all of our sin, put a fresh robe of righteousness upon our backs, and welcome us into communion with him. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you still feel the weight of guilt or remorse over a situation when you fell into sin? If so, ask yourself why you are still carrying this regret. Are you distancing yourself from the Lord because you feel unworthy? Or is there another reason you are still struggling with shame? I invite you to take a look at the scripture passages listed in the further reading section. In particular, I encourage you to read the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). May you find relief and reconciliation as you return to the Lord through repentance. He is there waiting for you with open arms. Further Reading:Luke 15:11-32John 3:16 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
After the Parable of the Sower and Jesus' explanation to His disciples, a natural question came up. If Jesus is sowing good seed and it is a matter of the soil of our hearts taking in God's Word and the proclamation of the Kingdom, then how do we make sense of all the “bad seed” sown around us? The world doesn't look like a lot of good. In fact, it can often be more of a challenge to see the good through the difficult, unjust, and wickedness of the world.Jesus answered with a series of three parables: The Parables of the Weeds, Mustard Seed, and Leaven. Each one shows us something unique about the Kingdom of God. Each one tells us something we have to know about how God works and how God is at work, both at the time of Christ, and in our lives and world here and now.------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media Website | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | Vimeo------------------------------------------- Download our AppApple App Store | Google Play Store
In week two of our "Journey to Jerusalem" Lenten series, Pastor Tom Kang takes an honest look at one of Jesus' most famous—and most domesticated—teachings: the Parable of the Good Samaritan.Set against the backdrop of real-world headlines, global conflicts, and anxieties right here in Los Angeles, this message challenges us to look beyond our comfortable boundaries. Pastor Tom unpacks how Jesus flipped the legal expert's question from a static "who is my neighbor?" to an action-oriented "who has become a neighbor?" We are reminded that true compassion requires proximity, not just policy, and that love in action means stepping into the messiness of life rather than passing by on the other side.
In this message from the Gospel of Matthew 13, we explore the Parable of the Sower and the powerful principle of beginning with the end in mind. The same seed is sown, yet different hearts produce different outcomes. The question is not whether God is speaking, but how we are responding.This sermon challenges us to put God first in every area of life, guard against distraction, and cultivate a heart that produces lasting fruit. When we open our head to His truth, our heart to obedience, and our hands in surrender, we position ourselves for a harvest that multiplies far beyond us.Finish strong for the One who is first.
by Wiley Deason
This Sunday we come to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Many of us have gotten used to the term "Good Samaritan," yet it struck me this week that Jesus intended this label to shock his hearers. They did not regard any Samaritans as good. It might be more like hearing the phrase "good terrorist" or "good enemy" today. It is a master class from Jesus on breaking down our prejudices. A man wants to justify himself, so he asks "Who is my neighbor?" How far does love-of-neighbor require me to go? And Jesus tells a story in which that man's worst enemy is a real neighbor to him - without qualifications. But this is not a guilt trip. And it is not just a model for us to copy. Jesus is doing heart surgery. Let's talk about his scalpel in "Go & Do Likewise" (Luke 10:25-37).
After overturning the temple, Jesus curses a fig tree, is questioned on his authority, and gives us the Parable of Two Sons
Today's Scripture passages are Exodus 21 - 22 | Matthew 12:46-50 | Mark 3:31 - 4:9 | Luke 8:19-21.Read by Ekemini Uwan. Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use code LAUNCH30 at checkout for 30% off the Get in The Word with Truth's Table Video Bible Studies!Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeTo reach the IVP podcast team, please use this form.Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
What if the greatest change you could make in your financial life didn't start with budgeting, investing, or earning more—but with surrender? We don't usually think of surrender as a financial word. Yet Scripture places it at the center of faithful stewardship. The life-changing truth that God owns everything reshapes how we live, give, and manage what we've been entrusted. The First Question Scripture Asks About Money When we talk about finances, we tend to ask familiar questions: How much do I have? How much do I need? Am I doing well? They're natural questions—but they're not the first question Scripture asks. From the beginning, the Bible establishes that God is the owner. Before humanity ever managed a garden or named a creature, God formed, filled, and ruled creation. Psalm 24:1 declares it plainly: “The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.” Simply put, God is the owner—and we are the stewards. For many of us, that's a familiar idea. But familiarity doesn't always lead to surrender. We may affirm God's ownership in theory while living as if everything depends on our effort. We say, “I worked for this,” or “I earned this.” Yet Scripture adds an essential truth: “It is He who gives you power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). Even our ability to work is a gift from God. Faithfulness, Not Outcomes Jesus reinforces this perspective in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30). A master entrusts resources to three servants. Two invest faithfully. One buries what he's been given out of fear. When the master returns, he doesn't praise them for increasing his net worth—he commends their faithfulness. That distinction matters. The world measures success by outcomes. God measures success by trust and faithfulness. If God owns everything, then we are not owners—we are managers. Scripture uses the term oikonomos, meaning household manager: someone who manages resources they didn't create, for purposes they didn't define, under a master they serve. At first, that may sound restrictive. In reality, it's freeing. If I'm not the owner, then I'm not the ultimate provider or protector. The weight shifts from my shoulders to God's. As Ron Blue often says, “If God owns it all, you can't lose anything.” Ownership carries pressure. Stewardship carries trust. Everyday Decisions Become Worship When we truly embrace stewardship, ordinary financial decisions take on spiritual meaning. Budgeting becomes aligning our desires with God's priorities. Giving becomes a response to His generosity. Planning becomes obedience rather than anxiety. Investing becomes multiplying what belongs to the Lord, not securing independence from Him. The Puritan preacher Thomas Watson once wrote, “What we keep we may lose. What we give to God is kept forever.” Paul echoes this in 1 Timothy 6:7: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” That reality isn't meant to discourage us—it's meant to liberate us. When we stop clinging to what we cannot keep, we're free to invest in what we can never lose. What Does God Expect From Us? If God owns everything, what does He ask of us? Jesus answers simply: “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). Faithfulness isn't about the size of what we manage—it's about surrender. And surrender always begins in the heart. When we embrace God's ownership, two gifts follow: Humility—we stop boasting in what we've accomplished. Hope—we realize we're not carrying the burden alone. God equips, guides, and provides. Where Is God Inviting You to Surrender? Where might God be inviting you to shift from being an owner to a steward? In your giving? Your planning? Your savings or lifestyle? Or in the quiet belief that your security depends more on markets than on the God who “owns the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10)? Stewardship isn't about God getting something from you. It's about God doing something in you. It reorders the heart so money takes its proper place—not as a master, but as a tool. If this idea resonates with you—that God owns it all and stewardship begins with surrender—I invite you to explore it further in Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. You can learn more or order a copy for yourself, your church, or your small group at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are in our late 30s, have accumulated some debt, and have struggled to stick to a budget. We want to be better stewards, but keep falling off track. Can you offer simple, practical guidance to help us manage money and stay consistent? I'm 24 and living with my parents, hoping to buy a home instead of renting. What steps should I take now to move toward homeownership? I'm nearing 65 and will have about $70,000 from my 401(k), plus a small annuity. What's the wisest way to invest that money at this stage to support my future? I'm 65 and trying to decide when to take Social Security and how to draw from our accounts. We're mostly debt-free and financially stable, but I hear conflicting advice. Should I delay benefits, start my wife's earlier, and in what order should we tap our savings and IRAs? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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.
Who are our neighbors? The people who live next to us? The people who look like us, think like us, or vote for us? Jesus confronts the prevailing belief that only a few people are worthy of our love, trust, and respect. The Parable of the Good Samaritan stands as a beacon of light against the darkness of prejudice, hate, and tribalism. Today's Bible verse is James 2:1, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Over the coming decades, women will steward a majority of the wealth being passed from one generation to the next. For many, that responsibility will arrive suddenly—during seasons of grief, transition, or new beginnings. Yet within that shift lies a remarkable opportunity for wise and faithful stewardship. Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors and cofounder of Women Doing Well, joins us on today's show to share what she has learned after spending years studying this moment and walking alongside women as they step into it. A Quiet but Significant Shift Today, research consistently shows that women are inheriting a large portion of generational wealth. One primary reason is longevity—women often outlive their spouses by several years, placing financial responsibility squarely on their shoulders. In fact, nearly 95% of women will become the primary financial decision-maker at some point in their lives. Many step into that role unexpectedly, often while navigating grief, life transitions, or new responsibilities. The result is a profound shift happening quietly across generations—one with real implications for confidence, stewardship, and generosity. When Women Doing Well surveyed more than 7,300 Christian women—the largest study of its kind—one insight stood out: only about 6% felt confident or equipped to manage the resources God had entrusted to them. The issue wasn't a lack of desire. It was a lack of clarity, confidence, and inclusion in financial conversations. Many women had the responsibility, but not the preparation. That gap can feel overwhelming, especially when decisions arrive suddenly. Generosity Is Already There One of the most encouraging discoveries from the research was this: Christian women are already remarkably generous. They give more of their time and money than many of their peers. The desire to live generously is not something that needs to be created—it's already present. What many women want isn't simply to give more, but to give well. The opportunity is to help generosity grow from clarity and confidence rather than from fear or obligation. A strong correlation emerged between biblical understanding and generosity. The more women understood stewardship—recognizing God as the Owner and themselves as managers—the more purpose-driven their giving became. Discipleship shifts generosity from pressure to purpose. It reminds us that giving is not a test to pass, but a response to God's grace. From Overwhelm to Clarity: A Real Story One woman, whom we'll call Clara, had always given generously. But after inheriting a significant sum of money, she felt pulled in every direction—“a dab here, a little there,” without a sense of impact. Through a process of discernment and clarity, she began narrowing her giving while increasing her investment in areas aligned with her calling. Her response captured the transformation: “You've given me the freedom to say no so I can say a better yes.” Clarity didn't reduce her generosity—it deepened it. For many women, financial responsibility begins in the midst of grief. In those moments, wisdom matters. One helpful principle, often shared by trusted mentors, is this: avoid making drastic financial changes during the first year after a major loss. Decisions will need to be made, but there's rarely a need to rush. It's also vital to seek wise counsel. A trusted advisor who understands both financial realities and biblical stewardship can provide guidance, and bringing along a trusted friend or family member can offer needed perspective and emotional support. Finding Purpose Before Decisions Financial clarity often begins with personal clarity. Understanding how God has uniquely wired you—your experiences, passions, and calling—can shape how you steward resources. Many women find their generosity aligned with their life story: adoption, education, justice, poverty relief, or ministry areas where God has already been at work. Stewardship becomes more meaningful when it flows from identity and calling rather than obligation. When women gain clarity and confidence, measurable outcomes follow. Research shows that many increase both their financial giving and the time they invest in serving others. More importantly, they report greater peace, confidence, and joy. Generosity becomes a whole-life response—expressed through money, time, skills, and relationships. Generosity Without Pressure Growing in generosity doesn't mean saying yes to everything. True generosity flows from identity in Christ, not guilt or pressure. When fear or obligation drives a decision, it can be a signal to pause and pray. God is at work in many lives, raising up different stewards for different purposes. Saying no in one place often allows for a more faithful yes elsewhere. For advisors serving women in transition, relationship matters as much as expertise. Listening before leading, offering small and practical next steps, and creating an environment that feels relational—not transactional—can make all the difference. Guidance that is clear, manageable, and compassionate helps women move forward with confidence. A Word to Women Stepping Into This Role If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, know this: you are not alone. Financial wisdom grows one step at a time. God has already been at work in your life, and the resources entrusted to you have purpose. Confidence develops through learning, community, and small acts of obedience. Stewardship is not a burden to carry alone—it can become an adventure of discovering how God wants to work through you. Some women have even formed giving circles, combining resources and discernment to support causes together. What began as uncertainty became what they now call “the adventure of giving.” If you're navigating this transition or preparing for it, consider seeking guidance and community. Learn more about the work of Women Doing Well and resources for growing in clarity and confidence. You can also connect with a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) who can provide biblically grounded financial counsel. The shift is already happening. And with it comes a profound opportunity—not just to manage wealth, but to steward it faithfully for God's purposes. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: As I prepare to buy a $400,000–$450,000 home—planning to put about 50% down and use a 15-year mortgage—what key questions should I ask lenders to secure the best rate and terms? Our Certified Kingdom Advisor recently left his firm to start his own practice. The current firm would charge about $1,000 in account-closure fees, but has offered to lower our management fee if we stay. Should we follow our advisor to his new firm or remain where we are, especially given the fees and our desire for biblically aligned investing? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Women Doing Well Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find 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 first live Q&A of our Lent 2025 series Jesus in Galilee, Dom and I work through 35 questions from the more than 2,000 people who have joined the class — and true to form, Dom tries to honor every single one of them. The conversation ranges from the silver cups of Boscoreale to the Gulf of Mexico, from Josephus's gritted-teeth defense of Judaism to what a State of the Union address might look like if Jesus gave it tonight. Dom argues that the apocalyptic imagination is, bluntly, a loss of faith; that coinage was the only real mass media of antiquity; that nonviolent resistance was invented — not borrowed — in first-century Judea; and that if you want to understand what an autocrat is planning, read very carefully what the autocrat accuses his opponents of. It is, in other words, exactly the kind of conversation I look forward to all year. If you want in on the rest of the series — the lectures, the live Q&As, and the full archive — head to CrossanClass.com. You can WATCH the conversation YouTube 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. 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. Previous Podcast Episodes with Dom & Tripp A Tale of Two Gods: Why C.S. Lewis's Famous Argument Falls Apart From Iron Swords to Nuclear Bombs: Tracing 3,000 Years of Escalatory Violence Paul, Christ, & the Mystery of Execution & Resurrection Paul, Josephus, & the Challenge of Nonviolent Resistance Paul, Rome, & the Violent Normalcy of Civilization Paul & the Fictional History of Luke-Acts Paul & Thecla Ask JC Anything 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