Podcasts about Parable

In episode 507 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse continue their journey through the parables of Luke's Gospel, landing in Luke 12:35–40. What appears at first glance to be a familiar call to watchfulness turns out to be something far more demanding — and far more gracious. The parable of the waiting servants is not a call to spiritual passivity or anxious vigil, but to active, disciplined faithfulness. Girded loins and burning lamps are not the posture of someone sitting and waiting — they are the posture of someone already at work. And when the master returns to find his household in good order, he does the unthinkable: he puts on an apron and serves his servants. Grace, as always, gets the last word. Key Takeaways Biblical waiting is never passive. The command to "gird your loins" describes a settled state of active readiness — not anxious watching, but faithful, ongoing work in the master's household. This parable is more about sanctification than justification. Unlike the Parable of the Ten Virgins, which emphasizes spiritual preparedness, this parable calls believers to holiness and continued good works in the time before Christ's return. The master's service is the shocking grace at the center of the parable. That the returning master would gird himself and serve the faithful servants is the parable's defining surprise — the reward is not earned, but given freely by a gracious master. Our best works cannot merit grace, yet God is pleased to reward sincere obedience. Drawing on Calvin and Augustine, Jesse articulates that when God crowns our faithfulness, he is crowning his own gifts working in and through us. The parable speaks differently to different audiences. Christ is addressing a mixed crowd — genuine disciples, swept-up enthusiasts, and hostile opponents. The same event (the master's return) carries opposite meanings depending on the condition of the heart that meets it. The late-watch blessing is a word of encouragement to the weary. Faithfulness at 3 a.m. is harder than faithfulness at 9 p.m. The blessing pronounced on those found faithful in the late watches is a word of hope for those in seasons of dryness, discouragement, or spiritual fatigue. Peter's question in verse 41 is not a failure — it is a mirror. Even Peter, standing directly in front of Jesus, did not know who the parable was for. Confusion in the face of these texts is not shameful — it is an invitation to slow down and look more carefully. Key Concepts Active Faithfulness: What "Girded Loins" Actually Demands The phrase "let your loins be in the state of having been girded" is a Greek perfect participle — describing not a momentary action but a settled, ongoing condition. In the ancient Near East, men wore long flowing robes, and tucking the hem into the belt was reserved for moments of work, travel, or battle. It was not comfortable. You would not stay girded longer than you had to. The parable's command, then, is not simply "be alert" — it is "stay in the posture of someone already doing their job." The servants are expected to be found working when the master returns, not merely watching out the window. Biblical waiting, as Jesse notes, has always been active: Israel ate the Passover meal with sandals on and staff in hand. Simeon waited for the consolation of Israel by being present in the temple. Waiting, rightly understood, is a form of faithfulness. Grace That Serves: The Parable's Shocking Reversal The most disorienting moment in this parable is not the master's unexpected return — it is what he does when he arrives. He finds his servants awake and the house in order, and rather than accepting their service, he girds himself and waits on them. This is not a reward they have earned by staying awake. As Tony points out, the master serves because there is nothing left to be done — the household is already well kept. The servants' faithfulness creates the conditions for the master's grace to be expressed in the most lavish possible way. This is the Reformed instinct confirmed by the parable itself: our obedience does not purchase the feast, but the master's grace sets the table. When God crowns faithfulness, he is crowning his own gifts, not ours. The banquet was always his to give. A Parable for a Mixed Crowd: One Return, Two Meanings Christ is not preaching to a tidy congregation of committed disciples. He is speaking to thousands — a traveling crowd that includes genuine believers, curious followers, and hostile observers. The sudden shift from the returning master to the image of a thief in verse 39 is jarring, but it may be precisely the point. The same event — the return of the Son of Man — carries entirely different weight depending on who is waiting for him. To those who are watchful and faithful, he comes as a beloved master bringing a feast. To those who are careless or unprepared, he comes like a thief, and loss follows. The doctrine of perseverance is not a license to coast. God perseveres his people through their persevering — working in them both to will and to do. The parable presses every hearer to ask: which household am I keeping?

What if one of the clearest signs of generosity isn't simply how much we give, but how deeply we desire to participate?In 2 Corinthians 8, the apostle Paul describes a group of believers whose generosity was remarkable—not because they had abundant resources, but because they were eager to give even amid significant hardship.Their example shows us what happens when grace transforms the heart.Generosity in the Midst of HardshipPaul is writing to encourage the church in Corinth to participate in a collection for believers in Jerusalem who were experiencing severe need. To encourage them, he points to the churches of Macedonia.But the Macedonians weren't wealthy benefactors with plenty to spare. Paul writes:“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints.” - 2 Corinthians 8:1–4Paul describes their circumstances in striking terms: severe affliction and extreme poverty. Yet alongside those circumstances was an “abundance of joy,” and somehow the combination overflowed into generosity.Perhaps the most surprising detail is that they begged to give.Paul wasn't begging them for money. They were asking Paul for the privilege of participating.From Obligation to OpportunityThat posture can feel unfamiliar. Even within the church, giving can easily begin to feel like another financial obligation—a bill to pay, a percentage to calculate, or a requirement to satisfy. The question becomes, “How much am I supposed to give?”The Macedonians appear to be asking a very different question: How can we be part of this?They knew their brothers and sisters were suffering, and they didn't want their own difficult circumstances to prevent them from participating in their care.Paul tells us where that desire came from. He begins the passage not by praising the impressive generosity of the Macedonians, but by saying, “We want you to know…about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia.”Their generosity was evidence of God's grace at work in them. Verse 5 takes us even deeper: “They gave themselves first to the Lord.”That came before the money. Before offering their resources, they had entrusted themselves to God.Grace Changes What We TreasureWhen we understand that we belong to Christ and that everything we have ultimately comes from His hand, generosity looks different. It becomes less about losing something and more about participating in what God is doing.That doesn't mean Scripture calls Christians to give recklessly or neglect legitimate responsibilities. Paul provides important balance later in the same chapter:“For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” - 2 Corinthians 8:12Paul continues by explaining that his goal is not for some believers to be relieved while others are left burdened. Rather, he describes a kind of mutual care in which one person's abundance can meet another person's need.So the point of the Macedonians' example is not that everyone should give beyond what they can responsibly afford. The deeper lesson is about the posture of the heart.Do I primarily see generosity as something being taken from me, or as an opportunity God may be placing before me?When I encounter someone in need, is my first instinct to protect what is mine, or am I willing to ask whether God has entrusted me with something I can share?The Macedonians' circumstances were difficult, but grace had reshaped what they valued.The Greater Example of GenerosityUltimately, Paul doesn't leave our attention on Macedonia. He points us to Jesus. 2 Corinthians 8:9 says:“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”That is the foundation of Christian generosity. We don't give in order to earn God's favor. We give because, in Christ, we have already received grace beyond measure.And when that grace captures our hearts, generosity begins to change.It becomes more than something we have to do. It becomes something we're grateful to get to do.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have about $36,000 in student loan debt at 9%, and after decades of repayment I feel like I'm barely making progress. Would paying every two weeks help, and should I consider using home equity to pay it off?I have a whole life policy with a term rider I didn't realize was included. Should I remove the rider, keep it until it expires, or redirect that money into the whole life policy instead?I'm selling my home for less than I originally paid, but the buyer wants the contract price listed higher to cover closing costs. How would that affect my taxes, and could any gain impact my Social Security?My husband and I own our home, and I want my daughter to inherit it without unnecessary difficulty. What's the best way to structure that?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

What will you leave to the next generation—and will they be prepared to steward it well?A faithful wealth transfer involves more than deciding who gets what. It means thinking carefully about the people who will receive those resources and whether they have the wisdom, maturity, and spiritual foundation to handle them faithfully.Dr. Kelly Rush, Professor of Finance, Financial Planning Program Coordinator, and Chair of Business and Technology at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, points to David and Solomon as a compelling biblical example. Rush, who also serves on the board of Kingdom Advisors, says David did more than accumulate resources for his son. He prepared Solomon for both great wealth and great responsibility.David knew Solomon would eventually build the temple in Jerusalem. So before transferring tremendous resources, David helped prepare his son for the work ahead.His example offers families four important principles for thinking about wealth transfer today.1. Pursue Unity Before Making a PlanThe first principle is unity: husbands and wives should agree on their plans for transferring wealth.We see this in 1 Kings 1. As David neared the end of his life, his son Adonijah attempted to establish himself as king. Bathsheba approached David and reminded him of the commitment concerning Solomon. David acted, and Solomon was publicly established as his successor.For families today, the circumstances are obviously very different, but the underlying principle remains valuable. Parents should work toward a shared vision for what they hope their wealth will accomplish and how it will eventually be distributed.That unity can clarify the plan for the entire family. Children and other heirs are less likely to receive conflicting messages when parents have already worked through difficult questions together.Before asking, “How much should we leave?” couples may need to begin with a more fundamental question: “Are we united about what we hope this wealth will accomplish?”2. Transfer Wisdom Before WealthAssets will eventually change hands. The larger question is whether wisdom will accompany them.David understood that Solomon needed more than resources. He needed spiritual and practical preparation.David prayed that God would give Solomon wisdom and understanding, and he personally instructed his son to know the Lord and serve Him wholeheartedly. He also gave Solomon detailed plans for the temple and prepared him for the responsibilities he would inherit.In other words, David did not simply leave Solomon a fortune and expect him to figure things out.Parents today have a similar opportunity. Children and grandchildren can be taught biblical principles of stewardship alongside practical financial skills such as budgeting, saving, giving, investing, and making wise decisions.The goal is not merely to prepare assets for heirs. It is to prepare heirs for assets.That preparation may begin long before an inheritance is in view. Younger children can learn to manage small amounts of money and decide how to give. Teenagers can take on greater financial responsibilities. Adult children can increasingly participate in conversations about family resources, generosity, and long-term plans.Wealth without wisdom can create significant challenges. But when wisdom comes first, financial resources can become another tool the next generation is prepared to steward faithfully.3. Consider Readiness, Not Just AgeDavid recognized something important about Solomon: he was “young and inexperienced” (1 Chronicles 22:5).So David prepared him gradually. He imparted wisdom. He supplied practical plans and instructions. Eventually, Solomon received the resources he needed.Families today can also think carefully about both the timing and amount of wealth they transfer.No universal age marks when someone suddenly becomes ready for significant financial responsibility. Parents should consider an heir's spiritual, emotional, and financial maturity rather than relying on age alone.Where gaps exist, they can become opportunities for further preparation.That may mean gradually increasing responsibility over time. In some situations, families may use joint accounts while younger heirs learn to manage money. For larger inheritances, trusts or trustee oversight may provide both protection and an opportunity for continued growth in stewardship.Communication is also essential. Heirs should not necessarily be surprised by a family's wealth-transfer plan after a parent dies. Appropriate conversations ahead of time can allow children to understand their parents' intentions, ask questions, seek wisdom, and prepare for future responsibility.And those plans do not have to remain static. As children mature and circumstances change, parents can revisit their plans accordingly.4. Give Wealth a Purpose Beyond YourselfDavid accumulated extraordinary resources for the temple, drawing from both Israel's treasury and his personal wealth.Yet David would never build it himself. God had given that responsibility to Solomon.David could have looked at that limitation and decided the project was no longer his concern. Instead, he prepared extensively for something another generation would complete.That offers an important perspective on stewardship. We cannot take our possessions with us when we die, but we can thoughtfully use them while we are here in ways that bless others and support work that continues beyond our lifetime.For families, that may include making generosity part of family life now rather than waiting until an estate is distributed.Parents might invite children into giving decisions, support ministries together, or develop a family mission statement that expresses the values they hope will continue into future generations. Some families may also incorporate charitable gifts or trusts into their estate plans.The specific tools will vary. The deeper goal is to cultivate a family culture in which wealth is understood as something God entrusted, not merely something to consume or accumulate.Use Financial Resources to Build Something GreaterRush has seen this principle at work in her own family. She and her husband have used financial resources to take their children on family mission trips, giving them opportunities to serve together and learn to share the gospel.Those experiences illustrate an important possibility: financial capital can sometimes develop something far more important—spiritual maturity, relationships, wisdom, and a vision for serving others.For parents, that raises a worthwhile question: How might the resources God has entrusted to us today help prepare the people who may steward them tomorrow?The answer will look different for every family. But the biblical pattern reminds us that wealth transfer is not simply an estate-planning event at the end of life. It is an ongoing process of teaching, communicating, preparing, and modeling faithful stewardship.David prepared resources for Solomon, but he also prepared Solomon for the resources. That may be one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My bank is being acquired, and the new bank has limited in-network ATM access when I travel. I'm considering switching to an online bank with a larger nationwide ATM network. What should I look for?I'm 40 and have three old 401(k)s from previous employers. Some advisors suggest consolidating them into one account with expected returns around 8% to 10%, while another is proposing a hedge fund targeting 15% to 17%. How should I evaluate these options?My daughter is in her 50s and currently incarcerated. When she comes home, she'll have no income, no car, and significant credit card debt, though she owns her home outright. Should she consider bankruptcy, and what's the best way to address her debts?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerNerdWallet | BankrateAdelFi Christian BankingAlly | Charles Schwab Bank | SoFi | Alliant Credit Union | AxosFaithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

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Why did Jesus quote Psalm 118 to the Pharisees during Holy Week after telling the Parable of the Wicked Tenants? Dr. John Bergsma—prolific author, illustrator, and theology professor (Bible Basics for Catholics, Psalm Basics for Catholics)—joins Anna Mitchell on the Son Rise Morning Show to unpack the deep Old Testament roots of this famous passage. Dr. Bergsma explains how Psalm 118 was traditionally prayed during the Passover meal, how the historical life of King David foreshadowed Christ's rejection, and how Jesus became the true cornerstone of a new temple built of living stones—the Church. Stream now to listen!Support the show: https://www.sacredheartradio.com/donate-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.On today's edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses the parable of the WNBA's culture war, if transgender inmates have rights to transgender treatments (and even transgender underwear), and the story of a lesbian bar that attempted to lower restrictions on face masks that has made national headlines.Part I (00:14 – 13:33)The Parable of the WNBA's Culture War: Transgender Activists are Trying to Transform the World as We Know ItIt's Time for the W.N.B.A. to Pick Sides by The New York Times (Roxane Gay)Part II (13:33 – 18:48)Do Transgender Inmates Have Rights to Transgender Treatments and Transgender Underwear? The Trump Administration Pushes Sanity and Raises Big QuestionsTrump Administration Asks Justices to Allow It to Deny Hormones to Trans Inmates by The New York Times (Ann E. Marimow)Part III (18:48 – 24:51)The Story of a Lesbian Bar That Attempted to Lower Restriction on Face Masks: The Strange Controversy in Massachusetts That Has Made National HeadlinesSaturday Night at the Massachusetts Lesbian Bar Everyone Is Talking About by The New York Times (Mark Arsenault)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

AI is changing quickly. So how should Christian families think about money, investing, work, and the future without being driven by fear? In this episode of Abraham's Wallet, Steven Manuel and Mark Parrett take a serious look at the rise of artificial intelligence, concerns about superintelligence, and what AI could mean for jobs, investments, digital security, and the way families prepare for an uncertain future. But the bigger question isn't whether we can predict exactly what AI will do. It's whether fear should be allowed to dictate how we run our households and manage our money. Rather than trying to “AI-proof” a portfolio or make dramatic financial moves based on the latest headline, Steven and Mark explore four possible futures for AI—from catastrophe and a messy transition to abundance and a slower-than-expected transformation. They discuss why diversification matters, why ordinary financial planning may still be the right approach, and why your own job and skills may deserve more attention than trying to predict which companies will survive AI. The conversation also brings the issue back to Scripture. What does the Parable of the Talents teach us about fear and stewardship? What's the difference between prudent preparation and fear-based financial decisions? And how can Christian fathers prepare their families for uncertainty without trying to secure the future entirely through their own strength? Covered in this episode: • How Christians should think about AI and superintelligence• Should you “AI-proof” your investment portfolio?• AI, jobs, and the future of work• Why diversification matters in an uncertain economy• The difference between prudence and fear-based financial decisions• What the Parable of the Talents teaches about fear and money• Biblical principles for preparing for uncertain times• How much cash and emergency supplies should a family keep?• Digital security, scams, passwords, and AI-powered fraud• Whether gold, Bitcoin, land, or other assets make sense during uncertainty• How Christian fathers can prepare their households without panic• Why living below your means and maintaining financial margin still matters• Faith, stewardship, and trusting God with an uncertain future AI may change dramatically. The economy may change. The world may change. But the calling remains remarkably simple: be faithful with what God has put in your hands today. Don't let the next threat—or the fear surrounding it—pull you away from faithful stewardship. Subscribe to Abraham's Wallet and share this episode with another Christian father who is trying to think wisely about money, technology, and the future. Chapters (00:00:01) - Intro: AI Fears and Anthropic Resignation Story(00:03:57) - Vocabulary: Understanding AI and Superintelligence(00:07:14) - Four Possible Future Scenarios(00:11:49) - Prophecy Jokes and Staying the Course(00:14:45) - Fear as a Terrible Financial Planner(00:16:02) - Biblical Parables: Talents, Joseph, and the Rich Fool(00:19:41) - Fear Cycles Throughout History(00:23:17) - Three Questions from a Dumb Guy: Gold and Digital Security(00:28:49) - Cash on Hand and Emergency Preparedness(00:32:21) - AI-Proofing Your Portfolio and Jobs(00:37:09) - Bunkers, Land, and Trusting in Self vs God(00:39:30) - Action Steps: Prayer, No Fear Trades, Margin(00:47:01) - Closing Thoughts: Faithfulness Over FearHelp us equip more biblical bosses!: https://abrahamswallet.com/support AW website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Christians often think about stewardship in terms of giving, saving, and spending. But if God owns everything He has entrusted to us, stewardship also raises another question: What about the companies we own through our investments?Harry Pearson, Founder and CEO of OneAscent, says that question became increasingly important in his own journey of faith and finance. OneAscent is a family of companies that equips advisors and investors with faith-aligned solutions for planning, investing, and giving.For Pearson, connecting biblical convictions with investing began with a broader realization: Faith should shape every part of our financial lives.Connecting Faith With the Rest of Our FinancesPearson grew up in a home where generosity was modeled well. His parents taught him to tithe from an early age. For every dollar he earned, he put a dime in the offering plate.What he had not learned, however, was how to connect his faith with the rest of his financial life.That began to change about 18 years ago when he attended his first Kingdom Advisors Conference. Pearson remembers arriving somewhat resistant, but the experience challenged him to consider what it would look like to align his work with the faith God had already planted in his heart.Colossians 3:23 became an important lens: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”That principle extends beyond our occupations. If everything belongs to God, then our time, abilities, and financial resources are all things we manage on His behalf.The question becomes not simply, “What do I want to do with what I have?” but, “How can I faithfully steward what God has entrusted to me?”Passing Along Values, Not Just ValuablesThat perspective also changes the way we think about leaving a legacy.Families often devote significant attention to the valuables they hope to leave the next generation—homes, savings, investments, and other assets. Pearson believes Christians should give just as much attention to the values they are passing along.Rather than focusing only on leaving a legacy, he encourages families to think about living one.Children often learn stewardship less from formal lessons than from what they regularly observe. They see how their parents talk about money, respond to financial pressure, practice generosity, and decide what matters most.That gives parents an opportunity to invite their children into the stewardship process.Let them see generosity practiced. Allow them to participate in serving others. Talk with them about why your family chooses to support particular ministries or causes. Those conversations can help the next generation understand not merely what the family owns, but why it uses money the way it does.After all, preparing the next steward is about more than transferring assets. It is about cultivating wisdom and faithfulness in the person who may one day receive them.Do You Know What You Own?The same stewardship framework applies to investing.Many investors purchase mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, or other investments without knowing much about the individual companies they indirectly own. Pearson believes that is worth examining.If God is the ultimate owner of our resources, Christians can thoughtfully consider whether the businesses in their portfolios align with their biblical convictions.That begins with a simple question: Do you know what you own?For some investors, looking beneath the surface of a portfolio may reveal companies or business activities they would not knowingly choose to support. That realization has helped drive the growth of faith-based and values-aligned investing.At OneAscent, Pearson says the investment process includes three broad steps: eliminating companies whose activities conflict with certain biblical convictions, carefully evaluating the remaining investment opportunities, and seeking businesses that are making a positive contribution through the products and services they provide.The goal is not merely to avoid certain companies. It is to think more intentionally about what ownership means and how investment capital is being used.Can Values-Aligned Investing Be Financially Responsible?One concern surrounding faith-based investing has historically been whether applying values to a portfolio necessarily requires sacrificing investment performance.Pearson says the field has developed considerably over the past decade. There are now longer track records, more investment options, and increasingly sophisticated approaches to portfolio construction.But he has also come to appreciate that values-aligned investing is not only about selecting investments. It can also influence investor behavior.When investors consider their principles before markets become volatile, they may be better prepared to stay disciplined when uncertainty arrives. Rather than making emotional decisions in the moment, they can return to an investment philosophy they have already thoughtfully established.For Christians, that provides another opportunity to move from simply knowing what they believe to putting those beliefs into practice.Bringing Stewardship Into the PortfolioFaithful stewardship touches far more than the offering plate. It shapes how we earn, spend, save, give, plan, and prepare the next generation. And for Christians who own investments, it can also shape the way they think about the businesses represented in their portfolios.That does not mean every Christian will make identical investment decisions. But it does mean we can approach investing prayerfully and thoughtfully, remembering that the resources under our care ultimately belong to God.OneAscent helps advisors and investors explore how their financial lives and investments align with their biblical values, including through a portfolio analysis.To learn more, visit OneAscent.com/FaithFi.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'll turn 65 in January and am considering disability because my school job is becoming harder to manage. Should I use my employer's short-term disability benefit, apply for Social Security Disability, or both? And when should I start the process?My credit scores are consistently above 800, but a bank recently showed a score of 780 when evaluating me for a HELOC. Why can the scores lenders use differ so much from the scores consumers see?My husband recently passed away, and I received about $50,000 in life insurance proceeds. I'd like to keep roughly half as an emergency fund and invest the other $25,000. I'm 59, working full-time, have only a car payment and a 3.87% mortgage, and may also receive VA survivor benefits. How should I think about using and investing this money?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerOneAscentWise Women Managing Money: Expert Advice on Debt, Wealth, Budgeting, and More by Miriam Neff and Valerie Neff Hogan, JD. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)Christian Credit CounselorsFaithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

00:00:00 Ezekiel 1 – Ezekiel's Vision of Four Living Creatures and the Glory of the LORD00:04:24 Ezekiel 2 – Ezekiel's Commission as a Prophet and the Roll of a Book00:05:52 Ezekiel 3 – Ezekiel Eateth the Roll and is Made a Watchman unto Israel00:10:05 Ezekiel 4 – The Type of the Siege of Jerusalem and the Iron Pan00:12:52 Ezekiel 5 – The Type of the Hair and the Judgment of Jerusalem00:16:09 Ezekiel 6 – The Judgment of Israel for Their Idolatry and a Remnant Saved00:18:36 Ezekiel 7 – The Final Desolation of Israel and the End is Come00:22:36 Ezekiel 8 – The Vision of Abominations in the Temple at Jerusalem00:25:53 Ezekiel 9 – The Vision of the Marked Men and the Slaughter in Jerusalem00:27:59 Ezekiel 10 – The Vision of Coals of Fire and the Cherubims00:31:26 Ezekiel 11 – The Presumptuous Princes and the Promise of a New Spirit00:35:00 Ezekiel 12 – The Type of Ezekiel's Removing and the Captivity Foretold00:39:09 Ezekiel 13 – The Reproof of Lying Prophets and Untempered Morter00:42:58 Ezekiel 14 – Idolatrous Elders Reproved and the Unavoidable Judgments00:46:57 Ezekiel 15 – The Unprofitableness of the Vine Tree00:48:03 Ezekiel 16 – The Unfaithfulness of Jerusalem and God's Covenant of Mercy00:58:06 Ezekiel 17 – The Parable of Two Eagles and a Vine01:01:59 Ezekiel 18 – The Soul That Sinneth, It Shall Die01:06:58 Ezekiel 19 – A Lamentation for the Princes of Israel01:08:49 Ezekiel 20 – The Rebellions of Israel and God's Promise of Restoration01:16:46 Ezekiel 21 – The Sharp and Bright Sword Drawn Against Jerusalem01:21:45 Ezekiel 22 – A Catalogue of Sins in Jerusalem and the Smelting Furnace01:26:09 Ezekiel 23 – The Whoredoms of Aholah and Aholibah01:33:22 Ezekiel 24 – The Parable of the Boiling Pot and the Death of Ezekiel's Wife01:37:20 Ezekiel 25 – Vengeance Against Ammon, Moab, Edom, and the Philistines01:40:03 Ezekiel 26 – The Destruction and Ruin of Tyrus Foretold01:43:37 Ezekiel 27 – The Rich Supply and Great Fall of Tyrus01:48:45 Ezekiel 28 – The Judgment of the Prince of Tyrus and Zidon01:52:52 Ezekiel 29 – The Desolation of Egypt and Pharaoh's Judgment01:56:15 Ezekiel 30 – The Desolation of Egypt and Her Helpers02:00:02 Ezekiel 31 – The Glory and Fall of Assyria as a Cedar02:03:25 Ezekiel 32 – A Lamentation for the Fearful Fall of Egypt02:08:45 Ezekiel 33 – The Duty of the Watchman and the Justice of God's Ways02:14:04 Ezekiel 34 – A Reproof of False Shepherds and the Promise of the True Shepherd02:18:50 Ezekiel 35 – The Judgment of Mount Seir for Their Hatred of Israel02:20:58 Ezekiel 36 – Israel Comforted with Promises of Blessing and Renewal02:27:01 Ezekiel 37 – The Vision of the Dry Bones and the Two Sticks02:31:17 Ezekiel 38 – The Malice and Judgment of Gog02:35:07 Ezekiel 39 – God's Judgment Upon Gog and the Restoration of Israel02:39:37 Ezekiel 40 – The Vision of the Measuring of the Temple02:47:38 Ezekiel 41 – The Measures, Parts, Chambers, and Ornaments of the Temple02:51:37 Ezekiel 42 – The Chambers for the Priests and the Outer Measures of the Temple02:54:32 Ezekiel 43 – The Glory of the LORD Returneth into the Temple02:59:03 Ezekiel 44 – The East Gate Kept for the Prince and the Priests' Ordinances03:04:34 Ezekiel 45 – The Portion of Land for the Sanctuary, City, and Prince03:09:14 Ezekiel 46 – Ordinances for the Prince's Worship and the People03:13:27 Ezekiel 47 – The Vision of the Holy Waters and the Borders of the Land03:17:22 Ezekiel 48 – The Portions of the Twelve Tribes and the Gates of the City

00:00:00 Matthew 1 – The Genealogy and Birth of Jesus Christ00:03:13 Matthew 2 – The Wise Men, Flight into Egypt, and Slaughter of the Innocents00:06:37 Matthew 3 – John Preacheth and Baptizeth Christ00:08:43 Matthew 4 – Christ Fasteth, is Tempted, and Beginneth His Ministry00:11:46 Matthew 5 – The Sermon on the Mount00:17:19 Matthew 6 – Christ Continueth His Sermon on the Mount00:21:33 Matthew 7 – Christ Endeth His Sermon on the Mount00:24:42 Matthew 8 – Christ Cleanseth the Leper and Stilleth the Tempest00:28:39 Matthew 9 – Christ Cureth the Palsy and Calleth Matthew00:33:01 Matthew 10 – Christ Sendeth Out His Twelve Apostles00:37:53 Matthew 11 – John Sendeth His Disciples to Christ00:41:27 Matthew 12 – Christ Reproveth the Pharisees and Sheweth Who is His Brother00:47:27 Matthew 13 – The Parable of the Sower and Other Parables00:54:53 Matthew 14 – John Baptist Beheaded and Christ Feedeth Five Thousand00:58:36 Matthew 15 – Christ Reproveth the Pharisees and Feedeth Four Thousand01:02:55 Matthew 16 – The Pharisees Require a Sign and Peter's Confession01:06:28 Matthew 17 – The Transfiguration of Christ01:09:51 Matthew 18 – Christ Teacheth Humility and Forgiveness01:14:08 Matthew 19 – Christ Healeth the Sick and Answereth Concerning Divorce01:17:50 Matthew 20 – The Labourers in the Vineyard01:21:54 Matthew 21 – Christ's Entry into Jerusalem and Cleansing of the Temple01:27:48 Matthew 22 – The Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son01:32:13 Matthew 23 – Christ Admonisheth the People and Denounceth Woes01:36:52 Matthew 24 – Christ Foretelleth the Destruction of the Temple01:42:03 Matthew 25 – The Parables of the Ten Virgins and the Talents01:47:09 Matthew 26 – The Lord's Supper and Christ's Agony in the Garden01:55:18 Matthew 27 – Christ Delivered to Pilate, Crucified, and Buried02:02:22 Matthew 28 – The Resurrection of Christ

00:00:00 Luke 1 – The Conception of John the Baptist and of Christ00:07:53 Luke 2 – The Birth and Circumcision of Christ00:13:30 Luke 3 – The Preaching and Baptism of John00:18:56 Luke 4 – The Temptation and Fasting of Christ00:23:58 Luke 5 – Christ Teacheth the People Out of the Ship00:28:38 Luke 6 – Christ Chooseth the Twelve Apostles00:34:51 Luke 7 – Christ Raiseth the Widow's Son00:41:10 Luke 8 – Women Minister unto Christ of Their Substance00:48:29 Luke 9 – Christ Sendeth His Apostles to Preach00:55:52 Luke 10 – Christ Sendeth Out the Seventy Disciples01:01:03 Luke 11 – Christ Teacheth to Pray01:07:51 Luke 12 – Christ Preacheth Against Hypocrisy01:14:55 Luke 13 – Christ Preacheth Repentance01:19:18 Luke 14 – Christ Healeth the Dropsy on the Sabbath01:24:29 Luke 15 – The Parable of the Lost Sheep and Prodigal Son01:28:48 Luke 16 – The Parable of the Unjust Steward and Rich Man01:33:31 Luke 17 – Christ Teacheth to Avoid Offences01:38:22 Luke 18 – The Unjust Judge and the Pharisee01:43:30 Luke 19 – Of Zacchaeus a Publican01:49:27 Luke 20 – Christ Avoucheth His Authority01:55:09 Luke 21 – Christ Commendeth the Poor Widow01:59:43 Luke 22 – The Jews Conspire Against Christ02:07:37 Luke 23 – Jesus Accused Before Pilate and Crucified02:14:01 Luke 24 – The Resurrection of Christ Declared

How do Lutherans read the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats? In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous based on their deeds. On the surface, this text can look like salvation by works.In this video, we dive into this passage from a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) perspective. We explore how true faith naturally produces good works, yet salvation remains entirely a gift of God's grace through Jesus Christ.Key Topics Covered:The distinction between Law and Gospel in Matthew 25.Why the "sheep" are surprised by their own good deeds.How Christ's righteousness is the sole basis for our salvation.The proper role of good works in the Christian life.If this conversation encourages you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who wants to make a greater difference for Christ.You can also pick up a copy of Open ARMS: Connecting People to Jesus and learn how God can use ordinary relationships to accomplish extraordinary things.

Jesus, having spoken to His disciples about the signs of His 2nd coming to earth to establish the kingdom of God, He goes on to speak another parable. This one is the parable of the fig tree. As Dr. Mitchell explains, the fig tree is a picture of the nation of Israel. Luke 21:27.He also shares the meaning of the phrase, “this generation” found in verse 32.Jesus also declares the contrasts between the two things that will pass away and the two things that will not pass away. Jesus' words will never pass away nor the nation of Israel. The Word of God is eternal.The Psalmist wrote, “Forever, O Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven.” Ps. 119:89This is the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast.Turn with us to Luke 21:27 with Dr. Mitchell who speaks more in detail about our Lord Jesus' 2nd coming to the earth.

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.On today's edition of The Briefing, Dr. Mohler discusses the Democrats trying to sell religion, why Democrats will struggle to win Christian voters, and Robert Schuman and the worldview clash behind Pope Leo's visit to secular France.Part I (00:14 – 13:17)Democrats are Trying to Sell Liberal Religion: These Politicians Represent the Fault Line of Religion Between Historic Christianity and Political Activism Dressed Up as ReligionCan Democrats Reclaim the Christian Moral High Ground? by The New York Times (Jia Lynn Yang)Why Democrats can't close the God gap by The Spectator (Damian Thompson)Part II (13:17 – 17:21)The Parable of ‘Go and Do Likewise': Democrats Will Struggle to Win Christian VotersGo and Do Likewise: How We Heal a Broken Country by Macmillan Publishers (Andy Beshear)Part III (17:21 – 26:19)‘Democracy Will Be Christian Or It Will Not Be': Robert Schuman and the Worldview Clash Behind Pope Leo's Visit to Secular FrancePope Leo visits secular France as surge of converts jolts a flagging faith by The Washington Post (Anthony Faiola)Pope Leo to visit a secular France at odds with Catholic views on abortion, euthanasia by France 24Leo XIV, Trying to Be Everyone's Pope, Tours Secular France by The New York Times (Motoko Rich and Mark Landler)Schuman Declaration May 1950 by European UnionFor Europe by European Parliament (Robert Schuman)Sign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

Christians often say that God owns everything and that what we possess has simply been entrusted to our care. We apply that principle to our income, savings, investments, and giving. But we may treat another significant asset differently: the equity in our homes.Harlan Accola, who leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage, joined the show today to discuss why homeowners—particularly those approaching or already in retirement—should consider home equity as part of their overall stewardship plan.Home Equity Is Still Part of Your WealthFor generations, many families have followed a familiar pattern: buy a home, pay off the mortgage, and eventually leave the house to their children.That goal is certainly not wrong. But Harlan says tradition can sometimes cause us to mentally separate home equity from the rest of our financial resources.“The home equity is wealth,” he explained.That does not mean every homeowner should borrow against a home's value. Rather, it means home equity deserves to be considered alongside retirement accounts, savings, investments, and other assets when evaluating the resources God has entrusted to us.That consideration has become increasingly important as home values have risen.Harlan pointed to research from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies showing that many older Americans have accumulated substantial equity in their homes. In some cases, homeowners may have more wealth tied up in their houses than they have available in retirement accounts and other liquid assets.That can create an unusual situation: someone may appear financially secure on paper while struggling to generate enough monthly cash flow for ordinary expenses.Should the House Always Be Left to the Children?Another common assumption is that parents should leave the family home to their children free and clear.Again, that can be a worthy goal. But Harlan encourages families to consider it within the broader purpose of stewardship.Scripture places tremendous emphasis on the spiritual legacy we leave behind—our faithfulness, wisdom, example, teaching, and love for God and others. Financial resources may certainly be part of an inheritance, but they are not the only inheritance that matters.That raises several important questions:Could some of the wealth stored in a home help meet legitimate retirement needs? Could it help provide for a surviving spouse? Could it reduce unnecessary financial pressure? Could it create opportunities for generosity while someone is still alive?Those questions do not automatically lead to the same answer for every family. The point is to prayerfully evaluate the home as part of the entire financial picture rather than assuming it must remain untouched simply because that has traditionally been the plan.In many families, adult children may also care far more about their parents having financial stability and appropriate care later in life than about preserving every dollar of home equity for an eventual inheritance.House Rich, but Cash-Flow PoorOwning substantial home equity does not necessarily mean retirement expenses are easy to manage. Harlan says he regularly encounters older homeowners with significant equity who nevertheless struggle to cover monthly expenses or unexpected repairs.He also noted that many older homeowners still carry mortgages well into retirement. When housing costs consume a large portion of a household's income, even someone with considerable home equity can experience financial strain.That distinction matters. A home may represent considerable net worth, but equity alone does not pay the electric bill, replace an air-conditioning system, cover healthcare expenses, or buy groceries.That is why you shouldn't evaluate home equity in isolation from the rest of a retirement plan.Start With Your Goals, Not a Financial ProductConsidering home equity does not mean immediately pursuing a reverse mortgage or any other particular strategy.In fact, Harlan recommends beginning somewhere else entirely. “Start with the big picture,” he said.Consider everything God has entrusted to you—your income, retirement savings, investments, home, other assets, obligations, needs, family circumstances, and goals.Then ask what those resources are meant to accomplish. A wise stewardship plan starts with the goals, not the financial product.For some homeowners, the best decision may be to leave their home equity untouched. For others, accessing some portion of it may become one tool among many to support retirement needs, care for a spouse, reduce financial pressure, or accomplish other important goals.Whatever the decision, the larger principle remains the same: our homes are not outside the boundaries of stewardship.They, too, are resources entrusted to us by God. The question is not simply, “How much equity do I have?” A better question may be, “How can I faithfully steward everything God has placed in my hands?”To learn more about the home-financing options available through Movement Mortgage, including reverse mortgages, visit FaithFi.com/Movement.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My sister passed away four years ago and left most of her assets to her daughter through transfer-on-death designations, but one bank account was left out. The balance is under $10,000, and the bank says it must go through probate. Is that correct, and how can we stop the account from losing money to inactivity fees?I'm 55, married, and we earn about $120,000 a year. After expenses, we have about $500 left each month, around $20,000 in a 401(k), and we're building a three-month emergency fund. What should we do with the extra $500?I'm working two jobs and earning about $20,000 to $25,000 a year while saving for a home. What mortgage rate should I be looking for, and how do I know whether a loan offer is affordable?I have a 5.25% mortgage, two higher-interest car loans, and a medical bill that will soon start charging high interest. I've been offered a consolidation refinance at about 6.25% that would combine everything into one payment. Would that be wise, or should I keep the debts separate?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerMovement MortgageMaster Your Money: A Step-by-Step Plan for Experiencing Financial Contentment by Ron Blue with Michael BlueFaithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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 challenging message, given prior to a LOGOS convention back in the early 1980s, Kevin Conner unpacks Jesus' parable of the wheat and the tares, drawing application for the times we are living in.  For more about Kevin Conner's teaching on the parables, including his best-selling book ‘Mystery Parables of the Kingdom', visit kevinconner.org/parables 

Jesus tells one of his most violent parables: tenants seize a vineyard, attack the servants sent to them, and finally kill the landowner's son. But who actually calls for vengeance at the end of the story? Peter Walsh and Elizabeth Garnsey explore the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, its roots in the Hebrew Scriptures, the danger of treating God as something religion can own or control, and why this passage should never become a story about Christianity replacing Judaism. Ultimately, the parable turns the question back on us: If the vineyard has been entrusted to our care, what kind of tenants are we?Questions for ReflectionThemes & ApplicationPeter suggests that the tenants' fundamental mistake is believing that the vineyard belongs to them. Where can religious communities make the same mistake with God, faith, tradition, or the Church? Elizabeth notices that when Jesus asks what should happen to the violent tenants, it is his listeners who say they should be put to a “miserable death.” Jesus instead turns to the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone. How does noticing who proposes the violent ending change the way you understand this parable? Peter eventually turns the parable toward the Church itself. Rather than assuming Christians have simply inherited the vineyard, he asks whether we are actually producing its fruit. What would good stewardship of God's vineyard look like for the Church today? Personal ReflectionWhere are you most tempted to become a gatekeeper? Are there people, beliefs, experiences, or ways of encountering God that you find yourself wanting to declare inside or outside the boundaries?When someone challenges something you deeply believe, what is your first instinct? Do you listen, defend, withdraw, attack, or become curious?Where do you see the “fruits of the kingdom” growing in your own life? Where might the vineyard need more tending?Broader Spiritual ConsiderationsWhat would it mean to think of the Kingdom of God as the “culture of God”? If mercy, reconciliation, healing, relationship, and love characterize God's culture, how might that culture challenge the assumptions of the cultures in which we live?The conversation about supersessionism highlights how interpretations of Scripture can have consequences far beyond Bible study. What responsibility do Christians have to consider the history and consequences of the ways Scripture has been interpreted?Peter and Elizabeth repeatedly return to the danger of assuming that our institution, tradition, or interpretation has everything right. How can a religious community hold deep convictions while remaining open to correction, transformation, and the possibility that God is speaking through someone outside its boundaries? References & ResourcesVocabularySupersessionism / Replacement Theology: The Christian theological belief that the Church has replaced Israel as God's covenant people.Zionism: A movement supporting Jewish self-determination and a Jewish homeland in the historic Land of Israel.Hermeneutics: The practice and principles of interpreting Scripture or other texts.ScriptureIsaiah 5:1–7: The Song of the Vineyard: Elizabeth explains that Jesus' vineyard imagery draws directly from the Hebrew Bible's portrayal of Israel as God's vineyard.Biblical Scholarship & Theology Robert Farrar Capon, The Parables of Judgment: Elizabeth draws on Capon when she explores what the tenants have actually been entrusted with and the danger of religious authorities becoming gatekeepers who act as though access to God belongs to them. (Read the book)Episcopal Church ResourcesThe Episcopal Church's Alternative Good Friday Liturgy: The Episcopal Church authorized a new alternative Good Friday liturgy in 2024, following several years of development. The revised texts explicitly affirm that God's covenant with the Jewish people has never been broken, acknowledge the harm Christians have caused Jewish people, and include prayers for Jewish flourishing and safety. (Read it )Learn more about St. Mark's at https://www.stmarksnewcanaan.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Reflecting on the Parable of the Two Sons (Mt 21:28-32), Fr. Eric speaks about the invitation to go forth to bring the world back to God. This is a live recording of a homily that Fr. Eric gave during the weekend of Sept. 26/27, 2026 at Holy Family in Whitby, Ontario. Watch Catholic Latte on YouTube and Facebook. An audio version of the podcast is available also on Spotify, iTunes and Podbean.

It's a question that gets at the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. Is discipleship an optional next step for more serious believers, or is it inseparable from genuine Christian faith?In this episode of Curious Faith, we have a live phone call with our Curious Companion to explore the difference between identifying as a Christian and actually living as a disciple. We look at some of Jesus' strongest statements about following Him, the cost of discipleship, and how passages like the Parable of the Soils help us think about what real, lasting faith produces.This episode asks an uncomfortable but important question: Are we simply calling ourselves Christians, or are we actually following Christ?

Series: The Parables SeriesSpeaker: Bryan H. Kim

In this powerful message, Pastor Dillon Neely continues our sermon series "Book of Matthew: King of the Kingdom" with a challenging look at the Parable of the Wedding Feast from Matthew 22:1-14.In this sermon you will learn:    What the wedding feast reveals about the Kingdom of Heaven    Why God is inviting everyone from the highways and byways    What it means to be clothed in the wedding garment of salvation in Jesus    Why hell is real and why sharing the gospel is the most loving thing we can do    How to live with urgency for the return of the KingPLUS: Celebrating over 100 baptisms in 5 years at Kings Church, Pastor Dillon shares exciting news regarding the future of our church family! 

The Trump administration stole our tax dollars to run a campaign ad during NFL games on Sunday. They're also breaking the law on congressional funding appropriations—and enjoying rubbing the public's face in all the illegality they're getting away with. In Dayton, The Bulwark had its largest live show ever, and the community came through in a huge way with donations for Haitian immigrants in Springfield. For a taste of the event, we're sharing Tim's interview with Democratic strategist Patrick Gaspard. Plus: Tim and Bill launch a new segment on longshot picks to back in the midterms, Trump is being unbelievably irresponsible on AI, the media is still not talking about the Iranian green card-holding family being held at the Dilley detention center, and Americans need a reminder of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.  Bill Kristol and Patrick Gaspard join Tim Miller.show notes: Monday's "Morning Shots," with Bill on Cardinal Robert McElroy, archbishop of Washington Bill's longshot in Idaho, Todd Achilles Tim's longshot in Colorado, Jessica Killin The Trio on Victor Marx, running for governor in Colorado A sampling of Jim's newsletters on Springfield Ohio's Don Leonard for Congress campaign site Dan Scavino's AI image Tim referenced Closing Song: MJ Lenderman - She's Leaving You The Bulwark's campaign to help the Haitian community of Springfield The Bulwark store

Notes Matthew 21:33-46 Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy delve into the parable of the wicked tenants from Matthew 21. They explore the implications of the parable in the context of Jewish leadership and the rejection of prophets, emphasizing the need for accountability and the importance of producing good fruits in ministry. The conversation highlights the role of empathy and transformation in addressing issues of injustice and the call for churches to reflect on their impact in the community. The episode also touches on the significance of stewardship and the responsibility of congregations to care for the least of these. In this episode, Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy delve into the themes of worship, the significance of the Ten Commandments, and the relevance of the Sabbath in contemporary life. They explore the importance of benedictions in worship, the need for a holistic understanding of the commandments, and the implications of misusing God's name. The conversation emphasizes the commandments' role in fostering community and justice, while also challenging listeners to examine their priorities and the cultural relevance of these ancient laws. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parable of the Wicked Tenants 02:28 Context of the Parable in Matthew 21 04:00 Jesus' Parable and Its Immediate Response 05:22 Historical and Theological Interpretations 07:38 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Misinterpretations 09:15 Justice, Injustice, and Modern Applications 12:02 Hope and New Leadership in the Parable 16:37 The Role of Empathy and Compassion 22:51 God's Response and the Rejection of Violence 24:38 Invitation to Justice and Transformation 27:43 Sanctified Art Advent Resources 31:21 Exodus 20 and the Ten Commandments 34:16 The Heart of the Commandments: Love and Rest 39:40 Living the Commandments Today 44:31 Misusing the Name of God and Justice 48:15 Universal Humanity and the Commandments 50:22 Justice in Society and Economy 52:13 Closing and Call to Reflection

Women are gaining more financial influence than ever before. But for Christian women, the bigger question isn't simply how much wealth they will control. It's what they will do with what God has placed in their hands.Pam Pugh, Co-Founder of Women Doing Well and President of VirtuAssets Foundation, has spent years helping individuals and families think about how to use their assets virtuously. She believes women are entering a significant season of financial stewardship—one shaped by greater earning power, longer life expectancies, entrepreneurship, and an enormous transfer of wealth.Those changes create opportunities, but they also call for preparation. For Christian women especially, growing economic influence offers an opportunity to prayerfully consider how their resources can serve God's purposes and the good of others.Four Shifts Reshaping Women's Financial InfluencePugh points to four significant shifts taking place in the financial landscape.The first is education and earning power. Women now represent 62% of college graduates and earn more than half of all doctorate degrees. Four in 10 physicians and attorneys are women, and among women ages 25 to 54, 78% work outside the home. Women also make the vast majority of consumer purchasing decisions, giving them significant influence not only through what they earn but also through how they spend.The second shift is longevity. Because women generally live longer than men, many will eventually become the primary decision-maker for their household wealth. Pugh notes that women live an average of 5.8 years longer than men and that an estimated 90% of women will manage their wealth independently at some point. She also points to estimates that women will inherit $124 trillion through 2048, including $54 trillion transferred to spouses, many of them widowed baby boomers.A third change is the growth of women-owned businesses. Pugh says one in 11 working-age women is an entrepreneur, while women own 39% of closely held businesses in the United States. Those businesses employ 12.9 million people and generate $3.3 trillion in revenue. For many women, entrepreneurship is not simply about earning more. It can also provide flexibility and greater control over how work fits into the rest of life.Finally, Pugh sees a shift in how women think about wealth itself.A Broader Definition of WealthFinancial wealth matters, but Pugh says many women view wealth more holistically. They think not only about money but also about physical, spiritual, social, and intellectual well-being.That perspective changes money's purpose. Financial resources become a tool rather than an end in themselves—something that can provide freedom and help accomplish meaningful purposes. Pugh also points to research suggesting women tend to be patient, studious, holistic, and methodical investors, with many prioritizing aligning their investments with their values.For Christians, that raises a deeper question: If God has entrusted us with greater resources and influence, how do we prepare to steward them faithfully?Pugh offers a simple framework.Step One: DreamImagine you were preparing for a month-long trip overseas. You wouldn't simply show up at the airport and hope everything worked out. You would think about where you were going, what you would need, what you already had, and who could help you prepare.Financial stewardship deserves similar intentionality. Pugh encourages women to begin by prayerfully envisioning where they may be headed. One helpful exercise is to imagine your life five years from now and ask:If I were confident that God was with me, what would I explore?Then write it down. Consider not only what your financial life looks like, but the kind of life you hope to be living. What values are evident? What relationships matter most? What kind of work are you doing? What does generosity look like?The point isn't to predict the future. It's to become intentional about where you are headed and why.Step Two: Take InventoryOnce you've thought about where you may be headed, ask another question: What's already in your hand?Pugh draws that language from Exodus 4:2. Moses was reluctant when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. After Moses repeatedly expressed his fears and inadequacies, God asked him, “What is that in your hand?”It was a shepherd's staff—something ordinary that Moses may never have imagined could play a role in what God was calling him to do.The same question can help us recognize what God has already entrusted to us.Your “inventory” includes more than the balance in your bank or retirement account. It may include relationships, financial resources, knowledge, experience, skills, opportunities, and even lessons learned through hardship.Rather than beginning with what you lack, begin by identifying what you already have.Step Three: Talk About It and Make a PlanA dream becomes far more actionable when you share it and support it with a plan.Pugh encourages women to talk about their goals with trusted friends, peers, family members, and, when appropriate, a financial professional who understands their values.A like-minded advisor can help turn broad hopes into concrete financial strategies. That might involve evaluating whether current resources will support future needs, clarifying investment objectives, or determining how saving, spending, and giving decisions can work together to support long-term goals.That guidance can be particularly valuable when uncertainty becomes paralyzing. Questions such as Will I have enough? or Can I accomplish what I believe God is putting before me? can be difficult to answer alone.A thoughtful financial plan cannot eliminate uncertainty, but it can help you understand where you stand and make informed decisions about the road ahead.What Will You Do With What's in Your Hand?Women's economic influence is changing dramatically through education, employment, entrepreneurship, longevity, and generational wealth transfers. But influence itself is not the destination.Stewardship asks a different question: What will you do with what God has entrusted to you?Pugh encourages women to recognize the opportunity before them, prayerfully consider what God has already placed in their hands, and prepare intentionally to use those resources for His glory and the good of others.You may not know every step that lies ahead. But you can begin by dreaming prayerfully, taking inventory, seeking wise counsel, and moving forward faithfully with what you already have in your hands.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I owe about $78,000 on a Discover card, and they've offered to settle the debt for roughly $58,000. How would accepting the settlement affect my credit?I'm 58, own my home and car outright, and need to set up a will and possibly a trust. Where should I start if I want an estate plan that reflects my Christian values?I'm 24, living at home, and almost finished paying off my student loans. How should I start budgeting, investing, and preparing for rent or a future home purchase? And at my age, how should I think about renting versus buying?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerWomen Doing WellVirtuAssets FoundationOpen Hands FinanceFaithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Welcome to the Saltbox Church Podcast. We desire to lead people to become fully surrendered disciples of Jesus. On our channel, you'll learn how to read and understand the truths of the Bible from Pastor Michael Mattis and other members of our teaching team. You can expect to walk away with a deeper understanding of the things of God, but challenged to live a surrendered life. We cover topics such as the will of God, mental health, women in leadership, Christianity vs. other faith traditions and many other in-depth studies of scripture. -------------------------------- -------------------------------- CONNECT: LinkTree ► https://linktr.ee/saltboxchurch Website ► http://www.SaltboxChurch.com Podcast ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/saltboxchurch/ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/saltboxchurch/ Yellow Truck Coffee Co. ► https://www.yellowtruckcoffeeco.com/ --------------------------------

Parables are great teaching tools and Jesus used them. But when the ignorant or the apostate speak them and teach them, it's like watching a lame man trying to run! Also Reference: (Luke 16:19-31) https://bbfohio.com

There is a story known as the parable of the Mexican fisherman, which is all about living for today and recognising what's really important in life. But, will living this way pay the electricity bill?Michael Houghton, Host of The Irish FIRE Podcast has tried it out himself, and joins Seán to discuss.

Jesus expects His followers to bear fruit, and that fruitfulness is not optional. Drawing from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, every believer has been entrusted with something valuable, and the question is not whether God has given you something but what you are doing with it. Burying what God has given out of fear or complacency is not neutral; it has real consequences. Fruitfulness grows out of abiding in Christ, being present in community, and investing your relationships, story, and resources into the mission He has called you to. The love Christians have for one another is itself a witness to the world, and your personal story of holding onto hope in hard times is one of the most powerful testimonies you can offer. Jesus chose you, appointed you, and equipped you to bear fruit that lasts, and that is not a burden but an invitation into His joy.

Why is forgiveness one of the hardest things God asks us to do? In this message from Matthew 18:21–35, Pastor Dave explores Jesus' Parable of the Unmerciful Servant and reminds us that the grace we've received from God is meant to flow through us to others. Discover why forgiveness is often a journey rather than a single moment, how bitterness keeps us trapped, and why God's grace gives us the freedom to take the next step toward healing and restoration. Follow us for more weekly messages from Eastside pastors!  

Parables are great teaching tools and Jesus used them. But when the ignorant or the apostate speak them and teach them, it's like watching a lame man trying to run! Also Reference: (Luke 16:19-31) https://bbfohio.com

When we manage our earthly goods poorly, we're not only wasting our possessions. We're robbing God Himself. From his sermon series in the gospel of Luke, today R.C. Sproul calls us to be responsible and generous with the resources that the Lord has given us. Receive R.C. Sproul's ebook commentary on the gospel of Luke with your donation: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/    Save 35% on your registration to Ligonier's 2027 National Conference in Orlando. The early-bird rate ends soon. https://www.ligonier.org/2027 Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What does it look like for a church to be good soil? In this message, Pastor Casey looks at Jesus's words to the church at Ephesus and the Parable of the Sower. He shows how returning to our first love prepares us for a harvest beyond our wildest dreams. As Vision Builders season begins, this is a call to hold fast to God's Word, endure with patience, and step off the sidelines into the harvest.

Morning Offering, September 27, 2026 is brought to you by Rosary.com https://bit.ly/4yFgW2IJesus' Parable of the Two Sons reminds us that our past does not determine our ending, because conversion and perseverance can change the direction of our lives.Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

In Part 3 of Dreams Do Come True, Pastor Armando Palazzo looks at the neglected vineyard in Proverbs and the Parable of the Talents in Matthew to uncover a powerful biblical principle:God can give you the vineyard, but you still have to work the field.Main Scripture: Proverbs 24:30–34, Galatians 5, Matthew 25Topic: Bible Teaching, Bible Study, Christian Leadership, Kingdom Builders, Living on a Mission, Use Your Gifts, Serve God, Pray Give Serve, Faith ForwardSupport the show ------------------------------------------WANT MORE?Say You Love Me 1: Building Healthy RelationshipsToxic 1: What are Toxic Thoughts? Things Jesus Never Said 1: Is Loving Money Bad?Bondage Breaker 1: Tormented by your past?  ------------------------------------------ JOIN US!Visit us at www.FusionChurchNY.com for the most up-to-date in-person service times and events.Join a Small Group.------------------------------------------FOLLOW US!Make sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.

Parable of the Sower

Welcome to Troy Church's podcast series. Our Connection Card link:https://troychurch.breezechms.com/form/7e350cThree Good Things in the Parable of the Good SamaritanGood TheologyGood NeighboringGood NewsQuestionsHow does this Gospel apply to me? Who do I need to cross the road to, for mercy, and to tell them about Jesus?Worship Songs"In Christ Alone""Goodness of God""Worthy Medley"You can keep up with all things Troy Church right here on our channel, and also at our other social media and outreach opportunities:facebook.com/troychurch.tvinstagram/troychurchalwww.troychurch.tv

This sermon critiques the five points of Calvinism, arguing that the doctrine of total depravity and irresistible grace stems from Augustinian determinism rather than biblical teaching. The speaker contends that this theological framework undermines the reality of human choice and the efficacy of the gospel, suggesting that history becomes a mere script rather than a genuine narrative of response. By examining key passages such as the Parable of the Wedding Feast in Matthew 22, the text demonstrates that the call to salvation is open and can be resisted, refuting the idea of an irresistible inward call. The presentation advocates for a view of limited depravity and available atonement, emphasizing that faith is the instrument of receiving salvation rather than a work or a pre-requisite gift of regeneration. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to a biblical understanding of grace that affirms both the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of the individual to believe.

The Parable of the Two Sons teaches us of a Father who is always love and ever bids his wandering children to come home. On this child-led Sunday, Pastor Jordan Kologe reminds us of the extravagant love of God for his children.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.' 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Outline:1. Christians Must Forgive When Asked v.21-222. Christians Must Forgive As They Have Been Forgiven v.23-313. Christians Must Forgive Or Suffer The Consequences v.32-35ApplicationA. Continue to study God's forgivenessB. Honor God through the Biblical process of forgivenessC. Remember God's Forgiveness

by Ragan Ng

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus reveals that people respond differently to the word of His kingdom. Some hearts are hardened, some respond with joy but have no roots to endure, and others allow the cares and riches of the world to choke out the word. But the good soil hears, understands, and bears lasting fruit. Jesus calls us to examine the condition of our own hearts. Genuine faith is rooted in Christ, endures through suffering, resists making worldly things ultimate, and increasingly bears fruit as we abide in Jesus, embrace His grace, and faithfully follow Him together as His Church.

In episode 506 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb wade deep into one of Luke's most arresting parables — the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13–21). What begins as a story about a man with a bumper crop and an ambitious barn-building plan quickly unfolds into a penetrating diagnosis of the human heart. The hosts argue that this parable is not primarily about financial planning or the dangers of wealth per se, but about the fundamental theological posture of the creature before the Creator. Framed by two parallel warnings — against covetousness and against anxiety — the parable exposes what happens when a soul tries to find its ultimate rest in the abundance of earthly things rather than in God himself. Rich in biblical theology, literary analysis, and pastoral application, this episode rewards careful listening. Key Takeaways The parable is framed by an inclusio — the warning against covetousness (v. 15) and the command against anxiety (v. 22) are parallel statements that reveal the parable's true subject: the misplacement of ultimate trust, whether in abundance or in the lack of it. The man's sin is not his wealth or his planning — Scripture commends prudence and does not condemn the accumulation of resources. What condemns this man is his complete failure to acknowledge God as the giver of the harvest or to consider any obligation beyond self-satisfaction. The soul-talk is theologically and culturally shocking — In the ancient world, deliberating entirely within oneself, speaking to one's own soul, would have registered as a form of insanity. The Greek construction itself strains to articulate the concept, underscoring how deeply abnormal it is to reason about life without God. The repetition of first-person pronouns is not incidental — "My crops, my barns, my grain, my goods" — five times in three verses. This is not poor stewardship; it is the theological posture of self-ownership, a categorical denial of creaturely dependence on the Creator. God's interruption in verse 20 is itself a theological statement — No private counsel is truly private. God, the judge of all the earth, hears every deliberation of the heart. His use of the word "fool" invokes the full weight of biblical wisdom literature: the one who says in his heart, "There is no God." The contrast is not wealth versus poverty, but two objects of trust — To be rich toward God means holding earthly goods with an open hand, whether one is wealthy or poor. Both the covetous rich and the anxiety-ridden poor are addressed by this parable, and both are called to the same posture of dependence on God. True productivity, like true wealth, is impossible without God — Drawing a thread to Jesse's affirmation of Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor, the hosts note that one cannot rightly use wealth, time, or any other gift without first knowing and trusting the Giver. Key Concepts The Inclusio: Covetousness and Anxiety Are the Same Disease One of the most illuminating structural observations in this episode is Tony's identification of the literary inclusio surrounding the parable. Before the parable, Christ warns: "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions" (Luke 12:15). After the parable, he turns to his disciples and says: "Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing" (Luke 12:22–23). These are not two separate concerns — they are the same spiritual disease expressed at opposite ends of the economic spectrum. The man who grasps for more and the man who lies awake worrying about having enough are both making the same fundamental error: they are finding, or attempting to find, their life's ultimate security in the material rather than in God. Autonomous Inner Counsel: The Insanity of Reasoning Without God When the rich man in the parable "reasoned to himself" and then spoke directly to his own soul, Jesus was not simply describing a man thinking through a logistical problem. He was depicting, in vivid and culturally jarring terms, the posture of the natural man before God — a man who, in the moment of his greatest blessing, seals himself off from the Creator entirely. The hosts note that in the ancient world, this kind of internal, autonomous deliberation would have registered as strange, even mad. The man does not consult Scripture, neighbor, elder, or God. He speaks only to himself. This is, as Jesse frames it, "the soliloquy of a completely autonomous man" — the pattern of Adam and Eve in the garden, reasoning about the world as though they were its own final authority. The folly is not that he thought about what to do with his harvest. The folly is that God was nowhere in the deliberation. Rich Toward God: The Gospel Punchline of the Parable The parable's final line — "So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God" — is not merely a moral verdict. It is a gospel invitation. Tony is careful to point out that verse 21 does not condemn the act of storing up treasure in itself; it condemns storing up treasure for oneself and not being rich toward God. The contrast is between two orientations of the whole person. To be rich toward God is not primarily about giving money to the church, though generosity is surely implied. It is about recognizing that in Christ, the believer already possesses the only treasure that cannot corrode, be stolen, or be left behind at death. The soul that has been given Christ has been given everything. The soul that has only its barns has nothing — and one night, God will make that plain. Memorable Quotes He speaks to his own soul as though the soul — which is like the very seat of a person's relationship with God — could be satisfied by grain. — Jesse Schwamb Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. That's the thesis statement of this parable. So the contrast is: what does life consist in? It consists in richness toward God. — Tony Arsenal This parable confronts every hearer, regardless of net worth, with a single diagnostic question: where has my soul quietly gone to find its rest? — Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [00:00:57] Welcome to episode [00:01:00] 506 of the Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse.  [00:01:04] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony, and this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey, brother.  [00:01:09] Jesse Schwamb: Hey, brother. So on this episode, we're diving right back into the parables. We're gonna be in Luke chapter 12, and it's the parable of the rich fool, which is the story basically of a guy who has a bumper harvest, looks at his overflowing barns, and then thinks, "You know what this situation calls for? [00:01:28] More barns." Not a single thought given to his neighbors, to worship, to God who sent the rain in the first place, just barns. Bigger, better, badder barns  [00:01:38] Tony Arsenal: Battlestar Galactica. That's a lot of Bs. That's some good alliteration, though.  [00:01:44] Jesse Schwamb: I thought you'd enjoy that. And Jesus has something to say about this. It's for all of us, actually, and it might not be the thing you expect, but we're gonna talk about all that stuff. [00:01:52] Affirmations and Denials Setup [00:01:52] Jesse Schwamb: But of course, first, here's what everybody needs to do. Gather your loved ones around, get your hearts and your snacks together, 'cause it's [00:02:00] once again time to set forth in an orderly and confessional manner our considered judgments on the things of this world. It's time for affirmations and denials, that part of our conversation where we either affirm something by saying we like it, we enjoy it, it's great, or in contrast, we deny against something that just isn't so good. [00:02:18] So Tony, it's time for your doctrinal statements. Are you affirming with something or denying against something on our episode?  [00:02:26] Tony Arsenal: I don't know about a, I don't know about a doctrinal statement, but I'm affirming with something.  [00:02:29] Jesse Schwamb: Okay.  [00:02:29] Tony's Baked Pasta Win [00:02:29] Tony Arsenal: So you and I have talked before about how much we love the slow cooker meals. [00:02:33] Yes. And, uh, this isn't a slow cooker meal, uh, affirmation, but it is a food recommendation. Um, I've been making this baked pasta, this baked spaghetti dish, that is just so delicious. And the reason it works really well for our family is first, the kids love it, which is, uh, r- rare these days. We- With a two and a, a two-year-old and a four-and-a-half-year-old, they can be very, very selective about what they eat. [00:02:57] This is a consistent winner. Um, but also, like, [00:03:00] the amount that the recipe makes will do lunches and leftover dinners for all four of us for several days. So it's a super simple recipe. I'm actually, this might be a Reformed Brotherhood first, but I'm gonna put it in the show notes. I'm gonna put the recipe in the show notes. [00:03:13] Mm-hmm. And, uh, it's super simple. You just cook up 16 ounces of, you know, pasta. I did, uh, it's calls for spaghetti, but with toddlers it's a little easier if you do something like, um, like elbow noodles or I did bow ties tonight 'cause it was kinda fun and I could be like, "Hey, look, it's bow ties." Uh, it's, it's just some sort of, uh, macaroni product, you know, like a, a spaghetti, angel hair pasta, whatever you wanna use. [00:03:40] You put in two 24-ounce jars of marinara sauce or a pasta sauce. Uh, it calls for a bunch of spices, but you can also just get a pasta sauce that is already spiced. If you want a pasta sauce that has, like, mushrooms or extra basil or something, like, you can buy, like, a more flavored style of pasta sauce, and that'll add [00:04:00] some, uh, some texture to it. [00:04:02] You do two pounds of ground beef, which will cost you, like, $1,000 these days- ... but it's, it's worth it. You could replace it with ground turkey if you wanted to do something- Nice ... uh, a little bit less expensive or maybe something a little bit healthier. Um- You put in like two eight-ounce things of sour cream. [00:04:18] I think it calls- Ooh ... for 12 ounces, but I did, uh, I did 16 ounces today and it was extra creamy. And then just a mess of mozzarella, and you know, a mess of... You, you top it with mozzarella cheese- Nice. Nice ... and, uh, Parmesan. And then you just cover it with foil and bake it for a half hour, and then take the foil off and bake that, uh, for another 15 minutes to make sure that surface cheese is nice and crisp and, like, gooey and perfect. [00:04:42] Mm-hmm. Uh, and it's just, it's just good. It's getting to be that time of year where things are a little colder. Right. And, uh, we... Our, our home is heated by propane, which is expensive, and this time of year, like, I don't actually wanna turn the furnace on, but cooking a nice meal in the, in the stove just sort of takes the, [00:05:00] takes the, uh, edge out of the air a little bit. [00:05:02] So every element of it is great. And like I said, I'll, I'll eat this dish for lunch for the next, like, four days and I'll love every bit of it. So I'll put the recipe in the show notes. It's very easy to make. It's very, very good. If you got kids, it's a winner 'cause it's cheesy and gooey and it's fun. Um, and then you put a side of veggies with it, mixed veggies or spinach or whatever you want. [00:05:25] Uh, and it's just, it's just delicious. It's so, so good, Jesse. I can't even describe how good it is. Um, but it's, it's just really, really delicious. I've made it twice now and, uh, it's just easy. I'm not a very good cook. Your wife is a phenomenal cook, so she's probably able to, like- This is true ... she could probably tweak this recipe and make it, like, a real culinary masterpiece. [00:05:43] But you don't have to be a great cook to put this together. Right. You just boil the pasta, brown the beef, and then mix it all together and bake it for a little while and it's, it's really, really easy and good.  [00:05:52] Jesse Schwamb: I can at least vouch for how delicious it looks. You sent us a picture and it's exactly what you'd expect. [00:05:58] Like, it, it's [00:06:00] a big casserole dish of pasta, which I didn't know the recipe, so I can see it's elevated pasta, really. Got some things that- Yeah ... kinda just take it from, like, just out of the box stuff to something that's a little bit more decadent, and that's what you want.  [00:06:12] Cheese Talk and Recipe Tweaks [00:06:12] Jesse Schwamb: But I was immediately overcome by just the beautiful cascading... [00:06:17] A- as if covered by covenant itself, this pasta was just smothered- ... in this delici- like, not... A- and I don't wanna say, like, not, not too much cheese, like just the right amount. And I could tell it had been baked so that it was not just melted but got the crispiness. Here's what, this is the reason why I make such a big deal about the picture is because my wife is lactose intolerant, and I've learned you can, you can fall into a kind of version of Romans 1 with lactose intolerance. [00:06:44] If there's somebody who's a loved one- ... in particular, and by that I mean I, because we haven't had real cheese in a while, I thought, "I don't need real cheese. Like, we can get this fake stuff. It's, it's really good. It's, it's so delicious." And then you see a picture like that and I immediately thought, "I've exchanged the truth for a lie.[00:07:00] [00:07:00] I want cheese." "I want it so bad."  [00:07:03] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, the cheese really is the... I mean, the, the secret to this is the sour cream. Um, I feel like that's really what, what sort of pushes it over the edge. Last time that I made it, the first time I made it, I didn't tell Ashley what was in it. She just knew it was like a baked p- pasta dish, and she was like, "This is so good and creamy, and I... [00:07:23] It's, like, it's really delicious." Um, the sour cream really kicks it over the edge. If, if anything, I would add a little more cheese than I used tonight. Um, it calls for a cup of cheese, which is a lot of cheese. That's eight ounces of cheese. A lot of cheese. Um, it's four ounces of cheese. Um, but I use a little bit more, and I actually think it could u- it could've used a little more mozzarella and make that inner, like, the in- middle gooey part a even more gooey and cohesive. [00:07:48] But it's good. It's really... It's a recipe that's hard to screw up. And even if you did it without cheese, if you just added sour cream or, um, even if you didn't do that, you just added something to sort of give it a little bit of an edge. You probably could do it with yogurt if you were [00:08:00] looking to save, uh, do something a little bit more healthy than sour cream. [00:08:03] Um, and it's one of those dishes, like, you can play with it. You can kinda mess around with it and change it up. Um- I saw one person online who was talking about this recipe who, uh, they, they sprinkled a little bit of cheddar cheese on top of it along with the mozzarella and it gave it a little bit of that sharpness. [00:08:17] So check it out. I'll post the recipe. It's very easy. Um, it was actually in a list of like easy meal plan. Ashley has this packet of like easy meals for busy moms kind of thing. Uh, and it, it takes a bit of time. This one is not one that you would wanna try to do, you know, after a work night trying to get the kids ready. [00:08:38] But again, it's one of those ones kind of like the slow cooker stuff we talk about. Like- Right ... once you get it set and you do it, then like you have leftovers for the week and it heats up real well. It reheats really well. Um, probably don't want to eat it cold because of the ground beef. Could, could get a, you know, get some food poisoning kind of stuff going on there, but it microwaves real well. [00:08:58] Uh, it's very delicious. [00:09:00] You, you know like sometimes when you microwave something, like it's, it dries out. Because this has like the sour cream and the, the marinara sauce, this doesn't really dry out. Um, and it, it stores really well in the refrigerator. You could probably freeze it if you really wanted to. [00:09:14] Uh, it's just really a versatile, easy to make dish. So I'll post the recipe.  [00:09:18] Telegram Tastings and Oreo Chaos [00:09:18] Tony Arsenal: Uh, this is one of those things we, we sometimes forget to talk about our Telegram chat until the very end of the episode, which is like the worst possible time to do a call to action- I know ... for a podcast. How dare we? Uh, we actually have a whole channel in our Telegram chat which you can access by going to t.me/reformedbrotherhood. [00:09:36] We have a whole channel just for tastings, and usually people will do things like hot wing tasting or this time of year sometimes like seasonal Oreos or seasonal candy bars come out or maybe someone gets a new beer or something like that. I would love to see some people make this recipe and do some tastings because maybe I'm overselling it. [00:09:53] Maybe I just love this and it's only so-so, but, uh, I'd love to see what the rest of the community thinks. So [00:10:00] t.me/reformedbrotherhood, make the baked pasta. Tell me what you think. I think it would be awesome.  [00:10:05] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, there you go. There's all kinds of great things taking place out there, and this is that time of year. [00:10:09] Oreo won't stop. I mean, this could be our, the whole topic- I know ... of our conversation tonight, so I'm just gonna avoid it for the most part, but somebody needs to stop Oreo. I tried the Chicken and Waffles Oreo, and It was not good. Uh, maybe that should be my denial- No ... but it's not my denial, but it's not great. [00:10:26] It, well, it's complicated, guys. It's, it's kind of good because it tastes mostly, at least when I ate it... Okay, somebody be the judge. Go, go get some. Grab them from a friend. Do not go buy them yourself unless, like, you think- No ... this is something you're really gonna love. But, uh, and I'm gonna warn you, you probably won't. [00:10:43] But it, it'll taste delicious 'cause you'll be like, "Oh, this is like maple syrupy, and it tastes waffle-y." And then there was, like, something that happened in the back of my throat that was unnatural. It was like a spiciness or a clinginess or, like, a weird spice that I think was supposed to be an analog for chicken.[00:11:00] [00:11:00] Instead, all it was making me do was kinda just make this weird, like, phlegm-like sound as I was at work trying to recover quickly in front of people after eating this Oreo that sniped me. So I don't know where I was going with that except, uh, come hang out at the Telegram chat, everybody, because we've got all kinds of fun tastings there. [00:11:16] Somebody should grab those Oreos. We know you, you got these Oreos out there somewhere, loved ones. Post a little- Yeah ... uh, s- video of, uh, us, or for us, of you trying them  [00:11:26] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, I, I find that anything that is trying to emulate a savory flavor that doesn't actually include that savory flavor is usually pretty gross. [00:11:38] And I think it's- Dangerous ... 'cause it's like, it's not like they're putting real chicken into the Oreos. Oh, please no. It's- Yes ... it's like they just have some sort of chemical that tricks your brain, tries to trick your brain into thinking it tastes like chicken. Which with as many things that taste like chicken as there are, you would think that'd be a pretty easy one to nail, but, uh, I'm not even gonna try the Oreo waffles- It's weird [00:11:57] or Chicken waffle. It's weird. May- maybe somebody will like it That sounds [00:12:00] disgusting and-  [00:12:01] Jesse Schwamb: Yes. Yes. I agree. I agree. All right, I'll take-  [00:12:04] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, it was actually, it was actually a, a Coke Oreo, uh, uh, partnership that originally spawned our tasting channel, wasn't it? Yes. I think it was like the... I don't remember what flavor it was, but it was like a Dr. [00:12:17] Pepper flavored Oreo or an Oreo flavored Coke or something like that- Yes ... that was just a, just a total outcome of the fall. It was just disgusting.  [00:12:26] Jesse Schwamb: It is.  [00:12:26] Tony Arsenal: So-  [00:12:26] Jesse Schwamb: Here, so- But ... I don't wanna be too conspiratorial, but I have a theory about this. My theory is that Oreo knows that all they have to do is entice people enough for every person to buy one package of these things, knowing that they may never buy them again, and they'll still make a, a, like bandits. [00:12:41] And maybe it's even better because everything is more expensive these days. So you can't just go with what's normal. So you've gotta like really say, "Well, I'll just, I'll get this one package of Chicken & Waffles Oreos 'cause I'll never get it again. I'm willing to splurge on it." And the joke's on us, loved ones. [00:12:55] Like, we're all out here just throwing Oreos into the trash because ... [00:13:00] that tastes so funky. Maybe not. Somebody go tell me if I'm wrong. Somebody s- go out there and say, "Yes. Listen, these, these are the best Oreos I've, I've ever had."  [00:13:11] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, this reminds me back, way back in my, my Reformed pub days, which I don't like to admit how long ago that was 'cause it makes me feel really old. [00:13:19] But, um, there was a, a long time when, uh, Not Your Father's Root Beer or Not Your Dad's Root Beer, whatever it was, I don't remember what the specific, uh, brand was, but there was a, like a brand of, um, of like alcohol root beer. I think it was like Not Your Father's Root Beer or Not Your Dad's Root Beer or something like that. [00:13:39] It was  [00:13:39] Jesse Schwamb: horrible.  [00:13:40] Tony Arsenal: And it was so awful that it was actually a trend for a while. Man, this, these were the good old days where people had enough money to do stupid stuff like this. But it was a trend for a while where people would buy it just to film themselves dumping it down the drain. And it's like, it's like, yeah, nobody has money for that anymore, but- Yeah [00:13:59] uh, some things are [00:14:00] just so terrible that it's almost... I think you might be right. Like, it's so bad that people buy it to just try it to see how bad it is. Yes. And Oreo s- someone has calculated that, like, they can get enough people to buy it just on the reputation of how terrible it is that they'll still turn a profit on this limited edition run, uh, terrible Oreo Fusion thing. [00:14:23] Um, yeah. Anyway, we could talk about terrible Oreo Fusions- Yeah ... all night, every night, 'cause there's a lot of them and they're gross. But we don't wanna do that, 'cause that's probably not great podcasting. So Jesse, what are you affirming or denying? And I'm gonna be really embarrassed if what you're denying is Oreo Fusion- [00:14:39] cookies. But, uh, what are you affirming or denying tonight?  [00:14:43] Jesse Schwamb: It's not.  [00:14:44] Jesse's Productivity Book Pick [00:14:44] Jesse Schwamb: I think you and I are somewhat, we're interested in productivity, are we not? Mm-hmm. We've actually talked about that a great deal on this podcast. And so I'm hesitant to bring this up because there are so many books, there are so many podcasts. [00:14:56] What more could possibly be said? And so when I came across this book called [00:15:00] Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Rainer with the subtitle Seven Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present, and Wildly Productive, I thought, "Come on. Um, do we really need this book?" And I read it, and I'm really glad that I did. [00:15:13] And my affirmation is exactly his work here. Because it's a little bit like presuppositional apologetics meets Cal Newport and David Allen. He, in fact, one of the things I love is if you're interested in just being more productive or maybe you don't even know what that is, I do recommend you get this book because he basically has synthesized, and he says this, a lot of that writing into one place. [00:15:37] He gives you really practical things. But this is by far the most Christian perspective, I would say that the most Reformed perspective I have ever read on productivity, and I took way more from this book than I ever anticipated I would. To that end, just to give a taste, I wanna read just a couple sentences that are part of his introduction. [00:15:55] This is what Jordan Rainer writes, "Jesus offers you peace before you do anything." [00:16:00] Nearly every time management expert says that the path to peace and productivity is found in implementing his or her system. This is what we might call work space productivity, which claims that if you do exercises X, Y, and Z, then you'll find peace. [00:16:12] This book begins with the opposite premise in what we might call grace-based productivity, which says that through Jesus Christ, we already have peace, and we do time management exercises of X, Y, and Z as a response to worship. And basically, the whole premise of his book is that the most unproductive thing you can do in life is live it without God. [00:16:32] So this is missional. It's intensely practical. Like, he's gonna take you through his own strategy, which really he says, and he gives attribution to so many other authors and experts in the field, that he is synthesizing some of their ideas, but he's doing it under the auspice of the gospel. And this is the first book I've ever found that has this type of final chapter. [00:16:53] There's a whole section on being sure not to make productivity an idol. So this is, like, a really [00:17:00]lovely book. It's incredibly challenging. It's so thoughtful, but it's filled with doxological kind of content that leads me to want to be more productive, not because we have to do productive to, or pr- be productive to, of course, earn anything before God. [00:17:13] Not even that we should feel guilty if we're not, but out of God's grace, He gives us tools, and this feeds our desire to serve and then do so effectively. And so I think that if you have any interest in what it might look like for you, if you're feeling burned out, tired, distracted from things in life, uh, you really should read this. [00:17:32] It'll be worth your time. So wherever books are sold, we're not getting, uh, any kind of commission on this. Just go find Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Rainer. And again, go to the Telegram group. Let us know what you think about it.  [00:17:46] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:17:47] Grace Based Productivity Discussion [00:17:47] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, you know, I think, um, there was a time period where hustle culture or productivity culture was really, really in for Christians. [00:17:57] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:17:57] Tony Arsenal: And, um, I, I think even [00:18:00] in secular, secular domains, non-Christian domains where productivity, hustle culture is kind of, um, is a, a focus, even in those circles and even in those circumstances, the literature and the, the people who are doing blogs and, and YouTube channels, even those people are starting to recognize that we did put hustle culture and, like, being, like, hustling, we, we put that on a pedestal and made it, like, the goal- Right [00:18:31] instead of recognizing, like, the whole point behind, um, behind productivity is it's actually to keep your priorities straight. Right. It's, you know, it's, it's you, you work hard to get things done so that you have time to do the things you wanna do, or so that you are actually able to accomplish the goals you want to accomplish. [00:18:53] And a lot of people have commented, both in Christian circles and non-Christian circles, that we made getting a lot [00:19:00] of things done... And I, like, I don't wanna blame David Allen for this, but, like, this is the name of his book, right? Getting things done was the goal, not the vehicle to the goal. Right. I don't think David Allen would take that approach. [00:19:10] I think actually he's, he's much more grounded than a lot of his sorta, like, successors. But the, the, the switch to turn productivity into an end in itself has really just caused people to burn out. Like, you can only hustle for so long before you need a rest. So it's really refreshing to hear that there's a good Christian work out there that's latching onto that and is actually bringing God's truth and the gospel to bear on it. [00:19:34] That's, that's a book that I, um, I should definitely check out.  [00:19:37] Jesse Schwamb: I highly recommend it. I'm actually going to ... I'm grabbing a copy for a friend of mine who is, I would say, like a nominal Christian. We've had lots of conversations, and he's admitted that he grew up kind of in the Christian faith, has walked away from it, and just, he's one of these guys who knows so much about it, has all the head knowledge, and says things like, "I'll, you know, I'll come back to God eventually." [00:19:56] And it just so happens, he's big into productivity, and he's always [00:20:00] finding that whatever he's reading is really falling short. And so I'm just gonna get this as a gift for him and just say, "Here you go, man." 'Cause I, 'cause the one thing I can say about this book for anybody who's read a lot of productivity stuff, is this is something unlike you've read before when it comes to productivity. [00:20:13] Yeah. Because it is so gospel-centered. The first opening, the whole opening gambit is, like, you can't ... How can you be pr- productive if you don't know the, the or- the origin or, like, the father of time himself? And I'm like, wow. Yeah. Okay, here we go. Let's talk about it. And then you'll be halfway through, and he's given you all of this, uh, format, framework, and structure for how to set your calendar, how to modify your time. [00:20:34] Like, so it's the best of both worlds. You, you get a lot, but what I love is it's very presuppositional. It's like you cannot be productive in life, you cannot find your missional purpose, dist- to understand your calling, and then from there break down your quarterly goals and then your tasks. It's really a lovely way of tying everything back to the gospel, and he goes hard by saying, "Listen, you can, you have a say in directing your calling. [00:20:57] You do not have a say in your mission. That comes [00:21:00] from God himself, who defines who you are and what it means to be human and what it's like to relate to him." And I found that to be just overwhelmingly refreshing, like you said. So I hope that people will pick this up and read it for themselves, but I could see this being, like, a really lovely introduction to the gospel to many who are just interested in how to tackle life better. [00:21:20] And the beautiful thing about the, the Bible is it tells us the truth about the way things are. And so, like you and I have talked about before so many times, Tony, like, there's so much common grace that, of course, all these studies are just f- are kind of, are directly connected to this gospel truth of what it means to do good work and to do it as an act of worship before God. [00:21:38] That's where we find our fulfillment, of course, is in worshiping him, and part of our productivity is that part of worship. So there's a lot of good things to, that could be said there. But I think it's, this has, like, book club written all over it, guys. Get, just get it. Get a bunch of people together. Just book club this bad boy all over the place. [00:21:57] That's, that's my-  [00:21:58] Tony Arsenal: Yeah ...  [00:21:58] Jesse Schwamb: my full affirmation. [00:22:00] [00:22:01] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. And, and one last thing I'll say in response to that, I love the idea of giving this book to someone almost as, like, an evangelistic tool. Yeah. Because I think there are a lot of people who, um, life is so busy and everybody is trying to get things done that especially people who already kinda operate in productivity circles, productivity mindsets, they're always looking for the next system that can fix the problem. [00:22:27] Jesse Schwamb: Yes.  [00:22:28] Tony Arsenal: And, like, no system can fix the problem. That's probably part of the point of this book. But, like, everybody's looking for, like, the next system that will give them that, like, 2% efficiency boost or, like, that 5% efficiency boost or whatever it is. And so even though they may never pick up a book that is theological and it's about the gospel, if you give them this book and be like, "This guy's got a really unique perspective on it, man. [00:22:48] I really think it can help you really, you know, I think he- there's some useful insight for your productivity system"- Right ... they'll read that book. They'll put it in their calendar- Yes, I agree ... they'll time block it out. I agree. And they'll read it, and they'll [00:23:00] read it to completion, 'cause that's how people who operate in these circles tend to be. [00:23:04] Uh, so you'll get the gospel in there. So I think that's a really great, uh, a really great tool that people could think about using.  [00:23:10] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. It's like their productivity, or it's like the gospel Trojan horse through productivity. But it's, it's the truth. Yeah, yeah. This is the truth. And that's what I loved about it. [00:23:18] It was unashamed in that this is the way life works, and God is over all, and you've gotta understand these things if, if you wanna be productive. If you wanna know the truth, you've gotta understand the truth. It's gotta be presented to you. And in point of fact, I mean, that's what we're talking about in this whole conversation. [00:23:35] Luke 12 Rich Fool Reading [00:23:35] Jesse Schwamb: In fact, everybody- Yeah ... at Love Ones, drop what you're doing, come find us in Luke chapter 12. That's where we are. And we're getting this thing kicked off because Jesus tells this whole parable about a rich fool in response to a man in the crowd demanding that he settle an inheritance dispute. And as Jesus often does, he refuses to be a judge or an arbiter over earthly po- property, and instead he turns this whole thing to warn against [00:24:00]covetousness, the insatiable grasping after more. [00:24:03] Which, in some ways, is maybe more directly tied into this whole discussion about productivity than I thought. But the parable then follows... It's really not about money management, and that's, you... I've heard this talked about in various ways. Instead, it's about the human heart's naive trust in itself rather than in God. [00:24:22] So I'm going to read for us a couple verses in Luke chapter 12 to start us off, and I'm gonna start in, I'm gonna say verse 13. And, uh, this is from Luke's gospel. "And someone from the crowd said to him, 'Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.' But Jesus said to him, 'Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter over you?' [00:24:45] Then he said to them, 'Watch out and be on your guard against every form of greed. For not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.' And he told them a parable, saying, 'The land of a rich man was very productive. [00:25:00] And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' [00:25:05] Then he said, 'This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have so many goods laid up for so many years to come. Take your ease. Eat, drink, and be merry."' But God said to him, 'You fool. This very night your soul is required of you. [00:25:27] And now who will own what you prepared?' So is the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."  [00:25:38] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:25:39] How to Misread This Parable [00:25:41] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, this is, um, this is one of those parables, again, maybe we'll put this in the category of parable with quotation marks. Um, this doesn't always even appear on lists of parables because it doesn't necessarily follow the same format, although he calls it a parable in the, the text here itself. [00:25:58] But in so- some sort [00:26:00] of, like, lists of parables would even say this isn't even in the same category. But, um, this one here is, is another one of those parables that if we, um, w- we talked about this, uh, last week and I think a, a couple, or last time and a couple times before that. The, the parables of Matthew, or in Matthew, the, the parables that Matthew collects of Christ's overall parabolic, you know, figurative speech ministry, almost all of them are very much oriented towards explaining the nature of the Kingdom of God, explaining the nature of, of how the Kingdom of God functions, how the Kingdom of God is currently breaking into the world, how the Kingdom o- of God will definitively and finally break into the world in the, in the eschaton. [00:26:43] Um, w- we can sometimes fall into a dangerous interpretive error if we assume that because Matthew's parables, which the bulk of the parables are in Matthew, right? Matthew has more parables than the rest of the Gospels, um, especially if you're talking about [00:27:00] unique parables. Um- Luke's parables, as we've seen them so far, at least the ones that don't overlap with Matthew, they're not necessarily oriented towards that same Kingdom of God understanding in the strictest sense. [00:27:14] So this parable is not, um... I've heard some that, some people who interpret this in light of the same kind of like, "Stay awake you foolish virgins" kind of theology- Right ... that we saw in, in, in Matthew. Um, this parable is not teaching that same message, at least not in the same way, right? Th- And again, this is not a parable about money management necessarily. [00:27:37] It's not a parable about, um, you know, I think we could fall into error on one side that this is like, "You fool, how dare you ever be concerned about your wealth and your finances and advancing your own wealth?"  [00:27:48] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:27:48] Tony Arsenal: Versus the other side where it's like, uh, you know, people are like, "Well, the foolish part of this is A, B, or C." [00:27:56] This is really a parable about a lot of other things that we're [00:28:00] gonna unpack. But if we read it as a sort of like eschatological parable, which it sort of feels that way, it feels a little bit like it's a sort of final eschatology or a personal eschatology parable. Uh, again, it's not to say there's not elements that speak to that, but if we read this as like some sort of, um, if you don't give away all your resources, if you don't give away all your money, if you're not thinking in terms of a life of poverty, then you're condemned. [00:28:23] If we read it in light of that, that's not right. Right. If we read it in light of sort of like wealth planning strategies, which, you know, this is kind of like the financial version of the Daniel diet, like just taking it totally out of its context, we really can sort of run aground on some bad, some bad interpretive strategies. [00:28:41] Jesse Schwamb: I'm with you on that.  [00:28:42] First Observations and Themes [00:28:42] Jesse Schwamb: All those alternatives seem to really denigrate it, don't they? They cheapen what's here because it's not about what's on the face, and I think that's why it's worth talking about, because there's so much underneath. Which we always say, but I think it becomes more and more plain the more we really try to understand what's at stake, what the commentary is really being produced. [00:29:00] And this, I think, is maybe Jesus could have taken any number of situations or circumstances. He just happens to use this one of property in particular, especially 'cause he was given the entry point, to emphasize something about the sovereignty and responsibility of God, but also our relationship towards him. [00:29:17] I suppose what it means, of course, to be rich in God, which is the pun sign. What I notice like immediately in this is that Luke tells us something like before the man even ever speaks, and that is like the whole point of his wealth, everything he has, is because the ground produced- Like the increase is not attributed to this guy's skill or his labor or even his shrewdness. [00:29:39] And like you said, Tony, we've, we've been in other parables where there's been a lot more commentary about the characters involved, that's been a part of this. All of that- Yeah ... is, is just given.  [00:29:46] Providence And Ingratitude [00:29:46] Jesse Schwamb: Like everything he has is just gi- literally given to him. It's given in the t- passage, it's given to him in this circumstance. [00:29:52] And there is like, I think, a doctrine, even from the start here, I'm seeing like this flavor of like this doctrine of providence like in miniature. Like [00:30:00] every harvest, every dividend, every windfall is, in the biblical worldview, the fruit of God's sustaining and governing hand. And so I love that like that's how I think Jesus opens this up. [00:30:10] And so we're gonna see like the tragedy of the parable is that the man who receives this gift will never once acknowledge the giver. And there's all of this ingratitude, which I think often is like the root beneath every sin. And in this story we see the man enjoys God's bounty while essentially erasing God from the picture entirely, and that's how we start  [00:30:32] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:30:32] Parable Framed By Warnings [00:30:32] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and there's this other... A- and, um, maybe to, not to bury the lead and maybe, I don't know, maybe this is a spoiler warning for the rest of our episode, but it's, if you read this parable, um, you know, what, what do we always say when a, when a passage is a little bit confusing or it's unclear? Read a little bit more, right? [00:30:48] Read a little in front, read a little after, and it usually is pretty clear what's getting said here. So when we look at in front of this, Christ tells you what the point of this parable is. Like, He's using this [00:31:00] parable to explain a previous statement, and that statement is, "Take care and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." [00:31:10] Right? Right. So the parable explains that statement in parable form. And if we read just a little bit after, and I'm sure we'll, we'll get to it more in depth, but He says to His disciples in verse 22, "And He said to His disciples, 'Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, and what you will put on. [00:31:29] For life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.'" Right? So those two statements, right? Life does not consist in the abundance of possession, in the front, and life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Those are parallel statements. And usually we look at, this is a, a literary technique called an inclusio, right? [00:31:49] What an inclusio is, is you have a statement at the beginning of a passage or a beginning of a text, and then a similar or sometimes identical or parallel statement after the text [00:32:00] that sort of shows you, it's almost like a chapter break, right? Sometimes, um, that's used to show you where the chapter is. [00:32:07] Sometimes it actually helps us to clarify these statements by recognizing them as inclusios. We see that the pre- the statement before the parable and the statement after the parable are essentially the same statement because they're being used to form this inclusio. Uh-huh. So the fact that we need to be aware, be on guard against covetousness, and the fact that we should not be anxious about our possessions, about our life, about our material things, the not being anxious and the be- being aware of covetousness, those are the same thing. [00:32:36] Or they're s- they're largely similar, largely substantially the same things. Which we did an episode when we were going through our, like, five-year-long systematic theology, um, series. Um, we did a s- we did a, a handful of episodes on, um, on the Ten Commandments, and so I would encourage you to go back and listen to the episode on covetousness because we covered all this, [00:33:00] right? [00:33:00] Whether it's being anxious in terms of, um, being insecure in your material wealth, being insecure in what God has provided for you and not being thankful, you know, kind of almost resenting God because of your lack, that's a form of covetousness. Or whether- Right ... covetousness is taking more of a traditional format of wanting something that someone else has. [00:33:20] Um, both of those things represent a violation of the ninth commandment. And so this parable here is... And I think this will get to where you're, where you've been sort of leading us. This parable here is designed to help his listeners, and primarily hi- like, this guy, right? He's trying to teach this guy, but also he turns to his disciples after this and launches into another section and a further explanation of this concept. [00:33:47] It's here to help us understand not just, you know, the fact that, like, my material we- my material, uh, wealth doesn't really help me after I die. Like, yeah, you can't take it with you. Okay, [00:34:00] maybe that's part of this. Right. Maybe it's kind of the, you know, 1 Corinthians 6, "Don't build on s- don't build out of straw," you know, like, things are gonna burn away, just what you build on a s- on foundation will stay. [00:34:11] Not Wealth But Trust [00:34:11] Tony Arsenal: But more so this is about understanding satisfaction and contentment in whatever it is that God has blessed us with, right? That's right. So this is not a con- condemnation of those who are wealthy. This guy's not condemned because he had a bumper crop and because he's wealthy. Right. He's not even condemned explicitly because he's trying to plan for the future, right? [00:34:30] There's lots of things, to kind of go to the productivity thing. There's nothing wrong with planning for the future. Right. There's nothing wrong with saying, "I had a really good harvest year, and I'm gonna need bigger barns to store all this stuff, to, like, keep all this stuff." It's, it's as I think you're leading us to, it's this seemingly total unawareness that the, the bumper crop comes with certain kinds of, like, obligations and entailments- Right [00:34:56] beyond just I'm gonna celebrate and enjoy my [00:35:00] own wealth for wealth's sake.  [00:35:02] Jesse Schwamb: Right. It's what all of this circumstance reveals about this man, his heart, where he finds his assurance and confidence. So I like where we're going with this. So you're right, if you look at the passage immediately preceding and subsequent, what you'll find is that beautiful... [00:35:16] Well, this is an Oreo sandwich. Unfortunately, we're back to where we started, because we've got- ... w- one cookie is the warning, avoid covetousness. The other cookie is the don't be worried, and the cream in the filling here is assurance or confidence. That is, like, where does our true wealth lie? But more and bey- beyond that, like, where can we hang our hats, so to speak? [00:35:36] Like, what is it that we can be confident that we, we can rest secured in?  [00:35:41] Autonomous Inner Counsel [00:35:41] Jesse Schwamb: And so we get some of the betrayal of the fact that this man is looking at the wrong things, even from that first verse. And then by the time, like, this interesting, this whole internal mon- monologue begins, I think again, like, it's, it's telling to me that he deliberates, like, entirely by himself. [00:35:56] And I think, like, this is kind of this interesting posture of the [00:36:00] natural man that is described in Romans, like, 1, where there's, like, kind of functional, practical atheism. You know? He doesn't ask, like you were saying, Tony, like, "What does the Lord require of me with this abundance?" He doesn't consult scripture, neighbor, or God. [00:36:13] He consults only himself. Which honestly I think is a temptation for us all. Like, that can be our defa- default mode in situations similar to this, where we first start to reason among and with ourselves. And this is, like, the soliloquy of a completely autonomous man who thinks he has his own agency. It's like the very pattern of Adam and Eve in the garden reasoning about the world as though they were its final authority. [00:36:37] So here, you're right. We're, we're getting set up with it's not the circumstances that condemn this man. It's essentially how he behaves, where he puts his trust within those circumstances.  [00:36:48] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:36:49] Soul Talk As Insanity [00:36:49] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and, you know, I've, I've heard, um, and I, I have not validated this myself, so take it with a little bit of a grain of salt. [00:36:56] But there's, there's something, um... I've heard it from [00:37:00] multiple sources, multiple reliable resources that I trust, that this sort of phrase in the middle where it's like he says to his soul or he says to- Yes ... himself, there's something about that that is sort of almost like a form... Uh, I've heard it said, like, that would've been f- viewed as, like, a form of insanity- Mm [00:37:18] in the ancient world. And we've commented this, on this before. Like, um- A large portion of the population doesn't have an internal monologue. And I think, um, i- if I remember right, it's actually, like, a larger portion, it's like a majority portion of the world doesn't have an internal monologue. And what that means is... [00:37:39] A- and hopefully there's some people in our audience that are like, "Oh, yeah, I don't, I, I don't even know what you're talking about when you say an internal monologue." And it's hard for people who are in one side of this to even conceptualize what it would be like to be on the other side of this. But there are people who, um, when they think, they're essentially speaking to themselves. [00:37:59] And then there's people [00:38:00] who, when they think, a- and I, again, I don't even know how to describe this, they don't have an internal monologue. They're not, they're not speaking to themselves in their minds I think, um, probably part of the reason that this was so, is, was seen as so crazy in the ancient world is in the ancient world, uh, the... [00:38:18] I'm getting really far afield here. I'll try to bring it back. Um, in the ancient world, because people didn't read as much, they don't have that internal monologue. The prominence of people being able to read, and especially being able to read to themselves, which is something that even as early as 100, 200 years ago just wasn't common to be able to read to yourself. [00:38:37] If you wanted to read, you would have to read out loud. To be able to just read in your mind, because when we read in our mind, we're speaking words to ourselves, I think our, our, um, culture has trained itself where more, more and more people have this internal monologue. But in the ancient world, this idea that someone would say to themselves or, like, speak to their own selves or sort of [00:39:00] ponder this internally was, has... [00:39:03] Like I said, I haven't validated this independently. I haven't done the research myself, but enough resources that I've read that I trust to have done that have said this. That was itself seen as a little bit of a, of a anomaly and sort of almost a form of insanity. Right. And so I think we've commented that a lot of times the parables have this point in them or this turning point where somebody does something that is sorta crazy. [00:39:29] Like, it's a little bit- Right ... out there, right? You think of the parable of the prodigal son, prodigal father, whatever, however you wanna call it. The idea that, like, the father sort of debases himself and runs out to greet the son, or even the fact that, like, when this, when this selfish son asks for his inheritance, that his father just gave it to him before he died, that is uncharacteristic and would've been seen as a little bit weird or a lot a bit weird. [00:39:55] This idea that this guy stops to sort of self-reflect [00:40:00] by himself entirely internally, right? The little- Right ... literal Greek, and so some translations say this, "So I said to my soul." Even- Right ... um, even that language of, um, almost having to externalize your internal thoughts. He's not... It doesn't say, "So he thought about it himself." [00:40:21] He had to say to his soul. He had to speak to himself. Even the language shows you that the Greek language doesn't have good construction to even be able to articulate what it would be like to think to yourself or to just mull it over internally. That is a strange function here, and it gets at what you've been saying. [00:40:41] He doesn't pause to pray about it. He doesn't pause to go to the gates of the city and speak with the elders. He doesn't connect with his wife. He doesn't ask anybody. He doesn't consult anybody. He does this sort of insane thing that even the Greek language doesn't have words for and has to sort of create this new [00:41:00] construction. [00:41:00] Right. He just stops. He thinks to himself. He speaks to his own soul. And, and then it, like, sort of paints this picture of him saying it out loud. "I said to my soul, 'Soul-  [00:41:10] Jesse Schwamb: Right. ...  [00:41:11] Tony Arsenal: what should I do?'" Like, it's, it's this sort of, like, weird sort of- Weird ... insane, strange feature that we don't pause to think about because we have this internal monologue. [00:41:21] We have this internal dialogue with ourselves, and so we don't think that that's unusual. But that's actually probably one of the main points of the parable is there is this strange feature where this guy doesn't pause to consult with anyone or anything about what he should do with this bumper crop. [00:41:39] He just Acts on his own behalf, thinks through his own behalf. And that should be the key to us that like, hmm, we really should think about what is the point here.  [00:41:49] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. You, you stole what I was gonna say. The soul thing is the super weird thing. I'm glad you already brought it up because when I read this, you can get through most of it and say, "Okay, that's interesting. [00:41:58] Interesting story." And then you get to him [00:42:00] being like, "Hey, soul." And you're like, "Say what?" Yeah. Like, "Who are you talking to? Why are you talking that way? Why are you being so weird about this?"  [00:42:06] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:42:06] My Barns My Goods [00:42:06] Jesse Schwamb: So, like, there's the ju- the just sheer, like, selfishness, and then there's this... It gets escalated, elevated to this, like, soul self-talk, which is super weird, and deliberate, I think, in Jesus' telling of this. [00:42:18] So, like, you're right. You got this repetition of all these, in Greek, like, first person pronouns: my crops, my barns, my grain, my goods. I just counted here five times in three verses we've got either I or my. So it's not simply, like, poor stewardship. It's the theological posture of self-ownership. It's like t- complete denial of the creature's fundamental dependence on the creator. [00:42:38] And then, as if that's not enough, you get this whole verse 19, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years. Relax, eat, drink, and be merry." And you wanna say, "Who are you talking to, man?" So, like, here I think this folly reaches a full and fatal expression to me because he speaks to his own, his own soul as though the soul, which is like the [00:43:00] very seat of a person's relationship with God, could be satisfied by grain. [00:43:05] And so I think this is, like, the fundamental conclusion that Reformers labored to expose. It's really like mistaking the gifts of common grace for the substance of ultimate security. He's trying to create this cookie with all this cream in the middle, but he has nothing there. There's, there's nothing to fill it. [00:43:20] It's like, it's like Augustine's dictum stands over this entire verse like a judgment. The heart is restless until it finds rest in God. And guess what? No barn, however large, can hold whatever only God can give. And so, like, the man's error is not that he planned for the future, like we've been saying. [00:43:36] Scripture commends some prudence. But that he planned as though there were no God to whom he must give account and no eternity beyond the granary, and then beyond that, he takes responsibility for his own soul and tries to self-soothe that soul. My word, I could barely say that. He tries to soothe his own soul in a way to give it confidence merely by the things he owns, separating himself from the [00:44:00] creator, the one who has given him all these things. [00:44:02] It is, I think, Tony, like you said, absolute insanity. It's certainly like insanity raised up against the spiritual man, and yet to the natural man, this seems like... Even in our modern day, in a contemporary context, this seems like the reasonable thing to do, the reasonable thing, to take charge of yourself and to be happy with yourself and to be content with what you provided and to have security in that, and yet this is the great- greatest kind of foolishness that possibly there ever is. [00:44:28] Tony Arsenal: Yeah.  [00:44:30] Enjoy Gifts Not Idols [00:44:30] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and I think too, um, you know, the, this, um This is sometimes taught as though, like we've alluded to and said a couple times, it's taught as though the act of saving or, like, investing or even in this case, like, sort of taking a strange risk to try to propel your wealth forward, this is sometimes taught as though the point of this is that you shouldn't do those things. [00:44:56] Right. Like, the act of saving your wealth is [00:45:00] somehow... Like, saving things up or investing or taking a risk is somehow contrary to biblical wisdom and biblical prudence, and I don't, I don't think that's at all the point of the parable, right? And we've, we've pointed out that this parable is sandwiched or Oreo cookied by, you know, beware of covetousness, life does not exist in your possessions, or the satisfaction of life does not exist in your possessions, and then do not be anxious, life is more than food, the body more than clothing. [00:45:28] And the, the, the key phrase here in terms of where this guy's mistake is, not only is the mistake in the idea that, like, he's not c- thinking about what should I do with this in reference to my neighbor or what should I do with this in reference to God. There seems to be no consideration of that at all. [00:45:44] But what he intends to do with it in relation to those statements is entirely self-focused. And it's not, it's not the case at all. Please don't hear me saying it's not okay to enjoy the [00:46:00] fruit of your labor, right? There's all sorts of things in the Bible, lots of teaching in the Bible, um, about the fact that when we work hard and we reap a financial benefit, whether it's in, in this sort of like ancient culture, it's a, you know, a concrete financial benefit, or whether it's in our more modern culture where, like, we just, we gather more money which is sort of like a, I don't know, it's like a social contract of m- evaluating our labor. [00:46:25] Whatever it is, w- it's okay to use your wealth in ways that drives satisfaction. It's okay to enjoy wealth. Like, go buy a nice steak. Go get a nice bottle of wine. Take your wife out for dinner. Go on vac- Like, those things are fine. Buy a nice car. Go on vacation. Those things are fine, provided you're not finding your enjoyment and your satisfaction and, and ultimately that you are not doing those things as the final end of existence. [00:46:53] Right. Right? The, the point that he's making to this young man who says, "Tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me," [00:47:00] is, like, you are finding or trying to find your life's ultimate satisfaction in your wealth or in this, like in the wealth that you think you deserve. The flip side of the disciples is, like, your entire life seems to be driven by the fact that you feel like you don't have enough food or you don't have the right clothing. [00:47:21] So the idea that, like, our satisfaction or our security is found in the abundance of our possessions, that is what this parable is railing against Right With a little bit of, I think a little bit of a gospel call here, right? Yeah. There's, there's this element, and this is, maybe this is unique. I don't, I don't, I can't think off the top of my head another parable where God himself is actually in the parable. [00:47:49] I think this is somewhat unique, if not entirely unique- Right ... where God himself now is in the parable saying, "Fool, this night your soul is required of you, and the things you've [00:48:00] prepared, whose will they be?" So this idea that on the one side, those who have abundance are warned against finding their sat- their ultimate satisfaction in the abundance of their possessions, and on the flip side, those who lack abundance are warned against, uh, an utter sense of insecurity in the lack of their abundance. [00:48:22] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:48:23] Tony Arsenal: In the middle there is this chastisement for both of those groups, basically saying your life and your satisfaction and security should be found in the fact that you belong to God and that God is your God. I think that's probably the ultimate payout of this parable, is this idea that like, yeah, whether you have a lot, whether you have a little, whether you have enough, whether you don't have enough, whether you are able to be sort of like enjoying luxury items versus just scraping by or not even scraping by, those [00:49:00] are two realities, and there are Christians who exist in both of those realities. [00:49:04] And some people might push back on this a little bit, but those realities are, are neutral morally, right? You can be rich and, uh, and still be a faithful Christian. You can be poor and still be a faithful Christian. I guess we can probably have some conversation at some point about which of those states it's easier to be a faithful Christian in. [00:49:25] But the fact is, like, you can be in either of those states and still be a faithful follower of God.  [00:49:30] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:49:31] Tony Arsenal: As long as you're not finding your satisfaction or being overwhelmed by insecurity in either of those states, I think, uh, I think you, you, you, you can do both of them. And it's actually funny because... [00:49:44] Maybe not funny. It's interesting. Um, it's also possible to be satisfied in the lack of your possessions, if I can even put it that way, right? There are those who have sort of like placed their security and their ultimate satisfaction in sort of [00:50:00] their poverty or their minimalism, and there are those who are, like, anxious about the fact that they're wealthy. [00:50:06] This parable speaks to all of those things on every level saying, "No, no, no, no, no," like, your relationship to your possessions is not the point. Right. The point is your relation to God and whether you are his children and whether he is your God.  [00:50:21] Jesse Schwamb: Right.  [00:50:21] God Interrupts The Fool [00:50:21] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, there's multi-factor foolishness at play here for sure. [00:50:24] It starts with this idea that he's not crediting, he's not giving attribution, he doesn't understand that he's actually a contingent being and that God provides all these things. Then, like we said, there's this elevation, like you've just talked about, where it moves. That would be- Really foolish enough. [00:50:41] But what's even more foolish is to say to one's own soul, "You know what? Sit back, chill, be confident because you've done all the things. You have all the right stuff. You don't need to worry about anything." Almost implying, like, you can live forever. Just hang out. You have everything that you need, and you did it all yourself. [00:50:58] And so in verse 20, where God [00:51:00] interrupts and speaks to him directly, is amazing because He goes right into, first of all, right into the man's private counsel. So it's a good reminder that no soliloquy is ever truly private. We have the judge of all the earth. He hears every deliberation of the heart, and then He addresses him by this word fool, which, of course, you and I have talked about. [00:51:18] Like, in the Bibl- vocabulary, it's not just, like, an insult abo

God's Word says that a husband and wife become “one flesh.” But it doesn't say anything directly about prenuptial agreements.So does that mean Christians should never have one?A prenuptial agreement, or prenup, is a legal contract a couple enters into before marriage. It typically establishes how assets, property, and other financial matters would be handled if the marriage ended in divorce.For some couples, that may seem like practical planning. But Christians should consider more than whether a prenup makes financial sense. We should also ask what it communicates about marriage and whether it supports—or undermines—the unity God intends.Marriage Is Designed for OnenessGenesis 2:24 establishes the biblical foundation for marriage: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”Marriage is not merely a legal partnership between two individuals who continue living otherwise separate lives. God joins a husband and wife together in a unique covenant relationship. Paul takes that picture even further in Ephesians 5:31–32:“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.”Christian marriage is meant to reflect Christ's covenant love for His people—a relationship characterized by love, sacrifice, grace, faithfulness, and mutual care.That pursuit of oneness should shape the way a couple thinks about every part of life, including money.What Can a Prenup Communicate?Dr. Art Rainer, Founder of Christian Money Solutions and the Institute for Christian Financial Health, has identified several important concerns Christians should consider when thinking through a prenuptial agreement.It may communicate distrust. If one person feels the need to protect certain possessions from the other before the marriage has even begun, the other spouse may reasonably wonder whether they are truly being trusted. A prenup may communicate uncertainty about the marriage itself. Because these agreements typically establish what happens in the event of divorce, they can feel like planning for the marriage to fail before the covenant has even begun. It may be harder to pursue the financial unity marriage requires. A couple can begin thinking primarily in terms of “mine” and “yours” when marriage should increasingly move them toward “ours.”Those concerns should not be dismissed. A legal agreement intended to provide financial protection can unintentionally introduce fear, suspicion, or division into a relationship.However, that does not necessarily mean every prenuptial agreement represents a lack of biblical commitment.Are There Situations Where a Prenup May Be Helpful?Consider a couple entering a second marriage when one or both spouses already have children.Perhaps each person has accumulated assets that they hope eventually to leave to their children. In that situation, a carefully constructed agreement may help clarify expectations and reassure family members that the marriage is not motivated by financial gain.Rather than creating division, the process could potentially encourage greater transparency by forcing the couple to discuss difficult questions before marriage.The important issue is not simply whether a legal document exists, but why it exists and what posture of heart stands behind it.Is the agreement primarily about self-protection? Is fear driving the decision? Does one person want to maintain control over “their” money?Or is the couple prayerfully trying to navigate genuine responsibilities involving children, previous marriages, family businesses, or complicated estate-planning concerns?Those situations require wisdom, not a one-size-fits-all answer.Let the Agreement Serve the MarriageIf a couple is considering a prenup, the process should involve far more than conversations with attorneys.It should include honest discussions about money, trust, expectations, generosity, inheritance, and what financial oneness will actually look like in the marriage. Couples should pray together and seek wisdom from mature believers and qualified legal and financial professionals who understand their circumstances.Most importantly, any agreement should serve the marriage, not undermine it.Marriage is ultimately a covenant, not merely a contract. A legal document can clarify financial arrangements, but it cannot create the trust, sacrifice, forgiveness, and faithfulness a healthy marriage requires.Whether or not a prenup is appropriate in a particular situation, husband and wife should continually pursue the oneness God designed for marriage—honoring Christ and one another with everything He has entrusted to them.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:When I use a rewards credit card, especially one offering 5% cash back, is the merchant paying higher processing fees to fund those rewards? I'm asking because I don't want my rewards to come at a small business owner's expense.My wife and I have had a Genworth long-term care policy since 1999. Our annual premium has risen from about $1,500–$2,000 to $11,000, but we're concerned that reducing coverage could eliminate valuable protections, including a provision that waives the survivor's premiums if one of us dies. At ages 83 and 81, is it still worth keeping the policy?I recently bought about $140 worth of individual stocks through Cash App and would like to learn more before investing further. What resources or advisors would you recommend for understanding stock investing?I'm 70 and recently retired. I owe about $11,000 on my home and $11,000–$12,000 on my car, and I have about $50,000 in a gold IRA and $120,000 in retirement accounts. I plan to live mainly on Social Security and continue giving regularly. Should I pay off the remaining debt, roll over my old 403(b), or make any other changes to my retirement plan?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerThe Sound Mind Investing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Your Money From a Biblical Perspective by Austin Pryor with Mark BillerBettermentFaithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

Some of the earliest financial supporters of Jesus' ministry were women.Luke 8:1–3 introduces us to Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, and “many others” who traveled with Jesus and the Twelve. Luke adds a remarkable detail: these women were supporting Jesus' ministry “out of their means.”Sharon Epps, President of Kingdom Advisors and one of the founders of Women Doing Well, points to their story as a powerful picture of generosity. These women didn't simply contribute resources to a cause. They had encountered Jesus personally, received His grace, and responded by using what they had to serve Him and others.Their example reminds us that Christian generosity begins not with what we give to God, but with what we have already received from Him.Generosity Begins With ReceivingLuke tells us that these women had experienced Jesus' healing and restoration. Mary Magdalene had been delivered from seven demons, while others had been healed of diseases and afflictions. Then, having received from Jesus, they gave.“God always pours into us first,” Epps explains. “Our breath, our skills, our life, and our resources are all gifts from Him.”That changes the starting point for generosity. We don't give to earn God's favor or repay Him for His grace. We give because His grace has already been freely given to us.Everything we possess—our money, abilities, opportunities, relationships, and time—ultimately comes from God. When we begin there, generosity becomes less about meeting an obligation and more about faithfully responding to what we have received.Turning Our Attention OutwardAn old Latin phrase, incurvatus in se, means “curved in on oneself.” It describes the human tendency to turn inward and make life primarily about ourselves. That temptation can become especially strong when life feels exhausting.Epps uses the playful word “exhausterwhelmulated”—exhausted, overwhelmed, and overstimulated—to describe how many people feel today. When we're depleted, our instinct can be to turn inward and focus almost exclusively on our own needs.But remembering God's care gives us another way forward.“When we can breathe in God's care, we can resist the self-focus and actually flow outward,” Epps says. “Let His generosity flow through us, even when life feels heavy.”Generosity invites us to notice the people God has placed around us. It turns our attention outward—not because our own needs don't matter, but because God's provision frees us to see beyond ourselves.Stewarding More Than MoneyThe women of Luke 8 also remind us that faithful stewardship extends beyond financial giving.Today, women can use their resources, work, relationships, businesses, investments, experience, and influence for others' good. That might mean supporting a local ministry, operating a business with integrity, investing in ways that promote human flourishing, mentoring someone who needs guidance, or simply responding to a need close to home.“We can use our positions and relationships as part of God's work of restoration,” Epps says.God entrusts each of us with different resources and opportunities. Faithful stewardship asks how we might use those gifts in love of God and neighbor.Start With One Faithful StepFor someone who wants to become more generous but already feels stretched, the answer doesn't have to be a dramatic financial commitment. Epps encourages women to begin by remembering who they are.“You are a daughter of the King,” she says. “Pause long enough to breathe in His love and acknowledge that He's our ultimate provider. Then look for just one small, concrete way you can share.”Perhaps it's meeting a need you notice today. Maybe it's offering your time, sharing your expertise, encouraging someone, or giving financially where you're able.The women of Luke 8 show us that generosity begins with receiving. They encountered the grace of Christ and responded by faithfully using what had been entrusted to them. Their names appear in only a few verses, but their generosity helped support a ministry that would change the world. And their example still invites us to ask: What has God graciously entrusted to me, and how might I use it today for the good of others?To read more content on women and faithful stewardship, explore the special edition of Faithful Steward Magazine by becoming a FaithFi partner at FaithFi.com/Give.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I own several renovated rental properties that I bought very cheaply and hoped to leave to my family. Should I place them in a trust so they pass to my wife and children, or sell them now and move the money into more passive investments?I retired this year and didn't withhold enough for taxes. How does the IRS handle underpayment, and should I expect penalties?I'm 68 and setting aside money in an IRA for my granddaughter's future. What's the best way to make sure that money keeps growing and ultimately goes to her? Should it be in her name, or can I keep it in my IRA and name family members to manage it later?Resources Mentioned:Become a FaithFi PartnerFaithful Steward Special Edition: Women & Wealth (Issue 7)SavingForCollege.com Women Doing WellFaithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly MagazineFaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough? Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob WestWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday 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.

“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.” – Job 42:5  Submit a Podcast Listener Question HERE!    Podcasts by Series  Level One Book Study  Level Two Book Study  Today Dan helps us break open chapter 6 of The Religious Potential of the Child for 6 to 12 Year Olds that speaks about historical events and the typological reading of scripture.   Dan Teller earned a Masters in Montessori Education from Xavier University in 1984 and has been involved in Montessori education almost continually ever since.  After teaching at a public Montessori school for 11 years, Dan served as a parochial school principal for three years before founding Queen of Angels Montessori School in 1998.  Dan served as a principal, teacher, and catechist at the school (now named Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori, serving children ages 3-14) until retiring in 2022.   Dan began his formation in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd in 1998.  He is formed as a catechist at Level I, II, and III in CGS and has worked at all three levels of atria for 25  years.  He began work as a formation leader around 15 years ago and has enjoyed training future CGS catechists at all three levels.  Dan had the opportunity to serve as an American representative on the CGS International Consiglio for 10 years in the early 2000's.   Dan is married to Maureen and they reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.  They have seven children and three grandchildren.    TODAYS LISTENER QUESTION- Would you recommend sharing presentations to the whole group at the Prayer Table?  Many new catechists are struggling with concerns that they need to get all of the presentations to all of the children under time constraints.  Podcasts Episodes For the Beginning of the Atrium Year:  98: Welcoming the Children (Level 1)  122: Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART ONE  123: Welcoming the Level 2 and 3 Child PART TWO    Podcasts Episodes You May Be Interested In:  Ch 2: The Parable of the Good Shepherd from Ways to Nurture the Relationship with God with Dan Teller     Books you might be interested in:  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa  History of the Kingdom of God Part 2: Liturgy and the Building of the Kingdom  Life in the Vine: The Joyful Journey Continues      BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER    CGS 7 Minute Video      CGS Atrium Locator - Please check if your church atrium in in our atrium locator.  If not, please send this link to the COORDINATOR of your CGS program to add your atrium to the locator. THANK YOU! If you have any questions please email contact@cgsusa.org    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

I wasn't sure if I was even going to make this episode — this might get me in some trouble. But I think it's a conversation Christian entrepreneurs need to have: is it a sin to want more? For years I've heard the message from well-meaning Christians — 'just be content, don't be greedy, guard your heart.' But what if we've confused contentment (a state of peace) with ambition (a pursuit of growth) — and they're not actually opposites? In this episode, I unpack what the Bible really says about wealth, ambition, and stewardship — including a command in Genesis 1:28 that gets completely overlooked, and a parable in Matthew 25 that flips the way most of us think about playing it safe. This is for the Christian entrepreneur, business owner, or leader who's felt guilty for wanting more — and is ready to hear a different take. Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Addressing the Tension Between Contentment and Ambition02:02 Graham's Personal Journey from Low Expectations to Abundance04:37 God's Call to Start a Business and the Growth It Brought08:11 Redefining Contentment as a State of Being, Not a Limitation12:28 The First Command: Be Fruitful and Multiply15:30 The Parable of the Talents and Stewardship19:53 God's Desire for Expansion and Abundance22:37 Contentment and Ambition as Complementary, Not Opposing29:34 The Power of Ambition to Achieve Great Things34:07 Pursuing Big Goals to Grow and Mature Spiritually37:17 Encouragement to Follow God's Call and Read the Bible for Guidance