Podcast appearances and mentions of randy alcorn

In this final episode of our “Prosperity Gospel, Poverty Gospel, and The Gospel” series, we're diving into the forgotten commands of scripture that every Christian should know when it comes to money. We're not just talking about how to make more or give more — we're talking about how to think biblically about money, handle it with eternity in mind, and why most believers are stuck in financial cycles that don't reflect the heart of God. We break down 1 Timothy 6:17–19 and show how Paul gives us a framework for wealth that isn't about prosperity or poverty — it's about purpose. In this episode, we cover: Why God wants you to enjoy what He's given — but not worship it The #1 thing Paul told the rich (and it's not what you think) How to track your “Net Given” (instead of your net worth) The difference between seed and bread in 2 Corinthians 9 Why your money is meant to flow through you, not just to you How to write a personal “Wealth Purpose Statement” with your family Why generosity now is connected to eternal treasures later

The mission of MinistryWatch is to help Christian donors become more faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to them. With a mission like that, it's easy to see why Dana and Bill Wichterman's new book got my attention. The book is Stewards Not Owners: The Joy of Aligning Your Money With Your Faith. Over the years, I've read a lot of books about this topic, from Randy Alcorn's Money, Possessions and Eternity to Jay Richards' Money, Greed, and God. Other books I often recommend on the topic of stewardship include When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett, and Marvin Olasky's The Tragedy of American Compassion. These books are classics of the genre. But I honestly think that Dana and Bill's new book is the book I would recommend  to someone who wants to read just one book on the topic. Their new book is relatively short and highly readable, but it doesn't “dumb down” the deep biblical principles involved. Also, it includes lots of stories of men and women who have lived out the principles they espouse. Those stories make the book come alive, and make the abstract principles seem credible and achievable. Bill Wichterman has spent his career in law and politics, including as Special Assistant to the President in the White House. Bill is the author of the book Dying to Live: Finding Joy In Giving Yourself to God, and the influential essay “The Culture: Upstream from Politics.” He is co-founder of Wedgwood Circle and board president of Faith and Law. Bill holds an M.A. in Political Theory from The Catholic University of America. Dana works for Impact Foundation (Impactfoundation.org), a donor-advised fund specializing in helping Christians align their charitable capital with their unique calling to partner with Kingdom-oriented for-profit companies. Their new book is Stewards Not Owners: The Joy of Aligning Your Money With Your Faith. And, as I promised earlier, we have a way for you to get your own copy of this book. Bill and Dana have donated nearly 200 books to MinistryWatch, and we are going to make them available to you for a gift of any size during the month of July. So, if you would like your own copy of this book, just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page. We'll get your book in the mail immediately. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

#218: Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them.EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.A New York Times bestselling author, Randy has written over sixty books, including Courageous, Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and the Gold Medallion winner Safely Home. His books have been translated into over 70 languages and have sold over 12 million copies.  Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for fourteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker.* Randy has written for many magazines including EPM's issues-oriented Eternal Perspectives as well as articles for The Gospel Coalition and Desiring God Ministries.  He blogs, is active daily on Facebook and Twitter, and has been a guest on more than 700 radio, television and online programs including Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, and Revive Our Hearts. For more on Randy and his books check out EPM.org as well as where books are sold. Enjoy the show! 

Baptism is a powerful, public way to show that our lives have changed through God’s forgiveness—it’s not about earning forgiveness but declaring the freedom we’ve already received. It also encourages us to hold on to hope in the resurrection, which promises a real, renewed life with God, where all pain and brokenness will be healed. Finally, saying “amen” to the Creed is like saying, “Yes, I’m all in” committing to live out these truths every day, letting our faith shape how we love, work, and face life’s challenges. References: “In the new heavens and new Earth, there is no death, no suffering. There are no funeral homes or abortion clinics or psychiatric wards. There are no assaults or missing children or drug rehabilitation centers. There is no bigotry, no muggings, no killings, no worry or depression or economic downturns. There are no wars. There is no unemployment, no anguish over failure and miscommunication. No more of that forever. No conmen, no locks. No death, no mourning, no pain, no boredom, and no arthritis. No handicaps, no cancer, no taxes, no bills. No computer crashes, no weeds, no bombs. There is no drunkenness, no traffic jams or accidents. There are no septic tank backups. There is no mental illness, no unwanted e-mails. There are close friendships, but no cliques. There is laughter, but no put-downs, no laughter at the expense of someone else. There is intimacy, but no temptation to immorality. There are no hidden agendas, no backroom deals, no betrayals. Imagine mealtimes full of stories, laughter and joy, without any fear of insensitivity or inappropriate behavior, anger, gossip, lust, jealousy, hurt feelings, or anything else that eclipses our joy. That will be heaven. Can you imagine the beauty?” - Randy Alcorn “To confess the faith and say ‘amen’ is to make what we believe into something shared and public and recognizable, not just a fleeting thought in the heart. When we say ‘I believe’ in our baptism, or ‘we believe’ in a Sunday liturgy, we are making a commitment that is a pledge of allegiance, joining us to other believers around the world in the body of Christ, some of whom are bound to get into trouble for making this commitment.” - Philip Carey TRANSCRIPT

Baptism is a powerful, public way to show that our lives have changed through God’s forgiveness—it’s not about earning forgiveness but declaring the freedom we’ve already received. It also encourages us to hold on to hope in the resurrection, which promises a real, renewed life with God, where all pain and brokenness will be healed. Finally, saying “amen” to the Creed is like saying, “Yes, I’m all in” committing to live out these truths every day, letting our faith shape how we love, work, and face life’s challenges. References: “In the new heavens and new Earth, there is no death, no suffering. There are no funeral homes or abortion clinics or psychiatric wards. There are no assaults or missing children or drug rehabilitation centers. There is no bigotry, no muggings, no killings, no worry or depression or economic downturns. There are no wars. There is no unemployment, no anguish over failure and miscommunication. No more of that forever. No conmen, no locks. No death, no mourning, no pain, no boredom, and no arthritis. No handicaps, no cancer, no taxes, no bills. No computer crashes, no weeds, no bombs. There is no drunkenness, no traffic jams or accidents. There are no septic tank backups. There is no mental illness, no unwanted e-mails. There are close friendships, but no cliques. There is laughter, but no put-downs, no laughter at the expense of someone else. There is intimacy, but no temptation to immorality. There are no hidden agendas, no backroom deals, no betrayals. Imagine mealtimes full of stories, laughter and joy, without any fear of insensitivity or inappropriate behavior, anger, gossip, lust, jealousy, hurt feelings, or anything else that eclipses our joy. That will be heaven. Can you imagine the beauty?” - Randy Alcorn “To confess the faith and say ‘amen’ is to make what we believe into something shared and public and recognizable, not just a fleeting thought in the heart. When we say ‘I believe’ in our baptism, or ‘we believe’ in a Sunday liturgy, we are making a commitment that is a pledge of allegiance, joining us to other believers around the world in the body of Christ, some of whom are bound to get into trouble for making this commitment.” - Philip Carey TRANSCRIPT

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“We may feel tempted to underestimate the horrors of the Cross, because to recognize them is to admit that our monstrous evil demanded a price so horrific. To make light of our sin is to make light of Christ's cross.”~Randy Alcorn, author “We may take comfort about our souls, if we know anything of an inward fight and conflict. It is the invariable companion of genuine Christian holiness... Do we find in our heart of hearts a spiritual struggle? Do we feel anything of the flesh warring against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, so that we cannot do the things we would? Are we conscious of two principles within us, contending for the master? Do we feel anything of war in our inward man? Well, let us thank God for it! It is a good sign. It is strongly probable evidence of the great work of sanctification.”~J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), English pastor, writer, and Anglican bishop of Liverpool “We need to continue to hear the gospel every day of our Christian lives. Only a continuous reminder of the gospel of God's grace through Christ will keep us from falling into good-day—bad-day thinking.”~Jerry Bridges, author, speaker, and college minister “When Satan tempts me to despairAnd tells me of the guilt withinUpward I look and see Him thereWho made an end to all my sin.”~“Before the Throne of God Above” by Charitie Lees Bancroft & Vikki CookSERMON PASSAGEHebrews 10:26-39 (ESV) 26 For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For,     “Yet a little while,  and the coming one will come and will not delay;     38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,  and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

In this second half of our two-part conversation, Austin DeArmond returns to the mic to continue exploring some of the most common myths and misunderstandings people have about heaven—especially those that surface in grief and longing after child loss. Austin brings deep scriptural knowledge and a tender heart shaped by personal experience as a bereaved dad himself.Together, we dive into thought-provoking questions like:Do our loved ones in heaven know what's happening on earth?Will our children still be children when we see them again?Is heaven really "up in the clouds"?Will everyone receive the same rewards in eternity?What is the “new earth,” and how does it differ from heaven as we typically imagine it?Will we grow, learn, and discover new things in heaven?Austin also offers biblical encouragement for bereaved parents, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ and the beautiful truth that the best is yet to come.Be Encouraged:   Heaven is not just consolation—it's compensation. As Austin shares, our sorrows will not only be ended but fully mended in God's presence. If you've ever longed to understand more about where your child is now and what lies ahead for you, this conversation is for you.Click HERE to listen to the first half of my "Questions About Heaven" conversation with Austin!  Click HERE and HERE to listen to my conversation with Austin and Valerie DeArmond in which they share the full story of their son Gabriel.  Click HERE and HERE to listen to my conversation with Austin regarding myths and cliches about grief.  Click HERE to connect with Austin's blog.  Click HERE to get a copy of Heaven by Randy Alcorn.  Also available on Amazon.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

My friend, Austin DeArmond, returns to the podcast today to explore some of the most common myths and misconceptions people have about Heaven. As a bereaved Dad, Bible translation consultant, and faithful follower of Christ, Austin brings both personal insight and biblical depth to this important discussion.We talk about questions many of us have wrestled with: Will Heaven be boring? Do we become angels? Will we recognize our loved ones? Is there time in Heaven? What happens to us when we die? With wisdom and grace, Austin walks us through what scripture really says—and doesn't say—about our eternal home, helping us ground our hope in truth rather than cultural myths.Whether you're a bereaved parent or simply someone simply curious about what comes after this life, I believe our conversation will bring comfort and encouragement.Click HERE and HERE to listen to my conversation with Austin and Valerie DeArmond in which they share the full story of their son Gabriel.  Click HERE and HERE to listen to my conversation with Austin regarding myths and cliches about grief.  Click HERE to connect with Austin's blog.  Click HERE to get a copy of Heaven by Randy Alcorn.  Also available on Amazon.Don't Miss Next Week: Be sure to join us again next week as we continue this discussion with Austin. In Part Two, we'll tackle more cultural myths about heaven and dig deeper into what the Bible reveals about our future hope.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message!** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

John 14:1-3, 27 NIV“God's plan for heaven is a resurrected life in a resurrected body, with the resurrected Christ on a resurrected earth.” – Randy Alcorn, Heaven“As He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.” – CS Lewis, The Last BattleRevelation 21:1-6 NIVWhat is missing?               No more sea               No more decay               No more templeRomans 6:5 NIV What is there?               Intimate presence of God               Us, in resurrected bodies               New city               Purpose in the present

Randy Alcorn spends an entire chapter discussing Bart Ehrman and his best-selling book God's Problem. Ehrman denied his faith because he couldn't reconcile evil and suffering with God's goodness. purchase book here I'm Gary Zacharias, a professor of English, avid reader, and passionate follower of Jesus Christ. This podcast is for anyone curious about the intellectual foundation of the Christian faith. Each episode, I feature a key book on topics like the existence of God, the historical evidence for Jesus, science and Christianity, or the reliability of the Bible. These are the books that have earned a permanent place on my apologetics bookshelf—and I want to share them with you. contact me: theapologistsbookshelf@gmail.com

Series: All About HimWeek: 13Title: Revelation 21Scripture: Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; Revelation 21Preacher: Brian LoweHeaven by Randy Alcorn

Are you living in the 'already' but yearning for the 'not yet'? In this impactful message, we explore how heaven isn't just a distant destination but a present reality in our lives. Delve into the Christian life as an "already but not yet" existence, where we are caught in the tension between our current world and our eternal home. Despite the unknowns about heaven, the Bible mentions it over 450 times, urging us to keep eternity in perspective as we navigate our daily lives.This week in our series, "Heaven Revealed," we journey from Genesis to Revelation, uncovering how heaven touches earth through the story of creation, the tabernacle, and ultimately, Jesus. Discover how the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence makes every believer a living tabernacle, bringing little pockets of heaven to earth. As we await the full realization of our faith, we're reminded that transformation is ongoing, and God's kingdom is here amidst us, shaping us for the future promise.Join us as we walk through scripture and uncover the meaning behind living in this theological tension of the 'already but not yet.' We will explore how this impacts our everyday life and compels us to live as representatives of God's eternal kingdom today. Stay with us next week as we transition from understanding to practical application.At 2Rivers, our mission is to help you become a passionate follower of Jesus so you can experience the life He intended for you and encourage others to do the same. Don't forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button to stay updated with our content ⏩.LIKE ✔️, SHARE

Has the Decline of U.S. Christianity Finally Stopped? Ryan Clark on X: "Josh Jacobs was supposed to go out with Henry Riggs on the night he was arrested. @iAM_JoshJacobs feels Tina Tintor’s death should’ve been avoided, & Henry Ruggs could be free. In his anger Jacobs expressed as much to Rugged’ family! Jacobs & Ruggs are still close. The two talk https://t.co/XufCJWWzNy" / X Autistic artist, city council implement 'happy to talk' benches to combat loneliness - Not All News is Bad! Watch: Snake falls from restaurant ceiling, lands in diner's margarita Randy Alcorn on X: "I’ve seen a few things about astronaut Butch Wilmore, who was stuck in space for nine months and recently returned to earth, and it appears he is a sincere and committed follower of Jesus. https://t.co/yaRTfHX2QF" / X See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NCF Parenting Podcast Cohort Q&A Episode 04:Q: How do we define success in our children? How do we balance the opportunities/futures/dreams of our children in the world with the demands of the gospel?3 Books:Following Christ by Joseph StowellThings Unseen by Mark BuchananMoney, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn

Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: Wisdom for Work from PhilippiansDevotional: 2 of 4Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. (Philippians 2:14-15)Want to “shine among” the non-Christians you work with? Paul tells you how: “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Apparently, working without grumbling and complaining was as countercultural in Paul's day as it is in ours.C.S. Lewis once said that, “Hell begins with a grumbling mood.” The inverse is also true. People can get a whiff of heaven through the joyful mood of its citizens. Dr. Randy Alcorn goes so far as to say that, “Happiness in Christ is one of our most powerful evangelistic tools.”The question, of course, is how can we be joyful and work without grumbling when your co-worker replies all to yet another email or your boss makes an urgent request at 4:45 on a Friday? By focusing on what Christ has done for us.Just a few verses before today's passage, Paul writes about how Christ “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” for you and me (see verse 8). “Therefore,” Paul says in verse 14, “do everything without grumbling or arguing.”The cross is the source of our joy amidst less than desirable circumstances. Once you focus on what Christ accomplished for you at Calvary, grumbling about the smell in the office refrigerator feels ridiculous. Tim Keller once compared it to being a “spiritual billionaire…wringing your hands over ten dollars.”Grumbling is so second nature we often don't notice we're doing it. Here are three simple ways to prevent, confess, and respond to complaining.First, prevent grumbling by writing Philippians 2:14-15 somewhere you'll see it while you work. On a post-it note, your phone background—wherever.Second, confess grumbling by creating a grumble jar. And every time you or someone on your team complains, drop in a dollar (or, if you're like me and never carry cash, an IOU to tally later). My family and I did this recently to break a different habit and it was shockingly effective. We were able to kick our habit in less than a month. Finally, respond to grumbling by expressing gratitude. Think back to the last thing you complained about and thank God for something related to that thing. For example, this morning I grumbled about the house being a mess. But I then said a quick prayer of gratitude that I have children to make said mess.Do whatever it takes to wrestle your grumbling to the ground, believer. Because as Dr. Alcorn put it, “Our happiness makes the gospel contagiously appealing; our unhappiness makes it alarmingly unattractive.”

I want to remind you that this might be my last pastor'schat for a couple of weeks. I would also like to ask you for special prayers forseveral things. For the next couple of days, I will be extremely busy takingcare of some family matters that involve my older sister, Lynda Smith, who wasput into palliative care this past week. Then on Tuesday, the 18th,my son Jonathan and I will be flying to India to take care of a specialsituation there involving both of our ministries. We especially need for you toask the Lord to give us wisdom and for safety as we travel.  On Saturday, the 22nd, we will fly from India toCairo Egypt, to meet some ministry partners there and prepare for our scheduledtour to Jordan and Egypt that will take place this fall from October 14thto the 25th. We are hoping many of you will join us on thisunforgettable journey to places where some of the most powerful revelations andmiracles of God in the Bible took place. For more information on this tour,click on this link: https://www.gpartners.org/tour Also, would you please continue to pray for my grandsonLuke, who is in PICU in the Roanoke hospital, and will be there for the nextcouple of weeks dealing with a terrible infection. When they are assured thatit is gone, Luke will be going through major surgery to replace everything inhis brain and body to keep the pressure off his brain. I believe that this willbe his 31st surgery on his little brain. Your prayers and supportfor all the above are always very important and appreciated!  In Luke 12:13-21, when Jesus was warning us to “bewareof covetousness”, He told the story of a rich farmer that He called a fool,because he forgot to prepare for eternity. Then, it is if Jesus turns to us andbasically says, we are fools if, like this farmer, we only live for money andthings now and forget to live for heaven.This is what Jesus said in verse 21; “So is hewho lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." A number of years ago, as a pastor I led our churchmembership though a series of lessons called the “The Treasure Principle” thatwas written by Randy Alcorn. I highly recommend this little book and theprinciples that Randy shares concerning how we should handle the resources thatthe Lord puts at our disposal. The Treasure Principle that Jesus gives here,and Randy highlights is very simple but profoundly true, “You can't take itwith you, but you can send it on ahead.”  Money is not evil, but the love of money and temporalthings is the root of all evil. Randy reminds us: “Anything we try to hang onto here will be lost. But anything we put into God's hands will be ours for eternity,(insured for infinitely more than $100,000 by the real FDIC, the Father'sDeposit Insurance Corporation. If we give instead of keep, if we invest in theeternal instead of in the temporal, we store up treasures in heaven that willnever stop paying dividends.” “Whatever treasures we store up on earth will be leftbehind when we leave. Whatever treasures we store up in heaven will be waitingfor us when we arrive.” Several of the keys to being a good steward of God'swonderful resources are: “God owns everything. I'm His money manager”.Remember: “My heart always goes where I put God's money”. “Heaven, not earth,is my home”. (Hebrews 11:16). “Giving is the only antidote to materialism”. And,“God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standardof giving.” My friend, remember what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8:“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he whosows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as hepurposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerfulgiver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, alwayshaving all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every goodwork.” God bless!

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… “ -   Matthew 6:19-20Would you like to rethink your approach to money? Six powerful principles can shift your focus from the temporal to the eternal…and best-selling author Randy Alcorn is here to talk you through them.Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) and the New York Times Bestselling author of more than 60 books, including Heaven, Money, Possessions, and Eternity, The Treasure Principle, and Giving Is the Good Life. His books have been translated into over seventy languages and have sold over ten million copies.The Foundation: God Owns EverythingWhen we take our cues from the world, it's easy to develop a flawed perspective on money. But Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That transformation begins with the first principle:God owns everything, and I am His money manager.This truth alone can radically change how we view our finances. If everything belongs to God, then we are simply stewards of His resources. Just like a financial manager oversees someone else's wealth, we must ask God what He wants us to do with what He has entrusted to us. Thankfully, He has provided clear guidance in His Word.Imagine borrowing a pencil from someone and then breaking it in half. If the pencil belonged to you, that wouldn't be a big deal. But if it belonged to someone else, breaking it without permission would be wrong. The same is true with money—when we recognize that all we have belongs to God, it changes how we use it.Our Hearts Follow Our MoneyThe second principle in The Treasure Principle is equally profound:Our heart always goes where we put God's money.This truth comes directly from Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Many people believe that their giving will naturally follow their heart's desires. But Jesus turns that idea upside down: If we want to cultivate a heart for God's kingdom, we need to start by investing in it.Want to develop a deeper love for missions? Start giving to missionaries. Want to care more about your church? Invest financially in its ministry. Our hearts follow our treasure.Cultivating an Eternal PerspectiveAnother key principle is:Heaven (On Earth) is our home.Hebrews 11:16 tells us that believers are “citizens of a better country, a heavenly one.” Recognizing that this version of the world is not our final destination changes how we use our money. Instead of accumulating wealth here, Jesus calls us to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20).But what does that mean? It doesn't mean stockpiling gold and silver in some celestial bank. Instead, our eternal treasures come from investing in God's work—supporting ministries, spreading the gospel, and using our resources to help those in need. The money we use today to advance God's kingdom will have eternal significance.Faithful stewardship isn't about earning salvation—it's about responding to God's generosity by using our resources wisely and storing up treasures that will last for eternity.Prosperity with a PurposeFinally, The Treasure Principle reminds us that:God prospers us not to raise our standard of living but to raise our standard of giving.It's easy to assume that when God blesses us financially, it's simply for our own benefit. But Scripture calls us to a different mindset. Like a delivery driver who is entrusted with a package to deliver—not to keep—God blesses us so that we can bless others.This doesn't mean we can't enjoy God's blessings, but it does mean that we should view our financial increase as an opportunity to be more generous, not just to accumulate more for ourselves.At the heart of The Treasure Principle is a simple but profound challenge: to see God as our ultimate treasure and money as a tool for His purposes. When we grasp this, it changes everything—how we spend, save, and give.If you haven't read The Treasure Principle, we highly encourage you to pick up a copy. It's a quick read but has the power to reshape your financial perspective for eternity.Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineRandy's full article, Understanding the Treasure Principle, is featured in the first issue of Faithful Steward, FaithFi's new quarterly magazine. To receive this issue of the magazine and an issue every quarter, become a monthly partner at $35 a month or $400 a year by going to FaithFi.com/Give. Let's be faithful stewards together, investing in what truly lasts.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I have a friend who's married to an unbeliever, and her spouse sees no value in money beyond spending it. Do you have any advice for how she can make a budget and share it with her spouse so that his eyes might be open to the importance of financial stewardship?Should we tithe on money that we receive from an insurance payout?I have a 401(k) here at work. I'm 67 years old, and I'd like to withdraw money to purchase a car for $25,000 versus taking out a loan and paying interest. Is that something I'm allowed to do, or do I have to talk to the plan administrator? Is it up to the administrator, or is it legal for me to do that?Should my daughter put her maturing CDs into a high-yield money market account instead of rolling them over so the money is more accessible if she needs to buy a car?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly MagazineMoney, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More by Randy AlcornThe Treasure Principle, Revised and Updated: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy AlcornThe Law of Rewards: Giving What You Can't Keep to Gain What You Can't Lose by Randy AlcornWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money (Pre-Order)Look 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Would you like to rethink your approach to money? Six powerful principles can shift your focus from the temporal to the eternal when it comes to your finances. On today's Faith & Finance Live, Rob West will welcome Randy Alcorn to help us understand the Treasure Principle. Then Rob will answer some questions on various financial topics. Faith & Finance Live is a listener supported program on Moody Radio. To join our team of supporters, click here.To support the ministry of FaithFi, click here.To learn more about Rob West, click here.To learn more about Faith & Finance Live, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janet Willis, the female "Randy Alcorn," makes new arguments that the New Jerusalem, New Heavens, and New Earth will be established at the beginning of the millennium. Willis also shows that John's New Jerusalem and Ezekiel's millennial city are identical, and much more in her What on Earth Is Heaven Like?: The New Creation and the New Jerusalem.   https://amzn.to/3DeAgwH                 Become a monthly supporter: https://www.alankurschner.com/partner/

Janet Willis, the female “Randy Alcorn,” makes new arguments that the New Jerusalem, New Heavens, and New Earth will be established at the beginning of the millennium. Willis also shows that John's New Jerusalem and Ezekiel's millennial city are identical, and much more in her What on Earth Is Heaven Like?: The New Creation and […] The post NEW BOOK on Premillennial New Creationism appeared first on ESCHATOS MINISTRIES.

In the seventh chapter of his book, Randy Alcorn answers the question of what life is like in the present heaven.  Christians need to clearly explain the concept of heaven because there are so many misunderstandings about it.

Making the Most of SONdays - Matthew 12:1-14When the child of GodLooks into the word of GodAnd sees the Son of GodThey are transformed by the Spirit of GodInto the image of GodFor the glory of God-Warren WiersbeMatthew 12:1-14Jesus gets hassled on the way to worship - V. 1-2If you go into your neighbor's standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor's standing grain. - Deut. 23:25You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; but it is they that bear witness about Me. - John 5:39The Old Testament said the Sabbath was to be a day of solemn rest. No work or gathering was to be done on that day. (Ex. 16:25-26). It was to be kept holy, or set apart for worship of God (Ex. 20:8-11).Jesus answers their criticism from Scripture - V. 3-5For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. - Romans 15:4There was no common bread available for David and his men to eat, but there was the holy showbread that only the priests could consume. The priest recognized this was a time for an exception to the rule based on necessity, and let David and his men eat the holy bread, as long as they were not currently sexually impure (1 Samuel 21).Jesus states that the priests on duty work every Sabbath they serve. They labor by removing the showbread, preparing fire for the sacrifices, and performing all their Temple service. The point Jesus is making here is that the Law ordains labor for some on the Sabbath as a duty.Jesus makes 3 key statements about worship day - V. 6-81. From verse 6 we see that God is greater than the buildings He is worshipped in during our SONday gatherings!For I desire steadfast love (HESED) and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. - Hosea 6:62. From verse 7 we see that loving God and others must be prioritized in our SONday gatherings!And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” - Mark 2:273. From verse 8 we learn that Jesus is also the Lord over the realm of time – He is Lord over the rhythm in our lives involving cycles of work and rest. The misuse of the Sabbath by the Pharisees should not keep us from honoring God's seventh day rest principle.Note that God commemorated a day of rest and worship to bless mankind BEFORE He gave Israel the Law. The Sabbath was the way Israel was commanded to observe the 7th day principle; Most Christians observe it on Sundays, the day Jesus rose from the dead!Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. - Matt. 28:1On the first day of the week, when we were gathered to break bread, Paul talked with them… - Acts 20:7aNow concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you are also to do. On the first day of EVERY week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I arrive. - 1 Cor. 16:1-2Jesus makes the most of His SONday - V. 9-14I love Jesus' statement in verse 12 – Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So then it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” People then and far too many people now treat their animals and their possessions as more important than people God calls them to minister to. But Jesus places the highest value on seeing people get ministered to. “When it came to his own glory, Liddell would surrender it all rather than run on Sunday. But when it came to the good of children in a prison camp, he would referee on Sunday. Liddell would sacrifice a gold medal for himself in the name of truth but would bend over backward for others in the name of grace.” - Randy Alcorn, page 79, The Grace and Truth Paradox

Chad Ragsdale on X: "Without even reading the article, I give the strongest "amen" possible." Randy Alcorn on X: "The better I know Jesus, the more I see Him all around me—in people, animals, places, and objects. But if I hadn’t studied His Word and reflected on His character over the years, I wouldn’t have known what to look for. https://t.co/Y08C0n9Uog" Gavin Ortlund on X: "Sometimes the injustice and unfairness of the world is hard to bear. In these moments it helps to remember that the return of Christ will straighten all that is crooked. We can live by faith that truth and goodness will ultimately win."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talking about money is not always easy. We live in a society full of consumerism, debt, college loans, and abundance over scarcity. As we look to guide our children in the ways of Christ, how can we as parents instill in our children a healthy outlook on stewardship over money? Joe sits down with Drew and Teresa Steury to talk all about teaching your kids to be responsible and generous with what they receive. Resources: Oikonomics by Mike Breen - https://www.amazon.com/Oikonomics-Mike-Breen/dp/0985235179 God and Money: How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School by John Cortines & Gregory Baumer - https://www.amazon.com/God-Money-Discovered-Business-Paperback/dp/1628624736 The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn - https://store.epm.org/the-treasure-principle-revisedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM) and the bestselling author of over 60 books, including Heaven, The Treasure Principle, and If God Is Good. With decades of ministry experience, Randy's work focuses on inspiring an eternal perspective in everyday life, emphasizing biblical truths about heaven, suffering, and stewardship. His ministry reaches across the globe, equipping individuals to live with purpose and hope. In this episode, Randy dives deep into the topic of grief and shares personal reflections on the loss of his beloved wife, Nanci. He offers profound insights into navigating grief through faith, the power of God's promises, and the importance of community in times of loss. Drawing from his new booklet, Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus Through Heartbreak, Randy discusses practical ways to process grief while holding onto the certainty of eternal life through Jesus Christ. “We do not grieve as those who have no hope. Biblical hope is a blood-bought certainty anchored in God's promises.” – Randy Alcorn "Grief is the absence of someone who is so connected to you that you begin to question your own identity." - Randy Alcorn "We do not grieve as those who have no hope, but we still grieve deeply and profoundly." - Randy Alcorn This Week on The Wow Factor: The loss of Randy's wife, Nanci, and the profound lessons she taught about faith and eternity How Psalm 23 served as a foundation for Nanci's trust in God during her battle with cancer The role of community in walking through grief and how Randy's small groups supported him Why Randy believes grief is universal and how to grieve with hope, grounded in God's promises The spiritual and emotional value of reflecting on eternal treasures instead of temporal concerns How Nanci's journaling and spiritual insights continue to inspire Randy and their family Practical advice for those navigating grief, including the importance of self-care and staying rooted in Scripture Randy Alcorn's Words of Wisdom:Grief is a natural part of life, but as Christians, we grieve differently because of the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Lean into community, embrace God's promises, and focus on living for eternity. Connect with Randy Alcorn: Randy Alcorn's Books Eternal Perspective Ministries Website About Randy Alcorn Randy's Facebook Connect with The Wow Factor: WOW Factor Website Brad Formsma on LinkedIn Brad Formsma on Instagram Brad Formsma on Facebook X (formerly Twitter)

To quote Randy Alcorn “purity is always smart, impurity is always stupid”. Could purity and holiness be more than a biblical mandate and actually a call from our loving father for our good? Looking at the lives of a few of Jacob's sons we see the long term effects of sexual sins. The story of David gives us insight into the forgiveness of God while also revealing His sometimes severe discipline. Choose purity for the good of the generations to come!   This weeks portion is: Vayigash TORAH GENESIS GENESIS 47:28-50:26 PROPHETS I KINGS 2:1-12 GOSPEL JOHN 13:1-19   Want to learn more about our ministry? Visit www.LoveAndPurity.com Intro and outro song: Faith for Salvation (1 Peter 1:3-5) by Brayden & Tali Waller All music rights belong to Love & Purity Ministry

Is heaven boring or delusional? What are the biggest misconceptions about heaven? It seems like many Christians are unenthusiastic about Heaven will really be like, and many skeptics have a faulty view of what the Bible really teaches. Dr. Michael Youssef is the senior pastor of the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta. He's written a book that we'll cover today on heaven and how we should think about heaven. READ: Heaven Awaits: Anticipate Your Future Hope, Your Eternal Home, Your Daily Reality by Michael Yourself (https://store.ltw.org/category/new-from-dr-youssef/heaven-awaits-book) WATCH: 16 Questions on Heaven with Randy Alcorn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxL6LCsJG10 *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

Randy Alcorn is perhaps the most well-known Christian who writes and speaks on Heaven. Yet two years ago, his childhood bride, Nanci, died of cancer. How did his belief in heaven shape how he grieved? And what did he learn through this experience that can help Christians (and others) better grieve through loss, heartbreak, and pain? Sean and Randy both get personal in this interview. READ: Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus in Heartbreak, by Randy Alcorn (https://store.epm.org/grieving-with-hope/) WATCH: 16 Questions on Heaven, with Randy Alcorn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxL6LCsJG10) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

A Christmas Gift for You: Both-AndIn this episode of 'Spiritual Brain Surgery,' Dr. Lee Warren shares a heartfelt message about coping with loss and finding happiness during the Christmas season. He acknowledges the difficulties many face during the holidays, particularly those dealing with trauma or the loss of a loved one. Sharing personal anecdotes, including the struggle of his first Christmas without his son Mitch, Dr. Warren emphasizes the duality of joy and sorrow, and encourages listeners to find meaning and purpose in their suffering. He discusses the importance of shifting one's perspective to achieve an abundant life, as Jesus intended, and finding light even in the darkest times.00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment of Holiday Struggles00:56 Changing Our Minds About Christmas02:02 Loss to Legacy Shift05:31 Sponsor Message: Timeline06:51 Personal Story: Christmas 201311:43 The Sun Will Rise Again12:28 Randy Alcorn's Book: Happiness13:08 Jesus' Promise of Abundant Life15:06 Understanding Jesus' Message of Overcoming15:50 Randy Alcorn's Insight on Happiness16:07 The Gospel and Everlasting Joy18:13 The True Meaning of 'Blessed'19:49 Jesus' Sacrifice and Abundant Life21:20 Embracing Both Suffering and Joy21:42 The Power of Perspective24:34 Transforming Loss into Legacy25:50 Encouragement for the HolidaysLinks Mentioned:James Taylor and Yo-Yo Ma, Here Comes the SunLeAnn Rimes, We Need a Little ChristmasThe Loss-to-Legacy Shift Self-Brain Surgery™ Operation PodcastFive Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share the podcast with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!If you're a writer, podcaster, or content creator, you should check out Descript! It's the tool I use to produce every episode of this podcast, and their suite of audio, video, and production tools has changed my entire workflow. Descript will cut down your tech time and let you be more creative!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!

This is a great sermon during this Advent season about angels called "The Ministry of Angels". The pastor began by saying how many times angels are sung about in our traditional Christmas Carols. If you stop to think about it, they really are mentioned a lot. Angelology is a fascinating study, and there is much in the Bible about angels. But like most doctrines, it can and often is twisted by the unstable. It is a target for fringe theologians who spout fanciful theories and supposed visions. As Phil Johnson has said, "Few biblical topics have provoked more wild speculation and fruitless debate than the topic of angels." Because of this I am providing what I have found to be safe and solid material on angels for further study. After listening to the sermon I linked above, there are other great resources that explore the facts about these incredible beings. John MacArthur has several pieces about the different ministries of angels, including angel armies, (Angels: God's Invisible Army, Part 1 with other parts after this), entertaining angels (Ever Met an Angel?), Angelic Messengers, and others. Search for angels at gty.org. Phil Johnson wrote an essay at Ligonier called Angels: Messengers and Ministers of God. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preached two sermons on angels in his Great Doctrines series. One is called Good Angels. Sadly, there is no recording of his subsequent lecture titled "The Devil and the Fallen Angels" but there is a transcript you can read which I uploaded for the public. Here is the link to the transcribed sermon The Devil and the Fallen Angels by Lloyd-Jones. Randy Alcorn, author of the book 'Heaven', has several articles about angels at his website. How Do We Know That Seraphim and Cherubim Are Angels? Alcorn also answered this question In Their Own Realm, Do Angels Have Physicality? Spurgeon's Angelology: A Speculative Thought. In this sermon, Charles Spurgeon discusses the angels who ministered to Jesus after His temptation in the wilderness. Satan departing, angels ministering RC Sproul preached a two-part series simply called Angels. Now here's a little debate for you: do angels sing? I wrote about this a few years ago. Despite the hymns and carols noting that angels sing this or that, there is very little scriptural evidence that they do sing. But no scriptural evidence claiming they unequivocally do not sing. Hmmm. GotQuestions: Do Angels Sing? The End Time: Do Angels Sing? In which I look at the stances of some theologians who believe they do or do not, as well as offer some food for thought. In the end, lest we fall guilty of what Phil Johnson said above, that we engage in wild speculation or fruitless debate, let me end here with a link to a page listing scriptures in which angels are mentioned, and it says there are 499 scriptures (but 25 are noted here).

From Genesis to Revelation, generosity is a resounding theme in the Bible. The ultimate example of this is captured in Romans 6:23:“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”As children of a generous God, Christians are called to reflect His generosity in their lives. Let's explore the biblical foundation of generosity, its spiritual significance, and some timeless wisdom from godly leaders to inspire you on your journey.The Biblical Foundation of GenerosityThe Bible paints a vivid picture of what it means to live generously:Sharing What We Have: Jesus instructed His followers, saying, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise” (Luke 3:10–11).Giving Cheerfully: The Apostle Paul teaches that generosity should come from the heart: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).Reflecting God's Character: Psalm 112 reveals that generosity is more than an action—it's a reflection of righteousness and godly character.Generosity is a response to God's abundant grace flowing from a heart transformed by His love.Wisdom on Generosity: 10 Timeless QuotesThroughout history, men and women of faith have offered profound insights into the spiritual significance of generosity. Here are ten inspiring quotes to challenge and encourage you:1. C.S. Lewis“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.”2. John Wesley“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”3. A.W. Tozer“Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth…Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.”4. Billy Graham“Tell me what you think about money, and I will tell you what you think about God, for these two are closely related. A man's heart is closer to his wallet than anything else.”5. Chip Ingram“Giving is an action; generosity is a matter of the heart. You can give and not be generous, but you can't be generous without giving.”6. Randy Alcorn“Giving affirms Christ's lordship. It dethrones me and exalts Him.”7. Saint Augustine of Hippo“Charity is a virtue which…when our affections are perfectly ordered…unites us to God…for by it we love Him.”8. Amy Carmichael“You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”9. J.I. Packer“The measure of all love is its giving. The measure of the love of God is the cross of Christ.”10. Jesus Christ“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).Living Generously: A Call to ActionGenerosity is not just about sharing wealth—it's about trusting God to meet our needs as we meet the needs of others. It's an act of worship and a reflection of God's love in our lives.We give because God first gave to us—our life, salvation, and every blessing we enjoy. Let these biblical truths and timeless quotes inspire you to live generously, not out of obligation but from a heart filled with gratitude.May your generosity glorify God and bless others, transforming ordinary possessions into eternal treasures.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm a newlywed, expecting our first child. We've been looking to buy a house. Would you recommend going through a mortgage broker or directly through a bank?I'm considering a reverse mortgage. Are they good or bad? What are some of the pitfalls?Resources Mentioned:Understanding Reverse: Simplifying the Reverse Mortgage by Dan HultquistMoney and Marriage God's Way by Howard DaytonMovement MortgageLook 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) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

It's Election Day 2024! We're going to talk about the way Scripture has grounded you as you've weathered this election cycle. Has there been a verse or a passage that has helped you avoid the negative ads and contentious rhetoric in the past year? You'll hear from spiritual leaders around the country who will give their perspective. Our friends include Mike Vanlaningham, Michael Rydelnik, John Koessler, Chris Brooks, Gary Chapman, Rosie de Rosset, Charlie Dyer, Chip Ingram, Trillia Newbell, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, Randy Alcorn, Ray Pritchard, Joni Tada, and Philip Miller. Share yours and encourage someone else on Chris Fabry Live. For more information about the work of Care Net, click here. Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this weeks episode, we have an honest conversation on personal finances with AG General Treasurer Dr. Rick Ross and Student Discipleship Director, Austin Westlake. We talk about the tithe and offering, avoiding debt, following a budget and saving for retirement with the overall theme of being a good steward with our finances.  Dr. Rick recommends the following books: The Treasure Principle-Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn Your Money Matters-Live Better and Do More on your Present Income by Malcolm MacGregor Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn

Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: Work in HeavenDevotional: 4 of 5No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him…And they will reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 22:3,5)There are dozens of jobs I would love to try: write a musical, be a travel planner, design a bookstore, serve as personal photographer to a president or dignitary. The list goes on and on. Why don't I give one of these careers a shot? Because loving my neighbor through my work requires the pursuit of excellence in my work. And the pursuit of excellence requires loads of focus and time.You simply can't “do it all” if you want to do your most exceptional work for the glory of God and the good of others. But you can in the life to come! That brings me to the fourth of five biblical truths about work on the New Earth we're exploring in this series: We will have unlimited time to do the work we want to do for God's glory.Psalm 37:4 says this: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” On the New Earth, we will perfectly “delight in the Lord,” because we will be free from all sin. And so, there will be no disconnect between our desires and God's. As Dr. Randy Alcorn explains, “our desires…will be sanctified and fulfilled on the New Earth”—including our desires for our work.But that could be way off in the future. How should you and I respond to this truth today? Here are three ideas. First, praise God for freeing you from the burden of finding your “dream job” in this life. He has found it and has it waiting for you on the other side! Second, choose which skill you will master for God's glory and the good of others in this season of life. Need help? Consider using my book, Master of One, as your guide. Finally, put vocational dreams that distract you from mastering that skill on a Someday list. I have many of the vocational dreams I shared above in a “Someday” folder in my to-do list app, even though there's almost zero chance I even touch those projects in this life. So why put them in there at all? Because it's a way to remind myself that this life isn't my only chance to “do it all.” If my desires align with God's I'll get to do everything I want to do very soon. But right now, I'm going to focus intensely on mastering the work I've chosen to do in this season for the glory of God and the good of others. I pray this devotional frees you to do the same!

How do we know that heaven is real? I think some of you know that my brother passed away back in May. He had been sick a long time. Then I turned 70 back in December, so I'm getting on in years. Now I'm reading Randy Alcorn's book Heaven. So this is a topic that I think is important and as we get into today's study I think you'll see why. Be encouraged by what the book of Hebrews tells us: "So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever..." - Hebrews 6:17-20 >>Watch on YouTube

Randy Alcorn is perhaps the most well-known Christian who writes and speaks on Heaven. Yet two years ago, his childhood bride, Nanci, died of cancer. How did his belief in heaven shape how he grieved? And what did he learn through this experience that can help Christians (and others) better grieve through loss, heartbreak, and pain? Sean and Randy both get personal in this interview. READ: Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus in Heartbreak, by Randy Alcorn (https://store.epm.org/grieving-with-hope/) WATCH: 16 Questions on Heaven, with Randy Alcorn (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxL6LCsJG10) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [SMDCERTDISC] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: @sean_mcdowell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org

Nehemiah 5:1-19Big Idea: Generosity is an outward expression of our love for God and others.Context- Hunger - Famine- Taxes - Slavery- Lending money with interest under these conditions was wrongExodus 22:25-27Deuteronomy 23:19-201. Generosity should be a mark of His peopleCredit Card Debt (per person) by generation:Generation Z$3,262Millennials$6,521Generation X$9,123Baby Boomers$6,642Silent Generation$3,4122. Trust God with your financesDeuteronomy 8:16-18Psalm 116:5 Psalm 130:3 1 Corinthians 16:1-23. Live a life of Generosity • ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“The dot represents this life - a mere blip on the screen in terms of eternity. The solid line represents the expanse of eternity. Life on this earth is a tiny slice of the eternal existence of Christ's Kingdom. The immediacy of our lives, complicated greatly by our sinful tendency to look out for our interests above all others, causes us to put far too many resources in the dot (the matters of this world) and fewer investments in the line (the eternal kingdom).” - R. Mark DillionGod is generous, be like HimEphesians 2:4-9Response:• Reflect and repent of ways that hold you back from living a generous life. - “Pilgrims travel light.” - Randy Alcorn• Ask God how you can become generous like Him. This will grow your love for Him and others. • Be a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: Psalm 34:1-8► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week's “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)

Nehemiah 5:1-19Big Idea: Generosity is an outward expression of our love for God and others.Context- Hunger - Famine- Taxes - Slavery- Lending money with interest under these conditions was wrongExodus 22:25-27Deuteronomy 23:19-201. Generosity should be a mark of His peopleCredit Card Debt (per person) by generation:Generation Z$3,262Millennials$6,521Generation X$9,123Baby Boomers$6,642Silent Generation$3,4122. Trust God with your financesDeuteronomy 8:16-18Psalm 116:5 Psalm 130:3 1 Corinthians 16:1-23. Live a life of Generosity • ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“The dot represents this life - a mere blip on the screen in terms of eternity. The solid line represents the expanse of eternity. Life on this earth is a tiny slice of the eternal existence of Christ's Kingdom. The immediacy of our lives, complicated greatly by our sinful tendency to look out for our interests above all others, causes us to put far too many resources in the dot (the matters of this world) and fewer investments in the line (the eternal kingdom).” - R. Mark DillionGod is generous, be like HimEphesians 2:4-9Response:• Reflect and repent of ways that hold you back from living a generous life. - “Pilgrims travel light.” - Randy Alcorn• Ask God how you can become generous like Him. This will grow your love for Him and others. • Be a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY► This week's passages: Psalm 34:1-8► Connection questions:1. What are you thankful for?2. What is a challenge you are facing?3. How did you do with last week's “I will” statement?► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words► Individual answers to five questions:1. What stands out to you?2. What does this passage tell us about people?3. What does this passage tell us about God?4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)

Aimee Minnich, co-founder of the Impact Foundation, a donor-advised fund platform that enables givers to invest in world-changing companies with social, environmental, and spiritual impact. Aimee began her career in law followed by years of experience in the donor-advised fund space with the National Christian Foundation before eventually launching the Impact Foundation to enable streamlined impact investing with charitable dollars. Aimee has been a central pillar in the impact investing space as it has rapidly grown over the last decade. She has a solid foundation in the full scope of what is available today as well as where impact investing is headed in the next 10 years. You won't want to miss this one. Major topics include: A primer on impact investing The story of the Impact Foundation Differences between impact investing strategy and traditional investing Risk vs impact in the context of investing Measuring success in impact investing The interplay between inputs, outputs, and outcomes The future of impact investing QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The God of the universe is glorified when you and I are functioning at our best.” “God created us to be generous because He is generous.” “To be truly generous, you have to know God well.” “Business people can be used for more in the Kingdom of God than just giving money away.” “The currency of the kingdom of God is relationships.” “The right way to handle risk starts with ‘OK, God. What I have is yours. How would you lead us to steward this for your glory and the good of your people?' And then go from there.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Impact Foundation Get Started with Impact Foundation K Life When Helping Hurts (see our interview with coauthor Brian Fikkert) God and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines) The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) Heaven by Randy Alcorn (see our past interview here) Bill High, Legacy Advisor and founder of The Signatry (see our past interview here) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Faith Driven Investor Faith Driven Entrepreneur Praxis Mutual Funds Eventide The Chosen Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Best Christian Workplaces Launch Capital Partners Faith at Work Movement In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW John 13:3-16 | Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet   Isaiah 30:21 | Step-By-Step Obedience    And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.   1 Corinthians 3:6 | Doing Your Part   I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.

On today's Equipping You in Grace show, Dave talks with Randy Alcorn about how living in light of the truth of heaven can help those grieving now, finding your God-given identity after a loss, along with his mini-book, Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus in Heartbreak (New Growth, 2024).What you'll hear in this episodeHow grieving with hope can help Christians prepare for and face suffering.How health sorrow can help Christians recognize the immensity of loss.How greater love for the Lord lead to greater relief to those facing sorrow.How living in light of the truth about heaven can help those grieving.The dangers of unhealthy versus health grief.How Christians can walk alongside those facing grief.The importance of finding your God-given identity after a loss.About Today's Guest Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries and a New York Times bestselling author of 60 books, including Heaven and Face to Face with Jesus. His books have sold over 12 million copies and been translated into over 70 languages. Randy resides in Gresham, Oregon. Since 2022, his wife and best friend, Nanci, has been living with Jesus in Heaven. He has two married daughters and five grandsons.Subscribing, sharing, and your feedbackYou can subscribe to Equipping You in Grace via iTunes, Google Play, or your favorite podcast catcher. If you like what you've heard, please consider leaving a rating and share it with your friends (it takes only takes a second and will go a long way to helping other people find the show). You can also connect with me on Twitter at @davejjenkins, on Facebook, or via email to share your feedback.Thanks for listening to this episode of Equipping You in Grace!

More than 28% of Americans are searching for new jobs — the highest rate in a decade Randy Alcorn on X: "Sufferers commonly ask, “Why me? Why not someone else? Why haven't my friends lost a child or their husband? Why can they walk and ride bikes while I'm in a wheelchair? Why have you treated me differently, God?” https://t.co/VCwxa3q1EC" In Our Anger Era: Too Many Americans Stay Enraged  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five faith facts about Harris pick Tim Walz, a 'Minnesota Lutheran' Dad Where Tim Walz stands on abortion rights and IVF: a strong supporter Jon Acuff on X: "Have you ever learned a life lesson from a roller coaster ride? No? Buckle up and watch this! https://t.co/SnBbshHwSo" Paul David Tripp on X: "✝️ At the same time, the cross is the worst thing, and the best thing that ever happened! https://t.co/HGNcI1Wjmf" Matthew Soerens on X: "I think this is among the most common misconceptions of evangelicals from those who only read about us in mainstream media Notwithstanding a small, vocal, very-online minority, most evangelical churches are quite allergic to partisanship in the church context" Randy Alcorn on X: "When we enter Heaven, God may enhance our knowledge and correct wrong perceptions. I imagine He'll reveal new things and set us on a course of continual learning. Perhaps angels or loved ones already in Heaven will be assigned to tutor us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a Text Message.We are excited to welcome esteemed author and theologian Randy Alcorn ( @eternalperspectives ) to discuss what happens when we die. Randy Alcorn has extensively explored the afterlife in his writings, offering thoughtful and biblically grounded perspectives. He will share his views on the immediate afterlife, addressing what the Bible says about the experiences of believers and non-believers after death. We'll explore concepts like the intermediate state, heaven, and hell, and what Scripture reveals about our eternal destinies.

Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: Wisdom for Work from ProverbsDevotional: 7 of 7She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. (Proverbs 31:19-20)The woman of Proverbs 31 described in today's passage teaches us an important lesson about work and generosity—namely, that the two can be inextricably linked. As my friends at The Theology of Work Project explain:Because she is successful in spinning, she has something to give to the poor, and conversely, her generous spirit is an essential element of her capability as an entrepreneur/executive. In other words, Proverbs claims that generosity and fiduciary duty do not conflict. Being generous to the needy out of the household's resources does not reduce the owner's wealth, but increases it.Because God will always, always reward the kindness we show to the poor (see Proverbs 19:17). Sometimes in this life and sometimes in the life to come.Jesus said this most famously in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy” (Matthew 6:19-20).“Christ's primary argument against amassing material wealth isn't that it's morally wrong but simply that it's a poor investment,” says Dr. Randy Alcorn. “Jesus doesn't say to do it because it's right but because it's smart. Because such treasures will last, Jesus argues from the bottom line. It's not an emotional appeal; it's a logical one.”Amen. So, how can you and I invest in what lasts by being kind to the poor through our work today?#1: Respectfully question any practices that might be disadvantaging the poor. Last year I followed the “best practices” of my industry by giving people a 20% discount if they paid for my retreat upfront instead of spreading payments out over three months. Who did that disadvantage? The very people who most needed the financial break! Thankfully, God revealed this error in my ways and gave me a chance to repent. Take a second right now to ask God which practices within your organization might be harming the poor.#2: Advocate for a benevolence fund at your company to help employees in times of crisis, such as unexpected medical expenses, housing issues, or natural disasters.#3: Volunteer your professional skills to a non-profit that supports the poor.Again, don't take actions like these just because they are the right response to the gospel. Take them because they're wise. Proverbs 19:17 says that “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Take God at his word and make the wise investment to be generous to the poor today!

Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: Wisdom for Work from ProverbsDevotional: 3 of 7One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys. (Proverbs 18:9)There were many causes of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986. But a culture of “slack” work was undeniably a contributing factor. In his book, Midnight in Chernobyl, Adam Higginbotham explains that:The quality of workmanship at all levels of Soviet manufacturing was so poor that building projects…were forced to incorporate an extra stage known as ‘preinstallation overhaul.' Upon delivery from the factory, each piece of new equipment—transformers, turbines, switching gear—was stripped down to the last nut and bolt, checked for faults, repaired, and then reassembled according to the original specifications, as it should have been in the first place.That's an extreme example of what Solomon says in today's passage—namely that mediocre work “destroys.”Of course, it's unlikely that poor performance in your job is going to lead to a nuclear meltdown today. But it can absolutely destroy trust, relationships, and the credibility of your faith with your clients or employer (see Titus 2:9-10). You know that, of course. But what are you going to do about it? Allow me to suggest two actions to help us avoid becoming the slack worker Solomon calls out in today's proverb.#1: Ask the Lord to reveal a specific aspect of your work that you're growing “slack” in. And when the Holy Spirit convicts you, immediately jot down an action you'll take to course correct. Because as my friend Randy Alcorn says, “Nothing is more fleeting than the moment of conviction.”#2: Commit to a dollar figure and a deadline for investing in your professional growth. Avoiding “slack” work should not be our standard. Christ-followers should be marked by a peaceful but relentless pursuit of higher levels of excellence in our work for the glory of God and the good of others.But that takes an investment of time and typically money. So if you don't already have a budget for investing in your professional growth (via courses, conferences, books, etc.), make it your goal to set one this week along with a deadline for spending it. And note that if you work for someone else, they often have professional development budgets or will create one upon your request.Whatever works for you works. But we must invest in our vocational skills. Because as author Matt Perman says, “Shoddy work…is a failure of love.” Love those you work with by taking steps to proactively fight against the temptation to do slack, destructive work today!

Hey friend! I've devoured over 100 finance books in the last 15 years. But only 7 of them actually changed my life. In this episode, I'm ripping open my personal playbook and sharing the exact reads that transformed my mindset and bank account. And, that were critically important to us reaching our biggest giving goal. 

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1In this episode, Brody walks through Mark 9 and discusses the reality of sin and hell. For those of us who are in Christ, we don't have to fear hell. But, the reality of hell should motivate us to share the Gospel with unbelievers. Brody walks through 3 key things Jesus teaches us about hell in the Bible. Hell is a place of punishment and destruction, and it separates people from God.Because of Christ and what he's done for us on the cross, we are free from the punishment our sin has earned. Let's fix our eyes on Christ and share this good news with those around us. Resources:Mark 9Romans 8:1Heaven by Randy Alcorn 2 Thessalonians 1:91 John 3:2Please leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

We all want freedom. Freedom to say what we want to.  Freedom to do what we want to. Freedom to be ourselves without judgment.  True freedom is what Jesus came to give us. I truly never understood the freedom that Jesus died for until years into my walk with Him. Even after becoming a believer, I was in slavery to my every whim until I began to understand and choose to walk in the freedom of Christ discussed in the Bible. The freedom I am talking about in this episode is a freedom that is unrestrained by affliction and oppression. It's the freedom to be able to choose truth despite what our feelings say. Join us in the Raising Kids on Your Knees Zoom Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/273129977?pwd=OEdMM2lYR3gvVXRoUHl6YW0wcmlEZz09 The Powerful Freedom in Forgiveness article: https://raisingkidsonyourknees.org/articles-and-devotions/the-freedom-in-forgiveness Praying for the Salvation of My Children Journal: https://raisingkidsonyourknees.org/prayer-journal What is salvation in Jesus Christ: https://raisingkidsonyourknees.org/salvation Heaven, by Randy Alcorn: https://www.amazon.com/Heaven-Randy-Alcorn/dp/0842379428/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JMMU21357L57&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uEiMtQ8koZxqSspAVjM31rznT5pXQ5IwQVJNkUZjY_0MJV4qp85EARtRgANUjKPaxKE9hg3tC3jygxD6qn84CD6KvfVkwu6B4w7KDpU3nr5FKBLfNNz0qyZ_KxoptpFkDQ5oqO4s6X0iAWd-rs5qeq_XL-q_weye1IH3LR63pmtKVd3DxNvXYP2nmOhR5u_5HrVsvm9_WwCxoYUxjlDxM9TQah4qJikZWiuvsLz2R1o.KDoGpXAtCAoDstOybuY1A77lU5r8YMY9I7DI643qtQE&dib_tag=se&keywords=heaven+randy+alcorn&qid=1719611715&sprefix=heaven+randy+alcorn%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1 Flying Arrow Productions