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One of my favorite passages in the Bible is found in Luke 12:16-21, the Parable of the Rich Fool. While most of us don’t have barns today, Jesus’ warning about storing up earthly treasures is just as relevant now as it was then. So, what does it mean to be “rich toward God,” and why does it matter? Let’s dive into this powerful lesson.The parable begins with a wealthy man who has a problem many might envy—his land has produced so much that his barns aren’t big enough to store it all. His solution? Tear down the old barns and build bigger ones. He says to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Luke 12:19).At first glance, this sounds practical, even responsible. But Jesus reveals the man’s tragic mistake. God calls him a “fool” because his life will end that very night, and all his possessions will be left behind. Jesus concludes with a warning: “So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21).What Does It Mean to Be Ri

As Christmas draws near, stories of generosity and the spirit of giving abound. Few stories, however, embody these virtues more powerfully than the life of Saint Nicholas. Behind the modern image of Santa Claus lies the legacy of a man whose life reflected the true meaning of Christmas—selfless love and sacrificial giving.Born around 280 A.D. in Patara, Turkey, Nicholas was raised in a wealthy Christian family. From an early age, he was taught to care for the poor and live out the teachings of Jesus. His parents modeled these values daily, planting seeds of faith and generosity in his heart.Tragedy struck early in Nicholas’ life when an epidemic claimed both of his parents. Left orphaned but with a significant inheritance, Nicholas could have chosen to live in comfort. Instead, he embraced his faith, seeing his wealth as a tool to serve others and spread the love of Christ.The Secret Acts of KindnessNicholas became known for using his wealth to quietly help those in need. His most famous act of generosity inv

We sometimes regret the things we say, but often, words left unsaid can bother us just as much.We’ve all had the thought, “Oh, I wish I’d said this or that.” You had more to say, but for whatever reason, time ran out. Sharon Epps has some things to say about unfinished conversations today.Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles.The Power of Unfinished ConversationsThe end of the year naturally becomes a season of change. Whether through unexpected interruptions or shifting circumstances, we often find ourselves in the middle of conversations that feel unresolved. These “unfinished” moments can leave us longing for closure or clarity, especially when circumstances prevent us from completing the dialogue.Unfinished conversations can be deeply personal. A sudden change at work, a shift in a relationship, or even an unexpected goodbye can leave us wi

British philosopher G.K. Chesterton once said, “I know as much about the future as you do, which is nothing.” Only God knows the future, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t plan for it. Mark Biller is here today to help you do that. Mark Biller is Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. Today, we’ll cover some key takeaways from Sound Mind Investing’s recent article, “Your 10 Most Important Financial Moves for 2025,” which offers over 60 actionable tips across six categories. Let’s dive into some highlights to help you plan your next year's top financial moves.1. Put First Things First: Aligning Finances with FaithDevelop a Financial Plan: A solid plan is essential for managing God’s resources well. As Luke 19:13 reminds us, faithful stewards are called to “put this money to work until I come back.”Build an Eternity Portfolio: Once your family’s needs are met, embrace “exponential generosity.” As your income grows, increase your giving perce

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

They say that money is a good servant but a terrible master—especially when it comes to debt.Surveys show that taking on debt ranks near the top of the list of financial regrets. Debt can make profound changes in your life and have spiritual consequences. Sharon Epps joins us to talk about that today.Sharon Epps is the President of Kingdom Advisors, our parent organization. Kingdom Advisors is a group dedicated to training financial professionals to guide and advise you according to biblical principles.Four Key Uses of Money: Live, Give, Owe, and GrowMany of us face the challenge of managing debt, but approaching it with biblical principles can transform the way we handle our finances.To help simplify money management, we can divide our finances into four categories: Live, Give, Owe, and Grow. These categories are like slices of a pie. Since the pie is limited, enlarging one slice means another must shrink. This analogy helps us view money as a finite resource that requires intentional stewardship. Today, we’

India has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. It’s also a world leader in…human trafficking.Human trafficking is a problem in many countries around the world, but perhaps nowhere more than in India. David Harms is here today to share some hope-filled stories about an organization that’s changing the lives of young women and children in India.David Harms has devoted nearly a decade of ministry to the work of India Partners, an underwriter of Faith & Finance. With over 35 years of experience in rescuing victims of human trafficking, India Partners continues to make a profound impact on the lives of the most vulnerable.The Human Trafficking Epidemic in IndiaIndia is home to one of the world's fastest-growing economies, but it also faces a devastating crisis—human trafficking. Millions of underage girls are trafficked and sold, often tricked into exploitative situations under the guise of finding work. In the red light districts of Mumbai alone, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 underage girls are tra

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” - Luke 2:8-14That’s from the Christmas Story in Luke, Chapter 2. The angels announce the coming of the Savior to a group of shepherds. It sounds simple enough…but there’s more to the story. Jerry Bowyer joins us to talk about it.Jerry Bowyer is the President of Bowyer Research and our Resident Economist here at Faith & Finance. He is the author of “The Maker Versus the Takers: What Jesus Really Said About Social Justice and Economics.” You can also read his insightful columns for World News Group. Why Shepherds?When the angels announced Jesus’ birth, their audience wasn’t kings or scholars but shepherds. Often portrayed as social outcasts historically, shepherds were viewed negatively because their flocks could wander onto others’ property, leading to accusations of theft. De

Have you started working on your New Year’s resolutions yet? Are you including your investing decisions in the mix?A New Year always gives you the chance to make improvements, especially with finances. Cole Pearson is here today to talk about starting 2025 strong with values-based investing.Cole Pearson is the President of Investment Solutions at OneAscent, a family of companies seeking to help people align their investments with their Christian values. OneAscent is also an underwriter of Faith & Finance. What Is Values-Based Investing?Values-based investing is the practice of deploying financial resources in a way that aligns with a set of values or convictions, with the expectation of generating a profit. At OneAscent, values not only inspire why we invest but also guide how we invest. For Christians, this perspective is rooted in Psalm 24:1, which states, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.”As stewards of God’s creation, Christians have a responsibility to consider the impact of their in

Hey, open enrollment ends in just a few days—have you decided on a new health insurance plan yet? If not, you might not have to. What if there was another way—a biblical solution for meeting your healthcare costs? Let’s explore medical cost sharing, a faith-based alternative to traditional health insurance that could save you hundreds of dollars a month.What Is Medical Cost Sharing?Medical cost sharing is a cooperative approach to healthcare expenses rooted in biblical principles. It’s an alternative to traditional health insurance in which members share each other's medical costs. The concept is inspired by Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”One of the pioneers in this space is Christian Healthcare Ministries (CHM), the oldest organization in the medical cost-sharing space. Since 1981, CHM has enabled members to share nearly $11 billion in medical expenses. It’s a nonprofit organization that operates on biblical stewardship, focusing on members’ needs rather than pr

In Mark 10:7, Jesus tells us, “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” But does “becoming one” extend to the checkbook? Should husbands and wives have joint or separate bank accounts? Let’s explore this question and see if the Bible says anything about it. What Does the Bible Say About Joint Finances?The Bible doesn’t specifically address joint or separate bank accounts, as their banking looked much different than our modern system today. However, Scripture provides timeless principles that guide financial unity in marriage:1. Marriage Is About OnenessIn Mark 10, Jesus emphasizes that marriage involves two becoming one. While spouses remain individuals, marriage is a partnership requiring trust, openness, and communication—qualities that are essential for managing finances together.2. Promote Transparency and TrustJoint accounts can foster financial transparency and eliminate the temptation for hidden spending. They encourage couples to avoid a “

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." - Luke 12:48When the housing market collapsed in 2008, more than 10 million Americans experienced crashing home values and foreclosures. But out of that financial chaos, a new company arose with a mission to do things differently. Harlan Accola joins us today to talk about it.Harlan Accola is the National Reverse Mortgage Director at Movement Mortgage, which is an underwriter of this program. He is also the author of Home Equity and Reverse Mortgages: The Cinderella of the Baby Boomer Retirement. A Vision Born in CrisisMovement Mortgage stands out in the world of residential lending for more than its exceptional service. Founded during the tumultuous 2008 housing crisis, this company has defied the odds, growing into one of the largest mortgage providers in the nation. With financial institutions collapsing and the housing market in turmoil, Casey Crawford, a former NFL p

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the sinner's wealth is laid up for the righteous.” - Proverbs 13:22God’s Word is clear that faithful stewards should leave an inheritance for future generations. That inheritance doesn’t have to be money. Passing along biblical principles such as generosity to grandkids, well, that’s priceless. Ron Blue joins us to talk about it.Ron Blue is the Co-Founder of Kingdom Advisors and the author of many books on biblical finance, including Splitting Heirs: Giving Your Money and Things to Your Children Without Ruining Their Lives.More Than Money: The Heart of GenerosityGrandparents have a unique opportunity to model and teach generosity to their grandchildren. Generosity is about much more than giving money. Money is just a tool we can use to bless others and make the world a better place.When taught early, generosity can break the grip of materialism and shape how children view and manage money for a lifetime. By demonstrating that financial success

“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.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9That verse is among the most cited on the subject of generosity…and for good reason. It links generosity with the Gospel. Dr. Nathan Harris joins us to make that connection even stronger.Dr. Nathan Harris is Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. He is also the author of A Short Guide to Gospel Generosity: Giving as an Act of Grace.What Is Gospel Generosity?Gospel generosity is giving rooted in the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. Generosity is not merely a virtue for the Christian life but a cheerful disposition that springs forth from the gospel. This kind of generosity arises from new life in Christ, is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and reflects the Father’s model of grace throughout creation.At its core, gospel generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about proclaiming and

Did you know that as a believer in Jesus, you already have what it takes to make wise financial decisions? The Bible tells us that Christians “have the mind of Christ.” But what does this mean for managing money and possessions? Let’s explore how adopting Jesus’ perspective can transform our financial decisions and bring us closer to God’s purpose for our lives.Understanding the Mind of ChristHaving the mind of Christ means seeing the world—and our finances—through Jesus’ perspective. As Christians, we aim to serve, think, and love like Him in every area of life, including how we handle money. One practical way to apply this is by asking, “What would Jesus do in this financial situation?”The Bible emphasizes the vastness of God’s wisdom. Isaiah 40:13 reminds us of His unmatched understanding:“Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord or instruct the Lord as his counselor?”Yet in 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul tells us something remarkable:“But we have the mind of Christ.”Through Jesus, we’re no longer limited to worldl

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us how we should pray and how not to… “…do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.”Of course, Jesus then gives us the Lord’s Prayer as an example of how we should bring our needs to God. But are we skimming over part of it?A Prayer of DependenceIn our world of abundance, it’s easy to forget that everything we have comes from God. From food and water to shelter and income, every provision is a gift from Him. Yet, we often assume that our efforts alone secure these blessings.Jesus teaches us to approach God with a heart of dependence, recognizing that even our ability to work and earn is from Him. This mindset shifts us away from self-sufficiency, reminding us to humbly rely on God for all our needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual.Lessons from a World of ScarcityIn Jesus’ time, food security was uncertain, and people truly depended on God for their daily sustenance. Today, in a world of convenience and plenty, it’s e

Thanksgiving is more than just a feast—it's a celebration rooted in faith, courage, and sacrifice. The Pilgrims' journey and pursuit of religious freedom have shaped American heritage and continue to inspire gratitude.The Pilgrims, also known as Separatists, broke away from the Church of England, believing it had strayed from biblical teaching. In contrast, the Puritans, or Non-Separatists, sought to reform the church from within. While the Puritans aimed to purify, the Pilgrims chose complete separation, making their journey to the New World a bold stand for freedom of worship.Fleeing Persecution and Seeking FreedomPersecuted in England for their independent worship and devotion to the Bible as their final authority, the Pilgrims fled to Leiden, Holland, in 1609. However, challenges persisted, and they realized their dream of true freedom required a journey to the New World.In 1620, about 120 men, women, and children boarded the Mayflower, enduring a treacherous Atlantic voyage to establish a new life where

Do you find yourself trapped in a "one-day" mindset? Maybe you think, "One day, I'll be out of debt," "One day, I'll have enough," or "One day, I'll finally relax." We often tie our contentment to future circumstances, yet the Apostle Paul shows us a different way—contentment in the here and now.Paul, who experienced both wealth and poverty, wrote in Philippians 4:11-13 about the secret to contentment:“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content... I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”Paul’s contentment wasn’t based on his circumstances but on his relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether he faced abundance or need, his joy remained unshaken because it was rooted in something eternal.Contentment Is LearnedContentment doesn’t happen overnight. As Paul emphasized, it’s a learned behavior. By shifting our focus from earthly circumstances to God, we begin to see that no amount of money, success, or possessions will ever satisfy us. Only a deep relationship with Jesus can fill the longing

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14The words of that verse apply to all areas of Christian life, including financial stewardship. According to God's financial principles, good counsel is important for managing His money wisely. Dr. Art Rainer joins us today to talk about it.Dr. Art Rainer is the founder of the Institute for Christian Financial Health and Christian Money Solutions. He is a regular contributor here at Faith & Finance and the author of Money in the Light of Eternity: What the Bible Says about Your Financial Purpose.What Does a Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC) Do?Certified Christian Financial Counselors (CertCFCs) are trained to help individuals and couples with immediate financial challenges. Using biblical principles, they guide people in key areas such as:Budgeting effectivelyEliminating debtBreaking free from paycheck-to-paycheck livingSaving for future expensesLiving generouslyTheir goal is to

As Thanksgiving week reminds us of the many blessings we enjoy, it’s natural to reflect on gratitude. But does gratitude naturally lead to generosity? Leo Sabo joins us today to discuss three things your pastor wishes you knew about giving.Leo Sabo is the President of the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN), where he gets to share the incredible impact financial stewardship and generosity can have on the Church. 1. Giving Has Spiritual BenefitsYour pastor wants you to know that giving is deeply tied to your spiritual growth. It’s not just about meeting church needs—it’s about discipleship and trust in God. Learning to surrender your finances to God is a major step in your faith journey.A Holistic View of Stewardship: Generosity encompasses more than money. It includes your time, talents, and treasures. Your pastor hopes you'll see giving as a condition of the heart, not just a financial act.100% Belongs to God: Some believe tithing is the only portion of our money that matters to God, but your pastor wants yo