Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with a familiar picture two men building two houses One builds on rock The other builds on sand When the storms come only one house remains standing The difference isn't the weather Both houses face the storm The difference is the foundation That picture from Matthew offers a helpful way to think about our financial lives Job losses medical expenses market declines and unexpected bills eventually test every household The question is whether our financial lives are built on something strong enough to withstand them John Cortines a Family Office Advisor with Blue [... more]

Risk is unavoidable in investing and in life But not all risks deserve equal attention It is easy to focus primarily on the probability that something will happen If an investment career move or financial strategy has a high likelihood of succeeding we may assume it is a good decision But Mark Biller Executive Editor at Sound Mind Investing suggests another question may be even more important If things go wrong how wrong could they go That shift from focusing on probabilities to considering consequences can help us make wiser financial decisions and protect ourselves from risks that could permanently [... more]

For many families it's easy to focus on grades But lasting success is about much more than report cards This week our panel discusses Why every child's academic journey looks different How belonging impacts learning The importance of relationships with teachers and classmates Why employers increasingly value communication and teamwork Helping children through productive struggle Supporting homework without taking over Teaching responsibility and independence Parents don't have to have all the answers Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our children is the confidence to work through challenges while knowing we're there to support them Join us as we continue [... more]

Stewardship isn't a one-time decision It's an ongoing way of life a cycle that begins with gratitude moves through faithful growth and leads to generosity Tim Tassopoulos Former President and Chief Operating Officer of Chick-fil-A has seen that cycle at work throughout his life and career During his decades with the company he helped shape a culture known not only for operational excellence but also for servant leadership hospitality and investing in people For Tassopoulos faithful stewardship starts with a foundational truth God owns it all That includes our finances but it extends much further Our abilities relationships opportunities time [... more]

The COVID pandemic highlighted the need for Christians to exercise critical thinking and discernment in the face of deception and lies. Christians must be prepared to question authority and challenge false narratives, even when they come from trusted sources. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be ready to defend their faith and to seek answers, rather than simply asking questions. In the context of the COVID pandemic, Christians were faced with conflicting information and conflicting narratives, and they must be equipped to navigate these complexities and to make informed decisions. The Bible teaches that Christians are to be discerning and to test all things, and that they are to be guided by the truth of Scripture. [... more]

Rest and margin are essential for living wisely and well, as they allow us to recharge and make intentional financial decisions. God's idea of rest is not just a luxury, but a necessary part of living faithfully, and it's essential to balance work and rest to avoid burnout and maintain healthy relationships. [... more]

Financial burdens can weigh heavily on individuals, affecting not only their bank accounts but also their relationships, health, and sense of peace. Seeking help from certified credit counselors can provide clarity and a path forward, helping to alleviate the emotional weight of debt and promote financial freedom. Biblical wisdom emphasizes the importance of living within one's means, being content with what one has, and being generous with resources. Effective financial planning and stewardship involve considering factors such as retirement planning, Social Security, and Medicare, to ensure a secure future for oneself and one's loved ones. [... more]

Generosity begins in the heart, not in the tax code. A donor-advised fund can help you give joyfully and steward resources efficiently. You can contribute cash, stock, or other assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to ministries or charities on your timetable. [... more]

The Roman Catholic view of justification emphasizes the role of baptism and faith as the initial steps, but requires cooperation with infused grace and works of satisfaction to maintain justification. In contrast, the Protestant view holds that justification is by faith alone, without the need for works or sacraments to maintain salvation. [... more]

Abraham Lincoln's early life in New Salem, Illinois, was marked by his involvement in wrestling, a popular sport on the frontier. His wrestling match with Jack Armstrong, a rugged farmer, became a turning point in his life, earning him respect and stature in the community. This story highlights Lincoln's strength, determination, and fearlessness, qualities that would serve him well in his future career as a leader. [... more]

A conversation with Pastor Howard McNeil and Tamron from Pakistan about the spiritual hunger for knowledge about Jesus, the importance of sharing the gospel with Muslim friends, and the role of local churches in reaching their communities and the world with the message of Christ. [... more]

America stands at a crossroads, with the path of liberty and private property under threat from the allure of socialism and centralized government control. The Bible has much to say about economics, and the Word of God warns against the dangers of socialism, which has led to crushing poverty, famines, and wars throughout history. Christians must speak out against the false promises of socialism and instead promote a biblical worldview that values individual freedom, property rights, and the importance of hard work and responsibility. [... more]

Couples can turn money from a source of division into an opportunity for greater unity in marriage by facing debt honestly, working through it together, and managing their finances intentionally. A cash flow plan and regular money meetings can help foster transparency and teamwork, while generosity and a shared vision can bring couples closer together. [... more]

The concept of socialism is being increasingly romanticized in America, but its underlying principles are fundamentally incompatible with biblical teaching. The idea of egalitarianism, which seeks to equalize income and standard of living, is being shoehorned into the American mindset, but it ignores the reality of human nature and the importance of private property. The Bible teaches that work is a blessing and a responsibility, and that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals and ambitions without government control. In contrast, socialism seeks to control every aspect of life, including the economy, and to redistribute wealth through compulsory taxation. This approach has been tried before, with disastrous results, and it is essential that Americans understand the dangers of socialism and the importance of preserving our freedom and private property rights. [... more]

Crystal Payne shares practical advice on back-to-school budgeting, including involving kids in the process and taking advantage of tax-free weekends. Rob West also answers listener questions on retirement savings, generosity, and estate planning, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing needs, building an emergency fund, and seeking professional guidance. [... more]

Financial unrest affects many people, believers and unbelievers alike, regardless of their financial situation. It's not about money, but about our mindset and the downward pulls of the culture, the enemy, and our own human nature. By identifying and confronting the thoughts triggering unrest, we can separate spiritual fact from fiction and apply biblical solutions to achieve financial rest and peace. [... more]

The founding of America was deeply rooted in biblical principles, with the Declaration of Independence declaring that all men are created equal and endowed with certain inalienable rights. The song America the Beautiful, written by Catherine Lee Bates, is a reflection of the nation's founding ideals, drawing from Scripture and history. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the question is not how to celebrate, but what gift to give the nation - a revival, a move of God's Holy Spirit, which can be sought through prayer and intentional seeking of God. [... more]

E.W. Jackson shares his story of overcoming adversity and fulfilling his potential, highlighting the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and living according to God's plan. He emphasizes the need for Americans to turn their hearts back to God and to preserve and defend their Judeo-Christian heritage and values. Jackson also discusses the role of natural law and the Constitution in shaping American society, and the importance of individual liberty and free market economics. [... more]

The absence of a father figure in a child's life can have devastating consequences, including increased risk of crime, substance abuse, and mental health issues. However, God can fill the gap and provide a loving and supportive relationship through Jesus Christ. A ministry dedicated to helping fatherless individuals and families find hope and healing through the gospel is working to make a difference in communities across the country. [... more]

Kevin and Sam Sorbo share their story of how they met, their faith journey, and their advocacy for homeschooling and Christian education. They discuss the importance of character formation and the role of parents in educating their children. The couple also talks about their new film, The Flood, a biblical drama about Noah's story, and the need for Christians to support faith-based movies and promote biblical values. [... more]