We like to think we make rational decisions with our money but what if our emotions influence our financial choices far more than we realize That's one of behavioral economics' central findings human psychology shapes financial decisions While these discoveries have challenged traditional economic thinking they reinforce what Scripture has taught for thousands of years human wisdom is limited our hearts can deceive us and our emotions don't always lead us in the right direction Mark Biller Executive Editor and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sound Mind Investing SMI believes understanding these tendencies can help Christians become wiser more disciplined investors [... more]

What if debt isn't just a financial issue but a discipleship one We often view borrowing through a financial lens focusing on interest rates monthly payments and repayment timelines But Scripture invites us to consider something deeper Debt can shape our freedom influence our generosity and affect our ability to respond to opportunities God places before us Borrowing is common in modern life but understanding its spiritual implications can help us make wiser financial decisions The Biblical Perspective on DebtCredit cards student loans mortgages and business financing are familiar financial tools While Scripture doesn't identify borrowing itself as a sin [... more]

On this episode of Our American Stories The Age of Discovery launched European exploration across the Atlantic but Columbus's motivations were more complicated than simple curiosity or greed He wrote about prophecy Christian expansion and the belief that history was moving toward a final reckoning George Grant author of The Last Crusader The Untold Story of Christopher Columbus shares how faith medieval politics and apocalyptic expectation shaped Columbus' vision and why the man saw himself not as a navigator but as a servant in a divine plan Support the show https www ouramericanstories com donate Support the show https www [... more]

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]

Life planning is about more than just setting financial goals, it's about understanding your purpose and contribution to God's kingdom. A financial planner can help you set a reasonable lifestyle, save for the future, and make room for generosity and giving. [... more]

The story of Henry Gunther, a German-American soldier who died one minute before the guns fell silent on the Western Front in World War I, proving his loyalty to the American side and restoring his reputation. [... more]

When Christians serve God, their works and attitudes will be judged to determine their eternal rewards. Seven key factors will be considered, including motivations, giving, trials and tests, persecution, looking up to God, and loving the coming of the Lord. Those who endure temptation, give cheerfully, and rejoice in persecution will receive great rewards. A sobering reality is that Christians will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account for their deeds, and only those who have done their work with the right motivations and attitudes will receive a reward. [... more]

Christians will be judged on their words, works, giving, and motivations, with rewards for those who demonstrate good character and obedience to God's commands. The Bible emphasizes the importance of giving to the poor, being generous, and having the right attitude in order to receive great rewards in heaven. [... more]

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 had a profound impact on Christopher Columbus, inspiring him to launch a new crusade by sailing across the Atlantic and connecting with the Great Khan in Asia, with the goal of spreading the gospel and liberating the eastern Mediterranean from the Islamic Horde. [... more]

Praying God's Word back to Him can change everything, helping us understand His agenda and priorities, and leading us to pray for people's relationship with God rather than just their physical needs. [... more]

Lasting change doesn't start with what you want to achieve, but with who you're becoming in Christ. Taylor Standritz joins Rob West to explore why resolutions rooted in identity, not just effort, are the ones that endure. They discuss how to shift from behavior change to identity transformation, and how this approach can lead to lasting financial resolutions and spiritual growth. [... more]

Many people want their investments to reflect their values and convictions, and they need guidance from financial advisors to align their finances with their faith. Research shows that 48% of investors have already connected their investments with their faith or are interested in doing so, but a gap exists between investor interest and advisor action. Financial advisors can help clients incorporate faith-based investing into their financial plans, and tools are available to screen portfolios and exclude companies that conflict with their values. [... more]

A world of heartless oppression, rivalry, and arrogant laziness can lead to a never-ending pursuit of more, but true contentment comes from trusting what God has given, working with it, and giving him glory for it. [... more]

Exploring the motivations behind giving, including guilt and grace, and how a biblical worldview can guide financial decisions. Discussing life insurance, home repair loans, and mortgage options, as well as the importance of tithing and proportionate giving in a Christian context. [... more]

Warren Buffett's remarkable investing career is a testament to the power of patience, discipline, and biblical wisdom. His approach to investing, which emphasizes staying disciplined when others panic, has led to incredible success. Buffett's timeless lessons, such as the importance of diversifying holdings and keeping emotions in check, are valuable for investors of all levels. By applying these principles, individuals can build wealth and achieve financial peace of mind. [... more]

The Bible provides guidance on financial ethics, including the dangers of sports betting and the importance of stewardship responsibility. Christians must consider the idolatry of money and the potential for gambling addiction, and prioritize biblical values in their financial decisions. [... more]

The Bible teaches that the soul winner's motivation comes from pleasing God, their compensation is a reward in heaven, and their conviction is driven by the terror of the Lord and the love of Christ. A soul winner's confidence comes from knowing that every person is a new creature in Christ, and their commission is to be ambassadors of Christ, reconciling people to God. [... more]

Followers of Jesus Christ are called to live holy lives, reflecting their new identity in Christ. The Apostle Peter emphasizes the importance of fear of God and the cost of redemption in motivating holy living. He reminds believers that they were ransomed from futile ways with the precious blood of Christ, and that they should conduct their lives in the fear of God, knowing they are accountable to Him. [... more]

Aligning your giving with God's heart involves understanding the geography of giving, the causes that God cares about, and developing a giving strategy that reflects your values and priorities. [... more]

Families are being turned upside down by false teachers who promise shortcuts to spiritual maturity and happiness, but deliver empty promises and deceive their followers. These con artists are driven by personal gain and are not interested in building up believers, but rather in filling their pockets. True Christian leaders must be willing to teach the truth and expose false teaching, and believers must be careful not to be conned by those who claim to speak for Jesus. [... more]