Ep. 097 - Where Should Christians Give First?

Ep. 098 - Is Debt a Sin? A Biblical Perspective on Money, Anxiety, and Stewardship

What does the Bible actually say about debt? In this episode, we explore debt through the lens of Christian stewardship, discipleship, and contentment. From Proverbs 22:7 to practical wisdom about mortgages, lifestyle inflation, anxiety, greed, and generosity, this conversation examines how debt can shape our hearts, limit our freedom, and affect our trust in God. Whether you're struggling with credit cards, considering a major purchase, or simply wanting to think more biblically about money, this episode offers practical and spiritual insight for Christians seeking wisdom and financial faithfulness. You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-98-christian-debt Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe, and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Debt as a Discipleship Issue 02:11 The Connection Between Debt and Anxiety 04:01 C.S. Lewis on Giving, Comfort, and Luxury 05:38 Lifestyle Inflation and the Pursuit of More 08:19 Proverbs 22:7 — The Borrower is Slave to the Lender 11:03 How Debt Can Limit Obedience to God 13:13 1 Timothy 6 and the Love of Money 17:31 Is All Debt Sinful? A Biblical Perspective 19:24 Why Financial Margin Matters 21:13 "Make Debt Rare, Strategic, and Short-Term" 23:36 Practical Steps for Getting Out of Debt Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Ep. 097 - Where Should Christians Give First?

When it comes to generosity, many Christians ask how much they should give—but an equally important question is where that giving should begin. In this episode, we walk through a biblical framework for prioritizing generosity, starting with the local church, then gospel-centered missions, and finally caring for those in need. If you've ever wondered how to give wisely, faithfully, and with purpose, this conversation offers a clear and practical guide. You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-97-giving-first [https://www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-97-giving-first] Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe [https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe] , and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Where Should Christians Give First? 01:22 The Biblical Target for Giving 03:15 Why the Local Church Comes First 06:14 What If You Don't Trust Your Church With Money? 08:20 The Second Ring: Gospel Missions 12:50 The Outer Ring: Caring for the Poor 14:40 Giving to Family, Believers, and Beyond 16:21 Giving Through Relationship, Not Guilt 17:44 Stewardship, Wisdom, and Open Hands Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ [https://seriousretirement.com/] The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Ep. 096 - Giving Wisely: How to Be a Faithful and Tax-Efficient Steward

How much should Christians give? Is the tithe a rule, a starting point, or something more? Giving is more than a financial decision—it's an act of stewardship. In this episode, we explore how to approach charitable giving with both the right heart and wise strategy. Learn how to give in a way that reflects generosity while also maximizing efficiency, reducing taxes, and simplifying your record keeping. We break down key strategies like qualified charitable distributions (QCDs), recurring giving, and donor-advised funds, along with practical tips to help you stay organized and prepared for tax season. Whether you're giving consistently or navigating more complex financial situations, this conversation will help you make thoughtful, impactful decisions with your resources. If you want to give faithfully and wisely, this episode will help you take the next step. You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-96-giving-wisely [https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-96-giving-wisely] Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe [https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe], and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Giving with Wisdom and Stewardship 00:28 From "How Much" to "How Do I Give?" 01:08 The Heart Behind Generosity Matters Most 02:15 Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) Explained 03:21 How QCDs Reduce Taxes and Income 08:07 Recurring Giving and Simplicity 10:42 Donor-Advised Funds: Benefits and Use Cases 14:02 Why Record Keeping Is So Important Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com [https://seriousretirement.com]/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Ep. 095 - How Much Should Christians Give? Biblical Wisdom on Tithing, Stewardship, and Generosity

How much should Christians give? Is the tithe a rule, a starting point, or something more? In this conversation, we explore the deeper biblical question behind giving—not just how much should I give, but how much should I keep. Looking at Scripture, the teachings of Jesus, and insights from Christian thinkers like John Wesley, we unpack the heart behind generosity and why giving is meant to break the power money can have over our lives. This discussion explores the purpose of the tithe, the role of stewardship, and why generosity should flow from a joyful response to God's grace rather than simple obligation. We also examine practical ideas like setting lifestyle limits, prioritizing giving in your financial plan, and cultivating a simpler life that draws your heart closer to Christ. If you've ever wrestled with questions about tithing, stewardship, or how generosity fits into your financial life, this conversation offers biblical perspective and practical wisdom. You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-95-christian-giving [https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-95-christian-giving] Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe [https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe] , and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom. Timestamps 00:00 How Much Should Christians Give? 00:25 Giving as a Response to God's Grace 01:03 The Better Question: How Much Should I Keep? 02:47 Old Testament Tithes and the 10% Baseline 04:02 Why Holiness Is More Than Hitting a Percentage 05:09 Tithing as Training Wheels for Greater Generosity 08:05 Simplicity, Maturity, and Growing Closer to Jesus 09:29 Would You Be Okay With 10% Less Income? 11:38 Where Should You Begin With Giving? 12:01 How Lifestyle Limits Shape Generosity 14:17 Give First, Save Second, Live on the Rest 18:25 What Happens When You Intentionally Live on Less 21:24 Breaking Money's Power Through Creative Generosity 21:49 Next Episode: Where Should We Deploy Our Resources? Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com [https://seriousretirement.com]/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.

Ep. 094 - Does Your Heart Have a Money Problem? Let's Talk About the Biblical Cure

Money promises security, comfort, and identity—but it can also quietly take hold of our hearts. In this episode, we explore the deeper spiritual reality behind wealth and why Jesus warned that we cannot serve both God and money. The Bible teaches that generosity is not merely about helping others; it is a powerful spiritual discipline that frees our hearts from the grip of materialism. Join us as we discuss why money can become such a powerful competitor for our devotion, how Scripture frames the tension between God and mammon, and why giving is one of the most effective ways to break money's influence over our lives. We also consider how generosity shifts our perspective from ownership to stewardship and helps us lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. If you've ever wondered why wealth can feel so powerful—or how to cultivate a heart that trusts God rather than money—this conversation will challenge and encourage you. In the next episode, we'll explore an important follow-up question: how much should Christians give? Andy Crouch's talk on Mammon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylfXtmkavzM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylfXtmkavzM] You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-94-money-problems [https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-94-money-problems] Download our free Guide to Biblical Giving at https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe [https://secondhalfstewardship.com/subscribe] , and we'll unpack what the bible says about tithing, giving to the poor, or giving away everything you own for the sake of the Kingdom. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Why Money Has a Grip on Our Hearts 00:45 The Five Uses of Money: Live, Give, Owe, Grow 01:03 Jesus' Warning: You Cannot Serve God and Money 01:55 The Spiritual Battle Between God and Mammon 02:40 Money as "Stored Power" in Our Culture 04:18 Why Giving Breaks Money's Power Over Us 06:35 When Our Hearts Become Cold Toward Giving 08:08 Protecting Our Hearts from the Love of Money 10:04 Laying Up Treasures in Heaven 14:40 The Joy That Comes from Generosity Advisory services offered through Retirement Planning Services, LLC. https://seriousretirement.com/ The information in this recording is intended for general educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as investment advisory, financial planning, legal, tax, or other professional advice based on your specific situation. Please consult with your professional advisor(s) before taking any action based on its contents.