Every investment is more than a financial decision—it's a stewardship decision. When Christians invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or ETFs, we're doing more than seeking financial returns. We're providing capital that helps businesses, governments, and organizations accomplish their goals. That raises an important question: Should our investments reflect our biblical convictions?

In this episode, we explore what Scripture teaches about stewardship, ill-gotten gain, and the responsibility that comes with investing. We'll discuss the difference between stocks and bonds, and what it means to own or lend to a company, and offer a biblical framework for thinking through today's investment opportunities.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What the Bible teaches about ill-gotten gain

• Why investing is never morally neutral

• The difference between stocks and bonds

• What it means to own a company versus lend to one

• Value-creating vs. value-extracting businesses

• How Christians can think biblically about investing

While there are rarely easy answers, Scripture gives us principles that help us faithfully steward the resources God has entrusted to us.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-103-never-neutral

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: What Are You Really Funding?

00:58 What Does the Bible Mean by "Ill-Gotten Gain"?

02:50 Identifying Businesses That Harm Human Flourishing

06:43 What Is a Stock? Understanding Public Equities

09:45 What It Means to Own Part of a Company

13:40 What Is a Bond? Lending vs. Owning

19:26 Is Your Bank Using Your Money Wisely?

21:07 Stewardship: What Are You Enabling with Your Investments?

24:51 Hebrews 13:5 and the Christian Investor's Perspective

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.

The world says the goal of investing is simple: maximize risk-adjusted returns. But Scripture calls Christians to something greater—faithful stewardship. As followers of Christ, we aren't just asking how much our investments earn. We should also ask what they are funding.

In this episode, we explore the tension between the world's investment philosophy and a biblical approach to investing. We discuss what it means to avoid ill-gotten gain, whether Christians should be concerned about the companies they own, and why faithfulness—not simply financial performance—should shape the way we deploy the resources God has entrusted to us.

Whether you're just beginning to think about faith-based investing or you're looking to align your portfolio more closely with your convictions, this conversation will challenge you to view investing through the lens of Scripture.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-102-christian-dilemma

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 - Every Investor Is Living Inside a Story 00:34 - The World's Investment Narrative vs. God's Story 04:21 - You Cannot Serve God and Money 05:27 - The Goal of Modern Investing: Risk, Return & Time 08:53 - Are You Profiting Alongside Human Harm? 12:23 - Faithfulness vs. Maximum Returns 18:08 - Rethinking Risk, Return & Time Through Scripture 21:24 - Avoiding Ill-Gotten Gain as a Christian Investor 23:05 - How Christians Can Invest Differently 24:15 - The Foundation of Faithful Investing

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.

How Should Christians Help Other Christians in Financial Need? In this episode we discuss how Christians can wisely and compassionately respond to financial hardship within the body of Christ. From debt and poverty to medical bills and unexpected crises, we explore the difference between short-term relief and long-term transformation.

You'll learn why financial struggles are often about more than money, how discipleship plays a critical role in lasting change, when lending or giving may be appropriate, and how the church can come alongside those in need with both grace and discernment. Helping others isn't just about solving a financial problem—it's about encouraging stewardship, spiritual growth, and lasting freedom in Christ.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-101-helping-christians

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: Helping Christians in Financial Need 01:36 Understanding the Different Types of Poverty 03:25 Identifying the Root Cause of Financial Struggles 06:24 Crisis Poverty vs. Lifestyle Choices 10:16 The Church's Role in Financial Support 13:30 Short-Term, Medium-Term, and Long-Term Help 18:10 Moving from Relief to Lasting Transformation 18:52 The Importance of Submission and Change 20:36 Why You Are Not the Savior 23:24 Documenting Financial Assistance and Loans

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.

When a friend, family member, or fellow believer needs financial help, should you give, lend, or do something else entirely?

In this episode we explore what Scripture teaches about lending, debt, stewardship, generosity, and accountability. We'll discuss key biblical principles from Proverbs and Nehemiah, the dangers of predatory lending, common mistakes to avoid, and how Christians can help others in ways that promote dignity, restoration, and healthy relationships.

Whether you're considering helping someone financially or wondering how the Bible views lending, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating these difficult decisions with grace and faithfulness.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-100-christian-lending

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: Should Christians Give or Lend?

02:30 Why Relationships Matter in Financial Help

04:20 Is the Bible Actually Against Lending?

05:27 The Borrower Is Slave to the Lender

07:00 Nehemiah 5 and the Dangers of Predatory Lending

10:27 How Relationships Change Lending Decisions

14:15 When a Loan May Be More Loving Than a Gift

18:10 Mistakes to Avoid When Lending to Others

21:43 Guarding Your Heart as a Lender

23:47 Lending with Joy and Reflecting God's 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.

What does the Bible actually teach about paying taxes? For many people, taxes feel like a burden—money lost to a system they may not fully trust or agree with. But Scripture offers a different perspective. In this episode, we explore how Christians can view taxes through the lenses of gratitude, stewardship, obedience, and trust in God's provision.

Drawing from Romans 13, the teachings of Jesus, and practical financial planning principles, they discuss why paying taxes is ultimately a heart issue, how wise tax planning differs from tax avoidance, and why gratitude should shape the way believers think about their finances.

Whether you're writing a large check to the IRS or simply wrestling with the role of government and taxation, this conversation will challenge you to think biblically about money and stewardship.

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: www.secondhalfstewardship.com/episodes/ep-99-paying-taxes

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 Can Christians Pay Taxes with Joy? 00:57 Why Taxes Feel So Frustrating 04:01 Common Reasons People Resist Paying Taxes 06:07 Romans 13 and Government Authority 08:07 Paying Taxes as Obedience to God 11:41 Render to Caesar: What Jesus Said About Taxes 12:47 Stewardship vs. Tax Avoidance 14:25 Resentment vs. Gratitude 16:15 Wise Tax Planning and Charitable Giving 18:00 What's at Stake in Our Heart Posture 20:54 Setting Our Hope on God, Not Riches

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.

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.

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

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: 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/ 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.

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

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: 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/ 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.

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

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 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/ 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.

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

You can find show notes and resources for this episode at: https://secondhalfstewardship.com/episode/ep-94-money-problems

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: 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.