The Bridge Austin

Some Christians argue that the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas is worldly and superficial. They contend it’s nothing more than a result of commercialism and greed. But Dr. Robert Jeffress argues that Christmas really is about gifts—specifically, the “indescribable gift” that God offers to each of us.

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Many retirees today feel squeezed. Rising costs, fixed incomes, and market uncertainty can make the retirement years feel more fragile than expected. Yet for many households, one of their largest assets—their home—often sits unused in their financial plan.

For years, reverse mortgages carried a mixed reputation. But significant reforms over the last decade have reshaped the program, making today’s options safer, more flexible, and better aligned with thoughtful retirement planning. Today, we are joined by Harlan Accola, National Reverse Mortgage Director with Movement Mortgage, to explore how home equity can play a more intentional role in retirement.

For many retirees, their home represents their single largest asset. Yet it’s frequently absent from retirement conversations.

One reason is perception. Outdated assumptions and negative press have long hampered reverse mortgages. Another reason is structural: many financial advisors simply aren’t trained—or compensated—to incorporate home equity into retirement planning. As a result, planning conversations often focus on investments, Social Security, pensions, and insurance, while equity is quietly ignored.

That oversight can create strain. When too much wealth is locked inside a home, retirees may feel cash-poor even while sitting on significant net worth—especially if they’re still making monthly mortgage payments.

Much of what people fear about reverse mortgages no longer applies. Major legislative reforms roughly a decade ago addressed earlier concerns and strengthened consumer protections. Today’s reverse mortgage programs are federally regulated and far more transparent.

In fact, recent industry surveys—including data from J.D. Power—show that more than 90% of reverse mortgage borrowers report being satisfied with their experience. As more people hear positive stories from neighbors and friends, perceptions continue to shift.

The most immediate benefit for many retirees is simple: eliminating a monthly mortgage payment. I’ve spoken with retirees who are using a significant portion of their Social Security income just to cover housing costs. Removing that payment can dramatically improve monthly cash flow—even for those who technically “can afford” the payment.

Another powerful benefit is preparation. Long-term care remains one of the largest unfunded risks in retirement. For homeowners who have already paid off their house, a reverse mortgage can establish a guaranteed line of credit before it’s needed. Think of it as getting an umbrella before it starts raining—access to funds that can be used later if health care needs arise or unexpected expenses surface.

Traditionally, retirees think in terms of two buckets: income and investments. But home equity can function as a third.

The early years of retirement are often the most critical. Drawing too quickly from investments doesn’t just reduce the balance—it also eliminates years of future growth. By using home equity strategically, retirees may be able to reduce pressure on their investment portfolio, delay Social Security, and extend the longevity of their overall plan.

In many cases, this isn’t about necessity—it’s about stewardship. Rather than leaving a major asset idle or waiting until it must be accessed in distress, home equity can be used intentionally to support stability, flexibility, and peace of mind.

Reverse mortgages aren’t for everyone, and they should always be evaluated carefully within a broader financial plan. But for those in the later seasons of life—especially homeo

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Transferable Concept #3: Teach them to MANAGE their wealth wisely.

A theology of stewardship:

• God owns EVERYTHING -Ps 50:12
• God has entrusted His things, time, talent, TREASURE, to us to manage for Him -Mat 25:14-30
• God expects a POSITIVE return on His investment -Mat 25:26-28
• God will hold you ACCOUNTABLE -2 Cor 5:6-10
• God wants you to share in His JOY -Mat 25:21
• Old Testament roots: Gen 1:26-28, Job 1:20-21
• Biblical profiles: Nehemiah, Barnabas
• New Testament command: Luk 16:11-15

How to become faithful in the "little" things:

1. Help them recognize the three purposes of money are GIVING, saving, and spending -1 Tim 6:17-19

2. Encourage them to commit to honor God with FIRST FRUITS of every paycheck to remind them that it's GOD’S money, not their own -Pro 3:9-10

3. Encourage them to make time with GOD their #1 priority so they’ll know how to invest the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to them -Mark 1:35

Life message: Your life is a SACRED stewardship!

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Kings have a total claim on people's lives, time, and taxes. We're not used to that type of authority in America. In this message, Pastor Lutzer explains why Christ is the long-foretold King of Kings, and what that title means. A true king has total claim and authority on all they rule. 

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Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.

Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

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In this episode of The Creative Connection, Ed Young provides a comprehensive overview of the Bible, emphasizing its unified story centered on Jesus Christ as the sovereign Savior whose life, death, and resurrection fulfill God's redemptive plan throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

In one of the Bible's most dramatic moments, God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush and revealed His sacred name. Today, R.C. Sproul considers what this name tells us about the One who is eternal, self-existent, and unchanging.

With your donation of any amount, request R.C. Sproul's book What Are the Names of God? and two copies of his book The Great Rescue. You'll also unlock lifetime digital access to his teaching series Names of God: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4513/offer
 
Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Get both ebooks and the digital teaching series with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global
 
Watch the stream from Ligonier's recent online event, Fighting the Good Fight of Faith: https://www.ligonier.org/goodfight

Meet Today's Teacher:
 
R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
 
Meet the Host:
 
Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast.

Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts