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Dr. Stanley describes the character of our ultimate judge, Jesus, and outlines the criteria by which we will be judged. 

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Monks and money don’t seem to go together, but maybe they should. Early Christian monks had a biblical approach to possessions that offered freedom from fear and room for generosity. On the next Faith & Finance Live, Dr. Shane Enete joins Rob West to explain why the wisdom of the monks matters for believers today. Then, it’s on to your calls. That’s Faith and Finance Live . . . biblical wisdom for your financial decisions. That’s weekdays at 4pm Eastern/3pm Central on Moody Radio.

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Trust God/The Plan, Gratitude, Time Out, Welcome to the Show, History Segment, Spiritual Dry, The Enemy


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"Look for ways to help especially the poor."

"There's an enemy that does not want you to walk with God."

"God is actually the plan."
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We all need a touch from the Lord. And the Lord is ready to reach out. But too often, we’re touched, and jostled, and pummeled by the world around us . . . and we can’t seem to climb out from under the dogpile to feel the touch of the Lord. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us draw inspiration and practical instruction from a pairing of stories in the New Testament when Jesus’ touch came to just the right people at just the right time. Good encouragement is ahead.

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Monks and money don’t seem to go together—but maybe they should. Early Christian monastics developed a biblical approach to possessions that offered freedom from fear and created space for generosity. Their example continues to resonate with believers navigating modern financial pressures.

Dr. Shane Enete, Chair of the Finance Department at Biola University, joins the show today to help us explore what he calls “monk finances,” drawing on early Christian history to uncover insights that remain strikingly relevant today.

For many people, the idea of monks and money in the same sentence feels contradictory. That perception has historical roots.

In the early centuries of the church, some believers reacted to growing spiritual complacency by withdrawing from society. These early monks sought lives of radical devotion and discipline. In extreme cases, they rejected material possessions entirely, viewing the physical world—and even the body itself—as spiritually dangerous.

But this wasn’t the final word on monastic life.

Leaders like St. Anthony and St. Benedict helped reshape the movement. They recognized that God created the material world before the fall; therefore, possessions, work, and even money could be used for His glory. Instead of rejecting material things, they began developing thoughtful, disciplined ways to steward them.

Out of that shift came a surprisingly rich theology of money.

As monastic communities formed, they began to rethink how Christians should live with resources.

Rather than treating money as evil, they saw it as necessary for life—but not as a source of identity or security. Their approach emphasized moderation, equality, and shared responsibility.

Their guiding principle was simple: Meet your needs, then help meet the needs of others.

Money became a tool for self-sufficiency that led to hospitality, not a means of achieving independence from God. This perspective echoed the Apostle Paul’s teaching to the early church, especially in communities wrestling with wealth and inequality.

In many ways, the monks’ worldview stands in contrast to modern financial culture. Where today’s systems often prioritize accumulation and long-term personal security, the monastic tradition emphasized dependence on God and care for neighbor.

One of the most striking insights from monastic life is the distinction between economic sufficiency and economic security.

The monks worked hard. They cultivated gardens, produced goods, and provided for themselves. But they intentionally stopped short of building wealth for personal protection. Their goal was sufficiency—having enough to live and to share.

A well-known story about St. Anthony illustrates this progression. After initially living in isolation, he began growing food to avoid burdening others. Eventually, he expanded his efforts to feed visitors and care for those who came seeking wisdom. His work produced enough for his needs and created margin for generosity. That pattern shaped monastic communities:

• Work diligently
• Meet basic needs
• Create margin
• Practice hospitality

They believed the danger came when financial planning shifted from provision to self-protection—when wealth began to replace trust in God.

Monks viewed wealth with a sober realism. They saw it as useful but spiritually risky.

Money, they believed, has a way of whispering false assurances: “You’re safe. You’re secure. You don’t need God.”

To guard against this, monastic communities developed “rules of living”—structured rhythms that shaped how they worked, spent, and shared. These practices served as guardrails, protect

"An affair is the murder of a marriage." Pastor Gary Thomas explains how extra-marital affairs develop and how to avoid them. He also offers hope and healing for spouses who want to restore their relationship.

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Some Christian parents sadly are dealing with the reality that their child identifies with an LGBT lifestyle. Jim Daly and Dr. Gary Chapman address how a parent can respond in a Christ-like manner in that situation. Then, Danny will provide some encouragement, even if your son or daughter is currently in a same-sex relationship.

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