Bible & Money
As Christians why we do something can be as importance as what we do. Many of the posts in this blog could be implemented by Christians and non-Christians with the same financial results. My intention, however, is that Christians start with a fundamental biblical understanding of why we do what we do with money. Then ultimately God’s kingdom benefits from our decisions not just ourselves. I have compiled (and will continue to) post that deal specifically with the issues of Bible and Money.
What I believe about the relationship between Christians and money:
Jesus taught a lot about money. Some say it was his second most discussed topic, second only to the Kingdom of God/Heaven. Jesus taught about money because he knows we are always learning. Our view of money can either be taught in a way that will honor God, or it will be caught from the popular views of the surrounding culture. Jesus preferred to teach how God wants us to handle money because where there is not teaching money can so easily become our Master (Mt. 6:24). In a similar way, Paul identifies two options for Christians: (1) be transformed, or (2) be conformed (Rom. 12:2). If we are not taught about Christian finances, our knowledge and practice will naturally conform. If, however, we study God’s teachings about money we have the opportunity to transform ourselves and our culture for the Glory of God.
My intention is for this page to:
- Assist Christians and church leaders who want to learn more or about the relationship between the Bible and money
- Categorize posts, answers, and questions in an organized format.
- Suggest other resources that will be helpful in the study of the relationship between Bible and Money
If you have a question that you do not see posted you can email mhforc [at] gmail [dot] com. If I am able I will answer the question in the form of a post then add it to the appropriate category here.
I have added the links to the sections so you can easily find your topic of interest
Biblical Perspective on Money
Debt and the Bible
God’s Involvement in Economic Events
Giving
Teaching About Money
Investing
Marriage and Family
General Bible Related Questions
Recommended Resources
Personal Finance Blogs Written From a Christian Perspective
Biblical Perspective on Money
What is the difference between biblical finances and personal finances?
Introduces seven key characteristics of how Christians money management should/does differ from a secular approach.
Spending Money and Guilt: A Christian Conversation
Evaluates conflict positions regarding how Christians should use and spend their wealth.
Is there anything better than money?
Introduces passages in proverbs that introduce things that are better than money
Fat Cows of Bashan: Was wealth their sin?
Study of Amos 4:1 that seeks to identify why God is so indignant with the people.
Can Money Buy Happiness? Includes a list of what money can buy and what money cannot buy.
Attachment Our allegiance to God is first and foremost. What other things do we try to put first?
A Million Dollars: So What’s the Bad News explores our emotional attraction to money.
Money: A Spiritual Check Up Money can be used to benefit God, others, and self. How are you using yours?
Managing Your Money Like a Pilgrim reminds us that as Christians we need to remember like is a temporary arrangement.
How we Earn Our Money Is Important. Discusses the importance of how we make money.
The Prophets and Personal Finance Series: Haggai, Joel,and Habakkuk.
Be Careful When You See the Name Christian
Debt
Debt as Obligation: A biblical perspective
Ever debt we assume requires that we also assume an obligation. What does the Bible say about this concept?
Explores the way the Bible uses debt thematically.
Freedom, Finances, Debt and the Bible
Explores the biblical theme of freedom and explores how that theme relates to financial debt.
Tithing (Giving) While in Debt
In this article I answer a reader who wonders if he should tithe while in debt.
Should a Christian Declare Bankruptcy?
God’s Involvement in Economic Happenings
Spiritual Lessons from Current Economic Times (2008-2009) Part III
At times God will use difficult economic conditions to allow our trust to be exposed or even to reestablish our exclusive trust in him.
Spiritual Lessons from Current Economic Times (2008-2009) Part II
At times God will use difficult economic times to provide an environment for spiritual reflection.
Spiritual Lessons from Current Economic Times (2008-2009) Part I
At times God will use difficult economic times to prepare people for His glory. At times God will uproot, or physically move people during poor economic times with the end goal of fulfilling his plan.
Is God or Man the Source of Financial Increase?
Giving
Tithing (Giving) While in Debt
In this article I answer a reader who wonders if he should tithe while in debt.
This article explores the many biblical passages that talk about how our giving ought to be proportionate to what we have received.
How Should I Give? Once you have decided to give you need to decide where to give
Is 10% the Same for Everyone? Challenges the traditional thinking that giving 10% requires an equal sacrifice from everyone.
A brief introduction to three men in the Bible with the ultimate lesson that it’s is not about what we give, but how we give.
The Graduated Tithe: A Giving Strategy Introduces the graduated tithe along with a link to an Excel worksheet you can download.
Teaching about Money
Where did you learn about money?
Explores the reality that we either learn about money subconsciously from the world around us or consciously decide to learn what the Bible teaches about money. If our money lessons are not taught from a biblical perspective we will just conform to our culture (Rom. 12:1-2).
Investing
Sound Mind Investing Newsletter Review
Faith Based and Socially Responsible Investing – explores the complications associated with faith based investing.
Marriage + Family
Investing in your marriage a great rate of return
Any time, energy and money you give to your marriage is a wise decision and investment
Aging and the Financial Implications
Introduces financial struggles unique to those who are aging. Also provides suggested responses for the church.
Presents ideas for raising financially independent children.
Talking To Parents about Finances Suggestions on how to approach your parents regarding their finances.
General Questions
What does the Bible teach about work? We work so our families do not become a burden to the church and so that we have something to contribute in places of need.
What are your financial goals? Do your goals unique as a Christians or do they mirror the general culture?
Is money the solution to poverty? In many countries poverty is a symptom of another problem. Christians need to adress the need as well as find the underlying causes of poverty.
Is it biblical to save for retirement? Part I & Part II. Looks at some Bible verses that seem to support saving and other that don’t. Ultimately, we see that saving for retirement can honor God.
Should Christians Lend Money and Charge Interest? As People to People lending options are becoming more popular Christians should review the biblical principals on lending and interest.
Recommended Resources:
Sermon by John Piper – What is the Recession For? You can read a transcript, download the mp3, or watch the sermon online. My introduction to the sermon is here.
MoneyLife, a Crown Financial Ministries 30 minute radio show. Click here to download up to two weeks worth of programs. All programs are from a biblical perspective.
Sound Mind Investing Newsletter (affiliate link)- Sound Mind Investing, America’s best-selling Christian financial newsletter, exists to help individuals understand and apply Biblically-based principles for making spending and investing decisions in order that:
- their future financial security would be strengthened, and
- their giving to worldwide missionary efforts for the cause of Christ would accelerate.
In other words, SMI wants to help you have more so you can give more.
Books written by Christians that relate to various aspects of money management from a Christian perspective. ( I have listed them in order: #1 being my top recommendation).
- Richard Foster. The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power
See Part I – Money.
- Dave Ramsey. The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
- Larry Burkett. Money Matters: Answers To Your Financial Questions
- Ron Blue. Taming the Money Monster
- Mary Hunt. Debt-Proof Your Marriage: How to Achieve Financial Harmony
- Larry Burkett and Rick Osborne. Financial Parenting: Showing Your Kids That Money Matters
- Donald Whitney. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
. See chapter eight “Stewardship … For the Purpose of Godliness.”
- Dexter Yager with Ron Ball. A Millionaire’s Common Sense Approach to Wealth
Personal Finance Blogs written from a Christian perspective (in alphabetical order). Each blog writer provided their own description.
Bible Money Matters – Finances transformed by faith. Christian personal finance topics including budgeting, debt elimination, saving, frugality, thrift, debt, faith based investing, and lots more!
Bob’s Occasional Musings – I am a church administrator and retired Navy nurse. My blog includes personal finance information, church finance information and occasionally some personal experiences. I teach Financial Peace University and also have a background with Crown Financial ministries.
Christian PF – After learning many financial lessons the “hard way,” Bob started ChristianPF.com as a resource for Christians to get practical help with their finances. The site focuses on the Biblical principles that apply to debt, saving money, making money, investing, and all other areas of personal finance. For more information or to get the free daily newsletter, visit ChristianPF.com.
Debt Free Adventure – The premise of Debt Free Adventure is simple – I have debt and I want to get rid of it! Because the financial wisdom of the bible is greater than the financial wisdom of Matt Jabs… I am tackling this awesome task using biblical principles. I am a Christian first, a husband second, a son and brother third, and a friend and colleague fourth. I started Debt Free Adventure not only for the benefit of me & my family, but also for YOU.
Gather Little by Little is a personal finance blog with a Christian perspective. It’s about growing wealth in accordance with Proverbs 13:11 – Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. Most people believe that becoming wealthy happens overnight. These same people believe that if you can’t gain wealth quickly, they’ll never be rich. The Bible tells us that this is far from the truth. Here we’ll focus on topics related to growing wealth using common sense biblical practices and by gathering money, little by little.
Money By The Book - A Scripture-based personal financial website, strives to level the playing field from “Wall Street to Your Street” by clearing away much of the mystique and darkness surrounding the financial service industry today. The site also focuses on “Money Behavior,” because our day-to-day attitudes and behavior with our pocketbooks today will make or break our financial futures tomorrow. And Scripture gives us plenty of “two by fours” to get it right.
One Money Design – One Money Design exists to help people manage money wisely for everyday living. Jason Price is a Money Map Coach and believes there is financial hope for people. He has a passion to see people prosper, become debt free, and experience financial freedom.
Personal Finance By The Book - Personal Finance by the Book is based on the concept that the Bible, as our “owner’s manual”, contains everything we need to flourish in life, not only spiritually and emotionally, but also financially. My purpose is to give common sense, biblically based financial advice that will help, encourage, inspire and give hope to readers.
Provident Planning – Provident Planning explores God’s Provident Plan for a Christian’s personal finances. What is God’s Provident Plan? It’s His clear Biblical message that through contentment in Christ, hard work, and prudent money management Christians can prosper so they can give generously in the name of Christ.
Redeeming Riches – The mission of R2 is to think biblically and practically about our money so we can redeem back the misguided views that wealth leads to happiness; restore the way we handle our finances to become the stewards God has called us to be; and renew the correct perspective that God himself is the source of lasting joy.
Sound Mind Investing (Visitor Blog) – Sound Mind Investing is America’s best-selling Christian financial newsletter. Each month SMI’s biblical perspective runs throughout our content helping you glorify God through good stewardship and increasing your ability to give. It’s not just about having more, it’s about having more so you can give more.
It is the mission of Wealth From The Bible (WFTB) to enable seekers in applying Divine Wisdom so that they can be better stewards of their finances. WFTB exists to open up the scriptures so that believers can develop their relationship with God while also helping them manage their temporal resources so that they can enjoy true prosperity.
Other bloggers can feel welcome to submit their site information to mhforc [at] gmail [dot] com. The blog must be (1) From a Christian perspective (2) related to personal finance.
Any suggestions or recommendations of your favorite book by a Christian author and Christian perspective?
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