Kealan, a surgeon, and Cody, a financial advisor, discuss the intersection of faith, generosity, and personal finance. They’re joined by a variety of guests, including pastors, financial advisors, radically generous givers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders to explore one central question: How do we best steward God’s wealth? On The Finish Line Podcast, you’ll hear challenging and inspirational stories of tremendous generosity. You’ll also learn from experts in multiple fields about topics like setting a financial finish line, giving efficiently and effectively, and teaching generosity to your children. More than anything, though, you’ll see how God is constantly at work redeeming the world He created and loves. Visit the website at www.finishlinepledge.com to learn more.
Episodes
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Dr. Rich Rudowske and Dr. Tilahun Mendedo are the CEO and Associate Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators. Rich’s passion for the written Word of God took root when, as a small child, his parents gifted him an NIV Bible. Tilahun’s life was changed at the age of 15 when a German missionary gave him the greatest treasure of all – a Bible in his own Ethiopian language.
They each have an extensive background in Bible translation and a great passion to see the Word of God printed in every person’s mother tongue through the work of Lutheran Bible Translators and other translation organizations worldwide. LBT has some particularly unique strategies blending entrepreneurship with translation in projects that fund themselves. They will share their personal stories, how God led them into Bible Translation, and about some incredible momentum happening today.
Major topics include:
- Tilahun’s gripping backstory of being surrounded by death and struggling for a will to live, but finding life and hope through meeting Christ in the Word
- Rich’s inspiring journey from the world of finance into the call of God, bringing his wife and five children with him
- The history of LBT and how their unique approach to Bible Translation evolved
- What is a “ministry entrepreneur” and how do these self-funded missions work to expand the Kingdom and engage local communities in Bible translation?
- The profound spiritual impact of hearing the Word of God in your mother tongue
- How Bible translation and language development improves quality of life as a whole
- The story of how God miraculously provided for their pilot project, the Helge Center, to be built during the pandemic lockdowns
- An update on the incredible leaps happening now in the Bible translation world and the great need that still exists
- How you can get invested, financially and through prayer, in this eternal endeavor
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- Tilahun – “Bible translation isn’t something that I talk about, it’s something that I am because I am the result of Bible translation.”
- Tilahun – “What I need is just something that makes a difference. If I could be anything that would make a difference to millions, then here I am.”
- Rich – “As many different folks there are with that mission drive, there are as many different stories and details of how they go about getting it done. But the common denominator is the drive to know that there’s a better future for their people or for the neighboring people around them and the drive to put pieces together to make to happen.”
- Tilahun – “When you see the Word of God in your mother tongue, it means God is speaking to you. God has come all the way down to your language and is talking to you!”
- Tilahun – “Bible translation is tough, hard, and full of struggles, but at the end of the day, it’s worth dying for. It’s a noble cause. There is nothing better than connecting the Incarnated Word to this generation and the generations to come.”
- Rich – “We’re at an unprecedented level of understanding where those needs may be, and an unprecedented level of both collaboration and innovation in reaching out to those language communities.”
- Rich – “The number one strategy is prayer – lifting the need for Bible translation in hard to reach people groups before the Lord, asking him to give us wisdom collectively on how to move forward and be wise.”
- Rich – “Even now, data shows us that it’s not possible to meet the goals that we have in the next nine years. But data also shows us that we’ve closed the gap by about 100 years in the last five years. The last bit of it is going to be more difficult, but what looks impossible to us is not impossible to God.”
- Tilahun – “It’s every Christian’s responsibility to make sure his fellow humankind, who was created in the image of God and for whom Christ Himself died, has Christ in written form.”
- Tilahun – “Every person who supports Bible translation through prayers, funding, or advocacy is impacting the whole person.”
- Tilahun – “Don’t forget, we are here only for a time. Don’t take for granted that this is the world for you. We are here for a purpose and that purpose is designed by God so that we can live out that purpose and deliver it for generations to come.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Lutheran Bible Translators
- Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut)
- SIL International (see our interview with Executive Director, Michel Kenmogne)
- IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Revelation 7:9 | Every Tribe, Nation, and Tongue
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
1 Timothy 2:3-4 | God Desires All to be Saved
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Stephen Kump is the CEO and founder of Charityvest, a pioneering donor-advised fund platform merging technology and collaborative giving to make charitable giving accessible to all. Charityvest simplifies the donor-advised fund process and cuts down barriers to entry, inviting individuals from all walks of life to partake in the joy of giving with ease and impact.
Stephen shares numerous creative strategies that push the boundaries of donor-advised funds, fostering community giving and encouraging creative generosity. He addresses tangible tactics for givers, including orchestrating a personal giving strategy and embracing collective generosity.
Topics include:
- What inspired the launch of Charityvest?
- What experiences shaped Stephen’s perspective on generosity?
- How is technology like Charityvest changing the generosity landscape?
- How do partnerships like Trust Bridge Global enhance Charityvest’s capabilities?
- What creative ways are donor-advised funds (DAFs) being used to foster generosity?
- How does collaborative generosity compare to individual giving, and what are its advantages?
- In what ways is God present in the broader movement of generosity?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “Generosity begets generosity.”
- “When people were generous to me, it would short-circuit my framework.”
- “When people give away a significant portion of their net worth, it shapes them.”
- “We had already allocated our income to our donor-advised fund, so all of the talking about giving was about where we give.”
- “If we are not willing to have a free donor-advised fund, then we need to get more creative.”
- “Generosity is in the image of God that is stamped on each of us.”
- “Generosity is a gateway to a deeper reality.”
- “All giving is relational.”
- “Giving is better as a team sport.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Charityvest
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
- TrustBridge Global
- Praxis
- Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Philippians 3:8 | Our Achievements Are Nothing Compared to Christ
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Acts 17:23 | The Unknown God
For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Gary Ringger is the founder and President of Lifesong for Orphans. His journey from struggling business owner in the food industry to the steadfast shepherd of Lifesong for Orphans is a testament to the heart of generosity in action. Following a profound personal “contract with God,” Gary’s life shifted from profit-driven enterprise to purpose-driven stewardship, shaping a legacy of impact.
Amidst the crucible of business challenges, Gary’s faith-inspired pivot directed millions in business proceeds to fuel an innovative approach to orphan care. Today, Lifesong thrives on sustainable and impact business strategies, all rooted in Gary’s spiritual journey and entrepreneurial grit.
Major topics include:
- What led to Gary’s “contract with God”?
- How did Gary transition from business to ministry?
- How has careful, intentional listening prayer shaped many major decisions in Gary’s life?
- How can givers align their time and energy with their financial giving?
- How does Lifesong for Orphans serve orphans and families around the world?
- What is a giving engine and how do they provide ongoing support for ministry?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “We’re gonna get rich, retire at 40, and live the American Dream.”
- “God used that brokenness to change my paradigm.”
- “My prayer life went from a discipline to my favorite time of day.”
- “If we hadn’t written it down, the entire journey wouldn’t have happened.”
- “Don’t just give it away, get involved with something.”
- “Once you’re a steward, God opens and closes doors in ways you could never imagine.”
- “If you want to experience God, look for where He’s working and join into that.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Lifesong for Orphans
- Radical Business, by Gary Ringger
- The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lancione
- The 13 Attributes of God (PDF) by Bill Bright
- Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
- Ronald Blue Trust, now Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue)
- National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)
- Halftime by Bob Buford
- The Mystery of God’s Will by Chuck Swindoll
- Impact Foundation
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
2 Timothy 1:7 | Spirit of Fear
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
James 1:27 | Pure Religion
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Matthew 25:23 | Parable of the Talents
‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.’
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Michel Kenmogne is the Executive Director of SIL International, a major bible translation agency currently involved in over 1,300 language communities across 98 countries, representing almost one billion people in need of access to God’s Word.
Michel shares his powerful testimony of growing up in the context of traditional African religion before hearing the gospel in through a ministry in his high school years. From there, God planted the seeds that would eventually lead Michel into the challenging work of bible translation.
Michel shares an inside look into the current bible translation landscape and the work that remains to reach the all-access goals of 2033: aiming to make God’s word accessible in the heart language of all people by 2033. He also shares about the IllumiNations impact alliance which has brought the major translation agencies together, rapidly accelerating translation progress around the world.
Topics include:
- Michel’s powerful testimony growing up in Cameroon
- SIL International’s inception story
- The current bible translation landscape
- Translating languages with no active believers
- Translating for oral languages with no written alphabet
- The role of AI in Bible translation
- The illumiNations Impact Alliance
- The work remaining to make scripture available to the entire world
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “I was impressed by the difference I could see in the lives of believers.”
- “People can flourish by getting to know God, and understanding their identity as a people created by God.”
- “Language is the platform through which people are valued.”
- “We are always advocating for the need of the people who use or speak minority languages to have access to God’s word.”
- “Bible translation is actually about allowing God’s light to shine into places where darkness has prevailed.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- SIL International
- Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut)
- Intervarsity
- American Bible Society
- Lutheran Bible Translators
- Every Tribe Every Nation (ETEN)
- IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Kate Gardner is a trailblazer in the realm of next-generation philanthropy. With a transformational journey that began with receiving a significant wealth transfer on her 21st birthday, Kate redefined her life’s trajectory to align with her faith and a profound dedication to generosity. She has since supported approximately 60 missions teams across 20 to 30 nations, nurturing lasting relationships with the teams she supports.
As the co-host of the Ascendants Podcast and co-founder of Magnify, Kate illuminates the paths of fellow inheritors, helping them navigate the complexities of wealth stewardship with purpose and joy. Her deep-seated passion for holistic generosity extends beyond financial giving—she actively champions creative giving through real estate and hospitality and empowers the next generation to write their own generosity narratives.
Topics include:
- How can next gens navigate the pressures of inheriting wealth and maintaining family legacies?
- In what ways can inheritors find individual purpose in the midst of pre-established paths of philanthropy?
- What are effective strategies for wealth givers to involve their children in the conversation about inheritance?
- What is the role of community in shaping the philanthropic journey of Christian inheritors?
- How should givers think about any wealth transfer to their children?
- How can next gens develop financial literacy and character before receiving wealth?
- What challenges do next gens face in relation to their mental and emotional health, and how can faith inform their coping strategies?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “I also like to think of prayer as a form of generosity. It’s not about you.”
- “Your calling is where your greatest joy meets the world’s deepest need.”
- “I seek to support people financially, relationally, and spiritually with prayer.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Magnify
- The Ascendants Podcast
- Gospel Patrons (see our interview with founder John Rinehart)
- Kate’s Profile in the book 31 Gospel Patrons by John Rinehart
- Cross Conference
- Kore Venture
- George Mueller Autobiography
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Ron Blue is a venerated pioneer in the field of Christ-centered financial planning and a luminary in the greater generosity movement. With a storied career spawning the establishment of the 56th largest CPA firm in the nation, and a financial advisory firm now with over $60 billion in assets, Ron has impacted countless lives through a unique blend of financial acumen and spiritual wisdom.
After rooting his own advisory firm, Ronald Blue Trust, in a biblical framework for financial planning, Ron went on to found Kingdom Advisors, a network of over 3,000 kingdom-minded financial professionals. Today, Kingdom Advisors provides comprehensive training and certification to help financial practices of all kinds solidly integrate their faith and financial advice.
Ron is also co-founder of the National Christian Foundation, which carries a similar mission to inspire and empower Christians to deeper generosity and effectiveness in their giving. Ron shared countless stories of generosity of all flavors as well as a unique picture of the development of the modern generosity movement over the last several decades.
Topics include:
- How can faith and financial planning be integrated in a meaningful way?
- Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool?
- How do you introduce a new person to the idea of a finish line?
- How should someone think about legacy and inheritance from a biblical standpoint?
- How can parents pass on a spirit of generosity to their children?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- We help people manage their finances so they have more to give away.
- They don’t know how fine they’re doing and they don’t know how much they can give.
- If you want to give away a million dollars, I can help you do that.
- You can make good financial decisions using good biblical wisdom.
- Tithing is just the beginning point of giving.
- We get great joy from giving nondeductible gifts. The deduction is irrelevant.
- The more generous we’ve been, the more generous we tend to become.
- You can’t take someone somewhere you haven’t been.
- Generosity is symptomatic of transformation.
- When you say that God owns it, that is a life-changing decision.
- If you don’t have a goal, you’ll never get there. Where is it that you would like to end up?
- If you’re dependent on your money for security, you don’t have security.
- It’s really out of assets that great giving occurs.
- If I love my children equally, I will treat them unequally (regarding inheritance).
- Do your giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going.
- People give to where they have relationships and where they can share vision.
- Kids learn to manage money by managing money.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Ronald Blue and Company
- Ronald Blue Trust (Blue Trust)
- Kingdom Advisors
- National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)
- Master Your Money by Ron Blue
- Halftime by Bob Buford
- Splitting Heirs, by Ron Blue
- Cru
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Trevor Lui is the Chief Operating Officer of Global Trust Partners, an international ministry accountability organization. Trevor’s remarkable journey began in Hong Kong, where his family’s humble beginnings and the church’s pivotal support laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to Christian values and service. His education in business administration and information systems propelled him into the business world. It wasn’t long before Trevor’s passion for active business drew him back to Hong Kong to consult on management—yet his trajectory took an unexpected turn toward ministry with Global Trust Partners.
GTP works to help countries around the world develop ministry peer accountability organizations, similar to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) in the US. These organizations help raise the standard for nonprofits and ministries operating in these countries to better steward the resources entrusted to them. They also increase donor confidence in knowing they can trust the organizations they partner with. Topics include:
- What challenges and rewards come with transitioning from business to ministry?
- What does effective accountability look like for a Christian ministry?
- How does organizational accountability increase capacity for personal generosity?
- How can you find more information about the accountability of ministries based outside the U.S.?
- In what ways do church cultures vary internationally, especially in the context of generosity?
- What practical steps can individuals take to adopt an abundance mindset and effectively share their resources for a greater purpose?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “When a ministry aligns itself with this standard and commits to independent, verified compliance, it sets a strong foundation for accountability.”
- “Accountability flows through transparency. And that gives the trust to the giver.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Global Trust Partners (GTP)
- GTP Peer Groups Directory (International Peer Groups)
- Generous Church (see our interview with founder Patrick Johnson)
- Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
David Wills stands as a beacon of philanthropic leadership and financial wisdom, carving his niche as the President Emeritus of the National Christian Foundation (NCF). A luminary in shaping generosity, David co-founded Generous Giving, an organization dedicated to fostering a culture of charitable living. Under his guidance, NCF has flourished, disbursing over $18 billion to charitable causes, reflecting an unparalleled commitment to transformative giving. He adeptly navigates the complexities of donor-advised funds, turning the concept into a strategic tool for streamlined and impactful philanthropy. David’s innovative approach is evidenced through his advocating for ‘finish lines’ in financial planning, ensuring wealth serves as a tool for good, not a master.
Merging financial stewardship with spiritual growth, David is a pioneer in impact investing, where charitable dollars yield social and spiritual dividends. His stirring personal journey from litigator to philanthropic strategist is a testament to living a faith-driven life. David’s insights are not just theories—they’re lived experiences that promise to resonate with listeners, urging them to explore the joy and responsibility of giving. Tune into The Finish Line Podcast for a profound dialogue with David Wills, where financial acumen meets the heart of generosity.
Topics include:
- What inspired the creation of the National Christian Foundation, and how has it evolved since its inception?
- Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool of generosity and faith?
- How do finish lines contribute to a sense of liberation and freedom?
- What is impact investing and how does it intersect with generosity?
- Who should have a donor advised fund, and how is it used effectively?
- What motivated the start of Generous Giving, and what role does transformational heart change play in the conversation around generosity?
- How has the modern generosity movement evolved over the past several decades?
- How is the growth in generosity aligned with movement in the Great Commission and what progress has been made?
- How can acts of spontaneous giving enrich family and community ties and demonstrate the joy of generosity?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “There’s this extraordinarily large group of people that actually have the gift of giving, the spiritual gift of giving.”
- “This year, we will, for the first time, have over a billion dollars worth of complex assets contributed to NCF.”
- “Generosity is contagious when people are transformed.”
- “When you grow in the how and the where, your giving will grow arithmetically. You’ll feel better about it. You’ll be more strategic. But when you get the why question right, your giving can grow exponentially.”
- “If you’re well planned, you will give more and you will give more wisely. Part of the planning process are finish lines.”
- “If a trustee starts to get confused about their role and they don’t have any parameters around how they’re dealing with whatever it is that they’re stewarding, the stuff will actually own them as opposed to them stewarding the stuff.”
- “All investing is impact investing. So what kind of impact are you having?”
- “If you want to meet somebody in heaven that has never had God’s word in their native language, you better get on it right now because we’re running out of these languages”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- National Christian Foundation
- Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
- Ron Blue
- Trustbridge Global
- Sovereign’s Capital
- Impact Foundation
- Eventide
- Ambassadors Impact Network
- Faith Driven Investor
- IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut)
- The Finishing Fund (see our interview with founder Doug Cobb)
- The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES
Luke 16:9 | Making Eternal Friends
And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Monday Nov 20, 2023
Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author of over sixty books, including two which hold a particularly special place among listeners of this podcast: The Treasure Principle and Money, Possessions, and Eternity. His books sold exceed twelve million copies and have been translated into over seventy languages.
Considered by many to be a founding father of the modern Christian generosity movement, Randy is overflowing with wisdom and thoughtful anecdotes to tackle a variety of complex subjects, all backed by a solid biblical foundation. Listen as he shares his personal journey in generosity and addresses some of the more challenging questions we’ve received over the years. In particular, Randy provides a picture for how eternal rewards work in the kingdom of God. We had all sorts of questions for him on the subject.
Listen for topics including:
- Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool for generosity?
- How can we approach giving in times of scarcity?
- What questions should we ask ministries before giving?
- How can we reconcile the call to “give in secret” and the call to “let your light shine”?
- What are eternal rewards as laid out in the Bible?
- How can there be such a thing as eternal rewards if we are all saved by grace?
- What exactly are the rewards people may experience in eternity?
- Will there be any sensation of lack or scarcity in heaven?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “There is nothing we could do with that money that would bring us as much joy as giving it away”
- “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.”
- “Don’t assume that you’re supposed to leave 100% of your money when you die to your kids who may be as wealthy or more wealthy than you”
- “If you don’t hear people’s giving stories, you won’t become as great a giver as God wants you to be”
- “He has made us to do good works, but none of the works we do are in any way earning our salvation”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Eternal Perspective Ministries
- Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn
- The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
- Randy’s 19 Questions to Ask Before You Give
- Operation Mobilization
- Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
- Voice of the Martyrs
- The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
- IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Matthew 5:16 | Let Your Light Shine
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:19-20 | Treasure in Heaven
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:1-4 | Giving in Secret
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Daniel 7:18 | The People of God Shall Reign Forever
But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.
Matthew 25:21 | Parable of the Talents
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Isaiah 65:17 | New Heaven and New Earth
For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth
Luke 16:1-9 | The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
Ephesians 2:8-9 | Saved by Grace
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:10 | Created for Good Works
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Andy Serafini, a seasoned financial advisor with over 37 years of experience, is a true advocate for the power of generosity. His deep-rooted Christian faith has fueled his passion to help individuals understand that money is merely a tool, and true happiness lies in using it to express love and glorify God.
Andy’s commitment to generosity extends beyond mere financial planning and retirement strategies. Through his personal anecdotes, he shares how his own experiences have shaped his understanding of the profound impact that giving can have on both the giver and the recipient.
From supporting missionaries in Africa to rescuing children from the horrors of sex trafficking, Andy demonstrates the transformative power of financial support. By sharing stories of the missionaries he personally supports, Andy shines a light on the incredible work being done around the world and underscores the importance of ongoing giving throughout one’s lifetime.
With a humble and gracious approach, Andy emphasizes the joy of being a part of God’s work and encourages listeners to lean into generosity as a means of storing up treasures in heaven. His insights and wisdom in navigating the intersection of faith, personal finance, and giving make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to discover the true meaning of financial stewardship.
Topics include:
- What are some practical ways to incorporate giving into our financial plans?
- How can we leave a financial legacy that honors Christ?
- How can financial advisors introduce the concept of generosity to clients?
- How can we think through inheritance from a faith perspective?
- What are some strategies for efficient and tax-wise giving?
- How can faith play a role in financial decision-making as a couple?
- How can we ensure long-term funding for causes we care about?
- How can supporting kingdom work draw us closer to God?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- Somebody supported the people that reached out to me back in the day. Okay. So why wouldn’t I do that?
The reality that I challenge myself with is how much is enough? - They’re ready to go in the mission field, but they can’t because they don’t have the funding.
- When it comes to taxes, you should pay everything you owe, but not a penny more.
- You worked too hard to let that retirement money fallow. Give it away, do something with it, and do it in a way that can impact eternity. And get the joy while you can.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Ron Blue
- The Life God Rewards by Bruce Wilkinson
- God Pocket by Bruce Wilkinson
- Money, Possessions, and Eternity (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Ephesians 6:4 | Wisdom for Parents
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Matthew 6:19-20 | Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Acts 20:35 | Better to Give
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.