In this episode of The Bible Project Podcast, Jon and Tim explore a story about two Harvard Business School Graduates who are confronted with a biblical view of money that changes their lives.
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Federal reserve notes as we know is not money. It was “money” prior to 1933 before the dollar was taken off the gold standard. Absorbing all of the gold and silver only to begin issuing an internal revenue script by way of government decree. Which the constitution prohibits the government from printing its own “money” . With the support of these major points I must ask how is giving a worthless piece of Federal property to a organization like a church be valuable if it weren’t in fact contracted with the state to do business for the state? And how does a FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE equate to land and animals and generosity according to the text in the Torah about tithe?
I was born a Muslim in Iraq. I was worried and depressed, sitting and looking at the Tigris River in my city.Jesus' face appeared to me in the water and told me. "Son, you're not alone" And now I'm a Christian, and I pray every day at the edge of the river.Thank you Jesus for this grace. I'm not alone right now. Jesus is with me.✝🙏
So good. This is my understanding. I started building businesses at 18. Met my wife at 21. I did very well for myself, we traveled the world, and had everything people think of as wealth. Then I started to feel the pressure God was placing on my meteoric rise. My wife wasn't happy at any point during our marriage. I purposely disengage from making more money to try to help get her through this. I prayed to God to give or take away at his choice to help us. He took it all away, and I mean 99% took it away. Then she couldn't take it anymore, she didn't mind a rich husband, just refused to be poor with me. She filed for divorce last year 2022. I'm saddened that it happened, but I take joy in Gods plan. It certainly made me a better person, I still pray that my exwifes life is also improved by Gods actions.
God is the only one who can bring us joy and happiness and give us a purpose for his honor and glory! I’m on the same boat, I think about the memories but most of all I thank God for what he is doing in my life. I was blind but now I see! I was sad but now I know how much God loves me and he gives me joy! I was a sinner, lost in the world, trying to find meaning to the life I had and now I live for Christ 🤍 I was washed by his blood and all things are new. May you continue your walk with the lord until we move on to the next life. The grass IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE. Hallelujah! To God be the glory! Forever! Amen!
I Love the connecting of dots thru this story’s style & content relating to our everyday life choices that we get to participate in! How are we to thrive in God’s purpose for us to demonstrate His Kingdom is alive & well!! 👏 You guys are onto something!
@@davidleong6606 a conversion that does not transform is not a conversion at all. Though the transformation may be missed by all external viewers. This is why you must test yourself.
@@alecmedina1854 thanks. I'd rather be happy and poor than rich and miserable like I was. I've met many people worth hundreds of millions and the vast majority are miserable. Of course I've already started three new buisness. We'll see if the Lord continues to bless me. But most of all I pray that God will send me a girl that wants to be a wife, and can manage to be happy and contented. I'm going to hide any gains I make until I've met her. Also I've already made myself divorce proof. Still probably wont marry anyways at least via the state.
When I think back to the time I was making more money than I ever had, it sickens me that I wasted it all on alcohol. I lost everything. That was rock bottom. I thank God for getting through my thick head in 2019 at age 64. I still struggle financially, yet God continues to provide. It is getting better and better each month. I’m working to become debt free. Praise Jesus!
Holy Spirit touched my heart and made me realize this through this podcast that "Everything is God's. It's about how much should I keep. Keep what is needed for a living and give away the rest."
that we would have the courage to live by this principle! that we would have a revelation that we really dont need much apart from Him. how wonderful it would be!
Greatest man in history,he had no servants yet they called him master,he had no degree yet they called him healer,he had no washing line yet he hung on a cross,he had no military yet kings feared him he had no military battles yet he conquered the world he committed no sin yet they crucified him they buried him in a tomb yet he lives today hes the only person to say goodbyes to death and the grave but he lives forever his name is king Jesus and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord ❤😂☝️👈
As a truck driver who loves listening to The Bible Project while driving, this new podcast of telling stories/ testimonies is a blessing to me. Thank God for The Bible Project. May God continue to guide you and keep you faithful to His Word. In Jesus Name
I run a financial company and this is 1000% my mission and vision for the company. I seek to educate and challenge Christians to rethink their relationship with money and inspire them to live in true kingdom wealth. That bit about life insurance and disability insurance is 100% on point. Exactly what I teach, and a fantastic way to provide for your family while still giving generously.
Hi! This podcast is indeed very helpful and eye-opening. Been a while thinking about financial management and retirement plans but don’t know how or where to start. I wonder if I can check your company online??? Thanks!
Yes, may I ask what your company is? I’m leaving the industry after ten years, and am curious what other approaches are out there that better reflect kingdom values.
@@sidadaako4061 My company is called GOEplan Financial Group. Sorry for the delayed response - I am not often on RU-vid. I would be happy to provide some resources.
What I took away from this story is the bigger picture-God brought 2 guys together to change their lives (not a fluke, sorry). They each did something different because that's how God works, we don't all have the same calling. The story has many lessons besides money, but what stands out to me is their obedience. Thank you and please tell more stories!
Yes! 🙌 I remember a couple called to live on 10%. We were called by the Lord to take in a family of Asian refugees. It was supposed to be a family of 4, but it was 6. We had 5 kids at that point (2 were adopted). Well, God said to do it, so we did. But no one at church felt we should be taking in these foreigners. ..immigrants, but God told us to, and His Word backed it up. Well, one day all we had left to eat was soy sauce! We were told to take them to DSHS to sign up for food stamps. We waited 6 hours and only got an appointment for 4 weeks later! I asked what we were going to do until then? They said coldly it wasn't their problem, try the food banks. I had never heard of a food bank! It was late, and my husband was due home from work, so our VW van full of refugees and i headed home. We had not eaten since 6 am. I could barely fight back the tears. I prayed outloud, "Dear Jesus, this will be interesting to see how you pull this off!" The Asian lady repeated, "Dear Jesus." She barely spoke any English, so that surprised me! When we got home, the remainder of our families poured out of the house yelling and carrying on. I thought something awful must have happened, but no, it was happy chatter in English and Chinese! Someone had come and left $200 on our dining room table! No one could say who it was. I was crying, praising God, when a large grocery truck pulled up. They started emptying it into our home. It completely filled our freezer with meat. We had become vegetarians after reading a book, i think about 5 years prior, Diet for a Small Planet...but God told Peter to eat what was normally not kosher, i guess we could take the blessing and be grateful! They brought every sort of groceries you could imagine. There was not enough room for it all! Days later, we did find out who had heard the LORD'S call to help. It was a very wealthy couple God called to live on 10% of their income. At 10%, they were still extremely wealthy and more than generous! They told us their story. Their wealth just kept growing after that decision! They gave even more than 90%! Honestly, they reminded me of the Beverly Hillbillies! I am probably imagining it, but i remember their huge car with bull's horns on the front and a weird musical horn. They had deep southern accents (were were about as far north as you could get), and she wore a fur coat all the time that was just odd looking. They sort of giggled through every conversation, too. But they so loved and trusted the Lord. I only remember seeing them one time in church. After that, people started to bring clothing and other things this family so needed for a new start. Part of their family died getting out of Viet Nam in horrific helpless ways. Their happy world was gone overnight. They lived in terrible conditions in a camp for two years before World Relief rescued them, and many others. But they were grateful for the camp. The horrors they had encountered at the Fall and later...others came from Cambodia a few years later with stories that made Viet Nam's horrors pale in comparison. Anyhow, if we obey God's call, no matter the cost, He honors it. We fought fear, and other issues that came up just due to cultural differences and living so many together. It was a real test of our hearts every day, but it was an incredible faith builder for all of us. Not everyone became Christian, but that one lady did. God was glorified. That was so many years ago. I am a bit elderly now, but it is one of many cherished memories walking with the Lord. This reminded me of that. It is such an interesting life trusting and walking with Him! Sometimes, not so easy, but always blessed! I am forever grateful!
God is talking to people thorough this story, I personally felt convinced about how much I spent every month in stupid stuff when I could put that money into work in the kindom of God.
I found myself crying in the midst of listening to this. Truly, this has somehow changed how I view money and how compelled I am for others to listen to this. I want to share this with my husband so we can be on the same page regarding money all for God's glory. Their testimonies are a revelation!
I am a Reformed Evangelist Seminary graduate from Indonesia, and hearing Bible Project ever since I enroll the seminary 5 years ago. Today I'm listening to this as I am being assigned to do my full time 1yr internship in a local church. I really resonate with this message as my husband is building his own business and we give away to local ministry/schools around 20% above 10% tithe we offer to church and we use around 10% more of our both income for the weekly offering on Sunday Service. Though we seem to never see our retirement soon, we slowly able to buy the things we needed and see God's provision through each step of our lives. Also upon hearing this podcast episode this morning, I can't help but thanking God that with the technology we have today, I could have access and was educated enough that I could get to hear something as fruitful as this in a language that is not even spoken by my parents. Keep on making more episodes, Bible Projects! God bless your team and regards from Indonesia 🇮🇩
Wow.. . I don't have money but, this has changed my "theological view": what can I give... I have so much, not by society's standards but... inside, within... I will give of myself everyday! Greg, John, Todd... ty for your story😢🎉❤
Thank you so much for sharing this. I have been so blessed. I am Mary from Ghana and my career after college started quite rosy, got a full PhD Scholarship and I was living the life that most of my peers desired. Through Marriage, I followed God’s purpose and made the decision to leave academia. This decision hasn’t been the easiest though it has given me the opportunity to become more kingdom conscious and to put first the Kingdom of God. I have always felt distraught with how my life has been especially financially even though I know deep down that allowing God order my steps is the best decision ever. Listening to this just helped me solidify my convictions and strengthened my faith. I trust God to order my steps career-wise where I am not just focused on surviving like most people in my country but truly living. I have time to do the things that matter (fellowship, discipleship, evangelism) while still doing meaningful work.
Mary, my experience echoes your story. And because both of us live in Africa, it's easy for our elite colleagues to see our faith as blinded colonial mentality John and Greg story and now your story confirm God's Light on steps I took years ago. My family, however thinks I made tremendous sacrifice. May Grace and revelation of God's Love meet our unbelieving family members, colleagues and associates.
Wow…. Wouldn’t it be great to be known as radical givers in the Kingdom of God rather than be known by our “membership” in churches? I related to this message so well. Many thanks for radically giving of your time, knowledge and wisdom guys 🙏🏾❤️
You’ve really blessed me with this episode. I’ve been struggling with finding joy in being generous and getting out of a selfish, scarcity mindset. This episode was very encouraging
Thanks for sharing. I make more money then most people and still have a scarcity mindset. I know that if I had millions of dollars I would still have a scarcity mindset. It just goes to show that true generosity comes as a gift through the Holy Spirit, purchased by our Lord and Savior.
It was absolutely mind blowing and now I feel like MY life is about to change because of what God has allowed this episode to do to open up my eyes. Very amazing
I love this story as someone who sought an engineering degree and then ended up getting a PhD in Engineering Education because of my love for working with youth. I invested a 5-figure loan to build a turnkey virtual Christian University, thinking it was my way to leave a legacy in the world. Turned out the "high quality curriculum" was nonexistent and the "world class learning management system" was incomplete/insufficient. However, I know God is in the midst of it all and lives will be transformed through the adjustments and updates we're making to make this work. This message was on time because it has helped reassure me that the money invested, though for a noble endeavor, is all for God's purposes anyways. I'll keep faithfully trusting God and will stop seeking the 6-figure salary so I can get more for myself and my family. I'll focus on generously giving for God's mission.
This made me cry. Thank you people of Bible Project for providing us such amazing stories centered on God. You have no idea on how much you help people live their best lives with Christ with the content you put out. You guys are surely a great example of God’s cities on the hill. I’ll try my best with God to let His light shine through me.
Last night, I literally put in my prayer list, god tell me how to tithe and I wake up to this video first thing in the morning without searching on my RU-vid home page giving me not only instructions but the studies done in Harvard school and the best instructions a geek like me could get. Glory to his ways of providing wisdom! Thank you
"faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Romans 10:17)....Hearing these stories of how the Lord moved in these peoples lives is really beautiful and I think we would all love for many many many more stories about how God's word moves in sooooo many different, but yet oh so similar ways.
God wants our heart and our obedience, He wasn't kidding when he said where your treasure is there your heart will be also.. Matthew 6:21. Love the story, the format, the content. More please. Love the Bible Project and Tim and Jon and the team. God bless you. We pray God continued working in the lives of these young men and the lives that will be impacted because of their obedience. Look how many lives were saved because of Christ's obedience.
This was so good, I’ve always given, my family are givers, my mom really gave her life for us five, my elder Half brother Mike often gave to keep the family going. We had different last names but he never treated me different if anything he treated me better. I have given and my wife have given but to be honest it hasn’t felt like it once did. I realized that as I’ve gotten older and there isn’t a lot in retirement and there are things I can’t do for my kids that I want to, that I’ve become somewhat fearful. We were very financially challenged growing up so I am amazed at the provision in my life and I don’t regret giving but more along the lines of I could have done more if I wasn’t trying to earn others love or approval. It’s by faith we can do anything that is not inherently selfish. This is a great refresher. Remembering Hebrews 13: 1Continue in brotherly love. 2Do not forget to love the foreigners, for in doing so some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. [Gen. 18 & 19] 3Remember those who are imprisoned, as if imprisoned with them, and those who are mistreated, because you+ also are in the body.
This was such a life changing episode! Will resume my partnership with Bible Project as a result! Thank you and we’ll done to you guys! Blessings to you!
This is one of my favorite and revolutionary episodes! I definitely found the book and recommend it to so many people, although it seems to deaf ears. Money is so hard to talk about to people, yet it doesn’t have to be a hard topic, it could be a God honoring, joyful topic.
Even though this was not a long podcast, I kept getting interrupted while listen and had to come back four times before I finished listening. I am so grateful you created this content. Loved John and Greg’s stories and will be getting the book!
Well said....relationships are more important than money...amen! Also, I knew that tithe wasn't a requirement but at the end of the day all belong to Him. Thank you for this podcast because it reaffirms what God wants us as believers to do which is not to build up bigger storehouses. My father was a mathematician plus great businessman but was not a believer. In the end, I let it all go plus forgave my father and evangelized to him the final time before he passed last Memorial Day wknd.
This is amazing. It encourages people to act in obedience. I once was a teacher but left my job and now a fulltime missionary of a non-profit organization. When they spoke about obedience, it brought me in tears. Thank you for this wonderful discussion.
Please, do more podcasts like this. It it is helpful to see Theology expressed in practical ways, by people who have been walking, and been challenged by God. Thank you. This really helped me on the last step of a difficult decision.
First time listener. This whole thing was amazing. I feel deeply touched and moved by the Spirit and by both of these men's stories . Thank you for following God and bringing this to light 🕯️🙏💜
PLEASE! I want to hear more stories! I was enthralled, inspired, encouraged and so much more! Not only was this timely for myself, I shared it with SO many others!! YES YUES and YES!!
This is great! Real testimony of God at work in today’s people’s lives and teaching the rest of us how to apply Gods word to our own lives. Love it !!!
Thank you so much for this video. I have learned so much listening to this podcast. It reminded me when I use to give to charities and ministries who labor in God’s field; I’ve kind of fell off from giving and took some years to focus on myself and what I wanted. Honestly, I didn’t get very far on my financial goals. Listening to this podcast it reminds me of the contrast I lived of when I use to spend as a giver and when I would set financial goals just as John did in his testimony. The truth is that I experienced more happiness and joy as a giver than setting financial goals that never happened as hard as I tried. There is a higher blessing in giving with love; God honors that. The cheerful giver 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 God Bless everyone!
You guys knocked it out of the park with this one! I loved hearing how God transformed these men's lives. More stories like this would be a welcome addition to the amazing teaching and scripture exploration the Bible Project already does.
Man I loved this - the story structure, the content, all of it. I'd love more of these, but also just grateful for this one. I'll definitely listen to it again and work to apply what I learned. THANKS!!
This was awesome as a first born and only believer in my lineage it’s amazing n awesome to hear that Christian’s like this exist and give the way the Lord intended for us 🎉… also thanks for insight and inspiration I Know the Lord will take care of me I’m not sure how but this is the fun journey of walking in Faith… my main Goal in life ever since I’ve known Jesus a few years ago is to not hear him say “oh ye of little faith” 😂 God bless y’all and remember the King of Kings is still on the throne even if your current reality may looked messed up Yeshua is still working on your behalf’s ❤ amen 🙏🏾
Thank you so much for holding space for this exceptional conversation. I feel led by the Holy Spirit to your channel and to this podcast episode in particular because he has been giving me the joyful revelation of the giver. This confirms it and I’m in awe at the divine synchronicities between my experience and Jon and Greg’s paradigm shift. It’s truly amazing how God works. I’m so excited to walk in increasing faith with regards to giving for the kingdom. Praise God!
This is the best Bible Project video. I enjoyed it a lot while learning a great lesson about God and money. It's very edifying. I like the way it was done. Please have more stories like this. Thank you.
I loved this podcast! I came on it by accident browsing RU-vid (I love that so much of your stuff comes up in my YT browser!). I love hearing people's stories of how God moves in their lives, and I love how you presented it, with you and Tim sharing while you related your interview with John and Greg. I shared the link with my financial advisor, and he said that he's actually listened to it several times. I'm looking forward to seeing what God might do with this hour I spent with you! Thanks for your ministry.
Full transparency. I judged this podcast based on the first few seconds I heard. 😂 But I feel God prompted me to go back and listen, but I delayed… twice. I finally relented and listened to it this morning. IT WAS SUCH A BLESSING! ❤
This was a really interesting and captivating listen!! Thank you so much for the amazing interview and storytelling. Definitely had a couple breakthroughs while listening …
You guys are just a blessing to me. I didnt much about money and God and here i am seated instead of Painting I am taking notes from this Podcast about money ... May God bless you and increase you. Thank you from Kenya
I was hooked on this from the beginning up until the very end! The entire 1:02:44 length of the podcast. Thank you so much for doing this. So much to unpack but I’m trusting the Holy Spirit to reveal more me. Like someone said, the story wasn’t just about money. Waiting on God, trusting, listening and obeying Him stood out to me too. 🙏🏾
This was awesome guys. I often feel guilty after listening to stuff about God and money, but there's not much basis for it other than "I'm never doing enough to repay God's grace." It's good to hear a variety of ways that God has led people to spend their money for him. I'm not saying I'm perfect; but I'm going in the right direction, and this encouraged me to continue going that way.
Yeah… but that guilt is not of God. He doesn’t lay guilt on us - 😢 It was so healthy to hear God’s perspective: All I have comes from Him. The question is not, ‘How much should I give’, but rather, ‘How much does He need me to keep???’
Thank you so much for bringing such an amazing story. It truly is a blessing to so many of us who can sometimes go through unexpected hardships and as a result lose sight of God and our purpose. It is the exploration of topics which are not normally discussed in church sermons that keeps me listening, so I can better understand the bible, our history and apply them to my life. It couldn’t have come at a better time since I was just thinking about my own financial situation recently. Keep up the amazing work you do. God bless.
I loved this! Thank you to Greg and John for obeying the LORD and for sharing such a wonderful testimony. I couldn’t help but cry near the end there. Jesus challenges us and changes the heart in such a compassionate and wonderful way! He is such a good Father!
I really appreciate your honesty. I can relate. Especially the part where you were struggling honestly with GOD's choice regarding the job 😢 You guys at Bible Project are a blessing beyond what you'll ever be able to truly fathom! I join millions to say "Thank you! And keep up the good work please"!❤
This story fits aptly to the season of life I am in. It has answered a lot of my questions about what is enough for comfort and the slippery road to living for self in a " righteous" way because one tithes and gives away money that's convenient for one to give while pursuing the dream life. Please, could we have more content like this? THANKS A TONNE FOR THIS
This is quite eye opening for me. Coming from humble beginnings our first thought when we start to make money is to establish security for ourselves that we didn't have growing up. I love the fact that my mindset on trusting God for my security and being radically generous is not an alien idea.....even though my partner may need a bit more Holy Spirit conviction 😊
This story was amazing. So moving and inspiring. I appreciate everything you teach and share with us. I have learned SO much more about the Bible and Jesus since following your channel and using your app. Thank you so much for all the teachings you provide.
God was working with you guys behind the scenes! You chose God over money 🙏🏽 You let go & let God even though it was hard ❤ Good job John 👏🏽 Good job Greg!
I tagged this video to watch later when it was first released, not knowing that I was about to encounter two extremely difficult weeks financially. I just watched it and it was exactly what I needed to hear. God spoke to me through your work so I think you for letting yourselves continue to be led by God in your work.
Wow....I found myself tearing up while listening to this. Didn't know why at first but I think I related to the part of giving up your desires for the sake of others and the pain that comes with that. Really impactful podcast. Thank you.
❤ 🎤 DROP THE MIC🎤❤ The power of story! Now this was an incredible episode that totally captivated even my husband’s attention/heart too! That’s not easily accomplished - he’s a HBS grad also, so what a story for us to hear together! Thank you - keep up the heart + life transformative work Bible Project!
WOW. Loved this SO much. We need more authentic, honest, wrestling-included conversations & stories like this. Especially in regards to money/career... two interconnected areas that people (including believers) really struggle to navigate and steward in the ways God calls them to! My husband and I can relate to this story a lot in terms of our own finances and career decisions. We really learned in the past 2 years, especially after committing the biggest amount of money we ever have to our local church, (including through a Journey of Generosity, which originates from Generous Giving!) that at the end of the day it's not even about how much you give, it's your heart and faith in engaging honestly with God about it - and faithfully obeying him in whatever he tells you to do, even if it doesn't make logical human sense. And it's worth it every time. God is so good and faithful!!! Thank you to the team for taking the time to produce this. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but it truly blesses and ministers to so many!!
This was such an incredible listen, probably my favourite yet. The richness and creativity of the storytelling was incredible, Jon is such a savant in crafting an engaging story and just asking the most straightforward questions. More than the style of this episode, the story itself was so impactful that my wife and I sat down and looked at our “spreadsheet” and asked God how can we flip our paradigm from asking how much more can we earn, save or spend but to how much more can we give! It’s only the beginning but we already feel those nudges from the Holy Spirit moving in our lives. Thanks BP team! Blessings as always 👌🙏💸
Thank you for having this conversation. I feel like I can see my life in front of me, and it says a lot about where I stand now. God bless you all for sharing.❤
This was exactly what I needed to hear. This is a conundrum my heart, God’s heart, constantly battles with. I need to work to feed myself, but more importantly I need to work to feed others. The greater my gain, the greater I can share. Very cool story. GOD IS GREAT! GOD IS LOVE!
I would love to hear this concept based on the other side of the spectrum. How does God want his poorer subjects to live? How do we help when we are struggling ourselves, do we first act selfishly so that we can be in a stable situation then offer more help because we can? Or do we continue helping people while it keeps us in the hole and most likely help less people in the long run?
Although I enjoyed the stories, I really wanted to know more about what the Bible had to say about the tithe and giving and the differences between them. I would like to get your take on Malachi 3:10 and what it meant in context. Thank you guys for all you do with the Bible Project. It surely is Gods work.
this was an absolutely beautiful episode. I truly hope that you will make more stories like this on your site because it was deeply meaningful to me. Thank you.
Absolutely loved your new story format...makes the truth as evident as day light. Great work guys... keep up the creative excellence!!!!! Hallelujah 🌟🙌😊
Love the structure of following 2 people’s stories in how the Bible has transformed their lives in today’s society, while also addressing a topic that I too knew very little about. Would definitely love more content like this! Thank you so much for all you do!
LOVED this! As a Christian called into the financial world, this podcast has helped spark some serious discussions in my heart and household. Keep up the Gospel work and let us know how we can help.
PLEASE, we need more stories like this. This made me cry and come to the Lord saying “forgive me for sometimes seeing money in the wrong way”. May God bless all of the people that participated in this podcast. You guys are a blessing!
