God and Money

How We Discovered True Riches at Harvard Business School

Two young Harvard MBAs on the fast track to wealth and success tell their story of God's transforming power and how Scripture brought them to the startling conclusion that they should give the majority of their money away to those in need. Packed with compelling case studies, research, and practical strategies, God and Money offers an honest look at what the Bible says about generous giving. No matter what your salary may be, God and Money shows you how you can reap the rewards of radical generosity in your own life.

*100% of the author royalties goes toward Christian ministries focused on spreading the Gospel and providing for those in need*

“John and Greg realize what everyone should know—that middle-class Americans are among the richest people in world history. It's time for Christ-followers to understand that God has bigger purposes than increasing our standard of living—He wants us to increase our standard of giving." —Randy Alcorn, from the Foreword of God and Money

John Cortines and Gregory Baumer met as Harvard MBA candidates in a men's Bible study and stopped asking "How much should I give?" and started asking "How much do I need to keep?" With their top-notch education and rising careers, Cortines and Baumer were guaranteed comfort and security for the rest of their lives. However, when their plans for saving and spending collided with God's purposes for extravagant generosity, they were each compelled to make a life-changing decision that challenges the values held by mainstream America and many Christian commentators. Cortines and Baumer show not only how to radically give, but explain how to do so responsibly.

Dive into the story and get equipped with the practical tools to—

• • Easily set budgets for spending
• • Wisely steward your money
• • Prepare and save for your future—home ownership, retirement, higher education, etc...
• • Know what the Bible says about money, tithing, and faith
• • Discern when to give and when not to give

Featuring lessons from the Bible, modern day case studies, and practical ways to apply biblical principles no matter what situation you're in, God and Money provides an incredible look into what the Bible says about—

• • Tithing and Christian giving
• • Wealth and stewardship
• • Faith and generosity
• • Love of money
• • And so much more!

From the parables of the Rich Young Ruler to the Widow's Mite, the Bible shows us that how we manage our money is critical to our relationship with God. God and Money uses these parables and more to teach you to save, spend, and steward your money in a biblical way by planting God's purposes at the heart of your practices.

Discover the 7 Core Principles of Wealth and Giving

Authors Cortines and Baumer pack 2,350 verses on money into 7 practical principles that can be applied to your life and finances on a daily basis. From shopping for groceries to your first down payment on a home, apply these reliable guidelines with ease and clarity—

• • Everything we "own" actually belongs to God
• • Giving should be voluntary, generous, cheerful, and needs-based
• • Giving generously breaks down the power of money over us
• • And more!

Gain Tools to Manage Your Money Wisely

Packed with tables, charts, graphs, and a quiz, the applications in God and Money are backed with scripture, data, research, and clear illustrations to help you discover what it means to honor God with your wealth. God and Money will teach you—

• • How to set budgets for spending
• • How to wisely steward your money
• • How to save for your future—home ownership, retirement, higher education, etc...
• • What the Bible says about tithing
• • When to give and when not to give
• • If you are a Spender, Saver, or a Servant with The 3 S's Quiz

Download FREE Tools and Resources to Create Your Personalized Giving Plan! No matter what your budget or salary looks like, you have the opportunity to serve and honor God with your finances! Easily set up your own annual spending cap when you download the free spreadsheet included! Save hours of time doing dizzying calculations for your spending, saving, and giving budgets with downloadable and reproducible Finish Line spreadsheets and other additional resources available!

God and Money also includes Baumer and Cortines' "Generosity Covenants" to empower you to write your own, for you, your small group, or your family! Don't wait another day to live a life of generosity that honors God with your life and money!

What Others are Saying About God and Money

"This is one of the most thoughtful and well researched books on giving that I have had the pleasure of reading. The frameworks presented in the book can be used by people at all stages of experiencing the joy of generosity." —Waters Davis, President of National Christian Foundation Houston. "With uncommon transparency, John and Greg provide a Gospel-centered and practical perspective on wealth. Through a leveling critique of comfortable Christianity, they challenge us to wholeheartedly pursue the joy of generosity. Read this book and you will be inspired, convicted and thinking differently about using what God has given you for Kingdom impact." —Peter Greer, President & CEO of HOPE International and coauthor of Mission Drift

"In God and Money, Baumer and Cortines challenge Christian readers to consider afresh what generosity looks like in light of the Scripture's radical teaching and the day of affluence in which we live. Whether or not you agree with all their conclusions or personal practices, you will be challenged and inspired." —Robert L. Plummer, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"I greatly enjoyed reading God and Money! God used the framework Greg and John described to challenge my perspective and practice of generosity. I realized in reading their book that my personal bias is more saver and spender than servant. What I truly desire to be is a fully surrendered servant of Jesus. This book gave me practical frameworks to move in that direction." —Todd Harper, President, Generous Giving

"The mission of Harvard Business School is "to educate leaders who make a difference in the world," and in John and Greg that mission has been fulfilled abundantly. It has been my privilege to be their teacher, their colleague and now their friend; and I wish them Godspeed as they take the transformative message found in God and Money out to their community and to the world beyond. I have learned to expect great things from them, and they have yet to disappoint." —Derek van Bever, Senior Lecturer in Business Administration; Director, Forum for Growth and Innovation, Harvard Business School

Preview God and Money Table of Contents

Part I: Foundations

• Chapter 1: Wealth and Giving in the Bible
• Chapter 2: Seven Core Principles for Biblical Wealth and Giving
• Chapter 3: Motivations for Giving
• Chapter 4: Trends and Movements in Generosity

Part II: Frameworks

• Chapter 5: The "Three S's Framework:" Spender, Saver, or Servant?
• Chapter 6: Spending: Investing in the Present
• Chapter 7: Saving: Investing in the Future
• Chapter 8: Serving: Investing in Eternity Through Giving

Part III: Forward

• Chapter 9: Stewardship in Community
• Chapter 10: Our Conclusions