Sample Chapter

About

A minority of Christians give 10 percent or more of their income to churches and missions, supporting the bulk of church work done today. If more people give, the possibilities will be breathtaking—but first we must change the way we think.  

Jim Petty wants to revolutionize our view along scriptural lines. Our money is for giving; it is an exciting, tangible means for showing love and mercy to others. Petty traces this perspective through the stories of Old Testament saints, our Lord Jesus, and the early church. He also evaluates Christian giving throughout history, showing how and why it has fluctuated over time. 

Although talking about money feels taboo to many of us, God doesn’t have the same reservations, and Petty shows how we can responsibly plan our own finances, including retirement, and encourage greater generosity by educating others in a church context.  

After all, God himself is a giver, not a taker, and he calls us to imitate him in his generosity.

Endorsements 

“I am so enthusiastic about this book by Jim Petty. I know of no other book that digs more deeply into what Scripture has to say about money. . . . I know I will go back to this book again and again to root myself again and again in the money sanity that comes only from God’s Word.”

—Paul David Tripp, Author, Redeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts 

“Jim’s book provides . . . clear, wise guidance. It includes the revealing story of money and giving throughout Scripture, a history of giving in the Christian church, and next steps we can take in our own giving. You will find it compelling and hopeful.”

—Ed Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation 

“This is a special book. I’m familiar with much writing on generosity, but I’ve never seen anything like this, which surveys the entire Bible on generosity. . . . I hope that every Christian reads this book and is inspired.” 

—Paul E. Miller, Executive Director, seeJesus; Author, A Praying Life and J-Curve