Living Dangerously with Finances - Part 1 - 10 April 2026

·25 min·2 clips

Why did Jesus make 16 of his 38 parables directly about money and possessions?

This episode is part one of a series titled 'Living Dangerously with Finances' on Today with Jeff Vines. Pastor Jeff Vines, a pastor and apologist, delivers a sermon-style message focused on biblical teachings about money. He begins by noting that preaching about money is often confrontational, yet the Bible addresses it frequently, with over 2000 verses on finances compared to about 500 on prayer. Vines reads from Malachi chapter 3, highlighting God's accusation that people are robbing him in tithes and offerings. He provides a detailed teaching on tithing, defining it as 10% given immediately from one's income, symbolizing God's ownership of everything. Vines explains that tithing is a universal principle that predates Mosaic law, citing Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek. He distinguishes between tithes (obligatory) and offerings (voluntary), emphasizing that failing to tithe is robbing God. Vines discusses the Hebrew word for 'test me' in Malachi 3:10, comparing it to throwing down a gauntlet, and describes God's promise to open the windows of heaven for blessings and rebuke the devourer (Satan) for those who obey. He concludes with a personal story from his time as a church planter in New Zealand, where he stopped tithing and experienced financial and spiritual consequences, illustrating the practical impact of these principles. The episode is educational in tone, blending scripture analysis with practical application.

As heard by us

A direct sermon on tithing, first fruits, and the spiritual honesty of putting God first with money.

Money becomes a test of spiritual honesty in this episode of Today with Jeff Vines, as Malachi 3's promise of overflowing blessing leads into the uneasy subject of preaching about finances.

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Why you'd press play

You want a biblical challenge to what happens first when money comes in? Pastor Jeff goes straight to Malachi 3 and the tithe.

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