John Cortines - True Riches: What Jesus Really Said About Money and Your Heart

CONTENTS

PRAISE FOR TRUE RICHES

I know and love Greg Baumer and John Cortines. I admire their hearts for God and their grasp of what money is, and of what financial stewardship means. Im grateful that the good news about generous giving has so touched their lives. Greg and John are enthusiastic and articulate concerning life-changing truths. I really enjoyed True Riches and I believe you will too.

Randy Alcorn, author of The Treasure Principle, Managing Gods Money, and Money, Possessions, and Eternity

True Riches is a superb book by any measure. It is artfully written, thoroughly biblical, wonderfully practical, and incredibly motivating. I couldnt put it down, because it so clearly articulates Gods heart for how we are to joyfully handle money and possessions. I believe its destined to become a classic and heartily recommend it!

Howard Dayton, founder of Compass

I deeply admire John and Greg for not only giving us this thoughtful new perspective on how to truly honor God with our money and possessions, but for also transparently sharing their own journeys of discovery and learning. Rather than just accepting conventional Christian wisdom on this all-important topic (which often amounts to slapping a Christian halo over the American dream), they share fresh and powerful insights into biblical truth, and then give us practical tools to evaluate our own personal financial picture. But this is not about guilt-tripping us into ever-more-responsible stewardship. Instead, John and Greg illustrate how God is inviting us on a rewarding adventure of faith, to partner with him to fulfill his kingdom, and to grow spiritually in the process. Whether you just got your first paycheck or have managed wealth for many years, you need to read this wonderfully inspiring book that challenges us to rethink how our relationship with our money is really affecting our hearts, our world, and our relationship with God.

Wess Stafford, president emeritus of Compassion International

True Riches invites us to find freedom and joy in our finances by daily living out the teachings of Jesus. Practical, engaging, and countercultural, this concise guide will help you to move from a posture of anxiety to contentment, and from worry to generosity. For those seeking an eternal perspective on money, this book is a must-read!

Peter Greer, president and CEO of HOPE International and coauthor of Mission Drift

John and Greg live their talk. They are open and honest about their struggles and wins and are thoroughly biblical in their approach, as well as humble and wise beyond their years. True Riches challenges winsomely without prefab formulas. I highly recommend this work.

Robert L. Plummer, PhD, chairman of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminarys New Testament Department

True Riches is a book that will challenge you to rethink your perspective on money and giving. It is both encouraging and convicting. I am grateful for the work of John Cortines and Greg Baumer. Their insight into Gods perspective on money is useful for Christians everywhere. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready to have their financial lives redirected in a God-centered way.

Dr. Evan Lenow, professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

True Riches is a powerful book that presents a biblical framework for practically experiencing the life that is truly life. It is thought-provoking while being easy to read. I have found myself thinking about the book consistently since finishing it and praying for the qualities Greg and John present in the book to develop in my life on the pathway to true riches.

Todd Harper, president of Generous Giving

True Riches blends biblical insight with practical information to create a helpful handbook on financial managementfor everyone. John and Greg are sincere, earnest, and devoted while also remaining honestly realistic and approachable. So, whether youre just starting to consider the role of money in your life, or youre well down the financial road, youll find help and hope here.

Elisa Morgan, president emerita of MOPS International, cohost of Discover the Word, and author of The Prayer Coin

2019 by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer

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ISBN 978-1-4002-0854-8 (eBook)

ISBN 978-1-4002-0853-1 (HC)

Epub Edition April 2019 9781400208548

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018964221

Printed in the United States of America

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To Megan. Weve come to learn about the joys and the costs of discipleship together, but youve never wavered in your love and dedication to our King and the true riches he offers. Youre my best friend, the love of my life, editor, speaking coach, and a loving mother to our children. I fall more in love with you every year!John

To Alison. You inspire me every day with your gracious, selfless generosity. Your consistent, sacrificial love is an immeasurable blessing to me, our children, and our community. I thank God daily for convincing you to marry me! I look forward to continuing to serve the Lord together with you. I love you!Greg

DO YOU TRUST ME?

This is a big question from God that we must answer in every area of life. The Christian life is supposed to be lived by faith! In this book, John and Greg invite us to apply real faith and trust to our finances. They invite us to consider that trusting God and walking by faith could be the most joyful, adventurous, and eternally rewarding path we can follow with our money. This runs contrary to the popular belief, even in Christian circles, that managing money is all about responsibilityformulas, steps, and crafting a perfect plan. Those things matter, but they fall short of the full invitation of Jesus in this area of our lives. At the end of the day, we are called to take new steps of faith on an adventure with God.