Episode 1

S6 Ep 1: Money According to the Old Testament Law

In the first episode of this season on ‘Money According to the Bible’, Simon and Bex identify key themes that are introduced in the Old Testament Books of the Law.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

  • Simon explains that this new season of the podcast will explore what the Bible says about money by tracing key themes as they emerge and develop through the Old and New Testaments. He has been helped in this endeavour by being able to draw on a resource produced by Howard Dayton called ‘2350 Verses on Money and Possessions’. [02:54]
  • This episode identifies some key themes that are introduced in the Old Testament Books of the Law (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). [03:54]
  • Simon notes that the topic of how much we should give is mentioned early on in the Bible, with the concept of donating a tithe (a tenth) of our wealth to God receiving a mention as early as Genesis 14. [06:07]
  • Bex then goes on to remark that while the expectation that God’s people will give is in the process of being formalised into a legal requirement, there is also very strong emphasis on generosity and a willingness to give being crucial ingredients. This point is illustrated with reference to Exodus 35, a chapter which also provides examples of other themes which will go on to be significant throughout the Bible, including (i) giving not being restricted to money, and (ii) the contribution that creativity can make to giving. [10:16]
  • Two other key principles are identified: the importance of prioritising giving to God by setting aside ‘first fruits’ for Him; and the importance of providing for those in need, for example by means of a ‘Sabbath Year’ from which they can benefit. [13:49]
  • Simon draws attention to the thought-provoking and challenging concept of the Year of Jubilee (the ’Sabbath of Sabbaths’) as outlined in Leviticus 25, which embodies principles of social justice, debt relief and stewardship. [18:38]
  • When wrapping up this episode, Bex and Simon talk about the opportunities and challenges that arise from the theme that is developed in the Bible of there being a ‘Promised Land’ for God’s people. [22:46]
  • Finally, Simon lists a number of other themes relating to money, wealth and possessions (including investing, borrowing and debt) that are brought to our attention within the first five books of the Bible. [25:04]
  • The next episode in this season will explore what the Books of History in the Old Testament have to say about money. [26:08]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

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About the Podcast

Show artwork for Where Your Treasure Is...
Where Your Treasure Is...
Conversations about faith and finance with Chartered Financial Planner of the Year, Simon Glazier

About your hosts

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Simon Glazier

Simon is a forty(something), average height, mostly bald, Christian, husband, father of three, bad taste in fashion, movie-loving, not-very-musical-but-likes-to-sing, outdoor type, board-game playing, dancing, acting (would love to get back into amateur dramatics), kind of guy.

He also happens to be a very experienced, qualified and award-winning Financial Planner (and not just any award - the UK Chartered Financial Planner of the Year Award!).

After 20+ years in the finance profession and having worked for one of Aberdeen and the UK’s best financial planning firms (they also won awards...) he started Stewardship Wealth on the 1st April 2018. His goal is to build a business that would delight clients, gather a team of fun to work with people, and raise money for charity, in particular the Church he is a part of. He has committed to giving away at least 10% of all the income of the business to charity, even before he pays himself!

He's been part of a growing Aberdeenshire church for 25+ years, during which time he as acted, sung, played the tambourine (sad, but true), served in and helped lead the children's ministry, helped run several Marriage Courses, Parenting Courses and Money Courses, been a Treasurer and Trustee for over 13 years and has helped lead a small group based bible study for as long as he can remember.

If you’re ever up for a deep and meaningful conversation about faith and finance...or a strategy based board game...then he’s your man.

P.S. He also has a collection of over 60 Monopoly Board Games, owns a Bowler Hat and once represented England in the World Folkdance Festival as a Morris Dancer...!
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Bex Elder

Bex Elder is a freelance translator and writer based in the North East of Scotland. While Bex is by no means a financial expert (unlike her more knowledgeable co-host), her love of a good chat, and sometimes debate, led her into podcasting. Bex splits her working hours between her own business and working a day a week for her local church as the Assistant Youth Pastor. Bex loves running, getting lost in a good book, drinking copious amounts of tea and never says no to a macaron.