The prosperity gospel seems to be catching hold in American churches, with many placing an emphasis on building wealth. Can you help me defend my position that the Bible does not support this theology? As a Crown supporter, I want to see your message expand. 

Faithful Stewardship

Dear Faithful Stewardship, 

The Bible does not support the teaching of the prosperity gospel, nor does it support the opposite extreme, the poverty gospel. We cannot demand of God, nor should we, that He make us rich with the treasures of this world. We should also not condemn wealth as sinful or rich people as greedy and evil. 

The Scripture teaches us to be responsible with what we have, whether a lot or a little (Matthew 25:14–30). The biblical standard is to be faithful to the Lord with our financial choices because it all belongs to Him and we are temporary stewards. But as you note, many Christians are shifting their emphasis to laying up treasures on Earth, not in Heaven. 

The Final Warning Is About Money 

While the church in Laodicea existed nearly two thousand years ago, its condition feels eerily familiar today. The city of Laodicea is mentioned in the New Testament—in Colossians 2, Colossians 4, and, most famously, Revelation 3. It was one of the wealthiest cities in the Roman world, known for banking, textiles, and medicine. After a devastating earthquake in A.D. 60, the city became so prosperous that it refused financial assistance from Rome, choosing instead to rebuild itself. It had become fiercely self-sufficient. And prosperity shaped its spiritual life.

In Revelation 3:17, Jesus told the church, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Their greatest problem wasn’t wealth; it was misplaced dependency. Their self-sufficiency convinced them they no longer needed to depend on God; they were blind to their desperate poverty in the eyes of the Lord. This is a repudiation of the false teaching of the prosperity gospel. 

Ask Chuck Is The Prosperity Gospel Wrong

Americans Compare to the Laodiceans 

Financial success can subtly move our trust from the Lord to our income, investments, retirement accounts, or possessions. Oh, we may still profess faith yet quietly depend on “our” resources while failing to recognize and honor God’s provision.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians included a message to the believers in Laodicea. Look carefully at what he said about riches: 

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments (Colossians 2:1–4 ESV, emphasis mine).

To protect the church from the deception of worldly riches, Paul was pointing out that all the riches and treasures that have eternal value are found in Christ. I like to say that the real riches we need are all the things that money cannot buy. 

Paul’s concern for the believers in Laodicea, expressed in Colossians, was that they would remain firmly rooted in Christ and not be taken captive by worldly thinking. That’s the antidote to financial self-sufficiency. Yet we read in Revelation 3 that the Laodiceans were deceived by their temporal riches to the point they believed they had no need for Christ. 

We Are Called to Be Responsible With Money

Biblical stewardship is living in the reality that everything we have belongs to God. We are managers, not owners. Wealth is a gift to be used wisely, held loosely, and shared generously.

The question isn’t whether God will bless us with resources. The question is whether those resources will draw us closer to Christ or cause us to live as though we no longer need Him.

The danger occurs when self-sufficiency finds its way into the Church. Jesus looks beyond bank accounts and into hearts. What captures our affection? On whom or what do we depend? Where is our ultimate trust?

Our greatest security must never be found in wealth but in the One who gives it.

A Gift, Not a God 

We live in a culture that celebrates independence, financial success, and self-reliance. We have unprecedented access to wealth, technology, entertainment, and convenience. Yet despite our abundance, we suffer with unprecedented levels of anxiety, loneliness, debt, and spiritual apathy.

Wealth is a gift—not a god. It can meet certain needs but not the most important ones. Everything we own belongs to the Lord, and every blessing should draw us closer to Him, not farther away.

The church in Laodicea wasn’t condemned because it was wealthy but because it no longer recognized its need for Christ. May we never become so financially secure that we fail to depend on the One who provides “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17).

Are you interested in receiving ministry updates from around the world? Do you want helpful and encouraging tools and tips on financial stewardship? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 3, 2026.

The post Ask Chuck: Is the Prosperity Gospel Wrong? appeared first on Crown Financial Ministries.

I am really worried about the skyrocketing debt of our federal government. It seems that 250 years is something to celebrate, but the truth is we have more debt than we can handle. Do you think we can fix this? 

America’s Runaway Debt 

Dear America’s Runaway Debt?, 

Certainly, Uncle Sam is loading us all up with more and more debt. 

You can track the national debt using one of these helpful websites: National Debt Clock, US DebtClock.org, or National Debt Per Person. They all indicate that we are presently at about $300,000 per household in debt as of this writing.

Our founders believed that excessive public debt threatened national independence, prosperity, and future generations. Their concern was that borrowing today places burdens on tomorrow’s citizens—a principle that aligns closely with biblical stewardship and the idea of leaving a healthy inheritance to future generations. 

Next week, America celebrates the 250th anniversary of her independence. Ironically, the nation is independent from foreign control but highly dependent on debt. There are reasons that citizens should be concerned and ways I think we should respond. Let’s look at the problem first. 

Runaway Federal Spending

The US federal debt is the result of many factors, including entitlement spending, defense spending, welfare programs, interest on existing debt, economic downturns, and years of budget deficits. Eventually, interest payments consume resources that could otherwise be used for infrastructure, education, public safety, or tax relief.

Federal debt becomes increasingly dangerous when it grows faster than a nation’s ability to manage and repay it. The concern arises when borrowing becomes a long-term substitute for fiscal discipline.

High debt threatens flexibility during crises. If a recession, war, or national emergency occurs, a heavily indebted government has fewer options available because so much of its budget is already committed. It burdens future generations. Current citizens (and non-citizens) enjoy benefits today while passing the costs to taxpayers tomorrow.

Historical Perspectives on America’s Debt

“Avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts.”
(George Washington, Farewell Address)

“To contract new debts is not the way to pay old ones.”
(George Washington, letter to James Welch, Apr. 7, 1799)

“There is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money; for when money can be had in this way,’ repayment is seldom thought of in time, the interest becomes a moth, exertions to raise it by dent of industry ceases, it comes easy and is spent freely, and many things [are] indulged in that would never be thought of if [they were] to be purchased by the sweat of the brow…. in the mean time the debt is accumulating like a snow ball in rolling [sic].”
(George Washington, letter to his nephew, Samuel Washington, Mount Vernon, 12 July, 1796)

“I, however, place economy among the first and most important republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.”

(Thomas Jefferson to William Plumer, July 21, 1816)

“We must make our election between economy and liberty, or profusion and servitude.”
(Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Kercheval, 1816)

“A government that is big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take everything you have.”
(Gerald Ford, Address to a Joint Session of Congress, August 12, 1974)

“The problem is not that people are taxed too little, the problem is that government spends too much.”
(Ronald Reagan)

Can It Be Fixed? 

Yes, it can be fixed but it will not be easy. A nation can move toward a balanced budget and debt reduction in two ways:

1. Reduce spending (austerity)
2. Increase revenue through economic growth

Alexander Hamilton argued that a thriving economy and productive enterprise strengthened the nation’s finances and ability to meet its obligations. Prosperity is strongest for individuals or nations built on productive work, opportunity, and responsible stewardship. 

History has shown that our nationally elected officials have no interest in reducing spending. They cannot agree even with the need to live on a balanced budget! So don’t expect us to ever use austerity measures to fix this. 

America needs economic growth, job creation, and spending discipline, rather than only relying on fraud reduction and the hope for austerity programs. If millions more Americans are working, earning income, buying goods, and starting businesses, government revenues rise through income taxes, payroll taxes, and business taxes—often without increasing tax rates.

What to Do?

Nobody can predict the future, but we can analyze the facts and be prepared accordingly. The reality is that economic shocks can come from many directions. A layoff, a recession, inflation, a market downturn, or an unexpected emergency can quickly disrupt even the best financial plans. Individuals should prepare practically while trusting God ultimately. This grants stability and peace instead of panic. These are wise financial moves to make now: 

• Live below your means and build financial margin. Grow your emergency fund to reduce dependence on debt. 
• Reduce unnecessary debt. The fewer monthly payments you have, the more flexible and resilient your finances become. 
• Invest in yourself. Developing skills, maintaining professional relationships, and growing knowledge can create opportunities even during economic turmoil. Your earning ability is one of your greatest financial assets.
• Trust the Lord, not your net worth. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 ESV).

Ronald Reagan said, “There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right.” The “we” are you and me. We must become educated and involved while motivating others to join us. 

• Engage in community forums that promote fiscal responsibility. 
• Run for office, or nominate and elect people who are committed to wisely managing America’s budget. 
• Support policy change that increases entrepreneurship, employment, and economic investment. Support spending cuts for non-essential programs. 

Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help your family find financial freedom. Learn how to be a faithful financial steward of the resources God provides.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 26, 2026.

The post Ask Chuck: Can America’s National Debt Be Fixed ?  appeared first on Crown Financial Ministries.

I hope this article can help those who are caught in the strain of this right now. 

Why Is Healthcare So Expensive?

High costs are due to a combination of factors: advanced medical technology, rising prescription drug costs, administrative complexity, insurance overhead, provider shortages, chronic disease, and an aging population. Unlike most purchases, consumers rarely know prices upfront, which reduces competition and makes it difficult for market forces to control costs.

For a typical family of four with employer-sponsored health insurance, the total annual premium averages about $27,000 per year ($2,250 per month). Employers pay most of that cost. The average employee contribution is about $6,850 per year ($571 per month), with employers covering the remainder. 

Yet premiums are only part of the cost. There are deductibles, copays, coinsurance, prescription costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. When those are included, total annual healthcare costs for a family of four can run over $35,000 (including both employer and employee spending plus out-of-pocket medical expenses). 

Families who purchase insurance without employer assistance find that costs vary widely based on age, location, plan, and income-based subsidies. Unsubsidized marketplace plans for a family of four can easily exceed $1,500–$2,000 per month in premiums alone.

Practical Steps

• Stay in-network, and use preventive care. 

Providers who are out-of-network often charge double in-network rates. Regular checkups, screenings, exercise, healthy eating, and preventative care can reduce long-term healthcare expenses while improving quality of life.

• Understand your coverage. 

Aim to fully understand deductibles, copays, provider networks, and coverage options to avoid overpaying. An annual review helps you make better healthcare decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.

• Shop for services when possible. 

Prices for medical procedures can vary significantly between providers. For non-emergency care, compare costs, ask for cash-pay discounts, or use price transparency tools to locate substantial savings.

• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can be valuable. 

The tax advantages help families save for current and future medical expenses. 

• Build your emergency fund. 

Set aside money to prevent healthcare costs from becoming debt burdens.

• Review prescription costs regularly. 

Check out generic medications, discount programs, and mail-order options.

Under- or Uninsured?

For millions of Americans, routine medical care can be financially overwhelming. Thankfully, there are options. 

Health sharing programs can cost 30–50% less than traditional coverage. This can be an excellent option for those without major health conditions. See pros/cons and charts at the link. 

Many hospitals and healthcare systems offer financial assistance programs for low-income and uninsured patients. These can significantly reduce, or in some cases even eliminate, certain medical bills. Simply ask if you qualify.

Community health clinics and federally qualified health centers often provide primary care, screenings, and preventive services on a sliding fee scale based on income. They can be an affordable alternative for ongoing healthcare needs.

Negotiate medical bills. Many providers offer discounts for prompt payment, self-pay patients, or payment plans. 

Lower prescription costs through generic medications, discount programs, manufacturer assistance programs, and pharmacy comparison tools.

Review eligibility for public programs such as Medicaid or state-specific healthcare assistance. Circumstances change, and some families qualify without realizing it.

You may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance. Read this GoodRX report. 

Recently, two of my friends sought medical care out of the United States. While costs may appear much lower at face value, be very careful to determine the overall costs and quality of care before making this choice. 

Medical Billing Errors 

The Patient Advocate Foundation estimates that about half of all medical bills have some kind of mistake. If you suspect an error, dispute the charge. Be persistent and patient. It usually takes several calls to get a resolution. Wait to pay the bill until receiving an explanation of benefits (EOB) or a Medicare Summary Notice. See Kiplinger.com.

Steward Your Health

From a stewardship perspective, caring for our health and that of our family is a God-entrusted responsibility. We cannot control healthcare prices, but we can take wise steps to seek care, ask questions, plan ahead, and use resources applicable to our situation.

Healthcare challenges can feel overwhelming, but small, informed decisions today can make a significant difference tomorrow. As costs continue to rise faster than wages, proactive stewardship through healthy living, emergency savings, understanding insurance options, and planning for medical expenses becomes increasingly important. Addressing health concerns early is usually less expensive than a trip to the emergency room.

Healthcare costs remind us of a stewardship principle that involves planning ahead. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 ESV). We cannot control every medical expense, but we can prepare wisely and make informed decisions.

Healthcare costs will likely remain a challenge for many families. Remember to pray and ask the Lord for His help. Many have experienced God’s intervention in healing and provision. We can also do our part with personal diligence, planning, healthy habits, and wise stewardship. My prayer is these steps will ease some of the financial pressure and help you navigate rising costs more effectively. 

If credit card debt is stretching your budget and making healthcare costs feel overwhelming, Christian Credit Counselors can help. As a trusted Crown partner, they provide personalized debt management plans designed to reduce debt, lower financial stress, and help you regain control of your finances.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on June 19, 2026. 

The post Ask Chuck: How to Address the High Cost of Healthcare appeared first on Crown Financial Ministries.