Abrahams Wallet

Mark Parrett reprises his “best books I read this year” gimmick with AW friend Jeff Davenport. They discuss books old and new, fiction and nonfiction, funny and profane- basically, whatever they ingested in the past year. It’s a review of interesting books, and and advertisement for reading in general. it’s 2021’s Book List!

Mark Parrett gives a quick overview on an inflation hedge: iBonds. They’re treasury certificates and you can buy up to $10k worth of them annually. If you’re looking for short-term returns with good interests rates… Listen to this quick primer and consider iBonds!

Steven Manuel tells us what to look for, Biblically, as the promised “wolves in sheep’s clothing” come out of the woodwork to deceive the church. How can we recognize false teachers, how can we respond to them, and what kind of people are “false teacher-proof” in treacherous days?

Steven Manuel, in a live talk recorded 10/30/21, speaks on the purpose of the Gospel, the urgency of obedience, and the contemporary’s church misuse of the terms “grace” and “legalism”. He shares insights about what’s happening in the church today, and how God-fearing families can respond. (0:00-9:00 is introduction to the Abraham’s Wallet audience.)

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel discuss the celebration of holidays (22:30): Biblical (25:00), patriotic (31:30), Christian-ish (36:00) (think Christmas and Easter), and totally UNChristian American holidays (1:01:45). There is a way to navigate each types for the good of your family. They also go into tangents about the moral implications of buying Nike sneakers (1:30), Steven’s newest credit card fetish (7:00), a USA Today article about Americans with no savings (12:00). What we know is that 1. God loves celebration, 2. We’re free to interpret these things and use them as we see fit, and 3. There is grace for us in the process!

Dive into the dynamics of spiritual groups where leadership meets peer support, as hosts discuss fostering accountability and growth among men. They humorously draw parallels between the passion for college football and a committed faith journey. Personal stories from a Disney adventure explore the nostalgia versus reality of family fun. Reflecting on Alabama's legendary football history adds a unique twist, highlighting legacy while encouraging an authentic discipleship approach.

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel discuss the many uses of a well-crafted Family Vision Statement (8:00). From affecting your finances (spending, saving, and giving), your physical space, your intellectual pursuits, the way you train your children, and your spiritual life, a Family Vision Statement can have a profound effect on a family. THERE’S ALSO A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT IN THIS EPISODE with a special discount offer for defining your own family vision! Steven and Mark also check in on Orator’s Corner (5:00), discuss the ideal home temperature, how Mark Zuckerberg chose the new name for the Facebook corporation (54:00) and what you should be serving for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel wade into piranha-filled waters by discussing the wave of firings and resignations resulting from mandates sweeping the land (8:00). What’s the Biblical stance? Can Daniel be a model for us? Where do matters of conscience come in? Lest you think it’s all serious, they also discuss Steven’s recent music recordings, a standout recent email, and how large a man’s underwear collection SHOULD be… so there’s that.

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel discuss Anderson Cooper (and Daniel Craig… and Kevin O’Leary)’s idea that inheritances are best given to anybody besides one’s children. We’re convinced… otherwise. Also, orator’s corner makes its return.

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel respond to 3 diferrent accounts of “my advisor told me…” anecdotes from viewers: (25:00) 1. How much should I invest in my new business?  2. Should I put everything toward retirement when my family wants to invest in real estate? (38:15) 3. Should I dump all my money into a LIRP? (51:00) They also gab about run-ins with celebrities (1:00), BBQ updates (6:00), and Steven introduces a pet segment: Orators’ Corner (17:30).