The Bible Project

Send us a text Today we're stepping into one of the more tender chapters in the Old Testament — a chapter that shows us what grace and kindness can look like when it's lived out in real life.A passage that reveals this same pattern for the Christian life of kindness as required under the New Covenant, but displayed here in the life of David in the Old Testament.Kindness as demonstrated today in 2 Samuel 9.Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textToday we're stepping into a chapter that, at first glance, looks like a bit of a military report — a list of battles, victories, and conquered territories. But if you slow down, if you listen carefully, if you ask the right questions… this chapter becomes a window into something far deeper.This chapter is about success but not the kind of success you find in a business book or on social media. Not the kind of success the world celebrates.This is God's definition of success.And that's what we're going to explore today….Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textIf you want to understand Scripture, there are certain passages you simply must know. Foundational passages. Pillars. Anchors. If you were building a list of essential Old Testament texts, I'd suggest you'd probably start with:Genesis 1 — God created everything.Genesis 3 — humanity fell.Genesis 12 — God made a covenant with Abraham.Exodus 14 — the Exodus, the defining moment for Israel.Exodus 20 — the Ten Commandments.Isaiah 53 — the suffering Messiah.Psalm 16 — the resurrection foretold.Psalm 23 — the Shepherd who walks with us.But there's another passage — one many Christians overlook — that you must understand if you want to understand the Bible as a whole.I believe it is this passage is 2 Samuel chapter 7.So, let's step into it together.Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textListen to my new 'Classic Literature Podcast' by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts from. Or visit the podcast website:https://theclassicliteraturepodcast.buzzsprout.comToday's Episode Notes:Sometimes you can obey the Lord — sincerely, wholeheartedly — and still face difficulty despite that obedience. Sometimes doing the right thing can even bring unexpected pain.Sometimes faithfulness leads you straight into a storm.Sometimes, a commitment to God creates conflict you never asked for elsewhere in your life. And when that happens, the question becomes: What do you do when obedience brings hardship? That's exactly the tension we find in 2 Samuel 6 — one of the most surprising and emotionally charged chapters in David's story. So, get ready, as we step into this remarkable passage….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textSometimes when we see God blessing someone, we can get the wrong idea. We start to think they must be flawless. Untouchable. Spiritually elite. Almost superhuman.Doctrinally, we know better. We know everyone has sinned. We know every believer has weaknesses. But practically? Emotionally? We sometimes forget that.And if there's any place in Scripture that reminds us how blessing and brokenness can coexist in the same person, it's the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. And if there's one chapter that puts both truths side by side — God's blessing and human imperfection — it's 2 Samuel chapter 5.Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textToday we're stepping back into 2 Samuel chapter 4 — a short chapter, but one packed with tension, and difficult moral choices, and a reminder of what it means to do the right thing when everyone around you seems to be doing the opposite.Human beings have the God‑given ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Even people who don't believe in the bible , still have “the works of the law written on their hearts.” They have a conscience. And that conscience, Paul says, either accuses them or excuses them.Because while every human being has a sense of right and wrong, a lot of things can distort it.Public opinion can distort it.Peer pressure can distort it.Personal preference can distort it.And sometimes, as Scripture says, the conscience can become “damaged-seared,” no longer sensitive to God's truth. The modern expression is that someone can lose their moral compass. So, the question becomes: How do we live by the rules of right and wrong in a world where so many things pull us off course? 2 Samuel 4 gives us a vivid picture of that.So, let's step into the story…. Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textOne of the most successful television programs in the UK in the 1960's when I was growing up, was called Jack-a-Nory, which was originally broadcast between 1965 and 1996. All the top actors of the day were delighted to be asked to come on it and simply sit in a chair and read a story. It began with a simple short phrase. “Are you sitting comfortably. Let me tell you a story.” And it had a winning formula because children love stories.Adults love stories, and older folks love telling stories.Stories connect with us in a way that facts alone never can. And apparently, God agrees — because the Bible is full of stories. It's a book that is not just commands, not just doctrines, not just principles, but stories. Real people. Real choices. With real consequences played out. Some stories show us what to imitate.Some show us what to avoid.I think 2 Samuel 3 is one of those stories. It's messy.It's political.It's full of flawed people making questionable decisions.And yet, right in the middle of it, God is quietly at work — moving His purposes forward, shaping His king, and teaching us something about how His work gets done in the real world. So let's step into the story…..Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textWar and peace have been with us since Cain and Abel. Conflicts can show up in families. They show up between siblings. They show up in neighbourhoods, workplaces, churches, and nations, and they also show up in the human heart.  Conflicts and agreements — can weave their way through every generation, every community, every life. And that raises a question we all have to wrestle with at some point: What causes conflict, and can we pursue peace? I believe 2 Samuel chapter 2 gives us an insight into both answers. This chapter is a story of a nation trying to find its footing after the death of a king. It's a story of loyalties, rivalries, misunderstandings, and choices…. Choices that either build peace or ignite war. And right in the middle of it all stands David, a man trying to follow God faithfully in a world that is anything but simple….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textYou know, life has a way of surprising us with moments that we never quite feel prepared for.David receives news of two deaths on the same day: the death of Saul, the man who was his enemy and had hunted him for years, and the death of Jonathan, the friend who had stood by him through everything.And what's fascinating is the way David responds. His reaction teaches us something very important about grief, loyalty, integrity, and the way God shapes our hearts even through the most complicated emotions….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textPlease be aware there may be some confusion and stake with my podcast category placement of episodes over the next few weeks as I attempt to migrate my future posts within the new five podcast framework I am rolling out beginning January 4th 2026.Welcome, friends, to a brand‑new season of The Bible Project Daily Podcast. This new season will go live worldwide on the 4th of January 2026. I'm so glad you're here for this early peek. Whether you've travelled with me for many seasons or you're joining us for the very first time, I want you to know this: you're in the right place, and I believe God has something meaningful for us in the days ahead.In this next season (Series 17) of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we're stepping into the dramatic and deeply human world of 2 Samuel. It's a story that doesn't shy away from the complexity of real life, and yet through every twist and turn, it reveals a God who remains faithful, patient, and profoundly involved in the lives of His people.My hope is that as we walk through these 25 episodes together, you'll not only understand the text more clearly, but you'll also hear the gentle invitation of God calling you deeper—into wisdom, into trust, and into a renewed sense of His presence in your everyday life.So, settle in and let's begin this journey through 2 Samuel—one episode at a time, one passage at a time, one verse at a time, and let's take a step closer to the God who speaks through His Word….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textMy New Podcast launches today. "The Classic Literature Podcast".Subscribe and follow it wherever you get your podcast from.Podcast Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906The First Ever Episode of The Classic Literature Podcast.“In the beginning was the Word…” — John 1:1Welcome to The Classic Literature Podcast. I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless, and I'm so glad you've joined me for this first episode of a new bi-monthly journey—one that explores the great works of classic literature, approaching these great books via the world out of which they emerged—a cultural heritage, rich in spiritual metaphor.Each season, we'll walk alongside the giants of literary history—authors who in many ways have shaped nations, stirred hearts, whilst at the same time wrestling with the deepest questions of human existence. But we won't just admire their craft. We'll ask: What spiritual soil did these stories grow from? What echoes of grace and redemption resound within their pages?

Send us a textMy latest podcast went live last night.This big step forward for me finds me podcasting within the area of Mental Health.The plan is for it to be a bi-weekly podcast and will be available on all the main Podcast platforms and found within the genres and categories of Mental Health, Self Improvement, Psychology, as well as Christian Spirituality. Pray that it reaches those in need.Please subscribe and follow it wherever you get your podcast from. Link to the website is below.https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891Episode Notes:Welcome to The Renewed Mind, a podcast dedicated to the art of thriving in a broken world. I'm your host, Jeremy McCandless, and together, we are going to try and build a bridge between two worlds.The 2,000-year-old wisdom of faith and the last couple of centuries years of psychological discovery.Whether you're wrestling with depression, anxiety, or simply hungry for a deeper sense of purpose, pull up a chair. Your journey toward a whole heart and a healthy mind can start right now, today.Together, we will dive into some of the best of psychological history has had to offer, but also underpin it within a bedrock of spiritual truth in order to give you the tools you need to thrive—spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.If you're ready to break the chains of negative patterns and embrace the abundant life you are promised, you're in the right place. And let your transformation begin….Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textOriginally posted in July 2025 and previously only available on Patreon. Exploring Simone Weil's radical vision of attention, affliction, and God's love—and how the gospel both fulfills and challenges her deepest insights.”Support the showFollow and Support All my Creative endeavours on Patreon. Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | Patreon Check out my other Podcasts. The Bible Project: https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com The L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast). https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.com The Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891 The Classic Literature Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906

Send us a textMy Karl Barth Presentation and Debate Notes, (1st July 2025)1. Historical Context & Reaction to Liberal Theology2. Early Life and Theological Development3. His Epistle to the Romans Commentary.4. Theological Method & Key Themes.5. Church Dogmatics.6. Political Resistance & the Barmen Declaration.7. Relationship with Charlotte von Kirschbaum.8. Later Years & Legacy.9. Influence & Theological Contributions.10. Final Reflections.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textThis is my chat through an essay I published on Patreon in May 2025 based upon an article I wrote a which had previously been published on Substack. In the original essay, I reflect on the growing confusion of our times—where language is manipulated, institutions are distrusted, and meaning is obscured.But instead of retreating into cynicism or chaos, I position the Christian response as a call for a return to reality grounded in truth. Drawing on biblical reference s and 20th-century German Christian philosopher Josef Pieper, to explore how clarity in thought, speech, and action becomes an act of spiritual resistance in a disoriented world.The essay was to be a call for Christians to live truthfully, love what is good, and re-anchor our lives in the unshakable reality of God's Word. Whether confronting false narratives or rebuilding broken systems, we are invited to resist the drift into abstraction and recommit to lives shaped by virtue, sacrifice, and the hope of Christ's Kingdom. Listen in for a timely challenge to live with courage, integrity, and unwavering trust in God's truth.A Link to the original essay is found below.https://jeremymccandless.substack.com/p/the-war-of-words-language-power-and?r=2r7o2cSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textBonus episode during my Christmas break.Returning in the new Year with II Samuel.Original offered as a Patreon Only Video on 11th May 2025.The video from which this audio is taken is now available free to view on Patreon.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFew stories have entered the cultural bloodstream like A Christmas Carol. First published in December 1843, it was an instant success—selling out its first edition within days and never going out of print since.At its heart, A Christmas Carol is a gospel narrative. Ebenezer Scrooge begins as a man enslaved by greed, isolated by pride, and blind to the grace of others. He is like the rich fool of Luke 12, hoarding wealth while at the same time starving his own soul. But through the visitation of three spirits, representing past memories, Judgment, and Mercy, he is transformed. His journey is not just psychological—it is spiritual. It is the journey of repentance in story form.Culturally, Dickens, through this story, reshaped our idea of Christmas itself. Before A Christmas Carol, the holiday was fading in England—seen by many as old-fashioned, even unnecessary. Dickens revived it with this book.But probably more important is the fact that he gave us the language of generosity and gave unction to the conviction that Christmas is a time for compassion. In doing so, he did more than entertain—he evangelized a whole culture. He preached a gospel of joy to a society that had all but forgotten it. For us friends, this episode is not just a beloved tale—it's a spiritual truth. Revealing that no heart is too hard for God's grace to reach. That no soul is too lost for redemption. And that Christmas, at its core, is not about sentiment—it is about salvation. Happy Christmas.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textThe subject of today's episode is one we usually avoid in polite conversation, and honestly, I have never heard it addressed from the pulpit. We're talking about the decision to take one's own life, suicide. I know that just saying the word can cause a tightening in the chest. But we have to talk about it, because 1 Samuel 31 very clearly ends with King Saul taking his own life.If you, or if you know someone is struggling, I want you to hear me clearly: There is hope. Before you go any further, I want you to write a number down. Put it in your phone. In the US, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 988. In the UK, it's an organization called The Samaritans, and you can call them free on 116 123 They're free, it's confidential, and it's available 24/7. Please, don't try to walk through that "narrow" place alone.My New book, "The Renewed Mind", available now at;https://amzn.eu/d/0RkxBbgSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textOne of the most infamous characters in all of literature is, without a doubt, Ebenezer Scrooge. From A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. In it he paints a picture of a man who is the very definition of mean-spirited.  But the beauty of that story is the ending. It concludes with a radical transformation. The skinflint becomes a gentle, kind soul.But here is the question that prompts us in the real world: Is that actually possible? Can a greedy, stingy person really be transformed into a generous one? Or is that just a nice Christmas story, almost a fairy tale we tell ourselves at Christmas? Today, I want to take you to a desperate moment in the Old Testament—tucked away in 1 Samuel Chapter 30—that answers that question. It shows us not just what generosity looks like, but the intense pressure cooker required to produce it….Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textScripture repeatedly assures us that God protects those who trust Him. That truth is woven all through the Bible. But here's a question that may surprise you. Does God ever protect people when they are not really trusting in Him very? The answer, remarkably, is yes. There is an episode in the life of David where God protects him in precisely that way—quietly, unexpectedly, and without David asking for it. And that episode is found in 1 Samuel chapter 29.  What makes this passage so striking is not just that God protects David, but how He does it, and why He does it.To get my latest book, "The Renewed Mind - A Spiritual Path to Overcoming Depression and Anxiety". https://amzn.eu/d/dL4oIYqSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textThis episode was originally released as a Patreon-only special episode on the 10th May 2025.Mindfulness The 1970's Buddhist appropriation of Prayer and Reflection.Thích Nhất Hạnh, the Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk, peace activist, and prolific author, stands as one of the most influential contemporary figures in introducing Buddhist thought, particularly mindfulness meditation, to Western audiences. His 1975 work, "The Miracle of Mindfulness," offered an introduction to mindfulness, not merely as a spiritual technique but as an encompassing way of life. Hạnh's message, deeply rooted in Mahayana Buddhism and Vietnamese Zen traditions, is characterized by gentleness and commitment to nonviolence.While these teachings on presence and compassion have resonated with individuals across various religious and secular paths, their underlying metaphysical assumptions present significant divergences when viewed from a Christian worldview.Themes:1. The Nature of the Self: Created Dignity vs. Illusory Ego2. The Problem of Suffering: Moral Transgression vs. Karmic Ignorance3. The Path to Liberation: Divine Redemption vs. Self-Realization4. Temporal Presence and Eternal Hope: The Trajectory of Time5. The Nature of the Divine: Personal God vs. Non-Theistic InterbeingConclusion: Christians must be anchored in a Different NarrativeThích Nhất Hạnh's "The Miracle of Mindfulness" offers some insights into the idea of living in the moment, but in my opinion, not adding anything to what the Stoics taught 2000+ years ago. However, from a Christian theological perspective, its foundational assumptions about the self, suffering, salvation, time, and the nature of ultimate reality diverge significantly from the Christian worldview.Christianity anchors its understanding of life and its spiritual practices in a revealed narrative: the story of creation by a personal God, the tragic fall of humanity into sin, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and the promised hope of future restoration and eternal communion with God. This narrative provides a framework where the self is not an illusion to be overcome but a creation to be redeemed, where suffering finds its ultimate answer not in mindful detachment alone but in the sacrificial love of God, and where the present moment, while sacred, points towards an eternal future in relationship with a personal, loving Creator.A full essay presenting my views to an entirely secular readership/audience can be found on my Substack. Sign up and follow me there for access to future posts in blog and essay format.https://open.substack.com/pub/jeremymccandless/p/a-christian-reflection-on-thich-nhat?r=2r7o2c&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textLet me ask you an honest question.Have you ever been in one of those moments—a crisis, a loss, a crossroads—and you prayed for wisdom…and it felt like nothing came? You sought the Lord.You waited.You listened.And heaven was silent. What do we do with that? Why would God ever refuse to answer a child who sincerely seeks His direction? Scripture gives several explanations, but one of the clearest, and frankly one of the most sobering, appears in today's chapter of1 Samuel 28. But today's episode isn't only about Saul's story—it's also about prayer.About spiritual responsiveness. About the conditions of the heart that either opens the ear of God… or close it….To get my latest book, "The Renewed Mind - A Spiritual Path to Overcoming Depression and Anxiety". https://amzn.eu/d/dL4oIYqSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textThere's an assumption many Christians carry quietly in their hearts—an assumption we rarely say out loud, but one that governs how we judge ourselves spiritually. It goes something like this:  If I truly have faith, then I shouldn't feel afraid. And if I'm afraid, then perhaps my faith has failed.Faith and fear, we think, cannot occupy the same heart at the same time. But Scripture, in its relentless honesty, tells a different story. How fear and faith can coexist, and what happens when fear begins to overshadow faith….Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textEnemies come in all shapes and sizes. Some aren't violent—just loud. They curse, they criticise, they mutter from the sidelines, but that's as far as it goes. Others keep their distance but carry a quiet resentment that occasionally surfaces. Some want to just use you or manipulate you. And of course, there are those rare but dangerous enemies who genuinely seek to harm you. If you live long enough in this fallen world, you'll encounter all of them. But that raises a very practical question for the Christian believer: How do you deal with an enemy? How do you respond when someone has set themselves against you?One of Scripture's clearest case studies is David, when he found himself persecuted and under great pressure. The way David responds provides us with a deeply challenging, yet deeply instructive picture of how God's people are to face opposition.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textSome women carry the hidden burden of being married to men who are, spiritually speaking, breathtakingly foolish. I don't mean foolish in the modern sense of low intelligence or lack of education. A man can have degrees up the wall, a sharp mind, a successful career… and yet be spiritually blind. Scripture calls that man a fool—not because he isn't intelligent, but because he refuses to think in the ways of God. But to be fair, that condition isn't confined to men; plenty of women fit the same description. But in 1 Samuel 25, we meet a particular couple who embody this contrast so vividly that the Holy Spirit preserved their story, I believe, for our instruction. Yet this story is not preserved simply as an ancient marital case study. You do not need to approach it from a position of gender to learn from it. So, let's reflect and allow God to use this narrative to cultivate wisdom in us. Because if you don't pursue wisdom… You will drift into folly. But if you would like to be wise? Then listen to the Spirit's voice in this chapter…. Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWhat do you do when you feel like getting even?How far should retaliation go?Should it happen at all? And what does God call His people to do when the desire for payback burns inside us? Well, as it happens, as we journey through 1 Samuel, we come to a chapter where this question is placed front and centre. So, let's turn together to 1 Samuel 24, where David—the man after God's own heart—is forced to decide whether revenge is ever the right path….The Curious Case of Being HumanThe Curious Case of Being Humanwith Matt Cooper and Isabelle...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textTrouble. It's one of the few things every human being has in common. When does it start? Some parents might say around age two. When does it end? Well… probably when you draw your final breath. Job said it well: “Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.” Later, he added, “Man… is of few days and full of trouble.”  So, if you're breathing today, you probably know exactly what he means.So, here's the question that matters: What do you actually do when you're in the middle of it? Not before the trouble, not after the trouble—in it. When your heart is aching, when your mind is spinning, when options feel few and your strength is failing… what then? The Bible gives us answers, and today we're going to focus on one story that can help us find one of those answers—it's about a moment in David's life when he was surrounded by trouble on every side, and yet somehow he still found the clarity to do what was right. The Curious Case of Being HumanThe Curious Case of Being Humanwith Matt Cooper and Isabelle...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textSin always has consequences. Scripture teaches that plainly. It affects the sinner directly, of course, but it rarely stops there. Sin has a way of reaching outward—touching, wounding, distorting the lives of others, sometimes in ways the sinner never intended and never imagined. One of the more sobering realities of life in a fallen world is that sin is never a purely private affair. It leaks. It seeps. It spreads. And sometimes the consequences fall most heavily on those who did nothing to deserve it.So, the question I want us to explore in this episode is simple but important: What is the ultimate consequence of sin?The Curious Case of Being HumanThe Curious Case of Being Humanwith Matt Cooper and Isabelle...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textPeople like to sort life into neat, tidy categories. And Christians are no exception, we often like to sort life into straightforward ways of approaching things, tidy categories: right and wrong, black and white, faithful or unfaithful. Maybe we assume too easily that if someone trusts the Lord, they will always walk in integrity. Surely a believer who lies must not be trusting God in that moment… right?But what if I told you that a man of sincere faith — a man who deeply loved God, a man the Scriptures themselves describe as having a heart after the Lord — once found himself in a place of great fear, and in that moment… he lied. Boldly. Blatantly. No nuance, no half-truths — a proper, old-fashioned whopper of a lie.The man I'm talking about is David. The story we are about to enter, recorded in 1 Samuel 21, is the beginning of that long, exhausting, ten-year season where David lived on the run. sheltering in caves, hiding in the shadows, and in these moments when fear pressed in— some of the deepest spiritual lessons emerge…..The Curious Case of Being HumanThe Curious Case of Being Humanwith Matt Cooper and Isabelle...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textFriends can be fickle. You've probably heard someone say, “When you get into trouble, you find out who your real friends are.” Many of us have lived long enough to know just how true that is.But, what is a true friend? What does genuine, God-honouring friendship look like? One of the greatest pictures of true friendship in all of Scripture—and indeed in all of ancient literature—is tucked away in 1 Samuel. It's the story of Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and his relationship with David. Some have called it the finest illustration of loyal friendship ever written.The Curious Case of Being HumanThe Curious Case of Being Humanwith Matt Cooper and Isabelle...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWhen we read the Scriptures with any seriousness, we quickly discover that God not only has a purpose—He also has methods. His purposes never fail, but His methods often surprise us.  Sometimes He works through miracles, sometimes through providence, sometimes through judgment, sometimes through mercy. Yet if you watch the biblical story unfold long enough, you see one particular throughline that appears again and again: In that, God accomplishes His purposes through people—ordinary, flawed, faithful people. 1 Samuel 19 gives us one of the clearest pictures of that truth. In this chapter, we watch God preserve David—the man He has chosen as Israel's next king through relationships, loyalties, conversations, and timely interventions. God weaves His sovereign purpose through very many and varied threads, but all intensely human.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWhen we hear the word jealousy, we often imagine a troubled marriage. But jealousy runs far wider and far deeper than the marriage bond. Jealousy touches friendships, ministries, churches, families, and even communities. It is no small thing.But what exactly is jealousy?Is there a good kind and a bad kind of jealousy?And where does envy fit into this picture?1 Samuel 18 is one of the clearest and most devastating portraits of jealousy anywhere in Scripture…..Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore one of Scripture's most familiar stories—David and Goliath—but with fresh eyes. The true drama isn't found in the size of the giant, but in the contrast between two ways of living: walking by sight and walking by insight shaped by the Word of God.Everyone in the chapter sees a giant—except David. David sees a blasphemer defying the armies of the living God, and more importantly, he sees the Lord Himself.That difference—sight versus insight—is the difference between fear and faith, paralysis and courage, human calculation and holy confidence.Key Themes1. The Power of Insight Over Visual SightGoliath mocks David, seeing only a boy with a stick.David sees a man defying God—an offense that places Goliath not against David but against the Lord of hosts.Those who rely on appearances are inevitably shaken; those who rely on Scripture are strengthened.2. The Lord Who DeliversDavid recounts how God rescued him from the lion and the bear—training ground for a giant.His confidence is not in technique, skill, youth, or courage, but in God's past faithfulness.3. The Real BattleDavid declares, “The battle is the LORD's” (1 Sam. 17:47).Victory is not achieved by sword or spear, but by divine intervention.4. The Outcome: Fear Flees, Faith AdvancesWhen Goliath falls and David uses the giant's own sword to finish the battle, the Philistines flee.What men interpret as weakness becomes the very means of God's triumph.5. The Loose Ends and the Larger PointThe chapter closes by identifying David's father, Jesse—because David's victory brings reward, promise, and recognition.Yet the deeper truth is theological:Who you are determines what you see.A heart shaped by Scripture sees reality as God defines it.The TakeawayThose who walk by sight are filled with fear.Those who walk by insight—biblical insight—are filled with faith.True courage flows not from personality or temperament, but from knowing God, meditating on His Word, and viewing every circumstance through the lens of His sovereignty.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we journey into one of the most pivotal chapters in the Old Testament—1 Samuel 16, where God chooses David, a young shepherd boy, to be Israel's future king. This is not merely a historical moment; it is a theological revelation. God displays His divine insistence on looking beyond appearances, searching instead for the one thing humans cannot manufacture: a heart aligned with Him.Through Samuel's quiet obedience, Jesse's reluctant presentation of his sons, and David's unexpected anointing, the narrative exposes a spiritual principle that runs through all of Scripture:“The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”We explore themes of calling, anointing, spiritual readiness, God's hidden work, and the mystery of how God raises leaders. We also reflect on Saul's decline, David's rise, and the Spirit's empowering presence — contrasting human kingship with divine kingship.Key Themes CoveredGod's surprising method of choosing leadersThe contrast between Saul's external stature and David's heartThe role of the Holy Spirit in empowermentSamuel's obedience in fearful circumstancesThe hidden seasons of preparation that shape a servant of GodWhy God values character over charismaSupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIf I were to ask you to name the most well-known verse in John's Gospel, you'd answer it instantly—John 3:16. Everyone knows it. But if I were to ask you for the most famous verse in 1 Samuel… well, that's trickier.Yet the moment I say the words, you'll recognise them:“To obey is better than sacrifice.”But what does it actually mean? That question takes us straight into one of the most arresting moments in Saul's life—an event that exposes the human heart, reveals the nature of true worship, and confronts us with a truth as relevant today as ever.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we're turning to 1 Samuel chapter 14—a story that contrasts two men, a father and a son. One is Saul, the king who sits beneath a fruit tree while the battle rages. The other is Jonathan, his son, who steps forward in faith, believing that “nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” This chapter shows us the difference between half-hearted religion and wholehearted faith, between trusting ourselves and trusting God. It's a story about courage, foolishness, obedience, and grace. So, join me as we ask the question, who are we like, the father or the son….Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore one of the most striking and symbolic moments in Israel's early monarchy — the day the people of God found themselves without swords, without blacksmiths, and without the means to fight. Through Saul's paralysis, Jonathan's rising courage, and the devastating consequences of spiritual dullness, this passage speaks powerfully to the church today.We reflect on:·         How the enemy suffocates God's people through distraction and fear·         What it means when the forges of truth and discipleship grow cold·         Why the Church must guard against outsourcing its spiritual life·         How God raises up “Jonathans” even when institutions lose their fire·         The call to return to the Word and recover our spiritual edgeThis episode offers a warning — and a hopeful invitation:God can still sharpen you, strengthen you, and send you into the world as His instrument, even in days when the blacksmiths seem few.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIf you had met him, you would be impressed.  For one thing, he was tall, head and shoulders above the average person. Then the fact was that he was good-looking.  But he had other attributes as well. He was a hard worker. There are some indications that he was humble as well. And then there is no doubt that the hand of God was upon him. This is a fella that had great potential.  He had everything going for him physically and apparently spiritually as well. But he did not live up to his potential. It's tragic. With all these possibilities, he just didn't live up to what he could have been.  I'm talking, of course, about someone we have already met. I'm talking about King Saul in the Old Testament. He had the potential to be a leader, a great leader. But unfortunately, he never realized his full potential. So, what happened? What went wrong in his life? Well, we're told that in this chapter.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode we explore one of the most tender and truthful moments in all of Scripture—Samuel's farewell address to Israel in 1 Samuel 12.Samuel reminds God's people of three great truths:1.      He has been faithful—a servant of integrity from youth to old age.2.      God has been faithful, delivering His people time and again, even when they strayed.3.      Now they must be faithful—to fear the Lord and serve Him with all their hearts.But what about those who have failed? Those who've sinned deeply? Through Samuel's words, and through the stories of David and Peter, we discover the gospel heartbeat of the Old and New Testaments:There is hope after failure — not because we are strong, but because God is gracious. Even when we've sinned, the Lord invites us to return, to confess, and to serve Him again.David taught. Peter preached. Both failed. Both were forgiven. Both were restored.Join me as I explores how grace restores the fallen, how faithfulness flows from forgiveness, and how the Lord still says to us today that if we come to Him, He will say to you what He said to Peter: Feed my sheep. Serve Me again with all your heart.”Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the moment Saul is confirmed as Israel's first king — a turning point in the nation's history. We trace how fear turned to faith, and how obedience led to joy. Through Saul's story, we discover what it means for God to establish His kingdom not by human power, but through divine purpose. Key Themes: God confirms His calling through faithful action The difference between weeping in fear and rejoicing in faith The importance of planning with the Lord, not apart from Him Understanding 1 Samuel in its larger biblical and theological context Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 11:1–15 Takeaway:When you include the Lord in your plans, your fears turn into faith and your weeping into joy.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore the dramatic public unveiling of Saul as Israel's first king — and what happens when obedience meets opposition.Samuel calls the nation together, rebukes their rejection of God, and presents Saul — a man humble, capable, and chosen by God for a season. Yet not everyone celebrates. Some despise him. Others mock. And in that tension, we find a timeless truth about rejection, faithfulness, and peace.Join us as we uncover three powerful lessons from Saul's story:Consider the Source – Rejection often says more about others than about you. Hold Your Peace – Don't let anyone steal what God has given you.Let the Lord Be Your Judge – His verdict is the only one that matters.“I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts.” – Psalm 119:141Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWhat this episode covers:·         How 1 Samuel bridges the eras of the Judges and the Kings·         The key literary structure built around Samuel, Saul, and David·         Why Samuel is the “hinge” of Israel's history — last judge, first prophet·         How Israel's demand for a king reveals the tension between human desire and divine will·         The spiritual themes of leadership, calling, obedience, and kingdom identity·         What 1 Samuel teaches us about God's way of ruling through imperfect peopleKey takeaway:Before Israel had a king, they had a calling. God's kingdom is never built on human strength, but on His covenant faithfulness — then and now.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal turning points in Israel's history — the moment they demanded a king. What looked like a political request was actually a spiritual crisis: impatience, fear, conformity, and a refusal to wait on God. We trace Israel's request, God's warning, and the consequences that followed, and we draw out six core lessons for believers today — especially the call to wait on the Lord rather than force His hand. Key Themes: Wanting the right thing at the wrong time The danger of looking at circumstances instead of Scripture What happens when God lets us have our own way The spiritual cost of impatience: "He gave them their request, but sent leanness to their souls" (Ps 106:15) The blessing and strength found in waiting on the Lord Questions for Reflection: Where am I tempted to demand rather than discern? What is one area of life where I need to slow down and wait on God's timing? Am I seeking to be like the world — or to be set apart for God?Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we watch Israel return to the Lord under the leadership of Samuel — and witness how repentance, prayer, and wholehearted devotion bring supernatural deliverance and lasting peace.After twenty years of spiritual drifting, God's people finally respond to Samuel's call: “Return to the Lord with all your hearts.” What follows is a model for spiritual renewal that still speaks to us today:Return to the LordPut away the idolsPrepare your heartServe Him aloneWhat happens next is one of the most dramatic scenes in the Old Testament:A pagan army gathers for battle, Israel panics, Samuel prays — and God answers with thunder from heaven.The result?A victory Israel did not win by force… but by faith.A memorial stone is then raised and named Ebenezer — “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”And forty years of peace that came not through a king, not through strategy, but through returning to God.This episode explores:Why spiritual renewal must come before spiritual actionThe danger of using God rather than trusting GodHow prayer leads to deliverance even when fear remainsWhat it means to say “The Lord has helped us — thus far”If your life feels like a battlefield — or if you're trying to serve God without first giving Him your heart — this passage is a needed reset.Catch On Fire PodcastsThis channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we follow the remarkable story of the Ark of the Covenant's return from Philistine captivity — a moment that revealed both the foolishness of human superstition and the sovereignty of God. Through this ancient account, we discover a simple truth: God will not be mocked, and what is holy must be treated as holy.But the lesson doesn't stop in 1 Samuel. We can also trace a parallel to the New Testament church at Corinth, where Paul warns believers not to dishonour the Lord's Table. What connects these two moments — separated by a thousand years — is the same call to reverence, humility, and love in the presence of a holy God.Join us as we explore:Why the Philistines' “experiment” revealed their ignorance of true worship.How Israel's curiosity led to disaster — and what it teaches us about reverence.The striking parallel between the Ark and the Lord's Supper.What it means today to honor Christ in our worship and relationships.This is a call to remember that holiness is not a relic of the past — it is the heartbeat of a life lived with God.Key Scriptures:1 Samuel 6:1–21; & 1 Corinthians 11:17–34Catch On Fire PodcastsThis channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWhat happens when a nation tries to live without God?In this powerful new episode, we explore how moral confusion and cultural decline begin when we push God out — and how believers today can stand firm, think biblically, and live godly in the midst of it all.Catch On Fire PodcastsThis channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textToday, we're asking one of the hardest and most human questions anyone can ever ask:Why did the Lord allow this to happen?Now, let's be honest — we've all asked that question at some point.The truth is, there's rarely just one answer.Scripture gives us many different reasons why the Lord allows hardship, difficulty, or even disaster. But today, I want us to focus on just one particular possibility that's revealed in 1 Samuel chapter 4.It's not the only explanation, and perhaps not even the most common one, but it's an important one — and it's something we all need to face….Catch On Fire PodcastsThis channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textAnd so, friends, what we look at today, in a sense, is the heart of the Christian life. We are called to walk worthy of our calling. To live in a way that reflects the One who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light.Paul says: Don't walk like the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their minds. Don't drift back to what you once were. Instead, put off the old self, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, created according to God in true righteousness and holiness.That means walking in righteousness — doing what is right because it's right, because it pleases the Lord. It means walking in love — seeking the highest good of others, speaking the truth in love. And it means walking in wisdom — bringing together righteousness and love in a way that reflects the mind of Christ.And when you live like that, when you walk in that way, it will have an impact. On your family. In your workplace. In your church. Even on the people who happen to be sitting next to you in a waiting room, because light cannot help but shine.So, as you go about your week, remember this simple calling: Walk in righteousness. Walk in love. Walk in wisdom. That's what it means to walk worthy of your calling in Christ.And may the Lord strengthen you to do just that.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we continue one of the most tender and powerful moments in Israel's history — the story of Hannah, her prayer, her obedience, and her son Samuel, who would become a prophet and kingmaker.From Hannah's barrenness to her blessing, from her vow to her victory, we see the truth that anchors the entire book of 1 Samuel: “Those who honour Me, I will honour.”We'll reflect on what it means to raise godly children in a godless age, how the influence of a praying parent can shape history, and how faithfulness to God always brings fruit — even when it seems the world has forgotten what honour means.Key Themes:The power of godly influence in a corrupt culture.The call to honor God in every season of life.The faithfulness of God to those who keep their vows.How prayer shapes both generations and destinies.Takeaway Verse:“Those who honour Me, I will honour.” – 1 Samuel 2:30Challenge for Listeners:Ask yourself this week — in what part of my life is God calling me to honour Him more fully? Is it in my words, my work, my worship, or my relationships? Take one step of obedience and watch how the Lord honors it in His time.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we explore how Hannah's praise moves from personal gratitude to profound theology. From the pain of waiting to the joy of revelation, she discovers that God is sovereign — over life and death, over blessing and loss, over every turn of the human story. Her song anticipates the coming King, pointing forward to the Messiah Himself. Takeaway: True praise doesn't just thank God for what He's done — it trusts Him for what He's doing and worships Him for who He is Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode, we consider the story of Hannah—a woman whose sorrow turned into song. Through her perseverance, prayer, and surrender, we learn how God uses human weakness to display His power. This is a story about the faith that prays through tears, the peace that comes through surrender, and the God who remembers His people.Key Takeaways:God answers prayer in His time and His way.True worship flows from gratitude, not just need.The Lord of Hosts is unlimited in His power and personal in His care.When you surrender your pain, God can turn it into purpose.Reflection Question:What is one burden you need to pour out to the Lord today—and what would it look like to leave it with Him in peace?Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com