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Welcome to the second Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Mark and discuss how this short Gospel helps us understand both the identity and mission of Jesus. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
A common trap in the Christian life is the “graduation mindset”: I got baptized, received First Communion, got confirmed… I'm good. Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks argue that this is not only false—it quietly starves your soul. This episode is a practical invitation and blueprint for continual conversion: ongoing reaffirmation with Jesus that turns faith from a box you checked into a life you live.Father lays out a simple foundation that makes growth sustainable: Sunday Mass, monthly confession, daily prayer (15 minutes to an hour), spiritual reading, and a dose of silence. Once those basics are in place, faith begins to “take on a life of its own.” You start pulling on a thread—an event, a parish opportunity, a lead—and it opens doors you didn't plan: Bible study, new friendships, new discoveries, deeper prayer, real formation. And God isn't passive in any of it—He attracts, invites, and prepares opportunities without manipulating your freedom.Joe adds what this looks like in real practice: don't stay a passive listener to Scripture. Put yourself in the scene. Notice the emotions that aren't written down. Ask what the apostles needed their readers to understand and why. That habit of deeper attention builds a stronger interior life—and even changes how you hear the homily at Mass. The call is simple: keep going deeper, because depth is what breaks the “I did this once, I'm done” illusion.Key IdeasThe “I'm done” mindset (post-sacraments) is spiritually costly; the antidote is ongoing conversion.A durable foundation: Sunday Mass + monthly confession + daily prayer + spiritual reading + silence.Growth often starts with a small “thread” (event/opportunity) that becomes a habit and opens unexpected doors.God draws without coercion: invitation, attraction, prepared opportunities—no manipulation.Go deeper in Scripture by entering the scene: emotions, relationships, motives—not just facts.Links & References (official/source only)Hallow (official):https://hallow.com/Bible in a Year (Ascension, official):https://ascensionpress.com/pages/bibleinayearCatechism in a Year (Ascension, official):https://ascensionpress.com/pages/catechisminayearJeff Cavins (official):https://www.jeffcavins.com/CTA: If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend.Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com .Tags (comma-separated)Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, continual conversion, ongoing conversion, sacraments, baptism, first communion, confirmation, Sunday Mass, confession, monthly confession, daily prayer, spiritual reading, silence, Scripture, Bible study, catechism, formation, discipleship, Catholic life, parish life, retreat, pilgrimage, parish mission, Eucharistic adoration, holy hour, daily Mass, Hallow app, Bible in a Year, Catechism in a Year, Jeff Cavins, homily, spiritual growth, curiosity, habits, events to habits, freedom, God's invitation
What made Jesus the greatest teacher the world has ever known?Jeff reflects on Jesus as the model teacher, exploring not only what Christ taught but how He taught—with availability, sensitivity, compassion, and transformational truth. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Jesus calls every parishioner to seek out the “lost sheep” in their lives with compassion, courage, and hope. Jeff reminds us that seeking them out is not just the mission of priests or parish programs—it's the calling of every disciple. * Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
It is easy to spend our lives distracted by everything except the mission God has given to us. Jeff challenges us to stop living under the “tyranny of the urgent” and instead focus on the people, responsibilities, and opportunities right in front of us. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://app.ascensionpress.com/podcasts/dbe3b3b6-4093-4cd8-86c8-758231835469 for full shownotes!
Spiritual growth is like eating and exercising: taking in truth is essential, but transformation only happens when faith is exercised through prayer, virtue, obedience, and love. Jeff challenges us to move beyond just consuming spiritual content to actually living it out intentionally. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
When You Feel Unlovable — God's Love Hasn't Changed Jeremiah 31:3 “ The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” God loves us with an everlasting love. Did you know that? Did you know that there is nothing you can do to lose God's love? Sometimes I know that we feel unlovable. Sometimes that's after we have done something that we feel is wrong, and sometimes that's after someone else has done or said something to us. However, God never stops loving us. He loved us before we were even born, and His love is everlasting; it never goes away. I remember hearing a story once, I think it might have been Jeff Cavins, in the Great Adventure Bible Story, but I am not sure. Anyway, whoever was telling the story was talking about how God does not need anything from us. This was vastly different from the other gods at the time. The other gods got more power the more people worshipped them. They were almost fighting for people to worship them. Some of them even required human child sacrifices. However, our God was completely self-sufficient and did not need anything from us. I remember the person saying that this is the reason that some people turned from those other gods to our God, the one true God. They turned to God because of His everlasting love. They turned to God because He loved them just for who they were. They did not need to do anything to earn that love. That love was just there. This was something they had not experienced before. The next line in the verse is also an important line. “Therefore, I have continued my faithfulness to you.” This is important because God is always faithful to His word. This is something we talked a lot about last week, but I think it is important to touch on it again, as it is amazing. I think sometimes we may think that God stops loving us when we sin in some way. Or that he stops answering our prayers when we have sinned against Him. However, this verse dispels that belief. God continues His faithfulness to us, even when we mess up. Look how many times He was faithful to the Israelites after they messed up. In Matthew 18:21-22, it says, “Then Peter came and said to him, 'Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? ' " As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” If Jesus is telling us to forgive seventy-seven times, then how much more will our Father in heaven forgive us? There is a song called “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury. It is a great song about how amazing God's love is. The song first talks about how good God has been to him. The chorus says, Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til I'm found, leaves the 99. And I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still, you give yourself away.” When he mentions leaving the 99, he is talking about Matthew 18:12-14, when Jesus tells the parable, “What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.” God does not want to lose any of his sheep. He will not stop looking for us when we are lost. He will not stop loving us and hoping that we turn back to Him. Then the song goes on to say, “When I was Your foe, still Your love fought for me. You have been so, so good to me. When I felt no worth, You paid it all for me. You have been so, so kind to me.” This is so true, when we have sinned and pulled away from God, or fractured our relationship with Him, He is still fighting for us and still loving us. When we don't feel worthy, God is still there doing all He can for us. This last part of the song is my favorite, and it is a part I think we all need to hear because it is the truth. “There's no shadow You won't light up, mountain You won't climb up, coming after me. There's no wall you won't kick down, lie you won't tear down, coming after me.” There is nothing that God won't do to chase after His children to try and save them. He gave His only Son on the cross for us. There is nothing hidden in the darkness that will prevent him from finding you. There's no wall He won't kick down and lie He won't tear down. I think I like that part the best because when I think of it, I think of a father searching everywhere for his child. Have you even seen the movie “Taken” with Liam Neeson? In the movie, Liam Neeson is a father whose daughter goes to Europe on vacation with a friend. However, in the movie, his daughter is taken by sex traffickers. She calls her dad when she sees someone breaking into the house. Liam is some type of government spy in the movie, and he stops at nothing to get his daughter back. He does whatever it takes to find her and get her back. If a mere human will go through all of that to get his daughter back, how much more do you think your Father in heaven will do to get you back? I know people who have often wondered if they are worth loving. When I tell them the things I am telling you, they say that they know God feels that way about other people, but they tell me I don't understand what they have done or where they have been. If you are listening to this and think it is true for some people but not for you, I want you to hear me. GOD LOVES YOU!! He loves you right where you are. You don't have to change in any way for Him to love you. He loves you perfectly right now, right where you are. Also, God's love is everlasting. It never fades. It is always there, no matter what we do or what happens to us. Also, God remains faithful to us. He keeps His promises. If we are lost, He will come and chase after us and find us. He will be there for us whenever we decide to turn back to Him. He will welcome us home with open arms, and he will say to us, “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Dear heavenly father, I ask that you bless all those listening to this episode today. We thank you for loving us with an everlasting love, with a reckless love that will chase us down and leave the 99 to come and save us. Lord God, we're so very thankful that you love us so much, and even though we can't earn your love and definitely don't deserve your love, you give it to us freely anyway. Lord, I ask that you reach out to anyone who hears this and has trouble believing you could love them. I ask that you surround them with your love, that you rain down love and grace on them. I ask that you open their minds and hearts to the idea of you loving them just as they are. Lord, I ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you feel like you're walking with God alone, I want you to know—you don't have to. The mentoring group is a place of real connection and support. I'd love to have you there. There is a link in the show notes. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My children, you are my bodily mold. When people see you, I want them to see me. I will lead the way. Listen to my voice. It speaks out always. It's your guide. Learn to trust what I speak to you. I'm in many things, and I know all things. Remember, there is no unknowing in me.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
How do we forgive the people who have hurt our loved ones? Drawing from Second Corinthians and Gospel of Matthew, Jeff unpacks St. Paul's striking statement—“I forgive whom you forgive”—and reveals how harboring secondhand offenses can quietly entrap our hearts. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
How do you know if something is truly your calling or just a compelling idea? Jeff explores how to discern your place in the Church by identifying the difference between a genuine passion and a romantic notion. Many people feel drawn to roles like writing, speaking, or ministry, but not every attraction is a calling. Through Scripture and practical wisdom, we can discover our gifts, cultivate them, and put them into action in a way that serves God and others. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Kristan Hawkins of Students for Life discusses the environmental impact of chemical abortions. Ann Koshute of Springs in the Desert highlights two new free spiritual resources designed for couples experiencing infertility (springsinthedesert.org) . Jeff Cavins talks about the Great Adventure Catholic Bible for Young Beginners. Plus, T's Two Sense looks over today's Gospel, and Newman Guide News with Kelly Salomon dives into some interesting Catholic College commencement speakers
When you pray with Scripture, you are not guessing what God wants, you are praying from the very words He has already given you. Jeff encourages us to bring our struggles, whether family, health, finances, or anxiety, directly to God by praying through Scripture. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Welcome to the Royal Kingdom period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene for this time period. They review the major players, and why the people of Israel asked for a king. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Dr. Scott Hahn sits down with Jeff Cavins to discuss Catholicism and their decades long friendship.
There are several reasons why I became Catholic. And even more reasons why becoming Catholic was the best decision I made for myself and my family. I was NEVER going to become Catholic One of the biggest fights my husband and I ever had was over faith when we were dating. It almost ended our relationship. I was intrigued by becoming Catholic During college, several of my friends were Catholic. The Newman Center for the hospital complex and for college students at Washington University was across the street. There was not a Lutheran church within walking distance, and I didn't want to go alone. I also wanted to sleep in on Sunday morning or work. So, I went to the Saturday evening Catholic mass with my friends. Faith that floundered Throughout college, my faith was hot and cold. Then I met my husband. The biggest fight The lack of what we needed When my husband was asked to move to the East Coast for his job, we had to start the church search all over again. It was years of searching. Then, football saved the day. Then, a God wink. About a week into playing for the CYO team, we were told that our son had to be in CCD to play. This was a new rule. Several of the kids in the league had to join CCD or leave the league. I am a challenger by nature. If you are on my email list, you already know that part of my identity is being a challenger. And I set out to challenge the deacon teaching the RCIA classes. What I learned about becoming Catholic Why I became Catholic By becoming Catholic, I grew closer to Jesus. A relationship that I had not previously developed. My trust grew. I discovered the Holy Spirit and developed a new understanding of grace and mercy. The eucharist became a lifeline of forgiveness, for myself and for me to be able to forgive others. I healed from past traumas and grew in my ability to share my faith with others. Even after 15 years in the Catholic church, I feel like a young Catholic. There is more I could say about why I became Catholic, but the reality is that it has been a life-changing journey, a healing journey, and an opportunity for our family to grow together in our faith and become stronger because of it. No judgement I hope that this has clarified a few items about the Catholic faith. If you want to learn more, please share your questions with me. If I don't have the answers, I will get them for you. I can also recommend an incredible resource, Lisa Brenninkmeyer, founder of Walking with Purpose and a fellow convert, and Jeff Cavins, a convert and Catholic educator and evangelist. It is important for me to emphasize that I believe Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, that the Bible is the inerrant word of God, and that it does not change with time or science. In fact, I believe that science is just now catching up with Scripture, and that when we lean into Scripture, our lives are changed and God opens doors we could never have imagined. It's when we lean into Scripture and have a relationship with the triune God that we heal from past wounds and traumas and can break through anxiety-driven behaviors and live in the purpose God has for us. His redemption is how we are delivered from perfectionism, the need to control, fear, and people-pleasing. What a blessing! Read the full show notes and access all links. Video on Eucharist by Greg Pratt.
Are you able to recognize sin in your life? Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and the rich teaching of the Catholic Church, Jeff walks through the nature of sin, its devastating consequences, and the path toward true freedom through repentance. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
You've made it to the first Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of John. They discuss the structure of this Gospel and what makes it so different from the other three Gospels. We learn that the Gospel of John doesn't just tell us what Jesus did, but most importantly who he is. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
As the Church gets ready to celebrate Easter, Jeff calls us to remember those who are absent—family members, friends, and neighbors who are not present at Mass and may be far from the faith. Jeff invites us to reach out to them and emphasizes that the Resurrection is not only something to celebrate—it's a mission to live. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Fr. Mike focuses on the last words Joshua speaks to the people of Israel, and how he calls them to choose the Lord above all other things. We all have idols in our lives that take us away from God; how are we choosing to love Christ above these idols today? Today's readings are Joshua 22-24, and Psalm 132. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike reminds us that God keeps his promises, even if it takes a little longer than we thought. Just like the people of Israel received everything the Lord had promised them, we too will receive everything the Lord has promised us, even in the midst of hardship and temptation. Today's readings are Joshua 19-21, and Psalm 131. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Fr. Mike reminds us that God is present with us in every step of our journey, even the seemingly mundane aspects. He also encourages us to not be discouraged on this journey, but to focus on relating to the historic stories of our biblical brothers and sisters. Today's readings are Joshua 15-18, and Psalm 130. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Have you tried memorizing Scripture? Jeff invites us to commit God's Word to memory—to hide God's Word in our hearts so it can guide, strengthen, and transform us. Even a single verse each week can deepen our faith, renew our minds, and help us live with the mind of Christ. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Congratulations on completing the Desert Wanderings period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the fifth biblical period, Conquest and Judges. They discuss the trials the Israelites face as they enter the Promised Land. We learn that the book of Joshua and the book of Judges are characterized by Israel's unfaithfulness, destruction, and repentance. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Shifting from observer to participant in Christ's life changes everything about how we live, worship, and serve. Jeff shares how this perspective calls us into deeper union with Christ, especially through the sacraments and daily discipleship. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
If you've ever felt lost in Scripture, Jeff Cavins has spent decades solving that problem. As the creator of “The Bible Timeline” and co-creator of “The Bible in a Year” podcast, Jeff joins host Matthias Walther at Museum of the Bible to talk about what changes when people read the Bible as a unified story and why that idea is resonating with millions. He also shares his testimony on how a deep dive into Scripture as a Protestant pastor ultimately led him back to the Catholic Church, and how that journey shaped everything he's built since. Guest bio: Jeff Cavins is the creator and founder of the “Great Adventure Bible Study” series and co-host of “The Bible in a Year” podcast. Show Notes: JeffCavins.com AscensionPress.com Ascension Press - The Bible Timeline, the Story of Salvation Ascension Press - Authored by Jeff Cavins Apple Podcast - The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz Stay up to date with Museum of the Bible on social media: Instagram: @museumofBible X: @museumofBible Facebook: museumofBible LinkedIn: museumofBible YouTube: @museumoftheBible
Jeff will be back next week with a new episode! In the meantime, enjoy this popular episode from the archives! Are you looking for ways to deal with the stress and busyness of every day life? Jeff shares some of the common struggles people face that can distract them from what is most important. He shares an idea for how to maintain peace and bring focus back to your relationship with the Lord. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Text us and let us know what you think! Tap HEREWhat would change if we built a rule of life that actually fit our days and led us to Jesus? Join Jayce and James as they discuss what this could look like. We unpack “rule” as a trellis, not a cage—simple anchors that help prayer, work, family, and rest breathe. New Year energy is helpful, but the real move is choosing one priority and letting everything else take its proper place. That's where fasting and asceticism come in. From Exodus 90's cold showers and media fasts to the Daniel Fast's clarity, we share the honest early struggle—headaches, hunger, fidgety evenings—and the surprising fruits: easier yeses to our kids, a renewed desire for the nightly examen, and a heart that listens without forcing.Along the way, Jeff Cavins' challenge hits home: if you have “priorities,” you don't have a priority. Spouses and children matter immensely, yet the center cannot hold unless we order our lives to the will of the Lord. We explore how daily Mass becomes a fixed star, why saying no creates real freedom, and how fasting sharpens spiritual hearing. ************Links and other stuff from the show:Pastoral Letter, "On the Unity of the Body and Soul:" archokc.org/pastoral-lettersRed Dirt Catholics Email Address: reddirtcatholics@archokc.orgThe Book "From Christendom to Apostolic Mission" (Digital and Print): AmazonThe Social Dilemma: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224Daily Examen Prayer: https://bit.ly/309As8zLectio Divina How-To: https://bit.ly/3fp8UTa
Are we spending more time keeping up with the latest shows and headlines than we are with the Word of God? Jeff invites us to “redeem the time” by trading a little screen time for Scripture, showing just how quickly many books of the Bible can be read. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
When you hear the word cancer, everything changes. Matthew James Christoff joins Jeff to share his experience walking through cancer for the third time. In this candid and hope-filled episode, Matthew shares how his first diagnosis 25 years ago led to a life-changing encounter with God, his conversion to the Catholic faith, and a powerful mission. Matthew James Christoff is a Catholic convert who focuses on helping the Church recognize and respond to the Catholic “man-crisis” through The New Emangelization Project, EveryCatholicMan.com, the Every Catholic Man Podcast and CatholicManNight.com. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Congratulations, you've completed the Egypt & Exodus period and you've arrived at the Desert Wanderings ! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to provide us the context for the book of Numbers and the book of Deuteronomy. They discuss how this period is marked by Israel's rebellion against God as they wander in the desert for forty years striving to regain their narrative and identity. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Far from being a simple checklist, Proverbs 31 reveals a woman shaped by covenantal wisdom—faithful, industrious, generous, strong, dignified, and devout. Jeff walks us through Proverbs 31, explaining its Hebrew background and teaching us how to apply its wisdom to modern discernment in dating and marriage. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Choosing your spouse is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. Drawing from Psalm 1 and Psalm 112, Jeff outlines the character traits of a faithful, steadfast husband—one rooted in Scripture, generous in heart, and strong in adversity. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
What do you do when you just can't sleep? Jeff tackles insomnia from a Biblical and spiritual perspective, exploring why sleepless nights are so common and what Scripture has to say about rest. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Jesus doesn't discard the Old Testament—He fulfills it. Jeff walks us through Matthew chapters 3 and 4, explaining how Jesus intentionally retraces the story of Israel. From the Jordan River—the lowest place on earth—to the wilderness of testing, the Gospel of Matthew reveals an incredible pattern: Jesus relives the Exodus, succeeds where Israel failed, and fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Congratulations on completing the Patriarchs period! Today, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to explore the world of Egypt and Exodus. They discuss the common problems we encounter in this period and how to discover the true purpose of God's law. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
What if the Gospel of Matthew is quietly connecting dots you've never noticed before? Jeff explains how the Gospel of Matthew masterfully recapitulates Israel's story and reveals that Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God's promises and the prophecies of the Old Testament. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Far from being filler, Matthew's opening genealogy is rich with meaning. Jeff explains how the genealogy is carefully structured around God's covenant promises, why the numbers in the list matter, and how it signals a new beginning in Jesus Christ. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
What makes the Gospel of Matthew different from the other Gospels? Jeff delves into the unique aspects of the Gospel of Matthew, kicking off a series of four episodes dedicated to understanding its distinctiveness in the liturgical cycle A. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Congratulations, you've completed the Early World period! As we journey into the Patriarchs period, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to set the scene. They discuss the themes of Genesis 12-50, how it differs from the first 11 chapters of Genesis, and how it slowly reveals God's plan to redeem mankind. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Part 1 of the Catechism—the first pillar—is the longest part of the four parts of the Catechism, and arguably the most foundational. Fr. Mike sits down with Jeff Cavins to discuss the big picture behind this important pillar and prepare us for the journey ahead. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
What did God do in your life in 2025? Before rushing into the new year, Jeff encourages us to pause and remember the significant moments when God worked in our lives over the past year. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Welcome to the official start of the Bible in a Year Podcast! We'll begin reading the Bible in the episode "Day 1: In the Beginning", but before we dig into scripture, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike Schmitz to lay out the context for the Early World period (Genesis 1-11). They discuss the type of scripture we'll encounter (Hebrew poetry) and how that affects our understanding of the Word. This episode is not part of the 365 day reading plan, but is important to help understand the readings from this period. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
In this bonus episode of The Catechism in a Year, Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to share the connection between Scripture and Tradition, and provide the background on the origin, development, and structure of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Why do so many people struggle to sleep, even when they're exhausted? Jeff explores the problem of sleeplessness and the hidden spiritual and emotional factors that keep us awake at night. Through Scripture, Church wisdom, and real-life examples, Jeff shows how worry, anxiety, and misplaced priorities rob us of peace and how turning our hearts back to God restores us. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Fr. Mike Schmitz is joined by renowned Catholic Bible expert Jeff Cavins, to talk about The Great Adventure Bible Timeline, their personal experiences with the Bible, and what it means to live life through the lens of Scripture. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
How do you share the Gospel without making it awkward? As Christmas draws near, Jeff shares simple, natural ways to bring Jesus into everyday conversations—especially when people are hurting, overwhelmed, or searching for hope. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Far from being negative or shame-filled, repentance is a deeply hopeful reorientation toward God. Jeff unpacks the biblical foundations of repentance and explains why it's essential for preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
The turkey may be gone, but the spiritual leftovers can linger. Jeff breaks open the two struggles that often emerge after family gatherings—unforgiveness and envy—and shows how the Gospel invites us to something better. Email us with comments or questions at thejeffcavinsshow@ascensionpress.com. Text “jeffcavins” to 33-777 to subscribe and get Jeff's shownotes delivered straight to your email! Or visit https://media.ascensionpress.com/?s=&page=2&category%5B0%5D=Ascension%20Podcasts&category%5B1%5D=The%20Jeff%20Cavins%20Show for full shownotes!
Welcome to The Church period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to discuss the final time period of the Bible Timeline. They discuss the historical context of the early Church, why Rome and the early martyrs are so significant, and how the Holy Spirit takes on a major role. They also explain the differences between Acts, the epistles, and the book of Revelation. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Welcome to the last Messianic Checkpoint! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the Gospel of Luke and highlight the distinctive aspects of this synoptic Gospel. We learn that the Gospel of Luke uniquely captures the humanity of Jesus, the role of women, Jesus' frequent engagement with individuals on the margins, and the mystery of the Ascension. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Welcome to the Maccabean Revolt period! Jeff Cavins joins Fr. Mike to introduce the tenth biblical period in our journey, which begins with the Greek oppression of the Jews under Antiochus Epiphanes, and ends with Herodian rule of the Holy Land. Jeff and Fr. Mike walk us through the key events of this period, highlighting the zealous response of the Maccabean family, the celebration of Hanukkah, and the heroic martyrdom of Jews who would not betray their religious identity in the midst of persecution. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.