Podcasts about reading the bible

Gary continues his discussion with Pastor Greg Chacon about biblical interpretation. After showing how dispensationalism is flawed, Gary further explains how Bible translations sometimes hide important information by omitting certain words or translating the same word differently in different places.

What does it actually mean to delight in God? In this rich and deeply Christ-centered conversation, Stephanie sits down with Geof Morin to explore why delight isn't merely one aspect of the Christian life—it is its very heartbeat.Geof Morin, who has endorsed Stephanie's book, Awaken Delight, is the President and CEO of Biblica, a global Bible ministry helping people engage with God's Word for more than 200 years. Biblica creates and shares life-changing Bible resources that power hundreds of global Gospel ministries.Beginning with Jesus' parable of the treasure hidden in a field, Geof reminds us that our lives are ultimately an invitation to dig where Christ himself points, discovering a treasure worth joyfully giving everything to possess.Together Stephanie and Geof explore why delight can never be separated from Jesus, reflecting on Scripture from Exodus to the Gospels, and tracing how the banner lifted by Moses ultimately points to Christ lifted on the cross. Delight, they argue, is not simply an emotion but the fruit of knowing the living God through his Son.The conversation becomes wonderfully practical as Geof shares how "Bible absorption" has become his primary pathway into delight—not reading for information, but allowing Scripture to reshape the heart. Stephanie adds reflections from Awaken Delight, weaving together the biblical language of delight, deliciousness, thirst, and satisfaction through both English and French imagery.They also wrestle honestly with suffering, exploring how drought deepens roots, why beauty truly can emerge from ashes, and how God often reveals his glory most clearly in places where hope appears exhausted.Finally, Geof shares remarkable stories from his work with Biblica, witnessing people encounter Scripture for the very first time in some of the world's hardest places. These moving accounts remind us that the gospel continues to transform lives today with the same power we read about in the book of Acts.Whether we're standing on a Colorado mountain trail, or sitting quietly with an open Bible, this conversation invites us to taste and see again that the Lord is good—and to discover that delight in God truly is everything.MORE ABOUT "AWAKEN DELIGHT" BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelightMORE ABOUT BIBLICAhttps://www.biblica.com/ DISCOVER THE BOOK BEHIND THE PODCAST | "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith: “Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content: "I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call:  "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky: "Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways."More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Gary is interviewed by Pastor Greg Chacon about eschatology and how dispensationalism has influenced prophetic interpretations. In this first part of a multi-part discussion, they discuss the dominant view of evangelicalism and how it shapes many Christians' outlook on the future.

Why isn't reading the Bible changing me? It is one of the most honest, quietly frustrated questions a Christian can carry, and Pastor Brandon says it usually comes down to a simple confusion about what the Bible is even for. The goal was never just to inform you. The goal is to shape you.This sermon wraps up an August teaching series at Alliance Church on how to read the Bible well. Pastor Brandon opens with a question a lot of us have never quite answered for ourselves. What is the point of reading the Bible? He points out that other books have obvious purposes. A cookbook makes food. A textbook gives you knowledge. The Bible is different. It is the one book you read so you can actually know the author and be transformed by him.He anchors it in Colossians 3:12 through 17, where Paul describes what a person shaped by the word of Christ actually looks like. Compassionate. Patient. Kind. Gentle. Forgiving. Loving. Not the kind of Christian who has memorized verses. The kind people actually want to be near.Then Pastor Brandon lays out the framework. There are three people you have to invite to the table if you want the Bible to transform you and not just inform you. You, the Holy Spirit, and the bride of Christ.You bring a willingness, an eagerness really, to obey. Not I will keep what I like and ignore what I do not. But God, help me see the smallest place I am falling short and shape me there. Colossians 3:12 starts with identity (God's chosen, holy, dearly loved) and then moves to behavior. God does not shape us so we can be his people. He shapes us because we already are his people. Do not put the stinky socks back on.The Holy Spirit brings power. Psalm 119:18, 34, and 36. Open my eyes. Give me understanding. Turn my heart. Pastor Brandon retells the Corrie Ten Boom moment when she stood face to face with her former concentration camp guard asking her forgiveness. She had none to give, until she prayed and Romans 5:5 came alive. The love of God poured through her into that man.The bride of Christ brings you flesh and blood community. So many biblical commands (love one another, bear one another's burdens, forgive one another, weep with those who weep, husbands love your wives as Christ loves the church) cannot be obeyed in isolation. He tells the story of a couple who lost a baby and whose closest brother and sister in Christ met them around a kitchen island, cried with them, prayed with them, and let the word actually become flesh in the middle of grief.If you have been reading the Bible and quietly wondering why it does not seem to be changing anything, this teaching from Pastor Brandon is the honest, pastoral answer you have been waiting for.

Ecclesiastes is often misunderstood as a dark or depressing book, but it actually carries a profound and beautiful message. The central Hebrew word of the book, hevel, does not mean meaningless as many translations suggest. It means breath or vapor, pointing to the fleeting nature of life rather than the absence of meaning. Solomon wrote this book as someone who had experienced everything life could offer and was reflecting honestly on what it all amounted to. Ecclesiastes serves as a counterweight to Proverbs, showing us the exceptions to life's general principles and protecting us from treating the Bible like a religious recipe book. It also gives us a first-person view of life under the curse introduced in Genesis 3. Ultimately, the book does not leave us in despair. It leaves us longing for the redemption that only Jesus Christ provides, the Good Shepherd and holy Judge who stepped into our futility and transformed it into something eternal.

We're talking about the Bible's Influence on America's Legal Tradition. Happy 250th Anniversary of 'Murica. You're in for a treat . This is part 4 of 4 (but it's Part 8 of the discussion of this book begun Fall 2025) on the Second Chapter "The English and American Public Culture." This is episode 8 of the series on the book. This episode broaches the debate among the Founders on the use of the Bible in schools, for example in the election of 1800 of Thomas Jefferson, discussing pp. 42 through to the end of the chapter on p. 48. "The American Founders read the Bible," Oxford University Rhodes Scholar Daniel Dreisbach says in his first sentence of his Oxford University Press book. "They knew the Bible from cover to cover." "Its ideas shaped their habits of mind." "The Bible left its mark on the political culture of the era." Dreisbach's first sentence in his chapter 2 is: Ready ? "Anglo-Americans are people of the Book, and that Book is the Bible." WOW ! We had the author, Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach, D.Phil. (Oxford), JD (University of Virginia Law School) on the podcast for Thanksgiving, Fall 2022. We're going to make a fair use, do a transformative reading of the book. We'd like to thank Dr. Dreisbach for writing this, and thank Oxford University Press for making it available. Support publishers when they make something worth reading. Support the publisher and throw some bidness their way. Support your brick and mortar book dealer. The Republican Professor is a pro-correctly-and-adequately-articulating-the-Bible's-appropriate-influence-on-American-politics podcast. Therefore, welcome again, through his writing, Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach, D.Phil., J.D. The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. Warmly, Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. The Republican Professor Podcast The Republican Professor Newsletter on Substack https://therepublicanprofessor.substack.com/ https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/podcast/ https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/articles/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRepublicanProfessor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRepublicanProfessor Twitter: @RepublicanProf Instagram: @the_republican_professor

In today's episode, Claire meets with Chris Hoklotubbe and Danny Zacharias to discuss their book, Reading the Bible on Turtle Island, and North American Indigenous lenses for interpreting the Bible. In Reading the Bible on Turtle Island, Indigenous scholars Chris Hoklotubbe and Danny Zacharias explore what it means to read the Bible from the lens of Indigenous peoples in North America. Exploring the intersection of Scripture, Cultural Traditions, Hearts and Minds, and Creation, they affirm Creator's presence with Indigenous people since the beginning. By recovering these rich histories, this book offers a fresh reading of Scripture that celebrates the assets, blessings, and insights of Indigenous interpretation. Indigenous culture has often been dismissed or deemed problematic within Western Christian circles, and historical practices have often communicated that Indigenous worldviews have little to offer the church or its understanding of Scripture. Hoklotubbe and Zacharias challenge this perspective, reasserting the dignity of these cultures that were condemned through colonial practices and showing how Indigenous interpretations bring invaluable insights to all of God's people. Join the dance of North American Indigenousinterpretations of Christian ScriptureDanny Zacharias grew up in Winnipeg (Treaty 1 territory),with his maternal ancestors (Cree/Anishinaabe) inhabiting the areas of Treaty 1 and Treaty 5 territory for many generations. After completing his Bachelor of Arts at Providence College, he and his wife Maria moved to Mi'kma'ki (Nova Scotia) to complete his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (Theology) at Acadia Divinity College. While working part-time at ADC, Danny completed his PhD in New Testament studies through Highland Theological College (University of Aberdeen). During his time serving at ADC, Danny also completed the processof ordination with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and serves regularly in his local church. Danny also carries administrative responsibilities as Associate Dean and Director of the Hayward Lectures. In addition to his role at ADC, Danny is a faculty member of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community. More than any of these achievements, Danny is most proud to call Maria his wife, Lex, Jack, and Hudson his sons, and Ella-Rose his daughter.Christopher Hoklotubbe (ThD, Harvard) is a proud member ofthe Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He is the director of graduate studies of NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community, the first accredited Indigenous designed, developed, delivered, and governed theological institute. He is also assistant professor of classics at Cornell College (Mount Vernon, Iowa). He is the author of Civilized Piety: The Rhetoric of Pietas in the Pastoral Epistles and the Roman Empire, which was awarded the Manfred Lautenschläger Award for Theological Promise. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two daughters and live near Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Where catechising of the young ones is maintained. Whether at stated times or occasionally, there ought to be certain seasons, inviolably appointed for that great purpose. Without these, the usual reading of the word is not likely to have the same success. And blessed be the Lord, we have many excellent helps published for this purpose,

Mother continues to read from The Christian Mother and The Christian Father, and answers questions from: Mark, who asks about Catholic gift shops being open on Sundays;  Stephanie, who is friends with a Presbyterian couple;  Hannah, who is worried about being led astray by reading the Bible on her own;  and Alexander, who writes in from Germany with thoughts about salvation.

What if understanding the Bible requires more than simply reading the words on the page? In this special episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour is joined by C.R. Wiley to explore the idea of biblical imagination—and why modern Christians can struggle to recognize the stories, types, prophecies, symbols, and word pictures woven throughout Scripture. How does the Bible train us to see the world? Why did earlier generations often think more naturally in terms of story and typology? And how does God use real history to reveal realities that point beyond themselves? George and C.R. discuss Tolkien, Narnia, the Aeneid, Acts 9, technology, Apple, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and humanity’s ancient temptation to seize knowledge and become like God. This conversation may change the way you think about reading Scripture. https://canonpress.com/products/manma...

What if understanding the Bible requires more than simply reading the words on the page?In this special episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour is joined by C.R. Wiley to explore the idea of biblical imagination—and why modern Christians can struggle to recognize the stories, types, prophecies, symbols, and word pictures woven throughout Scripture.How does the Bible train us to see the world? Why did earlier generations often think more naturally in terms of story and typology? And how does God use real history to reveal realities that point beyond themselves?George and C.R. discuss Tolkien, Narnia, the Aeneid, Acts 9, technology, Apple, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and humanity's ancient temptation to seize knowledge and become like God.This conversation may change the way you think about reading Scripture.https://canonpress.com/products/manma...Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

What if understanding the Bible requires more than simply reading the words on the page? In this special episode of Shadows to Substance, Pastor George Sayour is joined by C.R. Wiley to explore the idea of biblical imagination—and why modern Christians can struggle to recognize the stories, types, prophecies, symbols, and word pictures woven throughout Scripture. How does the Bible train us to see the world? Why did earlier generations often think more naturally in terms of story and typology? And how does God use real history to reveal realities that point beyond themselves? George and C.R. discuss Tolkien, Narnia, the Aeneid, Acts 9, technology, Apple, artificial intelligence, transhumanism, and humanity’s ancient temptation to seize knowledge and become like God. This conversation may change the way you think about reading Scripture. https://canonpress.com/products/manma...

Pastor reminds us that God still speaks today; the question is... are you listening.

How do we faithfully approach Scripture?One of the biggest reasons people struggle with the Bible isn't because they don't love God—it's because they haven't been given the right lens to read it.The Bible isn't one kind of book. It's a library filled with stories, poetry, law, wisdom, prophecy, letters, and apocalyptic literature. Each genre communicates truth differently, inviting us not only to learn something, but to be transformed by it. What makes the Bible so extraordinary is that within it lives all the genres of the human experiences. Here are a few highlights from the message:Genre is more than a category—it's a set of reading instructions.Different genres ask different things of us. A Psalm shouldn't be read like Proverbs, and Revelation shouldn't be read like Romans.God didn't give us one kind of book because we don't encounter truth in only one way.The Bible doesn't simply give us information—it recruits every part of us into the encounter.Faithful reading begins by allowing the Bible to tell us how it wants to be read.Our hope is that as we learn to read Scripture on its own terms, we'll not only understand it more deeply—we'll encounter the God who continues to speak through it.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

How should Christians respond when Scripture verses are used as tools (and as weapons) in political debates? That question is raised in this episode of Deacons Pod featuring Thomas Bolin, author of the Liturgical Press book "An Inspired Word in Season: Reading the Bible Responsibly in a Polarized World," which received a first-place honor in the Catholic Media Association's 2026 Book Awards in the "Religion in the Public Square" category. Dr. Bolin joins Deacon Mark Asselin and Deacon Patrick Ouellette (both of whom are Paulist Deacon Affiliates) for this timely conversation.

You already know the Bible is good for you. So why is it so hard to stay consistent?Drawing from 2 Timothy 3, Pastor Aaron McRae makes the case that Scripture isn't just useful — it's doing something in you every time you engage with it. Teaching. Rebuking. Correcting. Training. Four words that sound simple but carry the weight of a life being shaped from the inside out.This is week two of Hillside's series on Scripture, and it tackles the question behind the question: not just how to read the Bible, but what God is actually trying to accomplish through it. The goal isn't more information. It's not a better morning routine. It's becoming more like Jesus — thoroughly equipped for every good work.It's never too late to start. And you're never finished growing.Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14–17, Romans 10:8–10, 1 Timothy 4:8, Romans 15:4, Hebrews 12:7–11Resources: Women of the Word — Jen Wilkin; Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy; Experiencing God — Henry Blackaby; Gerry Breshears, "The Bible Is Inspired By God"For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel. Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurchInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurchesWebsite | https://hillsidechurches.com

True wisdom has nothing to do with intelligence or education. According to the Book of Proverbs, wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, which is not terror but awe, reverence, and worship toward God. Every other fear leads to bondage, but the fear of God is the only fear that sets you free because it puts everything in its proper place. Foolishness, by contrast, is not an intellectual problem but a spiritual one rooted in refusing to let God be God. Because our hearts are broken by sin, we cannot produce the fear of God on our own. Jesus, the only person who ever perfectly feared God, lived that perfect life on our behalf and imputes His wisdom to all who trust in Him. The cross is not just the starting point of salvation. It is the ongoing source of our sanctification and growth in wisdom.

Most people open the Book of Proverbs looking for good advice, but there is far more gospel woven into its pages than most of us have ever been taught. Wisdom, as Proverbs defines it, begins not in the mind but in the heart, rooted in the fear of the Lord. The Hebrew word for wisdom, chokma, carries the idea of skill and mastery, meaning that true wisdom is not a single good decision but a lifelong direction of growth across every area of life. Proverbs also dismantles the false divide between the sacred and the secular, reminding us that God has an opinion on every part of our lives. The book ultimately points us beyond principles and toward a person. Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God, the greater Solomon that Proverbs was anticipating all along. At the cross, the only truly wise person died the death of a fool so that fools, by faith in Him, might be treated as wise. The more we behold Jesus, the more His wisdom becomes ours.

When we are not getting filled by God continually through reading His truth in Scripture, our spirits get in a place of deficit and we are vulnerable to attack. God has given us His Word so that we may take in His truth, apply it to our own lives and then share it with others. It is His truth that we can stand firmly in, but it does not help us unless we read it and understand it.

For access to the full episode, join our Patreon!You've probably heard someone say, "You have to read the Bible in context." But what does that actually mean — and is historical context the only context that matters? We sat down with biblical scholar Max Botner to find out why treating the Bible purely as a historical document might be the most common mistake readers make, and what a richer approach to Scripture actually looks like.

Reading the Bible Through Multiple Lenses (7.26.26, Shepherd Ytterock) by River NYC Sermons

This week on Stay True Podcast, Madi sits down with Bible teacher, author, and The Bible Recap host Tara-Leigh Cobble for a conversation that might completely change the way you read Scripture. If you've ever opened the Bible and felt confused, overwhelmed, discouraged, or wondered if you're missing something, this episode is for YOU. Together, they unpack one of the biggest mistakes Christians make when reading the Bible, why so many of us unknowingly read Scripture through the lens of culture instead of God's character, and how seeing the Bible the way it was intended changes everything. They also talk about why reading the entire Bible matters, what happens when verses are taken out of context, and how to move from simply reading God's Word to genuinely knowing and loving Him through it. As always... be sure to stay you and stay true!   Topics we dive into: -Are you reading the Bible the way it was meant to be read? -Why do so many Christians struggle to understand Scripture? -Why does reading the entire Bible matter? -What is the Trinity? -What does it actually mean to fall in love with God's Word?   Helpful Resources: The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble: https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ The Joy of the Trinity by Tara-Leigh Cobble: https://a.co/d/0fBssi8C Dare To Be True by Madison Prewett Troutt: https://a.co/d/gdfpHX5 Stay True Website: https://www.staytruepodcast.com Stay True Merch: https://www.staytruepodcast.com/merch Veracity: For up to 65% off your order, head to VeracityHealth.co and use code STAYTRUE. Liberty Healthshare: You can learn more at libertyhealthshare.org. GCU: Visit gcu.edu to learn more.   Connect with Stay True!

The Psalms contain roughly 30 to 31 praise psalms, and they reveal that praise is far more than a feeling. It is a joyfully reverent, outward expression of adoration that exalts God for who He is and stirs others to do the same. Scripture gives a clear pattern for praise, including shouting, singing, lifting hands, dancing, and playing instruments, all rooted in a heart genuinely moved by God. Nearly every praise psalm follows three movements: a call to praise, reasons rooted in who God is and what He has done, and a return to active worship. The praise psalms also point to deep gospel truths, including God as both Creator and Redeemer, His sovereign kingship, and the tension between His perfect holiness and His steadfast, covenant love. Private worship and public worship are deeply connected, each feeding and strengthening the other. The goal is not a performance but an overflow of a heart that has been captured by the gospel.

What can a summer murder mystery teach us about faith, discernment, and the stories we tell ourselves? Dr. Elizabeth Arnold invites you into a lively conversation about "The Final Problem" by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, exploring how the genres we love shape the way we read the Bible, understand theology, and even navigate what's real in our everyday lives. Learn more at https://candlerfoundry.emory.edu/This clip is for anyone who loves a good story and wants to think more deeply about how fiction, feelings, and faith intersect. Join Dr. Arnold as she reflects on why paying attention to genre—and to the blurry lines between fiction and reality—matters for Christian faith and life.Follow The Candler Foundry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candlerfoundry/

Follow along as Pastor Drew unpacks the Royal Psalms.

New podcast episode, continuing the series; weave together series. This episode explains a simple Bible study method and how understanding context helps us apply it.

What if I told you there's hard data proving the Bible is changing lives right now — not someday, not in theory, but measurably, scientifically, today? Dr. John Plake from the American Bible Society joins me to unpack the research behind Bible engagement and mental health. Honestly, it left me smiling.Dr. Plake leads the State of the Bible study—the longest-running research on how Americans engage with Scripture—and what he's found is genuinely hopeful. People who are deeply engaged with the Bible show lower anxiety, lower traumatic stress, and higher hope than those who aren't. Harvard's Human Flourishing Study confirms it. Gen Zers, who statistically struggle the most with anxiety and depression, look completely different when they're Scripture engaged — like they've unlocked something their peers haven't found yet.We also dig into the real barrier holding people back: it's not desire, it's guidance. Millions of people want to read the Bible but don't know where to start, what translation to pick, or how to make sense of it. Dr. Plake breaks down practical first steps—from finding the right translation to using audio and video to build a consistent habit—so we can turn curiosity into a life-giving relationship with Scripture. If you've ever picked up a Bible and felt lost, this episode is your on-ramp.JOHN'S LINKS:State of the Bible → https://sotb.americanbible.orgAmerican Bible Society → https://www.americanbible.org YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@AmericanBibleSociety SCRIPTURES SHARED:Isaiah 55:10-11 NIVJohn 10:10 NIVHebrews 4:12 NIVCHAPTERS:00:00 — Trailer01:03 — The Data Behind a Life-Changing Book05:02 — Why Accessibility Matters More Than "The Right" Translation11:00 — You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone12:28 — Inside America's Curiosity Wave23:24 — What the Fastest-Growing Group Can Teach Us All40:49 — The Well-Being Breakthrough: Hope, Resilience, and Science47:41 — Rebuilding Real Community, One Honest Step at a Time

The Bible was never meant merely to fill our minds with information—it was given to renew our minds and transform our lives. “Reading the Bible for Transformation” explores the life-giving power of God’s Word and five practical ways to give it greater influence in our daily lives. As we read, welcome the Spirit’s work, memorize, meditate, and pray Scripture, God uses His truth to shape us increasingly into the likeness of Jesus. - Pastor Kevin Wilber guest speaker

The Bible was never meant merely to fill our minds with information—it was given to renew our minds and transform our lives. “Reading the Bible for Transformation” explores the life-giving power of God’s Word and five practical ways to give it greater influence in our daily lives. As we read, welcome the Spirit’s work, memorize, meditate, and pray Scripture, God uses His truth to shape us increasingly into the likeness of Jesus. - Pastor Kevin Wilber guest speaker

This past Sunday we kicked off a new series by asking a few simple questions:What kind of relationship do you have with the Bible?Many people believe the Bible is boring, confusing, or difficult to understand. But what if the issue isn't the Bible itself?We looked at seven common reasons people struggle to read the Bible and discovered that behind each one is an invitation to see Scripture in a fresh way.Here are a few ideas we explored:The Bible isn't one book—it's a library telling one unified story of God, humanity, redemption, and new creation.Different books are meant to be read differently. Poetry, history, prophecy, wisdom, and letters each invite us to read with different expectations.The Bible isn't competing with unbelief as much as it's competing with distraction.Scripture wasn't just written to inform us—it was given to transform us.The goal isn't simply to know more about God, but to encounter the God who still speaks through His Word.Our prayer is that every one of us would experience our own Luke 24 moment—where Jesus opens the Scriptures, our eyes are opened, and our hearts burn within us.For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

Mike Erre - This week we look at some of the incorrect assumptions we have about what the Bible is and what the Bible is for. 

In this sermon, we explore the biblical pattern of lament found throughout the Psalms. Rather than seeing lament as a lack of faith, Scripture teaches that it is an act of faith. The lament psalms invite us to approach God honestly, teach us how to lament together as the people of God, and remind us that sorrow is never the final destination for those who trust in Him.

We're talking about the debate about the use the Bible in schools during the Founding generation. Happy 250th Anniversary of 'Murica. You're in for a treat . This is part 3 of multiple on the Second Chapter "The English and American Public Culture." This is episode 7 of the series on the book. This episode broaches the debate among the Founders on the use of the Bible in schools, for example in the election of 1800 of Thomas Jefferson, discussing pp. 34 to 42. "The American Founders read the Bible," Oxford University Rhodes Scholar Daniel Dreisbach says in his first sentence of his Oxford University Press book. "They knew the Bible from cover to cover." "Its ideas shaped their habits of mind." "The Bible left its mark on the political culture of the era." Dreisbach's first sentence in his chapter 2 is: Ready ? "Anglo-Americans are people of the Book, and that Book is the Bible." WOW ! We had the author, Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach, D.Phil. (Oxford), JD (University of Virginia Law School) on the podcast for Thanksgiving, Fall 2022. We're going to make a fair use, do a transformative reading of the book. We'd like to thank Dr. Dreisbach for writing this, and thank Oxford University Press for making it available. Support publishers when they make something worth reading. Support the publisher and throw some bidness their way. Support your brick and mortar book dealer. This episode was filmed Friday 3 July 2026 years after Jesus in the backyard of my long-time (nearly a quarter of a century) Epistemology mentor Dr. Doug Geivett (PhD, USC under Dallas Willard), a student himself of the famous late-great Republican professor, the late-great Dallas Willard of USC's Philosophy Department. The Republican Professor is a pro-correctly-and-adequately-articulating-the-Bible's-appropriate-influence-on-American-politics podcast. Therefore, welcome again, through his writing, Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach, D.Phil., J.D. The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. Warmly, Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. The Republican Professor Podcast The Republican Professor Newsletter on Substack https://therepublicanprofessor.substack.com/ https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/podcast/ https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/articles/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRepublicanProfessor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRepublicanProfessor Twitter: @RepublicanProf Instagram: @the_republican_professor

In this episode, we start our series, going over what is context, why it is important and how to understand it when it comes to reading scripture. The Bible is a beautiful book of Gods speech but in the wrong hands could be dangerous.

The Book of Psalms is far more than an ancient collection of songs and prayers. It is the most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament, and Jesus Himself declared in Luke 24:44 that the Psalms must be fulfilled in Him. Across 150 chapters, four categories of Psalms point directly to Christ: the Royal Psalms, the Suffering Psalms, Psalms about humanity's deepest longings, and Psalms about the perfectly righteous One. None of the psalmists could meet the standard they described, but Jesus fulfilled every one of them. The Psalms also give God's people permission to bring every emotion honestly before the Lord, without suppressing or being ruled by those feelings. Every prayer, every longing, and every desire finds its ultimate answer in Jesus Christ.

Seth shares a thought on the recent Supreme Court ruling on carrying firearms in public, and how it relates to the concept of informed consent. Sarah Mervosh’s New York Times piece “Public School Students May Soon Be Required to Read the Bible.” Audio from Gina Plata-Nino, the Director of SNAP Policy and Advocacy at the Food Research and Action Center, being questioned before the House Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency held a hearing on “Combating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in SNAP.” We're joined by Shannon Estes, President of CMI Gold & Silver. Mark St. Peter, Owner at Patriot Flip, LLC., joins the Show to share his personal story of how he got into the real estate business and why he decided to start Patriot Flip, a company that offers cash offers, traditional listings, and creative financing options to homeowners. He also talks about the importance of being honest with clients and giving them a personalized service that sets his company apart from others in the industry. Check them out at https://patriotflip.com/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy 250th Anniversary of 'Murica. You're in for a treat . This is part 2 of multiple on the Second Chapter "The English and American Public Culture." This episode broaches the English Bible's profound role on American Literacy Education, discussing pp. 29-34. "The American Founders read the Bible," Oxford University Rhodes Scholar Daniel Dreisbach says in his first sentence of his Oxford University Press book. "They knew the Bible from cover to cover." "Its ideas shaped their habits of mind." "The Bible left its mark on the political culture of the era." Dreisbach's first sentence in his chapter 2 is: Ready ? "Anglo-Americans are people of the Book, and that Book is the Bible." WOW ! We had the author, Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach, D.Phil. (Oxford), JD (University of Virginia Law School) on the podcast for Thanksgiving, Fall 2022. We're going to make a fair use, do a transformative reading of the book. We'd like to thank Dr. Dreisbach for writing this, and thank Oxford University Press for making it available. Support publishers when they make something worth reading. Support the publisher and throw some bidness their way. Support your brick and mortar book dealer. This episode was filmed Thursday 28 May 2026 years after Jesus in the backyard of my long-time (nearly a quarter of a century) Epistemology mentor Dr. Doug Geivett (PhD, USC under Dallas Willard), a student himself of the famous late-great Republican professor, the late-great Dallas Willard of USC's Philosophy Department. The Republican Professor is a pro-correctly-and-adequately-articulating-the-Bible's-appropriate-influence-on-American-politics podcast. Therefore, welcome again, through his writing, Dr. Daniel L. Dreisbach, D.Phil., J.D. The Republican Professor is produced and hosted by Dr. Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. Warmly, Lucas J. Mather, Ph.D. The Republican Professor Podcast The Republican Professor Newsletter on Substack https://therepublicanprofessor.substack.com/ https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/podcast/ https://www.therepublicanprofessor.com/articles/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRepublicanProfessor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRepublicanProfessor Twitter: @RepublicanProf Instagram: @the_republican_professor

The truth and hope that we need in our daily lives is all in Scripture. Rather than assuming that we won't understand what's in it, we need to dive deeply into reading the Bible and learning from this text message that God wrote for us to teach us about Him and how to live our lives.

The Bible is a diverse collection of writings that invites a lifetime of thoughtful study, requiring attention to genre, historical context, and the perspectives of its authors. Rather than reading it as a flat, static, dropped-out-of-heaven-from-God book, we are reading it more faithful when we make room for the human experience of the writers in its composition. Christians ultimately interpret Scripture through the lens of Jesus, asking how these stories speak to hope, love, suffering, forgiveness, and compassion. The goal of Scripture is not merely to preserve words, but to bring them to life in ways that reveal God's love and shape our own stories in what it means to be fully human.

The books of 1st and 2nd Kings are not simply a record of failure and exile. They are filled with threads of the gospel pointing forward to Jesus Christ. Three of those threads stand out: syncretistic idolatry, the limits of religious reformation, and the lamp of David. Like Israel, we are not tempted to replace Jesus but to add to Him, trusting good gifts more than the Giver. External behavior change can never produce the internal transformation that only God can bring. And just as God preserved the line of David through exile and devastation, He has kept every promise He made, fulfilling them completely in Jesus Christ.

Today I dive into questions from believers wrestling with OCD, scrupulosity, intrusive thoughts, relationship anxiety, burnout, and condemnation. If you've ever felt “just right but never enough,” overwhelmed by perfectionism, or stuck in religious obsessiveness, this is a space where I invite you to slow down, breathe, and discover that God's heart is not performance-driven, but […]

Send us Fan MailWhat if "renewing your mind" isn't just a nice phrase — what if it's something happening physically, inside your brain? This week Jess sits down with Rachel for a deep dive into one fascinating question: does reading the Bible actually change your brain? They get into the neuroscience, the Scripture, and the real-life moments where the Word of God shifted something they could genuinely feel.Discover:The science of neuroplasticity — and why it lines up with what Scripture already saidRomans 12:2 and what "renewing your mind" looks like at the level of your actual brainThe famous nun study on aging, Alzheimer's, and the power of cognitive reserveWhy self-help can only take you as far as you can take yourself — and where grace changes the mathGabe's simple framework: here daily, discuss weekly, obey immediatelyHow obedience becomes confirmation (and one very unexpected kitten)Reflection paragraph: Here's the encouraging part: you are not stuck with the thought patterns you've always had. Your brain is malleable, your mind can lead it, and God built you with the capacity to change. But the change isn't about white-knuckling positive thinking — it's about partnering with God, choosing your input, and deciding ahead of time what truth you'll reach for when your thoughts start to spiral. You put in the work; grace multiplies it past anything you could do on your own.Key Takeaways:You're not a victim of your biology — you get to be a co-creator of your future alongside GodDon't just stop the negative thought, replace it; know your truth before you need it (Philippians 4:8)Community accelerates growth — connect with people a little further down the road than youAsk the real questions. If you're actually after truth, you'll find itObey immediately. Alignment with God is the goal, and confirmation tends to followQuestion for you to think about: What's one thought you keep defaulting to — and what's the truth from God's Word you could intentionally replace it with this week?Calls to Action: If this encouraged you, hit subscribe, give it a like, and share it with someone who needs it. Got a question about the Bible — how it was put together, where it came from, what it actually is? Drop it in the comments. We're getting into exactly that next week, and we may answer yours on the show. And if you're local, come visit a weekend service at Westside.LINKS & RESOURCES: SUBSCRIBE to always see our content and let us reach more people for Jesus: https://www.youtube.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdx?sub_confirmation=1 Give to support this ministry and help us reach people all around the world: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com/giveSTAY CONNECTED: Website: https://www.westsidecommunitychurch.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidecommunitychurch Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westsidecommunitychurchpdxHashtags: #MidweekMotivation #WestsideCommunityChurch #Neuroplasticity #RenewYourMind #FaithAndScience #Romans12 #RewireYourBrain #SwitchOnYourBrain #ChristianPodcast #ChristianMentalHealth #SpiritualGrowth #Philippians4 #BibleStudy #Faith

Many people have great intentions when they read the Bible, but somewhere along the way, it's easy to lose sight of what really matters. This message challenges people to stop treating faith like information consumption and start treating it like something meant to be lived.

The books of First and Second Kings reveal three powerful gospel threads that point directly to Jesus Christ. Solomon's magnificent temple, despite its grandeur, ultimately failed because the people remained sinful and the covenant was conditional. Jesus fulfills the temple by becoming the true meeting place between God and humanity, and believers now serve as living temples where God's presence dwells 24/7. These books also demonstrate God's heart for all nations, as Gentiles are repeatedly welcomed into His family, foreshadowing how Jesus would tear down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile. The mighty prophets Elijah and Elisha performed great miracles, but they pointed to Jesus as the greater Prophet whom the Father commands us to hear directly through His Word.

Have you ever started reading the Bible only to get lost somewhere between Genesis and Leviticus? You're not alone. Jeff Cavins shares the simple but transformative approach that has helped millions of Catholics understand Scripture as one unified story of salvation. 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!

To understand the rapture, we may need to read the Bible differently than we've been taught. Instead of viewing prophecy through a Western mindset, Scripture points us toward an Israel-centered perspective focused on the return of Jesus and God's promises to His people.

To understand the rapture, we may need to read the Bible differently than we've been taught. Instead of viewing prophecy through a Western mindset, Scripture points us toward an Israel-centered perspective focused on the return of Jesus and God's promises to His people.