Basically Biblical

In Colossians, Paul confronts false teaching by lifting our eyes to the greatness of Christ. Jesus is presented as supreme over all creation, the head of the church, and the one in whom the fullness of God dwells. Because believers have been raised with Christ, they are called to put off the old life and put on the new—marked by holiness, love, wisdom, and gratitude. The letter ends with practical instruction for households, prayer, and faithful witness.Questions:1. Paul describes Christ as preeminent in all things. How does recognizing Jesus’ supremacy shape the way you approach faith, work, and daily decisions?2. In Colossians 3, believers are told to “put to death” sinful desires and “put on” Christlike virtues. What does that process look like in real, everyday life?3. Paul emphasizes living wisely toward outsiders and letting our speech be gracious. How can your words and conduct better reflect Christ to those around you?Check out Basicallybiblical.comUse my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

Written from prison, Philippians is Paul’s letter of joy in unlikely circumstances. He reminds believers that gospel partnership is worth suffering for, that humility is modeled perfectly in Christ, and that true contentment is found not in comfort but in Christ Himself. From the famous Christ-hymn of chapter 2 to Paul’s testimony of counting all things as loss, this letter calls Christians to live worthy of the gospel with unity, gratitude, and resilient joy.Questions:1. Paul says, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” How does that perspective challenge your priorities and fears?2. Philippians 2 presents Jesus’ humility as the model for Christian life. What would it look like to live with that same self-giving mindset in your current season?3. Paul claims he has learned to be content in every circumstance. How does reliance on Christ reshape the way you face both abundance and need?Check out Basicallybiblical.comUse my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

It’s a phrase we hear every January—but for most people, it doesn’t last.Why do spiritual resolutions fade so quickly?Why does motivation disappear by February?And what does the Bible actually say about real, lasting change?In this episode of Basically Biblical, we take a hard look at the popular “New Year, New Me” mindset and compare it with the gospel. Scripture doesn’t promise a better version of you—it promises a new creation in Christ.In this video, we talk about: • Why most New Year resolutions fail spiritually • The difference between self-improvement and heart transformation • How to use the new year as a jump start—not a burnout cycle • What biblical growth actually looks like • Why abiding in Christ matters more than trying harderIf you want to grow in your walk with Christ this year—without guilt, hype, or burnout—this episode is for you.Check out Basicallybiblical.comAll other links are here

In the second half of Ephesians, Paul turns from doctrine to daily life. Because believers have been made new in Christ, they are called to walk in unity, put off the old self, and live in holiness and love. Paul addresses relationships within the church, the home, and society, grounding every command in the lordship of Christ. He closes with a powerful call to stand firm in spiritual warfare, reminding believers that their struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces—and that God has already provided the armor needed to stand.Questions:1. Paul urges believers to “walk worthy” of their calling. What does that look like practically in your relationships and daily habits?2. Ephesians 5 describes life in Christ as walking in love and light. Where do you sense God calling you to put off the old self and put on the new?3. The armor of God highlights spiritual resistance, not physical enemies. How can remembering the true nature of the battle change the way you respond to conflict?Check out Basicallybiblical.comUse my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible here: My video review the CSB Apologetics Study Bible: All our links are here

In the opening half of Ephesians, Paul lifts our eyes to the sweeping scope of God’s plan in Christ. He praises God for choosing, redeeming, and sealing believers through Jesus, emphasizing that salvation is entirely by grace through faith. Paul then reveals the mystery once hidden—that Jews and Gentiles are now united as one body in Christ. These chapters ground the Christian life not in effort, but in identity, reminding us who we are and what God has already done.Questions:1. Paul repeatedly emphasizes that salvation is by grace, not works. Why is it so easy to drift back into earning what God freely gives?2. In Ephesians 2, believers are described as once dead but now made alive in Christ. How does remembering who you were shape your gratitude and humility today?3. Paul celebrates the unity of Jews and Gentiles in one body. What barriers still threaten unity in the church, and how does the gospel address them?Check out Basicallybiblical.comUse my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

In these closing chapters of Galatians, Paul moves from doctrine to daily life. He reminds believers that they are no longer slaves but sons and daughters of God, adopted through Christ. True freedom, Paul explains, is not permission to sin but the power to live by the Spirit. He contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit and calls the church to bear one another’s burdens, sow faithfully, and never boast in anything except the cross of Christ.Questions:1. Paul contrasts slavery and sonship. How does living as a child of God change the way you relate to obedience and freedom?2. The fruit of the Spirit describes the character formed by life in Christ. Which fruit do you see growing in your life, and which need more intentional cultivation?3. Paul urges believers to bear one another’s burdens. What are practical ways the church can live this out today?Check out Basicallybiblical.comUse my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

In these opening chapters of Galatians, Paul confronts a crisis at the heart of the church: the distortion of the gospel. He forcefully reminds the Galatians that salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works of the law. Paul defends his apostolic calling, recounts his confrontation with Peter, and points back to Abraham as proof that God has always justified His people by faith. The law, Paul explains, was never meant to save—it was a temporary guardian leading us to Christ.Questions:1. Paul says that adding anything to the gospel actually distorts it. What modern pressures tempt Christians to add requirements to faith in Christ?2. Abraham is used as the example of righteousness by faith. How does this shape our understanding of salvation across both the Old and New Testaments?3. Paul describes the law as a guardian until Christ came. How should believers today understand the purpose of God’s law in light of freedom in Christ?Check out Basicallybiblical.comUse my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

In these final chapters, Paul defends his apostleship by doing something completely unexpected—boasting in his weakness. He recounts his sufferings, hardships, and even a mysterious “thorn in the flesh,” showing that true spiritual authority is marked by dependence on Christ, not outward success or strength. Paul warns the Corinthians against false apostles and calls them to examine their faith. The letter closes with a reminder that Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness and a final blessing rooted in the grace of the Triune God.Questions:1. Paul boasts in his weaknesses rather than his achievements. How does this redefine what faithfulness and spiritual maturity look like in the Christian life?2. The “thorn in the flesh” remains unnamed, yet central to Paul’s dependence on God. How does unanswered prayer shape humility and trust rather than bitterness?3. Paul urges believers to “examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” What does healthy self-examination look like without falling into either pride or despair?Check out Basicallybiblical.comUse my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

In these chapters, Paul opens his heart about the joy he felt when the Corinthian church responded with genuine repentance. He distinguishes between godly grief, which leads to life and restoration, and worldly grief, which brings only regret. Paul then turns to the theme of generosity, holding up the Macedonian churches as an example of joyful, sacrificial giving. He reminds the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver and that generosity reflects the grace of Christ, who became poor so that we might become rich in Him.Questions:1. Paul says godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret. How can you tell the difference between conviction from the Spirit and the kind of guilt that just beats you down?2. The Macedonians gave generously despite their “deep poverty.” What does their example challenge in our assumptions about what it means to be generous?3. Paul teaches that God is able to make every grace overflow so that we can abound in good works. Where have you seen God provide what you needed in order to serve or give?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here

In these chapters, Paul pulls back the curtain on what it really means to follow Jesus in a broken world. He describes believers as jars of clay—fragile, ordinary vessels carrying the extraordinary treasure of the gospel. Though we face suffering, decay, and spiritual opposition, Paul reminds us that our hope is anchored in eternity. He explains that in Christ we are new creations, reconciled to God, and commissioned as His ambassadors. These pages overflow with encouragement, purpose, and a call to live with eternal perspective.Questions:1. Paul says we are “hard pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair.” What does this tension look like in your own walk with Christ?2. In chapter 5, Paul declares that anyone in Christ is a new creation. What part of your life shows evidence of God’s transforming work?3. Paul describes believers as ambassadors for Christ, carrying the message of reconciliation. Where do you feel called to represent Jesus right now—home, work, friendships?Use my affiliate link to get the CSB apologetics study bible hereMy video review the CSB Apologetics Study BibleAll our links are here