Season 3, Introduction

Better Together: Reading the Gospels in Rhythm

Date: October 17, 2025

Duration: 25:31 minutes

Hosts: Brigette Heller, Andrew Blackwood, Tanja Bentley Ward

Season 3 opens with a heartfelt invitation to journey through the four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — one chapter at a time, together. The Connected in Christ hosts share how this 19-week deep dive brings new understanding, rhythm, and relationship with God’s Word. Brigette, Andrew, and Tanja discuss the joy of discovering verses they never noticed before, the power of reading in community, and how intentional study multiplies time, peace, and spiritual growth.

This episode sets the tone for the season: building rhythm, reflection, and relationship through Scripture — because studying the Word is truly better together.

Season 3 Overview – The Gospels in Rhythm

• A 19-week reading plan covering Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, five to seven chapters at a time.

• Focus: Reading for context and continuity - chapter by chapter - rather than isolated verses.

Discovering New Insights

• Tanja shares how intentional reading reveals verses and stories she had skimmed over before.

• Andrew notes the joy of rediscovering where key parables and lessons are located.

• Collective study offers accountability, rhythm, and encouragement.

• When multiple people are drawn to the same verse, it confirms God’s active work in the conversation.
  

Study Habits and Spiritual Practices

• Brigette: Reads once, then listens repeatedly; highlights historical facts and Christ’s movements.

• Tanja: Listens first, takes notes on key words, explores meanings, and reflects on personal application.

• Andrew: Studies multiple translations, dives into Greek and Hebrew, and uses Bible Hub to expand context.
  

Rhythm Over Schedule

• Shifting from “schedule” to “rhythm” creates freedom in study.

• Consistency in the Word multiplies peace, time, and capacity.

• Scripture becomes part of daily life rather than an added task.
  

Asking Intentional Questions

• God welcomes curiosity -  “What are You saying to me?” instead of “Why is this happening?”

• Complaints seek to be heard; questions seek understanding.

• Faith grows through humble curiosity and patient listening.
  

Facing Opposition

• Expect resistance when committing to God’s Word -  distractions, delays, or discouragement.

• Perseverance produces fruit; even partial participation still carries power.

• “Just keep going forward,” even if you fall behind in reading.

• Read the Word in rhythm, not rush - context brings clarity.

• Study in community; shared insight deepens revelation.

• Ask questions, not complaints - God honors your curiosity.

• Expect opposition and keep pressing forward.

• Let your time in Scripture multiply your peace, energy, and understanding.

Mentioned Scriptures and Other References: 

• The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

• 2 Timothy 2:15 — “Study to show thyself approved.”

• Psalm 1 — “Like a tree planted by rivers of water…”

• The Chosen (TV Series) – https://watch.thechosen.tv

• Bible Hub – https://biblehub.com

• YouVersion Bible App – https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app

• Social Media:

• Facebook

• Instagram: @connectedinchristpodcast

Support the Show:

If you would like to support the podcast you can donate to our PayPal account: [email protected]

Call to Action:

Please subscribe, leave a review, share the episode, and follow us on social media.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you so much for listening—we pray this conversation brought you closer to Christ!

May your time in God’s Word be multiplied — in peace, understanding, and joy.