We explore Luke’s Gospel as a careful, compassionate portrait of Jesus—fully God, fully human—who brings salvation “today” and welcomes outsiders to the table. From certainty and song to meals, prayer, and the Spirit’s power, we trace why Luke still speaks to weary hearts.

• Luke’s purpose of clarity and certainty
• Salvation as forgiveness, welcome, and healing now
• The theme of “today” in Luke’s narrative
• Outsiders welcomed: Zacchaeus, Samaritans, sinners
• Songs, joy, and worship that shape the story
• Meals as moments of mercy and change
• Prayer and the Holy Spirit guiding Jesus’ mission
• Women’s faith and witness honored
• The humanity of Jesus and hope for the weary
• Simple reading plans and reflective questions

Pick one of those reading options and begin. Maybe start with Luke chapters 1 and 2 this week. Let the songs of Mary, Zechariah, and the angels lead you into the story. And maybe text a friend to join you.

RELATED EPISODE:

The Gospels: A Four-Fold Portrait of Jesus Christ (Encore)

RESOURCES:

• Carson, D. A., & Moo, D. J. (2005). An introduction to the New Testament (Kindle ed.). Zondervan.
• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to read the Bible book by book: A guided tour (Kindle ed.). Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2010). The John MacArthur study Bible (New International Version). Thomas Nelson.
• Nelson, T. (Ed.). (2011). The NIV, open Bible: Complete reference system (Kindle ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Zondervan. (2016). NIV, cultural backgrounds study Bible: Bringing to life the ancient world of Scripture (Kindle ed.). Zondervan.

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Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

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Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

The Gospel of Mark offers a breathless, urgent account of Jesus' life that captures his identity as the Son of God and extends his invitation to follow him today.

• Mark is the shortest gospel at 16 chapters—readable in about 90 minutes
• Written around 55-65 AD, likely the earliest written account of Jesus' life
• Tradition says it was written by John Mark, capturing Peter's eyewitness perspective
• Uses the word "immediately" about 40 times, creating an urgent, fast-paced narrative
• Features "sandwich" storytelling technique where one story is nested inside another
• Preserves Jesus' original Aramaic words like "Talitha kum" (little girl, get up)
• Emphasizes Jesus' authority over sickness, nature, demons, and death
• Presents Jesus as a different kind of Messiah who serves, suffers, and saves
• Contains 16 references to "follow me"—Jesus wants followers, not just admirers
• The earliest manuscripts end at 16:8, with later copies adding verses 9-20

Take one step this week—read Mark using one of the suggested reading plans and ask: Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow him?

RELATED EPISODES:

The Gospels: A Four-Fold Portrait of Jesus

RESOURCES: 

Carson, D. A., & Moo, D. J. (n.d.). An introduction to the New Testament (pp. 183, 187) [Kindle edition].

Cooper, R. L. (2000). Mark (Vol. 2, Holman New Testament Commentary). Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Deppe, D. B. (2011). All roads lead to the text: Eight methods of inquiry into the Bible. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2011). The MacArthur Study Bible (New International Version). Thomas Nelson.

Nelson, T. (n.d.). The NIV, Open Bible: Complete reference system (pp. 5877, 5879) [Kindle edition].

Puskas, C. B., & Crump, D. (2008). An introduction to the Gospels and Acts. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible companion: A handbook for the Classic Chain-Reference Bible. (n.d.).

The Word in Life Study Bible: NRSV, New Testament edition. (n.d.).

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Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Matthew's Gospel serves as a bridge connecting Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, deliberately placed first in the New Testament to show continuity in God's redemptive plan.

• The word "gospel" means "good news" - the four gospels each present Jesus from different perspectives
• Matthew, a former tax collector called by Jesus, wrote primarily for a Jewish audience
• Jesus eating with "tax collectors and sinners" at Matthew's house demonstrated the gospel message in action
• Five major teaching sections form the structure of Matthew's gospel
• The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) establishes the values of God's kingdom
• Jesus repeatedly fulfills Old Testament prophecies, confirming his identity as Messiah
• The genealogy includes Gentile women, showing Jesus is King of all nations
• Matthew ends with the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations
• The gospel challenges us to live as citizens of God's kingdom with transformed hearts

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend who might need encouragement from God's Word this week. Join us next time as we explore Mark's Gospel—shorter, faster-paced, and action-packed.

RELATED EPISODE:

• The Gospels: A Four-Fold Portrait of Jesus Christ

RESOURCES:

• Fee, G. D. (2002). How to read the Bible book by book. Zondervan.
• Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (n.d.). Bible overview (pp. 373–374) [Kindle edition]. Function.
• Godet, F. L. (1899). Introduction to the New Testament: The collection of the four Gospels and the Gospel of St. Matthew(W. Affleck, Trans.; Vol. 2, p. 105). T&T Clark.
• Knowles, A. (2001). The Bible guide (1st Augsburg Books ed.). Augsburg.
• Leithart, P. J. (2022). BI110 How to read the Bible [Logos Mobile Education]. Lexham Press.
• MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur study Bible (Electronic ed.). Word Publishing.
• Mangum, D. (Ed.). (2020). Lexham context commentary: New Testament (Mt 24:9–14). Lexham Press.
• Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1998). The open Bible: New King James Version (Electronic ed.).

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

The Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - form the foundation of Christian belief, each offering unique perspectives on Jesus Christ's life and teachings. These four complementary accounts provide a comprehensive portrait of Jesus as King, Servant, Son of Man, and Son of God.

• Matthew, a former tax collector turned disciple, presents Jesus as King and connects His life to Old Testament prophecies
• Mark, companion of Peter, offers an action-packed account focusing on Jesus as servant, frequently using "and immediately" to create urgency
• Luke, a physician and the only Gentile author in the Bible, emphasizes Jesus's compassion for outcasts and includes beloved parables
• John provides the most theological perspective, showcasing Jesus's divinity and including unique "I am" statements
• All four Gospels contain miracle stories, pronouncement stories, and detailed passion/resurrection narratives
• The synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) follow similar chronologies while John offers complementary material
• Each Gospel writer had a different audience and purpose, creating a multifaceted portrait of Jesus
• Recommended approach: start with one Gospel (possibly Mark), read slowly, and ask reflective questions about Jesus's words and actions

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with others, subscribe or follow our podcast, and Apple Podcast listeners please drop us a review.

CORRECTION: At 2:32 the list of the Synoptic gospels should be Matthew, Mark and Luke only.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Questions to ask as you read the gospels:

1. What's happening in this passage?  
2. Who is Jesus talking to?
3. What's Jesus teaching? 
4. What does Jesus say about himself? 
5. What does Jesus say about God? 
6. How does Jesus respond to different situations?  
7. What does Jesus tell people to do? 
8. What do I learn about Jesus in a given passage.  
9. How does this passage apply to your life. 

 

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Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

The blank page between Malachi and Matthew represents 400 years of crucial history that set the stage for Jesus' arrival in what the Bible calls "the fullness of time." Reverend Sandra Glenn explains how this period, while called the "silent years" because of no prophetic messages, was actually filled with God's behind-the-scenes work preparing the world for Christ.

• Transition of power from Persia to Greece to Rome created the perfect conditions for Jesus' ministry
• Alexander the Great's influence spread Greek language, leading to the Septuagint translation making Scripture accessible
• Religious groups like Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, and Essenes developed during this period
• Synagogues replaced the temple as centers for worship and teaching
• God methodically prepared the world with roads, common language, and dispersion of Jewish people
• Prophetic promises from Jeremiah, Micah, and Isaiah sustained hope during foreign occupation
• Each Gospel writer later presented Jesus from a perspective shaped by these 400 years of history

Please like, follow, subscribe, and share this podcast with someone who could benefit from this knowledge. Join us for our next episode as we start Season 5 with a review of the Gospels and dive into the book of Matthew.

REFERENCED RESOURCES:

Book: The Four Centuries Between the Testaments, George E. Balla

Past Episodes:

Malachi: Final Book of the Old Testament

Unveiling the Intertestamental Period - Encore

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Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

In this tribute episode, we honor Reverend Allison Johnson, a beloved friend and supporter of the podcast who recently passed away, by resharing a powerful interview about developing consistent Bible reading habits.

• Augustine said the Bible is "so shallow a baby can wade in it and so deep an elephant will drown in it"
• The importance of reading Scripture for yourself rather than relying solely on what others teach
• How to distinguish between Bible reading (for breadth) and Bible study (for depth)
• Practical advice: use a one-year Bible with daily readings from both testaments
• Find a reading partner for accountability and discussion
• When you fall behind, skip those days and keep going rather than giving up
• Reading plans like the New Living Translation make Scripture more accessible
• You should "have more Bibles than shoes" - prioritize God's Word in your life
• Don't try to fit Bible reading in—take something else off your schedule
• Reading the entire Bible provides crucial context for understanding individual verses

If this episode has been beneficial to you, please share it with others. Subscribe or follow, and all Apple podcast listeners, drop us a review.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The One Year Bible NLT:                        
The Entire Bible in 365 Readings in the New Living Translation 

New - Amazon
Used - Thriftbooks.com

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Have you ever pondered on the 400-year-long silence between the Old and New Testaments? Where did the Pharisees and Sadducees suddenly spring from? Here's the chance to satiate your curiosity as we embark on a thrilling journey through the sands of time, unearthing the mysteries of the Intertestamental period. Together, we'll traverse through shifting world powers, from Persia to Greece, and subsequently Rome, witnessing the dramatic transformation of Jewish culture under the influence of Hellenization, the creation of the Septuagint, and the rise of differing Jewish sects. 

Prepare yourself for an absorbing exploration of a pivotal era in history.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Malachi, the final prophet of the Old Testament, delivers a gentle but firm wake-up call to God's people who had fallen into spiritually empty routines. Though the temple was rebuilt and sacrifices resumed after exile, their hearts had drifted from authentic worship without them even realizing it.

• The prophet Malachi speaks to Israelites around 430 BC who had returned from exile
• His message unfolds through six courtroom-style disputes between God and His people
• God's central invitation: "Return to me and I will return to you" (Malachi 3:7)
• The people had drifted into half-hearted worship, neglected tithes, and broken marriages
• Malachi confronts religious leaders for bringing defiled sacrifices to God's altar
• God challenges His people's complaints about His justice and seeming absence
• The prophet exposes how the people robbed God through withheld tithes and offerings
• Malachi ends with two reminders: keep God's law and look for Elijah's return
• The prophecy of a coming messenger points directly to John the Baptist and Jesus
• After Malachi, 400 years of prophetic silence followed until John the Baptist appeared

Next week, we'll explore the 400-year period between the Old and New Testaments, examining how God was preparing the world for the coming Messiah even in His silence.

RESOURCES:

• Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Bomar, D., Sinclair Wolcott, C., Brown, D. R., & Klippenstein, R. (Eds.). (2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Electronic ed.). Lexham Press. (Original work published 2012)
• Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Holman Bible Publishers.
• Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (2012). Bible Overview. Barbour Publishing.
• Longman, T. (2006). An Introduction to the Old Testament. Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (Electronic ed., Word Publishing.
• Nelson, T. (Ed.). (2011). The NIV Open Bible: Complete Reference System. Thomas Nelson.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Zechariah brings a message of hope and encouragement to God's people who have returned from exile but fallen into discouragement and apathy while rebuilding the temple. Through eight vivid night visions and powerful prophecies about the coming Messiah, Zechariah shows that God remembers His promises and has a future planned that's bigger than they can imagine.

• Setting the historical stage: 520 BC, after the Jews returned from Babylonian exile
• Understanding who Zechariah was: both prophet and priest, whose name means "the Lord remembers"
• Exploring the book's structure, from night visions to future promises
• Examining key images: the high priest in filthy clothes, the woman in the basket, the humble king
• Connecting Zechariah's prophecies to Jesus, including over 30 direct references
• Finding hope in God's words: "Do not despise these small beginnings"
• Remembering God's method: "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit"

What small beginning are you experiencing right now? Share your story in the comments, through our website, or by email—your experience might encourage someone else who's wondering if their small steps of obedience matter to God.

RELATED EPISODES:

• Haggai: Put God First
• Ezra: Return, Rebuilding, and Renewal Through Faith

RESOURCES:

• Barry, J. D., et al. (Eds.). (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Lexham Press.
• Busenitz, I. (n.d.). Preaching the Minor Prophets.
• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to read the Bible Book by Book: A guided tour (1st ed.). Zondervan.
• Hwang, J. (2016). Zechariah, Book of. In J. D. Barry et al. (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Lexham Press.
• Lasor, W. S., Hubbard, D. A., & Bush, F. W. (1996). Old Testament survey: The message, form, and background of the Old Testament (2nd ed.). Eerdmans.
• Nelson, T. (n.d.). The NIV, Open Bible: Complete reference system (Kindle ed.). Function.
• Rhodes, R. (2022). Bite-size Bible library: 4-in-1 eBook bundle,  Harvest House Publishers.
• The Minor Prophets – Zechariah: Hope in the Messiah. (2003, February). Truth & Tidings. https://truthandtidings.com/2003/02/the-minor-prophets-zechariah-hope-in-the-messiah
• The MacArthur Study Bible (NIV ed.). (2013). Thomas Nelson.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

The book of Haggai delivers a timely message about prioritizing God in the midst of life's rebuilding seasons. Through four precisely dated messages, this short prophetic book challenges us to realign our focus when we've let spiritual priorities slip.

• Haggai spoke to Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem around 520 BC to find their city and temple in ruins
• The people had grown discouraged and stopped temple reconstruction, focusing instead on their own homes for 16 years
• God's repeated invitation to "give careful thought to your ways" connects their ongoing struggles with misplaced priorities
• When the people responded with obedience, God immediately assured them of His presence: "I am with you"
• God acknowledges their discouragement about the new temple's appearance, but promises greater glory through it
• The book's final message points to Zerubbabel's place in God's redemptive plan, ultimately connecting to Jesus
• Four key themes emerge: priorities, obedience, God's presence, and hope
• Haggai shows God doesn't approach our misaligned priorities with shame, but with an invitation to renewed purpose

Remember that even small steps of obedience can lead to significant spiritual renewal in your life. God's presence and promise—"I am with you"—remains true for us today.

RELATED EPISODES:

• Context Matters: Undestanding Post Exile  Prophets
• Ezra: Return, Rebuilding, and Renewal Through Faith

SOURCES:

• Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., ... & Bomar, D. (2016). Faithlife Study Bible. Lexham Press. (Original work published 2012)
• Evangelical Training Association. (n.d.). Old Testament survey (Pt. 2).
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (n.d.). The MacArthur Study Bible (NIV ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Spurgeon, C. H. (2017). The Spurgeon study Bible: Notes. Holman Bible Publishers.
• Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1998). The Open Bible: New King James Version (Electronic ed.).
• Wolf, H. M. (1996). Haggai, theology of. In W. A. Elwell (Ed.), Evangelical dictionary of biblical theology (electronic ed., p. 323). Baker Book House.

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Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.