Discover a profound and practical approach to love rooted in choice and action, not just feelings. In this episode, we explore how biblical love transforms our understanding of intimacy, friendship, and commitment, encouraging us to love intentionally based on what benefits others.

Inside the episode:

1. How 1980s movies shaped our misconceptions of love as chemistry, intensity, and anxiety
2. The biblical definition of love: choosing to do what benefits others (1 Corinthians 13)
3. Love as an action, not a sentiment — the importance of intentionality
4. The role of knowledge, understanding, and behavior in sustaining love
5. The four types of love (agape, storge, phileo, eros) and how agape guides them all healthily
6. Love as a decision, rooted in God’s covenantal love, providing security and freedom to love others
7. Practical applications in marriage, friendship, and parenting, love as a purposeful act
8. The significance of responding to love because we have first been loved by God
9. A call to read and reflect on 1 Corinthians 13 to reshape your love map

Discover why friendship is essential for spiritual growth and how to cultivate deep, purposeful relationships that mirror biblical love. Join us as we unpack the biblical concept of phileo, its role in discipleship, and how to build friendships rooted in shared mission and agape love.

Inside the episode:

1. The significance of deep friendships and their biblical foundation
2. The Greek words for love: agape, storge, and phileo
3. How friendship reflects God's love and contributes to spiritual development
4. The distinction between eros (romantic love) and phileo (friendship love)
5. Friendship as a shared pursuit and common mission
6. Jesus' model of friendship in John 15 and what it means for us
7. The importance of accountability, honesty, and ordered love in friendships
8. How to initiate and nurture meaningful friendships with intentionality

In this episode of Bible for Newbies, we explore the nuanced concept of Storge, often overlooked yet incredibly prevalent in our closest relationships. Discover how this form of love, rooted in familiarity and routine, can be both a blessing and a challenge—and learn how to order it with Agape, the love that chooses the good of others.

Inside the episode:

1. The definition of Storge and its manifestations in everyday life
2. The difference between affection (Storge) and love ordered by Agape
3. Common myths about family love—"because we love each other, it should be easy"
4. How Storge can turn toxic when left unexamined and unguided by Agape
5. Biblical insights on Storge, including Romans 12:10 and the story of Ruth
6. Practical ways to intentionally foster healthy, Agape-guided family relationships
7. The importance of honoring and making deliberate choices in familiar relationships
8. Tough love: confronting destructive patterns out of genuine love and care
9. Reflection questions for assessing how love is expressed in your relationships

In this episode, we explore the profound meaning of agape love—God's unconditional love shown through actions, and how it can transform our relationships and daily lives. Whether you’re new to faith or looking to deepen your understanding, this discussion offers practical insights into living out love that moves first.

1. The biblical concept of agape love as selfless and action-oriented
2. The Greek origins of different kinds of love and how agape uniquely redefines them
3. How God’s love demonstrated through Jesus exemplifies agape in action
4. Practical ways to embody agape love in everyday life, from serving unnoticed volunteers to maintaining healthy relationships
5. The significance of love being driven by actions rather than emotions
6. A challenge to read and memorize 1 John chapter 4 to anchor love in truth and action

Discover how Jesus models a love that transcends feelings and is rooted in deliberate action. This episode explores the true nature of love as an intentional choice, not just an emotion, learning from Jesus’s example to transform our relationships.

Inside the episode:

1. The difference between emotional love and Jesus-shaped love
2. Jesus’s act of washing disciples' feet as a model of humility and servanthood
3. Love as an intentional decision rather than a fleeting feeling
4. The importance of knowing others to love them effectively
5. Practical ways to emulate Jesus’s love through small acts of service
6. How love remains steadfast even when feelings fade
7. The significance of agape love and self-forgetfulness
8. Applying Jesus’s love to modern relationships and challenges

Timestamps:

00:44 - Defining true love beyond warm feelings

01:14 - Jesus takes the posture of a servant

01:55 - How relationships often deteriorate over small irritations

02:24 - Culture’s view of love as a feeling or benefit

02:52 - Why love based on feelings is fragile

03:21 - Jesus's example of unconditional love

03:48 - The significance of Jesus washing disciples’ feet

04:16 - The cultural meaning of foot-washing and humility

06:10 - Love as purposeful and inclusive, not selective

07:07 - Servanthood driven by love, not worthiness

08:05 - A real-life example of Jesus-shaped love through sacrifice

08:46 - Jesus's instructions: do as I have done

09:15 - Loving through practical, small acts of service

10:14 - Dr. Paul Olson’s definition: love that benefits others

11:13 - Jesus’s mission to serve, not be served (Mark 10:45)

12:12 - Knowing others to do what truly benefits them

12:38 - Tough love and painful but beneficial actions

13:26 - Shifting from romantic to Jesus-shaped love in marriage

14:03 - The reality of fluctuating emotions and lasting love

14:58 - Loving as Jesus loved—setting an example for daily life

15:28 - Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice and laying down one’s life

15:54 - Love as a decision, not an emotion

16:39 - Serve with no expectation, in secret if possible

17:09 - Transform your relationships through deliberate love

17:32 - Love is revealed by what you choose to do, not how you feel

Discover how David’s personal experience of fear and humiliation in Psalm 34 offers us encouragement and hope today. This episode explores the context behind the Psalm, the significance of God's rescue in our lives, and practical faith reminders to face uncertainty with confidence.

Inside the episode:

1. The background of Psalm 34 and David’s harrowing escape from King Achish (1 Samuel 21)
2. How David’s act of pretense reveals God's methods of rescue in weakness
3. The significance of trusting God in times of fear and anxiety
4. Biblical promises of God's presence and protection for the brokenhearted
5. Practical applications to turn to God in moments of distress
6. The importance of seeking peace, fleeing evil, and trusting God's justice
7. How God's ears are open to those who call on Him and how He rescues His people
8. Reflection on God's unwavering support for the righteous during trouble
9. Encouragement for listeners to look to the Lord as their refuge and salvation

In this episode of "Bible for Newbies," Russ Michaels explores the concept of "hesed," a Hebrew word often translated as steadfast love, unfailing love, or loving kindness. He delves into the Old Testament, particularly the story of Hosea, to illustrate God's covenant love and redemption. Through personal anecdotes and biblical narratives, Russ emphasizes that hesed is a love that remains loyal and patient, even in the face of betrayal and brokenness. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on God's enduring love and how it can transform their own relationships.

Inside the episode:

1. Love is a choice, not just a feeling.
2. Hesed is a Hebrew word for steadfast love.
3. God's love is loyal and covenantal.
4. Hosea's story illustrates God's redemption.
5. Redemption involves paying a price for freedom.
6. Hesed love remains patient and enduring.
7. Love and relationship are distinct concepts.
8. God's love doesn't deny pain but stays present.
9. Hesed is about resisting bitterness and revenge.
10. God's love is a model for our relationships.

In this episode of "Bible for Newbies," Russ Michaels explores the concept of love as a choice and emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of love. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical teachings, he discusses how many people live with "$5 in their love tank," relying on limited resources instead of God's abundant love. Russ shares insights from C.S. Lewis and Dr. Paul Olson, highlighting the importance of learning and experiencing God's love to truly fill one's "love tank." The episode encourages listeners to engage in spiritual practices to experience God's love and offers a challenge to read and personalize Psalm 103.

Inside the episode:

1. Love is a choice, God is the supply.
2. Fill your love tank with God's love.
3. God's love is the ultimate source.
4. Experience God's love through practice.
5. Read Psalm 103 for divine love.
6. Natural loves need divine support.
7. God loved us first.
8. Love beyond human relationships.

In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels explores the true meaning of love as defined by the Bible, challenging cultural perceptions of love as mere romance or chemistry. He shares personal anecdotes and insights from C.

C.S. Lewis's "The Four Loves," emphasizing that love is a choice rooted in God's nature, not just a feeling. The episode encourages listeners to redefine love based on biblical principles and to practice self-forgetfulness in relationships.

Inside the episode:

1. Love isn't what you think it is.
2. The Bible defines love, not culture.
3. Love is a choice, not just a feeling.
4. Romance and infatuation are real but not complete.
5. Biblical love is rooted in God's nature.
6. Self-forgetfulness is key in love.
7. Love is patient and kind, not boastful.
8. Love never gives up or loses faith.
9. C.S. Lewis's 'The Four Loves' offers insights.
10. Love is proven by choices, not words.

In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels shares a personal experience of finding peace and spiritual guidance through his devotional, Daily Light. He emphasizes the power of scripture in overcoming spiritual struggles and encourages listeners to turn to the Bible for comfort and direction.

Inside the episode:

1. God showed up for me in a profound way.
2. Keep coming back to the Bible with expectation.
3. Daily Light is a special devotional for me.
4. Bible verses arranged topically appeal to me.
5. I read until something grabs me.
6. I was wrestling with spiritual struggles.
7. Isaiah 26:3 speaks of perfect peace.
8. Shalom, shalom means wholeness and peace.
9. God is the source of my peace.
10. The Bible contains the words of life.