Ready for a difficult discussion about repentance? We’re into Square One session 7 exploring how life changes when we get closer to a relationship with Christ. It’s about living a new life in faith by shedding old, destructive, and unhealthy habits. How does the prodigal son’s story teach us about repentance and God's joy in our return to him? We consider personal life changes, the struggles of taming the tongue, and the importance of continually aligning ourselves with God's will. And why certain foods make us a little … uncomfortable?! Get ready for some real talk on transformation and faith!

The Big Idea: The life change God wants for you begins with your decision to follow Christ.

This Week's Challenge: Draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. On the left side, make a list of all the hard, hurtful, and wrong things you're ready to break with and let go. Leave the right side blank for now.

Show Notes

• Finding Jesus: Eph. 4:17-23 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 6 (GUIDED STUDY)
• “Just As I Am” by Ryan Joy (SERMON)

Support the Show

What's so great about Jesus? Here in Square One session 6, we reflect on Matthew 27-28, share our thoughts on the characteristics of true friendship, and unpack the story of Lazarus from John 11. From Jesus' compassion, unwavering commitment, and wise counsel, join us as we uncover why Jesus is the ultimate friend we all need. Plus, we discuss our favorite friendship stories, chat about how Jesus' love changes our lives, and pose a thought-provoking question: If you could ask a friend to help with something important in your life, what would it be? Let's grow closer to Jesus together!

The Big Idea: Once you know Jesus and his love, your life will never be the same.

This Week's Challenge: Reflect on this question: If you could ask a friend to help you with something important in your life, what would it be?

Show Notes

• Finding Jesus: John 15:13-15 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 6 (GUIDED STUDY)
• Plainfield Pondering by Allen Greeley (PODCAST)

Support the Show

Would you rather hear the good news or bad news first? Good news — we're into session 5 of our Square One series, tackling a massive question: How does Jesus change things? Understanding the bad news of our sin helps us appreciate the incredibly good news of Jesus! He’s the center of everything and we watch what his suffering accomplished in Isaiah 53. Are you starting to see how Jesus’ story can change yours? Check out Matthew 27:32 to 28:20 this week and visit our website for more resources!

The Big Idea: Jesus has conquered sin and death to bring hope, peace, and joy to our lives.

This Week's Challenge: Read Matthew 27:32-28:20.

Show Notes

• Finding Jesus: Luke 2:10-12 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 5 (GUIDED STUDY)
• The School of Christ: Learning Character from Jesus by Jacob Hudgins (BOOK)

Support the Show

We’re back for Session 4 of our Square One series. We tackled the huge question: "Why believe in Jesus?" How does the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection, like the empty tomb and the disciples' transformed lives, provide a solid foundation for faith? Is blind faith a thing? We dug into 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul details eyewitness accounts, including over 500 people seeing Jesus alive, and shared how skeptics often agree on key historical facts surrounding these events. If Jesus really rose from the dead, what does that mean for you?

The Big Idea: We can trust in Jesus because of the historical fact that he rose from the dead.

This Week's Challenge: Take some time to write down your thoughts to the question, "What does it mean if Jesus raised from the dead?"

Show Notes

• Jesus Said: John 20:29 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 4 (GUIDED STUDY)

Support the Show

Ready to dive into our third conversation in the Square One series? This week, we're tackling the question: What's the Bible all about? Looking at the overarching story of the Bible, SPOILER ALERT — the focus is on Jesus! What’s the best Bible translation? How does John 1 expand our understanding as we piece together the Bible's grand narrative? Mind-blowing revelations ahead — tune in as we unravel the scriptural mysteries that all point to Jesus. And don't forget to check out the links for more resources and follow along with our Square One series!

The Big Idea: All of Scripture points to Jesus.

This Week's Challenge: Read Luke 24:1-35.

Show Notes

• Jesus Said: John 5:39-40 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 3 (GUIDED STUDY)

Support the Show

Get excited, we’re into the second session of our Square One guided study! It’s the Bible Geeks talking about ... the Bible! What it is, why it matters, and how it answers life's biggest questions. How’d this amazing guidebook for our lives come to exist, and why is it still relevant today? Plus, we provide “definitive evidence” (or not?) for all those mysterious topics like the Bermuda Triangle and the Loch Ness Monster. Join us on this journey to better understand the Bible and its significance to our lives. Let's get into it!

The Big Idea: The Bible answers our biggest questions about who we are and why we're here.

This Week's Challenge: If you haven't already, get a Bible or download a Bible app, and orient yourself to how it’s organized.

Show Notes

• Like the Teacher: Matthew 4:1-11 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 2 (GUIDED STUDY)
• Hidden in Plain Sight by Ryan Joy (SERMON)

Support the Show

Welcome to the “extended version” of our back-to-basics Square One guided study, starting with session one, “Why are things so messed up?”' We reflect on personal struggles, the brokenness we see around us, and the need for spiritual healing. We also discuss the powerful imagery in Isaiah 59 and how it relates to some heavy words like iniquity, transgression, and sin. Plus, we share our thoughts on leading and participating in these soul-searching conversations. Join us as we administer a spiritual physical and explore our need for Jesus' healing together.

The Big Idea: Humanity has slipped into some terribly unhealthy patterns — and if we’re honest, we can see that brokenness in ourselves.

This Week's Challenge: Let’s watch this week for both healthy and unhealthy things in the world.

Show Notes

• Jesus Said: Matthew 9:12 (VERSE)
• Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One - Session 1 (GUIDED STUDY)
• Getting to Square One (GUIDED STUDY)
• Getting to Square One Study Guide (PDF)

Support the Show

The voting is over and the people have spoken! We’re diving into the surprising results from this year's Bible Bracket. We cover the upsets, nail-biters, and the ultimate winner that stood tall from all the Favorite Bible Verse matchups. How does the Bible's imagery from Romans 12:2, Revelation 21:4, Psalm 118:6, and the grand champion — John 14:6 impact you? Plus, we share some heartfelt thoughts on the verses that have deeply impacted our lives. Join us for a March Madness recap of biblical proportions.

The Big Idea: The Bible is living and active, changing our hearts in new ways and in new circumstances every day.

Show Notes

• Watch Episode 227 (VIDEO)
• Meditating on Four Favorite Verses (BLOG)
• Bible Geeks Bracket - Draft Results
• Romans 12:2 (VERSE)
• Revelation 21:4 (VERSE)
• Psalm 118:6 (VERSE)
• John 14:6 (VERSE)
• Square One (GUIDED STUDY)

Support the Show

In this episode, we're wrapping up our "Getting to Square One" Guided Study and giving you some real talk and practical tips on how to actually get started with a Square One study (or any gospel-focused conversation, really!). We're diving into questions like how to invite someone, how much to prep, and what to do if you get a tough question. Plus, don't forget to get your votes in for the Bible Bracket! Today's the LAST DAY to vote for your favorite Bible verses! Head over to biblegeeks.fm/bracket to make your voice heard. We're super excited about diving into the full Square One series soon, so this episode is all about getting you ready to lead the way. Thanks for tuning in!

The Big Idea: Focus and commitment in someone’s spiritual growth goes a long way in leading a successful gospel-centered conversation.

Show Notes

• Watch Episode 226 (VIDEO)
• Guiding Gospel Conversations (BLOG)
• Jesus Said: Mark 6:7-13 (VERSE)
• Getting to Square One (GUIDED STUDY)
• Square One (GUIDED STUDY)
• Bible Geeks Bracket - Draft Results

Support the Show

It's DRAFT TIME! Join us for another exciting Bible Bracket, this time drafting our Favorite Bible Verses. We're playing 64 single — ahem — verses in four regional categories: Timeless Wisdom, Precious Promises, Hard Truths, and Trust Builders. Why are these verses meaningful? Where did we get the idea for the Trust Builders regional? And what happens when we mess everything up? Find out and go vote for your favorites at biblegeeks.fm/bracket to get in on the action! Plus, stay tuned for news on our 'Getting to Square One' series and more.

The Big Idea: The Bible is full of timeless wisdom, precious promises, hard truths, and trust building verses.

Show Notes

• Bible Geeks Bracket - Draft Results
• Watch Episode 225 (VIDEO)
• It's Draft Time! Bible Verses Edition (BLOG)
• Getting to Square One (GUIDED STUDY)

Support the Show