In this episode of Bible Study Besties, we zoom out for a big-picture overview of Colossians. After reading the entire book straight through in multiple translations, we take a bird's eye view of the letter, explore its main themes, and share our personal takeaways. This episode is the first stop on our Colossians roadmap and sets the foundation for deeper Bible study.

Call to Action:

Answer the 5 W's

1) Who is the Author? Who is the audience? What do you learn about both the author and the audience.

2) What is the big picture of the book? Write your overview of Colossians. 

3) When was Colossians written?

4) Where did it take place? What can you learn about Colossae?

5) Why did the author pen these words? 

Resources:

Bible Project overview of Colossians

ESV Introduction to Colossians

Bible Hub

Drum roll please—we’re studying the Book of Colossians this semester! 🎉 Join us on this Bible study podcast as we dive deep into Scripture, exploring Colossians verse by verse with practical tools for studying the Word of God. Grab your Bible, journal, and colored pencils and follow along as we create a clear, engaging roadmap for meaningful Bible study methods. This podcast is designed to help beginners and seasoned believers alike grow in biblical literacy and confidence. You’ll learn how to study the Bible for yourself, understand context, and apply God’s truth to everyday life. If you’re looking for a Christ-centered, practical Christian podcast focused on Scripture, Colossians is the perfect place to start.

Call to Action: 

1. If you are new to Bible Study Besties, listen to Episode 2 before you begin Colossians: Click Here
2. Read through the book of Colossians in one sitting
3. Listen through Colossians in one sitting
4. Read again in at least two different translations. 

Read more from Heather at Where Riches Dwell. 

For all times there has been a great battle between two Kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this earth. Jesus came to secure complete and final victory. Join us today as we talk about Herod, the earthly king who rages against Jesus, the true King. 

In today’s episode, we turn our attention to Jesus as our Great High Priest—the one who makes atonement and intercedes, asking forgiveness on behalf of the people. Our scripture comes from Luke 2:22-30, where Mary and Joseph faithfully bring the infant Jesus to the temple, just as the Law in Leviticus required. What seems like a simple act of obedience becomes a powerful moment of revelation. There, Simeon and Anna—led by the Holy Spirit—recognize Jesus, bless God, and proclaim that salvation has now come.

Previously, we explored Jesus as the true Prophet, who speaks the Word of God and is the Word, and as the Good Shepherd, who lovingly cares for His flock. Today, we see how even in His infancy, Jesus is presented in the place where priests minister—foreshadowing His ultimate role as the High Priest who would one day offer not an animal sacrifice, but Himself, for the forgiveness of sins. This episode invites us to see how God’s redemptive plan is already unfolding in the temple, through obedience, worship, and the quiet faith of those who recognize who Jesus truly is.

In today’s episode, we turn our attention to Jesus as our Shepherd. Reading Luke 2:1–20, we reflect on the wonder that God chose shepherds, men in a lowly and often overlooked occupation, to be the first witnesses of Christ’s birth. These humble shepherds hurried to the manger and bowed before the newborn King, foreshadowing the way Jesus would one day call Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep and lays down His life for them. Join us as we trace the beauty, humility, and promise woven through this part of the Christmas story and see how Jesus continues to shepherd His people with tenderness and strength.

In this episode, we explore how the birth narrative of Jesus reveals Him as the fulfillment of Israel’s deepest longings. Reading Luke 1:67–80, we trace the prophetic words of Zechariah and look back to several Old Testament prophets to understand how Jesus is the true prophet God promised throughout the ages. Together, we discover how Jesus is the true and better Prophet—He not only speaks the words of God, He is the Word of God. 

For the rest of our Advent series, we will consider how Jesus embodies the roles of Shepherd, Priest, and King, bringing comfort, intercession, and righteous rule to His people. Join us as we see how every part of the Christmas story points to the One who came to rescue, redeem, and reign forever.

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In today's episode we take an inspiring look at the covenants of the Bible — the sacred vows made and upheld by God. A covenant is more than a contract; it’s a divine promise that reveals God’s unchanging faithfulness to His people. From the covenants with Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, and David to the New Covenant fulfilled through Jesus Christ, each one points to the ultimate redemption found at the cross.

As Bible students, understanding these covenants helps us see the story of Scripture as one seamless thread of God’s love — showing our need for Him, His steadfast character, and His unbreakable promises. Join us as we trace the covenants through the Bible and discover how they deepen our trust in the One who always keeps His word.

Homework:

Choose one covenant and read the scripture passage. Summarize it in your own words.

• Edenic Covenant: Genesis 1:26–28
• Adamic Covenant: Genesis 3:14–19
• Noahic Covenant: Genesis 9:8–17
• Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1–3, 15:1–21, 17
• Mosaic Covenant: Exodus 19–24, 20:1–31:18
• Davidic Covenant: 2 Samuel 7:5–16, 1 Chronicles 17:4–15

In this episode, we talk about how and why to study God’s Word through every season of life—whether you’re a young mother in a busy chapter, walking through a season of grief, or entering a time of quiet abundance and reflection. God’s Word is not just a book—it’s our life, our sustenance, and our anchor when the waves of life rise high or the days feel long.

We’ll share practical Bible study tips for different life seasons, encouragement for studying Scripture when grief runs deep, and reminders that God meets us right where we are—in joy, sorrow, or stillness. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay connected to the truth of Scripture through life’s ups and downs, this episode will help you find stability and hope in the One who never changes.

Find more writings at Heather's Substack, Where Riches Dwell.

When you open your Bible, do you know what kind of writing you’re reading? In this episode we dive into the genres of the Bible—from poetry and prophecy to narrative, wisdom literature, law, and letters—and why recognizing them is essential for accurate Bible study and interpretation. Understanding the literary genres in Scripture helps us read God’s Word as it was intended, uncovering deeper meaning, cultural context, and timeless truth. Join us as we explore how knowing the different genres of the Bible transforms the way we study, understand, and apply Scripture in our everyday lives.

HOMEWORK: 

In your own Bible mark the different genres we discussed today. You can use brackets to delineate the different genres, or perhaps different colored pencils. If you have space, write a few words next to each genre to help you remember the basic information of that particular genre. 

RESOURCES:

Literarily by Kristie Anyabwile  

Find more of Heather's writings at her Substack, Where Riches Dwell.

In this episode we talk about the lens through which women can study Scripture and how to approach hard Bible passages about women. We discuss how to interpret Paul’s writings on women in the church, explore resources for women studying the Bible, and take a closer look at Ruth in the Bible as a model of faith and courage. If you’ve ever wrestled with understanding difficult verses about women in Scripture, this conversation will help you find clarity, confidence, and deeper connection to God’s Word.

RESOURCES:

Warren Wiersbe Bible Commentary 

The New Testament In Color 

Cultural Study Bible 

Blue Letter Bible 

Vindicating the Vixen