Ever wonder how the early Christians found hope when they were being hunted down and used as human torches? Welcome to our deep dive into 1 and 2 Peter, where we uncover how one of Jesus' closest followers wrote secret coded messages to encourage believers facing unimaginable persecution under Emperor Nero.

This episode transports you between 61 and 64 AD, when Rome burned for six days. Nero, having orchestrated the destruction himself, blamed Christians to deflect responsibility. The result? A horrifying wave of persecution where tarred and burned alive as human lamps in the emperor's gardens. 

What makes these ancient letters so relevant today? Whether you're facing financial hardship, social pressure, or spiritual challenges, Peter's message speaks directly to our modern struggles. 

Ready to discover how Peter's underground messages can transform your perspective on today's challenges? Listen now to find fresh hope and courage for whatever you're facing.

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

Freedom in Christ comes with both personal responsibility and community obligation. As we conclude our journey through Galatians, Paul's final words challenge us to examine what we're truly investing in spiritually.

The contrast couldn't be clearer: those who sow to the flesh will reap corruption, while those who sow to the Spirit will reap eternal life. But what does this spiritual investment actually look like? It's not about religious performance or checking spiritual boxes. Rather, it's about developing a heart-driven relationship with God that flows naturally from love rather than obligation—much like our most valued human relationships.

Paul doesn't hold back as he exposes the true motives of the legalists troubling the Galatian church. These religious hypocrites cared more about appearances than authenticity, imposing rules they themselves didn't follow. They sought to make converts not for spiritual well-being but to "boast in their flesh." This warning remains profoundly relevant today, challenging us to examine whether we're living authentically or simply putting on a good religious show.

Whether you've followed our entire Galatians series or this is your first episode, this message offers profound wisdom for living in an authentic Christian community. Grab your Bible, take notes, and discover how grace-filled freedom leads to spiritual growth and genuine relationships.

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

The battle between flesh and Spirit defines every believer's journey, and nowhere is this conflict more vividly depicted than in Paul's letter to the Galatians. Diving into chapter 5, we explore this spiritual tug-of-war and Paul's urgent warning against returning to legalism after tasting freedom in Christ.

Paul's message to the Galatians is strikingly relevant today. When we attempt to add requirements to salvation—like the Judaizers who insisted on circumcision—we're essentially declaring Christ's sacrifice insufficient. As Paul boldly states, "You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace." These words cut deeply, reminding us that legalism doesn't just add unnecessary burdens—it fundamentally disconnects us from the very grace that saves us.

We close by examining the vital importance of Christian community in this battle between flesh and Spirit. None of us can navigate this conflict alone. We all need godly people who will "love fact-check" us when we stray and remind us of the freedom we have in Christ.

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

Have you ever felt like your faith has become a checklist of dos and don'ts rather than a relationship with Christ? Episode 80 of the Woman 31 Podcast tackles this fundamental struggle head-on as we continue our journey through Galatians, focusing on chapters 3 and 4 where Paul confronts the dangerous infiltration of works-based religion.

At the heart of this episode is a profound contrast that still resonates today: the suffocating bondage of religious legalism versus the liberating freedom of grace through faith. I unpack Paul's passionate rebuke to the Galatians who were being deceived by false teachers insisting that grace alone wasn't enough—they needed circumcision and law-keeping to truly belong to God. Sound familiar? We still struggle with measuring our spiritual worth through religious performance rather than resting in Christ's finished work.

The beautiful truth we discover is that Abraham—the father of faith—was justified long before the Mosaic Law existed, showing God's consistent plan to save people through faith, not works. I share how the allegory of Sarah and Hagar brilliantly illustrates our choice between living by human effort or divine promise.

Ready to break free from spiritual performance anxiety and embrace your identity as a beloved child of God? Listen now, then subscribe, share this episode, and join our community at woman31ministries.com where you can connect with our weekly prayer calls and resources designed to help you walk in the freedom Christ died to give you.

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

Paul's letter to the Galatians arrives like a thunderclap, with none of the gentle tones found in his other epistles. Why such urgency? The gospel itself was at stake.

This passionate defense erupted when Paul discovered that false teachers had infiltrated the churches he planted throughout Galatia (modern-day Turkey). These "Judaizers" – Jewish Christians insisting that Gentile believers must follow Jewish customs to truly be saved – weren't merely suggesting supplemental practices. They were fundamentally distorting the gospel message while simultaneously undermining Paul's apostolic authority.

This ancient conflict remains startlingly relevant today. Many still struggle between grace and performance, between trusting Christ's finished work and adding human requirements. Paul's revolutionary message – that true transformation begins with inner "circumcision of the heart" rather than external religious observance – challenges us to examine our own spiritual lives. Are we, like the Judaizers, more concerned with checking religious boxes than experiencing heart-level change? Or are we embracing the genuine freedom that comes through faith alone?

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

The overlooked Book of Jude packs a powerful punch against deceptive spiritual leaders who've infiltrated the church. As your host Latoya explains, this tiny letter appears just before Revelation but carries wisdom urgently needed today. 

Jude warns about "hyper-grace" teachers who have "crept in unnoticed" - charismatic figures who transform God's forgiveness into permission for continued sin without accountability. These spiritual charlatans make grand promises while delivering nothing of true value. Through vivid imagery, Jude exposes false teachers as waterless clouds, hidden reefs, and wandering stars - all dangerously attractive yet spiritually empty.

What makes these teachers so recognizable today? They flatter influential people, promise material blessings rather than spiritual growth, and put on spectacular performances while lacking substance. Many believers defend these teachers despite never knowing them personally - captivated by charisma while ignoring fruit. As Latoya notes, "We would rather have itching ears and have someone tell us we're going to get another vehicle we don't need than teach us about Christ."

Beyond sounding the alarm, Jude provides practical protection strategies: building yourself in faith, praying, and keeping yourself in God's love. He also gives nuanced guidance on helping others - showing mercy to doubters while firmly redirecting those heading toward spiritual danger. This episode offers clear, applicable wisdom on strengthening your spiritual discernment in an age of celebrity teachers and manipulative ministries.

Subscribe and visit woman31ministries.com to continue exploring overlooked biblical wisdom that transforms your faith journey from entertainment to authentic discipleship.

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

Have you ever found yourself caught between those who genuinely walk in love and truth and others whose pride creates division in your church community? The third epistle of John—though brief—delivers a powerful message about Christian character through three distinct personalities who continue to mirror people we encounter today.

Despite being the shortest book in the New Testament (according to word count), 3 John presents us with a compelling character study: the hospitable Gaius who walks in truth and serves faithfully, the problematic Diotrephes whose ego and power hunger lead him to reject apostolic authority and expel people from the church, and the well-respected Demetrius who receives universal commendation. Through these three men, we learn what genuine Christian community should look like—and what threatens it from within.

What makes this ancient letter so relevant is how it speaks directly to our current moment of division and uncertainty. As we navigate increasingly chaotic and confusing times in 2025, John's epistle reminds us that godly character is shown in hospitality, humility, and walking in truth—while warning us about those whose pride creates discord. The letter challenges us to examine which of these biblical figures we most resemble and reminds us that our testimony isn't what we claim about ourselves but what others observe in our genuine walk with Christ.

Ready to explore more biblical wisdom together? Join our upcoming course in late April 2025 by signing up for our mailing list at woman31ministries.com. Let me know which biblical book you'd like us to study next by emailing me directly—I'd love to hear from you!

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

What happens when our desire to be hospitable collides with our responsibility to protect the truth? This provocative question lies at the heart of 2nd John, a powerful punch for modern Christians navigating a world awash with contradicting spiritual messages.

Whether you're wrestling with questions about spiritual boundaries, or simply wanting to understand a rarely-discussed biblical book, this episode offers accessible insights that will challenge you to become like the Bereans—studying Scripture for yourself rather than blindly following charismatic personalities. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly devotionals that complement these teachings, and join our community for corporate prayer every Thursday. Your spiritual journey deserves this kind of thoughtful, scripture-grounded guidance!

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

Standing firm against false teaching requires discernment, wisdom, and a deep understanding of foundational truths. The Apostle John pens this powerful letter from Ephesus to believers threatened by Gnostic teachings that separated spiritual reality from physical existence. Though small in size at just five chapters, First John delivers profound theological insights that remain startlingly relevant today.

Throughout this rich letter, John weaves three magnificent themes: God is light, God is love, and God is life. When we grasp these core attributes, we naturally understand their opposites—darkness, hate, and spiritual death—represent sinful paths contradicting authentic Christian living. John isn't demanding perfection from believers, but warning against making sin a lifestyle or habit. The letter lovingly reminds us that while we aren't sinless, we should sin less as we grow in Christ.

Small books of Scripture often contain the deepest treasures. As you explore First John, highlight passages reflecting God's light, love, and life. Let this ancient letter renew your commitment to authentic faith expressed through genuine fellowship—both with God and with other believers. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly devotionals that will deepen your understanding, and consider joining our upcoming 8-week Bible study course where you'll develop skills to study Scripture confidently for yourself.

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!

Have you ever felt like running away from God after making a mistake? The book of Philemon—a tiny, often overlooked letter in the New Testament—contains a revolutionary message about redemption that speaks directly to this universal human experience.

Join Latoya on Woman 31 Podcast as she unpacks the powerful story behind Paul's letter to Philemon. This fascinating narrative centers around three individuals: Paul (writing from house arrest in Rome), Philemon (a wealthy Christian slave owner in Colossae), and Onesimus (a runaway slave who found Christ through Paul's ministry). What unfolds is far more than an ancient social transaction.

Whether you've felt disqualified by past mistakes or you're struggling to extend forgiveness to someone who's wronged you, this episode offers biblical wisdom that challenges and encourages, using theological richness of this single-chapter for an astounding transformative take.

Text the show

Support the show

Grow in God’s Word. Lead boldly.

Don't forget to Grab Your Free eBook Today and start Studying the Bible with Confidence

Connect with Equip The Next

• Email [email protected]

• Join our Private Telegram Group

Want to support the podcast? Give here (optional): Support Us Here
Thank you for listening and for equipping the next!