Everyday Theology In Plain English

You're reading your Bible and hit instructions about not muzzling an ox while it treads grain, rules about servants, or warnings about meat sacrificed to idols. And you're thinking, "I don't have an ox, I don't have servants, and I've never seen meat sacrificed to idols. How is this supposed to help me with my actual problems?" 

Here's what you need to know: God didn't give us his Word to be a museum piece we admire from a distance. He gave it as a living guide that speaks to every generation — including ours. The same truths that transformed lives 2,000 years ago can transform your life today. You just need to know how to bridge the gap wisely. In this episode, I'm giving you a simple framework that will revolutionize how you apply Scripture to your modern life. 

"The principles of Scripture are timeless, but the applications can be time-bound." 

In This Episode, You'll Discover: 

• The crucial difference between timeless truths and time-bound applications 
• A three-question framework: What was the original situation? What's the timeless principle? How does it apply today? 
• Guidelines for knowing which commands are cultural and which are universal

Practical Applications: 

• Look for the heart behind the command — not just the letter of the law 
• Consider how Jesus and the apostles applied Old Testament principles to new situations 
• Apply Scripture in community, not in isolation — God gave his Word to his people to understand together 

Your Assignment This Week: Pick one passage that's always seemed culturally irrelevant. Use the three-question framework, then discuss your conclusions with a mature Christian friend. 

💬 Community Question: What's one Bible passage that used to seem irrelevant to modern life but now makes sense when you see the timeless principle behind it? Or if you're still struggling, what's one ancient-seeming passage you'd love help understanding? Share in the comments! 

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Hit subscribe so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it! Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

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Be honest — do you really need to read the Old Testament? You start strong in Genesis, but then you hit Leviticus with all those laws about sacrifices and skin diseases and think, "What does this have to do with my life in the 21st century?" Maybe you've wondered if the New Testament is enough, or even thought the God of the Old Testament seems different from Jesus. 

Here's what I want you to know: the Old Testament isn't the irrelevant, outdated section you have to endure to get to the "good stuff." It's essential for understanding who God is, who you are, and what Jesus came to do. Without it, the New Testament doesn't make complete sense. It's like watching only the final season of a long-running show — you'd miss why everything matters so much. 

"The Old Testament isn't the opening act before the main event — it's the foundation that makes the main event make sense." 

In This Episode, You'll Discover: 

• Why the God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament 
• How the pattern of human failure throughout the Old Testament explains why we needed Jesus 
• How every Old Testament promise finds its fulfillment in Christ 

Practical Applications:

• See God's character and consistency — his patience with Israel helps you understand his patience with you 
• Understand why you needed Jesus — the Old Testament shows the problem so you can appreciate the solution 
• Discover the promises Jesus fulfilled — it's like putting on 3D glasses for the New Testament 

Your Assignment This Week: Choose one Old Testament passage that's always seemed confusing or irrelevant. Read it and ask: What does this teach me about God's character? How does it lead to Jesus? What timeless principles apply today? 

💬 Community Question: What's your honest relationship with the Old Testament right now — challenging, boring, confusing, or meaningful? Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below! 

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Hit subscribe so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it! 

📖 Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Ever felt overwhelmed by the Bible's 66 books written over a thousand years? Maybe you know David fought Goliath, Jesus died on the cross, and Paul wrote letters – but you're not sure how it all connects into one message. Is the Bible just a collection of separate religious writings, or is there actually one big story being told?

Here's what I want you to know: the Bible isn't a random collection of ancient texts. It's one beautiful, unified story of God's love and his plan to rescue us from our brokenness. In this episode, I'm walking you through the entire Bible in just 20 minutes – four movements that will transform how you read every single page. 

"The Bible isn't 66 separate books that happen to be bound together – it's one epic story told in 66 chapters."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The four movements of Scripture: Creation, Fall, Redemption Promised, Redemption Accomplished
• How genealogies, laws, and prophecies all point to one coming Savior
• Why the Old Testament pattern of human failure is actually the entire point 

Practical Applications:

• Read confusing passages with confidence – they fit into God's bigger plan
• Discover your place in God's ongoing story – you're not just reading history, you're living in it
• Find hope that transcends your circumstances – knowing the ending changes everything 

Your Assignment This Week: Pick one Old Testament passage that's always seemed confusing or irrelevant. Read it again and ask: "How does this fit into God's plan to rescue and restore his broken world?"

Community Question: What's one part of the Bible that used to confuse you but now makes more sense when you see how it fits into the bigger story? Or if you're just starting to see this unified narrative, what's one "aha!" moment you've had recently? Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below! 

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Ever hit a Bible passage that seems to contradict something else you read? Or wondered how to know who's right when people interpret the same verse completely differently? Is understanding the Bible just a matter of personal opinion – or is there actually a way to figure out what it really means? 

Here's incredible news: there's a simple but powerful principle that can revolutionize your Bible reading. The Bible is its own best interpreter. In this episode, we're discovering how comparing Scripture with Scripture resolves apparent contradictions, builds your confidence, and helps you understand even the most challenging passages – no seminary degree required. 

"The Bible is like a conversation where every book is talking about the same God, and when you listen to the whole conversation, the individual voices make much more sense." 

In This Episode, You'll Discover: 

• Why this principle works – one ultimate Author means one consistent message 
• How clear passages illuminate unclear ones (like how James and Paul actually agree on faith and works) 
• Why themes and truths are repeated throughout Scripture so nothing essential is hidden in one obscure verse 

Practical Applications: 

• Become an active investigator – ask "What else does the Bible say about this?" instead of getting stuck 
• Use clear passages as your foundation – let them guide your understanding of complex ones 
• Develop a cross-referencing system – gather multiple passages on the same topic and read them together 

Your Assignment This Week: Pick a topic that interests or confuses you – prayer, suffering, money, relationships – and find five passages that address it. Read them together and ask: "What's the consistent message? How do they interpret each other?" 

Community Question: Can you think of a time when a confusing Bible passage became clearer when you compared it with other verses? Or if you've never tried this approach, what's one topic you'd like to study using this method? Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below! 

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it! 

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

You're reading Scripture, feeling pretty good about your understanding, and then BAM – you hit a passage that might as well be written in ancient Martian. Maybe it's a genealogy with unpronounceable names, a prophetic vision full of bizarre imagery, or a verse that seems to contradict what you thought you knew about God. 

If you've ever thought, "Everyone else seems to understand the Bible, but apparently I'm too dumb for this" – I have great news: encountering confusing passages doesn't mean you're failing as a Christian, and it doesn't mean the Bible is unreliable. Even the apostle Peter said some of Paul's writings were "hard to understand." In this episode, we're discovering why confusing passages exist and practical strategies for navigating them with confidence instead of frustration. 

"A passage that's confusing to you isn't necessarily a confusing passage – it might just be a passage that needs some context." 

In This Episode, You'll Discover: 

• Why the Bible contains challenging sections – and why that's actually a good thing 
• What confusing passages DON'T mean about you or your faith 
• How to shift from frustration to curiosity when you hit difficult texts 

Practical Applications: 

• Use the "bookmark and return" strategy – don't let one hard passage derail your reading 
• Apply the "zoom out" principle – find the main point even when details are confusing 
• Build your interpretation on clear passages – let the clear inform the unclear 

Your Assignment This Week: If you've been avoiding Bible reading because of difficult passages, start again with John or James. When you hit confusing sections, apply these strategies: bookmark and return, zoom out, and build on what's clear. 

Community Question: What's one Bible passage that has confused or frustrated you, and how did you work through it – or are you still working through it? Maybe you found a helpful resource, or maybe you could use some encouragement from this community. Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below! 

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it! 

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Ever sat down with your Bible, notebook ready, and thought... "Okay, now what? Am I supposed to just read? Take notes? What if I don't understand something? What if I'm missing the point completely?" 

If you've ever felt like real Bible study is for people who went to seminary, I have great news: you don't need a theology degree, expensive software, or special spiritual gifts to study God's Word meaningfully. In this episode, I'm giving you a simple method that has transformed the Bible study of thousands of people – and it will work for you too. Personal Bible study isn't about impressing God with your insights; it's about spending time with him in a way that feeds your soul and transforms your life. 

"Bible study isn't about becoming smarter – it's about becoming more like Jesus." 

In This Episode, You'll Discover: 

• The difference between reading the Bible and studying it – and why both matter 
• The three essential components anyone can learn: observation, interpretation, application 
• The SOAP method – a simple structure that takes the guesswork out of Bible study 

Practical Applications: 

• Use a simple but powerful study method (SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) 
• Ask the right questions – questions that move you from information to transformation 
• Build sustainable habits that fit your life – start smaller than you think, be more consistent than you think 

Your Assignment This Week: Choose one book of the Bible (try 1 John or Mark) and commit to studying a few verses each day using the SOAP method for the next week. Don't worry about being perfect – just be consistent. 

Community Question: What's been your biggest challenge with personal Bible study – is it finding time, knowing where to start, understanding what you read, or something else entirely? And after today's episode, what's one thing you're excited to try? Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below! 

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it! 

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Ever been in a Bible study where someone reads from the ESV, another quotes the NIV, and someone else has the NLT – and you're thinking, "Wait, those sound completely different! Which one is right? Am I reading the wrong Bible?"

Here's what you need to know: having multiple translations is actually a gift, not a problem. In this episode, we're discovering why translations differ, how the translation process actually works (it's both an art and a science), and most importantly, how to choose and use different Bible versions with confidence. You don't need to learn Greek and Hebrew to understand God's Word – and you're definitely not missing something crucial by reading in English.

"No essential Christian doctrine hangs on a single verse or a particular translation choice. God made sure His main message comes through loud and clear."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why languages don't work like math equations – and what that means for translation
• The difference between "formal equivalence" (word-for-word) and "dynamic equivalence" (thought-for-thought)
• Why manuscript differences almost never affect any major doctrine

Practical Applications:

• Choose a good primary translation and stick with it for regular reading
• Use multiple translations for deeper study – but don't let options paralyze you
• Trust the scholarly process – translation teams work for years to faithfully communicate God's Word

Your Assignment This Week: If you don't have a primary Bible translation, choose one and commit to reading it regularly for the next month. When studying a particular passage, try comparing two or three versions to see what insights you gain.

Community Question: What's your current primary Bible translation, and why did you choose it? Or if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the translation options, what's making that decision difficult for you? Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Why does Paul say we're saved by faith alone while James says faith without works is dead? Why do the Gospel genealogies of Jesus differ? Why does one passage say God never changes while another says he "relented"? 

If you've noticed things like this, you're not losing your faith -- you're paying attention, which is exactly what you should be doing. In this episode, we're discovering why apparent contradictions exist, learning simple tools for understanding difficult passages, and seeing how wrestling with Scripture actually deepens our relationship with God. What looks like a problem might just be an invitation to dig deeper. 

"Most apparent Bible contradictions aren't actually contradictions -- they're invitations to dig deeper and understand better." 

In This Episode, You'll Discover: 

• Why different authors address different situations with different emphases 
• How understanding literary genres (history, poetry, parables) resolves many "conflicts" 
• Why the four Gospels tell the same story from different angles -- and why that's a gift 

Practical Applications: 

• Slow down and investigate rather than giving up -- ask good questions about context 
• Use Scripture to interpret Scripture -- let clear passages illuminate unclear ones 
• Consult reliable resources and wise counselors -- you don't have to figure it out alone 

Your Assignment This Week: Choose one passage that has confused you and investigate it thoroughly. Consider the context, compare it with other Scripture, and consult a study Bible or commentary. Approach it with curiosity rather than fear. 

Community Question: What's one Bible passage that has confused or bothered you, and how did you work through it -- or are you still working through it? Your experience could be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below! 

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it! 

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Ever open your Bible to a random page and find yourself reading about someone with an unpronounceable name offering sacrifices according to regulations that make zero sense? Or start strong in Genesis only to get completely lost in the "begats"?

If feeling confused when reading the Bible has made you think you're just not cut out for this -- I have great news: confusion doesn't mean you're dumb or spiritually deficient. The Bible is a big book written over many centuries in different cultures using different types of literature. It's completely normal to need some guidance. In this episode, I'm giving you a practical toolkit that will transform your Bible reading from confusing to confident.

"The Bible wasn't written to confuse you -- it was written to change you."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Where to actually start reading (hint: it's not Genesis)
• How understanding genre -- history, poetry, prophecy, letters -- prevents misreading
• Why context matters and how to read any verse properly

Practical Applications:

• Start small and be consistent -- consistency beats intensity every time
• Use helpful tools like study Bibles, but don't become dependent on them
• Read with a pen in your hand -- physically engaging with the text deepens understanding

Your Assignment This Week: Choose one book of the Bible to focus on for the next month. Start with a Gospel if you're new. Commit to reading just a few verses or one chapter daily, and write down one thing that stands out each time.

Community Question: What's the biggest obstacle that's kept you from reading the Bible consistently, and after today's episode, what's one strategy you're excited to try? Your answer might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Ever feel like you're missing something spiritually? Like maybe you need a prophetic word, a special revelation, or some deeper insight you haven't received yet?

If you've been bouncing from conference to conference, book to book, or teacher to teacher looking for that breakthrough -- I have incredible news: you're not missing anything. The Bible contains everything you need for a thriving relationship with God. In this episode, we're discovering what "Scripture is sufficient" really means, why this truth can free you from spiritual anxiety, and how to find complete confidence in what God has already revealed.

"You're not missing out on secret spiritual knowledge -- you're sitting on a treasure chest of everything God wants you to know."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• What "sufficiency of Scripture" means -- and what it doesn't mean
• Why now that the biblical canon is complete, we're in a different situation than Abraham or Paul
• How to apply biblical principles to decisions the Bible doesn't specifically address

Practical Applications:

• Scripture's sufficiency frees you from spiritual anxiety about missing God's will
• It protects you from deception and false teachers claiming "special revelations"
• It helps you focus your spiritual energy on applying truth instead of constantly seeking more

Your Assignment This Week: Stop looking for additional revelation and start mining the treasure you already have. Pick one book of the Bible -- maybe Proverbs or Ephesians -- and commit to studying it carefully, trusting that God will speak through his Word.

Community Question: Have you ever felt like you were missing some secret spiritual knowledge or needed more than what Scripture provides? What was driving that feeling, and how might understanding Scripture's sufficiency change your approach? Email us at [email protected] or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us Fan Mail

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Books! Grab your copy of the Season Companion Guides from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 2 Companion Guide

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 3 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!