Have you ever read your Bible and thought, I know these words are important, but I don’t really know what they mean?

If so, you’re not alone. Every believer has opened the pages of Scripture and wondered if they’re understanding it correctly. The Bible can feel intimidating because it was written in a world very different from our own.

Today we’re talking about one word that has completely transformed the way I read Scripture, context. More specifically, we’re going to explore three kinds of context that can help every passage come alive—biblical context, cultural context, and literary context.

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Resources

One of my favorite ways to get high level context for a passage is to watch Bible Project videos on Youtube. They have outlined every book of the Bible and provide biblical, cultural, and literary context on each book.

Another way to get to learn more about context is through a great study Bible. The NIV Cultural Background Study Bible is a great resource written by some of my favorite academic scholars. Even just a regular NIV Study Bible is a great opion.

Another free Bible study tools is Blue Letter Bible. While a good study Bible provides excellent introductions and notes, Blue Letter Bible allows you to dig even deeper into a passage by exploring the original Hebrew and Greek words, comparing multiple Bible translations, reading trusted commentaries, and cross-referencing related passages throughout Scripture. If you come across a word or verse that you don’t fully understand, it is an excellent place to begin your research. Like any study resource, it should be used to support your reading of Scripture rather than replace it, but it is an accessible and reliable tool that can help you grow in your understanding of God’s Word over time.

Some of the book links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a very small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend books and resources that I have personally benefited from and genuinely believe will help you know and delight in God's Word more deeply.

Have you ever looked at your Bible and thought, I know I should read it... I just don't want to?

If you've ever struggled with consistency, felt guilty for missing your quiet time, or wondered why reading Scripture feels more like another item on your to-do list than a joy, this episode is for you.

We'll talk about why discipline often comes before delight, how to build a sustainable rhythm of Bible reading in busy seasons, and why Scripture was never meant to be another religious obligation—it is an invitation to know the living God.

Whether you're just beginning to read your Bible or you're trying to rediscover the joy you once had, I hope this episode reminds you that you're not behind, you're not failing, and it's never too late to begin again.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• The surprising relationship between discipline and delight

• Why Bible reading isn't about checking a box

• Simple ways to build a sustainable habit, even in busy seasons

Scripture Mentioned:

• Psalm 34:8

• Isaiah 55:6

Resources Mentioned:

• Subscribe to the Kingdom Co email community for weekly encouragement and Bible study resources.

• Follow along on Instagram: @kingdom_co_

If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a rating and review? It helps more people discover the podcast and join us as we learn to know, interpret, and behold the living Word together.

Four years ago, everything changed. In the wake of losing a dear friend whose life pointed so many people to Jesus, I was confronted with a question I couldn't ignore: If I am still here, what am I going to spend the rest of my life doing?That question eventually became Kingdom Co.In this episode, I'm sharing the story behind the ministry, the mission that drives it, and why I believe there's an urgency for believers to know, interpret, and behold the living Word. I'll also give you a glimpse into what's coming next—our first Bible study guide, Tracing the True Christmas Story: From Genesis to Jesus.

Kingdom Co is a Bible study publishing company that creates beautiful, Scripture-rooted resources to help women know, interpret, and behold the living Word.

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Whether you're trying to choose your next Bible, wondering if you're reading the "right" translation, or simply curious about how the Bible came to us in English, this conversation will help you approach God's Word with greater confidence and freedom.

In This Episode

• The question seminary forced her to ask about Bible translations

• How we got our English Bible

• The story of William Tyndale and his sacrifice for Scripture

• The difference between formal equivalence and functional equivalence

• Why "literal" doesn't always mean "most accurate"

• The strengths and weaknesses of the ESV, NIV, NLT, CSB, NASB, and NRSV

• How to choose the right Bible translation for your season and purpose

• Why Christians don't need to fear reading the "wrong" translation

The goal of reading the Bible is not to become loyal to one specific translation.

The goal is to know Christ through His Word.

Rather than asking, "What is the perfect Bible translation?" we may be better served by asking, "Which faithful translation will help me engage God's Word today?"

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If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves studying God's Word.

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In this episode, we're exploring spiritual formation—the lifelong process of being transformed into the image of Christ. We'll talk about why spiritual disciplines matter, how they shape us over time, and practical ways to cultivate God's presence in the middle of everyday life.

Whether you're new to spiritual disciplines or looking for fresh ways to connect with God, this episode will help you discover simple rhythms that draw you closer to Jesus.

• What spiritual formation is and why it matters

• The connection between spiritual disciplines and becoming more like Christ

• Why spiritual practices are not a checklist but an invitation

• Practical ways to incorporate spiritual rhythms into everyday life

• How small, consistent habits can help us finish well in our faith

• Spiritual Disciplines Handbook — Adele Calhoun

• Celebration of Discipline — Richard Foster

• Sacred Pathways — Gary Thomas

• Practicing the Way — John Mark Comer

What is one spiritual rhythm you can intentionally add to your daily routine this week to create more space for God's presence?

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📱 Follow along on Instagram: @kingdom_co_

In This Episode, We'll Examine:Resources Mentioned:Reflection Question:Stay Connected:

Why do Christians—who all love Jesus—disagree about so many things? How do we know which doctrines are worth debating, dividing over, or simply discussing?

STAY CONNECTED:
📖 Read Along on Substack
Weekly writings that accompany each episode:
👉 https://substack.com/@carrephillips
📱 Follow on Instagram
Teaching clips, Scripture reflections, and episode highlights:
👉   / kingdom_co_  
🎙️ Subscribe to Kingdom Come
New episodes released every Monday.
IN THIS EPISODE, WE'LL EXAMINE:

• Why not every theological doctrine carries the same weight

• The seminary concept of "theological triage" and how it can transform the way you approach difficult topics

• Which beliefs are essential to Christianity and which allow room for faithful disagreement

• How to navigate theological differences without sacrificing either truth or unity

• Why understanding doctrinal importance can help you avoid both unnecessary division and theological indifference

• How to hold strong convictions with humility and grace

• What it looks like to keep the gospel at the center of every theological conversation

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

https://albertmohler.com/2005/07/12/a-call-for-theological-triage-and-christian-maturity

https://a.co/d/0iagiP04

This episode kicks off a short summer series where I'll be sharing some of the most impactful truths, tools, and perspectives I gained during my seminary education—and how they can help you know God more deeply and engage His Word more faithfully.

STAY CONNECTED:

📖 Read Along on Substack
Weekly writings that accompany each episode:
👉 https://substack.com/@carrephillips

📱 Follow on Instagram
Teaching clips, Scripture reflections, and episode highlights:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/

🎙️ Subscribe to Kingdom Come
New episodes released every Monday.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE'LL EXAMINE:

• Why I decided to pursue seminary and what I hoped to gain from the experience

• Common misconceptions Christians have about seminary education

• The difference between knowing information about God and truly knowing God

• How seminary challenged, strengthened, and deepened my faith

• Why theology matters for every believer—not just pastors and scholars

• The purpose behind this summer series and what you can expect in the weeks ahead

• How studying Scripture more deeply can lead to greater worship, confidence, and spiritual formation

SUMMER SERIES PREVIEW:

Over the coming weeks, we'll explore some of the most important lessons I learned in seminary, including:

• How to study the Bible with greater confidence

• Which theological issues are worth dividing over—and which aren't

• How to navigate differences between denominations

• The relationship between Scripture, theology, and spiritual formation

• Common mistakes Christians make when interpreting the Bible

• Why biblical literacy matters more than ever today

If you've ever wondered whether seminary-level learning has anything to offer the average Christian, this series is for you.

What happens when we die?Do believers immediately go to heaven?What happens to our bodies?And if we’re already with Jesus after death, then why does Scripture place so much emphasis on resurrection?In this final episode of the Holy Spirit series, we explore the Christian hope of life after death and the role of the Holy Spirit in our future glorification. Scripture paints a picture that is both immediate and unfinished: immediate comfort and presence with Christ after death, while also pointing us toward the future resurrection and restoration of all things.Together, we examine what theologians call the “intermediate state,” why heaven is not the final destination for believers, and how the Holy Spirit—described in Scripture as the “Spirit of Glory”—serves as both God’s present indwelling presence and the guarantee of our future resurrection.This episode ultimately reminds us that the Christian hope is not simply escaping death or going to heaven someday. The Christian hope is resurrection, restoration, and the renewal of all creation through Jesus Christ.MORE INFORMATION ON HEAVEN:https://amzn.to/4fGPZ8k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52gLAY-7k7cSTAY CONNECTED:📖 Weekly writings on Substack:https://substack.com/@carrephillips📱 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/IN THIS EPISODE, WE’LL EXAMINE:* What Scripture teaches about what happens immediately after death* Why believers are immediately in the presence of Christ after death* What theologians mean by the “intermediate state”* Why heaven is not the final destination in the biblical story* The future resurrection and glorification of believers* The role of the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of Glory”* How the Holy Spirit guarantees our future inheritance and resurrection* Why the Christian hope is ultimately the restoration of all things* What the promise of resurrection means for how we live todaySCRIPTURE DISCUSSED:* 2 Corinthians 5:8* Philippians 1:23* Luke 23:43* 1 Peter 4:14* Philippians 3:20–21* 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18* Ephesians 1:13–14

From the very beginning, humanity has wrestled with the desire to live under its own rule. We want autonomy. We want to decide what’s good for us. We want to build our own kingdoms. But in Galatians 5, Paul reminds us that self-rule never truly leads to freedom. It leads to striving, dissatisfaction, comparison, and bondage.In this episode of Kingdom Come, we explore what Paul really means by the “fruit of the Spirit” and why spiritual transformation is not about managing your behavior or following a list of rules. The fruit of the Spirit is not self-improvement—it is the result of walking closely with God and being transformed by His presence over time.STAY CONNECTED:📖 Read along on SubstackWeekly writings that accompany each episode:👉https://substack.com/@carrephillips📱 Follow on InstagramTeaching clips, Scripture reflections, and episode highlights:👉https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/IN THIS EPISODE, WE’LL EXAMINE:* Why humanity has always struggled with self-rule and autonomy* The context behind Galatians 5 and the early church in Galatia* What Paul means when he says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free”* Why self-made kingdoms never satisfy us* The contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit* How spiritual fruit is cultivated over time through intimacy with God* Why the Christian life is not about earning God’s approval* What it practically looks like to walk in step with the Holy SpiritSCRIPTURE DISCUSSED:* Genesis 1–3* Galatians 5:1* Galatians 5:13* Galatians 5:16–26

What if being “filled with the Spirit” wasn’t meant to describe a rare emotional moment… but a continual way of living with God’s presence?

In Ephesians 5, Paul paints a picture of a life so saturated by God’s Spirit that it overflows into worship, gratitude, humility, and the way we love one another.

STAY CONNECTED:

📖 Read along on Substack

Weekly writings that accompany each episode:👉

https://substack.com/@carrephillips

📱 Follow on Instagram

Teaching clips, Scripture reflections, and episode highlights:👉

https://www.instagram.com/kingdom_co_/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/be-filled-with-the-spirit

https://www.samstorms.org/all-articles/post/article-10-things-you-should-know-about-being-filled-with-the-holy-spirit

WHAT WE EXAMINE:

• What it practically means to “be filled with the Spirit"

• God's will for you life

• How to discern walking in the light

• A personal glimpse into my own journey of learning what it means to walk in the light and not walk in the darkness

• How every believer has access to be filled with God's presence for all time, continually filled by him

SCRIPTURE DISCUSSED:

• Ephesians 5:8

• Ephesians 5:15-21