Read the Bible

DJ and Crista use 1 Kings to help give a general overview of Israel’s history. The historical narrative given in the book reveals the names and events that God chooses to highlight - ultimately revealing that the Lord is the one who writes history and is in control over all things.

Joe Garcia joins Crista Jansson for a special reflection on Isaiah 40:25-31.  As they walk through the passage and model how to study the Bible, the two discuss what God reveals about himself to a people who are weighed down by their tragic circumstances. How do we approach studying prophetic books in the Bible? What comfort does Isaiah 40 give us today for difficult times?

DJ and Crista chat with Pastor Dave Van Lant around the book of Isaiah. Considered to be one of the major prophetic books of the Bible, Isaiah ultimately points its readers to the Holy One of Israel. From sovereignty to wrath and grace, there is much to uncover these next two months as we read this book.

Lauren Smart sits with Dj and Crista in this episode to set the table for what readers can expect as they read through 2 Corinthians. The trio discuss the purpose for this letter’s authorship and what major themes we can glean from its writing - taking on the culture battles of the past and bringing them to today’s American context.

Welcome to the spiral of darkness. DJ sits down with Kent to chat around the book of Judges (with a sprinkle of Ruth). They discuss the themes of evil, deliverance, and hope. No Philistines were killed with an oxgoad in the making of this podcast.

In this special episode, Pastor DJ sits down with church leaders Emily and Joe Garcia, Memo Parra, and Dave Van Lant to have a heartfelt and honest conversation about the recent immigration raids and protests impacting our city and neighborhoods. With tensions high and emotions deep, this panel offers thoughtful reflection, biblical insight, and practical ways for our church to process what’s happening around us. This is not a performative moment—but a grounded, community-centered response aimed at helping us think, pray, and act with clarity and compassion.

DJ and Crista chat with Joe Garcia around the richness of Ecclesiastes. An often misunderstood book in the Bible, the three discuss major themes, big life questions, the gospel hope that Ecclesiastes offers.

DJ & Crista sit down with Victor Canel III to learn how reading the book of 1 Samuel is shaping his life. Vic leads in a deeper dive into 1 Samuel 17.

Join along in reading here:

https://www.imagodei.church/readthebible

Dive deeper into Psalm 19 with Denise Copeland.

The month of July kicks off the book of Hebrews. DJ and Crista chat with Lauren Smart, who provided the notes this week, and they talk themes in Hebrews. Come for the shadow, stay for the substance.

Check out all the Bible Reading resources at www.imagodei.church/readthebible