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👋 Welcome

In this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we continue our series through 1 Corinthians by exploring one of the great dangers that threatens every Christian community: division caused by pride.

Paul speaks as a spiritual father to the Corinthian church, urging them to move away from arrogance and rivalry and return to the humble way of Christ. He exposes the absurdity of boasting in spiritual gifts and leaders—and calls believers to imitate his example of faithful, self-sacrificing service.

🔍 Episode Highlights

• The deeper cause of division in the church: spiritual pride
• Paul’s sharp but loving rebuke: “You are already rich... without us!”
• The apostolic example of suffering and humility
• A heartfelt appeal to be imitators of Paul, as he imitates Christ
• A challenge to reflect on whether we are living in grace or self-promotion

🛠️ Key Takeaway

True Christian unity can never be built on personalities or pride—it must be grounded in humility, grace, and the example of Christ.

If this episode encouraged you, please consider subscribing, sharing it with a friend, and leaving a review. Join us tomorrow as we continue our walk through 1 Corinthians.

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 Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore Paul’s diagnosis of division within the Corinthian church—and uncover its root cause: pride.

The Corinthians were puffed up, aligning themselves with particular leaders, boasting in personalities rather than humbling themselves before Christ. Paul peels back the layers of this problem, showing that beneath all the quarreling and factionalism lies a dangerous self-satisfaction.

But Paul doesn’t stop at diagnosis. He also offers the cure—a call to humility, to imitate Christ through the example of the apostles. Through vivid imagery, biting irony, and fatherly love, Paul reminds us that everything we have is a gift of grace. And when we forget that, pride flourishes and unity suffers.

🧠 Key Themes Explored:

• The real cause of division in churches is not just a misunderstanding of doctrine or a poor view of leadership—it’s spiritual pride.
• Three piercing questions (v.7) expose the absurdity of boasting in what we have received by grace.
• Sarcasm and irony are used by Paul to wake the Corinthians from self-deception.
• True Christian leadership looks like humble endurance and suffering, not celebrity status or worldly acclaim.
• The path to unity is not strategy or structure, but Christlike humility.
• Discipleship is learned through imitation—not just instruction.

💬 Key Quotes from the Episode:

“When tools start taking credit for the craftsman’s work, it’s not just wrong—it’s ridiculous.”“You are proud—and that’s absurd.”“The cure for division is not better strategies or more charismatic leaders. It’s humility.”“Pride multiplies division. Humility multiplies unity.”

🙏 Reflection Questions:

• Am I living humbly—or puffed up with pride?
• Do I treat others in my church as recipients of grace, or as rivals for influence?
• Am I more concerned with how people view my spiritual life, or with how faithfully I follow Christ?
• Who are the godly examples in my life that I can imitate, as they imitate Christ?

🛠️ Application:

Paul urges the Corinthians—and us—to stop boasting, stop comparing, and stop dividing. Instead, he calls us to embody the humility of Christ and the selflessness of faithful ministry.

Take time this week to reflect on the grace you've received. Let it dismantle pride. Let it build bridges. Let it unify.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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Welcome:

In this episode, we unpack Paul's teaching on what true leadership in the church looks like. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3:6 to 4:5, Paul gives us three vivid metaphors to describe church leaders: gardeners, builders, and stewards. Through these images, we are reminded that leadership is not about status, showmanship, or superiority—it is about humble, faithful service to God. The Corinthian church was dividing over personalities and styles of preaching, but Paul resets the focus. It is God who gives growth, Christ who is the foundation, and the Lord who judges and rewards faithfulness.

Key Points:

• Leaders Are Gardeners (3:6-9):
  • They plant and water, but only God gives the growth.
  • Ministry is about patience and service, not celebrity.
• Leaders Are Builders (3:10-17):
  • Christ is the only foundation.
  • Ministry must be built with lasting, spiritual materials (gold, silver, precious stones).
  • What is built will be tested by fire.
  • Careless or corrupt ministry will result in loss or judgment.
• Leaders Are Stewards (4:1-5):
  • They are entrusted with God's mysteries.
  • Faithfulness is what matters most, not impressiveness.
  • Final judgment belongs to the Lord, who alone sees and rewards rightly.

Reflections:

• Have you placed too much importance on a leader or preacher, rather than on Christ?
• Are you building your own ministry or spiritual life with materials that will last?
• Do you find encouragement in the truth that faithfulness—not success—is what God rewards?

Encouragement for Leaders:

• Be faithful with what God has given you, no matter how small or unseen it may seem.
• Don’t be consumed by comparison, criticism, or the applause of others.
• Your praise will come from God, in His time.

Encouragement for Congregations:

• Don’t idolize or tear down preachers; they are servants, not saviours.
• Be grateful for those who minister to you.
• Look beyond the personality to the gospel foundation they lay.

Application:

• Pray for your leaders.
• Examine your own heart for pride or comparison.
• Build your life on Christ, and serve with the right motives.

Closing Thought:
Don’t waste time evaluating everyone else’s ministry. Instead, be faithful. Serve humbly. Build wisely. And trust that your praise will come from God.

Subscribe & Share:
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🎙️ Welcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast, where we journey together through the Bible—chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

In today’s episode, we continue exploring 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:5, a passage that cuts straight to the heart of the Christian faith: the message of the cross.

✍️ Episode Notes

Title: The Message of Christianity and Our Part in It.
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:26–2:5
 

🔑 Key Themes:

• The cross divides humanity: some see foolishness; others, the power of God.
• God overturns worldly wisdom by choosing the weak and lowly to display His glory.
• Paul didn't come with polished rhetoric, but with a simple message: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
• True Christian unity flows from focusing on the message, not the messenger.

📖 Key Verse:

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
—1 Corinthians 1:18

🧠 Reflect:

• Do I evaluate faith based on outward impressiveness or inward truth?
• Is my boast in Christ alone, or in Christian personalities and preferences?

Thanks for joining us. If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone and subscribing to stay with us as we continue through 1 Corinthians.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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Welcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast—where we journey together through the whole Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. In today’s episode, we continue unpacking one of the most profound and challenging sections in all of Scripture.

We’re looking at 1 Corinthians 1:18 through to 2:5, where the apostle Paul lays bare the very heart of the Christian faith: Christ crucified. This message—often seen as foolish by the world—is the very power and wisdom of God.

But more than that, Paul shows us how the message of the cross levels all human pride, calls us to unity, and sets the foundation for true Christian living. Whether you're curious about Christianity or have been walking with Christ for years, this passage confronts and comforts in equal measure.

📖 Episode Notes & Key Takeaways

 Theme: Why the message of the cross is central to Christian faith—and why it still offends.

🧭 Summary:

In today’s study, we explore Paul’s bold claim that the cross of Christ is the dividing line of human history and human hearts. For some, it is foolishness. For others, it is life itself.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that God has deliberately designed salvation to overturn worldly categories of wisdom, power, and status. He chooses the weak, the lowly, and the despised—not the influential—to show that salvation is His doing, not ours.

And Paul himself models this by preaching not with lofty speech or clever arguments, but with trembling and simplicity. Why? So that our faith rests not on human wisdom, but on God’s power.

🔑 Key Verses:

• “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
• “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1:27)
• “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)

🧠 Reflection Questions:

• Do I ever judge spiritual truth by how clever or impressive it sounds rather than by its faithfulness to Christ?
• What does it mean to truly boast in the Lord—and not in human personalities or achievements?
• How does the message of the cross challenge my understanding of wisdom, power, and success?

✝️ Application:

Let’s stop dividing over leaders or preferences and focus instead on the heart of the gospel—Christ crucified. That message unites believers, humbles the proud, and transforms lives.

Wherever you are today, whether you feel strong or weak, confident or broken, this message is for you.

🙏 Final Thought:

To the world, the cross looks like failure. But to those being saved, it is victory. It is wisdom. It is power. And it is ours, by grace, through faith.

Thanks for listening—and if today’s episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend, subscribing, or leaving a review.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
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🎙️ Welcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast

A journey through Scripture, one verse at a time, one chapter at a time, one book at a time.

We’re currently in a brand-new season exploring Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. This powerful letter, written to a divided church in a diverse and challenging city, has relevance for the church today.

📖 Today’s Episode:

Divisions in the Church
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10–17

In this episode, we examine one of the early church’s most pressing problems—division—and Paul’s urgent plea for unity centered on Jesus Christ. The Corinthian church was rich in spiritual gifts but poor in spiritual unity, as believers began to rally around human leaders rather than the cross.

We’ll unpack what Paul means when he says, “Is Christ divided?” and reflect on how the modern church still wrestles with similar fractures. This episode challenges us to lay down personal preferences, reject personality cults, and return to the only unifying center we truly have: Christ and Him crucified.

📝 Episode Notes

📌 Key Themes:

• Unity over Uniformity: Paul calls for deep, Christ-centered unity—not sameness, but spiritual harmony rooted in the gospel.
• The Danger of Personality Cults: Loyalty to human leaders threatened to eclipse loyalty to Christ. Paul exposes this as foolish and spiritually dangerous.
• Gospel-Centered Identity: Our identity is not in Paul, Apollos, Peter—or any preacher—but in Jesus alone.
• The Mind of Christ: True unity flows from adopting the servant-hearted, humble attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5–8).
• Cross over Cleverness: Paul refuses to preach with worldly eloquence lest the cross be emptied of its power. The gospel must remain unembellished and central.

🧠 Reflection Questions:

1. Are there ways I’ve aligned more with a leader or tradition than with Christ Himself?
2. Do I approach church with a consumer mindset or a servant heart?
3. How can I personally contribute to unity in my church, my family, and my community?
4. What does it mean for me to have “the mind of Christ” in daily relationships?

🙏 Application:

• Ask God to help you discern whether your spiritual loyalty lies more with human leaders or with Christ.
• Seek reconciliation in areas where personal preference or pride may have caused division.
• Embrace a servant mindset in your home and church community—not to be served, but to serve.

📡 Connect & Subscribe

If you found this episode meaningful, subscribe to The Bible Project Daily Podcast and journey with us through 1 Corinthians. Share the episode with a friend, and  grow together in gospel-centered unity.

👉 Available on all major podcast platforms.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
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Welcome:
Hello and welcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. Today, we continue our 40-day journey through 1 Corinthians—a letter for the modern church, if ever there was one.

In this episode, we’ll witness something astonishing: Paul gives thanks for a church in crisis. Before addressing the many failings of the Corinthian believers, Paul stops to thank God for His grace at work in them—and in doing so, models how we too should begin not with condemnation, but with praise and confidence in God’s faithfulness.

📄 Episode Notes:

 Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:4–9
Theme: Paul opens his letter to the fractured church in Corinth not with judgment, but with gratitude. He sees grace where others might only see failure—and calls us to do the same.

Key Points:

• God’s grace is at work even in messy churches and messy lives.
• Spiritual gifts are signs of God’s generosity—not our superiority.
• The same God who calls us will also sustain and confirm us to the end.
• Fellowship with Christ is both a gift and a responsibility.
• Hope in God’s faithfulness is the anchor in the storms of spiritual immaturity and disorder.

Takeaway Quote:

“If God’s grace got you here, then God’s grace will get you home.”

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time you thanked God for someone, even when they were struggling?
2. Are you confident that God will sustain you to the end? Why or why not?
3. How can you actively pursue deeper fellowship with Christ today?

📬 Subscribe & Share
Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends or your church small group. Let's grow together in grace and truth.

🎧 Next episode: Paul begins addressing the root of division in the church—and shows us where true unity begins.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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 Series: 1 Corinthians — A Letter for Our Time

Welcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. I’m Jeremy McCandless, and today we launch a brand new season as we begin our study through the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians—chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

Corinth was a messy church in a broken world. Sound familiar? That’s why this letter matters so much—because it speaks directly into the kind of cultural confusion and spiritual compromise we face today.

Over the next approx 40 episodes, we’ll explore what it means to live a cross-shaped life, how to pursue unity in a divided age, and why the resurrection changes everything.

Let’s begin this journey—together—to Corinth.

📌 Episode Notes

Title: Introduction and Overview
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1–3
Theme: The Gospel Brings Order to a Disordered Church

Episode Summary:
In this opening episode, we set the stage for our new study in 1 Corinthians. Corinth was a city of wealth, culture, and corruption—and the church Paul planted there mirrored many of its problems. But Paul doesn’t give up on them. Instead, he writes a bold and pastoral letter calling them (and us) back to Christ.

We explore:

• Why Paul wrote this letter and when
• The moral and spiritual challenges facing the Corinthian church
• The message, structure, and purpose of the letter
• Why this epistle is especially vital for the modern church

Key Message:
The grace that saves us must also shape us.

Key Verse:

“To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people…” — 1 Corinthians 1:2

Outline of the Letter (Preview):

1. Divisions and Unity (Ch. 1–4)
2. Church Discipline and Moral Issues (Ch. 5–6)
3. Marriage and Singleness (Ch. 7)
4. Christian Freedom and Conscience (Ch. 8–10)
5. Worship and the Lord’s Supper (Ch. 11)
6. Spiritual Gifts and Church Order (Ch. 12–14)
7. The Resurrection (Ch. 15)
8. Final Instructions (Ch. 16)

Application:
As we journey through 1 Corinthians, we’ll see that gospel transformation doesn’t just change what we believe—it reshapes how we live together as God’s people.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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This Episode was originally made available to my Patreon community on September 15, 2024.... I hope you find it interesting.

Study Notes: "Superstition and Fear - Faith and Hope"

Episode Overview:

• Key Topics:
  • Definition and characteristics of superstition.
  • The biblical definition of faith.
  • The influence of superstition on modern life.
  • Enlightenment perspectives on superstition and faith.
  • Practical steps to cultivate biblical faith.

Distinguishing Superstition from Faith:

• Superstition is an attempt to control uncertain circumstances through human means rather than trusting in God's sovereign will.
• Faith involves a relationship with God characterized by trust, obedience, and reliance on His wisdom and timing (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Practical Steps to Cultivate Biblical Faith:

• Immerse Yourself in Scripture:
  • Romans 10:17: "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
  • Regularly read and meditate on the Bible.
• Pray Continually:
  • Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
  • Use prayer to express trust in God and seek His guidance.
• Fellowship with Believers:
  • Hebrews 10:24-25: "Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together."
  • Be part of a community for support and encouragement.
• Obey God's Commands:
  • James 2:17: "Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
  • Demonstrate faith through obedience and practical action.

Conclusion:

Understanding the difference between superstition and faith is essential for a vibrant and biblically grounded Christian life. Superstition seeks control through human means, while faith places trust in God's sovereignty. Cultivating a biblical faith involves immersing in Scripture, prayer, fellowship, and obedience to God's commands.

Thank you for listening to this bonus episode. We hope it helps you grow in your understanding of faith and steer clear of superstitions that can subtly influence your life.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

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This Episode was originally made available on 4th Aug 2024 on Patreon.

Episode Description: 

Today, I examine the life and work of Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, through a Christian lens. We explore his person-centered approach, the harmony between his principles and Christian teachings, and ask whether his theories can inspire and enrich our Christian faith and understanding of people.

Contents

• Intro:
• Harmony with Christian Teachings:
• Biography of Carl Rogers:
• Core Theories and Propositions:
• Applications of Person-Centered Approach:
• Rogerian Rhetorical Approach:
• Work with the CIA:
• Critical Perspective from a Biblical Christian View:
• Rogers' contributions to psychology offer valuable insights into human potential and empathy.
• Balancing Rogers' theories with biblical teachings ensures a holistic understanding of personal growth rooted in God's truth and love.
• Embracing shared values between psychological insights and Christianity can nurture environments that uplift the inherent dignity and potential within each person.

Takeaway: This episode provides t insights into the intersection of Carl Rogers' psychological principles and Christian teachings, offering, I hope, a unique perspective for believers, psychology students, and anyone interested in the connection between faith and mental health.

Support the show

To listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com

For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|Patreon

Support me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com