Verity by Phylicia Masonheimer

THINKING BIBLICALLY ABOUT OUR WORDS | Gossip, Slander, and Taming the Tongue

What does the Bible say about gossip, slander, criticism, and the way we speak about others? Is it gossip if what we are saying is true? And how do we know when it’s appropriate to share negative information about someone?

In this episode of Thinking Biblically, we are looking at what Scripture teaches about the power of our words and why the way we speak matters so much to our Christian walk. This is a topic I have personally wrestled with for years. As someone who ministers with words, I also struggle! I have had to confront patterns of criticism, gossip, and people-pleasing in my own life, and I’ve learned some difficult lessons about how our speech affects our relationships and reflects the condition of our hearts.

We will walk through:

• Passages in James, Proverbs, Ephesians, and the teachings of Jesus to understand what it means to bridle our tongues
• Some of my own experiences with destructive speech and the difference between gossip and slander
• The seven principles I’ve learned from studying the Jewish teaching on lashon hara (the evil tongue)
• The convicting lesson that just because something is true doesn’t mean we have the right to say it

My prayer is that this conversation encourages you to examine your own words alongside me and consider how we can speak in ways that honor God and build up the people around us.

Scripture Referenced:
James 1–3, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 21:23, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 10:19, 1 Peter 3:10, Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 15:11, Matthew 18, Romans 1

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Prepare your heart and home for Christmas with our newest Advent resources, including The Scarlet Thread, a 25-day journey through the entire biblical story leading up to the birth of Christ, and The Right Prevail, a devotional for those navigating grief, doubt, and difficult seasons during Advent. Explore these and our other biblical resources in the Every Woman a Theologian Shop.

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THINKING BIBLICALLY ABOUT WOMEN’S CONFERENCES
Are women's conferences actually helping women grow in their faith? What should we look for in a Christian women's retreat or conference, and what does the Bible say about gathering together for worship and teaching?

I recently asked women how they felt about women's conferences, and I was surprised by how many had negative experiences. Some mentioned shallow teaching, little Scripture, feeling left out, or spending time and money on events that didn't help them grow spiritually. I understand those frustrations! If we're going to set aside time to attend a conference, we should leave better equipped to know God, understand His Word, and live out our faith.

After years of speaking at and attending hundreds of women's conferences and retreats, I myself have seen the good, the bad, and everything in between! And those experiences have shaped how we approach our own Every Woman a Theologian Conference. In this episode of Thinking Biblically, I'm sharing what Scripture says about gathering as believers, why women's conferences should never replace the local church, and what makes an event genuinely beneficial for Christian women.

In this episode:

• What Hebrews 10, Colossians 3, and 1 Corinthians 14 teach us about gathering together
• Why emotional experiences shouldn't be the goal of Christian conferences
• What I've learned from some of the healthiest women's ministries I've encountered
• How to choose biblical speakers and plan Scripture-centered women's events
• Why fellowship, accessibility, and welcoming nursing mothers matter
• How we choose speakers and plan the Every Woman a Theologian Conference

I hope this conversation encourages you to think biblically about why we gather and what we hope to accomplish when we do.

JOIN US AT THE EVERY WOMAN A THEOLOGIAN CONFERENCE!
Our annual conference is November 6–7, 2026, in Traverse City, Michigan!
This year's theme is Foundations of Faith: Built on Christ, and we'll be spending two days in Scripture, worship, prayer, and fellowship with Christians from different denominations and backgrounds.
I'll be teaching alongside Wendy Blight, Kanita Rutley, and Jeremy Jenkins as we explore what it means to build our faith on Christ alone.
If you have been thinking about coming, we would love to have you join us!
Get your conference tickets and learn more:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/

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If this episode was helpful, share it with a friend or someone who serves in women's ministry at your church. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments, too!

Have you attended a women's conference that really helped you grow in your faith? What made it different?

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How should Christians approach elections? With so much division surrounding politics, it can be difficult to know how to engage thoughtfully without getting caught up in the anger, fear, and frustration that often come with election season.

In this episode of the Verity Podcast, I discuss what the Bible teaches about voting, and our responsibilities as Christians. Looking at Scripture alongside the concerns of America’s founders, I consider how we can make informed decisions, think carefully about candidates and policies, and remember where our ultimate allegiance belongs.

We will talk about:

• What America’s founders understood about the dangers of political division
• How Christians can approach voting with biblical discernment
• Why religious freedom matters when evaluating candidates and policies
• How to consider both character and policy when making political decisions
• What Romans 13 teaches about government and authority
• Why Scripture calls us to pray for our leaders, regardless of political party
• How to stay engaged in politics without placing our hope in political outcomes

Our citizenship is in heaven, but that doesn’t mean we have no responsibility here on earth. Christians can care about the direction of our country while remembering that no election determines the faithfulness of God or the future of His kingdom.

Before we argue about policy, we need to be people of prayer. And before we place our hope in a political leader, we need to remember who is ultimately in control.

My article on Sinless Conservatism:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/p/confronting-the-lie-of-sinless-conservatism

Find more from Phylicia Masonheimer and Every Woman a Theologian:
https://www.everywomanatheologian.com

Subscribe to the Verity Podcast for more conversations about theology, culture, and living out your faith with biblical conviction.

How do you approach voting as a Christian? Share your thoughts in the comments.

#VerityPodcast #ChristianPolitics #BiblicalWorldview

THINKING BIBLICALLY ABOUT FERTILITY | BIRTH CONTROL, IVF, MARRIAGE & CHRISTIAN ETHICS

What does the Bible say about sexual ethics, fertility, birth control, IVF, and family planning? Should Christians think differently about contraception, sterilization, and the purpose of sex in marriage?

In this episode of Thinking Biblically, I am tackling one of my most requested (and controversial!) topics: Christian sexual ethics. After years of studying Scripture and walking through secondary infertility and miscarriage, I share how my understanding of fertility, marriage, and the Christian view of the body has changed.

We are talking about hormonal birth control, vasectomies, IVF, surrogacy, and natural family planning. This conversation may challenge what you have always believed, but the goal is not to tell you what to think, but to give you a starting point for further formation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What Scripture teaches about fertility, marriage, and sex
• Why my views on contraception has changed
• The ethics of hormonal birth control and sterilization
• IVF and surrogacy
• How infertility and miscarriage have shaped my perspective
• Approaching family planning with biblical wisdom

Watch the entire episode to hear my personal story, the research behind my changing views, and the questions I believe Christians should be asking. Email me for the notes from this episode at [email protected].

CONTINUE LEARNING WITH PHYLICIA
Visit phyliciamasonheimer.com for more biblical teaching, articles, and episodes of Verity Podcast. While you are there, you can also explore Every Woman a Theologian for Bible studies, books, and theological resources created to equip Christians to know what they believe and communicate it graciously. In a couple of weeks, we gather in person for our annual theology conference, please join us in Northern Michigan Nov. 6–7. Tickets still available at https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/conference/

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Should Christians read spicy books? How do we choose books that honor God? And how do we actually find time to read when life is busy?

In this episode of the Verity Podcast, we discuss thinking biblically about reading habits, Christian discernment, and how the books we choose shape our minds, hearts, and faith.

I share my thoughts on the decline of literacy, why Christians should care about what they're reading, and how Philippians 4:8 can guide our book choices. I tackle the growing popularity of sexually explicit fiction, and share my personal journey of breaking free from an addiction to erotic fiction.

But this episode isn't just about what NOT to read! I also share my favorite genres, Christian book recommendations, how I read multiple books at once, and the simple reading routine that works for me as a homeschooling mom, author, and ministry founder.

In this episode, we're talking about:

• Why reading and literacy are declining in our digital world
• How to choose books using biblical discernment and Philippians 4:8
• The rise of sexually explicit fiction an the impact of it on our spiritual lives
• Book genres worth exploring
• How to develop better reading habits and improve your attention span, based on my own experience
• Book recommendations and an update on Riverside Bookshop!

Whether you are an avid reader, trying to get back into reading, or wondering how to approach popular fiction as a Christian, this conversation will encourage you to think more intentionally about the books on your shelf.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Shop Every Woman a Theologian books and Bible studies: https://phyliciamasonheimer.com
• Explore Every Woman a Theologian and other resources for growing in biblical literacy.
• Riverside Bookshop: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61594166642407
• Phylicia's Book Recommendations: https://tsfqr.com/phys-fav-books
• Have a book recommendation? Email Phylicia at [email protected]

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!
What are you reading right now? Do you have a favorite fiction or nonfiction book that aligns with Philippians 4:8? Share your recommendations in the comments! We'd also love to hear what books you think we should carry at Riverside Bookshop.

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This week in our Thinking Biblically series, we're talking about another hot topic: the use of AI in Bible study. Whenever there is new technology, especially at this scale and influence, we as Christians are called to be discerning. But how do we determine what to use it for—or not use it for—when it seems Christians at large differ so widely in if, or how, they use it?

In this episode we'll talk about:
- Why it's important as a Christian to seek discernment about the use of AI
- How work, especially creative work, is a partnership with God, and how we image Him when we do our work well
-  Why it matters to have a strong theology of the Holy Spirit
- Every Woman a Theologian's AI policy
- What I don't recommend using AI for
- What I do recommend using AI for

If you've been told that AI is just a morally neutral tool and aren't quite sure how to think about it with a biblical mindset, this episode is for you!

• Where to find our AI Policy https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com/p/your-ai-sermon-is-showing
• Fall Shop is coming October 8th! Subscribe to our Newsletter to be the first to know when it launches. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/newsletter/
• Before you reach for AI, seek the answer for yourself. We have resources to help in your study. Start with Bible Study Basics, Interpreting the Bible Correctly, and Glossary of Theological Terms all available in the Every Woman a Theologian shop. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/bible-study/
  
  Additional resource to watch, Jonathan Pageau: https://youtu.be/yZUuKzDQSsI?is=aQhzt9TZ4l2JRY2n

What is a "village," and how do we cultivate one in our own lives? In this episode, we'll take a look at the traits of a village, reflect on the loneliness epidemic in America, and how the Bible gives us guidance on overcoming that epidemic by providing real instructions for cultivating community. We'll also consider how we often view friendships in a scarcity mindset, but how we can build healthier ones with an abundance mindset.

We'll discuss:

• Historical traits of a "village"
• What's causing the loneliness epidemic and how the Bible guides us to overcome it
• Specific Bible verses on cultivating community
• Three principles and three red flags to keep in mind when discerning friendships
• Practical advice on how to make friends

If you've struggled with friendships or feeling like you don't know how to build community, this episode is for you!

Loving our Thinking Biblically series? Subscribe to Verity Podcast for a new episode each week:
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Join us for Every Woman a Theologian Conference Nov. 6-7. All denominations welcome! https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/confe...

Stay tuned for our Fall Shop coming October 8th! Bible studies, homeschool curriculum, autumn candles, mini pumpkins, and more! https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/new-items/

Find your next Bible Study to study on your own or in small groups in our shop! ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
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In this episode, Phylicia talks about the practice of using devotional books in the Christian walk. Are they a recent addition to Christian life, or have they been in use longer than we think? She then discusses the criteria she uses to discern whether a devotional book is helpful for her spiritual growth, and completes the episode by sharing a few of her favorites.

Loving our Thinking Biblically series? Subscribe to Verity Podcast for a new episode each week:
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NEW! Believe! A Devotional-Style Bible Study Through the Gospel of John by Seana Scott. https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/product/believe-a-devotional-style-bible-study-through-the-gospel-of-john/

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In this episode, we look at the 8,000+ Christian denominations and ask whether all that division is evidence of a broken church — or branches growing off one vine. We'll walk through where the major denominations came from, why gathering with a local body isn't optional for a Christian, and how to actually choose a church without waiting for a perfect one.

In this episode, we examine:
- what the word "church" has meant since the assembly of Israel, and why a cookout with Christian friends isn't it
- why John 15's vine and branches is spoken to a gathered community, not to you alone in your living room
- the grace evangelicals are cutting themselves off from when church becomes optional
- a fast tour of church history: the Jerusalem church, the 1054 schism, the Reformation, and the origins of Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anabaptist, Congregational, Baptist, Church of Christ, and Pentecostal traditions
- the difference between denominations that split over doctrinal orthodoxy, over practice, and over mere preference
- what each tradition does well, and what they need to learn from one another
- four things to look for when choosing a church: doctrinal truth, social change, maturing community, and holding your preferences loosely

If you've been church hunting for years without finding the right fit, or you've wondered whether denominations are a problem to be solved, this episode is for you.

Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
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Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.
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In this episode, we look at the Bible to answer the question both “trad wives” and feminists are attempting to answer: what is the purpose of a woman? We’ll see how both ends of the spectrum turn into fundamentalism, and how Scripture points us to a better and more practical understanding.

In this episode, we examine:
- the way current American culture defines the terms, “trad wife” and “feminist”
- historical roles of women in America, going back to the 1700s
- how the two viewpoints provoke one another and impact culture
- what the primary purpose of a Christian person is according to Scripture
- how to consider the purpose God has called you to in your current season

If you’re looking for clarity amidst the arguments of both sides and wondering what God says about your calling as a woman, this episode is for you.

Shop our verse-by-verse studies, books, and family discipleship resources ⦿ Every Woman a Theologian Shop:
https://phyliciamasonheimer.com/shop

Subscribe to Verity Podcast:
https://apple.co/veritypodcast

Verity Podcast is an Every Woman a Theologian company. We believe every woman should be a theologian—every woman a student of the heart of God.
Order Every Woman a Theologian:
https://tsfqr.com/EWATbook

Follow along:
Substack: https://phyliciamasonheimer.substack.com
Instagram:   / phyliciamasonheimer  
EWAT Instagram:   / everywomanatheologian  

Subscribe for weekly biblical theology, spiritual warfare teaching, and practical guidance for growing in discernment and confidence in Christ.
#VerityPodcast #EveryWomanATheologian #FaithBuilding #ChristianWomen #PrayerLife #FaithLife #BibleStudy