Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
Romans 5:1-11 teaches that your hope in God is not wishful thinking but joyful confidence rooted in His proven love. This post unpacks Paul's profound argument: because we are justified by faith, we have peace with God, we can rejoice even in suffering, and we can...
A conference I attended gave each participant this simple and heartwarming “Conference Survival kit” which contained the following items and Scripture.
Start Strong Hit #1—and I’m Writing the Next Book. Over Easter weekend, Start Strong reached #1 in three categories, and I’m excited to share what’s new this month.
Discover how Ephesians 1 explains the Holy Spirit acts as God seals and protects His people, and how this fulfills Old Testament promises.
Here’s advice from an expert on how not to burn out your retreat speaker.
You can look faithful on the outside and still be building your whole life around the wrong treasure. When approval, security, success, or money start feeling like the things you can’t live without, you may be serving the wrong master. In this episode, we’ll see how…
When you recruit feedback from your students at the end of a Bible study year, don’t forget to solicit feedback from your leaders.
Every day, you’re pulled into power struggles at work, at home, and in relationships where someone has authority. When someone has power over you, your instinct may be to resist and protect yourself. When you’re the one in charge, your instinct may be to assert contro…
Most women’s ministries offer a discipleship program at some point. While there is no “one size fits all” model for how to implement discipleship, here are some ideas to help you get started.
Learn how to meditate on Scripture using simple questions instead of waiting for feelings. Discover a practical, question-based approach to biblical meditation that deepens understanding and transforms your Bible study.
Most people think biblical marriage is just a list of rules, but it’s actually God’s beautiful solution to your deepest need for intimacy. Genesis 2 teaches the three foundational commitments that make marriage fulfilling: specialness, permanence, and becoming one flesh…
As a ministry leader, you often do surveys. But what questions should ask? Which questions solicit the best input? After 30 years in ministry — and countless surveys! — these are the questions I’ve found most helpful.
On Easter we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It matters whether something is real or not. It also matters whether an idea is true or not. The historical fact is Jesus rose from the dead, and it makes a difference that he did.
Since churches moved online in 2020, I took advantage of the opportunity to “attend” about 10 different Good Friday services. This was my favorite. Why was it my favorite? Because this service concentrated on telling the story of Good Friday.
Summary If you've confessed faith in Christ but still struggle with sin, especially one particular sin you can't seem to stop, you might wonder if your salvation is in doubt. This week's episode unpacks Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 6:9-14 about who will inherit the...
After Jesus was captured in the Garden of Gethsemane, the soldiers led him to the high priest. Mark is very careful to point out that these two situations — the trial before the Sanhedrin and the denial of Peter — occur side by side. The contrast between these two s…
March 2026 News: I’m giving away 100 copies of Start Strong for Easter! To win a copy, enter the contest by April 7.
James 1:1–8 shows how trials test faith, produce perseverance, and give wisdom. Learn to ask God confidently without double-minded doubt in hardship.
After the death of King Solomon, two of his sons, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, fought for the throne. When Rehoboam harshly raised taxes on the people, the 10 northern tribes rebelled and installed Jeroboam as their king, creating the northern kingdom of Israel. The two south…
Paul redefines spirituality in 1 Corinthians 12:1-3. Discover why confessing Jesus as Lord matters more than experiences, jobs, or spiritual gifts.
After the death of King Solomon, two of his sons, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, fought for the throne. When Rehoboam harshly raised taxes on the people, the 10 northern tribes rebelled and installed Jeroboam as their king, creating the northern kingdom of Israel. The two south…
In Matthew 10:40-42, Jesus teaches that how we respond to His disciples reveals how we respond to Him, and ultimately, to God. Welcoming believers isn’t just about hospitality; it’s a test of our faith and a path to eternal reward.
The period of the divided kingdom ended with the people of Israel being taken into captivity. Here is an overview and timeline of the exile of Israel and her return from captivity.
Explore what Jesus teaches about the Christian worldview. Learn what it means to love your neighbor and build your life on the rock.
The time between the end of the Old Testament (400BC from the prophet Malachi) to the preaching of John the Baptist (25 AD) is known as the “intertestamental” period. Here’s an overview of what happened.
February 2026 News: Help Easter guests take the next step, not just attend one service. A book giveaway can be an easy way to follow-up with Easter visitors and help them take a meaningful next step.
Discover what Jesus taught about saving faith in Matthew 5:1-12. Learn the 4 core convictions (REAL faith) and why Jesus calls the poor in spirit, meek, and persecuted “blessed.” Perfect for new believers.
In new groups, participants often seek connections through icebreaker questions. How we respond impacts the future community. I’ve learned to employ what I call the “Rule of In”.
What is Lent? Is it an official Christian holiday? Was it instituted in the Bible? What — if anything — is required of believers during Lent?
Discover why Jesus is the only way to salvation by exploring John 3:14-21 in context. Learn what the cross reveals, why belief matters, and what Jesus taught Nicodemus about spiritual rebirth.
Ultimately, how you handle your speaking notes will depend on personal preference. As you experiment, here are some ideas that may help you find your style and prepare like a pro.
You’ve said you’re sorry, promised to do better—but you still feel guilty? Why? Because guilt isn’t just a feeling to shake off. Real guilt requires real forgiveness. In this episode, we’ll walk through another passage from Romans to uncover God’s response …
It’s February. Approximately one-third of those who started a Bible reading plan in January abandon it by February. By May that number will drop to half. What if you are one of the statistics?
If grace covers all sin, why not keep sinning? Romans 6:15-7:6 reveals Paul’s answer—and it’s not what you expect. Discover why grace doesn’t permit sin; it transforms your desire for it.
Learn how to avoid plagiarism in Bible study with clear do’s, don’ts, and real examples—when to cite, how to credit sources, and what to change.
Season 27 begins February 4, 2026 I'm excited to announce that Season 27 of the Wednesday in the Word podcast begins February 4. We’re doing a topical bible study called Start Strong: A New Believer’s Podcast, a 15-week topical Bible study for those just starting...