Latest Blog Posts from Wednesday in the Word, the podcast about what the Bible means and how we know.
Church women’s retreats offer one of the best opportunities of the church for women to step away from their daily responsibilities, rest and connect with other women in the church and spend some concentrated time learning more about the Lord. While retreats require a lot of planning, they are worth it in the long run.
Exciting news! My first book, Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity, is releasing in January, 2026. I’d love your help getting it into the hands of the people who need it most.
My first book, Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity, is releasing in January, 2026. I’d love your help getting it into the hands of the people who need it most.
In 2 Corinthians 5:1–11, Paul continues his defense of his ministry by explaining how his confidence in the resurrection shapes his message, motivates his courage, and defines his integrity.
Registration is a chance to collect valuable information about your participants that can help you build small groups, evaluate the success of your program and plan for the future. Here are some questions you might want to include on your registration forms.
Paul offers a powerful defense of his ministry, explaining how the gospel he proclaims is not about him, but about the transforming power of God. Though Paul faces rejection, suffering, and accusations, he remains unwavering because he knows the source of the message and the One who is truly at work through it.
The first day of Bible study typically requires a lot of teamwork and cooperation. You probably need leaders to sign up for both refreshments and tasks. Here’s two example sign up forms.
In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta explores Paul’s bold claim that his ministry as an apostle is more glorious than the ministry of Moses. By comparing the Old and New Covenants, Paul shows that spiritual transformation doesn’t come from the Law but from the work of the Holy Spirit.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas, tips, tricks and books from 20 years as a Director of Women’s Ministry.
Trying harder won’t fix the human heart, and that’s exactly why the new covenant is such good news. In this episode, Krisan Marotta walks us through 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, where Paul defends his ministry by pointing not to his qualifications, but to the life-giving work of the Spirit. Paul’s confidence doesn’t come from his own strength. It comes from what God is doing through him.
Wondering how to put all the tools and pieces of Bible study together so that you can tackle a specific passage of Scripture? Here’s the overall procedure.
Why didn’t Paul visit Corinth? Find out in season 26 of the Wednesday in the Word podcast. Plus news and free guides.
Paul’s ministry didn’t look successful. He was often rejected, beaten, and misunderstood. But in 2 Corinthians 2:5–17, Paul reminds us that the gospel doesn’t need to be repackaged to be effective.
How do you know if you’ve successfully understood a passage of Scripture? Start by understanding and embracing these basic interpretative convictions.
When Paul didn’t return to Corinth as expected, some accused him of being unreliable. In 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4, Paul explains his decision did not result from selfish motives but from pastoral care. His example gives us a window into how mature faith navigates conflict, disappointment, and the hard work of loving others well.
After you’ve done your observation, word studies, outlining and answered the questions you generated, it’s time to start putting it all together. In this step, you want to collect, refine and organize all those details you observed into a coherent meaning.
Tools and resources you need to do a word study on the Greek word for glory, doxa, G1391
When Paul opens his second letter to the Corinthians, he doesn’t start with doctrine. He starts with suffering, comfort, and prayer. This passage gives us a glimpse into the personal cost of gospel ministry and the beauty of how God uses suffering to encourage others.
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church was complicated. These opening verses set the tone for a letter that’s both tender and urgent.
The first step in Bible study is observation. The goal is to slow down your reading and generate a list of questions that must be answered to understand the passage. I tend to break observation into the following 4 steps which generally correspond to my first few readings through the passage.
Curious about our Bible studies but don’t listen to podcasts? There are several ways to engage without ever hitting play.
Corinth was one of the most influential and morally corrupt cities in the Roman Empire. Yet it became home to a growing church. In this episode, we study Acts 18 to explain how and why Paul founded a church in Corinth, what made Corinth strategic, and how God used unexpected partnerships to advance the gospel.
You may have heard the “rule” in Bible Study that a text always means what the author intended it to mean. But how do you evaluate whether a particular interpretation hits the mark of authorial intent? You can test any interpretation with the five C’s.
July is the time to start preparing for your fall Bible study. Are you overwhelmed by the details or don’t know where to start? Assuming your study starts in September, here’s my summer ministry preparation checklist.
Wednesday in the Word Season 26 kicks off July 9 with a series on 2 Corinthians: When Church Hurts.
When learning how to study the Bible, you’ve probably heard the expression “context is king”, meaning context is the arbitrator that rules a particular interpretation valid or not. But how do you use context to decide between possible interpretations?
A 17-week Bible study podcast on 2nd Corinthians from Wednesday in the Word
We use figurative language all the time: “I’ll have to face the music.” “I’m bored to tears.” “She has a green thumb.” “Don’t let the cat out of the bag.” “He died of embarrassment.” Biblical writers also used figurative language and vivid imagery. How are we to understand it?
You may have been taught to create a list of questions, using the “5Ws and H” (who, what, when, where, why, how). If you need some help learning how to use the “5Ws and H”, here are some questions to get you started.
How do I find God’s will It’s a lot easier thank you think, if you avoid the bad advice and focus on the teaching of Scripture.
I’m excited to announce that our next podcast season will be a study of 2 Corinthians, which I’ve titled “When Church Hurts.”
When you recruit feedback from your students at the end of a Bible study year, don’t forget to solicit feedback from your leaders.
Why was the New Testament written in Greek while the Old Testament was written in Hebrew?
Explore 7 biblical steps to find your unique calling. Learn how to align your passions with God’s purpose and overcome obstacles through faith.
Is your Bible study on break for the holidays? Many studies end before Thanksgiving and don’t resume until January. What can you do over break to stay in the Word? Here are some good ideas.
In this episode, Krisan and David John Marotta present a biblical perspective on money. Drawing from Scripture and their extensive experience in financial management, they blend theological insights with practical advice.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
The biblical principle of stewardship, showing how everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him.
How to use financial resources to fulfill the responsibilities and calling God gives us.
The importance of work to meet those responsibilities, with practical encouragement for starting your career.
Common pitfalls like overspending or over-giving, and how to avoid them through balanced planning.
Practical strategies for spending, earning, and saving/investing, including budgeting tips and the power of compound interest.
The virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in handling money contrasted with the sins of pride, greed, and fear.
What do you believe about your English translation of the Bible? Here are 5 ideas you should NOT hold.