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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
n this episode of the Wednesday in the Word, we summarize the themes of the Gospel of John as we learned in this series. We focus on John 20:30-31 as a lens to understand John’s purpose and the transformative power of belief.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
The significance of Jesus’ miraculous signs and their role in proving his identity as the Messiah.
The critical role of the apostles as eyewitnesses who pass down Jesus’ teachings through written testimony.
The theme of belief versus unbelief and why it’s central to John’s message.
Jesus as the Christ—prophet, priest, and king—and what that means for salvation.
The promise of eternal life and how faith in Jesus offers forgiveness, freedom from sin, and victory over death.
By listening, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of John’s purpose in writing his Gospel and how its themes of signs, testimony, and belief apply to your life today. Krisan Marotta breaks down complex ideas into an accessible overview, showing you how to connect the dots between Jesus’ actions and the hope of salvation. Whether you’re new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, this episode offers practical insights into why faith matters and how John’s words continue to resonate 2,000 years later.
In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we tackle the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) where Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. Jesus addresses both the unique role of his apostles and the universal call for all his followers to live faithfully in his absence.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
Jesus’ Departure and Return: Jesus announces his leaving but reassures his disciples of his eventual return, offering hope through the promise of his second coming.
Commissioning of the Apostles: Jesus explains to his apostles their mission and the challenges they will face.
The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises he will not leave them alone. He will send the “Spirit of Truth” to eguip and guide them in their ministry.
Ethical Teachings for Believers: Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another, modeled after his own sacrificial love and service.
Perseverance in Faith: Jesus explains the importance of persevering in faith while he’s gone.
Assurance of God’s Protection: Jesus’ prays for his disciples and all future believers, promising that they will be preserved and protected by God.
By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Upper Room Discourse’s historical context and its profound implications for Christian life today. You’ll understand what applies uniquely to the apostles and what extends to all followers of Jesus. You’ll also discover practical insights into living out Jesus’ teachings on love, perseverance, and faith in a world where he is no longer physically present. This episode not only enriches your knowledge of the Gospel of John but also offers encouragement through the assurance that, though Jesus has left, his Spirit remains with us, and he will one day return.
In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we study the narratives of Mary anointing Jesus and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. These events underscore Jesus’ identity and mission while contrasting the responses of belief and unbelief, culminating in his voluntary path to the cross.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
Mary’s anointing of Jesus: Her act of devotion with costly perfume signifies loyalty and foreshadows Jesus’ burial.
Judas’ contrasting reactionl: His objection to Mary’s act reveals his self-interest and sets the stage for his treachery.
The triumphal entry: Jesus enters Jerusalem as a peaceful king on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and accepting the crowd’s acclaim.
The dynamics of belief and unbelief: Mary’s faith starkly contrasts with Judas and the Pharisees’ rejection, highlighting the complexity of genuine faith.
Jesus’ acceptance of his destiny: He acknowledges his imminent death as necessary for salvation, affirmed by a voice from heaven.
The end of public ministry: Jesus summarizes his mission as bringing light and eternal life, urging belief before his withdrawal from public view.
Listening to this episode offers a compelling look at how John chapter 12 weaves together key themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine purpose. You’ll gain insight into the significance of Jesus’ action
In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we explore the story of Lazarus in John 11. This event serves as a pivotal moment where the major themes of John’s Gospel converge, illuminating Jesus’ identity, mission, and the responses he elicits from those around him.
In this week’s episode, we explore:
The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection: Jesus demonstrates his authority over death, performing a sign that testifies to his divine power.
Jesus’ path to the cross: This event triggers the sequence leading to his crucifixion, showcasing his obedience to God’s will.
The spectrum of belief and unbelief: From Martha’s faith to the Jewish leaders’ rejection, the story examines how people respond to Jesus’ signs.
Jesus as the resurrection and the life: The miracle reinforces his messianic claim to grant eternal life to believers.
God’s sovereignty amid opposition: Even the hostility of the Jewish leaders is woven into God’s redemptive plan.
Jesus’ empathy and humanity: His tears reveal his deep compassion for human suffering, even as he fulfills a divine purpose.
By listening to this episode, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how the raising of Lazarus ties together the central themes of John’s Gospel. Krisan Marotta’s thoughtful exploration offers fresh insights into Jesus’ mission, his power over death, and the hope he extends to believers, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the text and its relevance to faith today.