A Blossom Bible Podcast

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.“Jesus is good, but you need more.” That idea sounds harmless until you see what it does to a church, and to your own heart. We open Colossians chapter 1 with the backstory: Paul writes from house arrest after Epaphras reports a dangerous drift in Colossae. Some voices are pushing Greek philosophy and “secret” spiritual knowledge. Others are pushing religious legalism and Jewish traditions. Different packaging, same hook: Jesus plus something else.We slow down in Colossians 1:3-8 and focus on what God has already produced in these believers: faith in Christ, love for all the saints, and hope laid up in heaven. We talk about what real faith looks like when it changes the way you live, why agape love is truly supernatural, and how Christian hope is confidence about what’s ahead, not an “I wish” feeling. If you feel like you are always shopping for the next thing to fix you, Paul’s reminder lands like a reset button: you may not be lacking, you may be forgetting.Then we follow Paul’s logic to the source of fruit: the truth of the gospel. The good news of Jesus is not a slogan, it is a living seed that brings new birth and real spiritual growth. We also get painfully practical about what stunts that growth, using Matthew 13 and the parable of the sower: the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches can choke the Word until it becomes unfruitful. We round it out with Galatians 5, contrasting the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, and we end with a prayer for soft hearts and lasting change.If this helped you re-center on Jesus, subscribe for more Bible study through Colossians, share this with a friend who feels stuck, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the biggest “Jesus plus” pressure you’ve felt lately?https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.Most of us want God’s will like a GPS: tell me the exact address, the fastest route, and the safest turn-by-turn plan. But Paul’s opening words in Colossians pull us in a different direction: he’s an apostle of Jesus Christ “by the will of God.” That phrase forces a better question than “Which option should I pick?” It asks, “Am I actually living under God’s leadership, or am I just looking for divine approval for what I already want?”We walk through six places where the Bible flat-out says “this is the will of God” so you’re not left guessing. We talk about God’s desire that people be saved, what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and why Spirit-led living shows up in painfully practical places like your words, your gratitude, your marriage, your parenting, and your work. We also connect Ephesians 5 with Colossians 3 to show how letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly goes hand-in-hand with being led by the Spirit.Then we hit the parts people usually skip: sanctification and putting away sin, respecting governing authorities and leadership, and the reality that suffering for doing good can be God’s will too. We end with a freeing principle from Psalm 37:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6: when you delight yourself in the Lord and trust Him with all your heart, your desires change and your path gets directed.If this helped you rethink God’s will in a grounded, biblical way, subscribe, share it with a friend who’s facing a big decision, and leave a review. Which of the six “slam dunk” statements about God’s will do you need most right now?https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.Peace is everywhere on merch, in slogans, and in our wish list for life, but Paul starts somewhere else. We open Colossians with just two verses and find a surprisingly complete roadmap: grace first, then peace. That order isn’t a religious detail. It’s a claim about how lasting peace with God and peace in our hearts actually happens, rooted in what Jesus has done rather than what we can manage on our own.We also zoom out to why Paul writes Colossians at all. The big theme is “life in Christ,” and Paul uses an image you can’t unsee: the church is a body and Jesus is the Head. You can’t keep the body alive while swapping out the Head, which is why Paul pushes for the preeminence of Christ, Jesus in first place. From there we talk about the kinds of false teaching that creep in, including the lure of secret knowledge (early Gnosticism) and the pressure of legalism that turns faith into a checklist.Then we slow down again and look at the people in the greeting: Paul, Timothy, the believers in Colossae, and the stunning word Paul uses for ordinary Christians, “saints.” We connect it to the cross and to Galatians 2:20, where faith means being united with Christ in His death and resurrection. If you’ve ever felt tempted to “upgrade” Jesus with something extra, this is your reminder to hold on to the only source of real life. Subscribe for the rest of our Colossians study, share this with a friend, and leave a review. What helps you keep Jesus in first place?https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.What happens to a people when “everyone does what is right in their own eyes”? We start in the stark closing line of Judges and follow a through-line of longing, failure, and promise that leads to the only King worth trusting. From Jacob’s prophecy that the scepter would rest with Judah to Deuteronomy’s surprising portrait of a humble ruler who copies and reads the law daily, Scripture draws the outline of a different kind of kingship—one shaped by obedience, justice, and mercy.As we move into 1 Samuel, the picture gets painfully real. Eli’s sons exploit worship, the Ark is captured, and spiritual life goes dim. Samuel stands as a faithful bridge, but the elders still demand a king “like the nations.” God grants Saul, the tall and impressive leader they wanted, and warns that taker-kings always come with a cost. The point lands close to home: we often choose what dazzles over what sanctifies, settling for control that slowly controls us.Then Advent reframes everything. Gabriel’s announcement to Mary reveals the heart of God’s plan: Jesus will sit on David’s throne and His kingdom will never end. We don’t just need a ruler; we need a righteous King who gives Himself for His people. That is why the call goes beyond admiration to allegiance. Many of us embrace Jesus as Savior while keeping Him at arm’s length as Lord. But surrender to a good King is not loss; it is freedom from bitterness, fear, and the exhaustion of self-rule. Jesus is better than Saul’s image and better than David’s best moments. He reigns with truth, dies with love, and proves that His authority heals.As we head toward Christmas, we’re asking one clear question: will we let Christ be King in our plans, our hurts, and our habits? Join us for a candid, Scripture-rich journey from Judges to David to Jesus, and consider what true kingship looks like in your life today. If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for the series on David, and leave a review to help others find the message.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.What if the most powerful thing you do this week is speak a blessing? We walk through Hebrews 11:20–22 and scan the last stretch of Genesis to watch faith at work in quiet, decisive moments: Isaac blessing his sons, Jacob blessing his grandsons, and Joseph asking that his bones move when God moves His people. These scenes are more than family history; they reveal how trust can travel through imperfect people and still land right where God intends.We start with Isaac, a man whose life quietly echoes Christ, and yet Hebrews spotlights a single act: he blessed Jacob and Esau about things to come. The twist—he thought he was blessing Esau—shows that God’s promises don’t hang on our flawless execution. From there we follow Jacob, marked by a lifetime of wrestling, who ends as a worshiper leaning on his staff, crossing his hands to place the greater blessing on Ephraim instead of Manasseh. That choice underlines a theme that runs through Scripture: God’s grace does not follow birth order or human advantage.Finally, Joseph widens our horizon. After betrayal, slavery, and prison, he becomes Egypt’s second-in-command and forgives the brothers who sold him. Yet Hebrews highlights his final request about his bones—a quiet, stubborn insistence that Egypt is temporary and God’s promise to Abraham still stands. It’s a blueprint for long-haul faith. Along the way we get practical: how to speak simple, purposeful blessing over kids, teens, adult children, grandkids, and spiritual family; how to pray when you fear “getting it wrong”; and how everyday words can align lives with God’s future.Press play for a clear, hopeful reminder: keep blessing, keep trusting, and let God handle the outcomes. If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find it.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.When faith meets a knife’s edge, what do you hold onto—God’s promise or your grip? We walk through Hebrews 11 and Genesis 22 to watch Abraham rise early, split wood, and carry obedience up Moriah with a strange mix of logic and trust. He knows Isaac is the child of promise, so he reasons that if the sacrifice goes through, the God who cannot lie can raise the boy from the dead. That’s not blind belief; it’s confidence anchored in a Person who keeps His word.Along the way, we pause on a single word: offered. To offer is to bring and lay down, to open your hands around what you love most. The story becomes uncomfortably close when we name our own Isaacs—our children, future, finances, pride, and dreams. Hold them too tightly and they become idols; release them and they become worship. We explore how discipline is loving training, why tests are whens not ifs, and how faith grows by acting on what God has already said. Isaac’s likely willingness comes into view, pointing our eyes forward to another Son who shouldered wood and yielded Himself without resistance.When the angel stops Abraham and a ram appears, the mountain gains a name: The Lord will provide. That ridge in Moriah runs through Jerusalem to Calvary, where Jesus becomes the Lamb, turning future tense into finished work. We end at the table with bread and cup—body broken, blood poured out—receiving grace not because we’re worthy, but because He is. If you’re wrestling with surrender, this conversation offers courage, clarity, and a better grip: not on your plans, but on God’s promise and character.If this moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review telling us where you’ve seen God provide.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.What if the next brave thing isn’t a giant leap, but a single obedient step without the address? We walk through Hebrews 11:8–10 and trace Abraham’s path in three movements—taking the step of faith, living the stay of faith, and fixing our hope on the site of faith, the city God builds. Along the way, we explore how a man pulled from an idolatrous city learned to move on God’s word, pitch tents where others would pour concrete, and wait with desire for a better country.We talk through the Genesis backstory and why leaving Ur mattered, then linger on what it means to go “not knowing where” you’re going. From Philip on a desert road to Peter on a rooftop, Scripture shows how God often gives direction in small, clear pieces—go south, go with them—and how big stories turn on simple obedience. Abraham models a pilgrim posture even in a promised land, a loose grip that challenges our instinct to make comfort the mission. Hebrews calls them strangers and pilgrims, and that language reframes work, money, place, and plans when heaven is home.Finally, we point our hearts toward the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. That eternal perspective clarifies what actually lasts. You can take two things into eternity: your relationship with God and people. So we get practical about reordering our days—deepening prayer and Scripture, inviting someone to a meal, writing the overdue note, forgiving fast, and practicing generous presence. If you’re ready to trade certainty for trust, weight your life toward what endures, and travel lighter through a beautiful but temporary world, this conversation will help you take the next faithful step.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage for a next step, and leave a review with the one practice you’re starting this week.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.What would your epitaph say? For Enoch, a mysterious figure from Genesis, it simply read: "He pleased God." While most of what we leave behind remains unseen—typically just a name and two dates separated by a dash—Enoch broke even this pattern by never experiencing death at all.Nestled within Hebrews 11's "Hall of Faith," Enoch's extraordinary story teaches us what it truly means to walk with God. This isn't mere religious jargon but a profound relationship concept—two beings moving in the same direction, at the same pace, in complete agreement. Scripture reveals that walking with God involves living in newness of life, walking according to the Spirit rather than the flesh, walking in love as children of light, and walking in truth.What makes Enoch's testimony particularly relevant is the context of his faithfulness. He lived in a world Genesis describes as thoroughly corrupt, where "every intent of the thoughts of man's heart was only evil continually." Violence dominated society, wickedness prevailed everywhere, and moral decay had reached its zenith. Sound familiar? Despite these circumstances—or perhaps because of them—Enoch maintained an unwavering walk with God for 365 years until he was simply "taken away."This biblical account powerfully demonstrates that faithful living isn't determined by external circumstances but by internal commitment. Hebrews reveals the essence of Enoch's success: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Enoch embodied both elements—living with constant awareness of God's presence while trusting completely in His goodness.The message for us today couldn't be clearer: regardless of how dark our world becomes, walking with God remains not only possible but the most fulfilling way to live. Through intentional communion with God, alignment with His purposes, and courage to speak truth, we too can please God in our generation. What greater legacy could anyone hope to leave behind?https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.What if everything God allows in your life is designed to develop one thing: your trust in Him? In this exploration of Hebrews 11, we discover that faith isn't a blind leap into the dark—it's something with substance and evidence that radically changes how we live.The "Hall of Faith" presents us with a museum of faithful believers, showcasing ordinary people who learned to trust an extraordinary God. Faith functions as our spiritual receptors, allowing us to perceive realities our physical senses can't detect. Just as our eyes see light and our ears hear sound, faith helps us grasp both the heaven we hope for and the spiritual world that surrounds us.We journey back to creation itself, recognizing that faith begins with acknowledging there is a God who designed our intricate world with purpose. The complexity of life points to a Creator, and believing this fundamental truth is essential to pleasing Him. As the chapter states, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."The most encouraging aspect of these faith examples? They were all deeply flawed individuals. Abraham doubted, Moses hesitated, and others made significant mistakes. Yet God worked through their imperfect faith to accomplish His purposes. This reveals God's primary work in our lives—through every trial and difficulty, He's developing our trust, prying our lives from our own control so we can fully rest in His care.Ready to join the great cloud of witnesses? Consider what God is revealing about Himself to you today, and how you might step out in faith with the practical realities of your life. Because true faith isn't just believing something—it's living like it's true.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.Have you ever wondered what happened in those three days between the cross and the resurrection? Mark's gospel provides a fascinating glimpse into this often-overlooked period, revealing unexpected heroes and profound theological truths.The moment Jesus breathed His last, the massive temple veil tore from top to bottom—a divine statement that access to God's presence was now available to all. No more barriers, no more distance. While the male disciples had scattered in fear, faithful women including Mary Magdalene stayed to witness both Jesus' death and where His body was laid, becoming essential witnesses for the resurrection story to follow.Perhaps most remarkable is Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the very council that condemned Jesus. Taking an enormous risk that jeopardized his social standing and possibly his life, Joseph approached Pilate to request Jesus' body, providing his own expensive tomb for burial. This seemingly simple act of devotion fulfilled ancient prophecies that the Messiah would make "his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death" (Isaiah 53:9).Meanwhile, Jesus' enemies inadvertently strengthened the resurrection account by demanding guards and an official seal for the tomb. Their attempt to prevent what they called a "deception" made it impossible for disciples to have stolen the body, creating perfect evidence that resurrection truly happened. This reveals a profound truth about God's sovereignty: nothing can sabotage His divine plan. Whether through willing obedience or hostile opposition, God's purposes are accomplished.The message for us today? A simple heart to honor God, like Joseph demonstrated, can accomplish far more than we realize. You don't have to overthink God's will—often it's right in front of you in the simple acts of obedience and honor. What might God do through your life when you simply wake each day with the desire to honor Him?https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.Death cast its shadow at high noon as darkness fell over Jerusalem. Jesus, hanging on the cross, cried out with words that still echo through history: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These weren't just words of despair—they were a reference to Psalm 22, a prophetic psalm that described with uncanny precision the very scene unfolding that day: mockers surrounding him, soldiers gambling for his clothing, and the piercing of his hands and feet (written centuries before crucifixion was invented).The darkness covering the land wasn't just atmospheric—it marked the cosmic significance of what was happening. The Light of the World was taking on the darkness of humanity's sin. What appeared to onlookers as defeat was actually the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, meticulously orchestrated across millennia. Consider this remarkable connection: Abraham nearly sacrificed his "only son whom he loved" on Mount Moriah—the exact same location where Jesus would later die. This wasn't coincidence but divine choreography spanning thousands of years.Jesus's final declaration—"It is finished"—wasn't a cry of defeat but of victory. Tetelestai in Greek was an accounting term meaning "paid in full." The debt of human sin had been completely satisfied. Nothing we could ever do could make up for our sins, but Jesus paid the price completely. This is what makes the gospel truly good news: salvation isn't earned through religious performance but received as a gift from God who loved us enough to sacrifice everything. Have you considered what it means that God planned your redemption before the foundation of the world? This Easter, don't just remember a historical event—receive the gift that was purchased at such tremendous cost.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

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We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.The journey to the cross reveals humanity's darkest impulses and God's unfathomable love. As Roman soldiers clothe Jesus in mock royal garments, jam a crown of thorns on his head, and spit on him repeatedly, we witness the Creator of the universe enduring contempt from his own creation. The gospel writers focus particularly on this mockery, showing how both Jews and Gentiles participated in rejecting God's Son.When Jesus's strength fails on the way to Golgotha, a bystander named Simon from Cyrene is compelled to carry the cross. This seemingly random encounter transforms Simon's life, with evidence suggesting his entire family became devoted followers of Christ. His experience offers a powerful metaphor for discipleship – the unexpected call to shoulder a burden that ultimately leads to profound blessing.The Apostle Paul understood this paradox deeply. Despite his impressive religious credentials, he counted everything as "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ. But Paul's desire wasn't just to experience resurrection power; he wanted the "fellowship of Christ's sufferings" as well. This uncomfortable truth challenges our comfortable Christianity: "All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."How many opportunities to share our faith do we miss because we fear mockery? How often do we stay silent rather than risk ridicule? The cross reminds us that true discipleship means valuing Jesus above everything else – including others' opinions. This week, look for chances to stand for truth and share hope with those who are hurting. You might face resistance, but you'll experience deeper fellowship with the One who endured mockery and death for you.Every Christian journey involves carrying a cross. What's yours?https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.Jesus stands before Pilate in a dramatic confrontation between worldly power and divine truth, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice that offers grace to all who will receive it.• Archaeological evidence confirms these were real historical figures—Caiaphas's ossuary (bone box) and Pilate's stone inscription are both displayed in Israel Museum• Jewish leaders took Jesus to Pilate because they lacked official authority to execute Him, yet God used this to fulfill prophecies about crucifixion• When Jesus mentioned truth, Pilate asked "What is truth?" but walked away before hearing the answer• Pilate attempted to release Jesus by offering to free either Him or Barabbas, a notorious rebel and murderer• The crowd chose to release Barabbas instead of Jesus, creating a powerful picture of substitutionary atonement• Like Barabbas, we all deserve death but Jesus takes our place, offering freedom we don't deserveLet's not take God's grace lightly this week. Remember what Jesus has done for us, how good and gracious He's been to offer us freedom and life in Him—a gift we could never earn or deserve.https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch

We'd love to hear from you. Message us here.When the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper, where is justice? Diving deep into the sham trial of Jesus in Mark 14, we confront one of faith's most troubling paradoxes – the apparent absence of justice in our world.The trial itself reveals everything wrong with human attempts at justice. Meeting at night, during a feast day, with conflicting testimonies, the religious leaders broke their own regulations to condemn an innocent man. Why? Mark 15:10 gives us the uncomfortable answer: envy. Such a common emotion led to history's greatest injustice, revealing how easily our hearts can justify terrible actions.Justice itself seems straightforward – getting what we deserve. For God, however, justice isn't something He does occasionally; it's who He is. As Tozer insightfully noted, "Justice is not something that God has. Justice is something that God is." This explains why injustice creates such a deep ache within us – we're made in God's image, carrying a divine sensitivity toward rightness.Yet we're confronted with a humbling truth: we're all deserving of justice. Like David, who demanded death for a sheep-stealer while ignoring his own theft of Uriah's wife and life, we're hypocrites when it comes to justice. Our sin looks different when we see it in others.The cross provides God's astonishing solution. Romans 3:24-26 reveals that God is "just and the justifier" – maintaining perfect justice while extending undeserved mercy. Sin isn't overlooked but paid for by Christ. Meanwhile, Jesus promises future justice: "You will see the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven." Until then, we live gratefully in the tension between God's patience and our longing for righteousness.Have you considered how God's patience with injustice – the very thing that sometimes frustrates us – might be the same patience that gives us opportunity after opportunity to experience His mercy?https://www.facebook.com/ablossombiblechurch