Bible In Order Podcast

Send us Fan MailDeep social division and spiritual burnout are two of the biggest problems facing Christians today. Relationships are being strained over politics, biblical interpretation, and cultural conflict, while many believers are simply tired of fighting.Ephesians 3 speaks directly into that exhaustion. Paul reminds believers that God is building Jews and Gentiles together into one body, strengthening His people through the Holy Spirit, grounding them in the love of Christ, and giving them confidence to approach God even in seasons of pressure and tribulation.In this teaching through Ephesians 3, we look at Paul’s explanation of the mystery of Christ, the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers, spiritual authority, suffering, the strengthening work of the Holy Spirit, and the immeasurable love of Christ.We also see why Paul could endure tribulation without losing heart. His confidence was not rooted in comfortable circumstances. It was rooted in the eternal purpose of God and in the power already at work within believers.If you feel spiritually tired, discouraged, pressured, or exhausted by the conflict around you, Ephesians 3 offers an important reminder: God is able to do far more abundantly than all we could ask or think according to the power at work within us.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailIs salvation by grace alone, by faith alone, or by faith plus works? Ephesians 2 gives one of the clearest answers in Scripture—and it begins with an even more striking statement: we were dead in our trespasses and sins.What does it actually mean to be spiritually dead? And if we were dead, how did we become alive?In this study of Ephesians 2, we look at what Paul says about spiritual death, God’s mercy, salvation by grace through faith, the place of good works, and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.Ephesians 2 makes clear that salvation is not something we earn or qualify for. God, being rich in mercy, made us alive together with Christ. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand for us to walk in.We also see how the blood of Christ has brought those who were once far off near, making Jews and Gentiles one household of God with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean that God chose some people before the foundation of the world? And if predestination is actually biblical, does that mean evangelism is unnecessary?Ephesians 1 forces us to wrestle with difficult questions about predestination, election, free will, faithfulness, eternal security, and the sovereignty of God. Paul says that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world and predestined us for adoption—but the chapter also makes an important distinction about the people Paul is addressing.In this study of Ephesians 1 explained, we look carefully at Paul’s words to the saints who are faithful in Christ Jesus. We examine what it means to be chosen, what predestination actually means, the spiritual blessings believers have in Christ, our inheritance, the promised Holy Spirit, and Paul’s prayer that believers would receive wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God.We also consider why passages about predestination cannot be separated from passages about faithfulness, free will, falling away, and examining ourselves to see whether we are in the faith.Ephesians 1 points us toward the day when all things in heaven and on earth will be united in Christ. Until then, believers live between two worlds—physically present here while possessing spiritual life from above.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailActs 28 shows the Apostle Paul facing imprisonment, shipwreck, cold, rejection, and even a viper latching onto his hand. Yet Paul doesn’t respond by feeling sorry for himself or complaining. He stays focused on advancing the kingdom of God.In this teaching through Acts 28 explained, we follow Paul from the island of Malta all the way to Rome. Along the way, Paul survives the snakebite, heals the sick, speaks to the Jewish leaders in Rome, and continues proclaiming Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God with boldness.But here’s what many Christians miss: Acts begins with Jesus teaching about the kingdom of God, and it ends with Paul proclaiming the kingdom of God.In this chapter, we look at:Paul’s response to suffering and circumstances outside his controlThe viper that latched onto Paul’s handThe healing of Publius’ father and others on MaltaPaul’s arrival in RomeWhy some of the Jewish leaders believed while others refused to be persuadedIsaiah’s warning about hardened hearts, ears, and eyesThe connection between the gospel and the kingdom of GodWhy the kingdom is such an important New Testament themeWhat Paul’s kingdom-focused life teaches believers todayThe gospel and the kingdom are not separate messages. The gospel is the announcement—the door into the kingdom—and the kingdom of God is the central reality being announced.As you read through Scripture, begin noticing the word kingdom. Ask God what His kingdom means and what it looks like to live according to its culture rather than the culture of the world.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailHave you ever been in a difficult season where things were going wrong—and you knew what needed to be done, but nobody would listen?That is the situation Paul faces in Acts 27. As a prisoner on his way to Rome to testify before Caesar, Paul warns that continuing the voyage will bring great danger. His warning is ignored, a violent storm overtakes the ship, and everything begins to fall apart.In this chapter, we see Paul move from being the prisoner nobody listened to into a man whose faith, prayers, wisdom, and confidence in God begin influencing everyone around him.Acts 27 also raises an important question: Paul initially perceived that the voyage would bring loss of life, yet later an angel tells him that God has granted him everyone sailing with him. What happened?Through the storm, we see God preserve Paul, give him favor with the centurion, encourage everyone aboard the ship, and ultimately bring all 276 people safely to land.Most importantly, Acts 27 reminds us that God is sovereign over storms, governments, soldiers, wind, waves, and circumstances. His purpose will stand—and at the same time, He expects us to obey Him and walk in faith.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailCan women teach or hold positions of leadership among God’s people? Romans 16 gives us an important window into the way women served, worked, led, and were recognized within the early Christian community.In this teaching through Romans 16 explained, we look at Phoebe, Priscilla, Junia, and the other men and women Paul personally commends. We also examine 1 Timothy 2:12, the meaning of the Greek words diakonos and ekklesia, and why reading our modern idea of “church” back into the first-century world can affect how we understand these passages.Romans 16 shows a deeply relational community of believers working together in the Lord. Paul commends Phoebe as a servant of the ecclesia, calls Priscilla and Aquila his fellow workers, recognizes Junia and Andronicus in connection with the apostles, and names many others who labored faithfully.We also look at Paul’s warning about false teachers: those who create division, serve their own appetites, and use smooth talk and flattery to deceive others. The question remains just as important today—what kind of fruit is being produced, and who is ultimately benefiting?In this teaching:Phoebe and the meaning of diakonosWhy “church” and ekklesia are not identical conceptsPriscilla and Aquila as Paul’s fellow workersJunia and the apostles1 Timothy 2:12 and the meaning of authorityWomen and leadership in the early ecclesiaPaul’s warning about divisive and false teachersWhat Romans 16 reveals about relational leadershipWant to go deeper into Scripture and grow with other believers?Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support   Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does Romans 15 teach about strong Christians, weak Christians, offense, unity, and putting others before ourselves?Paul continues the argument from Romans 14 by showing that spiritual strength is not about winning arguments or insisting on our rights. The strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, build others up, and pursue the kind of unity Jesus Himself prayed for.In this study of Romans 15, we look at what it means to live in harmony with other believers, why Christians should be careful about judging one another over opinions, and how Jesus modeled a life that did not seek to please Himself.We also explore: What Paul means by the strong and the weak  Why being easily offended can reveal spiritual weakness  The command to build one another up  Why Christian unity matters so much to God  Jesus as the ultimate example of laying down His rights  God’s purpose for Jews and Gentiles in Christ  The believer’s hope through the Holy Spirit  Why Christians are called to teach and encourage one another  Paul’s calling to preach where Christ had not been named  How the early church supported the poor and funded evangelism  Why believers should pray for persecuted Christians around the world Romans 15 gives us a picture of Christian maturity: laying down our own rights, pursuing the good of our brothers and sisters, walking faithfully in our calling, and glorifying God together with one voice. Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support   Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow can Christians remain united when they disagree about personal convictions, traditions, food, holidays, and other matters of faith?Romans 14 gives believers a blueprint for maintaining unity without demanding conformity. Paul reminds us that Christians will not always have the same level of spiritual maturity or the same convictions—but we are still called to welcome one another, walk in love, and pursue peace.In this chapter, we look at what Romans 14 teaches about judging other believers, matters of conscience, eating food associated with idols, observing special days, and the responsibility each believer has before God.We also explore an important principle from Philippians 3: rather than constantly debating one another and trying to force agreement, there are times when we should trust God to reveal truth as believers continue following Him.Key themes include: Why Christian unity does not require complete agreement  What Paul means by the “weak in faith”  Why believers should not quarrel over opinions  How personal convictions affect Christian freedom  Why love sometimes means limiting our own freedom  What Romans 14 says about judging other Christians  How Christians can approach holidays such as Halloween and Christmas  Why “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin”  Why righteousness, peace, and joy matter more than personal preferences Romans 14 challenges us to pursue what makes for peace and mutual building up rather than allowing personal convictions to divide the body of Christ.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support  Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow should Christians respond when the laws of the land conflict with obedience to God? Romans 13 is often used to teach that believers must submit to governing authorities—but is that the full context of what Paul is saying?In Romans 13, Paul addresses authority, peace, love, obedience, and the responsibility of believers to walk in the light. But Scripture also gives repeated examples of faithful men and women who refused to obey commands that directly opposed God.In this teaching through Romans 13, we look at the chapter in the context of Romans 12, examine what Paul says about authority, and consider biblical examples including Peter and John, Moses’ parents, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.We also look at the balance Christians are called to maintain: living at peace with others, paying what is owed, showing respect and honor, loving our neighbors, and obeying God when human authority conflicts with His Word.Romans 13 ultimately points believers toward a life that is awake, spiritually alert, and prepared to put off the works of darkness and put on the Lord Jesus Christ.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailRomans 12 gives a direct answer. Paul calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, refuse conformity to the world, and be transformed by the renewing of their minds so they can discern what is good, acceptable, and perfect in God’s sight.In this teaching on Romans 12 explained, we look at what it means to know the will of God, live as members of one another, practice genuine Christian love, show hospitality, respond to persecution, weep with those who weep, live at peace with others, and overcome evil with good.But here’s what most people miss: Romans 12 does not separate knowing God’s will from the way we actually live. Paul connects discernment with surrender, transformation, humility, Christian community, and love.In this episode:How Romans 12 connects surrender with knowing God’s willWhy renewing your mind mattersWhat it means to be one body in ChristWhy believers are called to give themselves to one anotherWhat genuine Christian love looks likeHow to respond when kindness is not appreciatedWhy Christians should weep with those who weepHow believers should treat enemiesWhat it means to overcome evil with goodJoin the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailRomans 11 confronts one of the most important questions surrounding Israel, the Gentiles, and God’s promises: Has God rejected His people? Paul’s answer is unmistakable: “By no means.”This chapter challenges replacement theology, explains the remnant of Israel, and uses the picture of an olive tree to show how Gentile believers have been grafted into what God was already doing. But here’s what most people miss: Paul’s warning to Gentile Christians is not a reason for arrogance—it is a reason for humility.In this teaching through Romans 11 explained, we look at Paul’s argument chapter by chapter and verse by verse, including:Why Paul says God has not rejected IsraelThe remnant chosen by graceIsrael’s partial hardeningHow Gentile believers have been grafted inWhy Christians must not become arrogant toward the natural branchesWhat Paul means when he says “all Israel will be saved”The relationship between Romans 9 and Romans 11Why salvation and participation in God’s promises are entirely by gracePaul’s final declaration about the wisdom and mercy of GodRomans 11 reminds us that none of us earned our place in God’s plan. Gentile believers have been brought in by grace, and that should produce gratitude, humility, and worship—not superiority.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailCan someone have genuine zeal for God and still not be pleasing to God? Romans 10 shows that the issue is not simply whether someone desires righteousness, but how a person is made righteous before God.Paul contrasts righteousness based on doing with the righteousness that comes by faith. Salvation is not something we accomplish, earn, or maintain through our own works. God has acted in Christ, God brings His word near, and faith comes through hearing the proclaimed word concerning Christ.In this teaching through Romans 10, we look at:Why zeal for God is not enough by itselfThe difference between righteousness by works and righteousness by faithWhat it means that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord…”Why salvation is not a religious formulaHow faith comes through hearingThe relationship between the spoken Rhema word and the written Logos wordThe chain Paul describes: God sends, the message is proclaimed, people hear, faith comes, and people call on the name of the LordWhy God’s initiative should humble us and make us more dependent on HimRomans 10 reminds us that salvation begins with God. He reveals Himself, brings His word near, and calls us to respond in faith.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailRomans 9 confronts us with truths about God that can make us uncomfortable—especially when our ideas about who God should be collide with what Scripture actually says.Paul addresses God’s sovereignty, mercy, Israel’s unbelief, the calling of the Gentiles, and the danger of trying to establish righteousness through works rather than faith. But here’s what most people miss: our discomfort with a truth does not make that truth go away. Sometimes it exposes something in our own hearts.In this teaching through Romans 9, we look at:Why Paul was heartbroken over IsraelWhy God’s promises had not failedIsaac and IshmaelJacob and EsauGod’s mercy and compassionPharaoh and the sovereignty of GodThe Potter and the clayIsrael, the Gentiles, and the remnantWhy righteousness comes through faith rather than worksThe danger of pride before GodRomans 9 reminds us that God is God and we are not. Everything we have is from Him, and everything ultimately exists for His glory.If you want to continue studying Scripture and growing with other believers, join the community:Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support  Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow do we know if we’re truly in relationship with God? And if we are, why is life so hard?Romans 8 addresses both questions. Paul begins with the incredible declaration that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. But the chapter also forces us to consider what it actually means to be in Christ, to walk according to the Spirit, and to put to death the deeds of the body.In this teaching through Romans chapter 8, we examine the difference between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit, how the Spirit bears witness that we are children of God, and why suffering is not evidence that God has abandoned us.Romans 8 also points us toward the hope that God is conforming His people to the image of Jesus. Creation is waiting for restoration, believers are waiting in hope, and God continues the work He began in those He has called.We’ll explore:What “no condemnation” means in Romans 8How we know whether we are walking according to the SpiritWhat it means to put to death the deeds of the bodyWhy the Spirit of God gives believers assuranceWhy Christians still experience sufferingWhat it means that all things work together for goodBeing conformed to the image of JesusWhat it means to be more than conquerors through ChristRomans 8 reminds us that God is more concerned with our holiness and maturity than our earthly prosperity. The suffering of this present time cannot compare with the glory that will be revealed.If you want to continue studying Scripture and growing with other believers, join the community:Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does Romans 6 teach about grace, repentance, identity, and obedience? If salvation is entirely a gift from God, does it really matter how a Christian lives afterward?Romans 6 makes the answer clear. Grace does not give us permission to continue serving sin. Through Jesus Christ, something has fundamentally changed. We have been brought from death to life, freed from sin’s dominion, and called to walk in newness of life.In this chapter-by-chapter study of the New Testament in chronological order, we look at three major challenges facing the church today:Grace without repentanceSalvation without a changed identityFaith without obediencePaul explains that our old man was crucified with Christ and that sin should no longer have dominion over us. The Christian life is not about earning salvation through good works. Salvation is the gift of God. But genuine faith produces a changed life and obedience from the heart.Romans 6 ultimately confronts us with an important question: If God has rescued us from slavery to sin, why would we voluntarily return to our old master?Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does Romans 6 teach about grace, repentance, identity, and obedience? If salvation is entirely a gift from God, does it really matter how a Christian lives afterward?Romans 6 makes the answer clear. Grace does not give us permission to continue serving sin. Through Jesus Christ, something has fundamentally changed. We have been brought from death to life, freed from sin’s dominion, and called to walk in newness of life.In this chapter-by-chapter study of the New Testament in chronological order, we look at three major challenges facing the church today:Grace without repentanceSalvation without a changed identityFaith without obediencePaul explains that our old man was crucified with Christ and that sin should no longer have dominion over us. The Christian life is not about earning salvation through good works. Salvation is the gift of God. But genuine faith produces a changed life and obedience from the heart.Romans 6 ultimately confronts us with an important question: If God has rescued us from slavery to sin, why would we voluntarily return to our old master?Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat actually makes a Christian different from someone who doesn’t follow Jesus? Romans 5 points beyond church attendance, prayer habits, or simply believing that we’re going to heaven someday. It points to peace with God, standing in grace, hoping in the glory of God, and even learning to rejoice in tribulation.But here’s what most people miss: Romans 5 shows that suffering is not meaningless. Tribulation produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope as believers are conformed to the image of Christ.In this Romans 5 explained teaching, we walk through justification by faith, peace with God through Jesus Christ, the purpose of tribulation, reconciliation through Christ’s death, the consequences of Adam’s sin, and the abundance of grace and righteousness that come through Jesus.Romans 5 reminds us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We did not earn reconciliation with God. It is entirely His grace.And because we have been reconciled, we are called to keep pressing on—focusing on the Spirit rather than the flesh, our eternal hope rather than the temporary hope of this life, and continually examining ourselves to make sure we are in the faith.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support#Romans5 #Romans5Explained #BibleStudy #BibleExplained #ChristianTeaching #JustifiedByFaith #PeaceWithGod #ChristianHope Support the show

Send us Fan MailRomans 4 raises a question every Christian has to face: if righteousness comes by faith, what can any of us actually gain by what we do in the flesh?Paul points to Abraham and shows that righteousness was credited to him because he believed God—not because he earned it through works. But here’s what most people miss: even our ability to believe ultimately brings us back to the grace of God.In this Romans 4 explained teaching, we look at Abraham’s faith, justification, grace, God’s sovereignty, and why circumcision came after Abraham was counted righteous.We also explore an important warning. Biblical truth can become dangerous when something Scripture teaches is mixed with something Scripture does not teach. God’s sovereignty should humble us, not lead us to believe that how we live no longer matters.Key themes in Romans 4:Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousnessThe difference between wages that are earned and a gift that is receivedSalvation by grace through faithFaith itself and the grace of GodWhy Abraham was counted righteous before circumcisionGod’s sovereignty and human responsibilityThe danger of taking a true doctrine beyond what Scripture saysBeing fully convinced that God can do what He has promisedJoin the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow can God-fearing, Bible-studying Christians read the same Scriptures and reach completely different conclusions about predestination and free will? And what should we do when the Bible seems to teach both God’s sovereignty and genuine human responsibility?In this Romans 3 explained teaching, we look at why the answer may not be choosing one side and explaining away the other. Romans 3 brings us directly into the question of how sinners are made right with God, why no one has any reason to boast, and how God’s grace and our responsibility to believe fit together.Paul declares that the righteousness we could never produce has been revealed through Jesus Christ. But Romans 3:22 also contains a fascinating phrase that can be understood as emphasizing either faith in Jesus Christ or the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.That tension opens into a much larger biblical question.Throughout Scripture, God acts, God initiates, God shows mercy, and God makes us alive. At the same time, people are commanded to believe, repent, obey, endure, and remain faithful.This teaching explores:Why Romans 3 destroys every reason for human boastingFaith in Jesus Christ and the faithfulness of Jesus ChristGod’s role in initiating salvationHuman responsibility to believe and obeyPredestination and free willBiblical warnings about unbelief and falling awayWhy humility matters when doctrines are difficult to reconcileWhy Scripture must remain above our theological systemsWe should believe everything God has revealed and remain humble enough to accept that truths we cannot fully reconcile may be perfectly reconciled in the mind and purposes of God.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailRomans 2 confronts one of the easiest traps in the Christian life: becoming very good at seeing everyone else’s sin while failing to recognize our own.Paul turns the focus from the sins listed in Romans 1 to the heart of the person doing the judging. Knowing the Bible, going to church, being baptized, calling ourselves Christians, and even standing for truth can give us a false sense of security if we refuse to let God’s truth correct our own hearts.In this Romans 2 explained teaching, we look at Paul’s warning about hypocrisy, judgment, repentance, religious confidence, and God’s impartiality.Romans 2 reminds us that simply hearing God’s Word is not enough. Paul challenges those who know God’s will and teach others to first examine themselves. He also addresses circumcision, outward religious signs, and the deeper issue of what has actually taken place in the heart.Some of the key questions in this chapter are deeply personal:Do we condemn sins in others while practicing similar things ourselves?Has God’s patience led us to repentance, or made us comfortable?Are we allowing Scripture to correct our own hearts?Do we trust outward religious actions more than inward transformation?Do we really love God and enjoy spending time with Him?The real question is not simply whether we can identify sin in someone else. The question is whether we are allowing God’s truth to change us.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailRomans 1 is often quoted for its strongest warnings, but the chapter begins somewhere many people miss: the gospel doesn't merely forgive us. It calls us into faithful obedience and builds God's people together into a spiritual house.In this Romans 1 explained teaching, we look at what Paul means when he says the righteous will live by faith, why humanity exchanges God's truth for its own desires, and how God's wrath relates to mankind rejecting His authority.Romans 1 does address sexual sin, including same-sex activity, but Paul's argument goes much further. He also confronts greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, gossip, slander, arrogance, faithlessness, heartlessness, and hypocrisy. The chapter does not give Christians permission to use Scripture as a weapon against one particular group while overlooking the sins they are comfortable tolerating themselves.We also explore:The obedience that comes from genuine faithGod's people as a spiritual house being built togetherWhy believers need to strengthen one anotherWhat it means that "the righteous will live by faith"Why people suppress the truthWhat Paul means when he says God "gave them over"The relationship between idolatry, desire, and sinWhy Romans 1 leaves no room for Christian hypocrisyThe difference between conviction by the Holy Spirit and Christians trying to condemn the worldThe question Romans 1 leaves us with isn't simply, "What sins do I see in someone else?"It's also: Where am I excusing myself while judging someone else?Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhy do some of the same difficult situations seem to keep showing up in our lives? The same criticism. The same misunderstanding. The same kind of difficult person pushing the same button.In Acts 26 as Paul stands before Agrippa, Bernice, Festus, and other prominent leaders, he once again has to defend his faith. But something has changed. Increasingly, Paul is no longer the center of his own defense. Jesus is.In this teaching from Acts 26, we look at how repeated trials can reveal spiritual growth, why our response to difficult people matters, and what it means to become more Christlike rather than simply becoming better at controlling our outward reactions.We also see an important shift in Paul’s priorities. The man on trial becomes more concerned about the spiritual condition of the people judging him than about his own freedom.And ultimately, Paul is not our greatest example. Jesus is.When Christ was insulted, He did not insult in return. When He suffered, He did not threaten. Even from the cross, He prayed for the people responsible for His suffering.The question is not simply whether we handled the trial better this time.Are we responding differently because we are becoming more like Christ?Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if the circumstances you desperately want God to change are actually part of how He intends to use you?In Acts 25, Paul has been falsely accused, imprisoned for more than two years, and surrounded by people who still want him dead. From the outside, everything seems to have gone wrong. But Paul’s circumstances are not stopping his mission—they are becoming part of the way God moves him toward Rome.In this chronological Bible study, we look at Paul’s appeal to Caesar, the opposition he continued to face, and what his imprisonment teaches us about following God when life feels unfair.We also consider a difficult question: Have we already decided what our lives must look like before we are willing to believe God can use us?Paul knew what Jesus had called him to do. He did not know exactly how God would accomplish it.Acts 25 reminds us that faithfulness is not dependent on having the right job, enough money, perfect health, greater freedom, or easier circumstances. God can advance His purposes through situations we would have chosen to escape.We’ll also connect Paul’s experience with Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 1:12, where Paul later recognized that what happened to him had actually served to advance the gospel.If you want to study Scripture with others and grow in your understanding of God’s Word, join the Bible In Order community:Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailActs 24 looks like a courtroom story about Paul defending himself before Felix. But underneath that earthly courtroom is a much bigger reality: Paul, his accusers, Felix, and every one of us will one day stand before God.Paul’s defense points beyond his own imprisonment to the resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. That reality shapes how he lives, why he disciplines himself to maintain a clear conscience, and why he speaks so directly to Felix about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment that is coming.In this episode of the Bible In Order Podcast, we walk through Acts 24 and examine Paul’s hope in the resurrection, Felix’s response to the truth, the difference between conviction and repentance, and why the coming resurrection should affect the way believers live today.We also look at Daniel 12, John 5, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4, and Revelation 20 as the biblical picture of resurrection and judgment comes into focus.The question Acts 24 leaves us with is deeply personal: Which resurrection will we be part of?If you want to study Scripture with others and grow in your understanding of God’s Word, join the Bible In Order community:Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when you believe God is leading you somewhere, but your circumstances seem to say the opposite? What if instead of progress, you’re met with opposition?That is exactly where Paul finds himself in Acts 23. He has been beaten, arrested, and dragged before the council. More than forty men have pledged to kill him. Yet in the middle of it all, Jesus tells him, “Take courage” and confirms that he must testify in Rome.In this Acts 23 teaching, we look at what Paul’s circumstances reveal about trusting God when His direction seems completely at odds with what we see around us.We’ll also explore:Why biblical submission does not make human authority absoluteHow Paul combined faith with wisdom and discernmentWhy trusting God does not mean becoming passiveThe significance of Jesus telling Paul that he “must” go to RomeHow God used an assassination plot and Roman military protection to move Paul toward His purposeWhy suffering and opposition cannot cancel what God has determinedHow to respond when circumstances seem to contradict God’s directionActs 23 reminds us that our circumstances do not get the final word. God does.If God has spoken, opposition cannot overturn His purpose.If you want to study Scripture with others and grow in your understanding of God’s Word, join the Bible In Order community:Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailOne of the most frightening possibilities in Scripture is that we can be deeply religious, know the Bible, care about holiness, and still find ourselves opposing what God is doing.Acts 22 gives us Paul’s own testimony. Before his conversion, Paul was not trying to rebel against God. He was zealous for God. He sincerely believed he was defending the truth—until Jesus confronted him and revealed that his religious zeal was actually being used against God’s people.In this teaching on Acts 22 explained, we look at Paul’s testimony and the danger of confusing religious conviction with genuine submission to God.Paul had been trained in the law, educated under a respected teacher, and passionate about defending what he believed. Yet Jesus had to confront him with the reality that he was persecuting the very people who belonged to God.What makes Acts 22 even more striking is what happens when Paul tells his story to the crowd. They listen until his testimony challenges something they deeply believe. Then the same religious zeal that once drove Paul to persecute Christians begins appearing in the people listening to him.This chapter challenges us to examine ourselves.Are we willing to let God correct us?Are we humble enough to consider that something we strongly believe could be wrong?Does our religious activity produce the character of God—especially love toward the people around us?Paul’s testimony also gives tremendous hope. Jesus did not simply destroy the man who was persecuting His people. He confronted him, corrected him, and completely redirected his life. The persecutor became a witness.If you want to study Scripture with others and grow in your understanding of God’s Word, join the Bible In Order community:Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when you obey God—and everything still seems to go wrong?In Acts 21, Paul goes to Jerusalem knowing suffering is waiting for him. His friends beg him not to go. A prophet warns him that he will be bound. And when Paul arrives, the very things everyone feared begin to happen.But here’s what most people miss: a painful outcome is not proof that you missed God’s will.In this Acts 21 explained teaching, we look at Paul’s decision to continue toward Jerusalem even when obedience meant suffering. Paul wasn’t asking whether the road ahead would be safe or comfortable. His goal was to remain faithful to the Lord Jesus.This passage challenges the assumption that following God always produces easier circumstances. Sometimes the people who love us most may encourage us away from something God has called us to do. Sometimes obedience brings pruning, difficulty, affliction, or circumstances we never would have chosen.And yet the story does not end with Paul’s arrest.Jesus later tells Paul to take courage because he will also testify in Rome. What looked like the end of Paul’s mission became part of the road his mission traveled.In this teaching, we explore:Why difficult circumstances do not automatically mean you missed God’s willPaul’s response to the warning of AgabusThe difference between seeking safety and seeking faithfulnessWhy even godly counsel must remain submitted to GodWhat it means to surrender the outcomeThe difference between God’s discipline and God’s pruningHow suffering can reveal where we are not yet conformed to the image of ChristWhy Christianity promises God’s presence in the storm—not a life without stormsIf you are walking through a difficult season right now, remember: this is not the end of the story.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailActs 20 is often used to defend the idea of a preacher speaking for hours while everyone else listens. But when we look closely at the language in the chapter, the gathering appears far more conversational.Paul was speaking with the believers as they shared food, asked questions, discussed Scripture, and spent time together. The gathering looked more like a family around a table than an audience watching a stage.In this Acts 20 teaching, David examines:Paul’s conversation with the believers before Eutychus fell from the windowThe difference between dialogue and a formal sermonHow the early ecclesia gathered around Scripture and shared mealsPaul’s close relationship with the eldersThe Holy Spirit’s role in appointing overseersWhy biblical leadership is stewardship rather than statusHow Paul measured success by faithfulness instead of outcomesThis is not about bashing the church. It is about allowing Scripture to confront our assumptions and conform our understanding to what it actually says.Join the Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if one of the Bible’s most neglected commands was not directed toward unbelievers, but toward people inside the faith?In 2 Corinthians 13, the Corinthians are demanding proof that Jesus is speaking through Paul. Paul turns the examination around and tells them, “Keep testing yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.”This teaching explores why biblical discernment must begin with honest self-examination. It examines the difference between genuine faith and false confidence, the relationship between grace, repentance, and obedience, and what happens when the truth of God confronts us.David also considers the corporate meaning of Paul’s words. Is the presence of Jesus recognizable not only in individual believers, but also in the way Christians gather, love one another, pursue reconciliation, and live in peace?Key themes include biblical self-examination, genuine faith, repentance, obedience, Christian unity, spiritual discernment, and the visible evidence of Christ’s rule in our lives.JoinContinue the conversation and grow with other believers in the Estero Ekklesia Skool community:https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat do Christians do when God has the power to answer a prayer, but His answer is no? In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul shows us that unanswered prayer does not mean we lack faith, God lacks power, or God has stopped loving us.But here’s what most people miss: God may be accomplishing something in us that is more important than our immediate comfort. Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove his affliction, but God answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.”In this teaching on 2 Corinthians 12 explained, David explores Paul’s thorn in the flesh, strength in weakness, unanswered prayer, endurance, spiritual authority, and the difference between spiritual experiences and genuine spiritual maturity.You’ll learn:Why Paul’s suffering did not disprove his callingHow God can use affliction to develop spiritual maturityWhy mature faith does not depend on receiving the answer we wantHow endurance demonstrates spiritual authorityWhy revelations and spiritual gifts are not proof of mature characterHow God may use resistance to make us strongerGod may not always remove the trial, but He promises that His grace will be sufficient in the midst of it.Continue the conversation and grow with other believers in the Estero Ekklesia Skool community:https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailFalse teaching rarely announces itself as false. It can sound spiritual, appear respectable, and come through gifted, influential leaders. That is why discernment is essential for every believer.In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul gives seven warning signs that help the people of God recognize deceptive teaching and questionable spiritual leadership. He warns believers to protect their devotion to Christ, avoid judging ministry by outward appearance, examine the fruit of teaching, and remember that God’s strength is often displayed through human weakness.In this teaching, we examine:Why spiritual deception often begins with subtle distortionsThe difference between grace and gullibilityWhy eloquence, charisma, and popularity do not prove faithfulnessHow false apostles can appear respectableWhy faithful leaders carry concern for God’s peopleWhat Paul’s suffering reveals about genuine ministryWhy weakness and dependence are central to the kingdom of GodEvery teaching must be measured against Scripture. The question is not simply whether a message sounds accurate or appealing, but whether it produces holiness, dependence upon God, and sincere devotion to Jesus Christ.Continue the conversation and grow with other believers in the Estero Ekklesia Skool community:https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if almost everything we’ve been taught about spiritual power is actually backwards?A commanding voice, a large platform, and a forceful personality can look authoritative. But 2 Corinthians 10 shows us that true spiritual authority does not begin with volume, intimidation, or human strength. It begins with the meekness and gentleness of Jesus Christ.In this teaching, David walks through three marks of true ministry: leading like Jesus, fighting with spiritual weapons, and helping people mature in their own walk with the Lord.You’ll discover why spiritual warfare takes place in the heart and mind, what Paul means by taking every thought captive, and why healthy ministry is measured by the growth of disciples—not simply numbers, influence, or public recognition.This chapter challenges us to ask whether the way we use authority resembles Jesus. It also reminds us that God’s weapons tear down arguments, proud ideas, and patterns of thinking that resist His truth.But here’s what most people miss: the goal is not merely to gather converts. The goal is to help believers grow until they can carry the work of Jesus and help the gospel move forward.Continue the conversation and grow with other believers in the Estero Ekklesia Skool community:https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow much should a Christian give—and what should we expect God to give us in return? In this 2 Corinthians 9 explained teaching, David examines why Paul begins not with the amount of the gift, but with the heart of the giver.Biblical generosity is not a transaction. It is not driven by guilt, pressure, fear, or the promise of guaranteed wealth. It is the overflow of God’s grace at work in our lives.But here’s what most people miss: Paul is not presenting sowing and reaping as a financial formula for becoming rich. God’s provision produces good works, generosity, relief for people in need, thanksgiving to God, and deeper fellowship within the body of Christ.In this episode, we explore:The connection between 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9Why giving should be thoughtful, freely chosen, and transparentWhat it means to give without sorrow or compulsionThe biblical meaning of sowing and reapingWhy God loves a cheerful giverHow God’s grace supplies what His people need for every good workHow generosity meets needs and makes the gospel visibleWhy Christian giving begins with the grace we have received through Jesus ChristBefore asking, “How much should I give?” we should first ask, “Why am I giving?”Continue the conversation and grow with other believers in the Estero Ekklesia Skool community: https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailGod does not need your money—He wants your heart.Second Corinthians 8 confronts the difference between giving because of pressure and giving because the grace of God has taken hold of us. The Macedonian believers gave voluntarily, even while experiencing affliction and deep poverty, because they first gave themselves to the Lord.In this episode, David explains why biblical generosity is not blind loyalty to a church, ministry, denomination, or religious leader. Giving must remain submitted to God’s will, grounded in Scripture, led by the Holy Spirit, and supported by honest accountability.You’ll also discover:Why generosity must begin with surrender to GodHow manipulation differs from biblical givingWhy faithful leaders welcome financial accountabilityHow generosity should move resources toward real human needsWhy God cares about both our actions and our motivationsHow Jesus provides the ultimate example of sacrificial generosityMoney cannot purchase a relationship with God or another person. It can become an idol, or it can become a tool placed on the altar for God’s glory.God wants His people to walk closely with Him, remove what damages fellowship, and become mature enough to steward what He places in their hands.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if feeling bad about sin is not the same as repenting? And what if painful correction is not proof that God has rejected someone, but evidence that God is still working to restore that person?In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul explains the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. One produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret. The other produces death. This distinction helps us understand why genuine repentance goes beyond emotion and becomes visible through changed actions.This teaching also examines what it means to bring holiness to completion in the fear of God. Holiness is not the price we pay to become God’s children. It is the response of people who have already been received into His family.In this episode:Why God’s promises call believers toward holinessThe difference between remorse and genuine repentanceHow biblical correction can become an expression of loveWhy mature holiness becomes visibleHow character affects responsibility, influence, and stewardshipWhy grace and the fear of the Lord must not be separatedWhat the prosperity gospel leaves incompleteGod wants His people to walk closely with Him, remove what damages fellowship, and become mature enough to steward what He places in their hands.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailSome people receive God’s grace in vain. It is possible to hear about grace, agree with it, and identify as a believer in the finished work of Jesus Christ while still resisting what grace was intended to produce.In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul warns believers not to receive God’s grace “toward an empty result.” Grace is freely given, but genuine grace produces reconciliation, faithful character, holiness, and undivided allegiance to God.This teaching examines Paul’s warning to the Corinthian church, the difference between worldly success and godly faithfulness, and what it means to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. The issue is not simply whether someone claims to believe the gospel. The issue is whether that person is willing to come out of worldliness and walk in holiness before God.In this episode:What it means to receive God’s grace in vainWhy grace should produce transformationHow Paul’s suffering demonstrated faithful ministryThe difference between worldly influence and godly authorityWhat “unequally yoked” means beyond marriageWhy believers must reject divided loyaltiesGod’s call to come out of worldliness and be set apartGod’s grace calls us to reconciliation. It should produce faithful character and lead to undivided allegiance.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually mean to “walk by faith, not by sight”?In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul is not giving Christians an isolated slogan. He is describing how believers live in temporary bodies, endure hardship, prepare to stand before Christ, and keep eternity in view.But here’s what most people miss: this chapter connects our new identity in Christ with our responsibility to serve as ambassadors of reconciliation. David walks through 2 Corinthians 5 in context and examines the judgment seat of Christ, the fear of the Lord, the message of reconciliation, and what it means to become the righteousness of God.In this episode, you will learn:Why our physical bodies are described as temporary tentsWhat “we walk by faith, not by sight” means in contextWhy believers will appear before the judgment seat of ChristWhat it means to be a new creation in ChristHow Christians are called to represent Christ as ambassadorsWhy the Christian life is about more than going to heaven somedayhttps://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailDoes Christian faithfulness guarantee a comfortable life? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul presents a very different picture: affliction without being crushed, perplexity without despair, persecution without abandonment, and suffering that points beyond this present age.This teaching examines why a believer’s best life is not now—and why that is not bad news. The treasure of the gospel has been placed in fragile jars of clay so that the power will clearly belong to God rather than us.In this episode, David walks through 2 Corinthians 4 and explains:Why faithful servants do not lose heartHow ministry is built on God’s mercyWhy Paul refused to water down the Word of GodWhat the treasure in jars of clay representsWhy suffering is not necessarily evidence that something has gone wrongHow present affliction compares with eternal gloryWhy the promises of God are greater than temporary comfortThe Christian message has never been about escaping every difficulty in this life. It is about comfort in suffering, peace that transcends understanding, spiritual transformation, resurrection, and an eternal hope that cannot be taken away.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailDo you ever feel like you are not growing spiritually as quickly as you would like? You may see people doing great things for the Lord and wish you were more like them, but struggle to understand how that transformation happens.In this teaching on 2 Corinthians 3, David explains why spiritual growth is not simply about keeping more rules. Transformation happens as we behold the glory of the Lord. The more we look at Jesus, spend time in His Word, and seek Him in prayer, the more we become like Him.This chapter also reveals:Why the Corinthian believers were Paul’s letter of recommendationWhat it means that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life”Why Moses wore a veilThe freedom available through the Holy SpiritHow believers are transformed from glory to gloryWhy the fruit in someone’s followers matters more than their credentials or popularityWe become like what we focus on. When our attention is fixed on Jesus, His character begins to be formed in us.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailSecond Corinthians chapter 2 can be difficult to understand because we enter in the middle of an ongoing conversation between Paul and the Corinthian church. Paul had brought painful but necessary correction, and now he was teaching the believers how to respond when that correction led to repentance.How should Christians balance truth and grace? When does correction become necessary? And what should happen after someone repents?In this study of 2 Corinthians 2 explained, David examines Paul’s teaching about church discipline, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the danger of tolerating open, unrepentant sin. Biblical correction is not condemnation. It is an expression of love that seeks repentance, restoration, and renewed fellowship.But here’s what most people miss: correction is not the end of the process. When someone truly repents, believers must be willing to forgive, reconcile, and rebuild the relationship rather than permanently burning the bridge.This chapter also challenges Christians to examine how the Word of God is being taught. Paul refused to become a peddler of God’s Word. He would not hide difficult truths, soften Scripture, or change his message to gain followers or financial success.In this episode:Why Paul’s previous visit caused sorrowThe purpose of biblical correction and church disciplineWhy tolerating open sin is not genuine graceWhat Christians should do when someone repentsThe importance of forgiveness and reconciliationHow difficult relationships can expose pride and selfishnessWhat it means to be the aroma of ChristHow to recognize those who peddle the Word of Godhttps://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailHow can you recognize a true godly leader? In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul says he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. His calling is demonstrated through his willingness to suffer, serve others, follow the Spirit, and remain faithful to his word.Paul explains that God comforts us in our tribulation so that we can share that same comfort with others. The Christian life is not about using faith to make this life more comfortable. It is about denying ourselves, putting the needs of others first, and following the example of Jesus.In this teaching from 2 Corinthians 1, David examines:Why Paul’s suffering confirmed his callingHow God uses our tribulation to help othersWhy Christian faith points toward our future hopeWhat Jesus teaches us about forgiveness and being unoffendableHow to recognize a true godly leaderWhy believers must be led by the SpiritThe spiritual importance of keeping our wordA true godly leader is not defined by ambition, inheritance, eloquence, financial success, or personal recognition. Godly leadership is revealed through obedience to God and a willingness to suffer for the benefit of the people being served.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan Mail1 Corinthians 16 reveals a kind of spiritual leadership that looks very different from control, pressure, or personality-driven influence. Paul gives clear direction, handles money with accountability, protects Timothy, urges Apollos without forcing him, and calls every act of strength to be done in love.But here’s what most people miss: Paul’s authority did not cause him to treat other believers as inferior. His leadership was rooted in service, real relationships, generosity, freedom, and genuine affection for the people he served.In this teaching, David walks through:Giving without emotional manipulationFinancial accountability in the early churchPaul’s relationship with Timothy and ApollosThe difference between godly counsel and controlWhy biblical submission is not blind obedienceThe connection between truth, strength, and loveWhy faithful service reveals trustworthy leadershipGodly leadership does not demand honor while avoiding responsibility. It serves first and seeks the good of other people.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhat if Jesus died for our sins but never rose from the dead? Would Christianity still offer wisdom, comfort, and a better way to live—or would the entire message collapse?In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul explains why the resurrection is not a secondary Christian doctrine. It is the foundation of the gospel and the source of our future hope. If Christ was not raised, our faith is in vain, we remain in our sins, and those who died believing in Him have perished.But Christ was raised.In this teaching, we examine what Paul calls matters of first importance: Jesus died for our sins, was buried, rose on the third day, and appeared to many witnesses.We also explore:Why Christians cannot place their ultimate hope in this lifeWhat it means that Jesus is the first fruitsPaul’s reference to baptism on behalf of the deadWhy resurrection hope should lead to obedienceWhat happens to believers when Jesus returnsWhy our labor in the Lord is never in vainThe importance of testing every teaching against ScriptureOur final hope is not money, comfort, success, or freedom from hardship. Our hope is that Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the dead and that those who belong to Him will also be raised.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailWhy do Christians who love the same Bible disagree so sharply about spiritual gifts? Some churches become so focused on order that they grow suspicious of anything spiritual. Others emphasize spiritual experiences while becoming uncomfortable with biblical boundaries.But 1 Corinthians 14 does not ask believers to choose between spirituality and order. It shows us how they are meant to work together.The principle connecting the entire chapter is found in verse 26: “Let all things be done for the building up.” Spiritual gifts are not given so believers can draw attention to themselves. They are given to strengthen, encourage, comfort, and build up God’s people.In this teaching, we examine:Why love must govern the use of spiritual giftsThe biblical purpose of prophecy and tonguesWhy the answer to abuse is not abandoning spiritual giftsHow order, understanding, and self-control protect the churchWhy Scripture commands both spiritual freedom and biblical boundariesWhat it means for every believer to contribute when the church gathersThe church is a spiritual house made up of living people. Every prayer, song, word of encouragement, act of service, and spiritual gift should contribute to the construction of that house.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailMany Christians quietly wrestle with the same question: Am I doing enough for God? We serve, give, study, pray, volunteer, and try to live faithfully. But in 1 Corinthians 13, Paul redirects our attention away from measuring how much we're doing and toward something far more important: why we're doing it.In this teaching, we examine how love is not merely one part of the Christian life—it is what gives every act of service its value. Paul explains that a person can possess spiritual gifts, biblical knowledge, generosity, and even great sacrifice, yet still miss what God is truly seeking. The issue is not activity. The issue is the heart.This chapter sits between Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts in chapters 12 and 14. The Corinthians had no shortage of gifts or spiritual experiences, but they lacked the love that should have governed everything they did. Their example challenges us to ask difficult but necessary questions about our own motives, relationships, and spiritual maturity.Key Topics CoveredWhy love is the foundation of every spiritual actThe danger of serving without the right motivationWhat 1 Corinthians 13 reveals about the human heartBiblical love as a deliberate commitment, not merely an emotionHow love should shape our relationships with fellow believersWhy spiritual gifts are temporary but love is eternalThe true measure of spiritual maturityBut here's what most people miss: God is not merely evaluating what we do. He is evaluating the heart behind what we do.If you've ever wondered whether your service, sacrifice, or ministry is pleasing to God, this passage provides one of Scripture's clearest answers.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailCan someone do all the right religious things and still completely miss God's heart?In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul confronts one of the most uncomfortable realities in Scripture: believers can participate in worship, gather with other Christians, observe communion, and still dishonor God through the way they treat one another. This chapter challenges us to look beyond religious practices and examine whether our lives reflect the realities those practices were meant to express.In this study, we explore Paul's teaching on head coverings, honor, shame, God's created order, and the Lord's Supper. Rather than getting stuck on cultural details, we examine the timeless principles behind the symbols and ask what they mean for believers today.You'll discover:Why 1 Corinthians 11 is about more than head coverings and hair lengthWhat Paul was really addressing in CorinthThe original context of the Lord's SupperWhat it means to eat and drink in an unworthy mannerWhy discerning the body mattersThe connection between communion and loving fellow believersGod's discipline, mercy, and correction for His peopleBut here's what most people miss: Paul's strongest warning in this chapter is not directed toward unbelievers. It's directed toward church people.This is where it shifts. The question is not merely whether we participate in Christian practices. The question is whether those practices are producing lives that visibly honor God and demonstrate love toward others.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered why God gives different spiritual gifts to different believers? Or why some gifts seem more visible than others? In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul addresses a problem that was creating division in the church at Corinth: believers were comparing spiritual gifts instead of understanding God's purpose for them.This chapter reveals that spiritual gifts were never meant to become a source of pride, competition, or division. They were given by God for the common good, helping believers serve one another and strengthen the body of Christ. But here's what most people miss: unity does not require uniformity. God intentionally designed His people with different gifts, roles, and functions.In this study of 1 Corinthians 12, we explore:Why spiritual gifts come from one divine sourceHow to discern whether a spiritual influence is truly from GodThe purpose of spiritual gifts in the churchPaul's illustration of the body of ChristWhy diversity among believers is God's designHow unity grows when believers embrace their God-given rolesThe danger of comparison, pride, and jealousyWhen every believer embraces the role God has given them, the church becomes stronger, healthier, and more effective in fulfilling God's purposes.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailIsrael saw miracles most of us will never see — and most of them still walked away from God. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul says their story was written down as a warning for us. Here's what it means to actually walk with God today, not just hope for heaven someday.God performed miracle after miracle for Israel. He split the sea, led them by a cloud, fed them from heaven, and gave them water from a rock. Yet most of them still failed to walk faithfully with Him.In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul points back to Israel's story and delivers a warning that every believer needs to hear. Spiritual experiences, biblical knowledge, church attendance, and even ministry involvement do not automatically guarantee spiritual faithfulness. The question is not simply whether we once believed. The question is whether we are walking faithfully with God today.In this episode, we explore Paul's powerful warning to the Corinthian church and discover why Israel's failures were recorded for our benefit. We'll examine the dangers of spiritual overconfidence, the reality of temptation, the call to flee idolatry, and what it means to live every part of life for the glory of God.But here's what most people miss: God's goal has never been merely getting people into heaven someday. His desire has always been relationship with His covenant people. Through Christ, we are invited into fellowship with God right now.Key Topics CoveredWhy Israel's wilderness failures matter todayThe danger of spiritual complacencySpiritual experiences versus spiritual faithfulnessLearning from Israel's exampleIdolatry in the modern Christian lifeGod's faithfulness during temptationLiving for God's glory in everyday decisionsWhat 1 Corinthians 10 teaches about covenant relationshipIf this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailMost Christians agree that supporting faithful ministry is biblical. But where is the line between supporting gospel work and enabling spiritual manipulation?In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul addresses a difficult issue that many believers still wrestle with today. How do we recognize the difference between a true shepherd and someone using ministry for personal gain? Paul makes it clear that gospel workers have a legitimate right to financial support, yet he willingly surrendered that right so that no one could question his motives.This chapter challenges modern assumptions about success, influence, and ministry. Large platforms, charismatic personalities, and financial prosperity are not proof of faithfulness. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly warns His people about leaders who use religion as a means of personal gain.In this episode, we explore:Why Paul defended the right of ministers to receive supportWhy Paul chose not to exercise that rightThe difference between a shepherd and a religious opportunistWarnings from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jesus, Peter, and Paul about false teachersHow believers can discern trustworthy spiritual leadershipWhy spiritual integrity matters more than public influenceWhat fruit Christians should be looking for in ministryBut here's what most people miss: the issue is not whether a ministry receives financial support. The issue is whether the gospel remains the focus.If this teaching encourages you to seek Christ above worldly gain, consider joining our community for deeper Bible study and discussion.https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show

Send us Fan MailHave you ever considered that you can be completely right and still be completely wrong?In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul addresses a question that seemed simple on the surface: can Christians eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols? The believers in Corinth already knew the correct theological answer. The idols were nothing. There is only one true God. They were free in Christ.But here's what most people miss: Paul wasn't primarily concerned with whether they were right. He was concerned with whether they were loving.This chapter challenges us to move beyond asking, "Am I allowed to do this?" and start asking, "What does love require of me?" Christian freedom is real, but freedom is not the highest value. Love is. Paul teaches that knowledge alone can make us proud, but love builds people up. A believer can win every argument, prove every point, and still fail if they stop short of loving their brothers and sisters in Christ.In this teaching through 1 Corinthians 8, we explore:Why knowledge without love becomes dangerousThe difference between being right and being spiritually matureHow Christian freedom should be guided by wisdomWhat it means to avoid becoming a stumbling blockWhy Paul was willing to give up his rights for the sake of othersHow Jesus modeled laying down His rights for our benefitThis chapter remains deeply relevant today as Christians navigate questions about entertainment, alcohol, politics, personal convictions, and other areas where Scripture does not always provide direct commands. Watch what happens next as Paul shifts the focus from personal liberty to sacrificial love.Join our growing community for deeper Bible study and discussion:https://www.skool.com/estero-ekklesia-1658Support the Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2394920/support Support the show