Faith & Family Bible Podcast with Steve Wood

Finding Hidden Treasure: The Twin Parables of Matthew 13 In Matthew 13, Jesus reveals the kingdom of heaven through two powerful parables: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. Steve Wood explores why Christ is the greatest treasure and how a personal encounter with Him transforms our lives, faith, and motivation. Discover the joy of finding the treasure that surpasses everything else. Visit BibleforCatholics.com to learn more.

What does Jesus’ Parable of the Mustard Seed really mean? In Matthew 13:31–32, Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven as a tiny mustard seed that grows into a great tree where the birds of the air come to rest. In this episode, Steve Wood explores the Kingdom of Christ, the Book of Daniel, and the meaning of the tree and birds in the parable. What does this seemingly simple parable reveal about the worldwide reign of Jesus Christ the King? And what does it mean for Christians and the nations today? Discover why this “harmless” two-verse parable has a much bigger message than it first appears. Listen and discover the powerful message Jesus has for His Church and the world. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

In Matthew 13, Jesus reveals a sobering truth about the Kingdom of God—and the Church: wheat and tares will grow together until the harvest. In this episode, Steve Wood explores the difference between true and false believers within the Church and examines the insights of early Church theologian Tyconius, whose understanding deeply influenced St. Augustine and Catholic interpretation of Revelation. Why can true and false believers be difficult to distinguish? And what keeps us from becoming a “tare” when faith is reduced to simply following rules? Listen now to Episode 598 and discover why the message of grace in Galatians is essential for remaining rooted in Christ. Visit us at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

The Parable of the Sower: What Kind of Soil Is Your Heart? In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches the Parable of the Sower, revealing four different responses to the Word of God. Steve Wood explores the meaning of the seed, the four soils, and why Scripture is essential to a fruitful Christian life—especially when it comes to passing the faith on to our children. Discover how to cultivate “good soil” through meaningful contact with Scripture and grow in lasting faith and spiritual fruitfulness. Listen now! For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com  

Steve Wood continues his study of Matthew’s Gospel with Matthew 13 and the seven parables Jesus uses to teach about the Kingdom of Heaven. Why did Jesus teach in parables, and why do some people hear His message while others do not understand? For parents concerned about the many young Catholics walking away from the faith, this passage offers powerful insight into how people respond to Christ and the importance of having hearts and ears open to His Word. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

What do your words reveal about your heart? In this episode of the Gospel of Matthew Bible study, Steve Wood explores Matthew 12:33–37, where Jesus teaches that our speech reflects our true spiritual condition. Discover why every careless word matters, what Scripture says about future judgment, the importance of reverence for God's holy name, and how our daily conversations reveal the direction of our hearts. Listen now to gain practical biblical wisdom that can transform the way you speak—and the way you live. Visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood reveals three simple steps for understanding the overall scope of biblical prophecy by connecting Matthew 12:28–29 with Revelation 20. Drawing on the wisdom of St. Augustine, Steve explains how Christ's binding of Satan during the Church Age makes sense of Revelation's difficult imagery, the success of the Great Commission, and the prophetic significance of the "little season" before Christ's Second Coming. Listen now to discover a clear, biblical framework for understanding prophecy, and visit www.BibleforCatholics.com to download your free 37-page excerpt from City of God, Book XX along with the other handouts referenced in this episode!

Why are 500,000 to 1,000,000 Catholic youth and young adults leaving the Church each year? Could we be missing one of Jesus' most important teachings? In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood continues his study of Matthew 11:28–30, revealing the second missing key to preventing Catholic youth washout. Jesus didn't call us to a life of exhausting religious performance—He offers rest for our souls, an easy yoke, and a life transformed by faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit. Steve examines the difference between legalism and authentic Christian faith, showing how the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) affirmed salvation by grace rather than by keeping burdensome laws. He also shares practical Scripture passages every parent and grandparent should know to help pass on a vibrant Catholic faith to the next generation. Don't miss Steve's special offer: His new book, Transforming Grace, is available for a donation of any amount through August 15 at www.rescuingyoungcatholics.com before its release on Amazon. Listen now and discover why Jesus' invitation, "Come to me... and I will give you rest," could transform your faith—and your family's future.

Can knowing about God ever replace truly knowing Him? Jesus' words in Matthew 11:25–30 reveal the missing foundation behind today's Catholic youth crisis. In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood explains why classroom instruction alone cannot sustain a lifelong faith and explores the profound difference between knowing about God and personally knowing the Father through Jesus Christ. Discover why this relationship is the key to helping young Catholics remain faithful in an increasingly secular culture. If you're a parent, grandparent, catechist, teacher, or pastor, this episode offers biblical insight and practical hope. Visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

What if the healing ministry of Jesus never ended? Jesus healed everyone brought to Him at Peter's house, but was that only for the first century? Steve Wood explores Matthew 8–9, the healing ministry of Christ, and remarkable miracles documented by St. Augustine that challenge the belief that miraculous healings ceased after the apostolic age. Discover what Scripture, Church history, and the Catholic faith reveal about Christ's continuing work through His Church today. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

Re-air of Episode 550 (Originally aired August 21, 2025) In the final episode of our 1 John series, Steve Wood explores the heart of Christian living through 1 John 5:3: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments—and his commandments are not burdensome.” Why does the faith so often feel heavy—especially to young people? Drawing on insights from Cardinal Christoph Schönborn and St. Thomas Aquinas, Steve explains why authentic Christian morality must flow from grace, not willpower, pressure, or rule-keeping. This episode offers practical tools for parents and catechists, including the “Grace Burger” method, the importance of memorizing Ephesians 2:8–10, and how to avoid becoming a “Pharisee parent.” In a time when many young Catholics are walking away, this episode provides hope—and concrete strategies—for passing on a joyful, grace-filled faith. Visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com for more resources!

In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood uncovers the powerful connection between two dramatic events in Matthew 8: Jesus stilling the storm and His exorcism of the demoniacs. These accounts are intentionally paired in Matthew, Mark, and Luke to reveal a deeper truth about spiritual warfare and opposition to Christ’s mission. As storms increase in our personal lives, in the Church, and in the world, this episode reminds us that our true battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers—and that Jesus remains fully in control. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood reflects on two surprising encounters with Jesus in Matthew 8 that deepen our understanding of healing, faith, and salvation. Jesus touches and cleanses a leper, revealing that His holiness restores what sin and shame have damaged. He then marvels at the faith of a Roman centurion, showing that Gentiles are fully included in God’s covenant plan—there is one salvation in Christ for all. This episode offers clear, biblical insight into Christ’s healing power and God’s redemptive purpose for all peoples. For a limited time, receive a free copy of Steve Wood’s new book (with any donation): RescuingYoungCatholics.com

Preparing for Disclosure Day examines the growing interest in UFOs, UAPs, government disclosures, and the film Disclosure Day. As these topics move into mainstream conversation, many Christians are asking important questions about spiritual deception, biblical prophecy, and the nature of non-human intelligences. In Episode 523 of Luke21, Steve Wood explores these topics through the lens of Scripture, drawing connections between Genesis 6, the days of Noah, Revelation 9 and 20, and 2 Thessalonians 2. If you’re looking to dig deeper into the subjects discussed in this episode, you’ll find the referenced resources at www.BibleforCatholics.com.

Why do so many Catholic young people walk away from the Faith—even after years of religious education? In this episode, Steve Wood uncovers the root cause of faith failure from Matthew 7:21–23: “I never knew you.” Jesus’ warning isn’t aimed at obvious sinners, but at professing Christians who knew about God yet never truly knew Him. Drawing from Scripture, the Catechism, and insights echoed by Pope Benedict XVI, this episode explains why knowing God is not a notional belief—but a living, transforming relationship. Essential listening for parents, pastors, and anyone concerned about Catholic faith formation, youth apostasy, and passing on a faith that lasts. To obtain your free copy of Steve's new book - visit us at www.rescuingyoungcatholics.com.

In Matthew 7:7–11, Jesus commands us to ask, seek, and knock—persistently. In this episode, Steve Wood explains what Christians should be asking for above all else: the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Luke 11 and Acts 1–2, this episode calls parents to a clear, focused mission: for the next 36 months, pray daily that your children receive the promised power of the Holy Spirit—an essential foundation for lasting faith in today’s culture. Learn more in Transforming Grace, Steve's new book. Get your free copy at: www.RescuingYoungCatholics.com.  

Why are so many Catholic marriages failing—despite Jesus’ clear teaching on the indissolubility of marriage? In this episode, Steve Wood confronts the roots of marital conflict in original sin and oversized wills, then turns to Jesus’ radical call to lifelong fidelity in Matthew 5 and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. You’ll discover why God says “I hate divorce,” how the New Covenant makes faithful, lifelong marriage possible, and why drawing close to God is the true key to marital harmony. The episode culminates in a powerful connection between marriage and the Eucharist, grounded in John 15—“apart from me you can do nothing.” A hope-filled, practical episode for rescuing Catholic marriages before it’s too late. To get a copy of Steve's new book referenced in this episode, visit us at www.rescuingyoungcatholics.com.  

A vital episode for Catholics preparing for marriage—and for those helping couples build marriages rooted in divine love. In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood explores Jesus’ clear teaching on divorce and lifelong marriage in the Sermon on the Mount and Matthew 19. Why did Moses permit divorce, and why does Jesus now call His followers to lifelong fidelity? Steve explains how Christ, the New Moses, reveals that lasting marriage is not achieved by willpower alone—but through hearts transformed by grace and the indwelling love of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). Special announcement! Steve introduces his new book, Transforming Grace: How to Rescue Young Catholics Drowning in a Secular Culture, available for a limited time at no charge (donation optional for U.S. residents). Learn more at: www.RescuingYoungCatholics.com.

Confused by how Jesus can call persecution a blessing? In this short, thought-provoking episode, Steve Wood explores “Blessed are the persecuted” from the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10–12) and explains how joy, rejoicing, and gladness can coexist with suffering for Christ. Drawing from Scripture, Church teaching, and a powerful personal experience, Steve shows why persecution is not an exception to the Christian life—but often part of it—and how the future joy of heaven breaks into the present through the risen Christ living in us. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.  

What does it mean to be poor in spirit—and why is it the pivot of human life and history? In this episode of Faith & Family Bible Study, Steve Wood explains how the Beatitudes describe the inner life of Christ formed in the believer, not a checklist of steps. Focusing on the first Beatitude, Steve traces the root of human suffering to pride in Genesis, connects it to modern moral relativism, marriage struggles, and end-times warnings, and shows why humility before God is essential today. A timely call to dethrone the self and live fully united to Christ. For more resources, visit us online at www.BibleforCatholics.com.