The Word in Ten

John Ross continues examining Israel's return from exile, focusing on the temple's reconstruction in Ezra 3-6. He explores the mixed emotions at the foundation laying—younger Jews shouting for joy while older priests wept—and the relentless opposition faced across nearly a century. Ross challenges modern believers who feel scandalized by minor pushback, contrasting it with the Jews who kept building despite actual danger, and emphasizes celebrating partial victories while trusting God's sovereignty even when work remains unfinished. Speaker: John Ross

John Ross opens a four-part series on Israel's return from Babylonian exile, examining how God moved pagan king Cyrus to fulfill prophecy spoken 170 years earlier through Isaiah. He explores the 70-year exile as both judgment and grace, tracing how God orchestrated permission, provisions, and wealth for rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. Ross connects this ancient restoration to modern believers, showing how God's faithfulness to bring Israel home ultimately paved the way for Messiah and demonstrates that nothing stops God from keeping his promises. Speaker: John Ross

Paul's fourth key to joy is intercessory prayer—specifically praying that the Philippians' love would grow in knowledge and discernment, not just sentiment. Risley emphasizes that biblical love involves truth and requires wisdom for each unique situation, comparing spiritual growth to teaching children chores—messy and time-consuming at first, but ultimately fruitful. She addresses the overwhelming nature of loving people well by pointing to the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus repeatedly refilled his disciples' supply, illustrating how we must continually return to God for the love, patience, and wisdom needed to serve others in ways that bring glory to him. Speaker: Chris Risley

Paul's third key to joy is vulnerability—opening his heart to others and expressing affection despite being a driven, Type A personality. Risley challenges the notion of being "not an emotional person," arguing everyone can grow in expressing care, and notes that difficulties in relationships often stem from not being sacrificial enough rather than the other person's failures. She addresses the pain of losing friends through death or spiritual drift, recommending the paper "Cultivating a Tender Heart," and emphasizes that serving difficult people makes them easier to love—not because they change, but because we do when we step into sacrificial love empowered by Christ's affection.To read the essay mentioned, please visit https://www.dwellcc.org/essays/cultivating-tender-heart Speaker: Chris Risley

Paul's second key to joy is focusing on others through gratitude—thanking God for the Philippians and their gospel partnership rather than dwelling on his own suffering. Risley notes that while secular culture recognizes gratitude's benefits, Christians add a crucial dimension by thanking God for every relationship as his gift. She explains how Paul maintained both horizontal perspective (looking at others) and vertical perspective (looking to God), trusting that God is actively transforming every believer until the day they're made perfect. Speaker: Chris Risley

Chris Risley opens a four-part series on Philippians 1:1-11, exploring how Paul—beaten, imprisoned, and chained to Roman guards—could write a letter bursting with joy and contentment. The first key to biblical joy is understanding ourselves as bondservants of Christ, recognizing that our lives belong to God and are part of his sovereign plan. Risley examines how Paul saw his house arrest not as suffering but as opportunity, realizing he was reaching elite Praetorian guards who would never have listened to a street preacher but couldn't escape an imprisoned man radiating inexplicable joy. Speaker: Chris Risley

When ordered to stop speaking about Jesus, Peter and John refuse—demonstrating that spiritual confidence requires serving God over man and maintaining a God-centered life through prayer. Speaker: Brian Adams

Peter and John are arrested for healing a paralyzed man and proclaiming Jesus' resurrection, then brought before the same religious leaders who crucified Christ weeks earlier. Despite being "uneducated and untrained men," they boldly testify about Jesus—a stark contrast to Peter's earlier denial. Adams identifies being filled with the Holy Spirit as the third key to spiritual confidence, explaining that while believers always possess the Spirit, they must daily choose to let Him lead, just as bodies always contain water but require regular drinking for health. Speaker: Brian Adams

After healing a paralyzed man, Peter boldly confronts the crowd about their role in crucifying Jesus and calls them to repentance—demonstrating that spiritual confidence flows from declaring objective truth, not personal opinion. Adams examines how Peter confidently proclaims both the bad news (sin and judgment) and the good news (forgiveness through Christ), arguing that we can speak with the same boldness because we're declaring God's Word, not our own ideas. He offers three practical ways to grow in biblical knowledge: practice inductive Bible study, memorize Scripture so the Holy Spirit can use it in daily life, and commit to reading the entire Bible cover to cover. Speaker: Brian Adams

Brian Adams examines Acts 3-4's account of Peter healing a paralyzed beggar at the temple gate, using it to distinguish between spiritual confidence and pride. When the crowd rushes to praise Peter and John for the miracle, Peter immediately redirects glory to God—demonstrating that spiritual confidence is rooted in God's power, not self-importance. Adams explains why God opposes pride (it steals credit, prevents loving the lowly, destroys effectiveness) and provides three diagnostic questions to detect pride: Can you receive feedback? Are you grateful? How's your prayer life? Speaker: Brian Adams

Brad Dufault concludes his Ephesians 4 series by examining verse 16's teaching that "each part does its work," emphasizing that every believer has a necessary role in the body of Christ. He addresses common objections—feeling too different, limited by circumstances, or lacking qualifications—by arguing that these very factors define (not diminish) each person's contribution to the body. Dufault uses Paul's imprisonment as an example: what seemed like an obstacle to ministry became the context for writing Ephesians itself, showing how God sovereignly uses our circumstances, backgrounds, and differences to build up the church in both quantity and quality. Speaker: Brad DuFault

Brad Dufault continues his Ephesians 4 series by examining verses 14-15, which describe the maturity that results when leaders equip and members serve—a community marked by both truth and love. He explores how Paul links these two elements together (echoing Philippians 1:9) and warns againstmaturity lacking either component. Dufault illustrates four approaches to addressing someone drifting from community: neither truth nor love (doing nothing), truth without love (harsh correction without listening), love without truth (empathy without challenge), and the biblical approach of speaking truth in love—meeting people where they are while helping them see how life could be better. Speaker: Brad DuFault

Brad Dufault examines Ephesians 4:11-16 to clarify a critical misunderstanding about church leadership—that leaders exist not to do all the ministry work, but to equip God's people for works of service. He argues this error has been one of the church's greatest mistakes, creating a dynamic where a few exhausted leaders serve thousands of passive spectators. Dufault breaks down the five leadership roles Paul mentions (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, teachers) and explains how understanding these categories can help leadership teams capitalize on their strengths while addressing weaknesses in their equipping ministry. Speaker: Brad DuFault

Brad Dufault examines Ephesians 4 to establish that Christian community is central to the Christian life, not optional. He walks through Ephesians 1-3, showing how Paul spends three chapters describing God's blessings and grace before giving his first command in chapter 4—a command focused on unity and bearing with one another in love. Dufault argues that trying to follow God outside of community is like trying to swim outside of water, and he prepares listeners for a deeper study of verses 11-16 on what healthy community looks like in practice. Speaker: Brad DuFault

Philip explains Isaiah 53 to the Ethiopian eunuch, revealing how this 700-year-old prophecy describes Jesus' death and resurrection—leading to the eunuch's baptism and the gospel reaching Africa. Brian Adams concludes this series by examining what made Philip an effective evangelist: his biblical study that prepared him for divine appointments and his willingness to share the gospel widely, not just in ideal circumstances. He challenges listeners to consider whether they could earn the title "evangelist" by consistently saying yes to God and sharing their faith. Speaker: Brian Adams

God directs Philip to leave a thriving Samarian revival and head to a desert road, where he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah and searching for spiritual truth. Brian Adams examines Philip's obedience to seemingly counterintuitive guidance and his question-led approach to evangelism that uncovers genuine spiritual interest. He challenges listeners to create space to hear God's direction and develop the skill of asking questions that reveal the spiritual hunger God has placed in every human heart. Speaker: Brian Adams

Philip brings the gospel to Samaria, crossing a deep racial divide between Jews and Samaritans to proclaim Christ—and the Samaritans respond in faith. This episode examines why God delayed giving the Holy Spirit to these new believers until the apostles witnessed it firsthand, revealing how God actively dismantles prejudice in His church. Brian Adams explores how cultural bias can limit our gospel witness and why we must follow Philip's example of reaching across divides. Speaker: Brian Adams

In Acts 8, persecution scatters early Christians beyond Jerusalem, but instead of silencing them, it spreads the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria—exactly as Jesus predicted. This episode examines why these young believers continued sharing their faith despite threats of imprisonment and death, exploring how persecution became a catalyst for church growth. Brian Adams looks at three principles: why persecution is normal for Christians, why evangelism must remain a top priority despite discomfort, and how reconnecting with God's love fuels boldness in witness. Speaker: Brian Adams

In this moving reflection from Job 19, Jim Leffel explores how Job’s declaration “I know that my Redeemer lives” offers unshakable hope in the face of suffering, loss, and unanswered questions. Job’s confidence in seeing God foreshadows the believer’s future redemption—a transformation so complete that even our deepest sorrows will be made new in Christ. Speaker: Jim Leffel

Jim Leffel unpacks Ephesians 2:19–22, showing how God unites us into a new community—citizens of His kingdom, members of His household, and living stones in His spiritual temple. These images reveal a salvation that is not merely personal but shared, calling us into deep interdependence and a mission shaped by God’s presence among His people. Speaker: Jim Leffel

In this episode of The Word in Ten, Jim Leffel explores Paul’s vision of unity in Ephesians 2, showing how God heals deep hostility and transforms enmity into peace. Through stories, he illustrates the supernatural power of forgiveness rooted in God’s reconciliation of us through Christ. Speaker: Jim Leffel

Paul’s call to unity in the early church speaks powerfully into our divided world today. In a culture fractured between Jews and Gentiles—and in our own culture filled with distrust and distance—Paul offers a radical vision of peace rooted in Christ. Speaker: Jim Leffel

In this final part of our four-episode series on 1 Peter’s greeting, Chris Risley explores how our identity and future hope shape the way we endure suffering. Looking at verses 6–9, she unpacks Peter’s imagery of faith refined like gold, the purpose behind trials, and how God uses hardship to deepen our dependence, empathy, and joy. This episode invites us to seek God’s perspective in painful seasons, walk through suffering with others, and remember the salvation waiting for us. Speaker: Chris Risley

In this third part of our four-episode series on 1 Peter’s opening, Chris Risley turns to verses 3–4 to explore the “living hope” we have through Jesus’ resurrection. While the world often settles for a fading or hopeless outlook, Christians look forward to an imperishable, undefiled, never-fading inheritance reserved in heaven. Through stories, Scripture, and practical reflection, this episode helps us to shift our perspective toward eternity, face death without fear, and let the hope of heaven reorient how we live today. Speaker: Chris Risley

In this second part of our four-episode series on the opening of 1 Peter, Chris Risley unpacks what it means to be chosen according to the foreknowledge of God and set apart by the Spirit. Through relatable stories and practical examples, she explores how God chooses us “as-is,” how our lives can reflect His work, and why our differences from the world can become a powerful witness. Peter’s greeting ends with a blessing of grace and peace, and this episode invites us to live out that reality in everyday life. Speaker: Chris Risley

In this episode, Chris Risley begins a four-part series through the opening verses of 1 Peter, exploring how even a simple greeting carries profound theological meaning.Peter introduces himself as an apostle transformed by Christ and writes to believers scattered throughout the ancient world—reminding them (and us) that we are aliens and sojourners on this earth, called to live for something beyond comfort and conformity. Speaker: Chris Risley

Conrad Hilario breaks down how Paul was confronted with the reality of Christ, and how that altered his life. In the same way, we can also have a radically altered life because of meeting Christ. Speaker: Conrad Hilario

Conrad gives us five observations from this story about how we can listen to the Spirit's leading in our lives. Speaker: Conrad Hilario

In this devotional on 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3, John Ross highlights Paul’s constant prayers and deep affection for the Thessalonians, rejoicing in their faith, love, and hope. Ross encourages believers to build spiritual friendships through prayer, positivity, and committed service marked by genuine love and endurance. Speaker: John Ross

John Ross, in this devotional on Titus 3, highlights humanity’s brokenness apart from God and the mercy shown through Christ’s saving work. Through the Spirit, believers are reborn, made heirs of eternal life, and motivated by grace to live transformed, fruitful lives. Speaker: John Ross

In this devotional, John Ross reflects on Romans 5:6–11, highlighting God’s perfect timing and love shown in Christ dying for us while we were still sinners. If God reconciled us as His enemies, Ross notes, how much more will He save and bless us now as His children, calling believers to boast in Him and trust His timing. Speaker: John Ross

John Ross, through Romans 5, emphasizes that through faith we gain peace with God, access to His grace, and a hope that grows even in suffering. Hardship produces perseverance, character, and deeper assurance of God’s love, calling believers to trust Him and view trials through His perspective. Speaker: John Ross

How do we become people who are Strong and Courageous? Chris Risley talks through the main ingredients to having these characteristics by looking at the example of Joshua. Speaker: Chris Risley

In this episode of "The Word in Ten", Chris Risley unpacks the death of Moses. Through Moses' example, we get a glimpse into what is really going to matter after this life. Speaker: Chris Risley

How should we respond when God calls on us to take on more? How should we respond when God calls on us off pass on responsibilities to other people?Chris Risley explains how Moses & Joshua, although called to different tasks, were both incredibly faithful to God. Speaker: Chris Risley

How do we grow in our love for God's word? Join Chris Risley as she discusses the characteristics of someone who loves and breathes scripture. Speaker: Chris Risley

Episode four of Brian Adams' four-part series on "setting your mind on things above." Why do Christians often neglect thinking about heaven? What can we do to develop a heavenly mindset in our daily lives? Brian challenges us to shift our focus from the distractions of this world to our eternal home—and reminds us that preparing for heaven starts now. Speaker: Brian Adams

Episode three of Brian Adams' four-part series on "setting your mind on things above." Why do Christians often neglect thinking about heaven? What can we do to develop a heavenly mindset in our daily lives? Brian challenges us to shift our focus from the distractions of this world to our eternal home—and reminds us that preparing for heaven starts now. Speaker: Brian Adams

Episode two of Brian Adams' four-part series on "setting your mind on things above." Why do Christians often neglect thinking about heaven? What can we do to develop a heavenly mindset in our daily lives? Brian challenges us to shift our focus from the distractions of this world to our eternal home—and reminds us that preparing for heaven starts now. Speaker: Brian Adams

Episode one of Brian Adams' four-part series on "setting your mind on things above."Why do Christians often neglect thinking about heaven? What can we do to develop a heavenly mindset in our daily lives? Brian challenges us to shift our focus from the distractions of this world to our eternal home—and reminds us that preparing for heaven starts now. Speaker: Brian Adams

This is part of Brad DuFault's four-part series on how the Gospel message should apply to all areas of our lives. In this episode, Brad points out the implications that the Gospel should have on important areas of our thinking, specifically our sexuality. Speaker: Brad DuFault

This is part of Brad DuFault's four-part series on how the Gospel message should apply to all areas of our lives. In this episode, Brad argues that the gospel should have an impact on the way we view ourselves in relativity to other people. Speaker: Brad DuFault

This is part of Brad DuFault's four-part series on how the Gospel message should apply to all areas of our lives. In this episode, Brad talks about how the Gospel applies specifically to the area of service to others. Speaker: Brad DuFault

How does the Gospel apply to our lives? Brad DuFault breaks down how God's grace should inform the way that we think from 1 Corinthians. Speaker: Brad DuFault

Scott Risley discusses the differences between sitting with God and working for God through the story of Mary and Martha. Speaker: Scott Risley

Although Solomon had access to everything the material world had to offer, there was still something missing.  Scott Risley breaks down the consequences of missing out on deep friendships. Speaker: Scott Risley

Why did Jesus need to be baptized? In this episode, Scott Risley breaks down the key purposes of the Baptism of Jesus. Speaker: Scott Risley

Scott Risley explores the life of Mark and the incredible grace he received from God. Despite his shortcomings and failures, God empowered Mark to live a life of purpose and spiritual work. We, too, can live in such a way, despite our own shortcomings and failures. Speaker: Scott Risley

Ben Foust's fourth installment of his Psalm 23 Devotional Series Speaker: Ben Foust

Ben Foust's third installment of his Psalm 23 Devotional Series Speaker: Ben Foust