Wednesday in the Word

This episode closes the Start Strong series by asking a question many believers quietly carry: if we are no longer under the law, what keeps us from drifting back into sin? In Galatians 5:13–24, Paul’s message is both freeing and searching: true faith does not lead us to use freedom as an excuse for sin, but to become people who increasingly love what is good. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why Paul wrote to the Galatians and how he answers the claim that grace leads to moral collapse What Paul means by “the flesh” and why self-reliance can never produce true holiness How freedom from the law is not freedom to sin, but freedom to love and serve others Why a changed life does not earn salvation, but does testify to the reality of saving faith By the end of this episode, listeners will better understand why the Christian life is not sustained by fear, technique, or external pressure, but by God’s Spirit at work within us. It is an encouraging reminder that holiness grows not from trying harder in our own strength, but from trusting the God who changes broken people from the inside out.Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

This episode explores why believers can have real confidence that their hope in God will not fail. In Romans 5:1–11, Krisan Marotta explains that salvation does not rest on the strength of our love for God, but instead on God's love for us.In this week’s episode, we explore: What it means to have peace with God  Why biblical hope is not wishful thinking, but confident expectation  What Paul means by “the hope of the glory of God” in Romans 5  Why believers can rejoice even in suffering  How trials test faith, produce endurance, and strengthen assurance  Why the cross proves that God will not abandon his people halfway  How God’s love and the gift of the Holy Spirit guarantee that hope will not disappoint After listening, you’ll better understand why the Christian life is not sustained by your own strength, but by God’s faithful love. This episode offers comfort for anyone who fears falling short, showing that the God who reconciles sinners to himself is also the God who brings them safely home.Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

This episode explores how the Holy Spirit gives believers real assurance that they belong to God. Looking closely at Ephesians 1:13–23, Krisan Marotta explains that the Spirit is not only the fulfillment of God’s promises, but also God’s seal of ownership and his guarantee that he will bring his people safely into their promised inheritance. In this week’s episode, we explore: What Paul means when he says believers are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit”  Why hearing and believing the gospel are central to receiving this assurance  How Old Testament promises in Jeremiah and Joel help explain the Spirit’s role  The threefold meaning of God’s seal: authenticity, ownership, and protection  Why the Holy Spirit is described as a pledge or down payment of our inheritance  How Paul’s prayer in Ephesians points believers toward wisdom, revelation, and lasting hope  What it means to have the “eyes of your heart” enlightened to see the value of God’s promises After listening, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why the Christian’s confidence rests not in feelings, rituals, or circumstances, but in God’s own work through the Holy Spirit.  Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

You can look faithful on the outside and still be building your life around the wrong treasure. In this epsidoe, Krisan Marotta walks through Matthew 6:19–24 and shows how Jesus exposes the false security of worldly wealth, approval, and success. The real issue is not simply money, but whatever we cling to for meaning, safety, and hope instead of trusting the promises of God. In this week’s episode, we explore: What Jesus means by “treasures on earth” and “treasures in heaven”  Why earthly treasure always fails, while God’s promises endure  How your treasure reveals where your heart truly is  What it means for the eye to be “healthy” or “bad,” and how spiritual blindness distorts what we value  Why serving both God and money is ultimately impossible  How the Pharisees modeled outward religion while still chasing the rewards of this world  What it looks like to entrust your future to God instead of building your life around what you cannot keep After reading, you’ll have a clearer picture of what Jesus is warning against in the Sermon on the Mount and why this warning matters for every believer. This post invites you to examine what you are really living for, to see the emptiness of temporary treasure, and to fix your hope on the one treasure you can never lose. Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Authority and submission often feel like problems to solve or power struggles to survive. In this episode, Krisan Marotta explores Colossians 3:18–4:1 and shows how Paul reframes those relationships through the gospel. Rather than asking how to protect ourselves or get our way, Paul calls us to live as people who belong to Christ, acting in every role with humility, responsibility, and trust in God.In this week’s episode, we explore:What it means to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus”How the gospel reshapes relationships involving authority and submissionPaul’s teaching for wives and husbands, and how responsibility differs from worthWhat children and parents are called to in a relationship shaped by love and wisdomHow Paul’s words to slaves and masters speak into the realities of work and leadership todayWhy every human role is ultimately accountable to the Lord ChristAfter listening, you’ll have a clearer framework for thinking about authority, submission, work, and responsibility in light of the gospel. Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta returns to Genesis 2:15–25 to recover a biblical vision of marriage—not as a checklist of moral rules, but as God’s beautiful design for human intimacy and flourishing. By watching how God creates Adam and Eve, Krisan shows why marriage is God’s wise provision for a need we were made to have: the need to know and be known in a uniquely human relationship. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why God says it is “not good” for Adam to be alone—even before sin enters the worldWhat it means for Eve to be a “helper fit for him”: truly corresponding, matched, and humanHow Genesis presents marriage as God’s gift and design, not a human invention we can redefineThe three foundational commitments of marriage in Genesis 2:24: leaving, holding fast, and becoming one fleshHow “specialness,” “permanence,” and shared life reshape everyday tensions—including chores, priorities, and conflictWhy the Bible frames sexuality as an expression of covenant faithfulness: chastity before marriage and fidelity afterAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer, more compelling picture of what marriage is meant to be: a covenant where two people reorder life around one another, stay committed through hardship, and learn to live as “we” instead of “me.” Most of all, you’ll be invited to see God’s design not as restrictive, but as the path toward the intimacy and security our hearts were made to seek.  Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta walks through 1 Corinthians 6:9–14 to answer a question many believers quietly carry: If I still struggle with sin, does that mean I’m not truly saved? Paul’s warning is sobering, but it’s not meant to crush the repentant struggler. Instead, it exposes the danger of self-deception and clarifies the difference between stumbling into sin and settling into it as a way of life. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why Paul says “do not be deceived,” and what kind of deception he’s warning the church aboutHow to understand the “will not inherit the kingdom of God” list without denying either grace or the reality of ongoing struggleThe crucial distinction between momentary failure and a life characterized by settled, defended unrighteousnessHow Titus 3:3–7 helps explain what it means to be “washed,” “justified,” and “sanctified”Why “all things are lawful” can become a dangerous misuse of the gospel when it’s used to excuse sinPaul’s correction to the “food is for the stomach” argument—and why the body matters to God, including the hope of resurrectionAfter listening, you’ll have a clearer framework for examining your own heart without despair or denial: not whether you’ve ever sinned, but whether you’re willing to repent, be taught, and move toward the Lord. Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today's passage is one of the "See For Yourself" passages Chapter 8 of Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. Do you ever feel like a trial has you cornered, like you have to choose between trusting God or taking matters into your own hands? In this episode, we walk through James 1:1–8 and learn why James can say to “count it all joy” when life gets hard. In this week’s episode, we explore:Who James is, why his voice matters, and what we know about his role in the early churchWhat James means by “trials” and how pressure reveals what we truly trustWhy perseverance is so valuableHow “perfect and complete” means mature faith reaching what it was intended to becomeWhat “wisdom” is in James 1:5Why God gives wisdom “generously…without reproach,” even to the immature and strugglingWhat it means to ask “in faith” instead of being double-mindedBy the end, you’ll have a clearer, steadier way to think about hardship: not as random pain or a spiritual failure, but as a proving ground where God strengthens faith, grows endurance, and teaches wisdom.  Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today's passage is one of the "See For Yourself" passages Chapter 7 of Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. In 1 Corinthians 12:1–3, Paul speaks to a church that’s confused about what makes someone “spiritual.” The Corinthians had started treating dramatic experiences—especially speaking in tongues—as proof that God was truly at work. Paul redirects them to something far simpler and far more decisive: the Spirit’s work is shown in a person’s confession and conviction that Jesus is Lord, not in how impressive their worship looks or how extraordinary their experiences feel.  In this week’s episode, we explore: Why the Corinthians’ pagan background shaped their expectations of spiritual “signs”What Paul means by “spiritual things” in 1 Corinthians 12:1How Paul identifies the real mark of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believerWhy “Jesus is Lord” summarizes the heart of the gospel messageHow modern Christians can repeat Corinth’s mistake What true spirituality looks like in ordinary life: work, family, faithfulness, and daily obedienceBy the end of this episode, you’ll have clarity and relief: the Spirit’s presence isn’t measured by flash, intensity, or spiritual comparison.  Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today's passage is one of the "See For Yourself" passages Chapter 6 of Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. In Matthew 10:40–42, Jesus makes a startling connection: the way we welcome His people reveals the way we welcome Him and, ultimately, the God who sent Him. This episode clarifies what it means to “receive” Jesus in Scripture, showing that it’s not a passive feeling but an active choice to accept, listen, and embrace His messengers and message. In this week’s episode, we explore:What “receive” means in the Bible and why it implies deliberate welcome rather than passive contactHow receiving Jesus’ disciples reflects receiving Jesus Himself (and the Father who sent Him)What it means to receive a prophet “in the name of a prophet” Why Jesus links “reward” to salvation and mercyWhy Jesus calls His disciples “little ones,” and how humility and dependence shape true faithHow welcoming a disciple with something as small as a cup of cold water carries eternal significanceWhat your response to Scripture (the apostles’ words) and to fellow believers reveals about your heart toward GodAfter listening, you’ll have a clearer, more biblical understanding of what it means to “receive” Jesus and why faith shows up in concrete, everyday welcomes. Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today's passage is one of the "See For Yourself" passages Chapter 5 of Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with a warning that is both sobering and hopeful: it’s possible to talk like a disciple while walking the wrong road. In Matthew 7:12–29, we learn how a God-centered worldview reshapes what “love” looks like in practice—and how the Golden Rule, true spiritual fruit, and the foundation we build on reveal whether we’re actually headed toward life.In this week’s episode, we explore:How the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) summarizes “love your neighbor as yourself” as a call to seek another person’s good—not simply to be “nice”Why Jesus frames the choice before us as two roads: the wide way to destruction and the narrow way to life (Matthew 7:13–14)What it means to “recognize them by their fruits,” and how discernment protects God’s people from false teachers (Matthew 7:15–20)Why calling Jesus “Lord” and even doing impressive religious works isn’t the same as doing the Father’s will (Matthew 7:21–23)How the images of rock and sand press the question: are we hearing Jesus’ words and living as if they’re true? (Matthew 7:24–27)How humility, mercy, repentance, and a longing for God’s kingdom mark the path Jesus describes throughout the sermonAfter listening, you’ll come away with clearer “markers on the road” for examining your faith—not through fear or performance, but through the settled direction of a life built on Jesus’ teaching. You’ll be invited to center your worldview on God, practice love with wisdom and integrity, and choose the narrow path that leads to life. Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today's passage is one of the "See For Yourself" passages Chapter 4 of Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. What does saving faith actually look like and how did Jesus define it? In this episode, we turn to Matthew 5:1–12 and the Beatitudes to hear Jesus describe the people who are truly “blessed.” Rather than offering a path to personal happiness or self-improvement, Jesus paints a picture of saving faith that recognizes sin, depends on grace, and trusts God for eternal life.In this week’s episode, we explore:Why the Beatitudes are not a checklist for a better life, but a description of people who inherit the kingdom of heavenWhat Jesus means by calling the poor in spirit, the meek, and the persecuted “blessed”How the Beatitudes reveal the sharp divide between those in God’s favor and those under judgmentThe four core convictions of saving faith: Recognize, Embrace, Accept, and Lean (R.E.A.L faith)Why future hope, not present comfort, defines who is truly fortunateHow Jesus’ teaching exposes the lies we believe about God, ourselves, and where real life is foundAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what saving faith is—and what it is not. You’ll see how the Beatitudes describe the heart posture of those who trust God rather than themselves, and why faith is ultimately about where you are headed, not how comfortable you are now.   Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today's passage is one of the "See For Yourself" passages Chapter 3 of Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. If all religions lead to God, why did Jesus have to die? This episode walks through John 3:14–21 to show why the cross is not one option among many, but God’s gracious and necessary provision for a guilty world. Through Jesus’ nighttime conversation with Nicodemus and the Old Testament story of the bronze serpent, we see why believing in Jesus is the only way to escape condemnation and receive eternal life. In this week’s episode, we explore:The tension many Christians feel between “all religions are valid” and “Jesus is the only way” and why both cannot be trueHow Jesus challenges Nicodemus’ assumptions about religion, knowledge, and spiritual rebirthThe wilderness story of the bronze serpent in Numbers 21 and how it prepares us to understand the crossWhat it means for the Son of Man to be “lifted up,” and why simply looking to Christ in faith is God’s appointed way of rescueHow John 3:16–17 reveals God’s heart: not to condemn the world, but to save it through His SonAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer grasp of why the cross was necessary, why belief in Jesus matters so profoundly, and how your response to Him reveals the true condition of your heart.  Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today's passage is one of the "See For Yourself" passages Chapter 2 of Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. Why do you still feel guilty even after you’ve apologized and tried to move on? In this episode, Krisan Marotta walks through Romans 1:18–32 to show that guilt is more than a feeling to shake off—it’s the real and serious result of rebelling against a holy God. Paul’s words expose a pattern of rebellion, death, and wrath that explains why life unravels without God, and why real guilt can only be answered by real forgiveness in Christ. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why confusion about sin and guilt is so widespread—even among ChristiansHow Romans 1:18–32 fits into Paul’s larger argument about justification by faithWhat it means that God’s wrath “is revealed” now, not just on a future Judgment DayHow creation itself leaves us “without excuse” before GodThe repeated pattern Paul traces: rebellion, death, and God “giving them over”Why idolatry begins with what we see, captures our hearts, and then reshapes our bodies and behaviorHow “respectable” sins like gossip, pride, and arrogance reveal the same underlying exchange of truth for a lieWhy God’s wrath is not a temper tantrum, but a just decision to hand us over to what we insist on havingHow this bleak diagnosis prepares us to understand and cherish the hope held out in the gospelAfter listening, you’ll see guilt in a new light, not as something to ignore or manage, but as a truthful indicator that you need more than a fresh start. You’ll come away with a clearer grasp of what Romans 1 teaches about sin, spiritual death, and God’s wrath, and you’ll be better prepared to understand why the good news of Jesus is not just helpful advice, but the only way out of the prison of sin and death. Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Today we’re kicking off a new season of the podcast which is a special companion series to my book, Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity. Each episode will walk you through one of the book’s “See for Yourself” passages, helping you read Scripture with confidence, even if you’re just starting out. Today's passage is from Chapter 1.Most people today assume we’re basically good—and that sin is a few bad choices sprinkled on top. In this episode, Krisan Marotta walks through Romans 6:15–7:6 to show why that view quietly empties the gospel of its power. Paul’s argument reveals that grace doesn’t make sin safer; it exposes just how destructive it really is—and why understanding sin is the first step toward real hope. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why believing we’re “born innocent” blinds us to our need for a SaviorHow Paul answers the objection, “If grace covers all sin, why not keep sinning?” (Romans 6:15) What it means to be a “slave” either to sin or to righteousness—and how that shapes the quality of your daily life How the Bible defines “death” as more than physical dying: a present experience of decay, futility, and relational breakdown Why sin always pays out in death, even for believers whose eternal inheritance is secure (Romans 6:23) Why the law could expose sin but never cure it—and how it actually inflamed our rebellion (Romans 7:1–6) Paul’s marriage analogy for being released from the law so that we can “belong to another,” to Christ, and bear fruit for God How the Holy Spirit, not human willpower, becomes the new way we serve God “in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code” After listening, you’ll come away with a clearer understanding of what sin really is, why it always brings some kind of death into your life, and why grace is not permission to drift but the power that frees you from slavery to sin. Series: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Krisan Marotta, host of Wednesday in the Word podcast, joins Rob Schilling on AM 1070 WINA's The Schilling Show to discuss her book Start Strong: A New Believer's Guide to Christianity. Instead of talking about why she wrote the book, they dive straight into the theology, covering what new believers need to understand and why it matters. Key takeaways:Repentance is more than saying sorry. It's a complete change of direction and the first step of saving faith.Sin has both short-term consequences (bitterness, frustration, tragedy) and long-term consequences (standing before God).Finding the right church means looking for one that teaches the Bible in a real way, not just political agendas.Biblical worldview divides people into sinners who have found forgiveness through Jesus and those who haven't, not oppressors and oppressed.Fellowship with other believers is essential for encouragement and growth.Fearing God means making what He thinks more important than anything else.AM 1070 WINA's The Schilling Show January 27, 2026Most people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Season 27 of Wednesday in the Word begins February 4, 2026, and I couldn’t be more excited to share what’s ahead. This new season is a companion to my book Start Strong: A New Believer’s Guide to Christianity, and it's designed especially for those who are new to faith, returning to church after time away, or walking alongside someone who is.Each week, we’ll unpack one key passage from the book’s “See for Yourself” section, helping you build a solid foundation, one truth at a time.I’m also introducing something brand new: Krisan Marotta’s Bookcast—a subscriber-only podcast where you can listen to the audiobook version of Start Strong, one chapter at a time. Each chapter will release one week before the matching podcast episode, giving you a chance to hear the full teaching, then explore the biblical passage in depth.If you’ve ever wanted a trusted guide to walk with you through the basics of Christianity—or wished you had a resource to share with someone just starting out—this is for you.Podcast: Start Strong: A New Believer’s PodcastBook: Start Strong: A New Believer's Guide to ChristianityKrisan Marotta's BookCast - click on the support the show linkMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Psalm 110 doesn’t mention a manger, shepherds, or angels. Yet it gives us one of the clearest pictures of who the baby in Bethlehem really is: the eternal King and Priest who will rule over all and bring His people back to God. In this Christmas episode, we trace how Psalm 110 reveals the identity and mission of the Messiah and how the New Testament writers apply this ancient psalm directly to Jesus. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why it matters that Psalm 110 is “a Psalm of David” and how Jesus Himself uses that authorship to reveal the Messiah’s greatness What it means for the Messiah to sit at God’s right hand and how that image explains the authority and scope of His reignHow the promise that enemies will become a “footstool” points to a final, decisive victory over all evil and opposition to GodThe surprising declaration that the Messiah is “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” and why that matters more than the Levitical priesthoodHow Matthew 22, Acts 2, and 1 Corinthians 15 each reach back to Psalm 110 to identify Jesus as David’s Lord, God’s chosen King, and our eternal Priest What Psalm 110 adds to our understanding of Christmas: not just the birth of a child, but the arrival of the One who will rule, judge, and reconcile foreverAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer, richer vision of who Jesus is at Christmas, not only the promised son of David, but the greater Lord whom David himself calls “my Lord.” You’ll see how Psalm 110 anchors the Christmas story in God’s larger purpose: a reigning King, a forever Priest, and a sure promise that history is moving toward the day when every enemy is subdued and God’s people stand secure in His kingdom.Series: ChristmasMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

How can a believer live with real confidence that they belong to God, even while they still struggle with sin? In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, Krisan Marotta walks through key New Testament passages to show how God marks His people inwardly (by a changed heart that endures through testing) and how that mark becomes the basis of true assurance of salvation. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why the question “How do I know I’m saved?” is not only common but crucialThe biblical idea of God “marking” His people—not outwardly, but by circumcising the heartHow holiness is first a change in direction of the heart, not instant moral perfectionThe fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 and what these qualities reveal about a heart inclined toward God How the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 describe the inner life of those who will enter the kingdom of heaven The difference between sinners who don’t care about their sin and “righteous sinners” who grieve it and hunger for righteousnessWhy common approaches to assurance—like relying on a remembered prayer or only on God’s general promises—can give false or incomplete comfort How Romans 5 teaches that tested faith, proven through suffering and perseverance, produces a hope that “does not put us to shame” Why God uses trials to reveal, both to us and to others, that His Spirit is truly at work in our heartsAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer, more biblically grounded understanding of assurance. You’ll see that the evidence of salvation is not a flawless life or a perfectly steady heart, but a tested faith that continues to seek God, hate sin, and long for His kingdom. And you’ll be encouraged to view your trials not as proof that God has abandoned you, but as the very means by which He makes it visible that you belong to Him.Most people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we confront a bold question: “How do you know you’re truly in the faith?” Drawing on Paul the Apostle’s letter to the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 12–13), we explore how genuine faith is more than appearances, more than impressive speech or credentials. It’s about the living power of Christ at work in weakness and integrity in community.In this week’s episode, we explore:Why Paul refused financial support from the Corinthians and what that taught about his motives and their spiritual health.How Paul responded to accusations of deceit and weakness—not by hiding, but by pointing to God’s power in human frailty.The challenge and invitation of Paul’s command to “examine yourselves” to see whether you are in the faith.The difference between outward appearances (strong, impressive, successful) and the reality of Christ’s power working through brokenness.How Paul’s ultimate aim was not his own reputation but the restoration, maturity and unity of the church.After listening you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how the gospel changes the way you view strength and weakness. You’ll feel encouraged that authentic faith isn’t about putting on a show—it’s about letting Christ live through you in honesty, dependence, and love for others. You’ll be equipped to ask yourself healthy questions about your own walk with God and your community in light of what Paul lays out here.Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we wrestle with one of the most surprising turns in the Christian life: sometimes faith doesn’t bring relief, it brings reliance. Turning to 2 Corinthians 12, we hear Paul the Apostle describe a persistent struggle, a “thorn in the flesh,” and how it becomes the very soil in which Christ’s power grows.In this week’s episode, we explore:Why Paul mentions his weakness and how that challenges our usual ideas of spiritual strength.What the “thorn in the flesh” might mean and why God didn’t remove it from Paul’s life.The key statement: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”How admitting our limitations doesn’t mean giving up; it means opening space for God’s strength.Practical ways to live when the problem remains, the promise holds, and you are still waiting.By the end of this episode you’ll understand that faith isn’t a guarantee of trouble-free living. You’ll feel the freedom that comes when you stop hiding your weakness and let the gospel carry you. And you’ll be equipped to walk through challenges with the confident humility that turns brokenness into a platform for God’s strength. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

in this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we wrestle with a tough reality: just because someone looks like a spiritual leader does not mean they are pointing us to the true gospel. Drawing on 2 Corinthians 11, the Apostle Paul exposes the danger of “false apostles,”impressive-speaking teachers who distort the message of Christ. He invites us to discern leadership by substance, not style. In this week’s episode, we explore:How Paul uses the language of a betrothal to illustrate the church’s loyalty to Christ and the risk of being seduced by something false. What Paul means when he calls his opponents “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” Why eloquence and polish are not themselves proof of gospel truth and how Paul’s example flips our expectations. The role of suffering, weakness, and authenticity in credible gospel leadership. Practical ways to evaluate the teachers and voices you listen to: what questions to ask, what red flags to watch for, and how to hold to Christ even when others diverge.By the end of this episode you’ll be equipped to recognize when a message sounds right but leads wrong. You’ll feel empowered to trust substance over surface, and you’ll be better able to choose leaders who reflect the true gospel. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how to ground your faith in Christ alone and follow him, no matter how polished the alternatives may appear. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

in this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we look at what it really means to confront error with the meekness of Christ. Through 2 Corinthians 10, Krisan shows how Paul stands up to false teachers without copying their showy style, and how real spiritual authority uses strength to serve, not to impress.In this week’s episode, we explore:How 2 Corinthians fits together and why this confrontational section belongs in the same letter.The accusations against Paul that he is bold in letters but weak in person, and why his opponents see that as a flaw.What the meekness and gentleness of Christ look like in real leadership, and how Paul follows that pattern.Paul’s “warfare” language and what it means that his weapons have divine power to destroy arguments raised against the knowledge of God.The difference between leaders who commend themselves and build their brand, and an apostle who boasts only in what the Lord has truly given him.Why Christian leaders must care more about God’s approval than human applause, even when that makes them look unimpressive.A modern ministry story that shows how hard it can be to challenge a popular, charismatic leader when the truth of the gospel is at stake.Practical ways for churches and believers to evaluate teachers by faithfulness to truth instead of personality, polish, or platform.By the end of this episode, you will better understand how Paul confronts lies without becoming harsh or self-protective. You will feel both challenged and reassured as you see that humble, servant-hearted leadership can still be strong and decisive. And you will be more equipped to evaluate the voices you listen to, to value truth over entertainment, and to stand for the gospel with the same mixture of gentleness and courage that Paul learned from Christ. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we rethink what it really means to give generously. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 show that Christian giving is not about pressure, formulas, or getting rich. It is a voluntary response to grace that expresses our unity as God’s family and our trust that he will care for us as we care for others.In this week’s episode, we explore:The historical background of the Jerusalem collection and why it mattered so much to Paul.How this gift connected Gentile churches to their Jewish spiritual “family” in Jerusalem.Why giving to the collection was both an act of mercy and a confession of the gospel.How Paul handles money with integrity, including multiple trusted co-workers overseeing the funds.The difference between an apostolic command and an apostolic opinion, and why Paul chooses persuasion instead of pressure.What it means to give “according to what you have” rather than being pushed into hardship.How money exposes what we really trust, and why generosity is part of learning to love God and love our neighbor.By the end of this episode, you will see giving in a richer and more hopeful light. You will understand why Paul cares more about cheerful, willing generosity than impressive amounts. You will feel encouraged to think about your own resources in terms of family, gratitude, and faith rather than fear or pressure. And you will be better equipped to use your money in ways that reflect the grace you have received and the unity you share with other believers. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we step behind 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 to uncover the story of the Jerusalem Collection. Krisan shows how this long term fundraising project was never just about money for a famine. It was about caring for real people in real need, healing tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers, and strengthening the bond between Paul and the original apostles in Jerusalem.In this week’s episode, we explore:What the Jerusalem Collection was and why it mattered so much to Paul.Paul’s early, fragile relationship with the Jerusalem church and how Barnabas helped bridge the gap.Key moments from Acts and Galatians that shaped the relationship between Paul, the apostles, and the Gentile churches.Why the question of Gentile believers and the Law created so much conflict and confusion.Why the apostles in Jerusalem asked Paul to "remember the poor" and how that became a long term calling.How this background helps us read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 with fresh understanding instead of treating them as random fundraising tips.By the end of this episode, you will see the Jerusalem Collection as a living picture of one worldwide church family, not a dry historical footnote. You will understand how generosity can express unity, gratitude, and shared faith across distance and difference. And you will be better able to read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 in context, with a clearer sense of what God was doing through Paul, the Jerusalem apostles, and the many believers who gave so that others could stand firm in Christ. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we look at one of the hardest parts of real relationships: when to say the hard thing that might hurt in the moment but heal in the long run. Walking through 2 Corinthians 7:2-16, Krisan traces Paul’s emotional journey after sending a painful letter to the Corinthians and shows how God uses honest words, godly grief, and true repentance to restore broken fellowship.In this week’s episode, we explore:How this section fits into the story of Paul’s troubled relationship with the Corinthians.What was at stake in Paul’s “sorrowful letter” and why he risked sending it.The difference between godly grief that leads to repentance and worldly sorrow that leads to death.How the Corinthians’ response showed their real loyalty to Paul and to the gospel he preached.Practical questions to ask yourself when you are deciding whether to speak up or stay silent with a friend.By the end of this episode, you will better understand how God can use painful conversations to bring real change, not just hurt feelings. You will see more clearly what godly grief looks like and why repentance is a gift you will never regret. And you will be better equipped to examine your own motives, to speak hard truth in love when needed, and to receive loving correction as part of God’s care for your soul. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

in this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we look at what Paul really means when he warns believers not to be "unequally yoked." Far from a random rule about who you can associate with, this passage in 2 Corinthians 6:13-7:2 is a heartfelt plea for the Corinthians to open their hearts to Paul, turn away from idolatry, and recognize that believers and unbelievers are walking two very different roads.In this week’s episode, we explore:How this section fits the flow of 2 Corinthians and why it is not an awkward interruption in Paul’s argument.The image of being "unequally yoked," where two very different animals try to pull together, and why that picture helps us understand Paul’s concern for the church.How this principle applies first to the local church, then to other relationships like marriage, business partnerships, and close ties that shape our daily choices.A simple "stoplight" way to evaluate relationships and commitments: green ties that help you follow Christ, yellow ties that pressure you off course, and red ties that require you to live as if God is not your God.By the end of this episode, you will see that Paul’s warning about being unequally yoked is really an invitation to clarity and courage. You will better understand what it means to fear the Lord, to pursue holiness, and to recognize when a relationship or partnership is pulling you down the wrong road. You will feel encouraged to love unbelievers well without pretending you are headed in the same direction, and you will be more equipped to make wise choices about whom you walk closely with as you follow Christ. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

What does it really mean to receive God’s grace in a way that changes you, not just your labels? Looking at 2 Corinthians 6:1-12, Krisan shows how Paul urges the Corinthians to stop judging by appearances, respond to the message of reconciliation, and treat the gospel like a check you actually cash, not a nice idea stuck on the fridge. In this week’s episode, we explore:How 2 Corinthians 6 connects to Paul’s call to “be reconciled to God” at the end of chapter 5What it means to “receive the grace of God in vain” and why Paul is not assuming everyone in the church is automatically a true believerFour core convictions that mark genuine saving faith, not just religious activity or church involvementIsaiah’s servant song and Paul’s claim that “now is the day of salvation” and the time of God’s favorPaul’s list of hardships and character qualities that actually commend him as a true servant of God, even though he looks weak and unsuccessfulBy the end of this episode, you will have a clearer picture of what it means to truly respond to God’s grace instead of letting it slide past you. You will understand why Paul presses his readers to examine what they really value and who they really trust. You will feel both challenged and encouraged to stop judging the gospel by how flashy its messengers look, and instead to cling to the simple message that brings real reconciliation with God and real hope for your life. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

in this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we ask what really changes when someone comes to Christ. Walking through 2 Corinthians 5:12-21, Krisan explains how believers become a “new creation” and why that means we can no longer judge ourselves or others by outward appearances, natural talent, or worldly success. Instead, we learn to see people through the lens of the gospel and God’s work of reconciliation.In this week’s episode, we explore:Why some in Corinth judged Paul by his speaking style and personal presence instead of his message and motives.What it means for the “love of Christ” to control Paul and shape the way he lives and serves.What Paul means when he says we no longer “regard anyone according to the flesh.”The powerful promise that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation, with the old passing away and the new coming.Paul’s role as an ambassador for Christ and what it means to hear God’s appeal, “Be reconciled to God.”The striking summary of the gospel in 2 Corinthians 5:21, that the sinless Christ became sin for our sake so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.By the end of this episode, you will have a clearer picture of what it means to be a new creation in Christ and why that truth reshapes how you see yourself, other believers, and even your spiritual leaders. You will understand the heart of Paul’s message of reconciliation, feel encouraged that your worth does not rest on your resume or reputation, and be better equipped to evaluate people by the quiet work of God’s Spirit rather than by surface impressions. Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Facing death is not just an abstract topic for Paul. It was built into his daily life as an apostle. In this episode, Krisan walks through 2 Corinthians 5:1–11, exploring how Paul can be brutally honest about suffering and the fragility of life, yet deeply confident about his future with Christ. As he reflects on tents and buildings, groaning and glory, judgment and reward, we see how the hope of resurrection shapes the way he lives, speaks, and serves right now.In this week’s episode, we explore:Paul’s imagery of our present bodies as “tents” and the promise of a permanent, resurrection “building from God”How the gift of the Holy Spirit functions as God’s guarantee that believers really will share in future gloryWhy Paul can say he is “of good courage” even while facing constant danger, rejection, and the possibility of deathThe long-standing debate over what happens between death and resurrection and why it is as a secondary, not central, issueWhat it means to “walk by faith, not by sight” in the middle of real discouragement and pressureHow the reality of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ shapes Paul’s priorities and whom he ultimately fearsThe relationship between faith and works: why our deeds do not earn salvation, yet still reveal the genuineness of our faithPaul’s longing for the Corinthians to see his heart and motives clearly—even as he rests in the fact that God already doesAfter listening, you’ll come away with a steadier grasp of how the hope of resurrection is meant to steady your own heart in the face of weakness, aging, loss, or fear of death. You’ll be invited to think less about how others evaluate you and more about living openly before the Lord who knows you, to anchor your courage in the promise of eternal life, and to let that coming “weight of glory” reshape how you suffer, serve, and trust Christ today.Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

When ministry feels discouraging, confusing, or simply exhausting, how do you keep going? In this episode, Krisan walks through 2 Corinthians 4 and traces Paul’s repeated conviction: “We do not lose heart.” By unpacking Paul’s imagery of light in darkness, treasure in jars of clay, and an “eternal weight of glory,” she shows how his battered, unimpressive life as an apostle actually highlights the power and beauty of the gospel he proclaims.In this week’s episode, we explore:How 2 Corinthians 4 fits into Paul’s larger defense of his ministry in this letterWhy Paul refuses to “tamper with God’s word,” even when many people reject his messageWhat Paul means when he says the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelieversThe significance of “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”Why Paul describes himself as a fragile “jar of clay” carrying a priceless treasureHow his afflictions mirror the sufferings of JesusWhy Paul can call his very real hardships “light and momentary” in contrast to the eternal glory to comeHow Paul’s sufferings serve both the Corinthians’ spiritual good and his own confident hope of resurrectionAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer understanding of why Paul did not give up, even when his ministry looked weak and unsuccessful by human standards. You’ll be encouraged to see your own weaknesses and trials in light of God’s purposes, to remember that the results of faithful service belong to Him, and to keep speaking and living for Christ without losing heart, anchored in the promise of eternal life and glory with Him.Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Paul takes the dramatic story of Moses’ shining face and uses it to explain what God is doing in every believer today. In this episode, Krisan walks through 2 Corinthians 3:7–18, tracing Paul’s comparison between the old covenant under Moses and the new covenant in Christ. We see how the law came with real glory, yet could only condemn, while the gospel comes with an even greater glory that brings forgiveness, transformation, and boldness before God.In this week’s episode, we explore:How Exodus 34 and Moses’ veiled, radiant face set the background for Paul’s argument in 2 Corinthians 3Why Paul calls the law a “ministry of death” and “condemnation,” even though it came from God and carried gloryWhat Paul means when he says the new covenant “far exceeds” the old in glory and is permanent rather than passingThe significance of the veil—first on Moses’ face, then over Israel’s heart and how it pictures both separation and spiritual blindnessHow the Holy Spirit “removes the veil” so that believers have direct, free access to God’s gloryWhat it looks like, in practical terms, to be “transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another”How Paul holds together two truths: we are weak “jars of clay,” yet entrusted with a glorious message that is worth proclaiming with courageThe tension between speaking the gospel clearly without watering it down and caring wisely about how our words land on othersAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer sense of what it means to live as someone whose face is “unveiled” before God. You’ll be encouraged to honor the courage of Paul’s ministry, to take your own opportunities to speak about Christ seriously, and to cling to the glory of the gospel even when it is misunderstood, resisted, or costly to share.Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

When trying harder still leaves you discouraged, what does God offer instead? In this episode, Krisan turns to 2 Corinthians 3:1–6 to explore Paul’s defense of his ministry and his astonishing claim to be a “minister of a new covenant.” Along the way, she shows how this new covenant does not simply give us better instructions or more spiritual effort—it gives us new hearts, written on by the Spirit of the living God.In this week’s episode, we explore:Why “try harder Christianity” leaves so many believers frustrated, and how Paul addresses that struggle in 2 Corinthians 3Paul’s question about “letters of recommendation” and how the Corinthian believers themselves function as his living letterWhat it means for the Corinthians to be a “letter from Christ,” written not with ink but by the Spirit on human heartsThe contrast between tablets of stone and hearts of flesh, and how that echoes key Old Testament promises in Deuteronomy 30, Ezekiel 36, and Jeremiah 31What Paul means by the “new covenant,” and how it fulfills God’s long-standing promise to forgive sin and transform the heartThe true meaning of “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” and why it’s not about breaking the “letter” but keeping the “spirit” of the rulesA careful look at Victorious Christian Life / Keswick teaching and why it misreads this passage and misunderstands the role of the Holy SpiritHow Paul can say he is “not sufficient” in himself, yet boldly claim that God has made him sufficient as an apostle—and why that matters for how we read his letters todayAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer grasp of what is truly new about the new covenant: not a fresh technique for spiritual success, but God’s promise to forgive, to give His Spirit, and to change His people from the inside out. You’ll be invited to lay down the burden of self-improvement as your primary hope, and instead rest in the God who not only points you toward life, but is actively making you into the kind of person who loves Him and walks in His ways.Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Paul’s ministry in Corinth was marked by conflict, misunderstanding, and deep personal pain—and yet, through it all, he remained convinced that God was leading him in triumph. In this episode, Krisan walks through 2 Corinthians 2:5–17, unpacking the story behind a painful offense in the church, the Corinthians’ response, and Paul’s call to both discipline and forgiveness. From there, she turns to Paul’s striking image of the triumphal procession and the “aroma of Christ,” showing how his fragile, often troubled ministry still becomes the vehicle for God’s victory in the world.In this week’s episode, we explore:What we can piece together about the unnamed offender in Corinth and how his actions wounded both Paul and the churchHow the Corinthians initially responded with church discipline—and why Paul now urges them to forgive, comfort, and reaffirm their loveWhy Paul insists that the real damage was not to him personally, but to the unity and spiritual health of the congregationThe anxious journey from Ephesus to Troas to Macedonia as Paul waits for Titus and news of how the Corinthians received his “severe letter”How Paul can say that God “always leads us in triumphal procession” even when his ministry looks weak, messy, and unimpressiveWhat it means for Paul’s ministry to be the “aroma of Christ,” bringing life to some and exposing death to othersWhy Paul refuses to “peddle” God’s word, and what that teaches us about faithfulness in teaching, parenting, and sharing the gospelThe hard but freeing reality that we can speak truth and love others—but we cannot control their responseAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer sense of Paul’s heart: tender, anxious, and yet deeply confident that God is at work through his flawed ministry. You’ll be encouraged to take seriously both church discipline and restoration, to hold fast to the gospel without packaging or manipulating it, and to entrust the people you love—children, friends, prodigals—to the God who alone can make the message of Christ a fragrance of life.Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church was anything but simple, and in this passage we begin to see just how much history and heartache stand behind 2 Corinthians. In this episode, we walk through 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4, tracing Paul’s “painful visit,” his “severe letter,” and his change of travel plans and showing how all of it fits with his claim to be a faithful apostle whose message and motives are anchored in God’s unshakable “Yes” in Christ.In this week’s episode, we explore:The timeline of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians, including the “lost” letters, the painful visit, and the severe letterWhy some in Corinth questioned Paul’s integrity and accused him of being changeable, insincere, or unreliableHow Paul defends his conduct by appealing to a clear conscience, simple sincerity, and God’s grace rather than human clevernessWhat Paul means when he says that God’s promises are all “Yes” in Jesus Christ—and how that supports his ministryHow the gift of the Holy Spirit functions as God’s seal and guarantee that believers truly belong to HimWhy Paul chose not to visit them again when he said he would, and how that decision was meant to spare them, not abandon themThe difference between “lording it over” someone’s faith and working with them for their joy in ChristAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer grasp of the backstory behind 2 Corinthians and a deeper confidence in God’s steady faithfulness, even when relationships with Christian leaders are strained or confusing. You’ll see how Paul ties everything—his plans, his tears, his letters—back to God’s trustworthy promises in Christ, and you’ll be encouraged to rest your hope not in human reliability, but in the God who has sealed you with His Spirit and is committed to your lasting joy.2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Paul opens 2 Corinthians with a personal, almost vulnerable defense of his ministry and a rich picture of how God meets His people in suffering. In this episode, Krisan Marotta walks through 2 Corinthians 1:1–11, unpacking Paul’s troubled relationship with the Corinthian church, his claim to be a true apostle, and his confession that he despaired even of life itself. Along the way, we see how God’s comfort is not the removal of hardship, but the courage to endure it—and how that encouragement is meant to flow from one believer to another.In this week’s episode, we explore:Why understanding the history between Paul and the Corinthians is essential for reading 2 CorinthiansHow Paul’s use of “we” in this passage often refers specifically to himself and his ministryWhat it means for Paul to be an “apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” amid rejection and suspicionHow 2 Corinthians 1:3–7 portrays God as the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” in real affliction, not easy circumstancesThe way Paul’s sufferings and encouragement are for the Corinthians’ sake—and what that reveals about true Christian ministryHow trials make the truths of the gospel move from ideas in our heads to convictions that shape our choicesWhat Paul teaches about prayer: not as spiritual “credits” or force, but as an expression of shared trust in God and shared gratitude when He answersAfter listening, you’ll come away with a clearer grasp of how 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 frames the whole letter: a rejected ambassador appealing to those he loves, inviting them to see his hardships—and their own—through the lens of God’s mercy. You’ll be encouraged to think more carefully about how God uses suffering to mature faith, how your own encouragement can strengthen others, and how prayer binds believers together before the Father who raises the dead.2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Corinth was one of the most influential and morally corrupt cities in the Roman Empire. Yet it became home to a growing church. In this episode, we study Acts 18 to explain how and why Paul founded a church in Corinth, what made Corinth strategic, and how God used unexpected partnerships to advance the gospel.Series: 2 Corinthians: When Church HurtsSeries: 1 Corinthians: Pride & Prejudice in the churchMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

Wednesday in the Word Season 26 kicks off July 9 with a series on 2 Corinthians: When Church Hurts.Most people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode, Krisan and David John Marotta present a biblical perspective on money. Drawing from Scripture and their extensive experience in financial management, they blend theological insights with practical advice.In this week’s episode, we explore:The biblical principle of stewardship, showing how everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him.How to use financial resources to fulfill the responsibilities and calling God gives us.The importance of work to meet those responsibilities, with practical encouragement for starting your career.Common pitfalls like overspending or over-giving, and how to avoid them through balanced planning.Practical strategies for spending, earning, and saving/investing, including budgeting tips and the power of compound interest.The virtues of justice, mercy, and faithfulness in handling money contrasted with the sins of pride, greed, and fear.Most people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word, we summarize the themes of the Gospel of John as we learned in this series. We focus on John 20:30-31 as a lens to understand John’s purpose and the transformative power of belief.In this week’s episode, we explore:The significance of Jesus’ miraculous signs and their role in proving his identity as the Messiah.The critical role of the apostles as eyewitnesses who pass down Jesus’ teachings through written testimony.The theme of belief versus unbelief and why it’s central to John’s message.Jesus as the Christ—prophet, priest, and king—and what that means for salvation.The promise of eternal life and how faith in Jesus offers forgiveness, freedom from sin, and victory over death.By listening, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of John’s purpose in writing his Gospel and how its themes of signs, testimony, and belief apply to your life today. Krisan Marotta breaks down complex ideas into an accessible overview, showing you how to connect the dots between Jesus’ actions and the hope of salvation. Whether you’re new to the Bible or a seasoned reader, this episode offers practical insights into why faith matters and how John’s words continue to resonate 2,000 years later.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we tackle the Upper Room Discourse (John 13-17) where Jesus prepares his disciples for his departure. Jesus addresses both the unique role of his apostles and the universal call for all his followers to live faithfully in his absence. In this week’s episode, we explore:Jesus’ Departure and Return: Jesus announces his leaving but reassures his disciples of his eventual return, offering hope through the promise of his second coming.Commissioning of the Apostles: Jesus explains to his apostles their mission and the challenges they will face.The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises he will not leave them alone. He will send the "Spirit of Truth" to eguip and guide them in their ministry.Ethical Teachings for Believers: Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another, modeled after his own sacrificial love and service.Perseverance in Faith: Jesus explains the importance of persevering in faith while he's gone.Assurance of God’s Protection: Jesus’ prays for his disciples and all future believers, promising that they will be preserved and protected by God.By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Upper Room Discourse’s historical context and its profound implications for Christian life today. You'll understand what applies uniquely to the apostles and what extends to all followers of Jesus. You’ll also discover practical insights into living out Jesus’ teachings on love, perseverance, and faith in a world where he is no longer physically present. This episode not only enriches your knowledge of the Gospel of John but also offers encouragement through the assurance that, though Jesus has left, his Spirit remains with us, and he will one day return.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we study the narratives of Mary anointing Jesus and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. These events underscore Jesus’ identity and mission while contrasting the responses of belief and unbelief, culminating in his voluntary path to the cross.In this week’s episode, we explore:Mary’s anointing of Jesus: Her act of devotion with costly perfume signifies loyalty and foreshadows Jesus’ burial.Judas’ contrasting reactionl: His objection to Mary’s act reveals his self-interest and sets the stage for his treachery.The triumphal entry: Jesus enters Jerusalem as a peaceful king on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and accepting the crowd’s acclaim.The dynamics of belief and unbelief: Mary’s faith starkly contrasts with Judas and the Pharisees’ rejection, highlighting the complexity of genuine faith.Jesus’ acceptance of his destiny: He acknowledges his imminent death as necessary for salvation, affirmed by a voice from heaven.The end of public ministry: Jesus summarizes his mission as bringing light and eternal life, urging belief before his withdrawal from public view.Listening to this episode offers a compelling look at how John chapter 12 weaves together key themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine purpose. You’ll gain insight into the significance of Jesus’ action.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we explore the story of Lazarus in John 11. This event serves as a pivotal moment where the major themes of John’s Gospel converge, illuminating Jesus’ identity, mission, and the responses he elicits from those around him.In this week’s episode, we explore:The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection: Jesus demonstrates his authority over death, performing a sign that testifies to his divine power.Jesus’ path to the cross: This event triggers the sequence leading to his crucifixion, showcasing his obedience to God’s will.The spectrum of belief and unbelief: From Martha’s faith to the Jewish leaders’ rejection, the story examines how people respond to Jesus’ signs.Jesus as the resurrection and the life: The miracle reinforces his messianic claim to grant eternal life to believers.God’s sovereignty amid opposition: Even the hostility of the Jewish leaders is woven into God’s redemptive plan.Jesus’ empathy and humanity: His tears reveal his deep compassion for human suffering, even as he fulfills a divine purpose. By listening to this episode, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how the raising of Lazarus ties together the central themes of John’s Gospel. Krisan Marotta’s thoughtful exploration offers fresh insights into Jesus’ mission, his power over death, and the hope he extends to believers, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the text and its relevance to faith today.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

This episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast examines John 10:22-42. We explore how Jesus confronts the Jewish leaders’ skepticism about his identity, using his works and words to affirm his role as the Messiah while foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice that will secure eternal life for his followers.In this week’s episode, we explore:The historical backdrop of the Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah): Learn the significance of this setting and how it frames Jesus’ confrontation with the Jewish leaders questioning his messianic identity.Jesus’ relationship with his “sheep”: Discover how Jesus describes his followers as those who hear his voice, follow him, and receive the promise of eternal life.The meaning of “I and the Father are one”: Explore the interpretation of this statement, its implications for Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, and the debate over its hints at divinity.The escalating tension with the Jewish leaders: Understand how Jesus defends his divine mission with Scripture and miracles, intensifying the conflict that leads toward his crucifixion.Listen to this episode to gain insights into the theological themes of belief and testimony in John’s Gospel, as well as the historical context of Jesus’ teachings during the Feast of Dedication. The episode also offers a thoughtful analysis of Jesus’ claim to oneness with the Father, helping you appreciate the depth of his identity and mission as the Christ.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we explore John 10:1-21, part of our ongoing series on the Gospel of John. We'll unpack how Jesus uses the shepherd and sheep metaphor to reveal his identity and challenge listeners to discern whom they will trust.In this week’s episode, we explore:The continuation of Jesus’ conversation from John 9, addressing spiritual blindness and the judgment his presence brings.Jesus’ shepherd and sheep analogy, illustrating his protective relationship with believers while critiquing the Pharisees as false leaders.The significance of Jesus as the "good shepherd" who voluntarily lays down his life for his sheep, contrasting with self-serving hired hands.The division among the Jews reacting to Jesus’ words and miracles, underscoring the complexity of belief.The choice confronting the healed blind man—and all listeners—about whom to believe amidst competing voices.By tuning into this episode, you’ll gain insight into how Jesus’ teachings in John 10 affirm his role as the true shepherd guiding believers to eternal life. Krisan Marotta’s thoughtful exploration encourages you to reflect on the evidence of Jesus’ identity, the importance of recognizing his voice over others, and the depth of his sacrificial love. Whether you’re studying the Gospel of John or seeking to strengthen your faith, this episode offers meaningful perspectives on trusting Jesus as the way to abundant life.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of the Wednesday in the Word podcast, we delves into John Chapter 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind. This story is not just about a physical miracle but serves as a profound metaphor for the journey from unbelief to faith. This event underscores the central theme of John’s Gospel: that eternal life comes through belief in Jesus as the Christ.In this week’s episode, we explore:The miraculous healing of the man born blind and its significance.The varied reactions of different groups to the miracle, revealing their spiritual conditions.The theological discussions prompted by the miracle, including the nature of sin and suffering.The concept of spiritual blindness and how it contrasts with true faith.The man’s journey from physical blindness to spiritual sight and belief in Jesus.Jesus’ teachings on judgment, light, and the true nature of seeing.By listening, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how Jesus’ miracles serve as signs of his divine identity and mission. You’ll see how the story of the man born blind illustrates the transformative power of faith and the perils of spiritual arrogance. Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

In this episode of Wednesday in the Word, we examine John 8:48-59, where Jesus makes the powerful and often-debated statement, "Before Abraham was, I am." Is Jesus directly claiming to be divine or to be the Messiah? We explore the linguistic, historical, and theological context of this passage to better understand Jesus’ identity and message.In this week’s episode, we explore:The background and context of John 8:48-59The traditional interpretation of "Before Abraham was, I am" and its implicationsAlternative understandings based on biblical language and translationThe significance of Abraham’s faith and how it connects to Jesus’ statementWhy understanding this passage matters for Bible study and faithBy listening to this episode, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for biblical interpretation, how translation choices impact meaning, and why Jesus' words in John 8 continue to spark important theological discussions. Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

 In this episode, we look at what it really means for Jesus to call himself “the light of the world” in John 8 and how his words expose both our slavery to sin and his promise of true freedom. We explore why believing in Jesus is not just a one-time decision but a lifelong relationship of trusting his words, even when they confront our pride and self-sufficiency. In this week’s episode, we explore:How Jesus uses the image of light and darkness to describe our spiritual condition and our need for truth.What is at stake if we reject Jesus and “die in our sins,” and why that is the worst possible outcome.What Jesus means when he says, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”The contrast between being children of Abraham and being true children of God, and why our response to Jesus reveals who our “father” really is.The kind of freedom Jesus promises: not freedom from hardship, but freedom from the power of sin and the corruption in our own hearts.By the end of this episode, you will see more clearly why Jesus is not just a good teacher but the only one who can bring you out of darkness into light. You will better understand your own struggle with sin, why you cannot free yourself, and how trusting and continuing in Jesus’ word leads to real, lasting freedom as a beloved member of God’s household.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

This episode looks at the famous story of the woman caught in adultery in John 7:53–8:11 and asks what it teaches us about sin, mercy, and how we treat one another when we fail. We also talk about why this passage is bracketed or even omitted in some Bibles, and why many scholars still believe it reflects a true event from the life of Jesus. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why some Bible translations set this story in brackets or move it to a footnote, and what textual criticism is trying to sort out. What the Law of Moses actually said about adultery, why the missing man exposes the leaders’ hypocrisy, and how they are using the law for their own agenda. Why Jesus’ words, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone,” cut through their trap and expose everyone’s guilt. Several ideas about what Jesus may have written on the ground and how that might have confronted the accusers with their own sins. How Paul’s instructions in Galatians 6 help us apply this story, showing us how to restore someone caught in sin with humility and gentleness instead of pride and condemnation. By the end of this episode, you will have a clearer picture of how Jesus holds justice and mercy together, and why no one stands above anyone else at the foot of the cross. You will be better equipped to respond when you see sin in others, not with harsh superiority, but with the humility of someone who knows they also need grace, and with a desire to help lighten their burden rather than add to it. Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp

John 7 gives us a front-row seat to the question, “Who is Jesus?” This episode walks through the Feast of Booths and shows how different people respond to Jesus: some are curious, some are hostile, some are confused, and a few, like Nicodemus, are quietly moving toward faith. Along the way, we see how our own hearts, desires, and assumptions shape the way we answer that same question today. In this week’s episode, we explore:Why Jesus stays in Galilee at first and then goes to Jerusalem in secret, and what this reveals about God’s timing and plan. The unbelief of Jesus’ own brothers, who treat him like an aspiring celebrity instead of the Messiah, and what that shows us about misunderstanding spiritual greatness. Jesus’ claim that the world hates him because he exposes its evil, and how that confronts our tendency to reshape Jesus into someone who never challenges us. How Jesus’ powerful teaching forces people to decide whether he speaks from God or is just promoting himself, and why our willingness to do God’s will affects what we are able to believe. The controversy over Sabbath keeping, how Jesus uses circumcision to expose the leaders’ legalism, and what it means to “judge with right judgment” instead of by appearances. Jesus’ dramatic invitation on the last day of the feast: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink,” and how John explains this as the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit. Practical ways this passage helps us think about our own spiritual growth, the danger of measuring people by “approved lists,” and the long, sometimes messy path of learning to trust Jesus. By the end of this episode, you will see more clearly how your response to Jesus is shaped by what you most want, not just by what you know. You will come away better able to recognize legalism in your own thinking, more patient with the slow process of growth in yourself and others, and more eager to come to Jesus as the one who truly satisfies your deepest thirst.Series: Gospel of John: Believe and Find LifeMost people fail at Bible study because no one ever taught them how. Bible Study Boot Camp fixes that: one short email a day for a week, plus a worksheet you can use on any passage for the rest of your life.Sign up for Bible Study Boot Camp