Year of the Word Companion Podcast

This week’s reading takes us into the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as we officially begin the New Testament. We’ll explore how each Gospel presents a distinct portrait of Jesus for a particular audience while continuing the story and promises of the Old Testament. Together, the four Gospels announce one life-changing truth: the promised King has come, and His Kingdom is open to all.

In Week 30 of Year of the Word, we conclude the Old Testament with Nehemiah 13 and Malachi 1–4. These chapters reveal that although Jerusalem’s walls and temple had been rebuilt, God’s people still needed their hearts restored. Malachi closes the Old Testament with a call to renewed faithfulness and the hopeful promise that God’s messenger is coming.

Week 29 of the Year of the Word takes us through Nehemiah 7–8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. With Jerusalem’s wall completed, the focus shifts from rebuilding the city to renewing its people through God’s Word, confession, obedience, community, and worship. This episode reminds us that true restoration involves more than repairing what is broken around us—God desires to transform what is happening within us.

In Week 28 of Year of the Word, we journey through Esther 5–10 and Nehemiah 1–6, witnessing God’s providence, protection, and restoration. Esther courageously stands for her people, while Nehemiah prayerfully leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls despite opposition. Together, these passages remind us that God works through faithful people who are willing to act courageously and persevere in the work He has given them.

As we continue our Year of the Word journey, we'll explore Zechariah 1–2 and 12, Ezra 7–10, and Esther 1–4, discovering God's call to return to Him, His work of restoring His people, and His providential care even when He seems unseen. Together, we'll see how God faithfully keeps His promises through repentance, renewal, and His sovereign hand at work behind the scenes. This episode reminds us that even when God's timing seems delayed or His presence feels hidden, His purposes are always moving forward.

Season 2 begins as we celebrate the halfway point of the Year of the Word journey and witness one of the greatest turning points in the Old Testament. This week, we'll explore Daniel 5–6, Daniel 9–10 and 12, and Ezra 1–6 as Babylon falls, God's people begin returning from exile, and the work of restoration begins. Together, we'll discover that while kingdoms rise and fall, God remains faithful to His promises and continues His work of restoring His people.

Week 25: Hope Beyond the Ruins explores Jeremiah 31:31–40, Jeremiah 32–33, Jeremiah 52, 2 Kings 24–25, Ezekiel 1:1–3, Ezekiel 36:16–38, Ezekiel 37, and Daniel 1–4, as God's people experience the fall of Jerusalem and begin life in exile. Together, we'll discover how Jeremiah points to the New Covenant, Ezekiel proclaims God's promise of new hearts and restoration, and Daniel demonstrates what it looks like to live faithfully in a culture that doesn't share our beliefs. Through these pivotal passages, we're reminded that while exile changed God's people's location, it never changed His presence, His promises, or His purpose.

In Week 24, we journey through 2 Kings 17–23, Jeremiah 1–3:5, Jeremiah 25, and Jeremiah 29, witnessing the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the faithful leadership of Hezekiah and Josiah, and the devastating consequences of Judah's continued rebellion under kings like Manasseh. As Jeremiah begins his prophetic ministry, he calls God's people to return to the Lord, warning of coming judgment while revealing God's persistent mercy and faithfulness. Through stories of exile, repentance, and renewal, these passages remind us that while God's judgment is real, His invitation to return and His promise of hope remain available to all who seek Him.

Week 23 of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast explores some of Scripture's most powerful prophetic passages, including Isaiah 6, 9, 44–45, 52–53, 65–66, and Micah 1, 4–5. Together, these readings reveal God's holiness, the promise of the coming Messiah, the sacrifice of the Suffering Servant, and the hope of a future restoration for God's people. Join us as we discover how Isaiah and Micah point us to Jesus—the Holy One, the Suffering Servant, and the Coming King. 

This week, we begin our journey through the Prophets as we explore Jonah 1–4, Hosea 1–3, Amos 1 and 9, and Joel 1–3, discovering how God used these covenant messengers to call His people back to faithfulness during a time of growing idolatry, injustice, and spiritual compromise. Through Jonah's mission to Nineveh, Amos's plumb line of justice, Hosea's picture of covenant love, and Joel's call to repentance, we see a God who relentlessly pursues both His people and the nations with mercy, truth, and restoration. Join us as we uncover how these prophetic books reveal God's heart for justice, His unwavering love for the unfaithful, and His invitation to return to Him and experience the transforming power of His Spirit.

Week 21 of the Year of the Word takes us through 1 Kings 16:29–34; 17; 18–19; 21–22 and 2 Kings 2; 5; 6:1–23 as we explore the ministries of Elijah and Elisha during one of the most spiritually turbulent periods in Israel's history. As King Ahab and Queen Jezebel lead the nation into idolatry and compromise, God raises up prophets to call His people back to covenant faithfulness through dramatic confrontations, miraculous provision, powerful acts of mercy, and unmistakable demonstrations of His sovereignty. Join us as we examine the battle for Israel's heart and discover why the central message of these chapters remains just as relevant today: The Lord alone is God.

In Week 20 of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we walk through Proverbs 1–4, Proverbs 16–18, Proverbs 31, and 1 Kings 11–12 as we explore what biblical wisdom truly means. Together, these passages reveal that wisdom is not merely knowledge, but learning to live faithfully before God in every area of life while guarding our hearts from compromise and spiritual drift. As we read the wisdom of Solomon alongside the downfall of Solomon, we are reminded that outward success can never replace wholehearted devotion to God.

In Week 19 of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we journey through Psalms 119:129–176, Psalm 139, Psalms 148–150, and 1 Kings 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9:1–9. This episode explores the beauty of God’s Word, the intimacy of being fully known by God, the purpose of worship, and the rise of Solomon as Israel enters the era of the kings. We also introduce the Book of Kings and examine how wisdom, worship, and faithfulness become central themes in Israel’s story. Join us as we reflect on God’s presence, the danger of spiritual drift, and the call to wholehearted devotion.

In Week 18 of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we journey through Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 24 alongside Psalm 24, Psalms 1 and 19, Psalm 103, and Psalm 119:1–128. Together, these passages reveal God’s desire for genuine repentance, faithful worship, and hearts rooted deeply in His Word. We explore the rich backdrop and structure of the Psalms while reflecting on themes of mercy, obedience, suffering, and spiritual transformation. This episode reminds us that God’s Word sustains us, restores our souls, and guides us faithfully through every season of life.

In Week 17, we journey through 2 Samuel 1; 2:1–7; 3:1, 5; 6–7; 9; 11–12 alongside Psalm 23 and Psalm 18, exploring the rise and reign of King David. This episode traces David’s path from humility and covenant blessing to moral failure and its lasting consequences. We also see how the Psalms reveal David’s inner life, giving language to trust, worship, and repentance. Through it all, we’re reminded that God remains faithful to His promises, even when His people fall.

In this episode of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we walk through Week 16’s readings in 1 Samuel 17–31 and Psalm 22, exploring the rise of David and the decline of Saul. From David’s victory over Goliath to Saul’s tragic downfall, we see a powerful contrast between faith and fear, trust and control. We also uncover the deeper biblical theme of substitution—how David’s victory for Israel points forward to Christ’s ultimate victory for us. Join us as we connect these chapters to the larger story of God’s kingdom and what it means for our lives today.

In Week 15 of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we walk through 1 Samuel 1–2, 3, 8, 9–10, 13–14, and 15–16. As Israel transitions from judges to kings, we explore what happens when people choose a king based on appearance rather than trusting God as their true King. Through the stories of Hannah, Samuel, Saul, and David, we’re reminded that God isn’t looking at outward success—He’s looking at the heart.

This week (Week 14), we explore Judges 6–7, 13–16, and Ruth 1–4, tracing Israel’s journey through a season of chaos, compromise, and deliverance. From Gideon’s weakness and Samson’s downfall to Ruth’s quiet faithfulness, these passages reveal both the depth of human brokenness and the steady work of God’s redemption. As Judges shows a nation doing what is right in its own eyes, Ruth provides a powerful contrast of loyalty, obedience, and God’s providence. Together, these stories remind us that even in dark and uncertain times, God is faithfully at work.

This Year of the Word bonus episode walks through Holy Week in light of the Passover timeline, revealing how Jesus fulfills the role of the unblemished Lamb. From His triumphal entry on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1–11) to His crucifixion (John 19) and resurrection (Matthew 28), each day aligns with the events of Nissan 10–16. Along the way, we explore His teaching in the temple (Matthew 21:23–23:39), the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17–29), and His rest in the tomb (Luke 23:54–56). This episode highlights the deep connection between Exodus 12 and the Gospels, showing how God’s redemptive plan is fulfilled in Christ.

In this episode, we explore Joshua 5:10–15, Joshua 6–8, Joshua 23–24, and Judges 2–4, tracing Israel’s journey from victory in the Promised Land to the beginning of spiritual drift. We see how obedience leads to victory, while hidden sin and compromise lead to defeat and cycles of struggle. As Judges unfolds, a pattern emerges of forgetting God, falling into idolatry, and needing deliverance. This episode challenges us to consider where we are choosing faithfulness—or drifting into doing what is right in our own eyes.

In this episode, we celebrate the completion of the Torah as we walk through Deuteronomy 8–9, 30–31, 32:48–52, and 34, and step into Joshua 1–4, where God’s promises begin to be fulfilled. As Moses calls Israel to remember God’s faithfulness, we’re reminded that forgetting leads to pride, but remembering shapes our trust and obedience. From Joshua’s commissioning to Rahab’s faith and the crossing of the Jordan, we see that God’s people are called to step forward before the path is fully clear. This episode invites us to remember what God has done, trust where He is leading, and walk courageously in obedience.

In Week 11, we journey through Numbers 20, 27:12–23, 34–35, and Deuteronomy 1–7 as Israel stands on the edge of the Promised Land. This episode explores leadership transition, the consequences of disobedience, and God’s intentional design for His people. As Moses delivers his final words, we see the importance of remembering God’s faithfulness and renewing covenant identity. Ultimately, this week challenges us to prepare the next generation to trust, obey, and love God wholeheartedly.

In Week 10 of the Year of the Word reading plan, we explore Leviticus 23 and 26 and Numbers 11–14 and 16–17, where God calls His people to live holy and distinct lives. These passages highlight rhythms of remembrance, covenant faithfulness, and the dangers of fear, pride, and forgetting God in the wilderness. As Israel wrestles with trust, rebellion, and leadership, we see how easily fear can compete with faith when facing God’s promises. Ultimately, these chapters remind us that God’s people are called to reflect His character and trust His voice even in seasons of uncertainty.

In this episode we walk through Exodus 32–33, Exodus 34–36:1, Exodus 40, Leviticus 8–9, and Leviticus 16–17, exploring Israel’s failure with the golden calf and the incredible mercy of God that follows. As the covenant at Sinai is broken, Moses intercedes and God renews His promise to dwell among His people. Through the tabernacle, the consecration of the priests, and the Day of Atonement, God provides a way for a holy God to live among sinful people. Ultimately, these chapters point forward to Jesus, the final sacrifice and perfect mediator who makes a way for us to draw near to God.

In this episode, we journey through Exodus 19–31 and stand at the foot of Mount Sinai as God forms a rescued people into a covenant nation. We explore the thunder and fire of chapter 19, the giving of the Ten Words in chapter 20, and the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle that follow—seeing how all of it centers on one profound truth: God desires to dwell among His people. We reflect on holiness, sacred space, priestly identity, and the movement from redemption to relationship. Sinai isn’t just about law; it’s about presence. The same God who descended in fire is building a way to dwell in the midst of His people, shaping them to reflect His character to the world.

In this weeks podcast we walk through Exodus 8-17. We witness God's supremacy over false gods, His justice in Judgement, and His mercy through substitution in the Passover. The Lord redeems His people by the blood of the spotless lamb, delivers them powerfully through the Red Sea, and then faithfully sustains and shapes them in the wilderness through daily provision and mediated victory. These chapters reveal that salvation belongs to the Lord from beginning to end. He initiates it, accomplishes it, and sustains His people through it. Ultimately, Exodus points us forward to Jesus, our true Passover Lamb, our great Deliverer, our Bread from Heaven, and our ever-living Intercessor.

In this episode, we trace the movement from Genesis 48 to Exodus 7, watching God transform a family of seventy into a flourishing nation—even in affliction. As Pharaoh rises and oppression begins, we see the deeper story unfold: a covenant God who knows every name, hears every cry, and reveals Himself as “I AM.” Exodus is not merely a story of judgment, but of faithful love and powerful deliverance.

In this episode of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we walk through Genesis 39–47 and the story of Joseph, tracing God’s faithfulness through betrayal, waiting, and redemption. From the pit to the palace, we see how God’s purposes were never derailed, even when life seemed unjust or delayed. Joseph’s story reminds us that what others may mean for harm, God is always at work to mean for good.

In this episode of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we walk through Genesis 27–33 and 37, tracing Jacob’s journey from striving and deception to surrender and transformation. Through moments like Bethel and Peniel, we see a patient God who meets His people in their brokenness and reshapes them by grace. This episode reminds us that God’s promises move forward not through perfection, but through faithful transformation over time.Check out this cool YouTube video on Peniel!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qlfi6doRJI

This episode walks through Genesis 18–26, highlighting how God faithfully keeps His promises across generations. We see God’s faithfulness in long seasons of waiting, in moments of costly obedience, and through deeply imperfect people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Esau. From Sarah’s laughter to Abraham’s obedience on Mount Moriah, the story shows that God’s purposes are not hindered by human weakness or delay. Ultimately, the episode reminds us that God can be trusted because His promises rest on His character, not ours.

In this episode of the Year of the Word Companion Podcast, we explore Job 38–42 and Genesis 11–12, 15, and 16–17 to wrestle with what it means to trust God when life doesn’t make sense. We reflect on a God who hears our cries, sees our suffering, and remains present even when answers don’t come and losses remain unresolved. From the whirlwind of Job to the covenant promises made to Abraham and the God who sees Hagar, this episode invites us to trust God’s character rather than demand explanations. Together, we consider how faith endures—and grows—when we cling to the God who is with us in both promise and pain.Expedition Bible Episode on the Tower of Babelhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYc_VgjJfw8&t=478sSent questions to [email protected]

Week 1: Genesis 1–9 and Job 1–2. We explore creation, sin, judgment, mercy, and suffering—and what these stories reveal about God’s character and our lives today. The Old Testament isn’t just ancient history; it’s the foundation of the Gospel story.

An introduction to Year of the Word Companion Podcast.