Adding To Your Faith

Just as things look hopeless, the dawn is coming. In Daniel 6:19-28, the anxious king comes to the lion’s den yearning to know if Daniel’s God is able to save. In this episode, Matt and Rachael apply the narrative model of Bible study to see how the Living God saved Daniel... and can save you too.Click here for week five homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day SIX homework (Daniel 6:19-28)CONGRATULATIONS! You've completed the six-day narratives journey through the early chapters of the book of Daniel... and you've added a fourth tool to your Bible study toolbox. Now, keep going! Whether you continue in Daniel, Jonah, Luke, Ephesians, or another book of the Bible; whether you use Two Questions and a Statement; From Their Home to Our Home; Gospel Threads, Narratives, or some combination of these - don't stop! This is the last episode of the podcast season, but it's just the beginning of your walk into deeper, more intimate relationship with God through His word.Click here for The Bible Project's overview of the book of Daniel

Many of us have heard the story of Daniel and the lion’s den. But just because a story is familiar doesn’t mean we can’t see new things about God’s glory. In this episode, Rachael and Matt use the narratives model of Bible study to dive deeper into Danie 6:1-18... and discover the Gospel in this ancient story.Click here for week five homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day FIVE homework (Daniel 6:1-18)AFTER this episode: Complete day SIX homework (Daniel 6:19-28)Click here for The Bible Project's overview of the book of Daniel

A disembodied hand brings a raucous party to an abrupt stop and foretells the end of an empire. In Daniel 5, King Nebuchadnezzar’s son has taken the throne and mocks the God of Judah to his destruction. In this episode, Rachael and Matt apply the narratives model of Bible study to understand one crazy night that points us all to the urgency of eternity.Click here for week five homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day FOUR homework (Daniel 5)AFTER this episode: Complete day FIVE homework (Daniel 6:1-18)Click here for The Bible Project's overview of the book of Daniel

King Nebuchadnezzar can't say he wasn't warned. A year after Daniel interpreted his foreboding dream and called him to repentance, the king can be found walking on his roof, declaring his own greatness, when... God interrupts. In this episode, Rachael and Matt use narrative Bible study to follow a mad king's journey back to God and back to his senses.Click here for week five homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day THREE homework (Daniel 4:28-37)AFTER this episode: Complete day FOUR homework (Daniel 5)Click here for The Bible Project's overview of the book of Daniel

Don't you just love a good flashback sequence? In Daniel 4, King Nebuchadnezzar looks back at his foolish ways with the benefit of hindsight... and it's another dream in need of interpretation. In this episode, Rachael and Matt apply the narratives model of Bible Study to find a king learning who is really in charge - and praising the one true God for it!Click here for week five homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day TWO homework (Daniel 4:1-27)AFTER this episode: Complete day THREE homework (Daniel 4:28-37)Click here for The Bible Project's overview of the book of Daniel

God's faithful followers refuse to worship the King's new 90-foot-tall image and courageously face the fiery furnace, fully trusting in their faithful God. The men know God is able to save them, but whether He chooses to save them or not, they will only worship the one true God. In this episode, Matt and Rachael use six narrative elements to dive deeper into God's word to uncover timeless truths and personal application.Click here for week five homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day ONE homework (Daniel 3)AFTER this episode: Complete day TWO homework (Daniel 4:1-27)Click here for The Bible Project's overview of the book of Daniel

Storytellers and story lovers, this method is for you! Using a narrative model to examine the characters, setting, plot, conflict, and theme can help see familiar Bible stories through fresh eyes. In this episode, Rachael and Matt explain how to use this fourth and final study method to draw deeper into God's word and nearer to His heart. Click here for week five homework sheetAFTER this episode: Complete day ONE homework (Daniel 3)

Jesus often taught by use of parables, and in Luke 19, he has a powerful parable message about stewardship and accountability to a mighty king. In this episode, Rachael and Matt return to the New Testament for our sixth and final day using the Gospel Threads method of study.Click Here for week four homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day SIX homework (Luke 19:11-27)Congratulations! You've completed the workshop for our third Bible study method, Gospel Threads. No homework after this episode. Join us tomorrow as we introduce our fourth and final Bible study method: Narratives.Click Here to learn more about Gospel Threads as an evangelism method

As long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper... But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.As a sixteen-year-old king, Uzziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He was a faithful steward of all that was intrusted to him. Later, his mindset changed. He began to act as if he owned what had been entrusted to him by God. In this episode, Matt and Rachael explore the threads of the Gospel to be found in the Old Testament story of King Uzziah.Click Here for week four homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day FIVE homework (2 Chronicles 26)AFTER this episode: Complete day SIX homework (Luke 19:11-27)Click Here to learn more about Gospel Threads as an evangelism method

After 40 years in in exile, caring for sheep, a burning bush catches the attention of Moses. God has a big assignment for Moses. And Moses has some questions. In this episode, Rachael and Matt explore early threads of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - planted deep in the early days of the Old Testament.Click Here for week four homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day FOUR homework (Exodus 3:1-22)AFTER this episode: Complete day FIVE homework (2 Chronicles 26)Click Here to learn more about Gospel Threads as an evangelism method

The seeds of the Great Commission are sowed in Luke 10. As Jesus sends out his disciples out "in the midst of wolves," we learn that some will receive them, while others will not. In this episode, Rachael and Matt apply the "Gospel Threads" Bible study method to explore God's character, the urgency of eternity, and what it means to hear or reject the messengers of Christ. Click Here for week four homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day THREE homework (Luke 10:1-16)AFTER this episode: Complete day FOUR homework (Exodus 3:1-22)Click Here to learn more about Gospel Threads as an evangelism method

Demons begging for mercy. Suicidal Pigs. A life forever changed and charged with sharing the good news. It was no ordinary day when Jesus and his disciples sail to Gerasenes. In this episode Rachael and Matt examine a dramatic story of demon possession, deliverance, and testimony through the lens of the Gospel. Click Here for week four homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day TWO homework (Luke 8:26-39)AFTER this episode: Complete day THREE homework (Luke 10:1-16)Click Here to learn more about Gospel Threads as an evangelism method

We are God's workmanship. Think of the beauty and the purpose in that one simple word: workmanship. The implications cannot be overstated for those who are "in Christ." In our first day using the "Gospel Threads" Bible study method, Matt and Rachael revisit this familiar passage in Ephesians that we explored last week using the "From their home to our home" method. Now, look with fresh eyes at this text and see the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ take center stage.Click Here for week four homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete day ONE homework (Ephesians 2:1-10)AFTER this episode: Complete day TWO homework (Luke 8:26-39)Click Here to learn more about Gospel Threads as an evangelism method

The entire Bible - From Genesis to Revelation - tells one grand, glorious story: the story of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Learning to think intentionally about the core truths of the Gospel can give us a greater appreciation for and relationship to God's word. In this episode, Rachael and Matt introduce Bible study method #3: Gospel Threads. Learn how viewing God's word through the lens of this evangelism method can draw you into deeper intimacy with the Lord through His Word.Click Here for week four homework sheetAFTER this episode: Complete day ONE homework (Ephesians 2:1-10)Click Here to learn more about Gospel Threads as an evangelism method

With all our divisions demolished by the Gospel, it's time to start a grand new building project: A holy temple. But this temple isn't made of stone and mortar. Its materials are the redeemed. Its foundation is the apostles and prophets. And its cornerstone is Christ. In this episode, Rachael and Matt walk alongside you in this sixth and final day of workshopping the "From Their Home to Our Home" Bible study method. Together, marvel with them at the "weird" way God uses diverse communities of believers to build His dwelling place.Click Here for week three homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY SIX homework (Ephesians 2:19-22)CONGRATULATIONS! You've completed the six-day workshop to put our second Bible study method (From Their Home to Our Home) in action. Add this method to your Bible study toolbox and take a day off from homework. Then join us tomorrow, as we introduce method #3: Gospel Threads.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhile it is important to know that you have everything you need to engage with God's Word if you simply have a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, a few additional resources could be helpful in providing you clearer understanding of the spiritual and cultural context of the book of Ephesians. Click the links below if you'd like to explore these additional tools:Enduring Word free online commentary for EphesiansThe Bible Project overview video of the book of Ephesians

Bitterness. Hate. Hostility. The divide before Christ between the "circumcised" and the "uncircumcised" could not have been more volatile. Then, something miraculous happened: The Gospel came to both, and hostility turned to peace. In this episode, Matt and Rachael use the "From Their Home to Our Home" Bible study method to explore how we should walk, in light of a Gospel that destroys hate and hostility. Click Here for week three homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FIVE homework (Ephesians 2:11-18)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY SIX homework (Ephesians 2:19-22)ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhile it is important to know that you have everything you need to engage with God's Word if you simply have a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, a few additional resources could be helpful in providing you clearer understanding of the spiritual and cultural context of the book of Ephesians. Click the links below if you'd like to explore these additional tools:Enduring Word free online commentary for EphesiansThe Bible Project overview video of the book of Ephesians

The Bible says we were "dead" in our trespasses and sins... so what should we do now that we've been made alive in Christ? In this episode, Rachael and Matt use the "From Their Home to Our Home" Bible study method to unpack Ephesians 2:1-10 to learn what it means to be God's "workmanship." A glorious plan of good works awaits us, as we walk humbly and thankfully in Christ's grace.Click Here for week three homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FOUR homework (Ephesians 2:1-10)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FIVE homework (Ephesians 2:11-18)ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhile it is important to know that you have everything you need to engage with God's Word if you simply have a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, a few additional resources could be helpful in providing you clearer understanding of the spiritual and cultural context of the book of Ephesians. Click the links below if you'd like to explore these additional tools:Enduring Word free online commentary for EphesiansThe Bible Project overview video of the book of Ephesians

Do you yearn to pray bigger prayers? Thank God for your brothers and sisters in Christ, and watch as those prayers inevitably lead to you to praise God for His immeasurable greatness. That's how Paul describes his own prayer life in Ephesians 1:15-23. In this episode, Rachael and Matt continue using the "From Their Home to Our Home" study method to further explore Ephesians. in the process they discover the keys to a more fulfilling and powerful prayer life.Click Here for week three homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY THREE homework (Ephesians 1:15-23)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FOUR homework (Ephesians 2:1-10)ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhile it is important to know that you have everything you need to engage with God's Word if you simply have a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, a few additional resources could be helpful in providing you clearer understanding of the spiritual and cultural context of the book of Ephesians. Click the links below if you'd like to explore these additional tools:Enduring Word free online commentary for EphesiansThe Bible Project overview video of the book of Ephesians

What if your salvation isn't actually about you? Because of God's grace, we are the matchless beneficiaries of salvation. But the purpose of our salvation is all about the Glory of God. In this episode, Rachael and Matt use this week's study method to explore Ephesians, unlocking a life of gratitude, surrender, and a posture of worship that brings eternal fulfillment and reward.Click Here for week three homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY TWO homework (Ephesians 1:11-14)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY THREE homework (Ephesians 1:15-23)ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhile it is important to know that you have everything you need to engage with God's Word if you simply have a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, a few additional resources could be helpful in providing you clearer understanding of the spiritual and cultural context of the book of Ephesians. Click the links below if you'd like to explore these additional tools:Enduring Word free online commentary for EphesiansThe Bible Project overview video of the book of Ephesians

What a privilege to be chosen and redeemed. Nothing reveals the glory of God more beautifully than a saved sinner surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus. In this episode, Rachael and Matt start in Ephesians to demonstrate the second method in their "How to Study the Bible" series: "From Their Home to Our Home." Walk with them through a radically different time, place, and context - only to find the timeless truths and personal application that promise to truly transform you in the here and now.Click Here for week three homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY ONE homework (Ephesians 1:1-10)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY TWO homework (Ephesians 1:11-14)ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhile it is important to know that you have everything you need to engage with God's Word if you simply have a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, a few additional resources could be helpful in providing you clearer understanding of the spiritual and cultural context of the book of Ephesians. Click the links below if you'd like to explore these additional tools:Enduring Word free online commentary for EphesiansThe Bible Project overview video of the book of Ephesians

How would you prepare yourself to visit a completely different culture in a completely different part of the world? How would you observe and understand their ways? How would you relate their lived experiences to more universal realities and truths? How might you be permanently changed by the experience? These are the questions and concepts behind our next Bible study method that Matt and Rachael will teach and discuss in this episode: "From Their Home to Our Home." Learn the four principles you can apply daily - and how those repeatable steps can be used to draw you into deeper intimacy with your Heavenly Father.Click Here for week three homework sheetAFTER this episode: Complete DAY ONE homework (Ephesians 1:1-10)ADDITIONAL RESOURCESWhile it is important to know that you have everything you need to engage with God's Word if you simply have a Bible and the indwelling Holy Spirit, a few additional resources could be helpful in providing you clearer understanding of the spiritual and cultural context of the book of Ephesians. Click the links below if you'd like to explore these additional tools:Enduring Word free online commentary for EphesiansThe Bible Project overview video of the book of Ephesians

What must Jonah have pondered from inside the belly of the great fish? When he didn't know what to do... he did what he knew to do: Jonah prayed. In this episode, Rachael and Matt share questions and statements to consider about Jonah's state of mind during the dark three days, what might have occupied his prayer's in this desperate moment, and how God provided for Jonah in most unusual ways.Click Here for week two homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY SIX Homework (Jonah 2:1)CONGRATULATIONS! You've completed our first "How to Study the Bible" six-day workshop. We hope God has blessed you as you learn to use two questions and a statement to draw nearer to Him in His Word. No homework today before our next episode. Pray that God will prepare your heart to hear from His Spirit as we will next introduce our second Bible study method: "From Their Home to Our Home."

When he was thrown overboard, Jonah most certainly must have expected to die. Instead, God rescued him in a most unusual and most unexpected way. In this episode, Rachael and Matt share questions about Jonah and a great fish, while discussing observations about God's dramatic and unexpected intervention.Click Here for week two homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FIVE Homework (Jonah 1:17)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY SIX Homework (Jonah 2:1)

Confronted with a seemingly impossible choice, the sailors look in vain for another way. But when they finally surrender to God's direction, the storm calms. In today's episode, Matt and Rachael offer observations about the the futility of seeking our own way, and questions about sacrifices and vows.Click Here for week two homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FOUR Homework (Jonah 1:13-16)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FIVE Homework (Jonah 1:17)

The sailors confront Jonah and are terrified by the power of the God he serves. As the storm rages on and intensifies, Jonah offers his shipmates an unthinkable escape from their predicament.  In today's episode, Matt and Rachael offer observations about the the condition of the sailors' hearts and questions about Jonah's offer.Click Here for week two homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY THREE Homework (Jonah 1:8-12)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FOUR Homework (Jonah 1:13-16)

Today's Bible study workshop picks up with Jonah 1:4-7. As Jonah runs away from the presence of the Lord, God sends a great storm. In this episode, Rachael and Matt explore questions and statements about the storm and the danger of "sleeping" too long. Click Here for week two homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY TWO Homework (Jonah 1:4-7)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY THREE Homework (Jonah 1:8-12)

This week's personal Bible study begins with the opening verses of the familiar story of Jonah. In this episode, Matt and Rachael demonstrate the "Two Questions and a Statement" method as they walk alongside you in your study. Click Here for week two homework sheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY ONE Homework (Jonah 1:1-3)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY TWO Homework (Jonah 1:4-7)

As we begin week two of our "How to Study the Bible" Workshop, Rachael and Matt explain and demonstrate strategies the first of four Bible Study methods: "Two Questions and a Statement." Click Here for week two homework sheetAFTER this episode: Complete DAY ONE Homework (Jonah 1:1-3)

Let's not kid ourselves. Sometimes the walk of a disciple can feel overwhelming or even impossible. The Bible is filled with stories of faithful servants of God who still manage to get discouraged. It all seems like so much. Can I do it? Can it even BE done? In today's episode Matt and Rachael have good news for the discouraged: It CAN be done, but not by you. God promises to do this thorough work in us - to make all grace abound in us. By HIS character and faithfulness, HE will provide you with everything you need to abound in every good work. All you need is a surrendered heart.Click Here for Week 1 Homework SheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY SIX Homework (2 Corinthians 9:8)CONGRATULATIONS! You've taken your first steps toward deeper intimacy with God through personally engaging with His word. Tomorrow's episode has no homework, but it will introduce us to our first bible study method: "Two questions and a statement."

When the Lord saved your soul and gave you His Spirit, why didn't He just remove your old self - the desires and works of the flesh? The Bible says that if we live be the Spirit, we ought also to keep in step with the Spirit. Easier said than done when your old flesh keeps fighting back! In this episode, Rachael and Matt explore Galatians 5 to contrast the works of the flesh with the fruits of the spirit - and turn to the words of Jesus to uncover how every Christ follower can live a consistently fruitful life.Click Here for Week 1 Homework SheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FIVE Homework (Galatians 5:16-26)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY SIX Homework (2 Corinthians 9:8)

If God is the one who sanctifies me, then what is my role in my own spiritual growth and development? Is it an active role or a passive role? Embracing spiritual discipline takes work on our part, but it is not sanctification through works. Just the opposite. In this episode, Matt and Rachael discuss biblical obedience as an act of faith: an expression of our confidence in God to be faithful to His promises to do a thorough work in us - if we will only have the faith to obediently follow Him.Click Here for Week 1 Homework SheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FOUR Homework (Matthew 6:33 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FIVE Homework (Galatians 5:16-26)

The Bible describes sanctification as a painful process that we should embrace. That can be a tough truth. Nobody asks for more trial, struggle, or pain. But we know from God's word and from our own experience that God's greatest works come through the refining fire of being transformed over time by His word. Today Rachael and Matt discuss sanctification, what it is, why it hurts, and why every believer should desperately want it. Click Here for Week 1 Homework SheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY THREE Homework (Hebrews 4:12)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FOUR Homework (Matthew 6:33 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

The Bible was written over thousands of years, thousands of years ago, in a far off part of the world. How do we know it is even relevant? In today's episode, Matt and Rachael explore the highly practical nature of God's word, and the power that is unlocked by discovering timeless truths for personal application. Understand the practices and disciplines available to train us to meditate on His word all day long - and be transformed.Click Here for Week 1 Homework SheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY TWO Homework (Psalm 119:15-16; Psalm 119:97-99; Psalm 40:8; and Psalm 119:11)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY THREE Homework (Hebrews 4:12)

What is God's word? What is His purpose in giving it to us? In this episode, Matt and Rachael discuss the supernatural nature of God's word and the transformation it can hold for your life. When we approach the Word with a humble heart that desires to be changed, He is faithful to form us in His image.Click Here for Week 1 Homework SheetBEFORE this episode: Complete DAY ONE Homework (2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17)AFTER this episode: Complete DAY TWO Homework (Psalm 119:15-16; Psalm 119:97-99; Psalm 40:8; and Psalm 119:11)

Feeling spiritually busy but strangely unchanged? We’ve been there. This conversation lays out a practical, hopeful path to move from information overload to a durable walk with Jesus that actually bears fruit. Anchored in 2 Peter 1, we explore how adding goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love leads to a life that is never ineffective or unproductive in knowing Christ.We talk candidly about the modern flood of Bible content and why even great teaching can’t substitute for firsthand engagement with Scripture. Personal study is where the Holy Spirit meets us, reshapes our desires, and turns insight into obedience. You’ll hear how daily time in the Word reveals God’s unchanging character, grows holiness from the inside out, and stretches our prayers beyond “me and my four” to God’s global purposes. Expect practical guidance on building simple systems, managing distractions, and nurturing habits like meditation and memorization—without relying on study guides or complex tools.To make all of this doable, we introduce a workshop-style season: four simple, no-tools-needed methods to study the Bible for yourself. Each method ends in two things that change everything—discover a timeless truth about God, then craft a concrete application for your real life today. We’ll give you passages to practice, encourage you to pause the show until you’ve tried the exercise, and then compare notes together. Along the way, we’ll name and confront the deeper barrier beneath busyness: the quiet belief that we don’t need God as much as we need other things. Freedom starts with honesty, repentance, and a fresh dependence on his Word.Ready to trade secondhand faith for firsthand transformation? Listen, pause, practice, and grow with us. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review so others can find the show.