The Verse Verdict

PODCAST · religion

The Verse Verdict

Dive deep with us as we journey through the New Testament one verse at a time, inspired by God’s Story in 66 Verses by Stan Guthrie. Each episode focuses on a single verse to explore whether it truly captures the heart of God’s story. Expect thoughtful conversations, fresh insights, and a bit of friendly debate as we put these verses to the test.Andy Langdon is Director of NextGen Ministries at Living Word UMC in Wildwood, MO. Olivia Dolan is a college student at the University of Missouri - Columbia, studying Journalism - Strategic Communication and interning this summer with Living Word.

  1. 27

    Revelation: The End… and the Beginning

    This is the final episode of our New Testament series—and it’s the moment everything has been leading toward. From promise to fulfillment, sacrifice to victory, Revelation doesn’t end the story in fear but in hope. The Lamb wins. The kingdom comes. And God keeps every promise He ever made.

  2. 26

    Jude: Hey

    A short letter with a big warning. In this episode, we explore Jude’s call to contend for the faith with truth, discernment, and mercy, especially for those struggling or drifting. Jude reminds us that following Jesus sometimes means stepping into the fire to pull others toward hope.

  3. 25

    3 John: Good Vibes Only

    In this episode about 3 John, John calls believers to choose their influences wisely and let their actions reveal the truth of their faith. We’ll explore why this simple command hits especially hard in a world full of competing voices, messy leaders, and confusing examples — and what it really looks like to imitate the good.

  4. 24

    2 John: The OG Command

    2 John is tiny but loaded. We’re zooming in on the must-know verses — the ones that spill the most truth about love, discernment, and keeping our faith unfiltered.

  5. 23

    1 John: The Original ‘Actions Speak Louder’ Era

    In this episode, we break down 1 John — the book that basically says: “If you’re gonna talk love, you better live it out.” We look at what real, active, Jesus-shaped love looks like, how truth keeps us grounded, and why John is not here for your lukewarm energy. Simple, honest, and straight to the point. We also welcome a special guest!

  6. 22

    2 Peter: The Final Reminder

    In 2 Peter, the apostle knows he’s near the end — so he leaves his final reminders. He calls us higher: deeper maturity, stronger discernment, unshakable hope. This week, we’re opening his letter like a time capsule and unpacking how to spot truth from lies, how to live with purpose while we wait on God’s promises, and of course, which verse captures the story.

  7. 21

    1 Peter: Refined by Fire

    First Peter is all about standing firm when life feels messy. In this episode, we break down Peter’s message of courage, identity, and unshakeable hope —learning to rejoice through trials, love people well, and trust that God’s got us even when the world doesn’t. And of course, which verse sums it all up.

  8. 20

    James: Do Something

    The book of James isn’t about talking the talk — it’s about walking the walk. In this episode, we unpack James’ challenge to live out our faith with real actions, genuine humility, and a tongue that builds rather than destroys. Get ready for our take on the best verse in James.

  9. 19

    Hebrews: God Is A Consuming Fire

    Hebrews isn’t just another Bible book; it’s the rally cry for anyone who’s ever felt like giving up. Written to believers who were worn out and unsure, it reminds us that faith isn’t about having it all together; it’s about trusting the One who already does. If you’ve ever needed a reason to keep the faith when life’s on hard mode, this one’s for you.

  10. 18

    Philemon: Grace Looks Good on You

    Philemon might be short, but it’s dripping with big truth: grace never goes out of style. Paul’s letter isn’t just ancient mail — it’s a masterclass on forgiveness, humility, and using your influence to lift others up. We’ll talk about why Paul risked his reputation for reconciliation, how Philemon had to decide between pride and mercy, and what it means to do good “on the basis of love.”

  11. 17

    Titus: Faith That Shows

    Titus might be a short letter, but it packs a punch. In this episode, we dive into Paul’s reminder that real faith isn’t just about words — it’s about living a life that reflects what we believe. From leadership to daily choices, Titus shows us how to keep our actions lined up with our faith. Join us as we break down how to live out what you believe in real life, and of course, decide which verse is the verse verdict.

  12. 16

    2 Timothy: Paul’s Final Pep Talk

    In 2 Timothy, Paul writes his final letter, passing the torch to Timothy with urgency, tenderness, and unshakable conviction. This episode unpacks Paul’s call to endure hardships, remain rooted in Scripture, and fight the good fight of faith—even when the world turns its back. Join us as we explore which verse captures the heart of the story —and learn about homing pigeons.

  13. 15

    1 Timothy: The Mentor Letter

    In this episode, we dive into Paul’s first letter to Timothy, a young pastor navigating leadership in the early church. Paul gives wisdom on teaching sound doctrine, setting an example in speech and conduct, and guarding the faith with courage. We’ll explore why this letter still matters today—reminding us to stay rooted in truth, live with integrity, and pursue godliness in a world full of distractions. And of course, which verse is at the heart of the story.

  14. 14

    2 Thessalonians: Second Letter, Same Energy

    Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians comes with some tough love and serious encouragement. He clears up confusion about Jesus’ return, warns against idleness, and urges believers to keep the faith when life gets heavy. In this episode, we’ll see if the chosen verse truly captures the urgency and endurance packed into this short but fiery sequel.

  15. 13

    1 Thessalonians: From Paul, With Love

    In this episode of Verse Verdict, we’re unpacking Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. It’s a short book filled with encouragement, hope, and direction—but which verse rises above the rest as the most important? Join me as we dig into the letter, weigh the themes, and search for the single verse that best captures the heart of First Thessalonians.

  16. 12

    Colossians: Heaven-Minded, Earth-Strong

    Colossians is all about perspective—where our eyes are fixed, where our lives are rooted, and who we’re truly living for. In this episode of The Verse Verdict, we explore how Paul’s letter shifts us from the ordinary grind to an extraordinary calling. It’s a reminder that our identity isn’t in what we do, but in who holds us together. Join us as we unpack the heart of Colossians and see how this letter calls us higher, deeper, and freer in Christ.

  17. 11

    Philippians: Shine Like Stars

    Paul wrote Philippians from prison, but you’d never guess it from the joy that leaps off every page. In this episode, we dig into the letter that’s basically a masterclass on choosing joy, living humbly, and finding peace no matter the circumstance. We’ll unpack key verses and weigh whether Paul’s message of joy and unity still hits as the heartbeat of Philippians.

  18. 10

    Ephesians: Suit Up, It’s Armor Time

    Ephesians is basically Paul’s hype letter to the church—equal parts pep talk, reality check, and style guide for your soul. In this episode of The Verse Verdict, we dig into the book’s big themes: the outrageous grace that brings us from death to life, the unshakable identity we have in Christ, and, yes, the spiritual armor that turns you into a faith-fueled warrior. We’ll break it all down with our signature verdict process to uncover the heart of Ephesians and what it means to walk worthy in your everyday life—whether you’re in sneakers or sandals.

  19. 9

    Galatians: Bye, Legalism. Hello, Freedom.

    Faith isn’t meant to feel like detention with an endless list of rules—and Paul makes that crystal clear in Galatians. In this episode of The Verse Verdict, we crack open the letter, sift through its pages, and put our verdict process to work to find the verse that captures its heartbeat. Along the way, we’ll talk about why people-pleasing keeps you stuck, what it means to be God’s heir, and how to live free when Jesus has already unlocked the chains.

  20. 8

    2 Corinthians: Weak is the New Strong

    This week on The Verse Verdict, we’re diving into 2 Corinthians—a letter full of raw emotion, brutal honesty, and a whole lot of hope. Paul gets real about his suffering, but flips the script: weakness isn’t a flaw, it’s a feature. We break down the chosen verse and explore how God's power shows up not when we have it all together, but when we absolutely don’t. If you’ve ever felt like a hot mess with a purpose—this one's for you.

  21. 7

    1 Corinthians: Church Chaos & Tough Love

    What happens when a church starts looking more like a reality show than a reflection of Christ? In this episode, we dive into 1 Corinthians—Paul’s no-nonsense letter to a messy, divided church full of pride, cliques, and chaos. From spiritual gifts to love that actually means something, we unpack the key themes and the verse that might just sum it all up.

  22. 6

    Romans: Unashamed, Unshaken, Unstoppable

    In this episode of The Verse Verdict, we’re diving into the book of Romans—aka Paul’s longest letter and maybe his most iconic. Think of it as the ultimate Christian manifesto: packed with deep theology, bold truth, and an unfiltered look at grace, faith, sin, and salvation. Whether you're new to Romans or just need a refresh, we're breaking down how this letter lays the foundation for everything we believe—and why it still hits hard today.

  23. 5

    Acts: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Power

    In this episode of The Verse Verdict, we dive into Acts- and the moment everything changed. A bunch of ordinary, unsure people are suddenly filled with unstoppable boldness—and the church goes global. How did fishermen, tax collectors, and former doubters become world-changers? One word: power. Not their own, but the Holy Spirit’s. Let’s talk about how Acts proves God loves using the unexpected—and how that includes you.

  24. 4

    John: Jesus in the Flesh (Literally)

    In this episode, we unpack John—aka the moment God said, “I’m not watching from a distance.” Why did Jesus show up in human form, and what does that mean for us now? Is this the most iconic verse in John? Let’s talk incarnation, glory, and how this verse flips the whole story of God on its head.

  25. 3

    Luke: The Plot Twist Gospel

    In this episode, we unpack Luke —and explore how this verse captures Luke’s vision of Jesus as the Savior for the poor, the broken, and the outcast. What does it mean to bring good news to the marginalized? And is this really the key verse in Luke? Join me as we dig into themes of compassion, reversal, and hope.

  26. 2

    Mark: The Gospel of Action

    In this episode, we unpack Mark —and explore how this one verse captures the heartbeat of Mark’s fast-paced Gospel. What does it really mean that Jesus came to serve and give His life? And is this verse the most important one in the book of Mark? Join me as we dig into the theme of servanthood, urgency, and why Mark might just be the most action-packed Gospel of them all.

  27. 1

    Matthew: Who Do You Say He Is?

    In this episode, we kick off the New Testament with the book of Matthew. Why does this question—“Who do you say I am?”—matter so much? We’ll explore how this moment captures the heart of Jesus’ identity, whether we think it’s the best verse to represent Matthew, and how it still challenges us today.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Dive deep with us as we journey through the New Testament one verse at a time, inspired by God’s Story in 66 Verses by Stan Guthrie. Each episode focuses on a single verse to explore whether it truly captures the heart of God’s story. Expect thoughtful conversations, fresh insights, and a bit of friendly debate as we put these verses to the test.Andy Langdon is Director of NextGen Ministries at Living Word UMC in Wildwood, MO. Olivia Dolan is a college student at the University of Missouri - Columbia, studying Journalism - Strategic Communication and interning this summer with Living Word.

HOSTED BY

Andy Langdon

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