This is M: the podcast

This week we are looking at Jonah again. This time we are using the Literary-Theological Method. We don't just ask what is the story saying or what's the lesson. We are asking "Why is it written like this?"

We are embarking on a 5 episode series where we will use the Book of Jonah to learn 5 different Bible study methods. Today's episode is the inductive method. 

We don't have difficulty with scripture because we can't understand it. We have difficulty because we are going too fast. Today, we discuss the art of reading scripture with intent and how paying attention to the words makes a difference. 

You cannot understand the entire gospel message if you leave out the Old Testament. You will misrepresent the identity of Jesus Christ, the gospels will lose their depth, and scripture will lose it unity.

In this episode we learn that each Gospel has a distinct author with a specific focus, audience and perspective. We learn how appreciating this can give us a richer story of Jesus Christ as Messiah.

In this episode we explore the Interpretive Journey method from Duvall and Hays' book Grasping God's Word. We will be learning a process that helps us to read scripture by understanding the culture of it's original audience before attempting to live it out in ours.

We cannot fully understand Scripture until we step into the world where it was first heard. Here in Part 2 of Context and Why It Matters we discuss how context is the map that shows us not only where we are going but where we have been and that context acts as a shield to protect us from spiritual error.

We cannot fully understand scripture until we step into the world where it was first heard. So, first we listen to scripture in their world then we lean how to live it in ours. In Part 1 of this episode M explains the context of the early church and some of the differences between our modern culture and theirs and why it matters.

In this episode we continue the discussion on how to study the Bible without feeling overwhelmed. In part 2, we focus more on techniques and tools rather than the why. If you missed part 1 you can find it by following the link included.

For many believers, opening the Bible can feel intimidating — full of pressure, expectations, and the quiet fear of getting it wrong. In this episode, we slow everything down and talk about how to approach Scripture without anxiety or performance.What if studying the Bible isn’t about mastering information, but learning how to listen? What if faithfulness isn’t measured by how much you read, but by your willingness to return?Together, we explore practical ways to read smaller, slower, and with context — so Scripture becomes less overwhelming and more formative. This conversation is for anyone who wants to grow in discipleship while opening the Word with confidence and grace.Because the goal isn’t to conquer the Bible.It’s to be shaped by it.

M is coming back for a new season of study. In this episode she shares a little bit about her story, her vision and what’s to come.

What if the way we approach Scripture changes what we’re able to see?In this episode, we explore the difference between treating the Bible like a mirror that reflects back to us what is expected and already there or a window that invites us to look, listen, and understand. Today, I'll tell you a story of how posture shapes discipleship more than perfect answers ever could.Because growth isn't about confirming what we already think, but about learning how to see differently.

After a season away, This is M returns with renewed purpose — helping believers grow in discipleship by learning how to study the Bible with confidence, clarity, and grace. New episodes begin early 2026.