Bible for Newbies

This episode wraps up a Psalms series by showing how the book of Psalms is not a random collection of 150 songs, but an intentionally arranged whole with a clear movement and story. Russ uses David Crowder concept albums as a creative lens to explain how the Psalter moves from wisdom and kingship through crisis and then into sustained praise. Inside the episode: Russ frames the book of Psalms like...

This episode looks at one of the Bible’s most unsettling prayers, Psalm 137, and why it matters for anyone who has ever felt deep betrayal, rage, or the urge to get even. Russ walks through the psalm’s historical background, explains what imprecatory psalms are, and shows how Romans 12 and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 reshape how anger and forgiveness work together. In this episode, Russ explores...

Russ shares how a devotional reading unexpectedly echoed his recent episode on pilgrimage psalms and became a personal reminder about the value of God’s presence. This short solo reflection connects Psalm language with Hebrews 10 and invites listeners to move from self-reliance to waiting on the Lord. In this episode, Russ explains how his devotional, The Daily Light , lined up with his recent tea...

These show notes cover a solo teaching episode with Russ. He explains what a biblical pilgrimage is, why Psalm 84 matters, and how Psalms 120 through 134 form the Song of Ascents. The main takeaway is simple and practical: faith is often a journey, and these psalms give language for the road. Inside the episode: In this episode, Russ opens with a personal story about a life-changing trip to China...

This episode explains how the royal psalms first made sense in the context of Israel’s kings, then take on fuller meaning when read through Jesus. Russ uses the image of mountains in Bozeman to show how later revelation helps us see what was there all along in Scripture. We discuss Psalm 2, Psalm 72, and Psalm 110 as three key royal psalms, then close with a reading challenge from Psalm 89. Along...

This episode explores the difference between head knowledge and true relationship with God through the Greek word epignosis . Russ uses several New Testament passages to show that Bible reading is meant to lead to deeper encounter, not just more information. He also shares personal stories from a small group conversation, a college church service, Glacier Bible Camp, and his own devotional time to...

Russ walks through wisdom psalms as a distinct category in the book of Psalms, showing how they teach the way of the Lord that leads to life. He focuses on Psalm 1 and Psalm 73 to explore how choices become patterns, patterns become paths, and why the presence of God matters more than the appearance of success. Inside the episode: In this episode, Russ introduces wisdom psalms as poems that teach...

Russ explains what biblical trust really means by walking through Psalm 46 and comparing it with other trust psalms like Psalm 23, Psalm 27, Psalm 62, and Psalm 121. He uses the story of moving to Bozeman and living with his blind aunt Esther to show that trust is not pretending danger is unreal, but knowing where refuge is when life feels unstable. Inside the episode: In this episode: what “Psalm...

Russ ties Labor Day to the Bible’s bigger picture of work and rest, then reads Psalm 92 as a Sabbath psalm for reflection. It’s a short, devotional episode that moves from holiday trivia into a simple reminder: God made people for both labor and rest. Inside the episode In this episode, Russ opens with Labor Day traditions and trivia, including the old custom of putting away white clothes and stra...

Russ continues his Psalms series by unpacking what a Thanksgiving Psalm really is, using Psalm 116 as the main example. He shows how gratitude in the Psalms is never just a feeling - it becomes a testimony about what God did in a real crisis, and why remembering that story matters for faith today. He also shares a personal story about his healing and tells the surprising path of Psalm 116’s words...

This episode explores Lament Psalms and why they matter when prayer feels hard, grief is unresolved, or God seems silent. Russ explains how lament is not complaining about God to others, but bringing pain, questions, and honesty directly to God. He walks through Psalm 13 as a clear model for lament, then shows how Psalm 88 proves lament does not always end in praise, and Psalm 22 connects the lang...

In this episode, Russ introduces the praise psalms by walking through Psalm 103 and showing how Hebrew words like halal, barak, and yada shape what praise and worship really mean. He explains why biblical praise is more than repetition, how it grows out of remembering God’s character and actions, and why worship is bigger than music. Russ also gives a simple reading challenge with Psalm 145 so lis...

This episode kicks off a new series on the Psalms and explains why they matter for reading, praying, and living with Scripture. Russ shows how the Psalms work as ancient songs and Hebrew poetry, and why that changes the way we understand emotional, honest prayer. We discuss how the Psalms use parallelism, metaphor, repetition, and even acrostic structure to communicate truth and emotion. Russ also...

This episode explains why the phrase "an eye for an eye" in the Bible is not a license for revenge, but a principle of proportional justice. Russ walks through Exodus 21, ancient legal ideas like lex talionis, and Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5 to show the difference between justice, revenge, and forgiveness. He also shares a personal story about handling vandalism and choosing both accountability a...

This episode closes the series by arguing that Jesus’ resurrection is the center of Christianity, not an added bonus. Russ walks through the empty tomb, early eyewitness testimony, and Paul’s first-century summary in 1 Corinthians 15 to show why the resurrection matters historically and spiritually. He also explains what changes if Jesus really rose from the dead: his claims are vindicated, death...

Russ walks through the meaning of Jesus' death by tracing it back to Passover, the new covenant, and the rescue story of Exodus. He explains how the Last Supper and the cross are connected, and why Jesus' death is presented not as defeat but as God’s rescue from sin, death, and the fear of dying. In this episode: Russ introduces the latest installment in his Meeting Jesus series and frames Jesus a...

This episode explores why Jesus performed miracles in the Gospels and what those miracles are meant to reveal. Russ walks through stories like the feeding of the 5,000, the wedding at Cana, the healing of the leper, the raising of Lazarus, and the man born blind to show that the miracles are not just displays of power - they are signs. The main takeaway is simple: Jesus' miracles reveal who he is,...

In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ explores the significance of Jesus as a rabbi and what it truly means to follow Him. He breaks down the rabbi-disciple relationship, emphasizing that faith in Jesus is about becoming like Him, not just believing in Him. Discover how Jesus redefined the role of a rabbi and what it looks like to walk closely with Him today. Inside the episode: The role of a...

In this episode, we explore the complex and often misunderstood concept of the Messiah as revealed in the Gospels. We'll look at the three overlapping portraits of the Messiah from the Old Testament, how Jesus fulfilled all of them, and why first-century expectations didn't match his true identity. Whether you're new to the faith or want a clearer picture of who Jesus is, this discussion will deep...

Russ Michaels from Bible for Newbies shares an update on his busy week, explaining why this episode is a brief check-in instead of a full recording. He offers a sneak peek into his upcoming series on meeting Jesus, covering key topics about the Messiah, Jesus as a rabbi, miracles, the cross, and resurrection.

Discover what Jesus really meant when he spoke of the Kingdom of God, and how it continues to shape our lives today. This episode explores the biblical concept of God's reign, its already and not yet reality, and what living under Jesus’ kingship looks like. Inside the episode: The significance of the Kingdom of God in Jesus’ ministry and teachings Common misconceptions: Kingdom vs. Church vs. Hea...

Discover how the Gospel of John uniquely portrays Jesus as the Son of God, connecting biblical themes with intentional storytelling. This episode offers practical insights on how to read and interpret John's gospel, emphasizing its theological richness and literary design. Inside the episode: The purpose and big idea of the Gospel of John The different portraits of Jesus in the four Gospels How Jo...

In this episode of Bible for Newbies , Russ explores the misunderstood story of Thomas, challenging the traditional view of him as simply the "doubting disciple." Discover how Thomas’s journey from doubt to declaration reveals that honest questions are welcomed by Jesus and can lead to profound faith and mission. Inside the episode: The origin of the phrase "doubting Thomas" and what the Bible act...

In this episode, Russ explores Luke’s portrayal of Jesus reaching out to society’s outcast, from shepherds and Mary to Zacchaeus and the criminal on the cross. Learn how Luke’s focus on outsiders underscores Jesus’ mission to seek and save what was lost, and how this message applies to today’s world. Inside the episode: The significance of Luke’s emphasis on outsiders in Jesus’ ministry Biblical e...

In this episode, we explore why many in Jesus' time, and today, misunderstand His true identity. Discover how Mark's fast-paced narrative reveals a Jesus often seen through flawed expectations, and learn why meeting the real Jesus can transform your perspective forever. Main Topics: The aggressive, fast-paced style of the Gospel of Mark and its emphasis on immediacy Why everyone misunderstood Jesu...