The Bible in Small Steps

Matthew 5 - Be Happy and Fortunate Today, I’m delving deep into Matthew 5, a critical Bible chapter often cited for the Beatitudes. This chapter lays out the framework for our conduct as Christians, presenting a direct counter-narrative to the approach taken by the Pharisees and Scribes of Jesus’ time. Jesus, in his sermon, instructs us to be ‘salt’ and ‘light,’ valuable and radiant, not to hide t...

Matthew 4 - Jesus Overcomes Temptation In this episode, I want to dive into Matthew Chapter 4 from the Bible. We’ll explore the three temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness and how He used scripture to resist them. The devil uses scripture to create temptation, but Jesus shows us how to overcome it by also using scripture. Jesus understands temptation, having lived through hunger, poverty,...

Matthew 3 - Jesus the Baptized In this episode, we explore the significant role of John the Baptist in Matthew Chapter 3. John serves as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament, concluding the Old Testament and ushering in the New Testament through his ministry. John’s message centers around his baptism of repentance and his preaching about the coming of the kingdom of heaven. His...

Matthew 2 - Faithful Joseph In this chapter, Jesus’ genealogy is traced back to Abraham and David from the side of his adopted father, Joseph. The circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth are then described. Mary and Joseph were betrothed, which was similar to being engaged. In their culture, this was a serious commitment that was not taken lightly. They had probably exchanged vows, but the marriage...

Matthew 1 - Special From the Beginning In this first episode of The Bible in Small Steps, we kick things off with a chapter many skip—Matthew 1. It might feel like a tedious list of “begats,” but it’s actually a foundational piece of the Gospel story. We explore why this genealogy matters, especially to a Jewish audience, and what it says about God’s plan, promises, and priorities. The Importance...

1 Timothy 5 - Respect for Our Elders In this episode, we explore the rich wisdom of 1 Timothy 5 and what it means for how we care for one another in the church today. From respecting our elders to supporting widows and holding leaders accountable, Paul lays out a practical and compassionate blueprint for church life. These aren't outdated rules—they're timely reminders for how we live in community...

1 Timothy 4 - Train Your Faith Like a Muscle In this episode, we walk through 1 Timothy 4 and uncover the challenges facing the early church and the relevance of Paul’s message for us today. This chapter isn’t just about ancient heresies or pastoral advice—it’s a blueprint for building spiritual strength in a world full of distractions and misinformation. False Teachings and Spiritual Danger: We l...

1 Timothy 3 - Church Leadership Matters In this episode, we’re diving into 1 Timothy 3 to explore what it truly means to be a godly leader. Whether you're a pastor, a deacon, or someone serving faithfully in your church, this chapter lays out clear and timeless qualifications for leadership. Jill unpacks the expectations Paul outlines, explains why they matter, and reflects on how these teachings...

1 Timothy 2 - Supplication, Intercession, and Thanksgiving This episode explores 1 Timothy 2, a chapter that calls believers to a life of prayer, godliness, and respectful order within the church. The text outlines the importance of intercession for leaders and the structure God has established for men and women in spiritual settings. It also addresses one of the most debated topics in the New Tes...

1 Timothy 1 - Still Speaks To The Church Today I n this episode, we kick off the book of 1 Timothy and explore the first chapter—a personal and powerful letter from Paul to a young church leader. We learn what it means to stand strong in the face of false teaching, how the law functions in our spiritual lives, and why Paul’s personal transformation matters so much for all of us. This message is fo...

2 Thessalonians 3 - The Power of Endurance In this episode, we wrap up the book of 2 Thessalonians with Paul’s final instructions on faith, work, and endurance. Paul’s words offer wisdom for anyone seeking to live a responsible and faithful life. We discuss why prayer is essential, the importance of hard work, and why we should avoid idleness and unnecessary distractions. We also explore how to lo...

2 Thessalonians 2 – Lawlessness and the Victory of Christ In today’s episode, we explore 2 Thessalonians 2, where Paul addresses concerns about the second coming of Christ. Many in Thessalonica feared they had missed the return of Jesus, but Paul reassures them: before Christ returns, certain events—like the great rebellion and the rise of the Antichrist—must occur. He also speaks about a mysterio...

2 Thessalonians 1: The Coming Judgment In this episode, we explore 2 Thessalonians 1, a chapter filled with encouragement, justice, and hope. Paul reassures believers that their suffering is seen by God and that justice will come in His perfect timing. He paints a striking picture of Christ’s return, where the faithful will be glorified and those who rejected God will face judgment. Join us as we...

1 Thessalonians 5 - Living as Children of Light In this episode, we explore 1 Thessalonians 5 and its powerful message about being spiritually awake, living as children of light, and preparing for the Day of the Lord. Paul provides practical advice on staying strong in faith, encouraging others, and maintaining an attitude of gratitude. Join us as we break down these essential lessons and discuss...

1 Thessalonians 4 - Living a Life That Pleases God In this episode, we explore 1 Thessalonians 4, where Paul teaches believers how to live in a way that honors God. We break down his key instructions—pursuing holiness, loving others, leading a quiet life, and trusting in the hope of Christ’s return. These timeless lessons guide us in our daily walk of faith, encouraging us to focus on what truly m...

1 Thessalonians 3 - Strength in Times of Affliction In this episode, we explore 1 Thessalonians 3, where Paul expresses his deep concern for the young church in Thessalonica. Facing persecution, they could have easily wavered, but instead, they stood strong in faith. Paul, unable to visit them, sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen them. We discuss the power of encouragement, the challenges of...

1 Thessalonians 2 - A Ministry of Integrity In this episode, we explore 1 Thessalonians 2 and Paul’s heartfelt message to the Thessalonian church. Paul defends his ministry, not out of pride but to assure the believers of his sincerity. He reminds them (and us) that faithfulness to God requires integrity, perseverance, and selfless leadership. We discuss what it means to serve with pure motives, e...

1 Thessalonians 1 – Bold Witnesses In this episode, we explore 1 Thessalonians 1 and how a small group of new believers transformed an entire region despite facing intense persecution. Paul wrote this letter to encourage and praise them for their unwavering faith, love, and hope. We’ll discuss the strategic location of Thessalonica, the cultural challenges these early Christians faced, and how the...

Colossians 4 – A Call to Graciousness In this episode, we explore Colossians 4, the final chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Paul’s parting words remind us of the importance of gracious speech, devoted prayer, and strong Christian community. We’ll discuss how to apply these principles to our daily lives, ensuring that our words, actions, and relationships reflect Christ’s love. If you’ve...

Colossians 3 - Walking in the New Self In this episode, we break down Colossians 3 and its powerful call to transformation. Paul urges believers to focus on heavenly things, abandon sinful habits, and embrace a life filled with love, humility, and service. He also provides guidance on relationships, work ethic, and living a life that truly honors Christ. Setting Our Minds on Things Above Paul begi...

Colossians 2 – Guarding Faith Against Deception In this episode, we break down Colossians 2, where Paul warns the early church about deceptive philosophies, legalism, and false spiritual practices. We’ll discuss how human traditions and mystical beliefs can lead believers astray and why Christ alone is sufficient for salvation. This chapter is a powerful reminder to stay rooted in faith and not be...

Colossians 1: Hold Steadfast in Christ In today’s episode, we explore the first chapter of Colossians, a letter written by Paul to encourage the believers in Colossae. This passage is rich with wisdom about Christ’s supremacy, spiritual maturity, and the importance of standing firm in faith. We discuss the historical context, Paul’s encouragement to the church, and the practical applications for m...

Philippians 4 - The Power of Rejoicing In today’s episode, we explore Philippians 4, one of the most encouraging chapters in the Bible. Paul, writing from prison, reminds us that joy in the Lord is not dependent on our circumstances. He urges believers to stand firm in faith, resolve conflicts with love, pray instead of worrying, and focus on what is good. This powerful message teaches us how to c...

Philippians 3 - Keep Your Eyes on the Prize In this episode, we explore Philippians 3 and Paul’s powerful message about perseverance, joy, and faith. Paul encourages believers to focus on Christ, rather than their past mistakes or worldly distractions. We discuss what it means to rejoice in all circumstances, rely on Christ instead of our own efforts, and press forward toward our heavenly goal.htt...

Philippians 2 - The Power of Humility In today’s episode, we explore Philippians 2, where the Apostle Paul presents one of the most profound teachings on humility. He urges believers to reject selfish ambition, embrace unity, and follow the example of Jesus Christ—who, despite being fully God, chose to humble Himself as a servant. We discuss what it truly means to “empty yourself,” how obedience p...