Bible Geeks Podcast

277 | Invest in the Kingdom With Joanna Ever wonder how thirteen guys without jobs traveled around for three years without starving? We’re diving into the "shadow cabinet" of Jesus’ ministry to meet Joanna, the wife of Herod’s own household manager. It’s a story of "The Spy Who Funded Me," where we see God’s brilliant irony at work — using Herod’s resources to sustain the very Gospel he tried to suppress. But as we’ll see, Joanna wasn’t just a distant donor. She was a devoted disciple who stood by the cross and was among the first at the empty tomb. Let’s explore what it looks like to leverage our status for the Savior and find our true identity in following Him. The Big Idea: Joanna’s story reveals how God uses even the most unlikely political and financial connections to sustain and advance the work of the gospel. This Week's Challenge: Identify and reach out to an "unseen MVP" in your community whose behind-the-scenes service makes the mission possible. Show Notes Watch Episode 277 (VIDEO) Vote in the Bible Bracket (LINK) Joanna and the Supporting Women (PASSAGE) Joanna at the Empty Tomb (PASSAGE) Women at the Crucifixion (PASSAGE) Plainfield Ponderings: Women in 1 Timothy (PODCAST) Support the Show

276 | Encounter the God Who Truly Sees Ever felt like a background character in your own life, reduced to a role or pushed to the edges by someone else’s choices? This week, we’re looking at Hagar — the servant and foreigner who was treated like a shortcut but became the first person in the Bible to encounter the "Angel of the Lord". We explore how God calls us by name when others only see our status, and what it means that He "sees to provide" even in our driest wilderness seasons. From the meaning of Ishmael ("God hears") to the comfort of El Roi ("the God who sees"), we’re finding hope in the truth that God isn't just watching us — He’s looking after us. The Big Idea: The God who saw Hagar in the wilderness sees and hears us in our wilderness seasons. This Week's Challenge: Sing “I Am His Child” (link) and enjoy the assurance of his presence. Show Notes Watch Episode 276 (VIDEO) Vote in the Bible Bracket (LINK) Hagar’s First Wilderness Encounter (PASSAGE) Hagar and the Well of Life (PASSAGE) The God Who Searches and Knows (PASSAGE) Emmanuel: God With Us (PASSAGE) I Am His Child (SONG) Support the Show  

275 | Reclaim the Valor of Proverbs 31 We're coming to on location (and a little disoriented) from the Pondering Studio in Plainfield, Indiana! Ever felt like Proverbs 31 was just a crushing checklist of impossible standards? We’re reclaiming that famous passage and looking at the "valiant warrior" heart behind the "excellent wife" persona. We also dive into the high-stakes drama of Exodus 1-2, where God used a bunch of courageous daughters to totally flip the script on Pharaoh’s murderous plot. Since when does a tyrant get outmaneuvered by a few midwives and a baby in a basket? Join us as we celebrate how daily diligence and quiet strength are actually God’s chosen weapons. The Big Idea: Scripture celebrates “women of valor” whose daily diligence and quiet strength become God’s chosen weapons to transform their communities. This Week's Challenge: Find a way to honor a woman in your life that reminds you of the Proverbs 31 woman. Show Notes Watch Episode 275 (VIDEO) Ryan’s Sermon “Woman of Valor” (SERMON) Ryan’s Sermon “Providence & Parenting” (SERMON) Vote in the Bible Bracket (LINK) The Valiant Woman (PASSAGE) God's Deliverance Through Daughters (PASSAGE) Plainfield Ponderings: Women in 1 Timothy (PODCAST) Support the Show

274 | Draft Your Favorite Bible Women Voting is officially open! Before you cast your ballots in the Favorite Bible Women Bible Bracket, we're' wrapping up our draft with the final two regions. In Part 2, we tackle the "Friends and Followers" (the devoted inner circle of the early church) and the "Nameless Notables" (the anonymous women whose faith left a permanent mark on Scripture). We debate whether Mary Magdalene or Mary of Bethany deserves the overall #1 seed, and we marvel at how many of our most frequently preached sermons feature women whose names we don't even know. We finalize the bracket, share a few honorable mentions who almost made the cut (sorry, Gomer and Mary of Clopas!), and invite you to join the fun. The Big Idea: The stories of biblical women — from famous matriarchs to unnamed women of valor — are foundational examples of courage, leadership, and faith that still shape us today. This Week's Challenge: Pick one woman from the bracket whose story you aren't familiar with and read about her this week. Show Notes Watch Episode 274 (VIDEO) Vote in the Tournament: Bible Bracket: Women of Faith Mary Magdalene at the Empty Tomb (PASSAGE) Mary of Bethany Chooses the Better Part (PASSAGE) Martha's Confession of Faith (PASSAGE) The Woman at the Well (PASSAGE) The Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus (PASSAGE) The Widow's Two Mites (PASSAGE) Support the Show  

273 | Draft Your Favorite Bible Women Happy Anniversary to us! We’re kicking off Year Eight of the Bible Geeks podcast with March Bracketology. This year’s 64-seed bracket honors our Favorite Bible Women. Before official voting opens on March 12th, we're drafting our ultimate squads. In Part 1, we tackle the "Women of Valor" (brave tacticians like Rahab and Abigail) and the "Matriarchs and Leaders" (foundational voices like Mary and Esther — and don't worry, we didn't pit sisters Rachel and Leah against each other!). We debate the seeding and challenge you to read up on a biblical woman you aren't familiar with this week! The Big Idea: The stories of biblical women — from famous matriarchs to unnamed women of valor — are foundational examples of courage, leadership, and faith that still shape us today. This Week's Challenge: Pick one woman from the bracket whose story you aren't familiar with and read about her this week. Show Notes Watch Episode 273 (VIDEO) Vote in the Tournament: Bible Bracket: Favorite Bible Women (Voting begins March 12, 2026!) Rahab the Courgaeous (PASSAGE) Abigail's Wisdom (PASSAGE) Deborah the Judge (PASSAGE) Mary, Mother of Jesus (PASSAGE) Queen Esther (PASSAGE) Sarah and the Promise (PASSAGE) Support the Show

272 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 8 of The Chosen It’s time to roll out the red carpet! In the grand finale of our Winter Watch Party, we’re wrapping up The Chosen Season 2 with the ultimate season review. Before Jesus steps up to deliver the greatest sermon ever preached, we dive into the art of His sermon prep. Did Jesus use His disciples as thinking partners? How did He perfectly balance the hard, abrasive truths with profound comfort? Next, we put our Bible Geek knowledge to the test with a rapid-fire trivia challenge all about the newly completed roster of the 12 Disciples. Finally, we hand out the prestigious Golden Sandal Awards! We're celebrating our favorite newly appreciated characters, crowning our Best Supporting Actors, and sharing the "I'm Not Crying, You're Crying" moments that absolutely wrecked us. Grab your golden spreadsheet (we're looking at you, Matthew) and join us as we close out the season and look ahead to March's upcoming Bible Bracket! The Big Idea: How we listen to Jesus determines how we follow him. Show Notes Watch Episode 272 (VIDEO) The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 8 - "Beyond Mountains" (VIDEO) The Sermon on the Mount (PASSAGE) Jesus Calls the Twelve Apostles (PASSAGE) Nathanael Under the Fig Tree (PASSAGE) Philip Asks to See the Father (PASSAGE) Judas and the Moneybag (PASSAGE) Support the Show  

271 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 7 of The Chosen Dun dun! In the criminal justice system of first-century Israel, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups: the Romans who enforce the laws, and the disciples who accidentally break them. These are their stories. Welcome back to the Winter Watch Party! In this episode, we’re opening the case file on The Chosen Season 2, Episode 7 ("The Reckoning"). The show turns into a full-blown police procedural when Jesus and the disciples are detained by Roman authorities. We review the "suspect lineup" to see who cracks under the pressure. Peter is spiraling, Andrew is ready to start a riot, but Matthew and Mary step up to keep the crew level-headed. We also break down the surprisingly complex Roman characters (shoutout to Atticus and Quintus) playing good cop/bad cop with a perfectly calm Jesus. Finally, we look at how Jesus prepares the Beatitudes amidst the chaos, ending with the ultimate mic drop: teaching His stressed-out followers the Lord's Prayer. The Big Idea: Peace isn't the absence of conflict; it's the presence of Jesus in the middle of the interrogation room. Show Notes Watch Episode 271 (VIDEO) The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 7 - "The Reckoning" (VIDEO) The Lord's Prayer (PASSAGE) The Beatitudes (PASSAGE) Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray (PASSAGE) Support the Show

270 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 6 of The ChosenSwap out the HR cardigans for your favorite professorial Letterman sweater (or just stay in your sweatpants) — we're diving into some heavy theology! In this installment of the Winter Watch Party, we're breaking down The Chosen Season 2, Episode 6, where two massive themes collide head-on: God's law and God's grace. Ryan puts Bryan in the "Hot Seat" to untangle a messy question about ethics: what's the difference between just doing whatever feels right in the moment and actually discerning God's will? We're talking King David eating the forbidden showbread, Jesus healing on the Sabbath, and the ancient rabbinic throwdown between the schools of Shammai and Hillel. (Yep, we went full Bible Geek on this one!) But it's not all high-level debates. We also get real about Mary Magdalene’s emotional return to the camp and tackle a tough "Reach Out" question: Why is grace so hard to accept? Spoiler alert: learning to dish out a little more grace to the people around us might just be the secret to finally accepting it for ourselves.The Big Idea: Following Jesus means learning how to discern rightly — and learning how to live forgiven when we fall.Show NotesWatch Episode 270 (VIDEO)The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 6 (VIDEO)David Eats the Showbread (PASSAGE)Lord of the Sabbath / Plucking Grain (PASSAGE)The Two Great Commandments (PASSAGE)I Desire Mercy, and Not Sacrifice (PASSAGE)Houses of Hillel and Shammai (ARTICLE)Support the Show

269 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 5 of The ChosenThe wheels have officially fallen off the bus. In this episode of our Winter Watch Party, we break down The Chosen Season 2, Episode 5 ("Spirit"). It’s a "spiritual thriller" full of chaos: a demon-possessed man terrorizing the camp, Roman spies in the bushes, and John the Baptist causing a PR nightmare. We put on our cardigans to act as the "HR Department for Galilee," reviewing the incident reports — from John's "scorched earth" policy to Mary Magdalene's heartbreaking relapse. We discuss the realism of backsliding, the terror of the demonic, and the powerful moment Jesus delegates the rescue mission to Peter and Matthew — forcing enemies to become partners in grace. Finally, we challenge you to be the one who makes the call to bring someone back to the Lord.The Big Idea: When a believer falls, our job isn't to judge the failure — it's to go into the dark and find them.Show NotesWatch Episode 269 (VIDEO)The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 5 - "Spirit" (VIDEO)John the Baptist's "Brood of Vipers" Speech (PASSAGE)Jesus on John the Baptist (PASSAGE)The Return of an Unclean Spirit (PASSAGE)Sending Them Out Two by Two (PASSAGE)Where Can I Flee From Your Spirit? (PASSAGE)Support the Show

268 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 4 of The ChosenDoes God want to heal you, or do you want to be healed? In this episode of our Winter Watch Party, we explore The Chosen Season 2, Episode 4 ("The Perfect Opportunity"), where Jesus asks a paralytic who's been waiting 38 years for a miracle one of the strangest questions in the gospels: "Do you want to be healed?" We start with a "Bible Fact Check" to see what’s fact (the pool of Bethesda, 38 years) and what’s fiction (Simon the Zealot’s brother, the name Jesse). Then, we dive into four profound questions Jesus asks in the Gospel of John — questions designed not to gather information, but to act as a mirror for our souls. Finally, we challenge you to pick one of these questions to sit with this week as if Jesus were asking you directly.The Big Idea: Jesus doesn't ask questions to get answers; He asks them to act as mirrors that reveal our true desires and awaken our faith.Show NotesWatch Episode 268 (VIDEO)The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 4 - "The Perfect Opportunity" (VIDEO)The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (PASSAGE)Jesus Asks: "What Are You Seeking?" (PASSAGE)Jesus Asks: "Do You Believe This?" (PASSAGE)Jesus Asks: "Do You Not Know Me?" (PASSAGE)The Zealots (ARTICLE)Support the Show

267 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 3 of The ChosenGrab a marshmallow and pull up a log — it's time for The Breakfast Club with swords and sandals. In this episode of our Winter Watch Party, we break down The Chosen Season 2, Episode 3 ("Matthew 4:24"). It’s a classic "bottle episode," meaning no set changes, no travel montages, and 100% character development as the disciples sit around a campfire waiting for Jesus. We play a game of "Bad Teams," debating who would be the worst pair to build IKEA furniture (looking at you, Peter and Matthew) or run a three-legged race. But amidst the bickering, we explore the hard work of unity — realizing that unity isn't about "sameness," but about choosing to love despite our different files on each other. Finally, we look at the creative choice to show an exhausted Jesus, reminding us that He "emptied Himself" for us — and that it’s okay to need a nap.The Big Idea: Jesus didn't just take on a human body, he took on human limitations — proving that exhaustion isn't a sin and needing rest is part of being human.This Week's Challenge: The "Nap Challenge" — If Jesus needed help taking off his sandals after a long day of ministry, you’re allowed to stop. Find one moment this week to admit you are at your limit and simply rest.Show NotesWatch Episode 267 (VIDEO)The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 3 - "Matthew 4:24" (VIDEO)Healed by Jesus (PASSAGE)Maintaining the Unity of the Spirit (PASSAGE)He Emptied Himself (PASSAGE)He Gives His Beloved Sleep (PASSAGE)Support the Show

266 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 2 of The ChosenWhen was the last time you felt truly seen? In this episode of our Winter Watch Party, we explore Season 2, Episode 2 of The Chosen, where we meet Nathanael — a man feeling completely unseen until Jesus meets him with three simple words: "I saw you." We dive into the subplots, including Matthew and Mary’s struggle to catch up on their Torah learning and Peter’s jockeying for leadership. But the heart of this discussion is evangelism. We break down how Philip’s simple invitation — "Come and see" — might be the best model for sharing Jesus in the entire Bible. Plus, we play a game of "Three Degrees to Jesus" to trace who connected us to the Lord (spoiler: it usually starts with a grandma or a friend at a KFC table).The Big Idea: We don't need a theology degree to share our faith — just a simple invitation to "Come and see."Show NotesWatch Episode 266 (VIDEO)The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 2 - "I Saw You" (VIDEO)Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael (PASSAGE)Jacob’s Ladder (PASSAGE)Behold the Lamb of God (PASSAGE)Mary Listening at Jesus' Feet (PASSAGE)Come and See (PASSAGE)Support the Show

265 | Winter Watch Party | Enjoy Season 2, Episode 1 of the ChosenWelcome to the Winter Watch Party! We're filling the gap between seasons with a low-stress rewatch of The Chosen Season 2. Today, we're discussing Episode 1, "Thunder," where we encounter road rage in Samaria, cranky disciples, and the "Sons of Thunder" trying to call down fire from heaven. We introduce the "Golden Sandals Awards" to honor the best (and most unbiblical) moments, including the "Simon Peter Award" for putting your foot in your mouth. From Jesus' patience with prejudice to John's writing process, we explore how Christ redirects our zeal from destruction to love.The Big Idea: Jesus meets our impatience and judgment not with rejection, but with a patience that transforms our "thunder" into living water.Show NotesWatch Episode 265 (VIDEO)The Chosen: Season 2, Episode 1 - "Thunder" (VIDEO)James and John Call Down Fire (PASSAGE)The Good Samaritan (PASSAGE)Jesus Talks with the Samaritan Woman (PASSAGE)Sons of Thunder (PASSAGE)Support the Show

264 | Understand God’s Heavenly HelpersEvery time a bell rings, does an angel get his wings? Probably not. In this season finale, we're' separating the Hallmark movie myths from the biblical reality of angels. We kick things off with a round of "Angel Jeopardy," debunking chubby cherubs and shoulder angels, before diving into the "Hot Seat" to answer the big questions. Do angels still work in the world today? Do we actually have "guardian angels," or is that just a nice thought? And what does it really mean to "entertain angels unawares" — are we dealing with celestial "secret shoppers"? Join us as we look behind the curtain at the invisible armies encamped around us.The Big Idea: Angels are God’s powerful servants, carrying out his purposes and ministering to us!Show NotesWatch Episode 264 (VIDEO)It's a Wonderful Life - "Teacher says..." (VIDEO)Ministering Spirits (PASSAGE)The Angels of the "Little Ones" (PASSAGE)Peter's "Angel" (PASSAGE)Entertaining Angels Unawares (PASSAGE)Abraham's Visitors (PASSAGE)Elisha's Invisible Army (PASSAGE)The Angel Encamped Around Us (PASSAGE)Shepherd of Hermas (WEBSITE)Support the Show 

263 | Find the Secret to Real ContentmentIs Philippians 4:13 the ultimate spiritual cheat code for winning football games and acing math tests? In this Bible Geeks Mini, we’re rescuing one of the most famous verses in the Bible from the locker room and putting it back where it belongs. We explore why Paul wasn't looking for a "Sylvester Stallone-style" triumph, but rather the strength to endure prison with peace. We dive into the "secret of contentment" — learning to be okay whether we're full or hungry, rich or poor. It turns out the true power of this verse isn't about achieving our dreams, but finding the otherworldly strength to choose joy in whatever situation we face.The Big Idea: The "secret" of contentment isn't a superpower to achieve all our dreams, it's learning to find Christ's strength sufficient in all our circumstances — whether we have plenty or are in need.Show NotesWatch Episode 263 (VIDEO)The Secret of Contentment (PASSAGE)Rejoice in the Lord Always (PASSAGE)Do All Things Without Grumbling (PASSAGE)Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's "But If Not" Faith (PASSAGE)Tim Tebow's eye black Bible verses: A guide (ARTICLE)Support the Show 

262 | Rewrite Your Family Story in ChristHave you ever opened your mouth and heard your parents come out? It happens to the best of us! This week, we’re looking at the "base operating system" of our families to see if there are any glitches we need to fix. We dive into the "copy and paste" drama of biblical families, asking why Abraham’s deceit and Isaac’s favoritism kept showing up in the next generation. Is it nature, nurture, or just a lack of updates? Thankfully, we don't have to stay stuck in a loop. We explore how Joseph "flipped the script" and how Jesus — the ultimate pattern breaker — offers us a total reboot as a "new creation". It’s time to identify the baggage we’ve inherited and let God start "reparenting" us for the better.The Big Idea: The gospel empowers us to break bad patterns and pass on better ones.This Week's Challenge: Identify one unhealthy family pattern and one positive pattern. Pray about them and take one step this week to break the bad and reinforce the good.Show NotesWatch Episode 262 (VIDEO)1 Peter 1:18 (PASSAGE)Abraham’s Deception (PASSAGE)Isaac and Jacob’s Favoritism (PASSAGE)Nathan Rebukes David (PASSAGE)Ezekiel 18 (PASSAGE)2 Corinthians 5:17 (PASSAGE)As For Me and My House (PASSAGE)Peter Scazzero (WEBSITE)Support the Show

261 | Trust God’s Unseen HandThis week, we’re hitting "peak Bible Geeks" territory. Is God actually at work in your life, or did He just set the world spinning and walk away? We tackle the heavyweights — providence, miracles, and the mystery of God's will — without getting bogged down in the philosophy. We explore the meaning of "providence," the "salami sandwich" of Proverbs 16 (where man plans but God establishes the steps), and the story of Joseph to see how the Lord governs the world. We also ask: Are miracles still happening today, or is there a distinction between apostolic signs and God’s mighty works in response to prayer? Join us as we look at Romans 8:28 and the power of the word "perhaps" to guide us through uncertainty.The Big Idea: God still personally and purposefully works to quietly direct ordinary events toward his good and eternal purposes.This Week's Challenge: This week, pause once each day to name one “ordinary” event and thank God for how he might be using it for good — whether or not you can see the outcome yet.Show NotesWatch Episode 261 (VIDEO)The "Salami Sandwich" of Planning (PASSAGE)God Meant It for Good (PASSAGE)The Secret Things Belong to God (PASSAGE)Working Together for Good (PASSAGE)The "Perhaps" of Providence (PASSAGE)Praying for the Sick (PASSAGE)Support the Show

260 | Train Your Heart to Be ThankfulHappy Thanksgiving, Bible Geeks! In this special holiday Mini, we're taking a break from the turkey and pie to play a game we call the "Gratitude Gauntlet." The rules are simple: we throw disaster scenarios at each other — from dry turkeys and family drama to crushing sports defeats — and challenge each other to find the hidden blessing in the mess.Can you find gratitude when your favorite team gets obliterated or you're stuck working on the holiday? We also get real about the deeper things we're thankful for this year, like the "no" answers from God that turned into blessings and the joy of watching our kids grow up. Join us for a bite-sized dose of encouragement to help you "give thanks in all circumstances".The Big Idea: True, biblical gratitude isn't just a feeling reserved for big blessings — it's a spiritual muscle we can train to find God's grace and goodness even in the middle of everyday frustrations.Show NotesWatch Episode 260 (VIDEO)Give Thanks in All Circumstances (PASSAGE)Rejoice Always (PASSAGE)Christmas Vacation Turkey Scene (VIDEO)Support the Show 

259 | Love Well Within God’s LimitsBoundaries can feel like barriers, but they're actually God's way of teaching us how to love and live more freely. We explore the spiritual tightrope between sacrificial service and self-destruction, asking: How can we take up our cross without letting it lead to burnout? We dive into Galatians 6 to distinguish between bearing our own "rucksack" (personal load) and carrying a brother's crushing "burden". We cover discernment, the idol of approval, and why saying "no" out of love is necessary to avoid falling into co-dependence or resentment. Let's find the freedom God offers within his established limits.The Big Idea: Healthy boundaries are love in action — honoring God’s design so we can love others wisely and live within our limits.This Week's Challenge: Ask yourself: “What am I truly responsible for — and what am I simply trying to control?” Watch for an unwise “yes” that should be a gentle “no.”Show NotesWatch Episode 259 (VIDEO)Galatians 6:2-5 (The Two Burdens) (PASSAGE)Philippians 2:4 (Look to Others' Interests) (PASSAGE)God Sets the First Boundary (Genesis 2:16-17) (PASSAGE)Our Discussion on Burnout (EPISODE)Jules Renard Quote on Freedom (ARTICLE)Support the Show 

258 | Pray with Freedom and HonestyWelcome to our first-ever Bible Geeks Mini — a new, bite-sized episode for your busy week! We're kicking things off with a rapid-fire conversation on Prayer: Hacks and Hot Takes. First, we share practical tips to keep your prayer life fresh, from a simple app that helps you remember your prayer list to using the Lord's Prayer as a powerful daily template. Then, we serve up some "mildly microwaved" hot takes: Does your physical posture in prayer actually matter? And why do we really end every prayer with "in Jesus' name, amen"? (Spoiler: it's not a magic password).The Big Idea: A healthy prayer life is less about following a rigid set of rules and more about finding a creative, honest rhythm of conversation with God.This Week's Challenge: Pray through the Lord’s Prayer along with us.Show NotesWatch Episode 258 (VIDEO)Prayer Apps and Prayer Lists (BLOG)PrayMinder App (WEBSITE)The Lord's Prayer (PASSAGE)Lifting Up Holy Hands (PASSAGE)Ask In My Name (PASSAGE)The "Amen" Through Him (PASSAGE)Do Not Heap Up Empty Phrases (PASSAGE)Support the Show