Bible Geeks Podcast

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 

257 | Follow God with Your Whole HeartWelcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the ultimate Old Testament face-off! In this corner: Joshua, the iconic leader who brought down the walls of Jericho. And in this corner: Caleb, the rugged warrior who waited 45 years to claim his mountain. These two titans of faith were the only spies who believed God's promise, but their paths were very different. Is it harder to be Joshua, the "front of house" leader stepping into Moses's massive sandals, or Caleb, the "back of house" mountain man who had to patiently wait 40 years in the wilderness? Join our friendly debate as we explore their unique strengths, their vital partnership, and why the very essence of faith might just be learning how to wait.The Big Idea: The complementary faithfulness of Joshua (the leader) and Caleb (the loyal warrior) provides a powerful, two-part model for how to follow God wholeheartedly, both in seasons of action and seasons of waiting.This Week's Challenge: This week, ask yourself: In my current season of life, is God calling me to a "Joshua moment" (to step up, lead, and take new ground), or a "Caleb moment" (to be patiently faithful, trust God's promises in a season of waiting, and finish strong)?Show NotesWatch Episode 257 (VIDEO)Give Me This Mountain (BLOG)Priscilla and Aquila (PASSAGE)The Story of Ruth and Naomi (PASSAGE)The 12 Spies & Caleb's "Different Spirit" (PASSAGE)Joshua Crosses the Jordan (PASSAGE)The Commander of the Lord's Army (PASSAGE)Caleb Claims His Mountain (PASSAGE)Joshua's Final Challenge (PASSAGE)Support the Show 

256 | Geektober | Slay the Giant QuestionsNephilim, Rephim, Anakim! Oh, my! For our Geektober finale, we're grabbing our nerd glasses and going on a "crypto-biblical expedition" to track down the Bible's giants. Where did the mysterious Nephilim of Genesis 6 come from? How did they lead to the "grasshopper syndrome" of Numbers 13? And how does Goliath, the final boss, tie into the Bible's ultimate story of Christ defeating the enemy? Join us for a fun dive into one of Scripture's weirdest rabbit trails (with a healthy dose of The Princess Bride).The Big Idea: The Bible’s giants highlight God’s power as his people overcome colossal obstacles.This Week's Challenge: This week, identify a "giant" in your own life — an insurmountable obstacle, a persistent sin, or an overwhelming fear and meditate on God’s power to protect you.Show NotesWatch Episode 256 (VIDEO)The Princess Bride: "Anybody want a peanut?" (VIDEO)The Six-Fingered Giant (ARTICLE)Who Were the Nephilim? (ARTICLE)Og's Iron Bed (ARTICLE)They Might Be Giants (WEBSITE)Support the Show

255 | Geektober | Trust the Process That Protected the BibleDid the Bible just drop from heaven as a set of golden tablets? Nope! This Geektober, we're pulling back the curtain on the original Bible geeks: the Scribes! These unsung heroes were the "original programmers" of Scripture, meticulously counting every single word and letter to preserve the text. We debunk the "game of telephone" myth and explore how the painstaking work of groups like the Masoretes — confirmed by the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls — is one of the most powerful arguments for the Bible's reliability.The Big Idea: The surprisingly meticulous and worshipful work of ancient scribes is one of the most powerful arguments for the Bible's preservation and reliability.This Week's Challenge: This week, when you read your Bible, take an extra 30 seconds to simply be thankful for the physical book in your hands (or on your screen).Show NotesWatch Episode 255 (VIDEO)It Wasn’t Magic ... It Was Better (BLOG)Our "Square One" Series (SERIES)"Meet Your Bible" Sermon (EPISODE)The Masoretes (ARTICLE)The Dead Sea Scrolls (WEBSITE)The Oxyrhynchus Papyri (Ancient Libraries) (ARTICLE)They Might Be Giants (WEBSITE)Support the Show

Pray Honestly and Trust God’s JusticeGeektober is getting weird! This week, we're exploring the Bible's "ancient rage tracks"—the imprecatory psalms. How can followers of Jesus, who are called to bless their enemies, also pray these Spirit-inspired psalms that call for judgment? Are these just "flyover psalms" we should skip, or do they give us a powerful way to be brutally honest with God, process our pain, and trust His justice without becoming vindictive villains ourselves? Join us for a deep dive into the Bible's dark corner to find out!The Big Idea: Honest prayer trusts God with our pain.This Week's Challenge: Pray one imprecatory psalm this week (Ps. 58, 94, or 109). Bring your anger, grief, or injustice to God. Pray honestly — and then watch for the pivot into trust and praise.Show NotesWatch Episode 254 (VIDEO)"Today" by The Smashing Pumpkins (SONG)"Hurt" by Johnny Cash (SONG)Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark Vroegop (BOOK)The Message of the Psalms by Walter Brueggemann (BOOK)Original Sin by P.D. James (BOOK)Support the Show

Unmask the Dragon253 | Geektober | Unmask the DragonGeektober continues! If the Bible were a fantasy novel, it'd have it all: a talking serpent, a multi-headed sea monster, and a great dragon at the end. But this isn't fiction, so what's with all the hissing and fire-breathing? How did biblical writers "flip the script" on ancient myths to tell the true story of chaos? And how is the entire Bible one epic dragonslayer story pointing to Christ's ultimate victory over evil? Grab your sword of the Spirit and join our quest to understand one of Scripture's most powerful symbols.The Big Idea: The Bible uses snakes and dragons to help us see God's epic victory over evil.This Week's Challenge: Memorize Romans 16:20.Show NotesWatch Episode 253 (VIDEO)The Fantasmic! Dragon at Disneyland (VIDEO)The Serpent and the Serpent Slayer by Andrew Naselli (BOOK)Leviathan in Mythology and the Bible (WEBSITE)The Babylonian Creation Epic (Enuma Elish) (WEBSITE)The "Christus Victor" View of Atonement (ARTICLE)The Challenge: Romans 16:20 (VERSE)Support the Show

Put AI to Work for the Kingdom252 | Geektober | Put AI to Work for the KingdomGrab your nerd glasses — our monthlong Geektober deep-dive is officially here! First up we head to the workshop to explore Artificial Intelligence. Is AI a faithful "digital servant" for your Bible study, or a rogue robot that hallucinates answers? We're giving you the guardrails to use this powerful tool wisely, showing you why it's a great research assistant but a terrible rabbi. Join us for a fun, nerdy, and practical guide to making AI your servant, not your master, in your walk with God!The Big Idea: Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that Christians can leverage for kingdom work, but it should be treated like a helpful servant, not a replacement for critical thinking.This Week's Challenge: This week, put an AI to work as your Digital servant. Then, evaluate the result. Ask yourself: "How did this information help me to think more deeply and personally about the text?"Show NotesWatch Episode 252 (VIDEO)Welcome to GEEKTOBER! (WEBSITE)The New Yankee Workshop with Norm Abrams (WEBSITE)The Plinko Game from The Price is Right (VIDEO)Google's NotebookLM (WEBSITE)Steve Jobs: A Bicycle for the Mind (VIDEO)Support the Show

251 | Find God's Grace in Your BurnoutEver feel completely gassed, even after a huge win? The prophet Elijah sure did. Fresh off his spiritual Super Bowl on Mount Carmel, he crashed so hard he was ready to quit for good. But God's response wasn't a pep talk — it was a hot meal and an invitation to take a nap. What does this story teach us about the anatomy of burnout and the problem with "hustle culture"? Join us for a surprisingly practical and personal look at finding God's grace — and maybe a good nap — when you've hit the wall.The Big Idea: When you're spiritually and emotionally exhausted, God's first response isn't a demand for more strength, but an invitation to receive His gentle, practical care.This Week's Challenge: Identify one thing you can do to address physical or emotional exhaustion — take a nap, go for a quiet walk, have a restorative meal.Show NotesWatch Episode 251 (VIDEO)Finding Jesus: Matthew 11:28-30 (VERSE)Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins (BOOK)The Biblical City of Ai (WEBSITE)Support the Show

250 | Unlock the Message of EzekielEver felt like Ezekiel is a locked door? In this workshop episode, Ryan takes us on his journey teaching through this bizarre and beautiful "flyover book". What can we learn from a prophet who ate a scroll and whose wife's death became a sign? How does this book balance God's terrifying judgment with his patient grace? What do the gyroscopic wheels of eyes look like? And what are the practical keys — from immersion to asking the right questions — that unlock its message about Jesus? Get your toolkit ready to confidently tackle one of the Bible's most rewarding books!The Big Idea: Unlocking an intimidating book like Ezekiel reveals a powerful and accessible message about God's relentless faithfulness.This Week's Challenge: Read the one chapter Ryan recommended — Ezekiel 37. As you read, don't worry about understanding every detail. Instead, ask one question: "What does this story show me about the power of God?"Show NotesWatch Episode 250 (VIDEO)Eat the Scroll (BLOG)Ryan’s Top Chapter: Ezekiel 37 (VERSE)The Book of Ezekiel, Chapters 1-24 by Daniel I. Block (COMMENTARY)The Message of Ezekiel by Christopher J.H. Wright (COMMENTARY)The Bible Project: Ezekiel Classroom (VIDEO COURSE)Ezekiel by Robert Harkrider (WORKBOOK)Ezekiel, NIVAC by Iain Duguid (BOOK)The Book Of Ezekiel by Jim McGuiggan (BOOK)Episode 4: Fully Infused (PODCAST)Image #1 - Line Art Drawing (IMAGE)Image #2 - Prog Rock UFO (IMAGE)Image #3 - AI Generated Art (IMAGE)Support the Show

249 | Redeem Your TimeFire up the DeLorean! In this time travel episode, we explore the time traps we all fall into. How does Jesus redeem our past, freeing us from the magnetic pull of regret and nostalgia? What's the difference between tactical concern and getting stuck in a state of worry about the future? And what does it really mean to "redeem the time" — not just managing our schedule, but wisely and gratefully living in the present moment? Join us for a conversation that helps us escape the loops of yesterday and tomorrow to live fully in today!The Big Idea: Christ redeems our past, secures our future, and fills our present with purpose.This Week's Challenge: Bring whatever’s snagging you, your past, present, or future to God in prayer. Then pay attention to what he does as he works in your life going forward.Show NotesWatch Episode 249 (VIDEO)Trapped in Time? (BLOG)Jesus Said: Matthew 6:34 (VERSE)Frequency (MOVIE)Groundhog Day (MOVIE)The Riddle of Experience vs. Memory (TED TALK)Support the Show

248 | Foster Joy and Happiness in Your LifeRejoice! We're back for a new season with "Happy Days Ahead"! First up, we're untangling the relationship between joy and happiness. Is it okay for Christians to just be happy, or is happiness a shallow goal we should avoid? How can joy be a choice we make, yet also a fruit of the Spirit we receive? And what does it mean to "abide in the vine" to find the full joy that Jesus promises — the kind that can coexist with sadness? Join us as we explore appreciating happiness while building a life on unshakable joy!The Big Idea: We can appreciate happiness as a gift, but we must foster joy to carry us through.This Week's Challenge: This week, instead of chasing a feeling of joy, abide in Christ and gratefully notice his blessings throughout your day.Show NotesWatch Episode 248 (VIDEO)More Geek, More Joy! (BLOG)Jesus Said: John 15:11 (VERSE)Finishing Each Other's Sandwiches (VIDEO)Rate and Review the Show (APPLE PODCASTS)Support the Show

247 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Go Back to the BookWe're closing our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular" by opening the vault! This episode is a time capsule: our very first recording together from an old radio show — our "naked baby pictures" episode. Inspired by "National Back to Church Sunday," we ask a bigger question: What does it mean to go back to the church of the Bible? How does the New Testament's pattern for work, worship, and organization compare to today? And why is unity under Christ's authority so crucial? Join us for a foundational discussion that's still relevant today!The Big Idea: Rather than choosing a church based on preference, we are called to find and be a part of a local body that faithfully follows the New Testament's pattern.Show NotesBack to Church (BLOG)Our About Page (with a photo from this recording!) (WEBSITE)National Back to Church Sunday (WEBSITE)Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Support the Show

246 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | See the Prophecy in the PainWe welcome our friend Allen Greeley back for his final sermon in our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! This week's lesson, "Betrayal of a Close Friend," gets personal. How did King David's psalms give voice to Jesus's heartbreak over Judas hundreds of years before it happened? In what ways did the betrayal of David by his own trusted advisor serve as a haunting prequel to the gospel story? And what does it mean that in the moment of betrayal, Jesus still called Judas "Friend"? Join us for a powerful look at the human cost of betrayal.The Big Idea: The psalms foretold not just the event of the betrayal, but the real, human pain Jesus would feel as a friend.Show NotesFriend, Do What You Came to Do (BLOG)Plainfield Ponderings Podcast (PODCAST)Allen Greeley (GUEST)Macbeth (WIKI)Hamilton (MUSICAL)Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Support the Show

245 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Get to Know Your BibleSurf's up for our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! This week, Ryan offers a proper introduction in his sermon, "Meet Your Bible". Ever felt like you know about the Bible, but haven't been formally introduced to this library of books? Why is it crucial to remember this collection was written for you, but not directly to you? And how can we stay curious about a book we think we know so well? Join us for a friendly reintroduction, designed to build your confidence and help you fall in love with it all over again!The Big Idea: To read the Bible well, see it not as one book, but as a whole library telling one great story.Show NotesMeet Your Bible (BLOG)YouVersion Bible App (APP)Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Support the Show

244 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Trust in the Better PriesthoodWe're stoked to have our friend Allen Greeley back for our "Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! This week, he tackles a biblical puzzle in "The Priesthood Face-off." If Old Testament priests and kings came from different tribes, how could Jesus be both? Who was the mysterious priest-king Melchizedek, and why was he considered greater than Abraham? And what happens when the flawed, law-breaking priesthood comes face-to-face with Jesus at his own trial? Grab your board and join us for a deep-dive into God's plan for his ultimate priest-king!The Big Idea: From its first pages, the Bible builds a case that the flawed human priesthood would one day be replaced by a perfect Priest-King.Show NotesTorn Robes and a Silent King (BLOG)Plainfield Ponderings Podcast (PODCAST)Allen Greeley (GUEST)Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Support the Show

243 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Declare His Worth With Your LifeWelcome back to our “Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular”! This week, Bryan dives into a sermon on "Worship and Holy Living". You might know the slogan "Because you're worth it," but have you ever thought about worship as "worth-ship" — giving God what he is truly worth? What does it mean to be God's "fine china," set apart for his purpose yet meant to be used? And if we’re his temple, how does that change how we live on our "holy ground" every day? Join us for a practical look at honoring God's incredible worth!The Big Idea: When you see God for who he truly is, a life of worship and holiness is the only natural response.Show NotesMore Than a Feeling (BLOG)Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)Cross Training Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Support the Show

242 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Find Jesus in the First PromiseWelcome back to our “Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular”! This week, we're stoked to have our good friend Allen Greeley share his sermon: "The Human Satan Crusher." Ever wonder where the gospel story really begins? We go way back to Genesis 3 to find the first promise of a hero who would defeat evil. How does this ancient, "weirdly worded" prophecy point to Jesus's birth? And why was his humanity just as important as his deity in the plan to win this spiritual war? Jump on board with us for a discussion that will build your faith and encourage your heart!The Big Idea: In the midst of humanity's first curse, God graciously inserted the first promise of a Savior who would crush our enemy.Show NotesThe Human Satan Crusher (BLOG)Plainfield Ponderings Podcast (PODCAST)Allen Greeley (GUEST)Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Support the Show

241 | Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular | Build Your Faith Beyond Quick FixesWelcome to our "Seven Sermon Summer Surfin' Spectacular"! Our first sermon comes to us from Ryan! This week, we're all spiritually "Under Construction" and living in the messy middle of God's DIY project. But when is it wise to pause our busy lives to "sharpen the axe" instead of just producing? Are you reaching for spiritual "duct tape and aspirin" when you really need a foundational fix? And how can you be a solid support for others if you're not standing on firm ground yourself? Join us for a fun-filled way to spend our summer break, looking at our ongoing spiritual renovations!The Big Idea: God wants us to do good work, but first he wants us to work on ourselves.This Week's Challenge: n/aShow NotesBuilding a Life That Lasts (BLOG)Seven Sermon Summer Surfin’ Spectacular (WEBSITE)Square One Guided Study (GUIDED STUDY)Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw (WEBSITE)Stephen Covey (WIKI)Center for Courage & Renewal (WEBSITE)Quote from "Let Your Life Speak" (QUOTE)Support the Show