Understanding 1 Peter begins with a dive into the profound themes of 1 Peter 1:1-21. In this episode, we unpack the enduring message of hope and faith in the face of trials, emphasizing the call to live holy and obedient lives as strangers in a foreign land. Join us as we navigate the rich terrain of salvation, grace, and the precious inheritance that believers receive through Christ's redemption. As we journey through these verses, we'll also reflect on our innate longing for home in the new creation—a yearning that speaks to the eternal hope embedded in Peter's teachings. Understanding 1 Peter is your go-to resource for a comprehensive exploration of the Scripture's wisdom, carefully crafted to help you gain a deeper understanding of 1 Peter's key messages and apply them to your life.

In this letter, Paul applies the historical event of Christ's crucifixion to the every day lives of Christians and teaches us why the world rejects the message of the gospel.

What if Revelation is not about our future, but our past? And what if our hesitancy to understand it cuts us off from one of the greatest sources of hope in the Bible? Buckle up because our journey through this strange book begins here.

The book of Zechariah unsettles us with strange visions of seven-eyed stones, flying scrolls, and conquering horns. We prefer the safe and familiar pastures of the gospels with Jesus walking, talking, and relating to the world in ways we deem “normal”. But the gospels feature exorcisms, miraculous healings, and angelic visitations. The Apostle Paul speaks of the third heaven, dining with demons, judging angels, and deflecting the fiery darts of Satan. Visions in the Bible remind us that we live in God’s world where odd things happens. Children learn about friendship, love, and courage not by attending philosophical seminars, but by reading stories with talking animals in magical worlds. Truth grips children first through the imagination and then the intellect. God grips us in the same way by drawing upon the things of the earth: olive trees, horses, oil, and fire in order to point us to heavenly realities. Children’s books help kids imagine a world that does not exist, but God’s visions challenge us to imagine by faith a world that does not yet exist, but will. And it reframes our perspective on the world so that we might go, as C.S. Lewis writes, “further up, and further in” to God’s world, which of course, is our world. A world which one day will overflow with the glory of God as the waters fill the sea. This is Understanding Zechariah.

God tells his people not to fear because of their circumstances, but to hope in his promises.

Ever hear someone say "Only God can judge me?" What does that actually mean? Zephaniah 1 tells us -- and it's not pretty. Understanding Zephaniah is part of the Understanding the Old Testament series that makes the Bible accessible to every day readers.

Understanding Habakkuk is part of a series of short and accessible Bible teachings to help readers better understand the Old Testament.

Understanding Jonah unpacks the story of a running prophet, a wicked nation, and a gracious God. It all begins here with Jonah on the go with God on his tail ready not only to change his prophet's course, but also the future of an entire city.

That's right. Obadiah. Forgot about him? Let's give this one chapter prophet his due by looking at his prophetic message on pride, judgement, and redemption.

What happens when God's judgement strikes a nation? Find out in Understanding Micah.

What does God's wrath have to do with God's goodness? According to Nahum -- a lot. Understanding Nahum is part of a series of short and accessible Bible teachings to help readers better understand the Old Testament.

Understanding Amos continues our project to make the Bible accessible to everyone. In this episode we look at God's judgement and justice over the whole world.

Our series on Joel begins with a look at God's judgement of our sins and how that judgement paves the way for mercy.

Dive in as we look at the themes of grief, loss, and hope in the opening chapter of Hosea.