Learning different biblical literature types can help make the word more accessible and easier to read. It can be as simple as exposure and recognition. Narrative, poetry, composed discourse are the 3 main categories we will look at. Make a plan, schedule your Bible time, be intentional about making your relationship with God flourish.

How do we recognize that we are reading narrative? What do we do with information about characters in these stories? How does learning about these character reveal Jesus Christ to us?

How does seeing the setting in a narrative help us understand God’s character better? What counts as a setting and how do we find more information on it? How do we see Jesus Christ in places and time periods?

The narrative story is so much more than just what happens. Now that we know how to see the characters and identify the setting, what do we do with the plot? How do we read events in a way that helps us see Jesus Christ rightly?

How does seeing narratives in the Bible help us to write our own story? What can we learn about stories in the Bible that helps us tell our own story?

How do we identify biblical poetry? Why should we read it differently than narrative? Poetry can sound intimidating but it is just using imagination to make a point. Don’t be scared, dive in with me!

Let’s take a deep dive in the psalms and wisdom literature. They are particular types of poetic language that we can read in all types of ways. Let’s talk about some typical ways to see the psalms and wisdom that work for us and against us.

There are some strange images in the Bible! How do we view these and what do they have to do with God? Let’s take a look at some of those passages that we tend to look right past.

What is it? How do we read it? Is it for us today or should we value the teaching at all? Let’s define this type of literature and see how to read it.

Now that we know what discourse is and how to approach reading this type of literature, what are some common pitfalls to avoid? How can we keep ourselves accountable to the word?

Now that we can identify what kind of literature we are reading, what to do next? Inductive Bible Study Methods is nothing new but it can feel a little intimidating. Let’s start with just the basics and figure it out together.

How does identifying and studying biblical literature help us to be better witnesses?

Let’s have a chat with a couple of my friends who are just real people who also spent time learning literature and inductive bible study methods with me.

I recorded so much with my friends that I had to make 2 episodes. We laugh, we tear up, and the feels. This is real friends and their real witness. Reading the Bible is ultimately to know God and that is worth it.

God takes adulterous traitors and turns them into faithful brides. Rahab got the chance of a lifetime when she met a couple of Hebrew spies. She acknowledged God and was saved.

Some witness stories don’t have perfect endings. They still have value and they still can point to the ever present patience and love of Jesus Christ. Are you familiar with Jonah’s story or with the scriptures who tell of an ever-patient God?

Did you come for dating advice or to see the creator of the universe?

We may think we know the story but sometimes we forget how it all gets started. Moses did amazing things but he started out by making every excuse he could think of.

Thinking over the last 4 weeks of biblical witness testimonies, we can start to see Jesus in our own stories a little better. The starting point can be the most difficult. What we learned lately is really helpful to get us started: declare your faith, confess, look for God’s involvement, and be humble enough to change.

How do we actually start writing a testimony? I am going to walk you through writing a 10 min testimony. It is most helpful if you can write or record while you listen. I’ll ask a question, you pause and answer! Easy Peasy

Let’s take some time to reflect on last week’s questions. How does writing our testimony help our relationship with God? Why should we write a testimony even if we never intend to share it with others?

My friend Carol answers questions about having to write and share her testimony at a large church event. Then she shares that story with us!

You’ve made your 10 minute testimony! Congrats! Now- how to turn that into a 2 minute summary, ready to share or expand into a 30 minute story with more details. I share my witness with you to show exactly how.

We are going to work our way through an entire book of the Bible using inductive bible study methods. We will look for key words, repeated phrases and themes, and see what it can tell us about the character of Gospel and how to see Jesus rightly.

Jesus is going public! The first of the signs and a couple more stories to go with it. What did you notice?

Jesus chats with Nicodemus at night and says some radical statements. Born again? Then baptisms and John the Baptist outlines his role. Where do you find joy in Jesus?

The woman at the well is the first witness to Jesus claiming that He IS the messiah. Her testimony leads to an entire town being saved and believing Jesus. Compare that with the Jewish people needing to see miracles. Where do you see yourself in these 2 stories?

Jesus is healing on the Sabbath and telling people to carry stuff. Is this really worth a death sentence? That is what is coming. Jesus seems blasphemous but is He actually trying to save those around Him?

71 verses! 21 for 2 miracles and 50 verses about the really cool stuff….the miracle worker!

Join me and guest host Mike McKenzie, my one and only, as we look at this unique chapter in John. Chapter 7 has a festival, teaching, NOT arresting, and lots of argument.

Jesus makes more statements about who He is and who sent Him. Who are we children of? Our beliefs will reveal the truth about that.

Another miracle on the Sabbath to get more arguments going! When does discernment become arrogance? The main point is the miracle worker though. No matter how hard we might try or how well we might live, we will never be able to restore sight in the blind.

The Good Shepherd, the voice of the Father, the Door and the Gate. This chapter is so rich with themes we are familiar with but may have not spend intentional time reading the actual text.

The raising of Lazarus, Jesus weeps, the hour is coming! This story unfolds so beautifully. Join me with guest host Mary Austin as we talk about this chapter!

April Whalen and I discuss the chapter. There are a lot of conversations happening. No matter who is there, Jesus stays on message. He makes profound statements about who He is and who is the one who sent Him.

Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, even Judas, who was about to betray Him. What does this extraordinary example of leadership through service tell us about the character of God? How do we deal with the knowledge of the betrayal by Jesus?

Jesus has been having a seriously hard conversation with his crew and it isn't getting any lighter. Whenever He makes hard statements though, He also gives them reassurances. He is the truth, the way, the life and He does not leave us as orphans! Just some amazing statements made here!

Join me with guest hosts Cameron and Alisha Woodall as we get into a well known metaphor of the New Testament. Grapes, vines, pruning. It can sound like a wonderful day for a picnic but what is really going on here?

This chapter is a continuation of the conversation Jesus is having with His disciples after the last supper. There are even more wonderful promises in this dialogue. What brings you joy?

Jesus has been chatting with his disciples before He goes to his arrest and crucifixion. It is a densely packed prayer that Jesus makes to the Father. He prays for His crew and for all those that will hear their words and believe; that's you!

Arrests, trials, violence, questions, betrayals, this narrative is jam packed. You may be familiar with it but by now you should know that being familiar is not the same as knowing what the scripture says.

The hour has come, scripture is being fulfilled and Jesus is in control the entire time. Through pain and torment, Jesus takes care of others and then the world. Here is our reason for hope but this moment seems anything but hopeful. I have left 5 minutes at the end for reflection. I urge you to take that time, be still, sit in the moment.

John chapter 20 is the story of the first witness to Jesus' resurrection. Walk through the chapter with April and I as we discuss this familiar and yet wonderfully detailed story.

A beautiful and intimate story of how Jesus allows Peter some restoration after his betrayals in the courtyard before the crucifixion.

What an amazing season of walking through the entire book of John, one chapter at a time! I have had some amazing guests hosts with me this season and I asked 3 particular ones to join me in a conversation about what the book of John says about Jesus and how to apply that to our own lives. April Whalen, Mary Austin, and Alisha Woodall are some of the most influential people in my own walk with Jesus and learning to read the Bible.

Prayer is a basic foundation of the Christian faith. However, here are a ton of different traditions and practices surrounding this basic concept. Let’s try and slow down to see what prayer really means.

It is time for Lent. We are talking about what lent is, how it is practiced and why. Here are some highlights: Lent is a season of preparation and reflection prior to the celebration of Christ's resurrection at Easter. It is generally 40 (ish) days as a reflection of Christ's time in the wilderness being tempted. Lent can give us consistency, dependency, and humility.

What do you think of when you hear the word Angel? Is it a chubby baby with wings; a Christmas spirit; a lost loved one? the Bible has a very different picture of angels…

Reconciliation: to bring back into harmony or to exchange or change. What part does this play in the church? How is it different than just getting along?

Our next word in the Big Word Series is "idol". Isn't that just an OT problem? Let's take a look and see.

This generic word can have huge implications on our day to day. It deserves a little thought and attention. Is it a belief? What does it tell us about the character of God? Can you believe and not have faith?

This week on the Big Word Series: Sanctification! Maybe you have never heard this word but it matters. To sanctify, make holy, follow Christ, what is really going on here?

Many of feel the need to earn God’s love, to produce to feel worthy. God is a god of peace, of remembering, of order. What does it mean to dwell with Him in that?

What a common word in the church: saved. But what does it actually mean? I bet a lot of us have used this word without ever thinking about it.

We continue looking at individual words that can have a huge impact on our ideas of who Jesus is and what our faith looks like with "Sober-minded". Our modern connotations can really fail us when reading this ancient and complex literature.

How did I do these word studies this season? What are the resources? Here is a rundown that can hopefully help you find a productive way to study your Bible well for edification and as worship.