Hi, this is Jill from the Northwoods. Welcome to The Bible in Small Steps, where we will explore the Bible one chapter at a time. Whether you’re a long-term believer, just curious about the scripture, or just someone like me who wants to do a deeper dive and understand the most important text ever written, that’s what we’re going to talk about.
Three times a week, we’re going to read a chapter a day. We’re going to start with the New Testament, and then eventually, we’ll get to the Old Testament, look at the rich and complex story, and investigate what’s going on. Who wrote these books of the Bible? Where were they written? Who was the audience? And some historical context.
I’m not a pastor or formally trained, but I am a passionate seeker of wisdom and truth. I love the Bible, and I have a stack of books. And I use the powerful Logos software. Together, we will look at the historical context, the timeless messages in each chapter, and the places where they’re cross-referenced and referenced. We’ll talk about the places and people who are in these chapters so that we have a better understanding.
With each episode, we will break down the chapters, discuss the themes, and see how they connect to our daily lives and how they should change our activities, prayer life, and meditation. We’ll learn much about what God expects from us and what we can expect from Him. And whether you’re listening at home, in your car, or on a break, it’ll be short enough and concise enough to enjoy it anywhere.
This podcast will be a companion in discovering the Bible at a pace where we can truly absorb and go through things. This will be such a slow crawl through the Bible we’ll be able to understand each point thoroughly. There will be new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, meaning you will read the next chapter on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. So, I even give you time to stay current with the podcast so you can also do a deep dive with me. And if we hit a topic that deserves a little more attention, I
So please subscribe. You can go to thebibleandsmallsteps.com, which will show you how to connect to this podcast. So, let us embark on this great new path together and find out what we can learn by studying God’s Word.
I look forward to sharing those joyful moments, the tearful moments, and the inspirational moments that come with reading God’s Word. See you next time.

85 - Moses Meets Pharaoh

In today’s episode, we explore Moses’ incredible journey as he transitions from a reluctant shepherd in Midian to a resolute leader confronting the Pharaoh in Egypt. Based on Charles Swindoll’s “Moses, a Man of Selfless Dedication,” we see the key moments of Moses’ transformation, his struggles with self-doubt, and the unwavering faith that propelled him forward.

Moses’ Reluctance: Initially hesitant and filled with excuses, Moses questions his worthiness and ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Divine Assurance: God’s reassurances and the provision of Aaron as a spokesperson bolster Moses’ resolve.

Confronting Pharaoh: Moses’ persistence despite initial failures and increased suffering for the Israelites showcases his growing faith and determination.

The Plagues: Each plague represents a direct challenge to Egypt’s gods, culminating in the death of Pharaoh’s firstborn and the liberation of the Israelites.

Leadership Lessons: Moses’ journey from self-doubt to faith-fueled leadership serves as an inspirational blueprint for confronting and overcoming our own fears and challenges.

Faith and obedience can transform reluctant individuals into resolute leaders.
Persistence and trust in divine guidance are crucial in overcoming adversity.
Reflect on contemporary ‘gods’ and challenges that hinder personal and communal freedom

https://smallstepswithgod.com/85-moses-meets-pharoh/

Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

Twitter - https://twitter.com/schmern

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast

Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

69 - Setting the Greek Stage for Jesus

In this episode, we'll be delving into the extensive history and influence of the Greeks on the land of Israel, setting the stage for the time of Jesus.

The Greeks, who had conquered Israel in 330 BC, brought about a significant cultural shift. As I explored the topic, I found it fascinating how the Jewish people began to appreciate Greek sophistication, philosophies, and language. I was particularly interested in the evolution of the language from Hebrew to Aramaic to Greek, reflecting an increased sophistication needed to capture the depth of Jewish and Christian faith.

The Hellenic influence on different groups, particularly the Sadducees and Pharisees. I was amazed to learn that the Sadducees, being aristocrats, were more Hellenized and sought to align with the Roman upper class. On the other hand, the Pharisees, while also Hellenized to some extent, adhered more strictly to Jewish traditions. However, they were drawn to Greek education and the teacher-student relationship.

As I explored further, I came across the philosophical ideas that infiltrated Jewish land, such as Gnosticism and Stoicism, and the rejection of monotheism by some people in Israel. Despite the Greek era ending with Rome's conquest, Greek philosophy and language had a lasting impact, which is evident in the New Testament. It's fascinating how the Greek influence was still prevalent during Jesus's time.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/69-setting-the-greek-stage-for-jesus/

Jill’s Links
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill

https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod

https://twitter.com/SmallStepsPod

https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgodpodcast

Email the podcast at mailto: jill@startwithsmallsteps.com