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

73 - Jesus and Passover

Today, we discussed the historical and religious significance of Passover. The profound meaning of this Jewish holiday celebrates not only the Israelites' exodus from Egypt but also the concepts of freedom and salvation. As Christians, we explored how understanding the full story of Passover can deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus, our 'Passover Lamb.'

During our conversation, we talked about the various ways that Passover has been celebrated throughout Jewish history, including the sacrifice of a Passover lamb and the consumption of unleavened bread or matzah. The matzah, which lacks leavening, symbolizes the haste at which the Israelites had to leave Egypt, leaving no time for bread to rise. It also serves as a reminder of sin, as leavening, like sin, can grow within us and transform us intox something different.

We also explored the connection between the elements of a traditional Passover Seder and Christian communion. Jesus himself, during the Last Supper, which was a Passover meal, used bread and wine to signify his body and blood, thus instituting the Christian sacrament of the Eucharist. This profound connection between Passover and Christianity highlights the deep roots of Christian faith in Jewish tradition.

Finally, we discussed how Christians have engaged with Passover throughout history. While some early Christians included Passover in their Easter celebrations, others, like Emperor Constantine, tried to sever ties with Jewish practices. However, understanding Passover can provide powerful insights into our faith and deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus. So, our challenge to you is to reflect on the symbolism of your favorite religious holiday and think about the profound meaning it holds for you. Until next time, keep taking those small steps on your journey of faith.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/73-israel-jesus-and-passover/

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

90 - You're Heart Will Lead You Astray

In today's episode, we explore the dangers of self-worship, a prevalent theme in modern culture that encourages us to prioritize our own desires and emotions above all else. Drawing inspiration from Thaddeus J. Williams' book, Don't Follow Your Heart: Boldly Breaking the Ten Commandments of Self-Worship, we discuss how this mindset can lead to emptiness and how a God-centered life offers true fulfillment.

The Illusion of Following Your Heart: Modern culture often promotes the idea that following your heart is the key to happiness. However, this can lead to a dangerous form of self-worship where we elevate our desires above all else, creating idols out of our emotions.

The Ten Commandments of Self-Worship: Williams outlines the cultural mantras that encourage self-worship, such as #YOLO and #YouDoYou. These slogans reinforce the belief that our personal desires are the ultimate guide, often leading us away from God's path.

The Biblical Perspective on Idolatry: The Bible warns against the worship of idols, which can include anything that takes the place of God in our lives. Psalm 115 highlights the futility of worshiping anything other than God, as it leads to spiritual blindness and lifelessness.

Embracing a God-Centered Life: True fulfillment comes from placing God at the center of our lives. By rejecting the cultural norms of self-worship and following the teachings of Christ, we can experience peace, joy, and a sense of purpose that transcends our personal desires.

This episode challenges the popular notion of self-worship and highlights the importance of living a God-centered life. By rejecting the idea that our personal desires should dictate our actions, we can find true fulfillment and peace. Embracing a life aligned with God's will not only brings us closer to Him but also helps us serve others in meaningful ways.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/90-youre-heart-will-lead-you-astray/

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

93 - Moving Beyond Simplistic Views of the God

In this episode, we explore how many people hold onto limited or distorted views of God. Drawing inspiration from J.B. Phillips’ book Your God is Too Small, we discuss how these views hinder spiritual growth and how we can embrace a fuller understanding of God's immense nature. We touch on how God’s vastness coexists with His intimate care for each individual, offering hope and a challenge to expand our thinking about Him.

Distorted Views of God: Many people imagine God in overly simplistic ways—like a vending machine or a distant figure. These views often lead to a stagnant faith, especially when inherited from childhood without growth.

God’s Immensity: The podcast highlights Phillips’ argument that God is not a limited entity. His presence fills the universe, encompassing everything from the laws of nature to our personal experiences. Yet, He also intimately knows and cares for us as individuals.

Why Sin Harms Us: Sin, according to Phillips, is not about breaking arbitrary rules. Instead, it’s about the harm it causes to us. God’s commands are meant for our well-being, and by aligning with His will, we live healthier, fuller lives.

Takeaways:

-Expand your view of God beyond childhood notions. He is both vast and personal.
-God’s rules aren’t about His benefit but ours. Sin is destructive to us, not Him.
-Embracing the full nature of God brings awe and a sense of peace, knowing that we are deeply cared for by a Creator who is as grand as the universe.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/93-moving-beyond-simplistic-views-of-the-god/

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34486.Your_God_Is_Too_Small

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

94 - How to Live Boldly for Christ

In this episode, we dive into Ken Harrison's book, Daring Faith in a Cowardly World, exploring how Christians can live with courage and boldness in their everyday lives. Too many believers are content with waiting for heaven, but Harrison encourages us to focus on how God can work through us now. His book challenges the idea of living a polite Christian life and calls for daring faith that transforms not just our personal walk but the world around us.

Boldness in Faith: We explore how stepping out of comfort zones and embracing risks for Christ leads to a more fulfilling life. Harrison shares personal stories about times when standing up for faith required courage, especially in professional settings where mentioning Christ could come with negative consequences.

Purpose Beyond Salvation: Salvation is only the beginning. Once saved, we are called to good works that glorify God. Harrison draws on scripture to emphasize that our faith must be active, pushing us toward works of justice, generosity, and mercy.

Facing Fear with Faith: Harrison argues that Christians should not be held hostage by fear—whether fear of criticism, failure, or even death. The episode discusses how to face those fears and trust fully in God's plan for our lives.

Key Takeaways: Living boldly for Christ involves taking risks and acting courageously, even in uncomfortable situations. God’s plan for us doesn’t stop at salvation; we are called to do good works. Fear should not dictate our decisions. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in God and live out a daring faith.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/94-live-boldly-for-christ/

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

80 - Read, Interpret, and Apply!

In this episode, we dive into the heart of inductive Bible study, a method that promises a richer, more personal understanding of the Bible. Our discussion unpacks the three core steps of this approach: observation, interpretation, and application, and explores how they can transform your Bible study experience.

Observation: We start by examining the text closely, noting what it explicitly states. This step requires us to set aside our assumptions and see the scripture with fresh eyes.

Interpretation: Next, we delve into the meaning behind the text, considering its historical, cultural, and theological context. This deeper exploration helps us grasp the broader message.

Application: Finally, we reflect on how the scripture’s teachings can be applied in our lives today, making the Bible’s ancient wisdom relevant to our modern experiences.

Featuring practical tips and real-life examples, such as the parable of the mustard seed, we show how inductive study can offer new insights and personal growth. Whether you’re new to Bible study or looking to deepen your practice, this episode provides valuable tools and inspiration for your spiritual journey.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/80-tips-for-an-inductive-bible-study/

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