In this episode of "How to Study the Bible," we kick off an exciting six-week series focused on the Sermon on the Mount. We'll explore how Jesus instructs us to build and take action on our faith. I encourage you to subscribe to the podcast to stay updated with each episode.

We dive into Matthew 5, examining how Jesus flips conventional wisdom upside down. I provide context by comparing Jesus' teachings to the events in Exodus, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Jesus, like Moses, goes up a mountainside to teach, but He brings a new kingdom ethic that challenges and deepens our understanding of God's laws.

Key themes in this chapter include the invitation to participate and practice our faith, and the call to integrity, aligning our inner motivations with our outward actions. Jesus raises the bar on commandments like murder and adultery, emphasizing the importance of our thoughts and intentions.

This episode highlights the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations. Jesus sets a high standard to help us understand our need for Him. As we journey through these teachings, I encourage you to embrace your weaknesses and see them as the starting point for transformation.

Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:
https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk

📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For
→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:
https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor

📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?
Check out Help! My Bible is Alive!

🛍️ Find all of Nicole’s books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

You guys did not go light with your questions, and today, we're tackling them all. Listen in as we tackle questions around heaven, sexuality and the role of women in the church.

Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:
https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk

📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For
→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:
https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor

📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?
Check out Help! My Bible is Alive!

🛍️ Find all of Nicole’s books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

John 20 concludes with the risen Christ appearing to His disciples. While it seems like a fitting end, John 21 is intentionally placed to signify a new beginning. This chapter illustrates how the disciples, despite having encountered the resurrected Jesus, return to their ordinary lives, yet everything has changed because of His presence.

The Miraculous Catch of Fish

One of the key events in John 21 is the miraculous catch of fish. The disciples, led by Peter, go fishing but catch nothing all night. At dawn, Jesus appears on the shore and instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, resulting in an overwhelming catch of 153 fish. This moment echoes the earlier calling of the disciples and serves as a reminder of Jesus's authority and the transformative power of following His commands.

Peter's Restoration

The heart of the chapter lies in the personal conversation between Jesus and Peter. After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" This repetition mirrors Peter's three denials of Christ, creating a powerful moment of restoration. Jesus does not ignore Peter's past failures but instead confronts them to heal and restore their relationship.

Through this dialogue, Jesus commissions Peter to "feed my lambs" and "take care of my sheep," emphasizing the responsibility of leadership and care within the community of believers. This call to action is not just for Peter but extends to all followers of Christ, urging them to actively participate in the work of the Gospel.

Questions to Consider This Week:

How can you make God's name great in your daily lives? Do you expect to see God's presence in the ordinary, whether in nature, relationships, or daily tasks? This perspective aligns with the overarching message of John 21: that even in the mundane, the extraordinary can be found when one is attuned to the work of Christ.

Want to send Nicole a question for next week's episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com

THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES:

📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:
https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk

📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For
→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:
https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor

📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?
Check out Help! My Bible is Alive!

🛍️ Find all of Nicole’s books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.