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.

81 - From Busy to Serenity

Welcome to today's episode where we review Joanna Weaver's transformative book, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World." This episode explores how we can find intimacy with God amidst the busyness of life, drawing from the biblical story of Mary and Martha. Why this book is a must-read for those feeling overwhelmed by life's demands.

The Mary and Martha Dilemma: Contrast between Mary's choice to focus on Jesus and Martha’s preoccupation with tasks. Reflections on how this story mirrors our modern struggle with busyness and spiritual neglect

Lessons from the Living Room vs. the Kitchen: The symbolism of the living room as a space for spiritual nourishment versus the kitchen, a place of work and worry
How to prioritize what truly matters without getting lost in the hustle
Transformative Insights:

Discussing key lessons on how to shift from anxiety and busyness to a peaceful and purposeful spiritual life. Practical tips from the book on realigning daily tasks to enhance spiritual growth.

Recap of the main takeaways and how they apply to our daily lives
Encouragement to choose the 'better part' as Mary did, focusing on being present with God. Set aside daily time for reflection and communion with God
Identify tasks that can be simplified or eliminated to reduce busyness.

Join us as we explore how Joanna Weaver’s insights can help us navigate the challenges of a busy life while deepening our relationship with God. Remember, it's not about doing more, but being more.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/81-from-busy-to-serenity/

https://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/2016/09/07/having-a-mary-heart-in-a-martha-world-a-special-invitation/

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

72- The Significance of His Death and Resurrection
We look into the significance of the anointing of Jesus by Mary, a moment that marked both a royal and a burial ceremony. The apostles misunderstood this moment. We also discussed the Passover meal, where Jesus announced the new covenant and instituted communion. He also announced the new covenant from God to his people. We see that Jesus' foretelling of Peter's denial came true as Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.

Failing to follow the normal trial procedures, the trial was nothing more than trumped-up charges against Jesus. Despite the lack of evidence, Jesus was condemned to death. On Good Friday, Jesus was brought to Pilate by the chief priests. In a cruel mockery, Jesus was crucified as the "King of the Jews".

The faithfulness of the women who followed Jesus stood in stark contrast to the apostles who had fled. After Jesus' death, Joseph of Arimathea requested Pilate for Jesus' body, which was then placed in Joseph's tomb. Lastly, we discussed Jesus' resurrection. Upon finding the empty tomb, the women were told by a man in a white robe that Jesus had risen and that they should tell the disciples and Peter to meet him in Galilee. This is where the Book of Mark ends, leaving us to ponder on the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection in relation to our salvation.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/72-the-significance-of-his-death-and-resurrection/

https://marcusjborg.org/books/the-last-week-2/

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

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

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

97 - Man-Made Religion vs. Christianity

What makes Christianity unique compared to religions humans might invent? In a podcast exploring this thought-provoking question, the stark differences between a faith designed for human gratification and the teachings of Christianity emerge. Far from catering to human desires, Christianity challenges its followers to embrace humility, self-sacrifice, and love for all—values that go against our natural inclinations.

The Human Blueprint for Religion
If humans were to design a religion, it would likely revolve around personal gratification, material success, and convenience. This hypothetical faith would focus on validating desires rather than confronting them. Preaching self-help and affirming pride, it would promise wealth, power, and fulfillment without the need for sacrifice or moral accountability.

There would be no call to forgive enemies, love the unlovable, or deny oneself. Instead, this religion would glorify self-centered living, offering an easy, comfortable path to supposed enlightenment. The podcast presenter likened it to a social club for the “pretty people,” exclusive and indulgent.

Christianity’s Counterintuitive Message
Christianity, however, defies these expectations. It demands a life of humility, forgiveness, and selflessness, often in direct opposition to human instincts. Its core principles include:

Forgiveness: Where human tendencies lean toward vengeance and retribution, Christianity calls for unconditional forgiveness—even for enemies.

Humility: Rather than promoting pride, believers are reminded that all good comes from God. Humility is a cornerstone of Christian faith.

Self-Sacrifice: Christianity asks followers to put others before themselves, sometimes at great personal cost. It’s a far cry from the self-preservation and abundance emphasized in a human-centered faith.

Unconditional Love: Perhaps the most radical tenet is to love others unconditionally, including the least desirable or even those who betray us
.
These teachings are not what most people want to hear, but they form the foundation of a faith that has persisted for centuries.

Why Christianity Thrived
I highlight the resilience of Christianity, especially among marginalized groups like the poor, the sick, and the enslaved. Despite its demanding nature, the faith thrived because of its message of hope, forgiveness, and eternal significance. Christianity offered something radically different: a purpose that transcends earthly struggles.

I also point out that the survival of Christianity is a testament to God’s grace. Left to human devices, no one would willingly choose such a challenging path. Its success defies the notion that it was a mere tool of propaganda or social control.

Takeaways for Modern Believers
This comparison is a call for Christians to reflect on their faith. Are they living out its countercultural teachings of humility, love, and sacrifice? The presenter encourages listeners to challenge misconceptions about Christianity and to share its true message with others.

Ultimately, Christianity’s endurance and transformative power rest on its divine origin. It asks believers to step beyond human instincts and embrace a life that reflects God’s grace—a challenge that continues to inspire and shape lives today.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/man-made-religion-vs-christianity/

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

83 - Balancing Service and Worship

In this episode, we continue our exploration of Joanna Weaver's enlightening book, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life. The discussion focuses on balancing spiritual devotion with daily responsibilities, a challenge many of us face in our hectic lives. Weaver draws on the biblical story of Mary and Martha, highlighting the importance of both the contemplative spirit and active service in our relationship with God. Mary represents the contemplative aspect, sitting at Jesus' feet and absorbing His teachings, while Martha embodies active service, providing hospitality and care. Both roles are crucial in our spiritual journey, and Weaver explains how we can integrate these aspects into our lives.

A key lesson from the book is adopting Jesus' approach to ministry. Jesus served others selflessly, healing, feeding, teaching, and listening, and we are encouraged to follow His example without seeking external rewards or personal gratification. Weaver also delves into the story of Lazarus to illustrate the significance of understanding God's timing and purpose. Jesus' deliberate delay in coming to Lazarus showcases that God's delays are purposeful, often meant to demonstrate His power and enhance our faith.

Creating time for quiet reflection and Bible study is another essential point Weaver emphasizes. By savoring smaller portions of Scripture, we can engage more deeply with God's Word, thereby strengthening our prayer life. Additionally, the book stresses the importance of hospitality and service, urging us to extend kindness beyond our comfort zones, just as Martha did.

Weaver concludes with a call to introspection, inviting us to evaluate our spiritual journeys. Are we, like Martha, willing to listen and adapt, or do we risk becoming complacent and missing the lessons God wants to teach us? By balancing Mary’s contemplative spirit with Martha’s active service, we can develop a more intimate and fulfilling relationship with God. This episode provides practical insights and encourages us to take small, intentional steps towards spiritual growth. Stay tuned for more discussions on living out Jesus' teachings in our daily lives.

https://smallstepswithgod.com/83-balancing-service-and-worship/

https://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/2016/09/07/having-a-mary-heart-in-a-martha-world-a-special-invitation/

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