We trade guilt for grace and show a simple way to build a Bible-in-a-year rhythm that fits real life. Fifteen minutes, a right-fit plan, and a friend for accountability turn a fragile intention into a steady habit rooted in purpose.

• New year expectations versus real-life rhythms
• Why plans fail and how to rethink success
• Find a clear personal why that endures
• Build a 15-minute daily framework that sticks
• Four habit keys to remove friction and start
• Plan options: straight, mixed, chronological, five-day
• Grace for missed days with two recovery paths
• Accountability through a simple reading buddy
• Shift from completion to connection for lasting change

If you thought of someone who's been wanting to further their relationship and connection with God, but don't know where to start, please send this their way

RELATED EPISODE:

How to Develop a lifelong Bible Reading Habit: The Atomic Habit: Habits Approach

BIBLE READING PLANS:

MIXED:

The One Year Bible, Bible . com (on the web or in the You Version app)

Biblica Bible in Year

FIVE DAY BIBLE READING PLAN

CHRONOLOGICAL:

The Bible Recap (digital, print, Spanish & ASL)

HARD COPY BIBLE

ESV: One Year Bible (Amazon)

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Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

We trace John’s purpose for writing and follow the arc from signs to the cross and the empty tomb, showing how belief shifts from ideas to personal trust. Stories of Nicodemus, the healed, and Thomas show how curiosity grows into a living faith that begins now.

• why John wrote his gospel and what belief means
• Nicodemus and the new birth by the Spirit
• seven signs pointing to Jesus’ identity and mission
• Cana’s joy, distant healing, Bethesda’s restoration
• feeding the crowd and walking on water
• sight for the man born blind and the echo of creation
• Lazarus raised and the choice to trust or turn away
• the cross as glory and “It is finished”
• the empty tomb, Mary’s encounter, Thomas’ confession
• eternal life as knowing God now, not just later
• moving from curiosity to conviction in daily life

If this series helped you see Jesus more clearly, share it with someone who might need that same clarity

RELATED EPISODES

John, Part 1 - the Word Who Came Near

John, Part 2 - The God Who Says "I Am"

RESOURCES

• Evans, T. (2019). The Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Holman Bible Publishers.
• Keown, M. J. (2018). Discovering the New Testament: An introduction to its background, theology, and themes: The Gospels & Acts (Vol. 1). Lexham Press.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (n.d.). The MacArthur Study Bible (NIV). Thomas Nelson.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

We explore thankfulness as a God-centered posture, not a reaction to circumstances, and share habits that help gratitude endure through changing seasons. Ola joins to reflect on faith, marriage, and three practical nuggets for practicing thanksgiving today.

• faith as the anchor for gratitude
• give thanks in all circumstances explained
• why things and feelings cannot hold joy
• simple habits to notice daily mercies
• writing prayers and naming unseen favor
• gratitude as love language in marriage
• prioritizing God, spouse, and family
• giving over taking as a life principle
• urgency to express thanks today

Share it with somebody you're grateful for today. And make sure you follow this podcast so you don't miss any of the upcoming episodes.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

We explore the seven “I Am” statements in John to show how Jesus reveals his identity and meets our deepest needs with clarity, care, and power. From hunger to hope, darkness to direction, despair to resurrection, each image invites a personal response.

• the divine echo of “I Am” from Exodus
• bread of life and the end of restless hunger
• light of the world and guidance through confusion
• the gate as safety and access to God
• the good shepherd who knows and lays down his life
• resurrection and the life amid grief and fear
• way, truth, and life as a relational path
• true vine and the call to abide for lasting fruit
• practical reflection on which truth you need now

If this episode encouraged you, share with someone who might need that same reminder

RELATED EPISODES:

John, Part 1 - The Word Who Came Near

RESOURCES:

• Got Questions Ministries. (2002–2013). Got Questions? Bible questions answered. Logos Bible Software.
• Keown, M. J. (2018). Discovering the New Testament: An introduction to its background, theology, and themes: The Gospels & Acts (Vol. 1). Lexham Press.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2013). The MacArthur Study Bible (NIV). Thomas Nelson.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

We walk the big picture of John’s Gospel, from the cosmic prologue to breakfast by the sea, to show how Jesus reveals God’s heart up close. Signs, I Am statements, the cross, the Spirit, and restoration form one story that invites belief and brings life.

• how John differs from the Synoptics
• who wrote John and why that matters
• the prologue’s claims about the Word
• seven signs that reveal identity and compassion
• seven I Am statements that invite trust
• love that serves in the upper room
• the Holy Spirit as helper and guide
• the cross, the resurrection, and restoration of Peter
• John’s purpose: belief that leads to life

If this episode helped you see Jesus a little more clearly, share with someone who might need that reminder too

Related Episodes:

• The Gospel of Matthew Explained: Jesus the King
• The Gospel of Mark: The Fast-Paced Story of Jesus
• A Seat at the Table: Exploring the Gospel of Luke

Resources:

Barnett, P. (2011). John: The shepherd king (Rev. ed.). Reading the Bible Today Series. Sydney, South NSW: Aquila Press.

Benware, P. (n.d.). Survey of the New Testament (Rev. ed.).

Burge, G. M. (1995). John. In Evangelical commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3). Baker Reference Library. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (n.d.). Bible overview (p. 402). [Kindle edition].

Got Questions Ministries. (2002–2013). Got Questions? Bible questions answered. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

Keown, M. J. (2018). Discovering the New Testament: An introduction to its background, theology, and themes: The Gospels & Acts (Vol. I, pp. 287–289). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Meyer, J. (n.d.). Everyday life Bible.

Tyndale House Publishers. (n.d.). Life application study Bible (NKJV).

Zondervan. (2011). The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Author. (John 13:34–35)

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

We explore Luke’s Gospel as a careful, compassionate portrait of Jesus—fully God, fully human—who brings salvation “today” and welcomes outsiders to the table. From certainty and song to meals, prayer, and the Spirit’s power, we trace why Luke still speaks to weary hearts.

• Luke’s purpose of clarity and certainty
• Salvation as forgiveness, welcome, and healing now
• The theme of “today” in Luke’s narrative
• Outsiders welcomed: Zacchaeus, Samaritans, sinners
• Songs, joy, and worship that shape the story
• Meals as moments of mercy and change
• Prayer and the Holy Spirit guiding Jesus’ mission
• Women’s faith and witness honored
• The humanity of Jesus and hope for the weary
• Simple reading plans and reflective questions

Pick one of those reading options and begin. Maybe start with Luke chapters 1 and 2 this week. Let the songs of Mary, Zechariah, and the angels lead you into the story. And maybe text a friend to join you.

RELATED EPISODE:

RESOURCES:

• Carson, D. A., & Moo, D. J. (2005). An introduction to the New Testament (Kindle ed.). Zondervan.
• Fee, G. D., & Stuart, D. (2002). How to read the Bible book by book: A guided tour (Kindle ed.). Zondervan.
• MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2010). The John MacArthur study Bible (New International Version). Thomas Nelson.
• Nelson, T. (Ed.). (2011). The NIV, open Bible: Complete reference system (Kindle ed.). Thomas Nelson.
• Zondervan. (2016). NIV, cultural backgrounds study Bible: Bringing to life the ancient world of Scripture (Kindle ed.). Zondervan.

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

The Gospel of Mark offers a breathless, urgent account of Jesus' life that captures his identity as the Son of God and extends his invitation to follow him today.

• Mark is the shortest gospel at 16 chapters—readable in about 90 minutes
• Written around 55-65 AD, likely the earliest written account of Jesus' life
• Tradition says it was written by John Mark, capturing Peter's eyewitness perspective
• Uses the word "immediately" about 40 times, creating an urgent, fast-paced narrative
• Features "sandwich" storytelling technique where one story is nested inside another
• Preserves Jesus' original Aramaic words like "Talitha kum" (little girl, get up)
• Emphasizes Jesus' authority over sickness, nature, demons, and death
• Presents Jesus as a different kind of Messiah who serves, suffers, and saves
• Contains 16 references to "follow me"—Jesus wants followers, not just admirers
• The earliest manuscripts end at 16:8, with later copies adding verses 9-20

Take one step this week—read Mark using one of the suggested reading plans and ask: Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow him?

RELATED EPISODES:

The Gospels: A Four-Fold Portrait of Jesus

RESOURCES:

Carson, D. A., & Moo, D. J. (n.d.). An introduction to the New Testament (pp. 183, 187) [Kindle edition].

Cooper, R. L. (2000). Mark (Vol. 2, Holman New Testament Commentary). Broadman & Holman Publishers.

Deppe, D. B. (2011). All roads lead to the text: Eight methods of inquiry into the Bible. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2011). The MacArthur Study Bible (New International Version). Thomas Nelson.

Nelson, T. (n.d.). The NIV, Open Bible: Complete reference system (pp. 5877, 5879) [Kindle edition].

Puskas, C. B., & Crump, D. (2008). An introduction to the Gospels and Acts. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

The Thompson Chain-Reference Bible companion: A handbook for the Classic Chain-Reference Bible. (n.d.).

The Word in Life Study Bible: NRSV, New Testament edition. (n.d.).

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.

Matthew's Gospel serves as a bridge connecting Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, deliberately placed first in the New Testament to show continuity in God's redemptive plan.

• The word "gospel" means "good news" - the four gospels each present Jesus from different perspectives
• Matthew, a former tax collector called by Jesus, wrote primarily for a Jewish audience
• Jesus eating with "tax collectors and sinners" at Matthew's house demonstrated the gospel message in action
• Five major teaching sections form the structure of Matthew's gospel
• The Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7) establishes the values of God's kingdom
• Jesus repeatedly fulfills Old Testament prophecies, confirming his identity as Messiah
• The genealogy includes Gentile women, showing Jesus is King of all nations
• Matthew ends with the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations
• The gospel challenges us to live as citizens of God's kingdom with transformed hearts

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a friend who might need encouragement from God's Word this week. Join us next time as we explore Mark's Gospel—shorter, faster-paced, and action-packed.

RELATED EPISODE:

• The Gospels: A Four-Fold Portrait of Jesus Christ

RESOURCES:

• Fee, G. D. (2002). How to read the Bible book by book. Zondervan.
• Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (n.d.). Bible overview (pp. 373–374) [Kindle edition]. Function.
• Godet, F. L. (1899). Introduction to the New Testament: The collection of the four Gospels and the Gospel of St. Matthew(W. Affleck, Trans.; Vol. 2, p. 105). T&T Clark.
• Knowles, A. (2001). The Bible guide (1st Augsburg Books ed.). Augsburg.
• Leithart, P. J. (2022). BI110 How to read the Bible [Logos Mobile Education]. Lexham Press.
• MacArthur, J., Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur study Bible (Electronic ed.). Word Publishing.
• Mangum, D. (Ed.). (2020). Lexham context commentary: New Testament (Mt 24:9–14). Lexham Press.
• Thomas Nelson Publishers. (1998). The open Bible: New King James Version (Electronic ed.).

We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.

Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?
Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace.

💬 Reach out to Jacqui at info@bible-basics.org
📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life
🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you

You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step.

Thank you for tuning in!
Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now!

Feel free to contact us at info@bible-basics.org. We would love to hear from you!

Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.