What if Jesus didn’t just show up in the New Testament—but had been appearing all along?

In this episode, we explore Christophanies and uncover how Christ may be revealed in the Old Testament in ways you’ve never noticed before.

Key Verse

Genesis 16:7–13

Key Focus

Understanding what a Christophany is

Seeing how Jesus appears in the Old Testament

Connecting the Old Testament directly to Christ

What This Episode Covers

The difference between Theophanies and Christophanies

How to recognize when an appearance may be Christ

Why some “appearances of God” seem personal, physical, and relational

Key examples of possible Christophanies in Scripture

How this changes the way we read the entire Bible

Write This Down

“Jesus did not begin in the New Testament.”

“Christ has always been present in God’s plan.”

“The Old Testament doesn’t just point to Jesus—it sometimes reveals Him.”“I don’t want to miss where Jesus is already present in Scripture.”

“The Bible is one unified story centered on Christ.”

Cross References

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 18:1–2

Joshua 5:13–15

Daniel 3:24–25

John 1:1

How to Study This Topic

As you read these passages, ask:

Who is this figure, and how are they described?

Are they speaking with authority that belongs to God?

Are they being treated as God—or as a messenger?

What makes this moment different from a typical angelic appearance?

Does this connect to what we know about Jesus in the New Testament?

What clues in the text suggest this is more than symbolic?

Big Takeaways

Jesus did not begin at His birth—He has always existed

Some Old Testament appearances may be pre-incarnate Christ

The Bible is deeply connected from beginning to end

God reveals Himself progressively throughout Scripture

Recognizing Christ in the Old Testament transforms how we read it

Reflection

How would it change the way you read the Bible… if you expected to see Jesus on every page?

Where might you have overlooked Him before?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

What if you’ve been reading past moments where God was clearly showing up?

In this episode, we break down what a Theophany is and why recognizing it will completely change how you read the Bible.

Key Verse

Exodus 3:2–6

Key Focus

Understanding what a Theophany is

Recognizing when God visibly reveals Himself in Scripture

Shifting from seeing God as distant → to seeing Him as present

What This Episode Covers

What a Theophany is (in simple, practical terms)

Why moments like the burning bush, pillar of fire, and Mount Sinai matter

How often we read past moments where God is clearly revealing Himself

The difference between knowing about God vs. recognizing His presence

Why understanding this changes how you read the entire Bible

Write This Down

“God doesn’t just speak—He reveals Himself.”

“Theophanies are moments of presence, not just power.”

“God is not distant—He makes Himself known.”

“Just because something is familiar doesn’t mean it’s ordinary.”

“I don’t want to read past where God is showing up.”

Cross References

Exodus 13:21

Exodus 19:16–20

Psalm 77:13–14

How to Study This Passage

As you read Exodus 3 and other passages like it, ask:

What is actually happening here?

How is God revealing Himself in this moment?

Is this symbolic—or is this a real encounter?

What does this show me about how God interacts with His people?

What details would I normally overlook if I rushed through this?

What does this reveal about God’s character?

Am I slowing down enough to recognize what I’m reading?

Big Takeaways

God is not distant—He actively reveals Himself

Theophanies are not random—they are intentional moments of God’s presence

Scripture is full of encounters, not just information

Familiar passages can still hold overlooked depth

Recognizing how God shows up changes how we read everything

Reflection

Where in your life have you assumed God is distant or silent?

What if He’s been revealing Himself in ways you’ve simply overlooked?

What would it look like to slow down and start paying attention?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.

You’ve heard David and Goliath your whole life- but what if you’ve been reading it wrong?

In this episode, we look at 1 Samuel 17 in context and discover how this story actually points to Jesus- and why that changes everything.

Key Verse

-1 Samuel 17:8-11

Key Focus

-Understanding David and Goliath in context

-Introduction to typology (how Scripture points to Jesus)

-Seeing Christ- not ourselves- as the center of the story

What This Episode Covers

-Why David and Goliath is often misunderstood

-The difference between reading the Bible as the hero vs. seeing Christ as the hero

-What typology is and how it works in Scripture

-How David acts as a representative for Israel

-How this story ultimately points to Jesus and the Gospel

Write This Down

-“The Bible is not about me becoming my own hero.”

-“God provides the victory- I don’t earn it.”

- “David didn’t just fight for himself- he fought on behalf of thepeople.”

-“Jesus already fought the battle I could not win.”

-“I was never meant to carry this on my own.”

Cross References

-Luke 24:27

-Colossians 2:15

How to Study This Passage

As you read 1 Samuel 17, ask:

-Who is this story actually about?

-What is the situation and what problem is being presented?

-What is the main point of this passage?

-Is this describing something- or telling me what to do?

-Where else does the Bible show this same pattern?

-What does this reveal about God’s character?

-Does this match the full message of Scripture?

-How should this actually be applied?

Big Takeaways

-David is not primarily an example of what we should become- he is a picture of Christ

-Israel represents our inability to save ourselves

-The victory in this story belongs to the one who steps in- not the ones who stand back

-The Bible consistently points to Jesus as the true Deliverer

-The Gospel is not “try harder”- it’s “it is finished”

Reflection

Where in your life are you trying to be the one who fixes it, fights it, or overcomes it on your own?

What would it look like to trust that Jesus has already stepped in on your behalf?

Final Reminder

You’re not David.

The victory was never yours to earn- It was His to win.

Find the free study guide printable ⁠⁠here⁠⁠

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Time You Read the Bible:

1. Who is speaking?

2. Who are they speaking to?

3. What’s happening?

4. What’s the full passage say?

5. What’s the main point?

6. Where else is this seen in Scripture?

7. Is this descriptive or prescriptive?

8. What does this show about God?

9. Does it align with all of Scripture?

10. How do I apply this correctly?

You can find my books, blog, worship playlist, as well as all the teaching resources I will be discussing on my website at ⁠⁠⁠www.tiffanydorrgilland.com⁠⁠⁠. My listeners get a one-time exclusive 15% discount on my books by entering the code BECKY15 at checkout. My book can also be found online at most major retailers such as Books-A-Million, Amazon, Walmart, Kindle Unlimited, and other online retailers.