How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

Hey Friends, Welcome back to How to Study the Bible. As we journey through the Gospel of John, we find ourselves in Passion Week—a time that prepares us for the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. With Easter approaching, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the weight of this season. Today’s Focus: John 19We're delving into the profound details surrounding Jesus' crucifixion and the significance of the signs and prophecies that unfold. Key Points Covered: The Reality of Pain:Jesus' crucifixion is a painful narrative, revealing the depths of human depravity. We confront the reality of our own darkness through this lens. Prophetic Fulfillment:Each detail of Jesus’ suffering points back to Old Testament prophecies, illustrating that nothing happened by chance. Key prophecies include: Casting lots for His garments (Psalm 22:18) Not breaking His bones (Exodus 12:46; Psalm 34:20) Being pierced (Zechariah 12:10) The Significance of the Sign:Pilate's inscription, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews," highlights the irony of Jesus' kingship and its universal significance across cultures—Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. Understanding Atonement:Jesus' death isn’t merely a historical event; it's the atonement for our sins, fulfilling His role as our divine sacrifice (Isaiah 53:5). Think About It: How do you process the pain and suffering in your life? In what areas do you need to trust God’s plan, especially when it feels dark? Challenge: Reflect on the weight of Jesus' sacrifice this Easter. Consider what it means for your faith journey, especially in light of the injustices and pains you face. Join us next week as we continue to explore the signs and prophecies surrounding Jesus' journey to the cross! Thanks for listening and for your support—don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Until next time, keep digging into the Word! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As we continue our journey through the Gospel of John, we dive into chapters 18 and 19, walking through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as we approach Easter. This season of Lent invites us to engage deeply with a familiar yet profoundly challenging story—the suffering of Christ. It’s easy to skip ahead to the resurrection, but there is so much to learn in these moments of Jesus’ trial, betrayal, and ultimate sacrifice. Key Themes Covered: Human Struggle with Pain & Suffering – As humans, we often avoid pain—whether our own or others’. How do we sit in the reality of Jesus’ suffering without looking away? Jesus & Pilate: A Clash of Power – Jesus stands firm in divine authority, while Pilate sways under pressure. What does true power look like? Pilate’s Search for Truth – When Pilate asks, “What is truth?” is he dismissive or genuinely searching? How does his question reflect modern struggles with truth and authority? Key Verses: John 18:36 – "My kingdom is not of this world." John 19:10-11 – "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above." Matthew 28:18 – "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Philippians 2:9-11 – "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." Takeaways: This week, sit with John 18-19 and ask God to reveal areas in your heart where you struggle to surrender to His authority. Reflect on what it means to have spiritual authority through Christ—how can you walk in power, love, and self-discipline? As Easter approaches, let’s not rush past the cross. Let’s sit with the reality of Jesus’ suffering and allow it to deepen our love for Him. Jesus’ power is unshakable, rooted in the truth of who He is. Unlike the fleeting power structures of the world, His authority stands firm. Whatever you are facing today, know that His power, love, and sovereignty are over it all. Stay Connected: Follow me on Instagram @nicoleunice Questions? Email nicole@nicoleunice.com Find my speaking calendar or make a speaking request: http://nicoleunice.com Share your thoughts and reflections with us—we’d love to hear from you! See you next time as we continue our journey through John and prepare our hearts for Easter! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Hey friends! As we gear up for Easter, we’re slowing down to soak in the final moments of Jesus’ life. Today, we’re diving into John 18—where Jesus is betrayed and arrested, yet still fully in control. Today we’ll cover: Jesus isn’t a victim—He’s in charge. He willingly walks into this moment. Betrayal hurts, but God is bigger. Jesus knew it was coming and still loved Judas. God’s plan is always at work. Even Caiaphas’ scheming plays into it. Jesus’ kingdom isn’t about force. Peter’s sword wasn’t the move—surrender was. Think About It: How do you react when life doesn’t go as planned? Where do you need to trust God’s timing instead of forcing things? Challenge: Sit with this: Jesus faced betrayal, pain, and injustice—all for you. As we head toward Easter, reflect on what that means for your own faith journey. See you next week as we keep walking through John 18! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Did you know Jesus prayed for YOU? In this episode, we’re diving into Jesus’ powerful prayer for all believers—past, present, and future. We’ll break down what it means to be locked in with God, why unity among believers matters, and how we can truly experience His love in our everyday lives. We’ll also chat about:- The deep connection between Jesus, the Father, and us- How the early church stayed "locked in" (Acts 2:42 style)- Why unity in the capital-C Church is more important than ever- Practical ways to grow in faith and community Whether you’re feeling distant from God or just want to deepen your faith, this episode is for you. Let’s dig in! Got a question about faith, the Bible, or life? Send it my way for an upcoming listener questions episode! DM me on instagram or email nicole@nicoleunice.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Life’s tough, but Jesus knew that—and He’s already won. In this episode, we break down John 16, where Jesus promises trouble but also victory. Here’s what we’re unpacking: Stay Strong in Faith: Jesus warns us about hard times so we don’t lose faith. “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The Holy Spirit’s Got Your Back: The Advocate (aka the Holy Spirit) guides us into truth, reveals God’s heart, and offers peace even when life’s messy. Ask, Receive, Trust: Jesus promises we’ll receive when we ask—when our hearts are aligned with God’s love, justice, and compassion. A Real Talk on Prophecy: The Spirit shows us the future, but not everything. Some things are for God alone. Our job? Stay faithful, not fearful. Reflect On This: How can you find peace in the middle of chaos? Are your prayers in sync with God’s heart? What does trusting the Holy Spirit daily look like for you? Final Thought: Trouble’s a given, but so is Christ’s victory. Take heart—joy is coming. Scripture Highlights: John 16 (v. 1, 13, 24, 33) Acts 1:7-8 Matthew 24:36 Thanks for listening! Hit subscribe and remember: He’s already overcome. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we are exploring the profound truth that remaining in Christ is essential for bearing fruit in our lives. This concept is rooted in Jesus' teaching in John 15:5, where He states, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing." This powerful statement highlights the necessity of a deep, abiding connection with Christ for spiritual vitality and productivity. Let's dive deep into John 15 together. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/ Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 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.

This week, Nicole dives deep into John 14, particularly the profound statement made by Jesus in John 14:6, where He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This declaration is not merely a philosophical assertion; it serves as a foundational truth for those seeking direction and purpose in their lives. What's The Backstory? Right before this, Jesus made it clear that he was going to leave them. This must have been very discouraging and confusing. In the midst of this, Jesus offers them comfort and a path forward. I Am The Way, The Truth, The Life He is the way. Jesus is making incredible claims about himself. He gives them relationonal, directional, and intentional answers. Let's unpack what each of these mean, together. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/ Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 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.

In this week's episode, we read through the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13. In this incredibly powerful chapter, Jesus gives us these living metaphors and these pictures because he wants us to have a new idea in our mind, a new understanding of what reality truly is. Because from those places in us where reality truly is, when we ask the question, okay, what does this mean for us? What does this mean? That reality is Jesus reshaping the concept of what matters in life. He's reshaping the activity that leads to joy. He's saying love plus security plus humility equals joy. What Does It Say? Jesus loves them to the end Jesus’ power - “He knew he had all power” - what would you do next if you knew you had all power? No one would pick the thing that Jesus does next. Because Jesus knew all these things, SO he got up, and washed his disciple's feet. Backstory - Footwashing was a common act of hospitality in that time, usually performed by a slave. If someone of standing were to do it, it would have been seen as an ultimate act of honor. What Does it Mean? Jesus’ foot washing was a metaphor, an image of what love means - settled, confident, secure love. Service with humility and sacrifice. He's doing a menial act, but what he's really doing is saying, “if you want to be a part of me, this is what he says to Peter, if you want to be a part of me, you have to let me do this.” What Does It Mean for Me? If you want to experience life with Jesus, you have to let him love you. You have to let him care for you. You have to let him see you for who you really are, which is a person who does need to be cleansed, right? And Jesus is saying to them, like, hey, you don't need to do this over and over again. It's not like a baptism over and over again. You already know me, you're clean and you're in me, but this is an act of me caring for you. This is an ongoing, this is what ongoing relationship looks like with me. What I'm doing for you, I am asking you do to for others. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/ Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 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.

The Backstory The episode begins by establishing the setting of John 12, which takes place just before the Passover in Bethany, where Jesus shares an intimate dinner with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. This gathering is not just a meal; it is a moment filled with deep significance as it marks the beginning of the Passion Week—the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry leading up to His crucifixion. The atmosphere is celebratory, yet it foreshadows the impending sacrifice of Jesus. Mary’s Extravagant Worship Mary’s act of anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume is highlighted as a lavish display of love and devotion. The fragrance of the perfume fills the house, symbolizing the beauty of worship and the acknowledgment of Jesus’ impending death. This act stands in stark contrast to Judas Iscariot’s utilitarian perspective, where he questions the wastefulness of such an extravagant gesture, suggesting that the money could have been better spent on the poor. The Aroma of Christ The podcast draws a parallel between Mary’s act and the metaphor of aroma found in 2 Corinthians 2:14-16, where believers are described as the aroma of Christ. This metaphor serves to illustrate the dual nature of following Jesus: for some, it is a fragrance of life, while for others, it represents death. Nicole points out that Mary’s devotion brings life and joy, while Judas’ reaction embodies the disgust and misunderstanding that can accompany a life devoted to Christ. What Does it Mean? The Reality of Following Jesus Following Jesus often leads to persecution and misunderstanding. She reminds listeners that being a follower of Christ means embracing the tension of love and rejection. Just as Mary faced criticism for her extravagant worship, believers today may encounter similar responses when they express their faith. The call to love, even in the face of persecution, is a central theme in the episode, reinforcing the idea that true devotion to Christ may not always be understood or accepted by others. Balancing Individual Piety and Social Activism The episode also touches on the need for balance between individual piety and social activism. Nicole highlights that while caring for the marginalized is essential, it should not overshadow personal devotion to Christ. Jesus’ response to Judas underscores this balance; He acknowledges the importance of caring for the poor while also affirming Mary’s act of worship as significant and worthy. What Does It Mean for Me? In conclusion, the podcast encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and consider how they can embody the aroma of Christ in their daily interactions. Nicole poses thought-provoking questions: How can we worship extravagantly like Mary? How do we respond to persecution or misunderstanding in our faith journey? By embracing both the beauty of devotion and the challenges of following Jesus, believers can live out their faith authentically, becoming a fragrant offering to God and a light to the world. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/ Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! 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.

Today, we're digging into a story of grief and joy in John 11, the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We'll see the profound ways in which Jesus interacts with individuals experiencing grief and sorrow, demonstrating compassion and understanding by meeting each person where they are in their emotional journey. What Does It Say? Read along with us in John 11. What’s the backstory it's really important here to notice that we're in a sorrowful moment of an untimely death. This is a hard reality, a hard truth happening in this world right now. And what's more with Mary and Martha to lose Lazarus, their brother, who, you know, likely was supporting them and providing them with safety in a home because that's how it was in that culture. They've lost their brother whom they love, but also, this is an untimely death, and they really believe that Jesus could have done something about it. And yet these days have gone by. Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days. The four is important a little bit in the backstory because some would say that Jewish leaders would maybe say the soul would hang around a body for a while, maybe try to reenter the body. So they're like, it's like four days is not just kind of dead. It's really dead. It's like a long enough that, okay, now it's time to really say goodbye. This is permanent. What does it mean? Two things that came to mind that really stood out for me this week in this passage. The first is this: there's more to this life than sorrow and death. All the time, there's always more going on than just the sorrow and death that we might see. That's the first thought, just to challenge you in your mind. The second one for me, and of course there's many principles you can pull out from this passage, but the second principle for today, Jesus doesn't just lead us to the resurrection, he is the resurrection. Like, that is a mystery to ponder, to pray on, to ask, like, what does that mean for my life? What does it mean for me? Two things that came to mind that really stood out for me this week in this passage. The first is this: there's more to this life than sorrow and death. All the time, there's always more going on than just the sorrow and death that we might see. That's the first thought, just to challenge you in your mind. The second one: Jesus doesn't just lead us to the resurrection, he IS the resurrection. Like, that is a mystery to ponder, to pray on, to ask, like, what does that mean for my life? Second: the disciples were disappointed and disconcerted by Jesus's choices. Martha's disappointed, but intellectually trying to process the why. Mary is just lost in her grief, lost in her emotions. How do you react to your struggles? How do you handle sorrow? How do you handle pain? What's your response? Do you try to control it? Do you try to fix it? Do you try to solve it? Do you find yourself spinning up on all of these different plans and all of these different contingencies that you yourself are going to figure out? Or do you slow down enough to actually bring God your sorrow? Have you thought about taking that burden before him and just saying, Lord, are you here? You feel absent to me in this thing. Because in many ways, that's what Mary and Martha said. Both of them said to him, if you'd been here, Lazarus wouldn't have died. You've disappointed me. Why is it this way? Why were you absent in my time of need? If you have that question, bring it to the Lord. He can handle it. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/ Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide! Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising