The Bible Project Daily Podcast

Send us a textWelcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast.Today we’re exploring one of the most sobering of teachings found in the New Testament—Paul’s shocking warning about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11.You may have heard these verses read many times during Communion, but Paul didn’t write them for tradition—he wrote them in response to a crisis. A broken church had turned the Lord’s Table into a place of division and pride.Paul’s words remind us that this simple act—bread and wine—is a proclamation of the Gospel. And how we come to the Table either honours or denies what Jesus has done.So let’s slow down, open our hearts, and remember: this Table is holy ground.Episode Notes:Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:17–34Summary: Paul confronts the Corinthians over how they were treating the Lord’s Supper—and his warning is both intense and deeply pastoral. In this episode, we unpack:Why their gatherings were doing “more harm than good”How selfishness at the Table contradicted the GospelWhat it means to eat and drink “in an unworthy manner”Why self-examination, humility, and unity are vital at CommunionHow this sacred meal continues to shape our faith and our fellowshipKey Verses:“Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Cor 11:27) “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Cor 11:24–25)Takeaway: The Lord’s Table isn’t just a symbol—it’s a proclamation of Christ’s death, a call to unity, and a moment to realign our hearts. This passage reminds us: the Table is for sinners, not the perfect, but not for the careless. So come. Examine yourself. Remember Jesus. Honour His people. And keep proclaiming His death—until He comes.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome:A simple question about head coverings leads Paul into one a tricky passage on worship, creation, and God’s design for men and women. In this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we tackle a challenging and often misunderstood text and discover why this chapter isn’t ultimately about fabric or fashion, but about reflecting the order and glory of God when we gather to worship.Episode Notes:Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:2–16Summary: The Corinthian church asked Paul a question that feels distant to many of us: should women wear head coverings in worship? Paul’s answer goes deeper than cultural custom and points us to:The divine principle of headship rooted in the Trinity.How creation itself reflects God’s design for men and women.Why submission is not about value, but about order and glory.What it means to honour God’s created order in public worship.How even small outward signs can point to cosmic realities.Key Verses:“I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Cor 11:3) “Because of the angels.” (1 Cor 11:10)Takeaway: This passage isn’t really about hats—it’s about the heart. Worship is meant to reflect God’s design, the beauty of male and female interdependence, and the headship of Christ over His Church. Whether we wear a covering or not, the question is the same: Does my posture, inside and out, declare that Jesus is Lord?Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome:What do you do when the Bible doesn’t give a clear “yes” or “no”? In this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we unpack Paul’s answer to one of the most practical questions in 1 Corinthians: “Can I, or can’t I?” As Paul deals with eating food offered to idols, he also gives us more timeless principles for navigating the grey areas of the Christian life. Join us as we discover how freedom, love, and the glory of God shape every choice we make.Episode Notes:Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:14–33Summary: Paul’s closing words on the “meat offered to idols” question give the church a framework for making decisions where Scripture doesn’t give a direct command. In this episode, we explore:Why some “grey areas” are not as neutral as they seem.How idolatry lurks behind some practices—even modern ones.When to exercise your freedom and when to lay it down.How love limits liberty for the sake of others.Why the ultimate question is not “Can I?” but “Will this glorify God?”Key Verses:“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.” (1 Cor 10:14) “So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31)Takeaway: Christian freedom is not the right to do whatever we please. It is the privilege to glorify God and love others in every decision we make—even in the grey areas.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome Back:Are you blessed? Most of us would say yes. But with blessing comes danger—the peril of privilege. In this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we explore Paul’s sobering warning from Israel’s history in 1 Corinthians 10. How do we live under God’s favour without becoming presumptuous? How do we handle spiritual blessings without drifting into complacency? Join us as we learn from the past and lean on the faithfulness of God in the face of temptation.Episode Notes:Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:1–14Summary:Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—that blessing is not a guarantee of faithfulness. Drawing from Israel’s story, he warns that spiritual privilege can become a snare if it leads to presumption. In this episode we learn:How Israel’s blessings mirror our privileges in Christ.Why privilege can lull us into spiritual complacency.What it really means to “take heed lest you fall.”The promise of God’s faithfulness in every temptation.Why the way of escape is often as simple—and urgent—as fleeing.Key Verse:“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Cor 10:12)Takeaway:Your blessings in Christ are glorious—but they are not a license to drift. They are a call to vigilance, gratitude, and humble dependence on God’s faithfulness.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textIn this episode of The Bible Project Daily Podcast, we explore one of Paul’s most interesting metaphors—the Christian life as a race. Everyone wants to win, but Paul tells us that in God’s Kingdom, true victory comes through self-denial and servanthood. What does it take to be a spiritual winner? Join us as we unpack 1 Corinthians 9:19–27 and discover the surprising path to the prize.Episode Notes:Summary: Paul pulls back the curtain on what it means to “run to win” in the Christian life. Using the image of an athlete in training, he shows us that spiritual victory isn’t about claiming our rights but laying them down for the sake of the gospel. In this episode we learn:Why Paul willingly surrendered his freedoms to win others to Christ.How self-denial is the surprising ingredient for spiritual victory.What it means to “run the race” with focus, discipline, and eternal reward in view.How chapters 8–10 form a single call to love over liberty and mission over self.Key Verse:“Run in such a way as to get the prize.” (1 Cor 9:24)Takeaway: Christian maturity is not measured by how much freedom you claim, but by how much you’re willing to lay down—for the good of others and the glory of Christ. The race is on. Run to win.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome back!Today, we’re tackling one of the most countercultural messages in Scripture: the call to willingly lay down our rights.We live in a world where everything revolves around my freedom, my voice, my choice. But Paul turns that upside down in 1 Corinthians 9, showing us a deeper way. He had every right as an apostle to financial support, comfort, and recognition—yet he surrendered those rights for the sake of love and the advance of the gospel.This isn’t weakness. This is Christlike strength. It’s the same pattern we see in Jesus, who gave up the glory of heaven to rescue us.Episode Highlights:Why the gospel calls us to lay down personal rightsPaul’s radical example of surrender in ministryHow Christ’s humility defines true Christian maturityWhy love must govern our freedomsThe eternal reward in giving up what you could claim now📖 Key Verse: “We did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” —1 Corinthians 9:12Takeaway: The mature Christian doesn’t ask, “What am I entitled to?” but “What can I give up so others can flourish?” That is the path to real unity, real joy, and eternal reward.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome back!In today’s episode, we explore a timeless moral tension: What do we do when our freedom conflicts with someone else’s conscience? From meat offered to idols in Corinth to alcohol in our modern lives, the principle remains the same—love must guide freedom.Growing up, many of us were handed an unwritten moral code. But what happens when that code isn’t black-and-white in Scripture? How do we navigate the grey?Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 8 teach us that knowledge—while important—can puff us up. But love? Love builds up. When others are watching, when their faith is at stake, Paul says: “If my freedom causes them to stumble, I’ll lay it down.”This is not legalism. It’s not a weakness. It’s Christlike love in action.Whether you're navigating questions about cultural practices, personal liberty, or sensitive matters within your community, this chapter invites you to ask not just, “Is this allowed?” but “Is this loving?”Episode Highlights:🧭 Moral grey areas: Why they matter🥩 The Corinthian debate over idol meat🧠 Knowledge vs. love—what builds up?❤️ How Christian liberty is shaped by the needs of others🚫 Why violating your conscience—even mistakenly—is still serious✝️ The powerful truth: Wounding a believer’s conscience is a sin against Christ📖 Key Verse: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” —1 Corinthians 8:1Next Episode: We'll continue this journey in chapters 9 and 10, where Paul illustrates this principle through his own life and leadership. Don’t miss it—it completes the picture.Until then, grace and peace. And remember: Real strength chooses love.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a text🎙 WelcomeWelcome to The Bible Project Daily Podcast. In today’s episode, we're looking at a topic that’s often misunderstood, frequently underexplored, and sometimes even unfairly dismissed—the biblical case for staying single.While most cultures—and often the church—promote marriage as the default route to a fulfilled life, the Apostle Paul offers us a radically different perspective in 1 Corinthians 7. Far from seeing singleness as second-best or a temporary waiting room for marriage, Paul calls it a gift, a calling, and even, at times, the preferable path.Whether you’re single, married, widowed, or divorced—this episode is for you. Because Paul’s wisdom here isn’t just about relationship status. It’s about living with focus, serving with freedom, and anchoring our lives in Christ, especially when the world around us is in turmoil.So, wherever you are and whatever your story, I invite you to listen in, lean into Scripture, and rediscover the surprising beauty and purpose of a life wholly devoted to the Lord.📄 Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore Paul’s surprising and Spirit-inspired case for singleness. In a culture that often views marriage as the default or even only path to fulfillment, Paul lifts up celibacy as a valid and even preferable calling for some believers, particularly in times of crisis. But this message is not just for the unmarried. It’s for the entire Church.We’ll consider:Why Paul speaks so positively about singlenessWhat he means by “the present distress” and how that informs wise decision-makingThe freedom and focus that can come with a single lifeHow both singleness and marriage are gifts that can glorify GodWhy the ultimate goal of every believer isn’t marriage—but Christ HimselfKey Themes:Biblical wisdom for life’s seasonsSingleness as a sacred callingDiscipleship, freedom, and undistracted devotionLiving in light of eternityWho This Is For:Singles navigating their callingMarried couples who want to better support othersWidows, widowers, and divorcees processing new seasonsChurch leaders looking to shape a more biblical culture around relationshipsFinal Encouragement: You are not on hold. You are not incomplete. Whatever your status, you are called, loved, and needed in the body of Christ—right now.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcomeWelcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast as we continue our journey through Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. Today, we step into one of the most personal and emotionally complex passages in the New Testament—1 Corinthians 7:8–24—where Paul offers wise, Spirit-led counsel on marriage, singleness, divorce, and remarriage. Whether you’re married, single, divorced, or widowed, this passage has something to say about your life and calling. Join us as we ask the question: Can we change our marital status?Episode Notes: Can We Change Our Marital Status?1 Corinthians 7:8–24In this episode, we explore Paul’s pastoral and Spirit-guided wisdom on a deeply personal issue: relationships, change, and calling. Together, we consider:What Scripture says about widowhood, desire, and remarriageHow Paul speaks to the pain of divorce and the hope of reconciliationGuidance for Christians married to unbelieving spousesWhy Paul repeatedly calls us to “remain as you are”—not out of resignation, but out of a radical trust in God’s sovereign placementHow to understand our past through the lens of grace and forgiveness, not legalism or guiltWhy your current status—whether married, single, divorced, or remarried—does not disqualify you from serving God faithfully and fruitfullyKey Message: Whatever your relationship story, God meets you there—not to shame you, but to walk with you. You are not sidelined. You are called.Verse to Remember: “Each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.” – 1 Corinthians 7:24Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a textWelcome to the Episode:In today’s episode, we explore a question that’s as old as the Church itself: Should I get married—or stay single? It’s a question shaped by culture, personal longing, and spiritual calling. We turn to 1 Corinthians 7:1–7 to hear Paul’s wise, pastoral, and often surprising counsel on marriage, celibacy, sex, and the spiritual gift of each.Whether you’re married, single, widowed, or unsure of what’s next—this conversation is for you. Let’s challenge cultural assumptions, reframe singleness as a calling, and re-centre marriage as a covenant of mutual love and responsibility.Episode NotesKey Themes:Challenging Cultural Assumptions: Our world links happiness with romance—but Scripture has a different vision for human flourishing.Marriage and Celibacy as Gifts: Paul affirms both marriage and singleness as God-given callings—not commands or defaults.Intimacy and Responsibility in Marriage: Marital intimacy is a mutual, sacred duty—not a bargaining chip or personal right.Celibacy Is Not Second-Class: Singleness is not a failure or waiting room for marriage—it can be a vocation of focused devotion to the Lord.Spiritual Discernment: The real question isn’t “Which is better?” but “What is God calling me to?” Takeaways:You are not incomplete if you are single.You are not more spiritual because you are married.Sexual intimacy in marriage is a sacred, mutual obligation—not a tool for control.Singleness is not a delay of purpose—it can be the purpose.The key question: Do you have the gift?Final ThoughtIn a world confused about identity, desire, and devotion, Paul’s pastoral insight cuts through the noise: God’s will for your life isn’t about your relationship status—it’s about your faithful response to His calling.Support the showTo listen to my monthly church history podcast, subscribe at; https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com For an ad-free version of my podcasts plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month whilst also helping keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere support me at;|PatreonSupport me to continue making great content for listeners everywhere.https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com