The Bible Project Daily Podcast

Send us a text👋 WelcomeWelcome back to The Bible Project Daily Podcast, where we take the Bible one verse at a time and apply it to everyday life. In today’s episode, we tackle one of the most practical and often perplexing issues in Christian community life: what do we do when believers disagree about morally “grey” areas?Based on Romans 15:1–13, Paul offers a Spirit-filled, Christ-like solution that goes beyond rule-keeping and gets to the heart of Christian unity and self-sacrificial love. Whether you're the "strong" believer walking in freedom or the "weaker" one wrestling with conscience, Paul has a word for all of us.📖 Episode SummaryIn this episode:We explore the tension that arises in the church over disputable matters—those morally neutral or unclear issues where believers differ in conscience.Paul’s answer? The “strong” in faith are called not to please themselves but to bear with and build up the weak—just as Christ did not please Himself.We break down Paul’s structure: an exhortation, an example in Christ, and a prayer for unity.Finally, Paul turns to all believers—calling everyone to accept one another as Christ accepted us, so that with one voice we may glorify God together.🧩 Key ThemesSpiritual Maturity is shown in Sacrifice, not self-assertionUnity comes through mutual acceptance, not uniformityChrist is our model—He bore reproach to bring us peaceScripture and prayer anchor us in hope, even when we differ📌 TakeawayNot every issue requires a verdict—some require love, humility, and patience. Paul’s solution to “doubtful things” is not to win the argument, but to build one another up in Christ.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: This episode explores the tension between Christian freedom and individual conscience. Drawing from Romans 14:14–23, we look at how Paul addresses the differences between believers who feel free in amoral matters (like food or drink) and those whose consciences are more sensitive. Rather than judging one another, Paul calls Christians to walk in love, especially when their liberty might cause others to stumble. This is not legalism—it’s kingdom-minded maturity.Two Key Principles (Romans 14:14–15):“Nothing is unclean in itself” (v.14) — Amoral things are not inherently sinful. But if a person believes it’s wrong, it becomes sinful for them.“You are no longer acting in love” (v.15) — Causing someone grief or to stumble due to your actions, even if permissible, is unloving.Three Key Conclusions:Verse 16 – Don’t let your good (freedom) be spoken of as evil. Love may mean yielding your rights.Verse 19 – Pursue peace and mutual edification. Build up rather than tear down.Verse 22 – Keep your convictions between yourself and God. Don’t parade your liberty if it harms others.Kingdom Priorities (v.17): The Kingdom of God isn’t about eating or drinking—it’s about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Spiritual joy is greater than momentary indulgence.Final Reflection: Walking in love might mean giving up things you’re free to enjoy—out of care for others’ spiritual growth. That’s not legalism, that’s maturity. It’s the difference between worldly wisdom and the peaceable wisdom James 3 speaks of.Quote from James 3: “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable…”Main Takeaway: True Christian maturity isn’t about asserting your rights—it’s about laying them down in love to protect the conscience and growth of your fellow believers.Call to Action: Consider areas in your life where your freedom might be misunderstood or become a stumbling block. Are you walking in love?Subscribe to TBPDP Stay connected as we walk through the Book of Romans and learn to apply God’s Word in real, practical ways.Support the Podcast: [https://www.patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless]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🎙️ Welcome to The Bible Project Daily PodcastThanks for joining me on this journey through the Bible—chapter by chapter, verse by verse.Each episode, we dig deep into Scripture, reflect theologically, and consider how God's Word speaks into our everyday lives. Whether you're listening on your commute, during a quiet moment, or while doing the dishes, I pray these reflections encourage and challenge you to follow Jesus more closely.If you find this helpful, consider subscribing and sharing it with a friend. Let's grow in the Word together.📖 Episode Title:Don’t Argue Over Doubtful Things Romans 14:1–13✏️ Episode Summary:In today’s episode, we reflect on the Apostle Paul's plea for unity in the church—even when Christians disagree on non-essential matters.Whether it’s food, Sabbath observance, or other grey areas of conscience and conviction, Paul’s message is clear: don’t pass judgment or treat each other with contempt. We explore the difference between the strong and weak in faith, the danger of legalism, and why unity does not require uniformity.At the heart of it all is a call to live unto the Lord—because every believer belongs to Him, not to us.🧭 Key Themes:Christian liberty vs. personal conscienceUnity over uniformityJudging others vs. receiving them in loveThe Lordship of Christ over every believerLiving with conviction—unto the Lord📚 Scripture References:Romans 14:1–13 (With supporting insights from 1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Timothy 4)📌 Quote to Remember:“Who are you to judge another man’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” —Romans 14:4Support 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 to The Bible Project Daily Podcast! In today’s episode, we're exploring what really motivates the Christian life. Is it fear? Guilt? Love? Or something even deeper?As we open Romans 13:11–14, the Apostle Paul tells us to wake up, not just because it’s morning—but because eternity is drawing near. What does it mean to live with a sense of urgency, with our eyes on the horizon of Christ’s return?This passage isn’t just a call to behave better—it’s a wake-up call to live differently in light of the nearness of our salvation. So grab your Bible and let’s dig in together.📄 Episode Notes: The Motivation of the Christian Believer (Romans 13:11–14)Main Passage: Romans 13:11–14Episode Summary: In this episode, we reflect on one of the most urgent appeals in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Having spoken of motivations like fear, guilt, and love, Paul now introduces a deeper, time-sensitive motivation for the Christian life: the imminent return of Christ. The night is nearly over. The day is at hand. It’s time to wake up.Together, we’ll unpack:What “salvation is nearer now” really meansThe three tenses of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorificationWhy the doctrine of Christ’s imminent return isn’t a modern invention, but a deeply biblical and early Christian convictionWhat it looks like to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” todayKey Themes:Christian motivationThe return of ChristSanctification and urgencyLiving in the light of eternityThe threefold structure of salvationQuotes Referenced:Sanday & Headlam: “The language is that befitting those who expected the actual second coming of Christ almost immediately.”C.E.B. Cranfield: “The kingdom of God has come close... now actually confronting them in the person of Jesus.”Takeaway: Paul doesn’t want us to live in spiritual sleepwalking mode. He wants us to live awake—alert to the fact that the Lord is at the door. Are you living like that today?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 today’s episode, we move beyond the practical politics of tax and submission and explore the deeper calling of Christian citizenship—not just within the state, but among the people who share our streets, schools, and shopping centres.What does it mean to owe nothing... except love? And how can this unpayable debt of love shape the way we live with our neighbours, even the difficult ones?Join us as we consider Paul's vision of public holiness, where the gospel calls us not only to obey authority, but to honour others, respect the dignity of all, and above all, to love without limits.Episode Notes:Main Scripture: Romans 13:8–10Key Theme: The Christian’s ongoing “debt” to love others as the fulfilment of the law.Summary: This episode continues our look at Romans 13 by turning from our obligations to the state (verses 1–7) to our responsibilities within it. Paul teaches that love is not optional—it’s a divine debt we can never fully repay. From the marketplace to the motorway, our lives as believers are marked not merely by rule-following, but by neighbour-loving.Topics Covered:The difference between financial debt and spiritual obligationWhat “Owe no one anything” really meansWhy love is the one debt that never disappearsHow public love fulfils God’s lawThe connection between home, church, and civic lifeReflection: “The debt of love remains with us permanently and never leaves us; this is a debt which we both discharge every day and forever owe.” – OrigenSupport 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 textEpisode Summary: In this episode on Christian citizenship, we explore Romans 13:1–7, the most comprehensive New Testament passage on a believer's relationship to government. Paul makes a compelling case that governing authorities are ordained by God and that submission to them is a form of submission to God's providential order. We unpack what it means to live faithfully under human governments—just or unjust—and how our ultimate allegiance to God's authority informs our public and civic responsibilities.Main Themes:The universal call for Christians to submit to governing authorities (v.1)Government's divine institution and God's sovereignty over human rulers (v.1–2)Resistance to government as resistance to God (v.2)Government as God's servant to commend good and punish evil (v.3–4)The Christian's dual motive for obedience: conscience and fear of judgment (v.5)The legitimacy of state authority in collecting taxes and maintaining order (v.6–7)Key Points:Submission to government is grounded in submission to God, not in the moral merit of the state itself.All authority, including governmental, is ultimately from God—even flawed or unjust rulers exist by God's sovereign allowance.Christians should be known for their integrity, lawfulness, and peaceable conduct within society.The government bears the sword not in vain—it has the God-given right and responsibility to administer justice.Obedience to the state does not override our obedience to God, but it expresses our trust in God's providence.Applications for Today:Christians must grapple with the tension of living as citizens of heaven and residents of earthly nations.Our critique of government must always be tempered by the recognition of God's hand in history.Active, respectful civic engagement is part of our Christian witness.We must resist lawlessness and chaos, even as we pursue justice and righteousness.Questions for Reflection:How does recognizing God’s sovereignty over government change your attitude toward political authorities?Are there limits to Christian submission to the state? When and how should believers resist?In what ways can Christians be faithful citizens without compromising their ultimate loyalty to Christ?Further Reading:Daniel 4:17 — God's sovereignty over human kingdomsActs 25–28 — Paul's respectful engagement with Roman authorityMatthew 22:15–22 — Jesus on rendering to Caesar and to GodNext Episode: In Part Two, we will explore the boundaries of submission—when governments command what God forbids or forbid what God commands. How should believers respond when earthly and heavenly authority collide?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 textThe Bible is unmistakably clear on one thing: that love stands at the center of our Christian life. We are commanded to love God, to love one another, to love our families, our neighbours, and even our enemies.That being so, it’s reasonable to ask: What exactly is love?Today’s passage teaches us not just what love looks like, but how it behaves. It begins with the command:Summary of Love in the Church:Put others first (vv. 10–12)Provide for those in need (v. 13)Practice hospitality (v. 13)But beginning in verse 14, Paul shifts the focus outward—to love for all people, even enemies.“Bless those who persecute you” (v. 14) — referring to those outside the faith. “Repay no one evil for evil” (v. 17) “If your enemy is hungry, feed him” (v. 20)Most commentators agree: these are instructions about how we love our fellow human beings, not just fellow believers. That said, even if aimed at relationships within the church, the effect of such love is a powerful witness to the outside world.Five Commands of Christian Love Toward the World:Command One:"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." (Romans 12:14)Christian love doesn’t retaliate with words or actions. When wronged, we bless. Speak kindly, not flattery, but grace. Even in persecution, love blesses.Command Two:"Rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn." (Romans 12:15)Love is emotionally present. Love enters into others’ joy and sorrow. It celebrates sincerely and weeps compassionately. Love shares the experience of others.Command Three:"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:16)This is a call to humility and unity. Love sees value in everyone. Don’t network upward; relate humbly. Love looks around, not up.Command Four:"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone... If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:17–18)Love refuses to strike back. It doesn’t even the score. It seeks what is right, honourable, and healing. Paul is realistic: peace may not always be possible, but as far as it depends on us, we pursue it.Command Five:"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath... ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord... ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.’... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:19–21)This is the climax. Don’t take justice into your own hands. Trust God with vengeance. Your role is mercy. Love your enemy by feeding them, caring for them. This disarms hostility and brings transformation. Love absorbs evil and overcomes it with good.Conclusion:These five commands reveal the heart of true love: it blesseSupport 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🔑 Key Theme:True Christian love is not sentimental, vague, or self-serving—it is sincere, ethical, and devoted to the wellbeing of others, especially within the family of believers.📖 Summary:In today’s episode, we begin a two-part exploration of Romans 12:9–13, a passage that offers one of the clearest New Testament portrayals of what genuine Christian love looks like.We open with a simple but sobering question: What is true love? Drawing on Paul’s teaching, we discover that true love is sincere—without hypocrisy or performance. It is a love that hates what harms and clings to what heals. It doesn’t merely feel; it acts. It doesn’t simply accept others; it prefers them above oneself.🧠 Core Insights:Love must be sincere – No masks, no manipulation, no hidden agendas.True love hates evil and clings to good – Love is morally discerning, protective, and committed to kindness.Christian love expresses itself first in the community of believers – with familial affection (storgē), friendship (phileō), and covenantal devotion (agapē).Honour others above yourself – Not through self-degradation, but through joyful self-giving.Christian love is not passive – It is passionate, zealous, and actively serves the Lord.Love endures and is sustained through three spiritual virtues:Joy in hopePatience in sufferingFaithfulness in prayerTheological Emphasis:This passage reveals that agapē love—God’s kind of love—is not an emotion but a decision: to will the good of another. It is spiritual, ethical, and grounded in a future hope that fuels present service.🛠️ Application:Are you loving others with sincerity—or with performance?What evils do you tolerate that harm others emotionally, spiritually, or relationally?How can you actively prefer your fellow believers in your daily life this week?Is your service marked by spiritual fervour—or passive obligation?How might deepening your prayer life sustain your love for others?🙏 Prayer Focus:Ask God to give you a love that is real and active—a love that delights in doing good, that lifts others up, and that endures through prayer and hope.📍Next Time:In Part Two, we’ll look beyond the household of faith to see how Christian love extends even to those who oppose or mistreat us. Romans 12 doesn’t just call us to love one another—it calls us to love our enemies. Don’t miss it.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🎙️ Welcome to This Week’s Episode of The Bible Project Daily PodcastThis week, we open Romans 12 and arrive at a powerful turning point in Paul’s letter. After eleven chapters of profound theological truth—about sin, salvation, and the mercy of God—Paul now urges us to respond. But how?What is the fitting, reasonable, logical response to God’s mercy?In today’s episode, we reflect on what it truly means to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to live in humble, Spirit-enabled service to the Body of Christ.We’ll explore:Why the Christian life is the only reasonable response to God's mercy.How not to be squeezed into the mould of our age.What real transformation looks like—and how it happens from the inside out.The vital role each of us plays in the church as members of one body with differing gifts.This is a call not to passive gratitude but to active obedience—not just with our words, but with our whole selves.Thanks for joining me as we consider together what it looks like to live a life shaped by God’s mercy.📖 Episode Notes – Romans 12:1–8Key Theme: In view of God’s mercy, live a life of sacrificial obedience, inner transformation, and humble service.Outline:Present Your Body as a Living Sacrifice (Romans 12:1)Not a one-time act, but a lifestyle of obedience.Your body, your actions, your daily choices—these are your spiritual worship.Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind (Romans 12:2)Don’t be conformed to the age you live in.Let the Spirit of God, through the Word of God, shape you into the image of the Son of God.Discover God’s good, pleasing, and complete will for your life.Live Humbly and Serve Faithfully (Romans 12:3–8)Use your gifts in love and service to others.Don’t think more highly of yourself than you ought.Each of us has a vital role to play in the body of Christ.Reflection Questions:What part of your life needs to be freshly offered to God today?In what ways are you tempted to conform to the spirit of this age?How can you cultivate a renewed mind this week—through Scripture, prayer, or Christ-centered fellowship?🙏 Prayer Focus:Ask God to help you see His mercy afresh—and to respond not with passive belief, but with a living sacrifice of obedience, transformation, and service.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 Romans 8 ends with one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture: Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ. But that leads to a deep and pressing question that Romans 9–11 seeks to answer: If God is faithful, what do we make of Israel's rejection of their Messiah?These three chapters are the theological backbone of Christian assurance, affirming the reliability of God's promises and character.The Mystery Revealed (v.25)Paul does not want the Gentile believers to be ignorant or arrogant."Mystery" = a divine truth now revealed: Israel has experienced a partial and temporary hardening until the full number of Gentiles come in.God's redemptive plan is unfolding."All Israel Will Be Saved" (v.26–27)Likely refers to ethnic Israel as a whole, not every individual or the Church.Paul cites Isaiah and Jeremiah to show that this is covenantal fulfillment.A future generation of Israel will turn to Christ at His return.God’s Faithfulness and Mercy (v.28–29)Dual perspective:Enemies of the gospel for the sake of the Gentiles.Beloved because of the patriarchs."The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable."The Paradox of Disobedience and Mercy (v.30–32)Disobedience of Israel led to mercy for the Gentiles.Mercy shown to Gentiles will one day provoke mercy toward Israel.God allows all to be bound over to disobedience so that He may have mercy on all.No one earns salvation; all receive it through grace.Three Key Claims of Paul:Israel's hardening is partial – a remnant remains.Israel's hardening is temporary – it will end.All Israel will be saved – pointing to a future collective turning.Paul sees history as a tapestry, not a straight line. Even resistance and disobedience serve the larger purpose of showcasing God’s mercy.Conclusion:God has not abandoned Israel, and He will not abandon us.If God remains faithful to Israel despite their failings, He will surely remain faithful to all who trust in Christ.The promises begun with Abraham will be fulfilled in Christ.Romans 11:25–36 is not just about Israel—it is about the steadfast mercy of God."For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:36)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