David and Goliath is one of the most well-known underdog stories in the world. But what if it’s not an underdog story at all? A closer look at the context reveals David isn’t an underdog (shocking, I know!). In fact, a careful reading suggests the moment David grabs a sling, Goliath is in serious trouble. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how the context of ancient warfare completely changes the story of David and Goliath, and why it’s so important for you to do what God has uniquely gifted you to do.

David and Goliath is one of the most well-known underdog stories in the world. But what if it’s not an underdog story at all? A closer look at the context reveals David isn’t an underdog (shocking, I know!). In fact, a careful reading suggests the moment David grabs a sling, Goliath is in serious trouble. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how the context of ancient warfare completely changes the story of David and Goliath, and why it’s so important for you to do what God has uniquely gifted you to do.

#154 - David and Goliath Pt 3: Use Your Gift 

Before there was David and Goliath, there was David and Saul. The literary design of 1 Samuel reveals a tale of two shepherds that clash at the intersection with Goliath. One shepherd is fearful. The other is faithful. One backs down. The other steps up. One is rejected by God. The other is anointed by God. By the end of this episode, you’ll see how the writer of 1 Samuel was dropping hints about the difference between David and Saul, and more importantly, you’ll know what it takes to reflect the heart of God.

Before there was David and Goliath, there was David and Saul. The literary design of 1 Samuel reveals a tale of two shepherds that clash at the intersection with Goliath. One shepherd is fearful. The other is faithful. One backs down. The other steps up. One is rejected by God. The other is anointed by God. By the end of this episode, you’ll see how the writer of 1 Samuel was dropping hints about the difference between David and Saul, and more importantly, you’ll know what it takes to reflect the heart of God.

#153 - David and Goliath Pt 2: A Tale of 2 Shepherds 

David and Goliath is a story we all know. But like all stories that stand the test of time, there’s more to it than we fully understand. As we launch this new series on this beloved story, we begin by carefully examinating the geography of the event, and understanding the location alone yields a whole new level of insight. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new appreciation for the urgency of the David and Goliath story, and a helpful metaphor for guarding your heart and mind in our world today.

David and Goliath is a story we all know. But like all stories that stand the test of time, there’s more to it than we fully understand. As we launch this new series on this beloved story, we begin by carefully examinating the geography of the event, and understanding the location alone yields a whole new level of insight. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new appreciation for the urgency of the David and Goliath story, and a helpful metaphor for guarding your heart and mind in our world today.

#152 - David and Goliath Pt 1: Guard Your Shephelah

While Christians all over the world celebrate Easter each year, many of us struggle to live out the transformative power of Easter the rest of the year, especially during challenging seasons. But a close look at the Easter story reveals a powerful pattern we can emulate in order to move from death to life. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to name your deaths, open yourself to new possibilities, grieve your unmet expectations, let go of what was, and be empowered by God’s Spirit to move forward in the newness of life.  

While Christians all over the world celebrate Easter each year, many of us struggle to live out the transformative power of Easter the rest of the year, especially during challenging seasons. But a close look at the Easter story reveals a powerful pattern we can emulate in order to move from death to life. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to name your deaths, open yourself to new possibilities, grieve your unmet expectations, let go of what was, and be empowered by God’s Spirit to move forward in the newness of life.

#151 - The Easter Pattern

Despite being dead to sin and alive to Christ, many followers of Jesus inevitably fall prey to excusing or rationalizing our failures. “I’m a sinner saved by grace.” This is true, but not entirely in the way we often use it. According to the Apostle Paul, in Christ, you are dead to sin. Lent is a season of preparation and refinement where we pay attention to the ways we’re making a mess of ourselves and may not even know it (the episode illustration won’t be soon forgotten). By the end of this episode, you’ll be challenged to ask, “What in my life needs to die so that I can step out of the darkness and into the light of Christ?”  

Despite being dead to sin and alive to Christ, many followers of Jesus inevitably fall prey to excusing or rationalizing our failures. “I’m a sinner saved by grace.” This is true, but not entirely in the way we often use it. According to the Apostle Paul, in Christ, you are dead to sin. Lent is a season of preparation and refinement where we pay attention to the ways we’re making a mess of ourselves and may not even know it (the episode illustration won’t be soon forgotten). By the end of this episode, you’ll be challenged to ask, “What in my life needs to die so that I can step out of the darkness and into the light of Christ?”

#150 – Living Dead to Sin

Our final episode in the Lenses of Context series examines the brilliant and highly intentional literary background of the Bible. We don’t read a legal document the same way we read a poem or a historical account. We’re mindful of the context. Unfortunately, many of us miss the literary clues in the Text that help us know HOW to read that particular section in context. Thus, we need to engage the four aspects of the literary lens: genre, design, what we call “the W’s,” as well as placement. By the end of this episode, you’ll have specific tools to help you engage the literary context of the Bible to ensure you’re reading it the way it was intended to be read. And as you do so, always remember that the end goal isn’t to be smarter, but to be more faithful!

Our final episode in the Lenses of Context series examines the brilliant and highly intentional literary background of the Bible. We don’t read a legal document the same way we read a poem or a historical account. We’re mindful of the context. Unfortunately, many of us miss the literary clues in the Text that help us know HOW to read that particular section in context. Thus, we need to engage the four aspects of the literary lens: genre, design, what we call “the W’s,” as well as placement. By the end of this episode, you’ll have specific tools to help you engage the literary context of the Bible to ensure you’re reading it the way it was intended to be read. And as you do so, always remember that the end goal isn’t to be smarter, but to be more faithful!

#149 – Lenses of Context Pt 6: Literary

Languages often reveal the values of a culture, which is one of the reasons why understanding the original languages of the Bible is so important. Hebrew and Greek can be intimidating, but here’s the good news: you don’t need formal training in these ancient languages to improve your Bible reading. There are multiple tools and techniques to help you get the most out of the languages of the Bible. By the end of this episode, you’ll know where to search and what to look for to unlock the language of the Bible! 

Languages often reveal the values of a culture, which is one of the reasons why understanding the original languages of the Bible is so important. Hebrew and Greek can be intimidating, but here’s the good news: you don’t need formal training in these ancient languages to improve your Bible reading. There are multiple tools and techniques to help you get the most out of the languages of the Bible. By the end of this episode, you’ll know where to search and what to look for to unlock the language of the Bible!

#148 - Lenses of Context Pt 5: Linguistic

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” “Seeing is believing.” “I saw it with my own eyes.” We humans are deeply visual creatures. In fact, mirror neurons in our brains give us the unique capacity to empathize and embody what we see. Unfortunately, many of us fail to engage the visual aspect of the Bible. Simply seeing photos, videos, or artist renderings of Bible stories can unlock a depth of understanding we can’t access any other way (outside of traveling there). By the end of this episode, you’ll have a list of visual resources and key questions to help you see the Bible in a whole new light, literally!

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” “Seeing is believing.” “I saw it with my own eyes.” We humans are deeply visual creatures. In fact, mirror neurons in our brains give us the unique capacity to empathize and embody what we see. Unfortunately, many of us fail to engage the visual aspect of the Bible. Simply seeing photos, videos, or artist renderings of Bible stories can unlock a depth of understanding we can’t access any other way (outside of traveling there). By the end of this episode, you’ll have a list of visual resources and key questions to help you see the Bible in a whole new light, literally!

#147 - Lenses of Context Pt. 4: Visual

The Bible often uses an economy of words to convey extremely significant information. Nowhere is this more obvious or glaring than when it comes to geography. Scripture is loaded with subtle hints and references designed to show us the connection between place and purpose, but if we don’t know the geography, we completely miss out on the insight. In this episode, we explore several examples from the Bible (including why Jesus was baptized where he was – hold on to your seats for this one) to show you how important geography is when it comes to reading the Bible better. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new set of questions to ask of any passage you’re reading so you don’t miss the connections between place and purpose.

The Bible often uses an economy of words to convey extremely significant information. Nowhere is this more obvious or glaring than when it comes to geography. Scripture is loaded with subtle hints and references designed to show us the connection between place and purpose, but if we don’t know the geography, we completely miss out on the insight. In this episode, we explore several examples from the Bible (including why Jesus was baptized where he was – hold on to your seats for this one) to show you how important geography is when it comes to reading the Bible better. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new set of questions to ask of any passage you’re reading so you don’t miss the connections between place and purpose.

#146 - Lenses of Context Pt 3: Geographical 

If you’ve ever felt confused by the Bible, chances are you’re suffering from biblical culture shock (and probably don’t even know it). One way out of the confusion and into understanding is by learning to see any biblical passage through the cultural lens of its day. By way of illustration, this episode explores a well-known expression from the apostle Paul about walking in the light. As the cultural context of Paul’s Roman connection is brought into view, you’ll see a stunning new reality emerge of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Furthermore, by the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with a set of questions and resources to help you learn the cultural background of any biblical passage you read. 

If you’ve ever felt confused by the Bible, chances are you’re suffering from biblical culture shock (and probably don’t even know it). One way out of the confusion and into understanding is by learning to see any biblical passage through the cultural lens of its day. By way of illustration, this episode explores a well-known expression from the apostle Paul about walking in the light. As the cultural context of Paul’s Roman connection is brought into view, you’ll see a stunning new reality emerge of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Furthermore, by the end of this episode, you’ll be equipped with a set of questions and resources to help you learn the cultural background of any biblical passage you read.

#145 - Lenses of Context Pt 2: Cultural

This is the audio version of our highly visual, video series, The Teaching Series. Host and Bible Teacher, Brad Gray helps you read the Bible with great clarity and confidence through a deeper understanding of its original context.

Perhaps the most frequent question we hear is, “How do I learn to study the Bible in context on my own?” That’s why we wrote a free e-book called The #1 Mistake Most Everyone Makes Reading the Bible. In it, we unpack six lenses of context: historical, cultural, geographical, visual, linguistic, and literary. In this brand-new mini-series, Lenses of Context, we’ll explore each lens, citing specific examples of how that particular lens amplifies the meaning of the Text. In this episode, we unpack how the surprising history of the ancient city of Sardis informed Jesus’s warning to the church there in Revelation 3:1-6. By the end of this episode you’ll be equipped with a set of five questions to ask any passage you’re reading in order to understand the historical context. 

Perhaps the most frequent question we hear is, “How do I learn to study the Bible in context on my own?” That’s why we wrote a free e-book called The #1 Mistake Most Everyone Makes Reading the Bible. In it, we unpack six lenses of context: historical, cultural, geographical, visual, linguistic, and literary. In this brand-new mini-series, Lenses of Context, we’ll explore each lens, citing specific examples of how that particular lens amplifies the meaning of the Text. In this episode, we unpack how the surprising history of the ancient city of Sardis informed Jesus’s warning to the church there in Revelation 3:1-6. By the end of this episode you’ll be equipped with a set of five questions to ask any passage you’re reading in order to understand the historical context.

#144 - Lenses of Context Pt 1: Historical 

Timing is everything, and no one understands this better than God. When Paul writes, “In the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son,” it’s not empty language. Daniel 2 contains an ancient prophecy about how and when God would establish His everlasting kingdom. As we’ll see in this special Christmas episode, God used four different empires to pave the way for the arrival of Jesus. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a greater sense of confidence that nothing is wasted, that everything belongs, and that God’s timing isn’t just acceptable or plausible — it’s perfect. Enjoy and Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Timing is everything, and no one understands this better than God. When Paul writes, “In the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son,” it’s not empty language. Daniel 2 contains an ancient prophecy about how and when God would establish His everlasting kingdom. As we’ll see in this special Christmas episode, God used four different empires to pave the way for the arrival of Jesus. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a greater sense of confidence that nothing is wasted, that everything belongs, and that God’s timing isn’t just acceptable or plausible — it’s perfect. Enjoy and Merry Christmas, Everyone!

#143 - God's Perfect Timing

The final weapon in the armor of God, and our last line of defense, is the Sword of the Spirit which Paul says is the word of God. When Paul talks about God’s words, he uses a very particular Greek word, rhema, which means “a word that is given.” Sometimes in the midst of battle, the Holy Spirit gives us a word from God to use in the fight. Other times, the Spirit recalls the words of God that we’ve committed to memory, and that we need most to stand firm in the midst of the onslaught. In this final episode of our mini-series, you’ll learn how to wield the very words of God in order to fight a decisive battle against the evil one.

The final weapon in the armor of God, and our last line of defense, is the Sword of the Spirit which Paul says is the word of God. When Paul talks about God’s words, he uses a very particular Greek word, rhema, which means “a word that is given.” Sometimes in the midst of battle, the Holy Spirit gives us a word from God to use in the fight. Other times, the Spirit recalls the words of God that we’ve committed to memory, and that we need most to stand firm in the midst of the onslaught. In this final episode of our mini-series, you’ll learn how to wield the very words of God in order to fight a decisive battle against the evil one.

#142 - Armor of God Pt 7: Sword of the Spirit

When Paul connects the image of the helmet with the concept of salvation, he’s talking about deliverance. Standing firm in the midst of the battle begins with how we think. Our adversary, the evil one, loves to get us thinking in ways that are contrary to what God wants for us. Once planted in our minds, those thoughts wreak havoc on our lives. But spotting those lies and being vigilant about guarding what enters our minds are essential to withstand the assaults. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand just how important what you think really is, and why it matters so much to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

When Paul connects the image of the helmet with the concept of salvation, he’s talking about deliverance. Standing firm in the midst of the battle begins with how we think. Our adversary, the evil one, loves to get us thinking in ways that are contrary to what God wants for us. Once planted in our minds, those thoughts wreak havoc on our lives. But spotting those lies and being vigilant about guarding what enters our minds are essential to withstand the assaults. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand just how important what you think really is, and why it matters so much to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

#141 - Armor of God Pt 6: Helmet of Salvation

The Roman military was one of the most formidable fighting forces in the ancient world. They routinely faced and defeated larger opponents because of their unique tactical approach to warfare: they never fought alone. The shield (scutum) allowed Roman soldiers to fight together as a unit, and that’s why Paul connects the shield with the concept of faithfulness. Evil’s desire is to isolate and cut us off from each other because we’re never more vulnerable to attack than when we’re going it alone. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn that it’s impossible to stand firm against evil if we’re not standing with each other.

The Roman military was one of the most formidable fighting forces in the ancient world. They routinely faced and defeated larger opponents because of their unique tactical approach to warfare: they never fought alone. The shield (scutum) allowed Roman soldiers to fight together as a unit, and that’s why Paul connects the shield with the concept of faithfulness. Evil’s desire is to isolate and cut us off from each other because we’re never more vulnerable to attack than when we’re going it alone. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn that it’s impossible to stand firm against evil if we’re not standing with each other.

#140 - Armor of God Pt 5: Shield of Faith

Roman military sandals were all about traction. They stabilized and grounded soldiers so they could stand firm in the field of battle. According to Paul, the gospel of peace is what stabilizes and secures a follower of Jesus. Unfortunately, many of us fall into the destructive habit of locating our identity in unstable things: jobs, relationships, performance, the approval of others, etc. When we do so, it’s nearly impossible to stand firm against the forces of evil. Which is why this episode will help you spot the ways you’re seeking your identity outside of Jesus and know what to do about it.

Roman military sandals were all about traction. They stabilized and grounded soldiers so they could stand firm in the field of battle. According to Paul, the gospel of peace is what stabilizes and secures a follower of Jesus. Unfortunately, many of us fall into the destructive habit of locating our identity in unstable things: jobs, relationships, performance, the approval of others, etc. When we do so, it’s nearly impossible to stand firm against the forces of evil. Which is why this episode will help you spot the ways you’re seeking your identity outside of Jesus and know what to do about it.

#139 - Armor of God Pt 4: Sandals of the Gospel

The breastplate was the piece of armor that protected a soldier’s vital organs. And when Paul pairs the word breastplate with the word righteousness, he’s drawing on the Hebrew understanding that righteousness is relational. In other words, relationships are at the very core of who we are, and the enemy’s number one purpose is to wreck relationships. By the end of this episode, you’ll appreciate just how important it is to be vigilant about pursuing and preserving right relationships so the enemy doesn’t take out your heart!

The breastplate was the piece of armor that protected a soldier’s vital organs. And when Paul pairs the word breastplate with the word righteousness, he’s drawing on the Hebrew understanding that righteousness is relational. In other words, relationships are at the very core of who we are, and the enemy’s number one purpose is to wreck relationships. By the end of this episode, you’ll appreciate just how important it is to be vigilant about pursuing and preserving right relationships so the enemy doesn’t take out your heart!

#138 - Armor of God Pt 3: Breastplate of Righteousness

When we’re not truthful, we become vulnerable. Paul’s description of the belt of truth corresponds to the cingulum that protected a Roman soldier’s most vulnerable parts. No matter how big or strong a Roman soldier was, a strike to the groin could bring him down in an instant. The cingulum provided protection so that didn’t happen. Likewise, when we’re not truthful, evil can drop us fast. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why truthfulness is something we must incorporate every day in our struggle to stand firm against evil.

When we’re not truthful, we become vulnerable. Paul’s description of the belt of truth corresponds to the cingulum that protected a Roman soldier’s most vulnerable parts. No matter how big or strong a Roman soldier was, a strike to the groin could bring him down in an instant. The cingulum provided protection so that didn’t happen. Likewise, when we’re not truthful, evil can drop us fast. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why truthfulness is something we must incorporate every day in our struggle to stand firm against evil.

#137 – Armor of God Pt 2: Belt of Truth 

Paul doesn’t want us to be naïve about the fact that we’re engaged in a cosmic struggle with the forces of evil. Unfortunately, most of us are oblivious to the fact that there’s more going on than meets the eye. And because we’re unaware, we’re often ill-equipped to face the challenges. Which is why we’re launching a brand-new series called the Armor of God. By the end of this first episode, you’ll possess a greater awareness of the struggle in which we’re all engaged and a clear understanding for how God means for us to respond to the reality of spiritual warfare.

Paul doesn’t want us to be naïve about the fact that we’re engaged in a cosmic struggle with the forces of evil. Unfortunately, most of us are oblivious to the fact that there’s more going on than meets the eye. And because we’re unaware, we’re often ill-equipped to face the challenges. Which is why we’re launching a brand-new series called the Armor of God. By the end of this first episode, you’ll possess a greater awareness of the struggle in which we’re all engaged and a clear understanding for how God means for us to respond to the reality of spiritual warfare.

#136 - Armor of God Pt 1: The Battle is Real 

When we’re nearing the finish line of anything, the temptation is to coast. But it’s the last 10% of any project that matters the most. In this final episode of The Journey mini-series, we explore how both Jesus and the apostle Paul refused to coast across the finish line, and instead accelerated through the point of impact. By the end of this teaching, you’ll have a clear picture of what gets in the way of finishing well so that you can make the last part of your journey, or anything you’re part of, the best part.

When we’re nearing the finish line of anything, the temptation is to coast. But it’s the last 10% of any project that matters the most. In this final episode of The Journey mini-series, we explore how both Jesus and the apostle Paul refused to coast across the finish line, and instead accelerated through the point of impact. By the end of this teaching, you’ll have a clear picture of what gets in the way of finishing well so that you can make the last part of your journey, or anything you’re part of, the best part.

#135 – In The Journey Pt 8: Finish Strong

The Teaching Series with Brad Gray

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best self improvement podcast episodes. From improving productivity, to finding purpose in your life to what constitutes freedom, this topic is on anything and everything that can help people to improve their lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!