Ever sat down with your Bible, notebook ready, and thought... "Okay, now what? Am I supposed to just read? Take notes? What if I don't understand something? What if I'm missing the point completely?"

If you've ever felt like real Bible study is for people who went to seminary, I have great news: you don't need a theology degree, expensive software, or special spiritual gifts to study God's Word meaningfully. In this episode, I'm giving you a simple method that has transformed the Bible study of thousands of people – and it will work for you too. Personal Bible study isn't about impressing God with your insights; it's about spending time with him in a way that feeds your soul and transforms your life.

"Bible study isn't about becoming smarter – it's about becoming more like Jesus."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The difference between reading the Bible and studying it – and why both matter
• The three essential components anyone can learn: observation, interpretation, application
• The SOAP method – a simple structure that takes the guesswork out of Bible study

Practical Applications:

• Use a simple but powerful study method (SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer)
• Ask the right questions – questions that move you from information to transformation
• Build sustainable habits that fit your life – start smaller than you think, be more consistent than you think

Your Assignment This Week: Choose one book of the Bible (try 1 John or Mark) and commit to studying a few verses each day using the SOAP method for the next week. Don't worry about being perfect – just be consistent.

Community Question: What's been your biggest challenge with personal Bible study – is it finding time, knowing where to start, understanding what you read, or something else entirely? And after today's episode, what's one thing you're excited to try? Email us at Charlie@heychurchmedia.com or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us a text

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Book! Grab your copy of the Season 1 Companion Guide from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Ever been in a Bible study where someone reads from the ESV, another quotes the NIV, and someone else has the NLT – and you're thinking, "Wait, those sound completely different! Which one is right? Am I reading the wrong Bible?"

Here's what you need to know: having multiple translations is actually a gift, not a problem. In this episode, we're discovering why translations differ, how the translation process actually works (it's both an art and a science), and most importantly, how to choose and use different Bible versions with confidence. You don't need to learn Greek and Hebrew to understand God's Word – and you're definitely not missing something crucial by reading in English.

"No essential Christian doctrine hangs on a single verse or a particular translation choice. God made sure His main message comes through loud and clear."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why languages don't work like math equations – and what that means for translation
• The difference between "formal equivalence" (word-for-word) and "dynamic equivalence" (thought-for-thought)
• Why manuscript differences almost never affect any major doctrine

Practical Applications:

• Choose a good primary translation and stick with it for regular reading
• Use multiple translations for deeper study – but don't let options paralyze you
• Trust the scholarly process – translation teams work for years to faithfully communicate God's Word

Your Assignment This Week: If you don't have a primary Bible translation, choose one and commit to reading it regularly for the next month. When studying a particular passage, try comparing two or three versions to see what insights you gain.

Community Question: What's your current primary Bible translation, and why did you choose it? Or if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the translation options, what's making that decision difficult for you? Email us at Charlie@heychurchmedia.com or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us a text

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Book! Grab your copy of the Season 1 Companion Guide from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!

Why does Paul say we're saved by faith alone while James says faith without works is dead? Why do the Gospel genealogies of Jesus differ? Why does one passage say God never changes while another says he "relented"?

If you've noticed things like this, you're not losing your faith -- you're paying attention, which is exactly what you should be doing. In this episode, we're discovering why apparent contradictions exist, learning simple tools for understanding difficult passages, and seeing how wrestling with Scripture actually deepens our relationship with God. What looks like a problem might just be an invitation to dig deeper.

"Most apparent Bible contradictions aren't actually contradictions -- they're invitations to dig deeper and understand better."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why different authors address different situations with different emphases
• How understanding literary genres (history, poetry, parables) resolves many "conflicts"
• Why the four Gospels tell the same story from different angles -- and why that's a gift

Practical Applications:

• Slow down and investigate rather than giving up -- ask good questions about context
• Use Scripture to interpret Scripture -- let clear passages illuminate unclear ones
• Consult reliable resources and wise counselors -- you don't have to figure it out alone

Your Assignment This Week: Choose one passage that has confused you and investigate it thoroughly. Consider the context, compare it with other Scripture, and consult a study Bible or commentary. Approach it with curiosity rather than fear.

Community Question: What's one Bible passage that has confused or bothered you, and how did you work through it -- or are you still working through it? Your experience could be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Email us at Charlie@heychurchmedia.com or just hit the "Send us a text" link below!

We're building something important together in this series, and YOUR voice matters. Follow the show so you don't miss the next episode, and share this with someone who needs to hear it!

Want to go deeper? Grab the companion guide book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LnR4VF

Send us a text

Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube. Follow our channel right HERE

Get The Book! Grab your copy of the Season 1 Companion Guide from Amazon.com...

Everyday Theology In Plain English: Season 1 Companion Guide

You can find ALL of Pastor Charlie's books on Amazon:

CLICK HERE to see Pastor Charlie's books

Thanks for listening to Everyday Theology In Plain English!