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

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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!

Ever open your Bible to a random page and find yourself reading about someone with an unpronounceable name offering sacrifices according to regulations that make zero sense? Or start strong in Genesis only to get completely lost in the "begats"?

If feeling confused when reading the Bible has made you think you're just not cut out for this -- I have great news: confusion doesn't mean you're dumb or spiritually deficient. The Bible is a big book written over many centuries in different cultures using different types of literature. It's completely normal to need some guidance. In this episode, I'm giving you a practical toolkit that will transform your Bible reading from confusing to confident.

"The Bible wasn't written to confuse you -- it was written to change you."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Where to actually start reading (hint: it's not Genesis)
• How understanding genre -- history, poetry, prophecy, letters -- prevents misreading
• Why context matters and how to read any verse properly

Practical Applications:

• Start small and be consistent -- consistency beats intensity every time
• Use helpful tools like study Bibles, but don't become dependent on them
• Read with a pen in your hand -- physically engaging with the text deepens understanding

Your Assignment This Week: Choose one book of the Bible to focus on for the next month. Start with a Gospel if you're new. Commit to reading just a few verses or one chapter daily, and write down one thing that stands out each time.

Community Question: What's the biggest obstacle that's kept you from reading the Bible consistently, and after today's episode, what's one strategy you're excited to try? Your answer might 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!

Ever feel like you're missing something spiritually? Like maybe you need a prophetic word, a special revelation, or some deeper insight you haven't received yet?

If you've been bouncing from conference to conference, book to book, or teacher to teacher looking for that breakthrough -- I have incredible news: you're not missing anything. The Bible contains everything you need for a thriving relationship with God. In this episode, we're discovering what "Scripture is sufficient" really means, why this truth can free you from spiritual anxiety, and how to find complete confidence in what God has already revealed.

"You're not missing out on secret spiritual knowledge -- you're sitting on a treasure chest of everything God wants you to know."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• What "sufficiency of Scripture" means -- and what it doesn't mean
• Why now that the biblical canon is complete, we're in a different situation than Abraham or Paul
• How to apply biblical principles to decisions the Bible doesn't specifically address

Practical Applications:

• Scripture's sufficiency frees you from spiritual anxiety about missing God's will
• It protects you from deception and false teachers claiming "special revelations"
• It helps you focus your spiritual energy on applying truth instead of constantly seeking more

Your Assignment This Week: Stop looking for additional revelation and start mining the treasure you already have. Pick one book of the Bible -- maybe Proverbs or Ephesians -- and commit to studying it carefully, trusting that God will speak through his Word.

Community Question: Have you ever felt like you were missing some secret spiritual knowledge or needed more than what Scripture provides? What was driving that feeling, and how might understanding Scripture's sufficiency change your approach? 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!

Can you just be a good person and figure out spirituality as you go? In our age of spiritual gurus, self-help books, and "all roads lead to God" thinking, is the Bible really necessary?

In this episode, we're exploring the difference between what you can know about God through nature and conscience versus what you can ONLY learn through Scripture. Spoiler: the most important questions about life – how to be forgiven, what happens when you die, your purpose – can't be answered by looking at sunsets. Discover why treating the Bible as optional actually leaves you spiritually lost, not spiritually free.

"The Bible isn't just one spiritual option among many – it's God's personal self-revelation to humanity."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• The difference between general revelation (creation/conscience) and special revelation (Scripture)
• Why "spiritual but not religious" sounds open-minded but is actually spiritually dangerous
• Three reasons the Bible is absolutely essential for your spiritual life

Practical Applications:

• The Bible protects you from spiritual deception by giving you a reliable standard
• The Bible provides what your soul actually needs – not just inspiration, but transformation
• The Bible gives you the foundation for genuine spiritual growth

Your Assignment This Week: If you've been treating the Bible as optional or just one spiritual resource among many, ask God to help you see it as essential. Commit to regular Bible reading – not because you have to, but because you need what only God's Word can provide.

Community Question: Have you ever tried to build your spiritual life without regular Bible reading? What happened? Or if you've experienced the difference between spiritual "snacking" and really feeding on God's Word, tell us about it. 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 tried to read the Bible on your own and thought, "This is too hard for me – I should leave this to the experts"?

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest lies that keeps everyday Christians from opening their Bibles: that Scripture is only for pastors and seminary students. The truth? God didn't write the Bible in secret code that requires a theological degree to crack. He wrote it for fishermen and tax collectors – and that means he wrote it for you. Discover why you can read the Bible with confidence and how the same God who used ordinary people to write Scripture designed it for ordinary people to understand.

"God didn't write the Bible to confuse you – He wrote it to change you."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why "difficult" doesn't mean "impossible," and how some challenging parts don't make the whole thing unclear
• What theologians mean by "perspicuity" (the clarity of Scripture), and why it matters for your daily Bible reading
• How Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would help us understand God's truth

Practical Applications:

• Start with what's clear and let it help you understand what's confusing
• Read Scripture with community – God designed understanding to be a team sport
• Ask four powerful questions that unlock meaning from any passage Your

Assignment This Week: Choose one clear, practical book of the Bible (like James or Philippians) and begin reading it with confidence, asking the four questions we discussed together.

Community Question: What's one passage or book of the Bible that seemed confusing at first but eventually became clear to you? Or if you're just starting out, what's holding you back from diving into Scripture on your own? 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!

Heard that the Bible is "full of contradictions"? Worried those alleged errors might shake your faith? Think again.

In this episode, we're tackling the hard questions head-on: Can we really trust that Scripture is completely accurate? What about those confusing passages and seemingly contradictory accounts? Discover what "biblical inerrancy" actually means, why it matters for your everyday faith, and how to handle passages that seem problematic at first glance. The answer might give you more confidence in God's Word than you've ever had.

"The goal isn't to understand every word perfectly - it's to trust the God who spoke every word perfectly."

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• What "inerrancy" really means (and what it doesn't mean)
• Why most alleged contradictions disappear when you understand the context
• How Jesus himself viewed Scripture's reliability
• Why difficult passages don't equal erroneous passages

Practical Applications:

• Inerrancy gives you confidence to build your entire life on Scripture
• It protects you from picking and choosing what to believe based on comfort
• It deepens your trust in God's character and attention to details

Your Assignment This Week: If there's a Bible passage that's been bothering you or causing doubt, study it more carefully this week. Look at different translations, read commentaries, and approach it assuming the problem is with your understanding, not with the text.

Community Question: What's one Bible passage that used to confuse you or seem problematic, but now makes more sense? Or if you're still wrestling with a difficult passage, what is it? Let's help each other grow in understanding! 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's questioned the Bible's reliability!

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!