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The main focus of the episode is an introduction to inductive Bible study—a method that involves three key steps: observation, interpretation, and application. Brooke reassures listeners that this approach is accessible to everyone, not just intellectuals, and encourages flexibility rather than rigid adherence to any one method. She offers practical advice for preparing one’s heart and environment for Bible study, such as decluttering distractions and using tools like journal templates.

0:00 – Introduction
Brooke welcomes listeners to The Good Portion Podcast and sets the stage for the episode

0:27 – Christmas Season Reflections
Brooke shares her excitement about the Christmas season, family events, and introduces her family advent devotional, "Go Tell It On the Mountain."

1:46 – Personal Update & Community Tragedy
Brooke discusses a recent tragedy in her community involving two West Virginia National Guardsmen and the power of prayer in response.

4:55 – Transition to Inductive Bible Study
Brooke introduces the main topic: how to do an inductive Bible study,

5:48 – What is Inductive Bible Study?
Explanation of the inductive method, breaking it down into observation, interpretation, and application

6:21 – Tools and Templates
Brooke mentions her free journal template and book, encouraging listeners to find a study rhythm that works for them.

7:20 – Preparing Your Heart
Advice on decluttering your mind and space before Bible study, and the importance of surrendering distractions to God.

8:38 – Observation: The First Step
Brooke explains the observation step, using real-life and biblical examples to illustrate how we naturally use this process.

13:06 – Literary Context and Study Questions
Discussion of literary criticism, the importance of context, and the classic "who, what, when, where, why, how" questions for Bible study.

16:24 – Book of Luke: Context and Genre
Brooke walks through the background of the Book of Luke, its author, style, and historical context.

21:13 – Genres in the Bible
Overview of different biblical genres: narrative, law, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, gospels, and epistles, and why understanding genre matters.

28:02 – Applying the W Questions to Luke
Brooke demonstrates how to apply the observation questions to the Book of Luke and its passages.

31:01 – Observing the Text
Guidance on what to look for in a passage: key words, phrases, contrasts, comparisons, and expressions of time.

33:37 – Practical Study Tips
Brooke shares practical tips for Bible study, and encourages listeners to read Luke 10:38-42.

33:37 – Christmas Story Clarification
Brooke debunks common misconceptions about the nativity story, explaining the cultural context of Jesus’ birth and the meaning of "inn" and "manger."

38:03 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Brooke wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to enjoy reading scripture and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Link To Advent Study,

For Free Bible Study Resources Please Visit:

brookehamlin.org/resources

Click HERE to get your own copy of "The Good Portion" Women's Bible Study!

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In this episode of The Good Portion Podcast, Brooke dives into the importance of having a proper process when reading the Bible. She discusses why simply having the Holy Spirit does not guarantee correct interpretation and addresses common pitfalls in Bible study, such as the "fortune cookie" method, overachieving, selective reading, and idolizing theologians. Brooke emphasizes the need for careful, personal engagement with scripture, encouraging listeners to test all teachings against the Word of God. The episode concludes with a reminder that the goal of sound doctrine is to preserve the beauty of God and to foster a deeper relationship with Him.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and episode overview
• 00:35 – The importance of process in reading scripture
• 01:20 – Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit at the Last Supper
• 03:40 – Why Christians interpret scripture differently
• 05:30 – The necessity of proper interpretation and exegesis
• 09:10 – Common mistakes: “Fortune Cookie” Bible reading
• 13:45 – The “Overachiever” approach and its pitfalls
• 17:05 – The “Golden Corral” (selective reading) method
• 18:45 – Idolizing theologians over personal study
• 20:30 – Encouragement to engage personally with scripture
• 21:50 – Preview of next episode and closing thoughts

For Free Bible Study Resources Please Visit:

brookehamlin.org/resources

Click HERE to get your own copy of "The Good Portion" Women's Bible Study!

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In this episode of the Good Portion Podcast, Brooke explores three practical ways to deepen communion with God. She discusses the importance of starting with knowledge—how true intimacy with God begins with understanding His character through scripture. Brooke emphasizes the need for intentional, consistent engagement with the Bible, likening it to tending a fire that needs regular attention. Finally, she explains how obedience is not a burden but an invitation to experience God’s love more fully, and how real joy and transformation come from aligning our actions and hearts with God’s truth. Listeners are encouraged to approach their relationship with God with intentionality, passion, and a willingness to act in faith.

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome
00:35 - Recap: The Bible as a Love Story
01:02 - Three Ways to Deepen Communion with God
01:11 - Step 1: Intimacy Begins with Information
02:34 - Head Knowledge vs. Heart Knowledge
06:13 - Approaching the Bible as Living Words
10:13 - Step 2: Intentionality in Relationship
13:43 - Tending the Fire: Consistency in the Word
16:44 - Step 3: Intimacy Through Obedience
20:03 - Experiencing Joy Through Obedience
27:28 - Changing the Way We Think, Act, and Feel
28:41 - Rekindling Passion for God
29:34 - God’s Unwavering Love
30:22 - Closing Thoughts & Next Episode Preview

For Free Bible Study Resources Please Visit:

brookehamlin.org/resources

Click HERE to get your own copy of "The Good Portion" Women's Bible Study!

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• In this episode, Brooke unpacks the grand narrative of the Bible, emphasizing that it is not a collection of disconnected stories, but a single, unified story of God’s love and redemption. She explains the “meta-narrative” of Scripture, which unfolds in four acts: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Transitioning to the “Invitation to Intimacy,” Brooke encourages listeners to see the Bible not just as an academic text, but as a love story—an invitation to deep, personal connection with God. She uses the imagery of marriage to illustrate the closeness God desires with His people, describing how Christ’s relationship with the Church is the ultimate model of love and union.

  • Introduction (00:00)
    Brooke welcomes listeners and sets the stage for connecting with God through His word, emphasizing that Bible study should feel like falling in love, not a chore.

• • Recap & Purpose (00:35)
    A brief recap of the previous episode’s focus on why the Word is essential, and a transition to today’s topic: how to approach the Bible.

  • The Bible as One Story (01:36)
    Brooke explains the Bible’s unity—written by 40+ authors over 1,500 years, yet telling a single story of redemption and God’s love.

  • Context Matters (02:18)
    Using the analogy of reading only one chapter of a novel, Brooke stresses the importance of understanding the Bible’s overarching narrative for true meaning.

  • Western vs. Eastern Reading (04:37)
    Discussion of how Western readers often ask, “What does this mean for me?” while Eastern readers focus on, “What does this teach me about God?”

  • The Meta-Narrative: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration (06:31)
    A breakdown of the Bible’s big story:

    • Creation (07:11)
    • The Fall (07:24)
    • Redemption through Christ (08:14)
    • Restoration and the hope of Christ’s return (09:45)

  • Old Covenant vs. New Covenant (10:54)
    Explains the difference between the Old and New Testaments, the purpose of the law, and how Jesus fulfills the new covenant.

  • Jesus in the Old Testament (13:27)
    Brooke uses the analogy of an ultrasound to describe how Jesus is present throughout the Old Testament, even before His incarnation.

  • Where We Are in the Story (14:26)
    Listeners are encouraged to see themselves living between redemption and restoration, awaiting Christ’s return.

  • Pearls of Redemption (15:05)
    The Bible’s stories are like pearls, each beautiful on its own but more meaningful when strung together as part of God’s redemptive plan.

  • Invitation to Intimacy (16:51)
    The Bible is not just an academic text but an invitation to intimacy with God, likened to a romance and the ultimate love story.

  • Marriage Imagery in Scripture (18:17)
    Explores the symbolism of marriage in the Bible, from Adam and Eve to the wedding feast of the Lamb in Revelation.

  • Union and Communion with Christ

  For Free Bible Study Resources Please Visit:

  brookehamlin.org/resources

  Click HERE to get your own copy of "The Good Portion" Women's Bible Study!

Send us a text

Join Brooke as she discusses WHY studying the Word is so important, and why women in particular struggle to squeeze alone time with God into their already crowded schedules. The struggle is REAL y'all! Learn how God's love is waiting to meet your right where you are in the midst of all your mess!

(0:00) Introduction

(5:20) Are you hungry for the Word?

(13:16) Every Woman's Battle to Spend Time In The Word

(22:30) The Story of the Woman Who "Did What She Could"

For Free Bible Study Resources Please Visit:

brookehamlin.org/resources

Click HERE to get your own copy of "The Good Portion" Women's Bible Study!