This is the final week of advent and the final podcast episode of 2025! Today Emily and Anna zoom in on the culmination of the advent season - love. Why did God send his son to save us? Because he loved the world. The hope is to spend this week meditating on that love - how undeserved it really was, and how it calls us to a higher standard of loving others.

We’re in the third week of the advent season, and this week we’re focusing on joy! Emily and Anna read through two stories from the Christmas narrative that highlight two different types of joy - joy that waits and joy that seeks - and talk about what it looks like to practice that joy this Christmas season. Past Joy episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4zhbn0PMi0ilFCqJMAY3OK?si=5c0d20e2aa9e45ee Other Advent Resources we like: Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/advent/ Hannah Brencher: https://hannahbrenchercreative.com/advent Tim Keller: https://www.christianbook.com/hidden-christmas-special-edition-timothy-keller/9781101949818/pd/949821?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=books-0-20%7C949821&p=1179710&utm_source=google&p=1237749&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=21328467087&cb_adg=163692457195&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21328467087&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHYJi7Y4RlDwglK-46cEPkuFU&gclid=Cj0KCQiAosrJBhD0ARIsAHebCNrJ-QpyGWGz-mI_1ittjF6zenobJfIy1U3t9yNd6HU6UOExOiWC4RIaAvEFEALw_wcB Advent Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5xEhTFfOyny4OUSsvRm2zo?si=7676f7062df94b86

This is the second week of advent and we’re talking all about peace. What does advent peace mean as opposed to worldly peace? How can we walk in our calling to be a people who create peace around us as an extension of our relationship with God? Emily and Anna read through the prophesy in Isaiah 9:5-7 about the Messiah, and then His birth in Luke 2:1-20. Praying peace over your week! Past Peace episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ZMRHxvIastXSUG6hCT28O?si=534e074a0138470c Other Advent Resources we like: Bible Project: https://bibleproject.com/advent/ Hannah Brencher: https://hannahbrenchercreative.com/advent Tim Keller: https://www.christianbook.com/hidden-christmas-special-edition-timothy-keller/9781101949818/pd/949821?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=books-0-20%7C949821&p=1179710&utm_source=google&p=1237749&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=21328467087&cb_adg=163692457195&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21328467087&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHYJi7Y4RlDwglK-46cEPkuFU&gclid=Cj0KCQiAosrJBhD0ARIsAHebCNrJ-QpyGWGz-mI_1ittjF6zenobJfIy1U3t9yNd6HU6UOExOiWC4RIaAvEFEALw_wcB Advent Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5xEhTFfOyny4OUSsvRm2zo?si=7676f7062df94b86

This week, Emily and Anna kick off the Advent season—four weeks leading up to Christmas when we slow down and sit in the longing, waiting, and expectation of God’s promised Messiah. Each week we’ll lean into a different theme of the story, and this week we’re beginning with hope. What actually sets Advent hope apart from ordinary, worldly hope? And how does the story of Elizabeth—the mother of John the Baptist—help us see God’s intentionality and faithfulness in a fresh way? John, a relative of Jesus, was born to prepare the way for the Messiah, and his story reminds us that God is always at work, even in the waiting.

Today we’re talking about Hannah - a woman who went through years of waiting and suffering, called out to the Lord, and had her prayer answered. She is the mother of Samuel - who goes on to become an important figure in the bigger picture of the Bible. We also focus in today on what it looks like to practice gratitude as an act of worship to God. Hope you enjoy!

After Jesus healed Mary Magdalene from her seven demons (yikes), her entire life was transformed. She was there at Jesus’ death, burial, and the first one to see Him resurrected. She traveled with Jesus and the disciples and she even helped fund Jesus’ ministry. We are taking a closer look at her life today and seeing what we can learn from her.

This is such a special conversation with our dear friend and AYA Bible study leader Mary Crosby. We talk all about starting a business and incorporating your faith, following God’s calling on your life, walking out faith day-to-day, and taking leaps of faith. You don’t want to miss this one, but especially if you’re thinking about planning your next steps.

We’re so excited to share our Fall Worship night talk from Clemson! Mary Crosby Swinney is our senior Bible study leader and an all around wonderful human. She takes us through 3 important stories in the Bible that illustrate just how crucial it is to be intentional and present with God. This is so helpful and so important. Hope you enjoy!

In this final episode of Romans, Anna and Emily look at Paul’s closing encouragements — a call to unity, endurance, and hope. Paul reminds believers to welcome one another as Christ welcomed us and prays that we’d be filled with joy and peace, overflowing with hope through the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). He also shares his heart for ministry and closes with personal greetings that show how relational the gospel really is. These chapters remind us that faith isn’t lived out alone — it’s a shared story of friendship, encouragement, and hope. Questions & Notes Romans 15 Summary: Bear with the weak; Paul’s mission is to bring the gospel to Gentiles.Cultural Note: Priestly language – Ministry as an offering to God.Fact: Paul quotes Law, Prophets, and Psalms—classic rabbinic method.Application: Be intentional in welcoming those unlike you.Questions: How does Christ’s example shape the way we treat those weaker in faith? Why does Paul emphasize hope so strongly here? How does seeing God’s plan for Gentiles in the Old Testament change your perspective? Who could you intentionally welcome into your life this week? Romans 16 Summary: Personal greetings; final warnings against division.Cultural Note: Women and Gentiles in leadership – Unusual in ancient norms.Fact: Names 26 people, showing diversity of the early church.Application: Affirm and thank those who serve alongside you.Questions: Why do you think Paul takes time to name so many people? What does this list tell us about the diversity of the early church? How does publicly honoring others build unity in the church? Who is someone you could encourage or thank this week?

In this episode, Anna and Emily unpack Romans 13–14, where Paul calls believers to live out their faith with love and humility. We discuss what it means to submit to authority while remembering God is the ultimate ruler, and how love fulfills the law in everyday life. Then, in chapter 14, we explore how to handle differences among believers — learning to hold convictions with grace, avoid judgment, and make room for one another’s consciences. It’s a practical look at living faithfully, peacefully, and lovingly in community. Discussion Questions Romans 13 Summary: Submit to authorities; love fulfills the Law. (obey the law + love others) Cultural Note: Taxes to pagan Rome – A hot issue for Jews; Paul says pay them. Fact: Written after Jews had been expelled from Rome and were allowed back. Application: Show respect and love even under flawed leadership. Questions: How do we reconcile obeying God with submitting to imperfect authorities? What does it mean to “clothe yourself with Christ”? How does love fulfill the Law? When have you seen respect for authority open doors for the gospel? Romans 14 Summary: Don’t judge others’ religious actions; pursue peace. Cultural Note: Clean/unclean foods, holy days – Torah commands; Gentiles didn’t keep them, causing tension. Fact: Paul reframes these as conscience issues, not salvation. Application: Prioritize unity over personal preferences & convictions. Questions: What are examples of “disputable matters” in the church today? How can we avoid causing others to stumble in their faith? Why is unity more important than winning an argument? How do you personally handle differences in conviction with other believers?

In Romans 12, Paul shifts from explaining God’s mercy to showing us what it looks like to live in response to it. He says to offer our whole selves to God — not just in church or quiet time, but in how we love, serve, forgive, and show up every day. Paul reminds us that we’re called to be different — not to blend in with the world, but to let God renew our minds and transform the way we think and live. He gives practical examples too: use your gifts to serve others, love sincerely, be patient, bless people who hurt you, and choose peace whenever you can. This chapter is all about letting your life reflect Jesus — not perfectly, but authentically — as a response to the mercy you’ve already been given. Romans 12 Notes + Questions Summary: Offer yourself as a living sacrifice; live in humility, love, and service. Cultural Note:Living sacrifice – Shifts temple offerings into an ongoing life devotion. Fact: Spiritual gifts list emphasizes diversity and unity. Application: Offer every part of daily life to God. Questions: What does being a “living sacrifice” mean in real life? How do we use our unique gifts to serve the body of Christ? Why is overcoming evil with good so difficult? Which of Paul’s instructions in this chapter challenges you the most?

In this episode, we dive into Romans 9–11, where Paul wrestles with God’s plan for Israel and all people. We talk about how God’s promises never fail, even when it looks confusing, and how His mercy reaches both Jews and Gentiles. Paul reminds us that salvation isn’t about what we do, but about God’s grace, and that in the end, God is weaving a bigger story of redemption than we can fully see. Romans 9 Summary: God’s has sovereign choice in how He saves Cultural Note: Isaac/Ishmael, Jacob/Esau – Patriarch stories show God’s choosing isn’t based on works. Fact: Paul blends deep theology with deep compassion for Israel. Application: Pray urgently for those far from God.  Questions: How do you respond to God’s sovereignty in choosing people? Why is Paul’s grief for Israel important to notice? How do we hold together God’s sovereignty and human responsibility? Who are you praying for with the same passion Paul has here? Romans 10 Summary: Salvation comes by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing; open to all who believe. Cultural Note: Lord – Also a title for Caesar; calling Jesus “Lord” challenged Roman rule. Fact: “Beautiful feet” quote is from Isaiah, honoring gospel messengers. Application: Live so your allegiance to Jesus is obvious, even when it costs. Questions: Why was “Jesus is Lord” such a radical statement in Paul’s time? How does confessing faith publicly shape our walk with God? What’s the connection between hearing the gospel and believing it? How can you be a “beautiful feet” messenger this week? Romans 11 Summary: Israel’s rejection isn’t final; Gentiles are grafted into Israel’s blessings. Cultural Note: Olive tree – Symbol of Israel’s covenant relationship with God. Fact: Grafting imagery was well-known in Mediterranean agriculture. Application: Practice humility—you’re part of something bigger. Questions: How does the olive tree image explain God’s plan? What does it look like to stay humble as part of God’s family? How does this chapter give hope for those who seem far from God? Why should Gentile believers care about God’s plan for Israel?

In this episode, Anna walks us through the story of the woman at the well in John 4. We looked at how Jesus meets her right where she is, knows her fully, and offers her living water that satisfies in a way nothing else can. Together we talked about how this story reminds us that Jesus sees our past, understands our present, and still invites us into a new life with Him.

In this episode, we dove into Romans 7 and 8—two chapters that really show both the struggle and the hope of following Jesus. In chapter 7, Paul gets super honest about the war inside us: we want to do good, but sin pulls us in the opposite direction. It’s that tension we all feel—our best intentions running up against our brokenness. But then chapter 8 flips the script. Paul shows us that we’re not stuck in that struggle because the Spirit sets us free. No condemnation, no separation—just life, peace, and assurance in Christ. We talked about what it means to live by the Spirit and to trust that nothing in all creation can pull us out of His love. NOTES Romans 7 Summary: The Law reveals sin but can’t save; believers struggle between wanting to do good and failing. Cultural Note: Marriage analogy – Under Jewish law, a wife was bound until her husband died; Paul uses this for release from the Law. Fact: Paul’s struggle resonated with both Jewish and Greco-Roman moral thinkers, but his hope is in Christ alone. Application: Depend on the Spirit instead of trying to “fix yourself.” Questions: Why does Paul share his personal struggle with sin? How does the Law reveal sin but not save us from it? Do you relate to the tension of wanting to do good but failing? How can we depend more on the Spirit in daily battles with sin? Romans 8 Summary: Life in the Spirit brings freedom and hope; nothing can separate believers from God’s love. Cultural Note: Firstfruits – Festival offering first harvest to God; here it’s the Spirit as the “first taste” of redemption. Fact: Called “the Himalayas of the NT” for its sweeping theology. Application: Let God’s love be your anchor in instability. Questions: Which verse in this chapter encourages you most and why? How does the Spirit bring freedom from condemnation? What does it mean that “nothing can separate us from God’s love”? How would you live differently if you truly believed God works all things for good?

In this episode, we talked about Romans 6—how grace doesn’t give us permission to sin, but freedom from it. We looked at what it means to die to our old selves, be raised to new life with Christ, and live as people set free to serve righteousness. Romans 6 Summary: Believers are dead to sin and alive in Christ; grace isn’t an excuse to keep sinning. Cultural Note: Baptism imagery – Jewish cleansing rituals symbolized purification; Paul ties it to dying/rising with Christ. Fact: Baptism as burial/resurrection was a bold new identity marker. Application: Identify areas still under sin’s control and surrender them to Christ. Questions: 1. What does it practically mean to be “dead to sin”? 2. How does baptism symbolize a new identity? 3. Why might grace be misunderstood as permission to sin? 4. What’s one area you want to surrender more fully to God?

In Romans 4 & 5, Paul highlights Abraham’s faith, David’s experience of forgiveness, and Adam’s failure—all pointing to the hope, grace, and new life we have in Christ. His message is clear: righteousness can’t be earned by good works or religious effort; it comes only through faith in Jesus. Notes & Questions Romans 4 Summary: Abraham was justified by faith before circumcision; salvation is through faith, not works. (Genesis 15:6 — “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”) Cultural Note: Abraham – The ultimate Jewish ancestor; Paul’s example undercuts ritual-based salvation. Fact: Using Abraham dismantled arguments for salvation by ritual. Application: Trust God’s promises over your own performance. Questions: Why do you think Paul uses Abraham as the ultimate example of faith? What’s the significance of Abraham’s faith coming before circumcision? How does this challenge a “religion = rules” mindset? When has God called you to trust Him before you saw results? Romans 5 Summary: Through Adam came sin; through Christ comes life; grace is greater than sin. Cultural Note: Adam – In Jewish thought, Adam’s failure started human brokenness; Christ reverses it. Fact: “Peace with God” contrasts Rome’s military-enforced “Pax Romana.” Application: Live from God’s peace instead of anxiety. Questions: How is peace with God different from peace in the world? What does it mean that grace is greater than sin? How does understanding Adam’s role help us appreciate Christ’s work? When have you seen God bring good out of a hard situation?

Today we’re taking a look at the first 3 chapters of Romans. Paul’s intro to this letter is powerful, and he makes it clear that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We can’t rely on our own good works to earn our righteousness - it’s all about Jesus. Study Notes: Romans 1 Summary: The gospel reveals God’s righteousness; humanity rejects God despite creation showing His power; God’s wrath is revealed against sin and idolatry. Cultural Note: Idolatry – Worship of anything other than God (Yahweh) was seen as the root of moral decay. Fact: Written around AD 57 to a church Paul had never visited, likely started by Roman Jews from Pentecost (Acts 2). Application: Look for ways to grow awe and gratitude instead of drifting toward self-focus or idolatry. Questions: What does Paul mean by “God’s invisible qualities” being seen in creation? How do we see idolatry expressed in modern life? Why do you think rejecting God leads to moral breakdown? What’s one way you’ve been reminded of God’s presence through nature? Romans 2 Summary: God’s judgment is impartial; obedience matters more than heritage or ritual. Cultural Note: Circumcision – The covenant sign for Jews; Paul says obedience matters more. Fact: Jews often saw themselves as morally superior to Gentiles; Paul levels the field. Application: Let God check pride and grow humility toward others. Questions: Why is it dangerous to judge others while ignoring our own sin? How would you explain “God shows no favoritism” to someone new to faith? In what ways do we rely on outward signs instead of inward obedience? What’s an example of obeying God from the heart rather than just going through the motions? Romans 3 Summary: All have sinned; righteousness comes through faith in Jesus, not the Law. Cultural Note: The Law – The Torah, central to Jewish identity; Paul says it reveals sin, not salvation. Fact: Verse 23 (“all have sinned…”) challenged a culture that tied worth to status. Application: Rest in what Jesus has done instead of trying to earn His love. Questions: Why is it important to understand that “all have sinned”? How does this chapter level the playing field between people? What’s the difference between righteousness by faith and righteousness by works? How does it change your confidence before God to know you’re justified by grace?

This week we’re kicking off our study of the book of Romans—a rich, theologically deep letter that can feel challenging to unpack. Our aim is to walk through an overview together, not as theologians with all the answers, but as women who believe it’s vital to read Scripture and lean into the hard topics rather than avoid them. Romans is a powerful deep dive into the gospel—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes both our lives and our communities. Here are some resources that we find helpful: Bible Project recap: https://bibleproject.com/videos/romans-1-4/ Lydia Brownback study: https://www.amazon.com/Romans-Glory-Gospel-Flourish-Bible/dp/1433590301/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9BdIZ40Tza00gULBN7GTaXqpJWFrUcZ1hfUVF25l51LC4_YusyYZFUbytrZ86-1beU8i2bFqaJndLoMLSydFWdGKYpOwNoTDUfaBdPQ-ICqwvJRL3sHawU-i91yIk6faGnuBGcuG1eMEHUhxuHWtnfDMYvV5P45KDJfiux8PFfe7xwqoPSIXLGnH1YYMSDa2vil8dtKpoEZ5Fp338tWaX9E22ZrpNehxbOG2Fm98E4s.QDC-yjLHrk33NoI2Zk4lTEOdReFy1PZ6fivTif5R_jY&dib_tag=se&hvadid=722913487357&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9011071&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=5805533682180727329--&hvqmt=b&hvrand=5805533682180727329&hvtargid=kwd-1932649118854&hydadcr=2931_13760182&keywords=lydia+brownback+bible+study&mcid=8bce550b686c3dcca5a65ea504404587&qid=1755279811&sr=8-5

It’s that time of year again! Girls are starting to think about moving to their schools in the next few weeks, so we’re bringing back a series we like to do every year before the start of school - “What I wish I Knew Before….”. It is so helpful to hear from people who have been there before, and we hope that this series will help you to be at least a little prepared for what’s next. We talked to the AYA freshman leadership team at UGA (now they’re rising sophomores) about 3 big topics - freshman year, college friendships, and rush. This is our last episode, and it’s about something so important - friendship in college. Hope you enjoy this conversation with Abbilyn, Lizzie and Saunders! Link to church recommendations for our campuses: https://ayaministries.squarespace.com/churches

It’s that time of year again! Girls are starting to think about moving to their schools in the next few weeks, so we’re bringing back a series we like to do every year before the start of school - “What I wish I Knew Before….”. It is so helpful to hear from people who have been there before, and we hope that this series will help you to be at least a little prepared for what’s next. We talked to the AYA freshman leadership team at UGA (now they’re rising sophomores) about 3 big topics - freshman year, college friendships, and rush. So we have 3 episodes total. Last week was rush, this week let’s talk freshman year. Hope you enjoy this conversation with Annie, Elise and Avery!