In this episode, we continue our audiobook reading of A Short Introduction to the Epistles of Paul the Apostle by W. Kelly with the chapter on 1 Corinthians.
This chapter examines the circumstances of the Corinthian church and the reasons Paul wrote this epistle. Unlike Romans, which lays out doctrine in a systematic way, 1 Corinthians addresses serious practical and moral problems within a local assembly. Kelly explains how Paul applies Christian truth to real-life church issues while maintaining the authority of Christ and the unity of the body.
In this chapter, you will hear about:
The condition of the church at Corinth and the challenges it faced
Divisions, moral failure, and disorder within the assembly
Paul’s teaching on Christian conduct, discipline, and spiritual gifts
The balance between grace and holiness in church life
This reading is part of an ongoing audiobook series covering each of Paul’s epistles in order. More chapters will be released as the series continues.
If you value thoughtful Bible study and clear introductions to Scripture, consider subscribing so you don’t miss future installments.
Audiobooks, new guests, sermon series, and updates to the website! There's so much that has happened in a year! What about 2026? In this episode, we look at the things that have taken place and the direction we are heading for the future. Listen in to see what is ahead for Enjoy the Book of Life!
Bethlehem is a well-known location in the Bible because it is the place where Jesus was incarnated. However, this is not the first time the small town shows up in the Bible. Jesus is not even the first boy mentioned in the Bible to be from Bethlehem. Join us as we connect the dots through thousands of years of Scripture and prepare for exciting conclusions and helpful study tips as well.
This chapter focuses on the unique place Romans holds among Paul’s letters, explaining why it stands as the most complete and systematic presentation of the gospel. Kelly explores the purpose of the epistle, its doctrinal depth, and its role as a foundation for understanding justification, righteousness, and the believer’s standing before God.
In this chapter, you will hear about:
Why Romans differs from Paul’s other epistles in audience and purpose
The broad scope of the gospel as presented in Romans
How Romans lays the groundwork for Christian doctrine rather than addressing local church problems
The moral and spiritual order of truth found in the letter
This reading is part of an ongoing audiobook series. More chapters and epistles will be released as the series continues.
If you value careful Bible study and thoughtful introductions to Scripture, this series is designed to help you read Paul’s letters with greater clarity and understanding.
In this episode, I begin reading the book A Short Introduction to the Epistles of Paul the Apostle by W. Kelly. This installment includes only the Introduction, laying the groundwork for understanding the background, order, and purpose of Paul’s letters.What this episode covers:- The historical context in which Paul wrote his epistles- How the order of the Epistles (Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, and others) shapes our understanding- A clear framework for approaching Paul’s writings as a wholeThis is just the beginning. More chapters will follow as I continue releasing the full audiobook series.If you appreciate in-depth Bible study, clear teaching, and structured walkthroughs of Scripture, this series will be a valuable resource.Feel free to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss future chapters.
In “The Cross and Christian Experience,” J. M. Davies brings his study to a deeply practical and devotional conclusion. After exploring the Cross from every doctrinal, prophetic, and cosmic angle, he now turns to its daily impact on the believer’s life—how the Cross is not merely a historical event, but a living, transforming power shaping Christian experience moment by moment.
Davies explains that the Cross marks the beginning of true Christian living. It is at the Cross that the believer finds forgiveness, peace, and acceptance—but also the call to discipleship, self-denial, and fellowship with Christ in suffering. The Cross is both the doorway to life and the pattern for life.
Todd Nicklas talks about the strengths and cautions when using devotionals. These tools should not be a replacement but an enhancement to our time in the Word. Get a number of suggestions that you can use!Choice Gleanings - https://gospelfolio.com/category/choice-gleanings/Taste and See - https://uplook.org/series/taste-and-see/Morning and Evening - https://a.co/d/dMqsYYXDiary of an Old Soul - https://a.co/d/c7KMNMbDays of Praise - https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6My Utmost for His Highest - https://a.co/d/arw0qfFOne Day at a Time - https://a.co/d/2ja2xwpThe Continual Burnt Offering - https://a.co/d/d1IiW6pIndescribable - https://a.co/d/2bqRTnXBlessings All Mine with 10,000 Besides! - https://a.co/d/h6Qm4RmBringing Us to Glory - https://a.co/d/3OUoJoVThe Daily Light - https://a.co/d/fgNcB0H
In “The Cross and the Glory,” J. M. Davies brings his great theme to its climactic height—showing that the Cross and the glory of Christ are not opposing realities but inseparable parts of one divine plan. What seemed like shame and defeat to the world was, in truth, the very pathway to eternal majesty.
Davies traces how Scripture consistently links suffering and glory—from the prophecies of Isaiah’s Servant to Christ’s own words, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?” The Cross is the gateway through which the glory of redemption shines. Without it, there could be no crown; without death, no resurrection; without humility, no exaltation.
He reveals how the glory that follows the Cross is both retrospective and prospective:
Retrospective, as heaven forever honors the Lamb who was slain;
Prospective, as believers will one day share in that same glory, transformed through the power of His sacrifice.
The chapter culminates in awe and worship—the Lamb who once hung on the tree now reigns upon the throne. The Cross, once a symbol of suffering, becomes the centerpiece of everlasting praise.
This is not merely theology—it is doxology. Davies invites listeners to see that in God’s design, the road to glory always passes by the way of the Cross.
In “The Cross — Its Accompaniments,” J. M. Davies turns our attention to the powerful events and divine signs that surrounded Calvary—those extraordinary accompaniments that revealed heaven’s response to the death of Christ.Through these signs, Davies shows that the Cross was no ordinary death. The veil’s tearing proclaimed open access to God; the earthquake signaled judgment and transition; the raised saints bore witness to resurrection power already at work. Nature itself bowed before the Redeemer as creation testified to its Creator’s suffering and triumph.This chapter leads listeners to see how all heaven and earth were stirred by the Cross—how its accompaniments confirm its significance, its finality, and its glory. The Cross was not silent; the world itself trembled at the weight of redemption accomplished.
In this deeply moving chapter, J. M. Davies draws the listener into the heart of Calvary to behold both the humiliation and glory of Christ in His death. What the world saw as defeat, Heaven declares as triumph.
Davies paints a vivid contrast: the Man of Sorrows, despised and rejected, bearing the curse and shame of the Cross—yet, in that very suffering, displaying the splendor of divine love and obedience. The lowest point of His humiliation becomes the highest revelation of His glory.
From Gethsemane’s agony to Golgotha’s cry, Davies shows that every step downward was also a step upward in eternal purpose. The Cross was Christ’s throne; the thorns His crown. Through His willing descent, He exalted the righteousness of God and opened the way for sinners to share in His victory.
This chapter invites listeners to contemplate the mystery of glory hidden in suffering—the radiant beauty of the Savior who humbled Himself unto death, and through that humility, secured everlasting glory.
In “Its Sequel — The Resurrection,” J. M. Davies leads listeners beyond the darkness of Calvary into the radiant dawn of the empty tomb. The Cross, he reminds us, cannot be separated from its sequel—the Resurrection—because together they form the complete triumph of redemption.
Davies portrays the Resurrection not merely as a miracle of power, but as the divine seal upon Christ’s finished work. It is God’s public declaration that sin has been judged, death defeated, and salvation secured forever. From the sorrow of the Cross arises the song of eternal victory.
With reverent insight, Davies draws on Scripture to show that the Resurrection validates every promise of God: it confirms the deity of Christ, guarantees the believer’s justification, and becomes the pledge of our own future glory. The risen Christ is both proof and promise—proof of redemption accomplished, and promise of life everlasting.
This chapter lifts the heart from Golgotha to the garden tomb, from grief to glory, from death to life. It is a triumphant close to the message of the Cross—a message crowned with resurrection joy.
In “Prophecies Fulfilled,” J. M. Davies lifts the listener’s gaze to the vast sweep of Scripture, showing how the Cross of Christ stands at the very center of God’s prophetic plan. Every promise, picture, and pattern of the Old Testament finds its perfect realization at Calvary.
Davies traces how ancient prophecies—spoken by Moses, David, Isaiah, and others—reach their climax in the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus. From the bruised heel foretold in Genesis to the pierced hands of Psalm 22 and the wounded Servant of Isaiah 53, he demonstrates how the entire biblical narrative points to one radiant fulfillment: the Redeemer crucified and risen.
This chapter unveils the unity of the Bible’s message—the Cross was not an afterthought, but the very heart of God’s eternal purpose. Through prophecy fulfilled, listeners see the reliability of God’s Word, the precision of divine timing, and the glory of Christ who fulfills every shadow and promise.
A stirring reminder that the Scriptures are alive with one theme from Genesis to Revelation: the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world.
In this profound chapter, J. M. Davies presents a threefold view of the Cross of Christ, guiding listeners to see Calvary from three powerful vantage points — divine, human, and satanic. Each reveals a different facet of the same wondrous event.
From the Divine View, Davies shows how the Cross stands as the eternal expression of God’s love and righteousness — where justice and mercy meet in perfect harmony. It is not tragedy, but triumph, designed before the foundation of the world.
From the Human View, he explores the Cross as the fullest revelation of man’s heart — exposing humanity’s rebellion and sin, yet also opening the door to grace, forgiveness, and transformation.
From the Satanic View, Davies unveils the Cross as the battleground of the ages — where the prince of darkness seemed to win, yet met his ultimate defeat. What looked like victory for evil became the moment of its undoing.
Rich with Scripture and spiritual insight, A Threefold View of It helps listeners grasp the depth and scope of Calvary’s meaning. The Cross is not one-dimensional—it is the meeting point of heaven, earth, and hell; the place where God’s eternal purposes were fulfilled in a single, world-changing act of love.
How can Christians share their faith with clarity, confidence, and kindness in today’s culture? In this video, Todd and I review Greg Koukl’s influential book Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions.Koukl introduces practical tools—like the “Columbo tactic” and other conversational strategies—that help believers engage in meaningful dialogue without fear or hostility. This isn’t about winning arguments; it’s about planting seeds, asking good questions, and pointing people toward truth with wisdom and grace.Join us and explore the key takeaways from Tactics, how they can transform your conversations, and why this book remains a must-read for anyone serious about apologetics and evangelism.Have you read Tactics? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear your experiences applying these principles!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future reviews and faith-based discussions.
In this section, J. M. Davies unfolds the threefold uniqueness of Christ’s death, showing why it stands utterly alone in all of history. He explains that the death of Jesus was:
A Sacrificial Death – the fulfillment of every type and shadow in the Old Testament, from the Passover Lamb to the offerings on Israel’s altar.
An Obedient Death – a willing surrender, where Christ humbled Himself even to the shame of the Cross, perfectly accomplishing the Father’s will.
A Death in Conflict – not passive but active, as Jesus entered the fiercest struggle with sin, Satan, and death itself, triumphing in apparent defeat.
Through these three dimensions, Davies emphasizes that the Cross cannot be compared with any other death. It is at once the altar of atonement, the highest act of obedience, and the battlefield where eternal victory was won.
Listeners are drawn to see the depth, richness, and glory of Calvary — the place where God’s purposes converged in a single, unique act of love and power
In Chapter 2, J. M. Davies deepens the ascent by exploring The Unique Character of Christ’s death, setting it apart in history and revelation. He shows that Jesus’ death was unlike any other—not simply because of its physical suffering, but because of its moral, spiritual, and cosmic significance.
Davies also illustrates the magnitude of His suffering—How Jesus “tasted death,” endured the Cross in all its shame and pain, yet held firm in obedience and love. Through vivid Biblical typology, prophetic fulfillment, and careful exposition, this chapter helps listeners grasp just why the Cross is not only central, but uniquely so: because in it God’s justice, mercy, holiness, and love meet, and because nothing else in Scripture bears quite the same weight.
In the opening chapter, J. M. Davies invites you to mount the heights of Scripture, revealing the Cross of Christ as the “Everest” at the summit of God’s revelation — its central, pre-eminent theme. He shows that without the Cross, the Bible loses its heartbeat: its message becomes a mere collection of stories, ethics, and prophecy, but not the life-giving center that grants hope, redemption, and transformation.
Davies traces the prominence of the Cross throughout both Old and New Testaments: in the foundational narratives (Sacrifice of Isaac, Passover Lamb, Day of Atonement), in the prophetic literature, in the Gospels’ account of death, burial, resurrection, and in the Epistles’ doctrinal unfolding.
Through vivid biblical references and stirring imagery, Chapter 1 helps listeners see the Cross not just as one among many Christian themes, but as the pivot between eternity, the fulcrum of history, and the foundation of Christian identity. If you’ve ever wondered why Christ’s death matters so much, this chapter lays the bedrock.
The Brazen Sea is a powerful symbol of cleansing, holiness, and preparation for worship.In this classic writing, C.H. Mackintosh explores the meaning of the brazen sea in the Old Testament Tabernacle and how it points to Christ’s cleansing power in the believer’s life. Just as the priests washed before entering God’s presence, so Christians are called to walk in self-judgment, purity, and daily dependence on Christ.Mackintosh shows how the brazen sea reveals the deep connection between Old Testament symbols and New Testament truth. He reminds us that true worship and service flow only from hearts that have been cleansed and made ready for God’s presence. This devotional insight encourages believers to embrace self-denial, humility, and holiness as the pathway to spiritual growth and deeper fellowship with Christ.
"Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7) Learning about christians from the past can be a rewarding activity, if their lives point you to the Savior. There are many great resources to learn these stories but one that makes the story jump of the page is the ministry of Vickie Gaynier. We discuss the origins of her character acting and the different people from history that she performs for audiences. We also discuss how you can share in the experience as well! Explore the site: https://womenofgreatfaith.weebly.comCorrie at the Creation Museum: https://creationmuseum.org/events/presentations/corrie-ten-boom-light-dark-places/Watch the Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnOuXNsoqRAMrs. G Storytime Podcast: https://wogfvg.wixsite.com/mrs-g-story-time/podcast
In Christ and His Yoke, C.H. Mackintosh explores what it truly means to walk with Christ in self-denial, self-control, and surrender. His timeless words remind believers that the yoke of Jesus is not heavy, but the path to peace, rest, and spiritual growth.
Through this powerful Christian teaching, you’ll discover:
If you desire a deeper Christian life and long to grow in discipleship, holiness, and spiritual discipline, Mackintosh’s insights will encourage you to embrace the gentle yoke of Christ and find rest for your soul.