Feeling spiritually busy but strangely unchanged? We’ve been there. This conversation lays out a practical, hopeful path to move from information overload to a durable walk with Jesus that actually bears fruit. Anchored in 2 Peter 1, we explore how adding goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love leads to a life that is never ineffective or unproductive in knowing Christ.

We talk candidly about the modern flood of Bible content and why even great teaching can’t substitute for firsthand engagement with Scripture. Personal study is where the Holy Spirit meets us, reshapes our desires, and turns insight into obedience. You’ll hear how daily time in the Word reveals God’s unchanging character, grows holiness from the inside out, and stretches our prayers beyond “me and my four” to God’s global purposes. Expect practical guidance on building simple systems, managing distractions, and nurturing habits like meditation and memorization—without relying on study guides or complex tools.

To make all of this doable, we introduce a workshop-style season: four simple, no-tools-needed methods to study the Bible for yourself. Each method ends in two things that change everything—discover a timeless truth about God, then craft a concrete application for your real life today. We’ll give you passages to practice, encourage you to pause the show until you’ve tried the exercise, and then compare notes together. Along the way, we’ll name and confront the deeper barrier beneath busyness: the quiet belief that we don’t need God as much as we need other things. Freedom starts with honesty, repentance, and a fresh dependence on his Word.

Ready to trade secondhand faith for firsthand transformation? Listen, pause, practice, and grow with us. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review so others can find the show.

What is God's word? What is His purpose in giving it to us? In this episode, Matt and Rachael discuss the supernatural nature of God's word and the transformation it can hold for your life. When we approach the Word with a humble heart that desires to be changed, He is faithful to form us in His image.

Click Here for Week 1 Homework Sheet

BEFORE this episode: Complete DAY ONE Homework (2 Peter 1:20-21 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

AFTER this episode: Complete DAY TWO Homework (Psalm 119:15-16; Psalm 119:97-99; Psalm 40:8; and Psalm 119:11)

The Bible was written over thousands of years, thousands of years ago, in a far off part of the world. How do we know it is even relevant? In today's episode, Matt and Rachael explore the highly practical nature of God's word, and the power that is unlocked by discovering timeless truths for personal application. Understand the practices and disciplines available to train us to meditate on His word all day long - and be transformed.

Click Here for Week 1 Homework Sheet

BEFORE this episode: Complete DAY TWO Homework (Psalm 119:15-16; Psalm 119:97-99; Psalm 40:8; and Psalm 119:11)

AFTER this episode: Complete DAY THREE Homework (Hebrews 4:12)

The Bible describes sanctification as a painful process that we should embrace. That can be a tough truth. Nobody asks for more trial, struggle, or pain. But we know from God's word and from our own experience that God's greatest works come through the refining fire of being transformed over time by His word. Today Rachael and Matt discuss sanctification, what it is, why it hurts, and why every believer should desperately want it.

Click Here for Week 1 Homework Sheet

BEFORE this episode: Complete DAY THREE Homework (Hebrews 4:12)

AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FOUR Homework (Matthew 6:33 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

If God is the one who sanctifies me, then what is my role in my own spiritual growth and development? Is it an active role or a passive role? Embracing spiritual discipline takes work on our part, but it is not sanctification through works. Just the opposite. In this episode, Matt and Rachael discuss biblical obedience as an act of faith: an expression of our confidence in God to be faithful to His promises to do a thorough work in us - if we will only have the faith to obediently follow Him.

Click Here for Week 1 Homework Sheet

BEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FOUR Homework (Matthew 6:33 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

AFTER this episode: Complete DAY FIVE Homework (Galatians 5:16-26)

When the Lord saved your soul and gave you His Spirit, why didn't He just remove your old self - the desires and works of the flesh? The Bible says that if we live be the Spirit, we ought also to keep in step with the Spirit. Easier said than done when your old flesh keeps fighting back! In this episode, Rachael and Matt explore Galatians 5 to contrast the works of the flesh with the fruits of the spirit - and turn to the words of Jesus to uncover how every Christ follower can live a consistently fruitful life.

Click Here for Week 1 Homework Sheet

BEFORE this episode: Complete DAY FIVE Homework (Galatians 5:16-26)

AFTER this episode: Complete DAY SIX Homework (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Let's not kid ourselves. Sometimes the walk of a disciple can feel overwhelming or even impossible. The Bible is filled with stories of faithful servants of God who still manage to get discouraged. It all seems like so much. Can I do it? Can it even BE done? In today's episode Matt and Rachael have good news for the discouraged: It CAN be done, but not by you. God promises to do this thorough work in us - to make all grace abound in us. By HIS character and faithfulness, HE will provide you with everything you need to abound in every good work. All you need is a surrendered heart.

Click Here for Week 1 Homework Sheet

BEFORE this episode: Complete DAY SIX Homework (2 Corinthians 9:8)

CONGRATULATIONS! You've taken your first steps toward deeper intimacy with God through personally engaging with His word. Tomorrow's episode has no homework, but it will introduce us to our first bible study method: "Two questions and a statement."