How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple
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How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

Nicole Unice

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

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The Inside-Out Healer: Lessons from the Paralyzed Man in John 5
September 30, 2024 - 21 min
The story of the healing at the pool of Bethesda profoundly illustrates the importance of engaging with Jesus and recognizing our need for healing, both physically and spiritually. Backstory: In John 5, we encounter a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, lying by the pool of Bethesda, surrounded by others who were also in desperate need of healing. This setting is significant as it highlights the collective suffering and desperation of those seeking physical restoration. The pool was believed to have healing properties, with the superstition that the first person to enter the water after it was stirred would be healed. However, the man’s response to Jesus reveals a deeper issue: he felt helpless and alone, stating, "I have no one to help me into the pool." This response underscores a common human condition—feeling abandoned and powerless in the face of our struggles. Jesus' Engagement When Jesus approaches the man, he asks a pivotal question: "Do you want to get well?" This question is not merely about physical healing; it invites the man to engage with Jesus on a deeper level. The man’s initial response is filled with excuses, indicating a mindset focused on his limitations rather than the possibility of healing. This interaction emphasizes that recognizing our need for healing is the first step toward transformation. Jesus, the healer, is present, yet the man’s response reflects a struggle to believe in the possibility of change. The Nature of Healing The healing that follows is immediate and miraculous. Jesus commands the man to "Get up, pick up your mat and walk," and he does so without hesitation. This act of healing is not just physical; it symbolizes a new beginning and a call to wholeness. However, the story does not end with the miracle. After the healing, the man encounters the Jewish leaders, who are more concerned with the law than the miracle itself. They question him about carrying his mat on the Sabbath, illustrating how easily people can become entangled in rules and regulations, missing the heart of what God is doing. What Does It Mean? Spiritual Implications Later, Jesus finds the man again and warns him, "Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you." While Jesus is concerned about our physical ailments, he is equally focused on our spiritual well-being. The healing at the pool reminds us that true wholeness involves both body and soul. The man’s mindset, filled with excuses and a victim mentality, reflects a deeper spiritual condition that Jesus seeks to address. What Does It Mean for Me? Ultimately, the story of the healing at the pool of Bethesda illustrates the necessity of engaging with Jesus and acknowledging our need for healing. It challenges listeners to consider where they might find themselves in the narrative—whether as the invalid, the bystander, or the religious leaders. Each role offers insights into our own spiritual journeys and the ways we may resist or embrace the healing that Jesus offers. God is a gracious God, full of mercy and truth, inviting us to experience life to the fullest through Jesus, our healer. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Sign up for Nicole's newsletter and get regular encouragement straight to your inbox: https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk/ Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For  When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide!  Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes & Noble Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Taking Jesus at His Word: Lessons from the Woman at the Well (A Bible Study on John 4)
September 23, 2024 - 22 min
In this episode of How to Study the Bible Nicole explores the profound theme of "taking Jesus at His word," particularly through the lens of John chapter 4, which recounts the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, as well as the healing of a royal official's son. This theme is not only central to the biblical narrative but also deeply relevant to our daily lives. Backstory: The Encounter with the Samaritan Woman The story begins with Jesus intentionally traveling through Samaria, a route typically avoided by Jews due to cultural animosities. This choice underscores the urgency and purpose behind Jesus's mission. When Jesus meets the Samaritan woman, He breaks social norms by speaking to her, asking for a drink, and engaging her in a deep conversation. This moment is significant because it illustrates how Jesus sees and values individuals, regardless of their background or past. What Does It Say: Living Water During their conversation, Jesus offers the woman "living water," a metaphor for the spiritual sustenance and eternal life He provides. This concept captivates the woman, prompting her to engage further. Jesus's ability to see her true self—acknowledging her past without condemnation—demonstrates His love and acceptance. Instead of shaming her for her history of multiple husbands, He invites her into a transformative relationship. What Does It Mean: The Woman's Testimony The pivotal moment occurs when Jesus reveals that He is the Messiah. The woman takes Him at His word, believing in His identity and the truth of His message. She then becomes the first missionary, returning to her village to share her testimony. Her declaration, "He told me everything I did," highlights the power of being seen and known, which resonates with many who feel marginalized or ashamed. The villagers, intrigued by her transformation, come to believe in Jesus because of her testimony. The Royal Official's Faith The episode also recounts the story of a royal official whose son is gravely ill. In desperation, he approaches Jesus, who simply tells him, "Go, your son will live." The official takes Jesus at His word and departs, demonstrating remarkable faith. His belief in Jesus's authority and power leads to the miraculous healing of his son, reinforcing the idea that faith in Jesus's word can lead to profound changes in our lives. What Does It Mean for Me: Can We Take Jesus at His Word? The episode's overarching question is whether we can take Jesus at His word in our lives. Nicole emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus's promises and grounding ourselves in the truth of His love and salvation. She encourages listeners to write down these promises and keep them visible as a reminder of God's faithfulness. Key Takeaways Jesus's Intentionality: Jesus's choice to engage with the Samaritan woman and the royal official illustrates His desire to reach out to all people, regardless of societal barriers. The Power of Testimony: The transformation of the Samaritan woman into a witness for Christ shows how personal encounters with Jesus can lead to broader impacts on communities. Faith in Action: The royal official's response to Jesus's word exemplifies the kind of faith that leads to action, encouraging us to trust in Jesus's promises even when circumstances seem dire. Rooted in Truth: To take Jesus at His word, we must be rooted in the truth of Scripture, understanding that God loves us and desires to save us, not condemn us. In conclusion, the episode invites us to reflect on our own faith journeys and challenges us to embrace the truth of Jesus's words. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that He promises, regardless of our past or present circumstances. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well, recounted in John chapter 4, profoundly illustrates the transformative power of being seen and known by Jesus. This encounter not only changes the woman's life but also positions her as the first missionary in the New Testament, showcasing how personal transformation can lead to communal impact. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For  When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide!  Find all of Nicole's books and resources on<a
From Wedding Joy to Temple Righteousness: Unpacking Jesus' Signs in John 2 and 3
September 16, 2024 - 26 min
Exploring the Signs of Jesus' Glory in the Book of John In the podcast episode, Nicole Unice delves into the significance of Jesus's signs in John 2 and 3. These signs not only reveal Jesus' divine nature but also illustrate profound themes of hospitality, justice, and personal transformation. The First Miracle: Water into Wine The episode begins with the account of Jesus' first miracle at a wedding in Cana, where He turns water into wine. This event is significant for several reasons: Celebration and Hospitality: Weddings in Jewish culture are grand celebrations that can last several days. The absence of wine would have been a major social faux pas, reflecting poorly on the hosts. By performing this miracle, Jesus demonstrates His concern for joy and hospitality, emphasizing that He cares about the everyday moments of life, not just dire circumstances. Abundance: The miracle is characterized by abundance; Jesus doesn't just provide a little wine but an overwhelming amount, showcasing His generosity. This theme of abundance recurs throughout the Book of John, highlighting that Jesus offers more than what is necessary. Revelation of Glory: The miracle serves as the first sign through which Jesus reveals His glory. Interestingly, it is not the wedding guests who recognize this glory, but His disciples, who come to believe in Him as a result. This points to the idea that true understanding and faith often come from being close to Jesus and witnessing His works firsthand. The Cleansing of the Temple Following the wedding miracle, the narrative shifts dramatically to Jesus cleansing the temple. This event reveals another facet of Jesus' character: Righteous Anger: Jesus' actions in the temple demonstrate His passion for justice. He is angered by the exploitation of the poor, who come to the temple to make sacrifices. The money changers and sellers are taking advantage of their need, turning a sacred space into a marketplace. This act of cleansing the temple shows that Jesus is not only a figure of hospitality but also one who stands against injustice. Challenge to Religious Authority: When the religious leaders demand a sign to validate His authority, Jesus responds cryptically, foreshadowing His death and resurrection. He indicates that true worship will not be confined to a physical temple but will be found in Him. This confrontation sets the stage for ongoing conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities, illustrating that following Him may lead to challenges and opposition. The Conversation with Nicodemus The episode concludes with Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee who comes to Him at night. This dialogue introduces the concept of spiritual rebirth: Spiritual Transformation: Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be "born again" to see the Kingdom of God. This idea of spiritual rebirth is central to understanding the transformative power of faith in Christ. It emphasizes that entering into a relationship with Jesus requires a fundamental change in one's life and perspective. The Sign of the Cross: Jesus references the story of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness, drawing a parallel to His own impending crucifixion. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the serpent, so too will people find eternal life by looking to Jesus on the cross. This connection underscores the simplicity and depth of the Gospel message: belief in Jesus leads to salvation. God's Love for Humanity: The well-known verse John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of the Gospel: God's immense love for the world and His desire for all to have eternal life through faith in His Son. This message of love and hope is a cornerstone of Christian belief. Journal your questions: Talk to God about how it feels to know the very first sign of his glory was at a party and sparked joy. Do you experience joy and hospitality in your life? How can you invite someone into that? What signs are you asking for? When have you seen God’s glory? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
"What Do You Want?" Exploring the Invitation of Jesus in John 1
September 9, 2024 - 23 min
In this episode, we dive into John 1 and discover the richness of God's relational nature as revealed in the Gospel of John.  John's Gospel emphasizes the relational aspect of God, who asks us, "What do you want?" This question serves to engage us in a personal relationship and invites us to explore our desires and needs. This theme is beautifully illustrated in the opening chapters of John, where the nature of Jesus as the Word is introduced, highlighting His divine identity and His intimate connection with humanity. Exploring the Invitation of Jesus: "What Do You Want?" In the podcast episode, the host delves into the profound question posed by Jesus: "What do you want?" This question is not just a casual inquiry; it serves as a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, inviting listeners to reflect on their own desires and spiritual journeys. The Context of the Question The question arises in John chapter 1, where two of John the Baptist's disciples begin to follow Jesus. When they approach Him, Jesus turns and asks, "What do you want?" This moment is significant because it marks the beginning of Jesus's ministry and His first interaction with those who would become His followers. The disciples' response, "Rabbi, where are you staying?" is somewhat unexpected and highlights the often complex nature of human desire and understanding. The Relational Nature of God The host emphasizes that this question from Jesus is deeply relational. It reflects God's desire to engage with humanity on a personal level. Unlike other religions that may present a distant deity, Christianity offers a God who is intimately involved in the lives of individuals. The act of asking questions is portrayed as humble and vulnerable, showcasing God's willingness to connect with us. The Deeper Meaning Behind Our Desires As the discussion unfolds, the host encourages listeners to dig deeper into their own desires. When faced with the question "What do you want?" it is essential to consider what lies beneath the surface. For many, the immediate response may revolve around alleviating pain or changing circumstances. However, the host urges listeners to explore what these desires represent. At the core, many of our desires stem from fundamental human needs: the need to be known, loved, and to have a sense of belonging and purpose. The podcast suggests that these deeper longings are what God seeks to fulfill in our lives. The Invitation to "Come and See" Following the question, Jesus invites the disciples to "come and see." This invitation is extended to all listeners, regardless of their familiarity with the Bible or their relationship with Jesus. The host encourages everyone to explore who Jesus is and what He offers. This invitation is not merely about gaining knowledge; it is about experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promises. The host reiterates that the overarching goal of studying the Gospel of John is to understand that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing in Him, we can have life in His name. The question "What do you want?" serves as a powerful starting point for self-reflection and spiritual growth. It invites individuals to consider their deepest desires and to recognize that these longings can lead them to a more profound relationship with God. As listeners engage with the Gospel of John, they are encouraged to accept Jesus's invitation to "come and see," exploring the richness of life that He offers. This journey is not just about understanding Scripture but about experiencing the transformative power of faith in everyday life. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For  When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide!  Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes &amp; Noble Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
What Does It Mean to Have Abundant Life? A Journey through the Book of John
September 2, 2024 - 20 min
Nicole is back! This fall, we're going to study the book of John together as we ask ourselves: what does it look like to be set free? What does it look like to be rooted and to have abundant life? This fall, we're going to talk about what Jesus did, what it means, what it means for you, and how you can experience a rooted, feet-on-the-ground firmness so that when the storms of life hit, you are not uprooted. THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: Help! My Bible is Alive! Nicole’s Newest Book: Not What I Signed Up For  When you go to NicoleUnice.com/notwhatisignedupfor you'll get the intro, first chapter and a free prayer guide!  Find all of Nicole's books and resources on Amazon or Barnes &amp; Noble Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
How to Calm Anxiety in Times of Uncertainty & Feel God's Peace in Your Heart
August 19, 2024 - 18 min
What do you do when anxiety strikes during uncertain times? In this bonus episode of "Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast" Host Bonnie Gray explores practical ways to calm your mind and heart when faced with the unknown. Learn to anchor your soul in God’s promises and discover simple, effective strategies to reduce stress and embrace peace. "How to Study The Bible" &amp; Nicole will be back soon! Until then, we hope you enjoy this bonus episode of "Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast". If you like what you hear, consider subscribing to "Breathe" on Apple or Spotify. To find more Christian based podcasts go to Lifeaudio.com LINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Subscribe to FREE weekly Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/ -  Take a FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment! -  Get Bonnie's Bestseller book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less": https://amzn.to/4azae1K- Ask Bonnie Questions at https://bit.ly/askbreathe-  Join Soul Care School: http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A Prayer to Dwell in the Lord's Presence (Summer Prayer Series #9)
August 12, 2024 - 6 min
What does it mean to dwell? It certainly means to live, to occupy a house or apartment, but we also use the word to mean to point attention toward. If you dwell on something, you focus on it steadfastly, not wavering or casting about for something else. But why should we? Because He makes clear the path of life, helping us to know where we should step. He fills us with joy as we spend time in his presence, and who doesn't need more joy? Do you know what it means...what it feels like to dwell in the Lord's presence? Listen to today's episode from Laura Lee Groves, based on Psalm 16:11. GO DEEPER FREE RESOURCE: How to Pray God's Word for Your Children, by Brooke McGlothlin The 5-Day Praying for Girls and Boys Challenge FREE: Join the Everyday Prayers Podcast Facebook Group Hey friends- Nicole here. As you know, I am taking a break for the summer to rest and recharge, calling it my monastic summer. And I hope that you're going to get some rest this summer too. It's something worth fighting for, for sure. But while I'm gone, the team at LifeAudio and I want to have something for you. So we've prepared a summer series for you that I think you're going to really enjoy. We're calling it our Summer Prayer Series, and it features prayers from another show on our network, which is called Everyday Prayers for Million Praying Moms. The host of Everyday Prayers is Brooke McGlothlin, and she is a best-selling author and speaker. Her passion is to help you discover the power of prayer to change your life. She'll be sharing prayers that anyone can pray to help give their summer a much-needed focus on God and His goodness toward all of us. So I know you're going to enjoy these episodes and take these prayers into your own quiet time so you can connect with God in a deeper way this summer. And I'll see you in the fall.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A Prayer to Choose the Good Portion (Summer Prayer Series #8)
August 5, 2024 - 6 min
“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her’” (Luke 10:41-42). Most of my life, especially since becoming a mom, I have been in what feels like a constant rotation of busyness, overwhelm, anxiety, and frustration over all there is to do. Marthas, like myself, like to push back against the idea of resting because someone has to do it all. But the truth is that sometimes we need to slow down and sit at Jesus’ feet. ~ Amber Palmer Do you struggle to be intentional about making space to get with Jesus and receive His peace? If so, this episode of Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms is for you. Tune in now to listen to today's entire devotion and start your day off praying God's Word for your family! LINKS: Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use!  Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Visit Today's Show Notes Hey friends- Nicole here. As you know, I am taking a break for the summer to rest and recharge, calling it my monastic summer. And I hope that you're going to get some rest this summer too. It's something worth fighting for, for sure. But while I'm gone, the team at LifeAudio and I want to have something for you. So we've prepared a summer series for you that I think you're going to really enjoy. We're calling it our Summer Prayer Series, and it features prayers from another show on our network, which is called Everyday Prayers for Million Praying Moms. The host of Everyday Prayers is Brooke McGlothlin, and she is a best-selling author and speaker. Her passion is to help you discover the power of prayer to change your life. She'll be sharing prayers that anyone can pray to help give their summer a much-needed focus on God and His goodness toward all of us. So I know you're going to enjoy these episodes and take these prayers into your own quiet time so you can connect with God in a deeper way this summer. And I'll see you in the fall.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A Prayer for Wisdom in the Moment (Summer Prayer Series #7)
July 29, 2024 - 5 min
"...but Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way" (Daniel 1:8). Have you ever been in the middle of an ordinary situation, whether all alone or perhaps at a more social event, and sensed God's quiet voice nudging you in one way or another? Maybe a warning as simple as, do not say what you're about to say, or don't eat that. The question is, what do you do when it happens? ~ Monica Swanson Do you choose God's voice over excuses or justification? If so, this episode of Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms is for you. Tune in now to listen to today's entire devotion and start your day off praying God's Word for your family! LINKS: Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use!  Visit Today's Show Notes Hey friends- Nicole here. As you know, I am taking a break for the summer to rest and recharge, calling it my monastic summer. And I hope that you're going to get some rest this summer too. It's something worth fighting for, for sure. But while I'm gone, the team at LifeAudio and I want to have something for you. So we've prepared a summer series for you that I think you're going to really enjoy. We're calling it our Summer Prayer Series, and it features prayers from another show on our network, which is called Everyday Prayers for Million Praying Moms. The host of Everyday Prayers is Brooke McGlothlin, and she is a best-selling author and speaker. Her passion is to help you discover the power of prayer to change your life. She'll be sharing prayers that anyone can pray to help give their summer a much-needed focus on God and His goodness toward all of us. So I know you're going to enjoy these episodes and take these prayers into your own quiet time so you can connect with God in a deeper way this summer. And I'll see you in the fall.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A Prayer for Spiritual Discipline (Summer Prayer Series #6)
July 22, 2024 - 7 min
“Rather train yourself for godliness; For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (1 Timothy 4:8). Somewhere along the way, the Christian life gained a reputation for being shiny, easy, and perfect. “If you just give your life to Jesus, everything will magically fall into place,” people say. You may see someone who has peace in all situations or seems to have the perfect quiet time every single day or is always joyfully serving everyone around her, and think, "wow, it comes so easily to them. Why isn't it easy for me? I'm doing it all wrong." ~ Erin Mohring Have you wondered why things seem to come so easily to others, but not to you? If so, this episode of Everyday Prayers with Million Praying Moms is for you. Tune in now to listen to today's entire devotion and start your day off praying God's Word for your family! LINKS: Get the podcast devotion &amp; prayer in written form! Visit Today's Show Notes Hey friends- Nicole here. As you know, I am taking a break for the summer to rest and recharge, calling it my monastic summer. And I hope that you're going to get some rest this summer too. It's something worth fighting for, for sure. But while I'm gone, the team at LifeAudio and I want to have something for you. So we've prepared a summer series for you that I think you're going to really enjoy. We're calling it our Summer Prayer Series, and it features prayers from another show on our network, which is called Everyday Prayers for Million Praying Moms. The host of Everyday Prayers is Brooke McGlothlin, and she is a best-selling author and speaker. Her passion is to help you discover the power of prayer to change your life. She'll be sharing prayers that anyone can pray to help give their summer a much-needed focus on God and His goodness toward all of us. So I know you're going to enjoy these episodes and take these prayers into your own quiet time so you can connect with God in a deeper way this summer. And I'll see you in the fall.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
Nicole Unice is a Bible teacher, author, and passionate communicator who delights in bringing God’s Word to life in a personal and relevant way. Her training as a counselor informs her work, as she emphasizes the importance of facing our own reality and embracing the transforming power of God’s grace. Nicole is ordained as a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Her latest book, “Help, My Bible is Alive” is a 30-day experience designed to help people experience God through the Bible.

Nicole has spent twenty years serving the local church, first in student ministry (where she’s never lost her love of a great group game) and then leading start-ups of all kinds, from leadership development to capital campaigns. She now teaches and consults with churches and ministries to strengthen their stories and cut through confusion to discover the next right steps for success.
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