How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

In this opening episode of the Summer Q&A Series, Nicole addresses one of the most heartfelt and relatable spiritual struggles: “What do I do when I can’t hear God’s voice?” Drawing from James 1:2–8, Nicole unpacks why God may feel silent in seasons of confusion or pain—and how that silence could actually be an invitation. With compassionate insight and biblical depth, she offers listeners practical wisdom for enduring trials, examining their hearts, and pressing deeper into God’s promises. This is a powerful episode for anyone feeling stuck, discouraged, or distant from God. Main Takeaways You’re Not Alone in the Silence: Even faithful believers experience seasons of unanswered questions or silence from God. James 1 Offers a Roadmap: Troubles are opportunities for growth, not obstacles to joy. When we ask for wisdom, God will give it—but we must ask with faith and undivided loyalty. Mixed Motives Can Muffle God’s Voice: Sometimes our desires are entangled with fear, selfishness, or cultural pressure. Regular self-examination can purify our requests. Endurance Builds Spiritual Maturity: The waiting seasons are formative. Joy, wisdom, and clarity come with time and perseverance. God’s Promises are Steady Anchors: Holding tight to the truths of Scripture can help steady your faith during spiritually dry times. For Further Bible Study: Bible Verse References James 1:2–8 – Consider trials as joy and ask for wisdom with faith Jeremiah 29:13 – “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened…” John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life…” John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Want More? Subscribe to How to Study the Bible to follow the full Summer Q&A Series! Leave a review to help more listeners discover biblical answers to real-life questions. Visit nicoleunice.com for Bible study tools and Nicole’s books. Get Nicole's book Brave Enough Submit a Question for future Q&A episodes via social @NicoleUnice. BibleStudyTools.com – Verse reference and study help Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this final episode of the Activated series, Nicole tackles the practical call to speak about your faith. She explores 1 Peter 3:8–16 and Colossians 4:2–6, offering a clear, scripturally grounded approach to sharing “the reason for the hope that you have.” Nicole dives into the fears and hesitations many feel when talking about faith, emphasizing that every story is a miracle, no matter how dramatic or simple it might seem. She also highlights prerequisites for effective witness—like compassion, humility, and living a life that shines hope even in dark times. With tangible insights and relatable encouragement, this episode is a guide to confidently and gently living and sharing your testimony. 🧠 Main Takeaways Every Story Matters: Your testimony is a miracle, whether it’s dramatic or quiet—God can use your story to inspire and invite others. Three Groups to Engage: Those inside the faith Outsiders curious about faith Those opposed to the faith Prerequisites for Witness: Live with humility, compassion, sympathy, and love—these qualities create the context for hope to be visible. Be Ready to Answer: Scripture calls us to always be prepared to share the reason for our hope, with gentleness and respect. Practical Tips: Be watchful and prayerful for open doors. Let your words be gracious and seasoned with salt—speak truthfully, but with a spirit of kindness. Focus on building relationships, not winning arguments. Little Actions Matter: Simple daily choices of kindness, patience, and listening are tiny seeds of hope that others notice. 📜 Bible Verse References 1 Peter 3:8–16 – Living with compassion and readiness to answer about your hopeRead on BibleStudyTools.com Colossians 4:2–6 – Conversations full of grace and wisdomRead on BibleStudyTools.com Matthew 5–7 – Foundations for living in the Kingdom of GodRead on BibleStudyTools.com 📢 Calls to Action (CTAs) Subscribe to How to Study the Bible for more insightful teaching. Leave a review wherever you listen—your feedback helps others find the show. Visit nicoleunice.com for free Bible study tools and resources. Share this episode with a friend who wants to grow in confidence in sharing their faith. Join the conversation on social media using #HowToStudyTheBible and tagging @NicoleUnice. 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources NicoleUnice.com – Bible studies, teaching resources, and tools BibleStudyTools.com – Scripture references and study helps Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this fifth installment of the Activated series, Nicole explores what it means to truly follow Jesus in our actions. Focusing on John 10:7–11 and 27–30, she highlights how Jesus presents Himself as both the gate and the Good Shepherd, contrasting His life-giving presence with the destructive force of the thief. Listeners are invited into a deeper reflection on what it means to hear God's voice, enter into relationship with Him, and follow where He leads. Nicole breaks down these core actions and reveals the beautiful outcome: a life of confidence, safety, and transformation in Christ. What Does It Say? Jesus is both the Gate and the Good Shepherd: He provides access to salvation and nurtures us in safety and truth. Three Actions of the Faithful Sheep: Know His Voice – Learn to recognize God’s presence and guidance. Enter through Him – Accept the invitation of relationship and redemption. Follow His Lead – Focus your life around Jesus and take daily obedient steps. Opposing Kingdoms Are Real: Jesus names the thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy—but He comes to offer life to the full. God’s Voice is Knowable: Through Scripture, prayer, and community, we can discern His guidance and grow in relationship. Focus Drives Following: Where we place our attention is where our actions will follow. Tiny Obediences Matter: Everyday choices like patience, kindness, and self-control are the building blocks of a transformed life. 📜 Bible Verse References John 10:7–11; 27–30Read on BibleStudyTools.com John 14:6 – “No one comes to the Father except through me.”Read on BibleStudyTools.com Genesis 15 – God’s covenant with AbrahamRead on BibleStudyTools.com 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 – The institution of the Lord’s SupperRead on BibleStudyTools.com RESOURCES Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor 📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?Check out Help! My Bible is Alive! 🛍️ 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.

In this episode, we study James 2:14–26, unpacking the powerful message that faith without action is dead. Through a blend of biblical teaching, cultural insight, and personal reflection, Nicole walks listeners through what it means to live out an activated faith—a faith that doesn’t stop at belief but blossoms into transformed choices, emotions, and behavior. She explores the Jewish tradition of Midrash, connects teachings from both the Sermon on the Mount and the Old Testament, and shows how stories of Abraham and Rahab illustrate the principle that genuine faith leads to meaningful action. What Does It Mean for Me? Faith transforms everything: True faith should visibly impact how we think, feel, act, and make decisions. Faith and deeds are inseparable: Good works are not the cause of faith, but the evidence of a changed life. Biblical examples matter: Abraham and Rahab demonstrate that active obedience is the fruit of authentic belief. Scripture speaks urgently: James’ tone invites us to ask tough but necessary questions about how we’re living out our faith. Spiritual maturity means visible change: Real transformation isn’t private—it’s relational, observable, and ongoing. Simple obedience is powerful: A daily prayer of surrender—"Lord, I want to go where you go. I want to do what you do."—can reorient our lives around God’s kingdom priorities. 📜 Bible Verse References: James 2:14–26Read on BibleStudyTools.com Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount)Read on BibleStudyTools.com Genesis 15:6 (Abraham believed God...)Read on BibleStudyTools.com Joshua 2 (Rahab and the spies)Read on BibleStudyTools.com John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commands."Read on BibleStudyTools.com Subscribe to How to Study the Bible so you never miss an episode! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps others discover the show. Download Nicole’s free Bible Study Tools at nicoleunice.com. Join the conversation on social media using #HowToStudyTheBible and tag @NicoleUnice. Share this episode with a friend or small group member who’s exploring how to live out their faith. 🔗 Relevant Links & Resources NicoleUnice.com – Devotionals, teaching, and resources BibleStudyTools.com – For all verse links and study aids Previous episode: Activated Week 3 – Living the Kingdom Way What Does ‘Faith without Works is Dead’ Really Mean? Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this podcast episode, the host delves into the critical distinction between judgment and discernment as taught by Jesus in Matthew chapter 7 of the Sermon on the Mount. This chapter begins with the well-known admonition, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." However, the episode emphasizes that this directive does not preclude the necessity of discernment in our interactions with others. The Nature of Judgment In this context, " judgment " refers to a private opinion that often carries a sense of condemnation or punishment. It implies a harsh assessment of others that distances us from them, rendering them unfit in our eyes. The host illustrates this concept with a personal anecdote about feeling judgmental toward a stranger in a public setting. This example highlights how easy it is to pass judgment without understanding the full context of another person's life. Jesus warns that the measure we use to judge others will be the same measure applied to us. This serves as a reminder that our judgments often reflect our own shortcomings and self-centeredness. The host encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and recognize their vulnerabilities, which can foster empathy and reduce the tendency to judge others harshly. The Call to Discernment In contrast to judgment, discernment is about making wise decisions based on understanding and insight. The host explains that discernment involves recognizing the direction one should take without the condemnation that judgment entails. Jesus invites us to discern wisely, particularly in our own lives, by addressing our own issues first—symbolized by the "plank" in our eye before we attempt to help others with their "specks." This process of self-examination is crucial. The host emphasizes that understanding our own flaws and engaging in personal growth allows us to approach others with compassion rather than condemnation. It is through this lens of humility that we can genuinely assist others in their struggles. Practical Applications of Discernment The episode outlines several practical ways to cultivate discernment: Self-Reflection: Engaging in a "searching and fearless moral inventory" of oneself helps identify personal shortcomings and fosters a deeper understanding of how our actions affect others. Setting Boundaries: The phrase "Do not give dogs what is sacred" serves as a metaphor for using our resources wisely. It encourages us to be intentional about where we invest our time, energy, and emotional capacity, ensuring that we are not manipulated or drawn into unhealthy dynamics. Asking Abundantly: The host encourages listeners to ask God for guidance and support in alignment with His kingdom values. This involves praying for justice, compassion, and healing, which aligns our hearts with God's purposes. Recognizing Fruit: Jesus teaches that we can identify people by their fruit—good trees bear good fruit, while bad trees bear bad fruit. The host stresses the importance of observing the lives of those around us to discern their true character, rather than relying solely on their words. The podcast episode ultimately invites listeners to embrace the journey of practicing discernment over judgment. By focusing on our own growth and understanding, we can engage with others in a way that reflects the love and grace of God. This approach not only strengthens our relationships but also builds a solid foundation for our lives, allowing us to withstand the storms that come our way. The invitation is clear: participate actively in the kingdom of God by cultivating a spirit of discernment that leads to genuine love and support for others. To effectively help others, one must first address their own issues and shortcomings, as highlighted by the metaphor of removing the plank from one's own eye before assisting others with their specks. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in Matthew chapter 7, where He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal integrity before offering guidance or correction to others. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of How to Study the Bible, we dive into week two of the "Take Action" series, focusing on Matthew 6. The Importance of Having the Right Motives When Giving, Praying, and Fasting In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the significance of having the right motives when engaging in spiritual practices such as giving, praying, and fasting. This teaching is crucial for understanding how to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God, as it highlights the difference between outward actions and the inner motivations that drive those actions. 1. Understanding the "When" Statements Jesus introduces three key "when" statements in Matthew chapter six: "when you give," "when you pray," and "when you fast." These statements assume that these practices will be integral to a believer's life. However, Jesus is not merely concerned with the actions themselves; He is deeply interested in the motivations behind them. Giving: Jesus warns against giving to be seen by others, stating that those who do so have already received their reward. Instead, He encourages giving in secret, where the focus is on pleasing God rather than seeking human approval. Praying: Similarly, Jesus instructs His followers to avoid public displays of prayer intended for recognition. Instead, He advocates for private prayer, emphasizing that God sees what is done in secret and will reward those who seek Him sincerely. Fasting: When it comes to fasting, Jesus again points out the danger of performing this act for the sake of appearance. He encourages His followers to fast in a way that is not obvious to others, reinforcing the idea that fasting should be about drawing closer to God rather than seeking the admiration of people. 2. The Wrong Motives Throughout this teaching, it is clear that Jesus identifies specific wrong motives associated with these practices. The desire for recognition, honor, or validation from others can lead to a focus on self rather than on God. This self-centered approach ultimately undermines the true purpose of these spiritual disciplines. Recognition: If the motivation for giving, praying, or fasting is to be seen as generous, pious, or disciplined, then the individual has already received their reward in the form of human applause. This is a temporary and superficial reward that lacks eternal significance. Self-Righteousness: Engaging in these practices to appear holy or superior to others can lead to a false sense of righteousness. Jesus challenges this mindset by calling for authenticity and sincerity in one's relationship with God. 3. The Right Motives In contrast, Jesus invites His followers to engage in these practices with the right motives—those that seek to honor God and align with His will. The emphasis is on the heart's intention rather than the outward display of spirituality. Seeking God's Approval: The true reward comes from God, who sees the heart and recognizes genuine acts of faith. When believers give, pray, or fast with the intention of drawing closer to God and serving others, they align themselves with the values of the Kingdom. Impact of Secret Acts: This teaching highlights the power of secret acts of devotion. Many struggle to believe that private prayers or hidden acts of kindness can have a significant impact. However, Jesus reassures His followers that these actions are powerful in God's eyes and contribute to a deeper relationship with Him. 4. The Conditional "If" Statement The teaching also discusses the conditional "if" statement found in verse 14 regarding forgiveness. Jesus states, "if you forgive," indicating that forgiveness is a choice that believers must actively make. This choice reflects the heart's posture and willingness to extend grace, which is essential for receiving God's forgiveness in return. 5. The Do-Nots Finally, Jesus provides two "do-nots" that further emphasize the importance of motives: Do Not Store Up Treasures on Earth: This warning serves as a reminder that material possessions should not take precedence over spiritual wealth. The focus should be on generosity and the eternal impact of one's actions. Do Not Worry: Jesus encourages His followers to trust in God's provision rather than being consumed by anxiety about their needs. This trust is rooted in the understanding that God cares for His creation and will provide for those who seek Him first. Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor 📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?Check out Help! My Bible is Alive! 🛍️ 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.

In this episode of "How to Study the Bible," we kick off an exciting six-week series focused on the Sermon on the Mount. We'll explore how Jesus instructs us to build and take action on our faith. I encourage you to subscribe to the podcast to stay updated with each episode. We dive into Matthew 5, examining how Jesus flips conventional wisdom upside down. I provide context by comparing Jesus' teachings to the events in Exodus, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. Jesus, like Moses, goes up a mountainside to teach, but He brings a new kingdom ethic that challenges and deepens our understanding of God's laws. Key themes in this chapter include the invitation to participate and practice our faith, and the call to integrity, aligning our inner motivations with our outward actions. Jesus raises the bar on commandments like murder and adultery, emphasizing the importance of our thoughts and intentions. This episode highlights the importance of humility and recognizing our limitations. Jesus sets a high standard to help us understand our need for Him. As we journey through these teachings, I encourage you to embrace your weaknesses and see them as the starting point for transformation. Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor 📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?Check out Help! My Bible is Alive! 🛍️ 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.

You guys did not go light with your questions, and today, we're tackling them all. Listen in as we tackle questions around heaven, sexuality and the role of women in the church. Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor 📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?Check out Help! My Bible is Alive! 🛍️ 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.

John 20 concludes with the risen Christ appearing to His disciples. While it seems like a fitting end, John 21 is intentionally placed to signify a new beginning. This chapter illustrates how the disciples, despite having encountered the resurrected Jesus, return to their ordinary lives, yet everything has changed because of His presence. The Miraculous Catch of Fish One of the key events in John 21 is the miraculous catch of fish. The disciples, led by Peter, go fishing but catch nothing all night. At dawn, Jesus appears on the shore and instructs them to cast their nets on the right side of the boat, resulting in an overwhelming catch of 153 fish. This moment echoes the earlier calling of the disciples and serves as a reminder of Jesus's authority and the transformative power of following His commands. Peter's Restoration The heart of the chapter lies in the personal conversation between Jesus and Peter. After breakfast, Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me?" This repetition mirrors Peter's three denials of Christ, creating a powerful moment of restoration. Jesus does not ignore Peter's past failures but instead confronts them to heal and restore their relationship. Through this dialogue, Jesus commissions Peter to "feed my lambs" and "take care of my sheep," emphasizing the responsibility of leadership and care within the community of believers. This call to action is not just for Peter but extends to all followers of Christ, urging them to actively participate in the work of the Gospel. Questions to Consider This Week: How can you make God's name great in your daily lives? Do you expect to see God's presence in the ordinary, whether in nature, relationships, or daily tasks? This perspective aligns with the overarching message of John 21: that even in the mundane, the extraordinary can be found when one is attuned to the work of Christ. Want to send Nicole a question for next week's episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor 📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?Check out Help! My Bible is Alive! 🛍️ 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.

This week, we're going to study a profound moment in the Gospel of John, specifically John 20:19-23, where Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection. This moment is pivotal, encapsulating the essence of the peace that Jesus offers to his followers. Peace Beyond Circumstances The first gift that Jesus extends to his disciples is peace. Upon entering the locked room where the disciples were gathered in fear, Jesus greets them with the words, "Peace be with you." This greeting is not merely a formality; it signifies a deep, abiding peace that transcends the immediate circumstances of fear and uncertainty that the disciples were experiencing. Rooted in the Truth of the Resurrection The peace that Jesus offers is deeply intertwined with the truth of his resurrection. After greeting the disciples, Jesus shows them his hands and side, demonstrating the reality of his suffering and the truth of his resurrection. This act serves to confirm everything he had previously taught them about his mission and the new world order he was establishing. Comfort and Joy The peace that Jesus offers is not just a passive state; it actively brings comfort and joy to his followers. When believers are in the presence of Christ, the primary emotions they should experience are peace and joy, rather than shame or fear. This transformative experience shifts their perspective from one of anxiety to one of hope and assurance. After offering peace, Jesus commissions the disciples, breathing the Holy Spirit into them and sending them out into the world. This commissioning is a call to share the gospel, which includes the message of forgiveness and the hope that comes from knowing Christ. Questions to Consider This Week: Who do you need to offer the peace of Christ to this week? To whom do you need to offer forgiveness? THIS WEEK'S RESOURCES: 📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk 📖 Nicole’s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor 📘 Want to feel more confident reading Scripture?Check out Help! My Bible is Alive! 🛍️ 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.