The Bible Never Said That
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The Bible Never Said That

Chara Donahue
In this podcast, we unpack some of the most popular "spiritual statements" that have made their way into popular culture and the church, even though they are not theologically sound. Together, we'll hold them up to the Bible to see what God's Word really has to say to us.
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Episode 12: "People Don't Really Change"
December 29, 2020 - 15 min
We can’t just discover bad habits and sin patterns and shrug our shoulders, saying, well, no one can change. Nope. That is not what the Bible says about putting off the old self. Verses Referenced:  2 Corinthians 5:17; Acts 4-15; Acts 9:26-28; Mark 14:51–52; Corinthians 9:6; 2 Timothy 4:11; Colossians 2:13-14; John 10:27-29Articles Referenced:10 Theological Statements That Are Theologically Unsound by Chara DonahueBooks Referenced:The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer  How People Change by Timothy Lane Episode Image Credit: Getty/Klaus Vedfelt Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 11: “Time Heals All Wounds”
December 15, 2020 - 17 min
There is a hope more powerful than time. That hope is Jesus. But how do we find healing when days might be hard to face, when each step is a struggle? Verses Referenced: Genesis 6-9, James 4:7, Psalm 46, Romans 12:2, John 1:3-4, Isaiah 61, Psalm 6, 1 John 4:16, 1 Peter 5:7, Hebrews 4:13Articles Referenced: 10 Theological Statements That Are Theologically Unsound by Chara,Trauma by American Psychological Association Books Referenced: Putting Your Past in Its Place by Stephen ViarsChara Donahue is a co-author of the Bible study 1, 2 & 3 John: Experiencing Transformation and is working on her next book. She is an adjunct professor at her local university, holds an MSEd, and is passionate about seeing people set free through God's truths. She is the founder and editor of Anchored Voices.Episode Image Credit: Getty/Elena Shlyapnikova Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 10: “Relationships Are 50/50”
December 8, 2020 - 19 min
This is a sneaky little lie that tells us relationships can function well on a 50/50 bargain. But as Jesus followers, we look to a higher standard, one where we strive to outdo one another in showing honor and love.Verses Referenced:  1 John 3:16, John 15:13, 1 Peter 4:10, 2 Samuel 17:27-29, 2 Samuel 19:31-39, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalm 1:1-3, Genesis 1:1-4, Mark 12, Mark 10:35-45, Articles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically UnsoundCheck out the Boundary Training Chara referenced: Boundaries in a PandemicAbout Your Host:Chara Donahue is a co-author of the Bible study 1, 2 & 3 John: Experiencing Transformation and is working on her next book. She is an adjunct professor at her local university, holds an MSEd, and is passionate about seeing people set free through God's truths. She is the founder and editor of Anchored Voices, and host of the podcast The Bible Never Said That, which you can listen to on LifeAudio.com. Get in touch with her on Facebook or Twitter.Episode Image Credit: Getty/erhui1979 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 9: "Better Safe Than Sorry"
December 1, 2020 - 19 min
Verses Referenced: Psalm 46:1; Exodus 20:18-22; 2 Corinthians 11:25-31; Hebrews 11:32-38Book Referenced: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis: https://amzn.to/3qgnDptRadical by David Platt: http://lfwy.co/3mvKTxeThe Insanity of Obedience by Nik Ripkin: http://lfwy.co/2I2HUxyArticles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically Unsound by Chara Donahue: https://bit.ly/3qkxkmy Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 8: "It's About the Journey, Not the Destination"
June 3, 2020 - 23 min
Those who believe in Christ have the joy of living with the hope of heaven, not just the joy of the journey. The journey helps us be transformed into Christ's likeness, but the destination holds the promise of an everlasting, perfect life with Jesus and the fellowship of believers. Every life journey ends in one of two destinations, and those destinations matter greatly. Do you believe that all of life is just about the journey, or does the destination matter to you?Verses Referenced: Matthew 25:46; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 4:13; Mark 9:24; Job 12:7-10; John 1:3; Hebrews 12:28; 1 Corinthians 15:53; Psalm 103:2-5; Ephesians 3:20-21; Revelation 21:3-4Chara's Writing Referenced:10 Ways to Enjoy God More Today6 Ways to Reclaim the Wonder in Your Faith10 Desires of Your Heart God Always Say Yes To10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically UnsoundBooks Quoted: Addictions and Grace: Love and Spirituality in the Healing of Addictions by Gerald G. MayGlorious Weakness by Alia JoyDangeous Wonder by Michael Yaconelli Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 7: “God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle"
May 27, 2020 - 24 min
Most people who believe this is a Biblical idea use 1 Corinthians 10:13 as a support. But Chara helps us understand that the context of this is when we are under temptation, not suffering and the weight of life’s circumstances. The idea that God won’t allow us to go through anything we can’t bear is just not supported in Scripture. This is not a cause to lose hope, because the hope we have is greater than an easy life. Our circumstances may be more than we can handle, but they are never more than what God can handle.Verses Referenced: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 121:2; Isaiah 41:10; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 31:8; Acts 7:59-60; Psalm 55:12-14; 1 John 5:3-4 Chara's Articles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound4 Reasons Forgiveness Is So Hard and How to Let Go of the HurtBooks Referenced:Not God Enough by J.D GreerThe Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 6: "Look Out for Number One"
May 20, 2020 - 20 min
This mantra – looking out for one’s own interests above all others – comes from a culture that has seen humanity fail time and time again. A culture that is wounded, that cries out, “You can’t trust anyone!” But adopting this mantra moves us away from Christ and into a place of self-preservation.Looking out for #1 was never what guided Jesus. His life, death and resurrection serve as a better blueprint for life. A life attentive to the needs, hopes and hurts of others.Articles Referenced: How Jesus Practiced Hospitality Without a Home and Generosity Without a Salary by Chara Donahue10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically Unsound by Chara Donahue, 10 Terrible Attitudes that Keep Us from Growing More Like Christ by Chara Donahue,Verses Referenced: Ephesians 2:12, John 3:16-17, 3 John 9-10, Isaiah 56:11, Romans 12:21, Romans 15:1-2, Job 38, Hebrews 6:10-12, Isaiah 66:2, Genesis 3:11-12, Romans 14:12, Galatians 6:2, Galatians 6:1, Isaiah 5:21Books Referenced: Advice to Young Converts by Jonathan Edwards Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 5: "Follow Your Heart"
May 12, 2020 - 27 min
We hear this idea everywhere, and we want to trust it. We want our hearts to speak and offer pure advice. But our voice is not God’s voice, and our hearts don’t always offer wise counsel. Jeremiah 17:9 plainly tells us, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”From Carpe Diem to YOLO, the world has always prioritized following the self’s desires over God’s. In this episode, Chara unpacks a better way to think about making decisions, centered on the Word of God.Verses Referenced: Jeremiah 17:9 Galatians 5, Proverbs 7:21-27, 2 Samuel 13, Matthew 26:38-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, Luke 9:23-24, Proverbs 3:5-6, Titus 2:2-7, James 1:19-20, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 6:20-22, Romans 8:15Books Referenced - Journey: A Path to Biblical Change by Laura ChicaMovies Referenced - Dead Poets SocietyArticles Referenced: A Short Analysis of Robert Herricks 'To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time by Dr. Oliver TearleWhy Self-Control Is So Important by Chara Donahue10 Popular Statements That Are Theologically Unsound by Chara DonahueEpisode Image Credit: ©Getty/Stockbyte Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 4: “God Helps Those Who Helps Themselves”
May 6, 2020 - 21 min
It’s good to want to grow, to be a better person. But Jesus calls us to a specific kind of growth. Our spiritual growth is not about attaining perfection, but surrendering to and being led by our perfect Savior.In this episode, Chara unpacks the damage that the mentality “God helps those who help themselves” can have on a Christian’s life, and gives us a better framework for thinking about our sanctification without chasing perfection.Verses Referenced: Romans 5:6, Matthew 5:48, Matthew 5:3, 1 Corinthians 1:27, Philippians 3:5-8, Romans 5:8, Romans 8:37-39, 1 Peter 1:15-16, John 17:17, James 4:1, Hebrews 12:14, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 1:3-11Books Referenced:Finding Holy in the Suburbs by Ashley HalesIn His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen WilkinWild and Free by Jess Connolly and Hayley MorganMovies Referenced: Chariots of FireArticles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically UnsoundHow to Strive for Sanctification without Chasing Perfection Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Episode 3: “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead”
April 27, 2020 - 26 min
Rest is a spiritual discipline we are really good at neglecting. You may have once said, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” as a way to assuage your spiral into burnout. It might work for the moment, but a chronic lack of real rest drives us straight toward anxiety and feelings of overwhelm.In this episode, Chara dives into what God's Word really has to say about rest and why rest is foundational to who God is and his plan for us and the world.Articles Referenced: 10 Popular Statements that Are Theologically Unsound: https://rb.gy/klhwacHow to Sleep Less: https://rb.gy/pwv8vg4 Historical Geniuses Who Didn’t Sleep (And One Who Did!): https://rb.gy/ienv8lScientists Discover How Gene Mutation Reduces the Need for Sleep: https://rb.gy/oymowu 6 Lies We Believe Every Day: https://rb.gy/stan1kWhat is the Sabbath and Is It Still Important Today?: https://rb.gy/nvunsm5 Bible Passages to Quiet the Noisy Soul: https://rb.gy/3qdicyVerses quoted: 1 Corinthians 15:6, Psalm 13:3, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Psalm 127:2, Psalm 121:2-4, Mark 4: 38-40, Matthew 11:28, Genesis 2:2-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Romans 1:25, Romans 14:3-5, Colossians 2:13-17, 1 Kings 19:11-23, Psalm 46:9-11, & Luke 10:38-42. 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
Chara Donahue is a co-author of the Bible study 1, 2 & 3 John: Experiencing Transformation and is working on her next book. She is an adjunct professor at her local university, holds an MSEd, and is passionate about seeing people set free through God's truths. She is the founder and editor of Anchored Voices, and host of the podcast The Bible Never Said That, which you can listen to on LifeAudio.com. Get in touch with her on Facebook or Twitter.
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