Words of Life: Weekly Christian Podcast with Testimonies & Teachings from the Salvation Army

In this inspiring episode of Words of Life, we dive into the incredible accessibility of Bible study today through technology and community. Discover how apps like YouVersion make it easier than ever to engage with Scripture anytime, anywhere—whether you're reading, listening, or following structured plans. Our hosts share their experience with The Bible Recap, a chronological Bible-in-a-year plan created by Tara-Lee Cobble that’s transforming lives by making Scripture approachable and meaningful. Hear how small groups and families are using this plan to deepen their faith, hold each other accountable, and grow together. We also explore other fantastic resources like The Bible Project, which brings the Bible to life through engaging videos that illuminate each book’s background and message. Plus, practical tips for studying Scripture with commentaries and how to lean into worship by embracing the Bible’s role in corporate gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting your journey, this episode encourages you to find a Bible study method that works for you—because consistent engagement with God’s Word truly changes lives. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this heartfelt episode of Words of Life, the panel dives into the reality that even believers wrestle with challenging Scriptures. They explore how verses like James 1:2-4 — which calls us to "consider it pure joy" amid trials — can be both a comfort and a struggle, especially when facing difficult seasons. The conversation highlights the journey of faith through hardships, emphasizing honesty with God about our feelings, embracing vulnerability, and trusting Him even when the outcome is unclear. Listeners will hear reflections on the raw emotions expressed in the Psalms, the power of God’s sustaining grace during exile and rebuilding in the Old Testament, and the essential role of trust in faith. The discussion also tackles a commonly misunderstood passage from Ephesians 5 about submission in marriage, unpacking its meaning as mutual love, respect, and sacrifice rather than cultural misconceptions or abuse. This episode encourages believers to lean into God’s Word authentically — with all its challenges and comforts — and find hope and perseverance in the walk of faith. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this deeply moving episode of Words of Life, our panel shares powerful scripture verses that have sustained them through life's most challenging seasons. From natural disasters and personal health battles to pregnancy during a pandemic and the heartache of miscarriage, these testimonies reveal how God’s Word provides comfort, hope, and healing. Join us as we explore faith, healing, and God’s unfailing presence in suffering, reminding us that we are never alone. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Why does God allow suffering? In this powerful episode of Words of Life, our panel dives deep into one of the most difficult and frequently asked questions in Christian theology: Why do bad things happen to good people? Drawing from both Scripture and lived experience, our guests explore how God can bring redemption, endurance, and even unexpected beauty out of seasons of pain. Using foundational passages like Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28, the conversation highlights the biblical promise that while God does not cause evil, He can redeem even the darkest moments. Through the lens of free will, provenient grace, and the nature of love, our panel unpacks why humanity’s ability to choose real good also means the possibility of real suffering. We also discuss the hard truth Jesus spoke: “In this world you will have trouble.” Yet, believers are invited to choose daily—will suffering drive us toward God or away from Him? With encouraging reminders about God’s presence, His peace, and the importance of remembering His past faithfulness, this episode offers a message of hope for anyone wrestling with pain, doubt, or loss. Whether you are walking through hardship or supporting someone who is, this honest and grace-filled conversation will comfort, equip, and reorient your heart toward Christ’s promise: He has overcome the world. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful episode of Words of Life, our panel takes a thoughtful look at one of the most honest questions Christians ask today: Where is God in a world filled with so much violence, confusion, and brokenness? Drawing from the books of Judges, Ruth, Job, and the Psalms, our guests explore how God's redemption is woven even through the darkest chapters of Scripture—and how He still works in the chaos of our culture today. We discuss how the Bible doesn’t shy away from humanity’s deepest pain. Instead, it reveals a God who is present, faithful, and actively at work—even when circumstances feel overwhelming. Through stories of tragedy, hope, and restoration, Scripture reminds us that in God’s economy, nothing is wasted. Our panel also opens up about personal seasons of doubt and spiritual “roller coasters,” highlighting how the Word of God meets us in both our highs and lows. Whether you’re questioning, grieving, searching for direction, or simply trying to grow in faith, the Bible offers something for every season. We also address real concerns many people have about Christianity: the challenge of hypocrisy, and how believers can avoid becoming a stumbling block to those seeking Jesus. Ultimately, we affirm that while Christians are imperfect, God Himself is the one who transforms lives. The conversation closes with a meaningful reflection on why engaging Scripture should do more than increase knowledge—it should produce joy, kindness, love, and spiritual formation. Understanding the Bible is an intellectual pursuit, but faith is also a gift of grace that shapes both the heart and our daily walk with Christ. If you're curious about the Bible, wrestling with doubts, or looking to deepen your relationship with God, this is an episode that will encourage, challenge, and remind you of the hope found only in Jesus. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of Words of Life, we explore one of the most important questions for every believer: How do we faithfully understand and study the Bible? Our guest dives into the beauty, complexity, and divine inspiration of Scripture—reminding us that while the Bible is the inerrant and infallible Word of God, it was also written through real people, in real cultures, across many centuries. Together, we unpack why understanding ancient history, culture, and literary genres can deepen the way we read Scripture. From the world of the Egyptians during the Exodus, to the Roman Empire in the time of Jesus, to the intertestamental writings that shaped early Jewish thought—this conversation reveals how context helps illuminate what God is communicating through His Word. We also discuss the rich variety of biblical genres—history, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, apocalyptic writings, and the unique genre of the Gospels—and why reading each with discernment transforms our interpretation. You’ll hear how God’s creativity is woven through every narrative, symbol, prophecy, and literary style, revealing His character and His ongoing story of redemption. And at the heart of it all? The consistent theme that God’s Word is alive, intentional, unified, and given so we can know Him. Even in the hard or mysterious passages of Scripture, God offers hope, revelation, and reassurance of His unfailing love. Whether you’re new to studying the Bible or have walked with Christ for years, this episode will inspire you to see Scripture with fresh eyes, recognize the beauty of its complexity, and rediscover your place in God’s ongoing story. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We have a schedule change announcement for Words of Life beginning January 2026. Instead of dropping new episodes on Sundays, we will begin launching new episodes every Wednesday at 12am. After a lot of research, it seems that releasing new podcast episodes during the weekend can drastically reduce potential listenership. So, after conferring with our partners at Salem Media we are going to move Words of Life to Wednesdays and see what happens. If it turns out to be a terrible idea- we’ll move it back LOL. But it seems this is the general advice for successful podcasts. Thank you so much for listening. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss any of the very exciting and powerful series we have planned for 2026. Merry Christmas and God bless you and your families. https://salvationarmysoundcast.org/wordsoflife Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What is the Bible, really—and why does it matter?In this episode of Words of Life, we sit down for a deep discussion on the origins, authority, and reliability of Scripture. Together, we explore how the Bible was formed, why the Church recognizes these 66 books as the canon, and how Christians can trust the Scriptures today. Our guest explains how the Bible became the “rule of faith”—the authoritative set of writings that shapes what Christians believe and how we live. We trace the formation of the Old and New Testament canons, the role of apostles’ teaching, and why the Church affirmed these specific books over centuries of discernment. You’ll hear why Jesus Himself validated the Old Testament and how His life fulfills the story of Israel. We also tackle a common modern question: Can we trust the Bible hasn’t been distorted over time?With more than 28,000 ancient New Testament manuscripts, early fragments like the second-century portion of John, and archaeological findings like the Dead Sea Scrolls, the episode unpacks why the Bible is one of the most well-attested ancient documents in history. Finally, we explore how Christians encounter Jesus through Scripture—not just as information, but as the living, God-breathed Word that forms and transforms us. If you’ve ever wondered where the Bible came from, how it was preserved, or why it continues to shape the Church today, this conversation offers clarity, encouragement, and deep insight. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful episode of Words of Life, host Bernie Dake sits down with a panel of ministry leaders, creatives, and lifelong Salvationists to discuss why the Bible remains essential in a world searching for hope. Guests Melody Davis, Chris Hofer, Caleb Loudon, and Claudia Roseno share personal stories of how Scripture has shaped their faith, grounded their families, and revealed God’s love in life-changing ways. Together, the panel explores the historical influence of the Bible, the way Scripture has shaped human rights and culture, and how God continues to speak through His Word today. From childhood faith foundations to rediscovering Scripture as adults, each voice brings a unique testimony of God meeting His people through the living Word. This episode is a reminder that the Bible is more than literature—it is God’s presence, God’s guidance, and God’s love letter to us. Whether you’re new to reading Scripture or looking to reignite your passion for God’s Word, you’ll find encouragement and hope in this honest conversation. Here are several links to resources and studies to help you in your Bible study journey. But if you have any questions- send us an email at radio@uss.salvationarmy.org https://www.youversion.com/ https://www.thebiblerecap.com/ https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/41061-52-weeks-in-the-word https://bibleproject.com/ https://lectio365.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this final episode of our 3-part series with Jason Thacker, we continue an important conversation about faith, wisdom, and technology in the digital age. From the rise of AI to the everyday challenges of social media, today’s discussion reminds us that these aren’t just “new problems”—they’re age-old questions showing up in fresh ways. We talk about asking deeper questions like “Should we?” versus “Can we?” when it comes to using AI, and the importance of remembering what it means to be authentically human in a world that blurs the line between man and machine. We also dive into the role of education, parenting, and discipleship when it comes to training the next generation to think critically, resist shortcuts, and cultivate wisdom in how they engage with digital tools. Plus, we introduce The Student’s Guide to Social Media—a practical resource designed to help teens (and parents) reflect on how online platforms are shaping their lives and faith. Learn more about Jason at https://jasonthacker.com/ Check out his resource- A Student's Guide to Social Media here- https://jasonthacker.com/book/a-students-guide-to-social-media/ 👉 Don’t forget: You can also download our free devotional, “Mind, Body & Soul,” designed to help strengthen your walk with God through Scripture, prayer, and practical habits. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.