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Bible for Newbies

Bible for Newbies

By: Russ Michaels
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About this listen

This podcast is for you if you're new to reading the Bible or if you've been reading for a while and you want to go deeper. The goal is to help untangle the confusing stuff so your Bible reading feels rewarding and life-giving, not frustrating or overwhelming. One of Jesus' disciples, Peter, wrote that the scriptures are like light shining in a dark place. Reading the Bible is like flipping your headlights to high beam when you're driving on a dark country road. Suddenly, things get clearer, you can see the road ahead and avoid the ditches. So come take a ride with me and let's turn on the light.Copyright 2025 Russ Michaels Christianity Philosophy Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Healing in the Bible: A Scripture Reading for the Sick and Weary
    Dec 29 2025

    In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels shares encouraging Bible verses about healing, inspired by personal experiences and the current flu season. He explores healing scriptures from the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the Epistles, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and the power of faith. The episode includes personal anecdotes and reflections on the nature of healing, concluding with a prayer for listeners.

    Inside the episode:

    1. Healing is a central theme in the Bible, offering comfort and hope.
    2. Jesus' compassion is evident in his healing ministry.
    3. Faith plays a crucial role in experiencing healing.
    4. Healing is not a formula but a manifestation of Jesus' compassion.
    5. The Bible provides numerous examples of miraculous healings.
    6. Personal stories can enhance the understanding of biblical teachings.
    7. The power of the Holy Spirit is essential for healing.
    8. Healing can occur in various ways, as shown in the scriptures.
    9. Miracles and healing continue to happen today.
    10. Prayer is a powerful tool for invoking healing.

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    25 mins
  • The Christmas Story
    Dec 24 2025

    In this special Christmas episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels reads the Christmas story from the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. The episode is designed for personal enjoyment or sharing with family and friends during the Christmas season. It includes the annunciation to Mary, the birth of Jesus, the visit of the shepherds, and the journey of the wise men, concluding with a verse from John about God's love for the world.

    Inside the episode:

    1. Today's episode is a simple reading of the Christmas story.
    2. Designed for personal enjoyment or sharing with family.
    3. The angel Gabriel visits Mary with a message from God.
    4. Mary will conceive and bear a son named Jesus.
    5. Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem for the census.
    6. Jesus is born and laid in a manger.
    7. Shepherds receive the good news from an angel.
    8. Wise men follow a star to find and worship Jesus.
    9. God's love is shown through the gift of His son.

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    9 mins
  • When God Pitched His Tent: Christmas from John 1
    Dec 22 2025

    In this episode of Bible for Newbies, Russ Michaels explores the unique perspective of the Christmas story as told in the Gospel of John. Unlike the traditional narratives from Matthew and Luke, John offers a theological insight into the origins of Jesus, emphasizing His divine nature and presence among us. Russ delves into the concept of 'tabernacling' and how it reflects God's closeness and accessibility, drawing parallels with the Old Testament tabernacle. The episode encourages listeners to recognize God's presence in their everyday lives, especially during the Christmas season.

    Inside the Episode:

    1. John's Gospel offers a unique Christmas story.
    2. The concept of 'tabernacling' signifies God's closeness.
    3. Jesus is portrayed as the Word made flesh.
    4. Theological insights into Jesus' divine nature.
    5. God's presence is accessible and close.
    6. The Old Testament tabernacle parallels Jesus' presence.
    7. Christmas is about recognizing God's presence.
    8. God moves into our ordinary lives.
    9. The episode encourages spiritual reflection.
    10. Listeners are invited to see God in everyday life.

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    22 mins
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